Happy Monday, Readers!
I’m joining Jen Vincent (@mentortexts) of www.teachmentortexts.com and Kellee Moye (@kelleemoye) and Ricki Ginsberg (@readwithpassion) of www.unleashingreaders.com on Mondays to round-up what I’ve been reading this week. I hope you’ll join me by adding to the comments!
Today I was supposed to be working on cleaning out my classroom closet at school, but plans changed when my youngest son got sick this morning. We came home instead, which gave me some extra time to do laundry, clean the kitchen, and read!
I’ve been flip-flopping between books this week, which I normally don’t like to do, but I couldn’t help myself.
The first book is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. It is a adult book that is highly recommended, and one of Oprah’s Book Club picks, but I am sort of struggling through it. Since I’m about 3/4 of the way through it, I am determined to finish it. I am not sure why I’m having trouble staying engaged and interested in the story, because it is very well-written.
When this happens to me, though, I always think about the I-PICK song (Boushey & Moser, 2006) and I start singing in my head, “Interest, interest, why am I reading it?” It is so, so true that if you are not interested in the story, it is pretty hard to stay focused as a reader. I know I could abandon the book, but I think I will stick with it a little longer.
The other book I’m reading right now is one rising 3rd and 4th graders might enjoy. It is the first book in the Heroes In Training series by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, called Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom. The series is an updated, kid-friendly version of classic Greek myths. This particular title tells the story of Zeus, Cronus, and the Olympians. The book is told from ten-year-old Zeus’s point of view, which helps young readers understand the story. It is full of action and adventure, as well as a lot of new vocabulary words if you are new to Greek myths! This series seems perfect for readers who like adventure, history, and stories… even if they are far-fetched!
This week, I’ve also been reading a lot of recipes. When it’s summer, I love to make dinner outside on the grill, so I get pretty excited when I get my Bon Appetit in the mail. June’s magazine is usually the grilling edition. I’m thinking about making these salmon burgers this week… what do you think?
If you don’t already get magazines in the mail, think about putting this on your birthday or holiday gift list. It’s fun to get something in the mail each month, and you can find a magazine for pretty much any topic that you are interested in learning more about!
I like cooking magazines best, like Bon Appetit…
While Drew gets pretty excited when his new Lego Club magazine arrives…
…and Nate really enjoys his Sports Illustrated Kids magazine.
There’s also National Geographic Kids, Cricket magazine, Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick, Jr. magazine, and many more. Add a magazine to your reading list this week!
What are you reading? Please comment!
Steinberg Second 