#IMWAYR April 10, 2017 & Poetry Month Post 2

Each week I try to join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers to share all of the reading I've done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. April is Poetry Month so I will start each post in April by sharing a favorite poetry book and a novel in verse. It's #IMWAYR.

Poetry

This poetry book has been in my classroom since my first year of teaching and I am pleased to see all 20 years of students connecting with them. I have them compare and contrast "Dreams" with "The Dream Keeper" when teaching mood.

Novel in Verse (Middle Grade)

Love that Dog is my all time favorite read aloud novel in verse, even though it always makes me cry in front of my student. It is about a boy named Jack who has to spend his school year writing poetry in his journal. Jack's journey into poetry also lets him explore a very painful memory. I was pleased to see my daughter reading it this week as part of an author study on Sharon Creech. 

Middle Grade

Book Two in this dark, middle grade historical fantasy by Catherine Jinks was just as exciting as the first. I would definitely recommend the book for an older middle grader and lovers of the last books in the Harry Potter series.

When I went with my daughter to find Sharon Creech books for her author study, I realized there were many I hadn't read either. Ruby Holler is about two twin orphans who have been brought up to believe they were nothing but trouble. A silver bird leads them to a new adventure and a new beginning. I really enjoyed this book and think it will be a big hit with most middle graders.

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Stacy Barnett Mozer is a third grade teacher and a middle grade author. The Sweet Spot and The Perfect Trip are available now from Spellbound River Press. If you like what she's been reading follow her on Goodreads. Please leave a comment below. It's Monday, what are you reading?