It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5/6/13

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA! 

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…who knows, you might discover that next “must read” book!

After doing the meme for a couple of weeks, we realized this would be a fun meme to start up with a kidlit focus - anyone reading and reviewing books in children's literature - it can be picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, you name it in the world of kidlit and it's in! We have loved being a part of this meme and we hope you do too!  We encourage everyone participating to go and visit the other kidlit book bloggers that link up and to comment on as many posts as you can. We love talking books and believe in sharing and discussing what we're reading. We hope you join us!

Book and Bookmark Swap Announcement:

A reminder to our Spring Book and Bookmark Swap friends that your book and bookmark should already be in the mail to your recipient! Remember that we will all be opening our packages on May 18th and tweeting pictures with the hashtag #bookswap! Visit the original post to review the timeline. 

Last Week's Book Adventures:

Jen Says: Last week I finished listening to The Power of Habit which was really interesting. I find myself noticing habits and routines differently now! I did start rereading From What I Remember... but have been enjoying it and taking my time. It was a nice relaxing week. I said I was going to do Screen Free Week as much as I could, and I did pretty good. My book pics even took a break and it was nice to have the break. We still read, of course, but no book pics to share. 

Kellee Says: This week was a bit slow for me, but it wasn't because the books I read were slow, it is just that I am finding myself too busy to read :( This week I finished up rereading Olivia Twisted by Vivi Barnes and I'll be meeting up with her soon to talk about a Teacher's Guide for the book. It'll be a great addition to a high school- wonderful parallel to Oliver Twist and some great discussion topics. I also read Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping and I think it is my favorite Scaredy Squirrel book yet! Finally, in honor of Free Comic Book Day, I read Chris Eliopoulos's Mr. Puzzle's Super Collection! which I received from Netgalley which is a super children's comic!

Reviewed Last Week:

Ella

Briar

Snow

Rapunzel

Lila

Just click on any picture above to go read the review

Upcoming Book Adventures: 

Jen Says: I'm going to keep on rereading From What I Remember.... I have the book Quiet to listen to on audio. I also have a few novels we'll be reviewing soon that I'm going to start reading. I have my eye on Felony Bay to read next!

Kellee Says: I have had Ask the Passengers on deck all week, but just haven't started that yet- I'll definitely be starting it tonight. I am still listening to my David Sedaris audio and hopefully will finish it this week. Happy reading!

This Week's Reviews:

      

Check back throughout the week to hear about these books. 

So, what are you reading this week? 

Link up below and don't forget to check out other blogs to see what they are reading!

To help build our community and support other bloggers, 

we ask that you please try to comment on at least the three blogs that posted before you. 

Also, if you tweet about your Monday post, don't forget to use #IMWAYR!

and

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Lila

Princess's Name: Lila

Her Original Fairy Tale: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Her Kingdom: Erinthia

Her Charming: Right now, her brother Prince Liam, but who knows who it'll end up being. She is only a preteen!

Characteristics: spunky, independent, tracker, trustworthy, go-getter, rebellious, level-headed

Quote: 
"'Guys!' Lila said sharply. 'Anyone who's part of this rescue needs to come with me now.' She turned and began to head through the trees." (p. 90)

Why Kellee Thinks Lila Makes a Strong Role Model: Lila is a little rebel! She is not afraid to do anything! She is not going to be left out. For the youngest princess in the bunch, she is probably the bravest. She'll definitely follows in her brother's footsteps (and in the book, she actually pushes him when he has given up).  

Why Jen Thinks Lila Makes a Strong Role Model: I think Lila might be my favorite princess, believe it or not. I just love her attitude. She's not about to sit at home where no one pays attention to her and be bored. She'd rather go out and make a difference and pave her own way. She's definitely smart and takes charge when she needs to. In this book, she realizes being in tight spaces makes her nervous but at the same time she keeps calm and talks herself through the experience. I really admire Lila and her strong will. 

What do you love about Lila? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

and

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Rapunzel

Princess's Name: Rapunzel

Her Original Fairy Tale: "Persinette" by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force, 1698

Her Kingdom: Sturmhagen

Her Charming: Prince Gustav, who didn't exactly rescue her, but tried. In the end, Rapunzel saved herself.

Characteristics: peaceful, trustworthy, compassionate, caring, generous, thoughtful, helpful

Quote:
"'I'm a peaceful person! I grow turnips and take care of elves with pink eye! I shouldn't be here!'" (p. 340)
"'I just want to help. It's in my nature.'" (p. 471)

Why Kellee Thinks Rapunzel Makes a Strong Role Model: Rapunzel is an amazing woman. After saving herself, Gustav, and the word of her healing tears got out through the bards, Rapunzel continued saving the people who need saving.  She is an example of a strong role model who just does what is right because she knows that it is the right thing to do. She doesn't care what others want her to do or how others perceive her, she just wants to help others and be a good person. 

