July 2022 Reads

Aug 3, 20223 min read

This month I felt like I finally found my rhythm again. I read lots of audiobooks, a few ebooks, and even a hardcover book. Quinn and I also read lots of board books, which has been so fun (at least it's been fun for me; still waiting to hear her thoughts ☺). Most of my reading happens with audiobooks, so if you haven't tried them, here's your reminder to do so!

Finding Me by Viola Davis. I hadn't read a memoir/biography/autobiography in a long time, and this one was perfect. Thanks to it, I have a newfound appreciation, love, and respect for all that goes into the person people become.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. People are saying this one is THEE romance book of the summer. I thought it was good, but have forgotten a lot about it since finishing it, so do with that what you will.
Odder by Katherine Applegate. I love Katherine Applegate. She is so talented at choosing the very best words and making me appreciate so many things about the world.
Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free, No-Stress Way to Transform Your Home and Your Life by Allie Casazza. A few months ago, I read Allie Casazza's children's book about decluttering, and I loved it. This one was just as great, with practical, realistic tips for freeing oneself from all the stuff in life.
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi. I liked this delightful story of acceptance and friendship. It'll make a great addition to my classroom!
The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne. I love Donalyn Miller and her ideas. This book was just what I needed to get excited about the upcoming school year. Every teacher should read this one.
Water, Water by Cary Fagan. This was a total impulse buy the last time I was in a bookstore. It starts with the main character, a young boy, waking up in his bedroom. He quickly realizes that his bedroom is no longer attached to his house and is, in fact, floating in the middle of the ocean. It was a fantastic survival story with stunning illustrations.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore. Someone I followed on instagram said this was their favorite book of 2021, and I had never even heard of it. Of course that meant I had to read it. It was fantastic. There's a series of deaths that are assumed to be opioid overdoses. The main character is a police officer with a traumatic past, who is trying to figure out what is actually happening. I loved finding out how everything unfolded.
The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Rawson Hill. Elephants are INCREDIBLE creatures, and this realistic fiction middle grade novel taught me another way they are so fascinating. Cass's dad has had cancer on and off her entire life, and his cancer is back at the beginning of the book. Scientists are looking to elephants to help find a cure, and they end up being a source of hope for Cass. The story is based on members of the authors family, and it definitely had me highlighting and tearing up throughout the whole thing.
Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child by Pernille Ripp. I remember when this book first came out but hadn't read it until I stumbled on the audiobook. Like Donalyn Miller, Pernille Ripp is a fantastic teacher who just gets it when it comes to teaching reading and empowering students. I'm glad I waited until now to read because I will have older students next year, and reading made me so excited to implement some new things with them.