It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? originated as a meme that started by Shelia at Book Journeys, then it passed onto Kathryn at The Book Date. Then the Unleashing Readers, Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee decided to give it a twist by having a #kidlit focus. So this is a time to share what you have been, currently are, and will be reading soon!
If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, or anything in those genres – then join us! This is also a great opportunity to see what others are reading and you might find your next “must-read” too!
If you join in the fun and you Tweet, tag your tweet with #imwayr!
I am so happy to share that I…
I am officially certified as a Library Media Specialist! I’ve been studying for months. It’s crazy to see how blessed I’ve been these past several months. The joy reading and sharing about books with kids and adults makes me feel like I am on cloud nine!
To wrap up October, here is all that I read:
I hope this month is full of more great reads! Can’t wait to hear from you all. Have a wonderful first week of November, friends!
- The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson
- Oh how I would die to go to Rhyme and Reason. The vivid details that the author paints of this magical bookshop makes me long for creating my own bookstore. I loved the blend of magic & literature—the walls change colors based on its mood and it writes a new quote based on its feelings and those that come in the shop. So the setting itself is so immersive. The characters are perfect for this day & age, & the fact that people travel through time to be in this magical bookstore is precious too. My heart hurt for Poppy & all the hard decisions she had to make when her brother was in despair and struggled with the Dark. Your emotions while reading will be like riding a roller coaster. The ending was hard, but also beautiful.
- These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
- When you read a book for four hours straight, you know it is extremely well-written. This story was heart wrenching and captivating. The father-daughter relationship of Cooper and Finch was absolutely beautiful. The final chapters had me sobbing. This releases November 16th! “The thing about grace is that you don’t deserve it. You can’t earn in. You can only accept it. Or not…” – Scotland
- Mapmakers and the Lost Magic by Cameron Chittock and illustrated by Amanda Castillo
- A middle grade graphic novel with such a beautiful palette to tell an extraordinary story. Alidade cannot wait to leave Alden and the Night Coats. The Night Coats control all power, movement, and boundaries, which make Alidade’s desire to venture out and leave such a daunting feat. But push comes to shove when she’s caught breaking rules yet again and has to decide whether to leave for good or save her home by becoming a Mapmaker. This was such a compelling and thrilling story with a lot of heart and a great message of doing what is best for the common good. This will be an exciting new series! It releases in April of 2022.
- Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds
- An absolutely beautiful message about leaving your devices and technology and spend time with your family and friends. I always grew up eating dinner with my family and over time as we got older we would sit in the living room, watching TV and use foldable TV trays. Eventually there were times throughout the week where my brother would eat in his room and play video games or my stepdad wasn’t home in time. It was rough. I do cherish time at the table with one another and find it so very important. I would pair this book with Couch Potato by Jory John.
- Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes, he did.) by Ryan T. Higgins
- I need a physical copy of this book ASAP, especially to use for a read aloud for November. Norman loves his best friend Mildred, the tree, and he is so thankful for all that they do together. Well… until another tree sprouts up right next to Mildred. He’s got to go. Why does he have to be so close? Norman gets rid of him and then feels guilty over time. He sees how it affects Mildred and he knows deep down that what he did was not right. A story of jealousy and friendship. It made me laugh numerous times! The character and illustrations of Norman… spot on!
- Opposites Abstract by Mo Willems
- This was such a beautifully crafted book! If you realize Mo Willems wrote it it may be a little interesting, as most are used to his Pigeon and Piggy stories, but nonetheless it was incredible. This would be a fantastic read aloud for an art class. I flipped through it multiple times and was blown away by the simplicity of words yet complexity of content overall. Well done!
Shop the books above and support me and local Indies:
- The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson
- These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
- Mapmakers and the Lost Magic by Cameron Chittock and illustrated by Amanda Castillo
- Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds
- Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes, he did.) by Ryan T. Higgins
- Opposites Abstract by Mo Willems
- Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
- Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds and drawings by Raúl the Third
Have you ever read any of these books? Share with me what you are reading below!
Xo, Sierra
Books. Iced Lattes. Blessed. 
I’m intrigued by These Silent Woods. Norman Didn’t Do It is one I had to get a physical copy of, too.
LikeLike
Congratulations on passing your exam!
LikeLike
Congrats on becoming a library media specialist, Sierra—that’s so exciting!!! I wrote down Mapmakers and the Lost Magic—I always need new graphic novels to try. Our Table and The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams sound excellent as well! Thanks so much for the great post!
LikeLike