Why Jen Thinks Rapunzel Makes a Strong Role Model: In this book, Rapunzel seems to be challenging what people think of her. More of her playful personality shines through and I think it takes some of the princes by surprise. There are so many characters involved in both of the Hero's Guide books that it's almost like readers have a lot to experience in terms of the characters all developing relationships with each other. Rapunzel doesn't make an appearance in this book until almost halfway through. It seems clear to me that there is still so much more to learn about Rapunzel. While she isn't as outgoing and assertive as Ella or Briar Rose, she does have strong opinions and a certain confidence in understanding herself and her strengths and weaknesses. I would love to see her play more of a central role in future League of Princes books because I definitely believe there is more to Rapunzel!

What do you love about Rapunzel? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

and

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Snow

Princess's Name: Snow

Her Original Fairy Tale: "Snow White" collected by The Brothers Grimm, 1812

Her Kingdom: Sylvaria

Her Charming: Prince Duncan, who awoke her from a sleeping spell because the 7 dwarves found him

Characteristics: crafty, faithful, timid, calm, loyal, poised, even-tempered, level-headed, humble 

Quote: 
     "Another bandit shouted, 'Catch this, clown.' and winged a mealy apple at Snow. She spun around and caught it easily, then whipped it back at him. Several audience members began throwing vegetables, flatware, and other various doodads at Snow; and - with twirls, flips, and hops in between - she caught and tossed back every one. The bandits were laughing and clapping as Snow bounced around the stage, using those gifted arms of hers in a juggling act with the entire audience.
     'I didn't even know I was good at this,' Snow said, grinning uncontrollably. 'But I'm really good at this!'" (p. 417)

Why Kellee Thinks Snow Makes a Strong Role Model: One thing I love about the Hero's Guide books is that each princess is a completely different personality. Snow is representing the quiet, quirky girls. She is a loner, finds joy in solidarity, and loves nature. But, my favorite part about Snow is her and Duncan. They are a pure example of love. Although they can find themselves annoyed with each other, they always forgive and forget. 

Why Jen Thinks Snow Makes a Strong Role Model: I'm a total sucker for happy endings...but the whole premise of the League of Princes is that happy ever after might not be what we envision. And I can accept that just because one story ends, it doesn't mean that another story isn't beginning. And I can also accept that relationships have ups and downs and bumps along the way. But I still love my, if only temporary, happy endings. This is precisely why it makes me so happy to see Snow and Duncan still together. I'm just going to go ahead and say that Duncan is pretty goofy. What? He is. But Snow totally gets him and loves him despite his goofiness. Because of his goofiness? I don't know but it's really sweet. I love that she gains some confidence in this book, or that we see more of her talents and that she isn't just a sweet girl who talks to animals and hangs out with dwarves. When put in a difficult situation, Snow takes a deep breath and takes care of business much to even her own surprise. The quote, "Keep calm and carry on," comes to mind when I think of Snow. 

What do you love about Snow? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

and

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Briar

Princess's Name: Briar Rose

Her Original Fairy Tale: "The Sleeping Beauty" by Charles Perrault, 1697

Her Kingdom: Avondell

Her Charming: Prince Liam, from the Kingdom of Erinthia, battled his way past a dragon and woke her from a sleeping spell by kissing her

Characteristics: determined, focused, opinionated, strong-minded, no-nonsense, sarcastic, blunt, honest, self-centered, vain, bossy, independent, harsh, head-strong

Quote:
"...when something is promised to me, I make sure I get it." (p. 70)
"'I want what I want. That sword is the most legendary treasure our stupid family owns, so I want that sword. And as always, I will get what I want.'" (p. 114)
"'Just update me on your plan,' Briar said, biting into a grapefruit. 'You keep changing it around, and I want to make sure it's sound before I send you off to recover the object I desire most in the world.'" (p. 238)
"'Everybody shut up and let me think! Briar screeched. 'I came in here with a purpose, and all you losers are getting in my way.'" (p. 345)

Why Kellee Thinks Briar Makes a Strong Role Model: Briar is the mean girl of the group and I knew when reading that I would have the hardest time explaining how she is a role model, but in the end she has more heart than she portrays. It is actually through her change within the novel that made me realize that she is just a different type of role model. She can show that you can change and that it is okay to be head strong and go for what you want as long as you don't hurt those that get in your way. She knows what she wants. 
Why Jen Thinks Briar Makes a Strong Role Model: Briar doesn't have the best people skills but she definitely knows what she wants! She is the perfect example of a strong girl role model who isn't necessarily a protagonist. She's not quite the enemy either, but she definitely isn't well-accepted by the League of Princes or the other princesses, for that matter. Briar is determined and focused and will work to get what she wants although she might not do it in the most graceful way. Sometimes it's important to speak up for what you want. I think readers will recognize how Briar's hamartia and recognize that while she does get what she wants, she doesn't really make a whole lot of friends along the way. There is definitely a lot to learn from Briar!

