It's always like Christmas when new books arrive at the library! The new boxes didn't disappoint - full of old favorites, new Bluebonnet titles, new books by favorite authors, and treasures yet to be discovered. Here's a few samples: This book is by the author of our favorite - "Press Here". Once again the reader is invited to tap, rub, and touch the pages. The concept of color mixing is magical and begs to be followed by a session of fingerpainting! This biography of artist Lois Ehlert is exquisite! It begs to be savored as the author includes fascinating connections to many of her books and childhood. I can't wait to scour the shelves for all our Lois Ehlert books to display with this new Bluebonnet nominee. This book also begs for an activity to accompany it to help 3rd-6th graders connect to it! Makerspace here we come! Another new biography for the Texas Bluebonnet list for next year. Another book to savor and as you look at all the lists of words and connections woven throughout the text and illustrations. This would be great to connect to technology through word clouds and using thesaurus tools on computers. Must add a few more thesauruses to our library in anticipation! And a few more just for fun! Stories of friendship and finding your place to fit in. Next to dig into some of the chapter books... I have many favorite series I recommend for second graders: Flat Stanley Jigsaw Jones Magic Treehouse Tiara Club Andy Shane Cam Jansen Horrible Hairy Animal Ark Katie Kazoo Mercy Watson I'm always looking for more. Here's what I'm reading now and can't wait to recommend! Gordon Korman has done it again! I'm so thankful a student recommended this one - I couldn't put it down. Donovan is an irrepressible middle schooler who only wants to have fun, but one time it becomes much more serious. He destroys the school gym, the statue, and worst it all, the superintendent sees him do it. Then fate steps in and he escapes punishment when his name disappears off the superintendent's desk and he is mistakenly sent to a school for the gifted. Donovan clearly isn't gifted - at least not in the ways the other students are. But what follows reveals that not all gifts are intellectual after all. A fun and touching read! I cannot believe I have lasted this long without reading a Mercy Watson book. After all, my students rave about them. Plus, Kate Dicamilla is one of my very favorite authors. How did I miss these stories? I think I must go read all of them now and share them with students again Who wouldn't love a pig that loves buttered toast? Who wouldn't love a pig that captures thieves by sitting on them? And now that I have met Leroy - I must check out her new series about this lovable cowboy/thief As much as I adore children's books, I have to admit that they are often predictable. When you have read as much as I have, it's unusual to find a book where the last 50 pages totally catches you off guard. That's just what Kate Milford did in The Greenglass House. What a delight! This book was a perfect holiday read, especially since it took place during the holidays too. Milo, the main character, is a likeable kid who actually loves both of his parents. He is looking forward to a quiet holiday alone with his family since the Inn is usually empty over the holidays. But it's not meant to be, as one and then another and another mysterious guest appear that night. Soon the reader is drawn into the story with Milo as he and Meddy try to determine why each guest is there. Mysteries abound. Stories unfold and twist and turn. Delightful work Ms. Milford! Thank you. I can't wait to get this one into readers' hands. Whoa. This is a strange novel. Disturbing. Yet somehow draws you in To read more. To keep reading until the end. This story of hurt And anger And fear. This story of family Gone wrong. And family Done right. Life Death And afterlife A story that lingers Long after you put down the book. So glad my son insisted I read this one. A fabulous mad-cap adventure through the futuristic world where everyone lives and exists for OASIS, a virtual reality existence. This is one for the geeks. This is why entertainment should be free. This is why we must continue to interact with each other, face-to-face, not just screen-to-screen. Yet this also gives credit to online friendships too. In a way I never considered before. They can be true friends. And what a fun tribute to the craziness of the 80's! I look forward to a sequel from this first-time author. Thanksgiving is long forgotten, but not the amazing books I enjoyed in e-book and audio formats during the break. These are all books that make you think. They introduce characters dealing with tough issues - death, racism, morality, broken families, and magic. What I lived about these books was that they surprised me. So many times the plot is predictable, especially the endings. It's hard to find something new and surprising. These books did the unexpected. Read them! #CRlibrary #neisdlibs This is a powerful verse novel. A book about basketball. A story of family Twins who have always been close But then they aren't. Girlfriends interfering Father and sons Angry mistakes Consequences Forgiveness Fear Tears Loss Healing Powerful story |