Best Reads of T2 2023-2024

I tend to not read as many children's book during T2, since Mock Newbery and Mock Caldecott are over. I did, however, still need to choose books for Mock Sibert, and then I mainlined mysteries and thrillers during February vacation. All images and summaries from Goodreads.

Picture Books

Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this! Can't wait to share with the art teacher. Tons of information in the back about all of the artists portrayed in the illustrations ... I'm thinking we could do some kind of project together.

 

Just One Flake by Travis Jonker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute. My MLL Ks laughed out loud at the illustrations, which bodes well for its Mock Caldecott standings. (NOTE: It made it to the finals, but One Hundred Dragons, All Named Broccoli won.)

    

There’s No Such Thing as Vegetables by Kyle Lukoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was doing fact vs. opinion with my first graders, and for extra credit on a quiz, they could share a fact. Several told me that tomatoes were fruit, no vegetables. I think I need this book in our collection. And there is even a sneaky lesson about social constructs.

Nonfiction

Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust by Elisa Boxer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really good, but I don't want to be the one to explain Nazis to second grade, so I'm not going to use for Mock Sibert.

The artist's note gave me chills: "[Judith tried] to make rations for one person stretch for her whole family. She kept her parents hidden for four years and delivered food to her brother and he friend Alfred who were both in Nazi camps on the outskirts of Paris." All this while holding a job in a factory and cycling up to 43 miles a day to deliver papers. Wow.

 

Stinkbird Has a Superpower by Jill Esbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just realized it's not too late to add a book to my Mock Sibert unit!

 

The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It by Dee Romito
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never stopped and thought about why we call straws "straws." Lots of good historical information, presented simply, which other books in the same vein lack. Will use for Mock Sibert with the problem/solution graphic organizer ... solving the first problems led to an unforeseen one! Interesting!

 

Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom by Beth Kephart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lovely, but since I've weeded most of the books mentioned from my collection, not sure that any of my students would be that interested. I like to think that I am following in Ursula's footsteps by adding such titles as "Who Wet My Pants?" and "Butt or Face?" to the shelves.


Jerry Changed the Game!: How Engineer Jerry Lawson Revolutionized Video Games Forever by Don Tate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well written - I liked the repetition of "Game Over?" May be a little long for Mock Sibert, but it involves video games and perseverance, so hopefully the kids' interest will be sustained.

 

Young Adult

The Song of Us by Kate Fussner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Other "novels in verse," take note. This is legit poetry. So many good lines. So many different formats. And a poetry club to boot. With authentic tween voices. Eden's dad is the suck.

 

14 Ways to Die by Vincent Ralph
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite dramatic, but my middle schoolers who read mysteries will love it. Super fast-paced.

For Grownups

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I resisted this one for a while. Like, for years. Even though several friends recommended it. Finally yet one more told me I should read it, so I gave in. Liked it ok as I started. Then it popped up on Netflix or something and my SO figured he'd put it on since his sister and friend had been hyping it a few days previous. OMG. I was a wreck. A WRECK. Sobbing and wailing. And then angry at the movie for playing with my emotions in this way. And then went back to the book. Which I ended up loving.

 

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Christmas present to myself. I love these books.

 

Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a treat to read, although I like my plots wrapped up more neatly and all mysteries explained. Glorious depictions of the nastiness of Dickensian London.

 

The Maid by Nita Prose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I put #2 on hold before I even finished. Fantastic voice.

 

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a relief to have a non-disgusting crime this time around. And to be given more clues/exposition as to whodunit before the last page. I had been a bit exasperated by how long the previous books were, and this was even longer, but I decided to just accept that it would last a few more car rides. (The next one is TEN hours longer than this!)

Also, I adore Robert Glenister's narration.

 

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's not really a mystery, since we are leading up to the murder, but there are definitely some cards held back. Fun read.