What do you love about Briar? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

and

School Lunch Superhero Day!

Jarret Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the fabulous Lunch Lady graphic novel series, has worked with Random House to launch the first ever School Lunch Superhero Day. This Friday, May 3rd, Jarrett asks that we recognize the hard work of our beloved lunch superheroes. Visit the School Lunch Superhero site or the Pinterest board for ideas of how to celebrate. What it comes down to is showing school lunch staff that we appreciate the work that they do!

Jen: My little Peanut eats breakfast and lunch at school almost everyday. He actually eats a light breakfast at home with us, breakfast at school, snack at school that we send, and lunch at school. A few times we send in lunch with him but it's much more convenient for us if he can buy lunch at school. We are actually really happy with the options he has for lunch. They seem to be healthy lunches and there is a hot lunch option or a cold lunch option. When I asked Peanut who his lunch lady is, he responded Ms. B. right away. I talked to him about a special lunch lady day and asked if he wanted to draw a picture and write a note to Ms. B. He drew himself with his lunch card and his tray and Ms. B. 

Peanut told me about his favorite school food and I wrote out his message to Ms. B. He was excited to share that Bosco sticks are his favorite food. I remember these when I was in school and everyone always loves Bosco sticks. I'm not sure if Bosco sticks are something that exist all over the nation or the world, but they are essentially breadsticks with melty mozzarella inside. They are really yummy.

As a parent who is super conscious about the foods I feed my children, I like to know that the school offers healthy options. We are always asking Peanut about which lunch choice he picked and if he ate his fruit or veggie. He doesn't always eat his fruit or veggie but we talk to him about healthy choices and make sure he has options for fruit and veg at home. School Lunch Superhero Day is a great opportunity to say thank you to the people who bring healthy options to our schools and make sure our students' bellies are filled so they can learn. Thank  you! A big round of applause!

Kellee: To truly show the food superheroes of my school how much they are appreciated, I am having my classes make a giant thank you card for all of their hard work. Students are allowed to write their own letters or make their own cards as well. My yearbook class and I will deliver the card on Friday. We hope through this gesture, that our cafeteria workers will realize that they are not forgotten and are so appreciated. I'll add pictures below of the cards and the delivering after May 3rd.

Are you celebrating School Lunch Superhero Day this year? 

Please tell us your plans! We would love to hear them.
And if you haven't read Jarret Krosoczka's Lunch Lady graphic novels, check them out!

and

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Ella

Princess's Name: Ella 

Her Original Fairy Tale: "Cinderella" or "The Little Glass Slipper" first published by Charles Perrault in 1697 then by the Brothers Grimm in 1812

Other Versions: 18 different ballets or operas, 4 different plays, 19 different films 

Her Kingdom: Harmonia

Her Charming: Prince Frederic, wowed Ella at the royal ball

Characteristics: strong-willed, opinionated, outspoken, brave, determined, focused, honest, adventurous

Quote: 
     "The comment caught Ella off guard, and Vero's sword slashed across her cheek, drawing blood.
     'I am sorry it had to come to that, dear lady,'  Vero said. 'Would you like to surrender now?'
     'Not a chance,' Ella growled. And she kicked Vero in the gut." (p. 425)

Why Kellee Thinks Ella Makes a Strong Role Model: Ella doesn't fit into the mold of what you consider when you think of Cinderella; Ella is adventurous, not afraid of risks, going against the norm, and kicking some butt when needed. Ella is definitely the girl who is the bravest in the most common definition of the word. Ella is exactly the type of girl that we started this series to support.
Why Jen Thinks Ella Makes a Strong Role Model: I love this girl! I love that she isn't afraid to speak her mind and she isn't afraid to take charge of the situation. Of all the girls, Ella seems to be the one who really acts like one of the princes: she'll fight, she'll make decisions, she'll do whatever needs to be done. Ella is a very focused character who seems to have a lot of self esteem.

What do you love about Ella? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

and