Good Reads {January 2018}

I was on a middle-grade reading kick in January, so I only made it through a couple of adult novels, but I read some pretty great books last month. 

Here are my very favorite reads from January:  

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time and I am recommending it to everyone! My mom and I actually went to hear the author speak last week at Brazos Bookstore and she was so impressive. Pachinko is a sweeping family saga that examines the lives of four generations of Koreans who emigrate to Japan. Beautifully written, this story looks at themes of race, immigration, family and home. It was stunning and gave me a serious book hangover. 

Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan

What a gem of a collection! There are laugh-out-loud funny moments as well as stories that will make you tear up. Excellent on audio.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

This is a beautiful middle-grade novel, told from a tree's perspective, about community, family and intolerance. Reminiscent of The Giving Tree.

Posted by John David Anderson

I read this middle grade novel because the author is coming to WUES next week to talk about his books to our 4th and 5th graders. In this novel, cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School and the students take to leaving sticky it notes on lockers and mirrors and walls. As you can imagine, some of these anonymous messages take on a threatening tone. The book examines friendship, communication and the power of language.

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

Henry picked this novel after previewing it during a genre exploration activity at the school library. He adored it and passed it on to me. Melody is not like other children. She has cerebral palsy and at the beginning of the book, she cannot communicate, despite having a brilliant mind. This is an incredible story.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost, aka Castle Crenshaw, loves to run, and accidentally ends up on an elite track team. The story deals with so many current issues -- abuse, poverty, and friendship. It is beautifully written and an excellent choice for upper elementary and middle school kids.  

What have you been reading lately?