Kellee Moye, of Unleashing Readers, and Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children's literature - picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit - join us! We love this meme and think you will, too. We encourage everyone who participates to visit at least three of the other kidlit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.
If you go to my Goodreads account, you can see what I have read recently & click on the books to learn more.
Rick by Alex Gino was fantastic. It's really a perfect middle grade as Rick is navigating friendship and questioning his identity. He's also getting closer to his grandfather. For students wondering about LGBTQIAP+ and what all those letters might mean, this is a good way to start a discussion. For young people who are going through their own time of questioning, this is a great book to hand them.
Unmarriageable was one for #RamadanReadathon. It is a Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan. It was a nice romcom. There was fat shaming that reallly goes unaddressed until the very end. I also didn't enjoy that she used the same names for some of the characters. It made the author's job easier because then people know without being told, but I felt it made it too much like the original. I enjoyed it for the most part, but for Pride and Prejudice retellings, I preferred Pride by Ibi Zoboi and Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin.
Another book for #RamadanReadathon was Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know. It was also on my MustReadin2020 list. This had two storylines going on - one in Paris in the present and one hundreds of years prior. It's an art mystery with a bit of flirtation. Loved it.
Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune was lovely. I really enjoy books that revolve around food. This also had a bit of romance and family drama. I have been seeking out romances and lighter fare so this was perfect for that.
Another romance was Fumbled. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't a big favorite. The Goodreads reviews indicate that the first book in the series was better so I may try that one later.
All Boys Aren't Blue is a memoir and is fantastic. I was lucky enough to go to the book release online event and also heard George speak at Everywhere Bookfest or Y'allWest. I can't remember which. Anyway, he has a wonderful sense of humor and I so appreciate all that he shared. I think this book will be helpful to many young people.
I have no idea why The Banshee Train was checked out to me. I found it on my shelf and have no recollection of checking it out. It was a story about how a train had fallen when the tracks were out over a huge ravine. Later, another train is coming through and a banshee starts chasing it. I probably grabbed it because I'm always looking for books that are scary, but not too scary for my younger picture book readers. It's okay, but because it looks so dated, I'm not sure children will pick it up even with a banshee.
Go With the Flow is an excellent graphic novel dealing with menstruation. It really attacks the idea that periods shouldn't be talked about and are even almost treated like they are shameful. I'm super excited for this one to be out in the world.
Their Eyes Were Watching God is on my pile along with Show Me a Sign. I also have The Map of Salt and Stars checked out. Have a great week filled with awesome reading adventures.
Reading Challenge Updates:
Goodreads Challenge 2019 - 234/500
Oh, I just ordered All Boys Aren't Blue last week and now I'm even more excited to read it. I really like your idea for a Ramadan Readathon too. I need to think about doing that.
ReplyDeleteI have "Mad, Bad. . ." on my list, Crystal, and love reading about Rick and All Boys Aren't Blue! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI recently learned we already have Rick by Alex Gino, but wouldn't you know it now has a wait list. Why can't I just snap my fingers?! LOL And I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to ILL Go With the Flow -- sounds good and important. Thanks for the great post, Crystal!
ReplyDeleteI'm really intrigued by All Boys Aren't Blue. I'm looking forward to reading that book. I also really need to get to Go With the Flow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this list Crystal. I've added Rick, All Boys Aren't Blue, and Go With the Flow to my list. Since we have just moved to a small town, I can see that I am going to need to get used to reading ebooks more.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these yet!! But I want to! I always get reminded of so many great books I'm missing when I stop by.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week :)