It's Monday! What are you reading? was started by Sheila at Book Journey and was adapted for children's books from picture books through YA by Jen of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee of Unleashing Readers. You can visit either site for a round up of blogs sharing their weekly readings and thoughts or search Twitter for #IMWAYR.
Recent Posts
- #DiverseKidLit for September. Share a link or find the latest diverse book recommendations here! (The October link goes live on Saturday.)
- #classroombookaday The First Weeks of School
- Poetry and Empathy, week 3
Young Adult
Tradition (2018) by Brendan Kiely. I got to sit at Brendan Kiely's table during the Children's Book Award Luncheon at NCTE last year and received an advanced copy of this book. But there is no more timely moment than now to share my review.
Tradition is told in two perspectives: high seniors Jules and Jamie who both attend the prestigious Fulbrook Academy. Jules is sick of the "old boys club" attitude of her classmates and ex-boyfriend, while Jamie has just arrived as a recruit for the hockey team, and his lower socio-economic status puts him at odds with his new teammates. Through their voices Brendan Kiely opens his readers' eyes to issues of privilege, sexism, rape culture, and more. This is a powerful and important read that should be required reading for all high school and college students.
Tradition is told in two perspectives: high seniors Jules and Jamie who both attend the prestigious Fulbrook Academy. Jules is sick of the "old boys club" attitude of her classmates and ex-boyfriend, while Jamie has just arrived as a recruit for the hockey team, and his lower socio-economic status puts him at odds with his new teammates. Through their voices Brendan Kiely opens his readers' eyes to issues of privilege, sexism, rape culture, and more. This is a powerful and important read that should be required reading for all high school and college students.
Picture Books
The Day War Came (2018) by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. This book is a searing look at the impact of war, racism, and prejudice on children who become refugees. It began as a stand-alone poem and says so much with very few words. One to add to my text set of powerful books about refugees and immigrants.
What are your favorite picture books for middle graders?
Happy Reading!
I loved doing #classroombookaday with my 4s and 5s. They were particularly passionate about nonfiction biographies.
ReplyDeleteWe just started biographies this week!
DeleteI've heard so many good things about The Day War Came, so I hope we get a local copy SOON! Thanks for the shares, Katie!
ReplyDeleteIt is powerful and lives up to the hype (in my opinion).
DeleteI'm hoping to get to Tradition sometime this year because it's definitely super timely right now. I've really enjoyed Brendan's writing in the past too.
ReplyDeleteHere's my week in reading: https://bookloaner.wordpress.com/2018/09/30/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-october-1-2018/
Brendan does incredible work, agreed!
DeleteI loved Tradition & all the other books you've shared, Katie. Yes, Tradition is very timely! How great that you're doing the classroombookaday!
ReplyDeleteI'm very excited by our year of books together.
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts about The Day the War Came. Perhaps teachers using the grade 5 Lucy Calkin's units of study could pair it with Home of the Brave.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
DeleteI love IMAGINE! I think it's some of Lauren's best work so far :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. And that's a high bar to clear!
DeleteBoth of these books sound like they are important reads. I'm waiting for The Day War Came and will be looking for Tradition too.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing what you think.
DeleteTradition sounds like an interesting and relevant read. I have a 9 year old who loves pictures books and I totally find it frustrating to find a picture book (besides graphic novels) that is reading level appropriate. I appreciate you sharing the books you read with your fifth graders I need to check some of these out.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara! I left a comment on your blog too about my third graders' book recommendations.
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