Best Reads of Jan-April 2025

Click on the titles to read plot summaries. If you'd like to see all of my books, you can follow me on Goodreads.

Picture Book

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exactly what I was looking for to go with Kid President's reasons to be thankful.

Early Reader

 
I Am Thankful: A Positive Power Story by Suzy Capozzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was looking for a more generic book for a lesson on gratitude, but this is a great holiday title. All about giving thanks for who and what you have, no mentions of Pilgrims.

Chapter Books

  

Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So many feels. May everyone rise to the occasion of their lives.

p. 13 - "... the boy stood there, feeling that awful heat rising up in him. He was supposed to take breaths when he felt like this. But if breathing could make people happy, shouldn't everyone be happy, because everyone breathed?"

p. 89 - "The good stuff seemed to cancel out the hating part, but he wasn't sure because feelings were not math."

p. 146 - "It's ok to be a know-it-all if you don't think everyone else is a know-it-nothing."

p. 166 - "Sometimes it's easier to believe a pretty lie over a hideous truth."

p. 172 - "But stitch one small thing to another small thing and another, and eventually you have a tapestry as big as the world."

 

Ava Lin, One of a Kind by Vicky Fang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love these books.

 

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent portrayal of grief and the guilt that can come with it.

Nonfiction

   

This Is My Brain!: A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I want Elise Gravel to write all the nonfiction books on all the subjects.

For Grownups

  

The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silly and charming.

 

The Examiner by Janice Hallett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the experience of reading this book, a collection of emails and essays and documents that made you wonder what was going on as bits and pieces were revealed. Also, kudos to Hallett for delineating personalities within just a few contributions to a group chat!

One star off for the confusion I felt at the end as to what had actually happened with the radio and the faux examiner and one of the characters ... I needed a bit more obvious reveals. But I am looking forward to reading everything else Hallett has written!

 

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need some happy endings.

 

Spook Street by Mick Herron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor River.

 

Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lapena did a fantastic job introducing new characters as others threw them out as possible suspects, and then giving us the next chunk of plot through those characters' eyes. I loved the reveal of where Avery was. And the very last few lines.

 

The Family Experiment by John Marrs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A page-turner!

And hopefully not TOO prescient.

 

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone in a glass-bottomed cable car at the end was a bit much, but I do enjoy Ernest's asides to the readers.

Best Reads of Fall 2024

Click on the titles to read plot summaries. If you'd like to see all of my books, you can follow me on Goodreads.

Picture Books

I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never ever ever EVER tell my students to say they're sorry. If they are truly sorry, then they should apologize without me making them. And if they aren't ... then we have other problems. Hoping this book will help with a conversation that too many kids need to have ... empathy is sorely lacking these days.

 

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deep breath. Be here now.

 

Look by Gabi Snyder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

LOVE the illustrations!

Lunch Every Day by Kathryn Otoshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm crying a little right now after finishing the book.

Chapter Books / Graphic Novels

Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rare is the graphic novel with Newbery-worthy writing. This one packed a few gut-punches, not the least of which Weaver tried to end his life as a kid. Jesus.

p. 33: What if instead of one plant, we're actually gardens. What if we're a combination of many things? Some parts are massive centerpieces, and others are accents, but every detail is important. If the possibilities are endless ... what could I be? What seeds have I been planting? What will bloom in me?

p. 231: They both had feelings. Just because those feelings weren't the same doesn't make either of them wrong for having them.

p. 261: They say everyone is the hero of their own story. But if you're the hero, somebody has to be the villain.

Nonfiction

Evidence!: How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera by Deborah Hopkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love plagues.

 

Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! by Claudette Colvin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is "Where is Japan?" really a "big" question?

That is my only issue with this book ... which is not the first to point out that Rosa Parks was inspired by Claudette. I like that this included her being annoyed about Rosa becoming a celebrity.

 

A Tree Is a Community by David L. Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fun book! Love the evocative language and gorgeous illustrations.

 

Hello, I'm a Sloth by Hayley Rocco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've been doing a sloth fiction v. nonfiction unit for years, but this book taught me a few things I didn't already know - unfortunately, many of them were in the back matter, which I generally don't read out loud to the students. However, these facts were in the main text:

- they swim well because of being GASSY
- there are six kinds
- beetles live in their fur
- people are building rope bridges for them

Will definitely be adding to my K lesson and probably using for Mock Sibert with 2 and 3 this year.

 

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disgusting and gross yet very informative. Too long for Mock Sibert, but I will consider purchasing for my 1st grader who loves blue whales. Although he may be traumatized by her dying.

Question: King crabs live in the deepest darkest most pressure-filled levels of the ocean? How are we catching them to eat?

 

Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A few years ago, cubes were the rage in my elementary school. Not so much now, but maybe I'll shepherd in a resurgence by reading this to the kids for Mock Sibert. Will also have them play with tangrams and pentominoes.

 

Butt or Face?, Vol. 2: Revenge of the Butts by Kari Lavelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Will Lavelle win our Mock Sibert for the second year in a row? Time will tell!

 

Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All kids should know who John Lewis was! And as a librarian, I was happy with the way they cited the quote sources. However, while I know that his faith was important to him, the mentions of God rankled. "God's gonna take care of his children" ... and let them get their skull cracked on a peaceful march?

For Grownups

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such fun! (said in Miranda's mom's voice)

 

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The flashback structure was effective, but OH! How evil was her mother?

 

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Completely original premise, but I am conflicted about the ending. And unsure why it switched POV? Still, a good read that I would recommend.

 

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McAllister skillfully revealed information as Jen moved backwards in time, and I really enjoyed the book overall. But the ending was unsatisfying (even though it was meant to tie things up neatly). And I was puzzled by the Pauline bit.

