I am once grateful for Jen at teachmentortexts.com and Kellee and Ricki at unleashingreaders.com for providing a place for readers to link up their review of kidlit reading over the past week.
Books I finished this week:
It was mostly graphic novels this week for me, and I would never have believed that two years ago. I have been reading my novels through NetGalley on my IPAD this week and there are places that my IPAD should not be going, and when I have been in those places I have been carrying these graphic novels. This is a really popular series at my school amongst the grade 5-7s, particularly girls. Even after reading it, I am not totally sure why, I thought it was okay, kind of funny in parts. My best guess is that the characters in this book seem to feel free to act however they please, even if it is irreverent and a little kooky. So, if you have some free spirits that are looking for reading material, I think this series might work.
Recently, I finished Ben Hatke’s second Mighty Jack graphic novel, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King. I really love that series and the newest has spent almost no time on shelves since the school year started. It made me want to go back and read this series. If you are fan of the first Mighty Jack and are close to reading the second one, make sure you read these first. I think it will help you to enjoy MJATGK even more.
The latest in Ryan Higgins’ books featuring the lovable, grumpy bear from Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce sees Bruce decide that enough is enough and its time to escape his home. I don’t find this one quite as funny as the first two, but its still really good. My primary grade classes are clamouring for this one, which I pre-ordered and got a lot earlier than expected. The release date, according to Goodreads, is Sept. 26.
Currently Reading:
Ghosts of Greenglass House is an ARC I am reading on my NetGalley account. The first half has not really grabbed me. I really liked the first one, but it seems to have taken me a while to get to where I am right now in the plot. I think it is just starting to get interesting as I reach the halfway point in the book. I think fans of the first will likely enjoy this one when it comes out on October 3, but might have to exercise some patience. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the type of family read aloud that has Dad cheating and reading a little extra the last few nights. We have less than 200 pages left and there is a lot of tension right now. Wonder is my class read aloud and I think almost everyone knows how great it is for grade 5/6s. One of my kids said that she likes it, but misses last year’s first read aloud, (she was in my class that year too) The Scourge by Jennifer Nielsen (more action, she says). The final book here is the second Inspector Flytrap book, a good early chapter reader. My seven year old thinks its hilarious that a plant can solve mysteries. I think her Mom might get a Venus Flytrap for her birthday, hopefully she won’t read this.
Happy Reading Everyone!
Wriggling Bookworms 
I have not read any of the Zita graphic novels, but many of my students really love them.
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You might have put your finger on the appeal of Lumberjanes. It didn’t work for me either. I liked The Greenglass House, but it hasn’t circulated well at all.
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I hear you on LumberJanes. I didn’t love it. Some kids are really into it but I don’t totally get it. I do however LOVE Zita!! Inspector Flytrap is a series that I have in my classroom library and will keep adding to!
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Lumberjanes didn’t really work for me either. Not sure why it didn’t connect. Zita is a favorite though. I am excited about a new Mother Bruce title. The first two did set the bar awfully high!
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I’m reading Lumberjanes:Unicorn Power by Mariko Tamaki, and enjoying it, although this one isn’t a graphic novel. I haven’t read one of the graphic ones, but I had girls who loved them. I’m actually enjoying this one and appreciate it the humour and sly insertions of the names of powerful women.
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Fun to hear about the appeal of LumberJanes. They are new to me, but I think I may not be reading them after hearing everyone’s opinions. Love that there’s a new Mother Bruce, and that you’re reading Wonder aloud.
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I can’t wait for the next Bruce book!
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Zita the graphic novels used to be my daughter’s absolute favourite. We borrowed all the books we could find from the library. 🙂
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