April 2018 Reads

I read some really amazing and powerful books this month. My favorite read was the second book in the Track series by Jason Reynolds, Patina. Man, Patina is such an amazing character. Another powerful read was Monster by Walter Dean Meyers. Talk about a book that will stay with you forever!

Here is the list of books and my thoughts about them for the month of April. (In no particular order)

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

My A+ tutor recommended this book to me and my students. I had not heard about this book, but knew the author was well-known to be a very inspiring writer. This book grabbed my attention immediately due to its cover and the description. The title was also attention-grabbing. A young man called a monster, in prison, struggling with the guilt of what he had done. This was a powerful book written in such a unique way with the play script, narrative, and photograph mix. I would say this book is a must read, but that readers should be aware that there is some disturbing and mature moments. However, the overall message is more powerful. I gave this book five stars.

Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt

I chose to read Rhyme Schemer because I knew Holt was a great verse author. I had read House Arrest earlier this year and loved it. Rhyme Schemer was another great book in verse with a theme on bullying. The found poetry in it was hilarious and the plot was unique, although a little predictable. I think this would be a great book for my students and would spark great conversation about bullying and how to deal with bullies. It is also a great book on understanding each other and taking the time to get to know others around you before you judge them. I gave this book 5 stars and was a wonderful quick, verse book.

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

I read this book as a read aloud to my students (their choice). I have review this book already, and that review is here. I gave this book 5 stars and my students really enjoyed it as well. The illustrations are pretty cute!

Wild Robot by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot has shown up on my Twitter and my Instagram accounts as an amazing book that I have to read. I started reading it last summer, knew it would be a quick read, and somehow got distracted about a quarter of the way through. I am not sure why I did not finish it, as it is catchy and hooks you in. Anyway, almost a year passed and I picked it up again because the sequal has been showing up on my social media as a must read. I was so frustrated that I had waited until now to read this book. I could have had all year to share this book with my students! Well, I suppose now I can recommend it as a summer read. It was quick, with short chapters, simple yet incredible illustrations, and wonderful characters that you simply fall in love with. I loved the science fiction aspects and would recommend this book to my students who enjoy science fiction. Peter Brown wrote with a style that reminded me of Katherine Applegate, so I would recommend him to her fans as well.

Patina by Jason Reynolds (Track #2)

Patina is the second book in the Track series. Ghost was pretty amazing, but I think I like Patina even better. Her voice, her character, and her experiences all make this a page-turning read. Fans of Ghost will fall in love with Patina too. Jason Reynolds does not disappoint.

Mockingbird by Katheryn Erskine

This was a book that my librarian recommended to me to read to my class. I asked her for a somewhat short or quick read for my kids. This is a great story about empathy and grief. You will be on an emotional rollercoaster throughout this book. It took some of my students awhile to get into it, but by the end I think the majority were glad that we had read it. 

Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown (Wild Robot #2)

After reading The Wild Robot, you must read the sequal. I love books that end that way (and dislike them at the same time). Those cliffhangers. Those authors know what they are doing. I enjoyed watching Rob grow as a character more throughout this book. I also enjoyed meeting new characters. I do not want to give anything away, so I will just end with the fact that this series is a must-read. 

A Wrinkle In Time (Graphic Novel Edition) by Madeleine L’Engle

I read A Wrinkle In Time last summer and was hooked. (I have strayed from finishing the series, but plan to this summer.) I saw that there was a graphic novel edition out and decided I had to read it. I love graphic novels, as most of you know, and combine that with a story I already know and love, I am sold! I think that some of my 6th graders would struggle with the science fiction language of the classic, so this graphic novel would expose more of my students to this story. It would be a great way to introduce them to this series and they may be more likely to read on, or go back and read the classic version. Great idea and I hope they continue the series.

My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King

I have been reading a lot of books about the Civil Rights Movement as well as about the injustices many face in our country. I chose this book because of the display at the library on MLK Day. I saw her beautiful face and I wanted to know more about this woman. I learned so much about her and am so inspired to be a strong woman and mother like her. It gave some great insight on Martin, but so much more on her family. I also was not aware off all that she did after he passed. What an amazing woman.

What did you read this month? Did you read anything on my list? Recommendations for next month?

Happy reading!