It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date, and adapted by Kellee at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts with a children’s/YA focus. The Sunday Post is hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. These weekly roundups are a great way to discover new blogs and bloggers, share some of the titles you’ve been enjoying, and add to your ever-growing to-read list.
We run a reading mentoring program at the library that pairs teen volunteers with children in grades 2-4 who would like some extra reading support. I’m often looking for books that will appeal to the “little buddies”, especially those who are so-called “reluctant readers”, or children who read lower than their grade level, but still want books that aren’t too “babyish”. This book appeared on our new book shelf last week, and it was such a hit!! I love books that allow for pair reading – in this case the teen volunteers read one part (either the narrator or Darth Vader), while the little buddy reads the other part. The grade 4 kids in particular thought it was a hoot! It’s a bit strange (and I would expect nothing less from Mr. Rex), but the kids thought it was hilarious, and I can’t wait to bust it out at upcoming school visits. Definitely something for your Star Wars fanatics.
Did you know that lemmings don’t typically jump off of cliffs, except in rare circumstances? Well these lemmings haven’t read the lemming guide book, so they don’t know that yet! OHora’s illustrations are charming as usual, and the three little lemmings are particularly adorable. There’s a good little reminder not to judge people who don’t read as much or as well as you do, because they might not have had the opportunity or support they need to learn – once the little lemmings are taught to read, they (literally) fly!
Two puffins named Steve fight to see who is the ultimate Steve. This was another title that my reading program kids enjoyed because they could take turns reading as different characters with their mentors, though it is a bit confusing at times to figure out which Steve is talking, since the text isn’t that clearly differentiated. There is also a reference to a character smelling like poo, which elicited much giggles, especially from the little buddy when their mentor was the one who had to read that line!
Hope everyone has a great week!
We love hearing about what the reading buddies are enjoying together. As we read your post, we could hear their giggles. Thanks for sharing these titles.
My youngest granddaughter & I love Read The Book Lemmings, after I taught her the stereotype about them. Thanks also for the Star Wars book. You’re right. Books with anything related to Star Wars are always fun and loved.
Thanks for reminding me about Read the Book, Lemmings. I read it to students last year when I first got it and they loved it. I need to dig it out to read it this year.
The mentoring program sounds like a wonderful experience for everyone. It’s really hard to find just right books for those students who struggle with their reading. I often discover fake readers in classrooms I sub in. It’s hard for me since as a librarian I can usually come up with at least a handful of books that would help. Sigh. Thanks for this list here.
These are all new to me. They have such great covers! Thanks for sharing.
I found the Darth Vader book to be a fun one and of course the lemmings are a hoot. I haven’t read The Steves, but will watch out for it. Yes, some readers adore bathroom humor. 😉
Thanks so much for sharing Are You Scared, Darth Vader? This looks like something one of my Littles will really enjoy. Hopefully I can find a local copy. Have a wonderful reading week, Jane!
Ooh the Darth Vader books seems like a must have! 🙂