Women Win the Vote!: 19 for the 19th Amendment by Nancy B. Kennedy

This is a great collection of short biographies that paint a larger picture of the suffragist movement-not to mention that the format and art in this book is wonderful.  It was empowering to read one person’s contribution to the movement after another and it was inspiring to read how they rallied around one another for a cause they wholeheartedly believed in.  This book is an essential reminder of what it took for women to vote in America and we are at this time in history because of these bold and audacious history makers who laid the groundwork.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

This book has been on my “to-read” shelf ever since my younger cousin told me she was reading it in school.  The setting of the book, Alcatraz, is very intriguing and the author uses great imagery throughout the book.  The book transports the reader well with the use of language and circumstances that the main character encounters.  This is a great read for upper elementary students, as well as middle school students.

The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden

I am incredibly grateful that I read this one.  To learn more about the beloved author of Curious George and to feel his and his wife’s struggles seeping through the pages is a great experience that adults and children alike will appreciate.  The would be great paired with World War II curriculum in upper elementary and beyond.  The book does not explain why the Rey’s were fleeing their home, but the book does provide students with something that is familiar to them: Curious George.

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

Let me start off by saying that I loved “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and this book has the same riddle, mystery feel to it.  I was shocked at the turn the book made at the end of the story and I’m still not quite sure what I make of it.  However, I am intrigued to read the rest of the series to find out the fate of the other characters.

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins

This was such a delightful novel in verse book to read.  While I was not overly impressed by the book, I commend the author on writing a book about female scientists which is not a common topic that I have come across in juvenile books.  For middle grade readers, I can see this book opening up their world to a new genre, style of writing, and topic.  I can this book being used in English and science classes.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

I have not read a book by Neil Gaiman, but this one was phenomenal! It combines humor and wit in a way that I think children and adults will appreciate.  The illustrations of the book really add to the imagination and whimsy that Neil Gaiman creates throughout the story.  I definitely recommend this book to reluctant readers and avid readers alike!

 

Reading Children’s Books for Homework? Yes, Please!

Amidst the full swing of college courses, one of my professors assigned the class to keep a reading log like elementary students do in school.  I love children’s literature and there’s no better excuse than, “I need to do my homework,” and promptly sit down on the couch with a big, fuzzy blanket (completely procrastinating what I need to do for the day) and read a children’s book that is geared for 4th-6th graders.  And now, I’m off to do homework… (aka read more books)!

The first books on my list to read (or more like re-read)!

The Wolves of La Louviere by Flore Balthazar

I have not read many graphic novels, but I loved this one!  The art is incredibly beautiful and the storyline was compelling.  I enjoy reading books about World War II and this book did not disappoint.  I would recommend this book for anyone looking into what life was like during World War II.

Find Your Brave by Holly Wagner

I had the opportunity to see Holly Wagner speak live at a conference and she was absolutely phenomenal!  I mean, talk about authentic and real.  I was so excited to see that this book was an option when I was scrolling through bloggingforbooks.com!  I received this book from bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.

The Air I Breathe by Louie Giglio

 

“The Air I Breathe” by Louie Giglio was such an amazing book that I would definitely recommend.  I will definitely be going back to this one over the years.  I can’t wait to read his other books!

I received this book from bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest reviews.