Classroom Library

Aug 21, 2021

Classroom Library

Picture book appreciation post. I’m so excited to finally do read alouds in person. There is something so special about sharing a story with a classroom. I’ve been slowly curating my picture book library and I am so happy to finally have these gems back in the classroom. They’ve been in my child’s library so when I was taking them he asked what I was doing and that they were his books. When I asked if I could borrow them for my students he said it was okay, thankfully. Crisis averted. Haha. Hope y’all are having a nice Friday. Any picture books you think I should add? Let me know! #picturebooks #teachersofinstagram #bookstagram #classroomlibrary

amari and the night brothers by b.b. alston

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM

Aug 18, 2021

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM

Yaa Gyasi

“What’s the point of all of this?” is a question that separates humans from other animals. Our curiosity around this issue has sparked everything from science to literature to philosophy to religion. When the answer to this question is “Because God deemed it so,” we might feel comforted. But what if the answer to this question is “I don’t know,” or worse still, “Nothing”?”

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM by Yaa Gyasi was a very enjoyable, and strangely calming read. Gyasi’s writing really keeps this story moving. The language flowed beautifully and it made for a relaxing read but the subject matter was deeply thought provoking. Like a steadily flowing river, deceptively calm with a rushing current underneath.

HOMEGOING is definitely a favorite, and I will never forget the experience of reading it. I finished it on a plane and found myself in tears (has anyone else done this? I am sure the answer is yes). The person next to me asked what I was reading and when I told them they said they were going to pick it up.

This novel is very different from that one. It’s quieter and more meditative. At first I didn’t really know what to make of it, but I found myself waiting in the quiet moments of the day to pick it up and read it. I read into the wee hours of the night, closing the pages haunted by Gifty’s thoughts on addiction, remembering, depression, religion, and love. The only thing I wish we had more of was the ending. It felt rushed, but as I reflect I wonder if this was intentional. Did Gyasi give us enough information to fill in the gaps? I’m leaning towards yes, but I can see where others would disagree. I enjoyed this one, and am so excited to see what Gyasi does next.

#TranscendentKingdom #YaaGyasi #ComtemporaryFiction #Fiction #Novels

Middle Grade Books

Aug 13, 2021

Middle Grade Books

Today is the first day of in-service learning at school, kids come back the 23rd.. It’s actually nice being back on campus with my team (who I love so much and am so glad they all came back this year). Another plus, I used the rest of my class budget from last year on these beauties and found them waiting for me! I’m VERY tempted to take SISTERS OF THE NEVERSEA (thanks for the highlighting it @floury_words) home and read it myself first……Of course I am insanely nervous, but I did have a very restful summer. Any favorites? Any suggestions on things I should add! I’m always looking for more recommendations for 4th graders!

[ID: A stack of Middle Grade books in Viv’s classroom including Sister of the Neversea, Amulet comics, Blended, and The Jumbies]

#WeLoveMGLit #MiddleGradeBooks #ITeachFourth #BookstagramTeacher #BackToSchool #ClassroomLibrary #fourthgradeteacher

The Memory of Police

Aug 10, 2021

The Memory of Police

I didn’t necessarily like this book, I found it kind of boring and difficult to get through. But I can’t stop thinking about its central theme. Memory. How easily we forget things. Sometimes I wonder how true that is. Do we forget things? Or do we just bury them deep so they’re harder to find? Maybe it’s a mixture of the two.

My son can name hundreds of ocean creatures. He can also tell you the names of countless bugs. When he does this sometimes I wonder how long he will remember. Will those things still be around for him to enjoy when he’s my age? Will he remember? Should I tell him about the leviathans that swim in the oceans or should I help him forget? You can’t miss something you have never known, but is that true? Don’t we all pine for things and memories we never had and never got to make, whether it is with the people we love or memories of the people they could have been?

Listen, I’m not trying to like spout deep thoughts but this is just where my mind went as I was reading it. The experience of reading this book was strange. I don’t think I was meant to connect it with our current climate crisis, but I couldn’t help it because it’s something that always haunts the corner of my mind. I don’t want to forget, but sometimes I am grateful as he gets older he won’t know any different. Maybe it’ll make him stronger. I don’t know. And I think I’ll always remind him too. This world is magic, and there is still so much we can protect, so much to fight for. I don’t want to forget.

#TheMemoryPolice #ScienceFiction #bookstagram

A MASTER OF DJINN

Aug 5, 2021

A MASTER OF DJINN

P. Djèlí Clark

Wow! This was a fun one! A MASTER OF DJINN by P. Djèlí Clark was an absolute ride and wild adventure. A perfect mix of a propulsive plot and meaningful character development. The cast of characters was truly original (cantankerous Djinns and badass female bandits to name a few) and helped make this world so rich and satisfying. Definitely a read that left me grinning from ear to ear.

Taking place in a post-colonial Egypt in 1912, this story follows Agent Fatma, the youngest woman to work for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchanments, and Supernatural Entities as she solves a mysterious murder whose alleged perpetrator threatens the destruction of the world.

It’s steampunk, action packed, a fun mystery, and a delightful alt-history that was so much fun to read that in writing this I kind of want to start it over. It’s been awhile since an adult fantasy truly surprised me. This is definitely a new favorite. I feel like this is a great book for those who may not read much fantasy. Clark is a wonderful storyteller and has created something I think everyone here would enjoy. If you’re looking to mix up the genres you read, and rarely pick fantasy may I recommend this one?

[ID: The book A MASTER OF DJINN resting on some dirt. There are two free bushes framing both sides.]

#AMasterofDjinn #Fantasy #Steampunk #AlwaysReading #LosAngelesReaders #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #Fantasy #sciencefictionfantasy

Mini-Reviews!

Aug 3, 2021

Mini-Reviews!

Mini-Reviews! Graphic novels are so beautiful and the perfect slump buster. I also love that they can make a text more accessible for young readers. These are some I have read recently and enjoyed. In the picture the following graphic novels are featured: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, Displacement, Mooncakes, Magic Fish.

Laura Dean: This is a beautifully drawn graphic novel and I loved this gentle story about young love. We have all been there in some capacity, a relationship that feels one sided but you’re just not ready to let go. But there are consequences to staying with someone that does not love you the way you deserve…you can lose friendships and a sense of yourself. Highly recommend this one.

Displacement: If you have read Kindred by Octavia Butler, the inspiration for this one will be easy to see. A young half-Japanese girl keeps getting transported back in time to the 1940s when anyone with Japanese ancestry was forced into an American Internment (Concentration) camp. This is marketed as middle grade and I think that is appropriate. This is a great introduction for any young reader into that time of history. It is a launchpad for further learning, and I’m glad it exists for young readers everywhere.

Mooncakes: Gifted to me by @nerdtasticnoms . This is a really fun one. A teen witch named Nova and a werewolf Tam Lang must fight the evil they find in the nearby forest. Just a fun ride and I hope there is a sequel or something coming out because I am honestly just interested in knowing more about this world!

Magic Fish: Ugh my heart, a gorgeously told story about a young boy trying to come out to his mother. Subtle but powerful. I loved this one about the unconditional love we have for our kids. It snuck up on me. It’s a middle grade one too, so I will definitely be keeping this one in my classroom library.

#GraphicNovels #ReadingSlump #AlwaysReading