Monday, April 27, 2020

It's Monday! What are you reading? 04/27/20



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.



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      Middle Grade



      I am still here!

      Our school has been virtual since March 13th, but we had two days notice about that decision, so I was able to send my students home with one book for book club discussions and as many from our classroom library as they could carry. But for me, I have barely been able to scrape together the time (and mental energy) to read at all. (The two-year old plays a big role here, so my picture book game is still rocking!) This is the first, and only, book I've read so far since everything began. But it's a winner.


      When Stars are Scattered (2020) by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. This incredibly moving graphic novel memoir is based on the life story of Omar Mohamed and his younger brother Hassan. The two boys were forced to flee Somalia when they were young, and when the book opens they have already been in a refugee camp in Kenya for years.

      The story is well-told and engaging, and the artwork is fabulous. Victoria Jamieson is on the front lines of proving that graphic novels should be taken seriously (Newbery Honor for Roller Girl), and this one is an amazing addition. I cannot wait to share it with students, and it would be an excellent choice for a book club centered around the refugee experience.

      I hope you all are well. Happy Reading!

      8 comments:

      1. This was a great one. I hope that you get some time soon to read. It's the escape we all need right now! I get into the building on Wednesday and hope to reshelve some books so it's not a complete wreck when we go back in ... August? Take care!

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      2. Oh, I'm wanting to get this book! I love Victoria Jamieson of course. I'm thinking of focusing a graphic novels course I'm teaching in the fall around immigration and refugee experiences, so I'll need to read this one in case I want to add it to the syllabus! I am so glad you were able to send students home with books. Despite having plenty of books myself, I am struggling to read most days, but trying to focus on slow and steady progress.

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      3. I showed my students the first two-three pages of this book and wow, I need to dive into it pronto. Thank you for reminding me! The illustrations are also wonderful.

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      4. I have been really wanting to read that book as well. I wish I could have gotten my book club titles out but I am reading them online. I had a hunch this would happen and encouraged kids to take a pile, but only a few agreed with me. Have a great week!

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      5. I am ordering from my local Indie and they are overwhelmed (which is good) & so it takes a while to get the books. I've ordered this one. The cover & all that I've read makes it so appealing! Glad to see you here, Katie, but I know it's a challenge at home with little ones. Best wishes. How great that you sent so many books home with students!

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      6. I can imagine how hard it would be to gather up the energy to read right now! When Stars Are Scattered sounds amazing, though—I really enjoyed Roller Girl several years ago, and this honestly sounds way better than that! Thanks for the review!

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      7. Really wanting to read this one just as soon as possible. Thank you for sharing more about it! Reading time has lessened pretty dramatically for many of us as a new normal emerges. But I still find it very frustrating. I've been grateful to my college library for allowing me to continue checking out books. I've been ILLing stacks of picture books every couple weeks and so that's kept me pretty busy. I hope you have a fantastic weekend, Katie!

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      8. Love the 5th grade recommendations!
        And When Stars Are Scattered is brilliant--I cannot wait to see the finished product.

        Happy reading :)

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