Best Reads T3 2019-2020

Here's what I read and loved this trimester. I had thought distance learning would afford me more time to read, but that was not the case. Oh, well. 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

Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have my first nominee for Mock Caldecott 2021! Too bad school closures meant we never completed 2020. Wah.

 

The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet message. May be a new K September readaloud.






Middle Grade Fiction


A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of those books that has a LOT going on, but somehow isn't overwhelming or preachy. If we were physically at school right now, I would order it with book fair money for my 4th grade students. Based on their chosen book talks, I know this would be right up their alley.

 

Dead Voices by Katherine Arden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Legit creepy! Great twist in the middle. My kids who like "scary" book are going to love this one. Or complain that it is TOO scary and that's not what they meant when they asked for scary.

 


The Templeton Twins Make a Scene: Book Two by Ellis Weiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The first book is on the RI Children's Book Award list ...would love to have #2 ready for the kids who love #1."

Uh ... evidently I wrote that when shelving the book in 2013?

Well, now I finally read it, and it was so much fun. I have already recommended to kids who like SoUE because the narrator is such a kook. This might be my favorite quote:

"Yes, the lighting designer’s last name was Light. Do not be amazed at this. It happens all the time. I once knew a man who ran a construction crew whose name was David Powerdrill Steamshovel. All right, that is not true. But it does happen all the time."

Or maybe this:

"If you guessed it correctly, please accept my heartiest congratulations. Well, wait. No, not my heartiest. I think I will reserve my heartiest congratulations for myself, for something wonderful that I will do."




Early Readers


Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! by Jennifer E. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Should have been the [Geisel] winner.

Young Adult

Pearl by Jo Knowles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Includes death and "issues," but written oh so well. I tore through it in almost one sitting - I did have to close my eyes and go to sleep in the middle since it was bedtime.






For Grownups 


Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My boyfriend, who runs (but not 100 miles at a time), recommended this book; I started reading the first chapter on his phone and immediately ordered it from the library. The writing is fantastic. Most of the people featured are borderline insane, but I learned a lot and was always entertained. Not inspired to become an ultra runner, but will try changing the way I move my legs and feet next time I'm on a treadmill going more than 4 mph. If the gyms ever reopen. #quarantine

 

Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanna Elden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Take a look at the parts I highlighted if you want to get a sense of this book. It's almost not funny 'cause it's true. Would definitely recommend to fellow teachers. Some of the other plot threads are meh, but still worth a read.