Best Reads Late Summer 2024

I kept up with the recommendation summaries on my school blog, but not on my thoughts here. Not that anyone is really looking for them, but I am a completist and must now catch up on the past two years.

For Grownups

All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella’s Stepmother by Danielle Teller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I still can't believe the Abbess took away the brewery. What a bitch.

Picture Books

Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could find nothing wrong with this book and look forward to using it at school for Mock Caldecott and SEL readalouds, as the kinetic illustrations support a story about grit in a VERY relatable situation.

 

The Squish: An Uplifting Story of a Sand Castle Learning Resilience for Kids by Breanna Carzoo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fall 7 times, stand up 8!

 

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love that all the bad luck comes together! And students will love looking for the little bug friend in each spread.




Finding Grateful by Dianne White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recently, while glaring at the dishes in the sink - there are ALWAYS more dishes appearing in the sink - I decided to reframe the situation as "Aren't I lucky to have whatever food I want whenever I want it? Aren't I lucky to have a partner who helps cook it? Aren't I lucky to have running water? Aren't I lucky to have a dishwasher to deal with most of the dishes?"

A couple of weeks ago, after attending a mindfulness workshop with friends, I started thinking about how I could incorporate some of the principles to calm my students the f*ck down. This book will help. I may pair it with "Now" by Antoinette Portis.


Nana in the Country by Lauren Castillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very sweet follow-up to "Nana in the City." Not sure if will resonate with my students, but we'll see.

 

 

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I question the sanitation levels of having a stray cat in the library, I liked the muted palette and the theme of encouraging emerging readers.

 

 

The Blue Pickup: A Charming Picture Book About Fixing, Family, and Joy in Jamaica for Kids by Natasha Tripplett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very sweet, and I love that it is a girl learning how to fix cars. Not sure how into it my students would be ... would be more inclined to buy if I had any from Jamaica.

My Book and Me by Linda Sue Park
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What librarian won't like this book? I think I will use this for Mock Caldecott for K and 1, and to introduce the book talk assignment for 3-5.

Chapter Books 

Ava Lin: Best Friend by Vicky Fang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful. I laughed out loud when she stuck the special pebble in her ear since she had her pocketed clothes confiscated after a laundry incident.

Unfortunately, very few of my first graders would be able to read this. But I'm going to get it for those few.

 

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So so many kids have parents who just can't take care of them ... it makes me sad, and it makes me wonder just how many of my students are in situations they shouldn't be. I am thankful that Choldenko chose to make Hank's new classmates kind v. including any bullying. I could only handle so much angst.

 

Tree. Table. Book.: A Heartwarming Story of Memory, Friendship, and Love Across Generations for Kids by Lois Lowry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A return to old form for Lowry ... this read like a book from my childhood. LOVED young Sophie's narration. Not sure if my students would understand Sophie Gershowitz' stories.

p. 7 - "Begin on the day that is different."

Nonfiction 

  José Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need around the World by David Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Jose. I love World Central Kitchen. I love this book.

Two picture book biographies about Jose are out, and I think this one is better geared towards kids and better as straight nonfiction. Lots of details shared concisely with bright artwork. Will definitely use for Mock Sibert and have video cued up to show Jose in action.

ETA: Just realized the illustrator lives in Spain. Which means this can't win a Sibert. Boooooo.

 

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook by Emma Bland Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had to call my mom a couple of years ago because the recipe she gave me for Irish Soda Bread called for "an egg" of shortening. I think kids will be amazed that recipes used to be so loosey-goosey. Or maybe they won't. But I'm thinking I can read this for Mock Sibert and then have some kind of recipe-reading lesson. Too bad we aren't allowed to bring in food these days.

 

One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I suspect this may be taken both literally and figuratively ... one of those books that has a calming effect.



The Sea Hides a Seahorse by Sara T. Behrman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gorgeous illustrations and fantastic action verbs and vocabulary. But the school librarian in me is leery of having a picture of seahorses mating (even when tastefully done) in the collection. Also, it isn't straight nonfiction, so I wouldn't be sure where to shelve it.

Mock Caldecott Winners - 2013-2026

 

2026: This Book is Dangerous!

 

2025: The Squish

 

2024: 100 Mighty Dragons, All Named Broccoli

 

2023: I Want to Be a Vase

 

2022: Off-Limits

 

2021: Snail Crossing

 

2020: Who Wet My Pants?
(second GC win in a row for Zachariah!)

 

2019: Niblet and Ralph

 

2018: Creepy Pair of Underwear!

 

2017: School's First Day of School
(second GC win for Christian Robinson!)

 

2016: I'm Trying to Love Spiders

 

2015: Gaston

 

2014: Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great

 

2013: This is Not My Hat (ALA Winner!)

AASL: I.B.3 - Generating products that illustrate learning; II.B.1 - Interacting with learners who reflect a range of perspectives; II.C.1 - Learners exhibit empathy with and tolerance for diverse ideas by: 1. Engaging in informed conversation and active debate. 2. Contributing to discussions in which multiple viewpoints on a topic are expressed.; III.B - Learners participate in personal, social, and intellectual networks; III.D.1 - Actively contributing to group discussions; V.A.1 - Reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write and create for a variety of purposes.

Common Core: SL.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1/2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups; SL.2 Ask and answer questions about/recount or describe key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media; RL.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; RL.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events; W.1 Write opinion pieces in which they name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure

Rhode Island Cross-Curricular Proficiencies: Collaboration - Incorporate diverse perspectives to promote an exchange of ideas with reasoning and evidence; Communication - Organize information to communicate ideas and responses when using any mode of communication

Rhode Island School Library Curriculum Priority Skills: 1.1 - Develops own opinion about a topic with evidence to support the opinion; 3.2 - Participates in collaborative conversations with peers and adults to share ideas and information

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