What I'm Currently Reading...
A place for me to share with you my own reading and recommendations. Check out my blog from my previous site for several years of book recommendations there as well. 
the Words in my Hands
June 2022: Just finished this YA realistic-near future dystopian story about Piper, a Deaf teen navigating the world of hearing and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). This novel is gorgeous! It's presented as an art journal--each page has something to look at and explore. The story takes place in the near-ish future where there's a food crisis.
The Elephant in the Room
11/2021: Ok this book made me cry several times over. It's a story of family struggle--Sila's mom is having difficulty re-entering the U.S. from Turkey, and they are trying to cope without her. It's a story of new friendships. And it's an animal story as well--definitely for fans of The One and Only Ivan. I really loved this book.
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
10/2021: Oh my gosh, go out and read this now! I really loved this one. The genre is a sort of magical realism, based on Mexican myth. So good. Cece is the unlikely hero who sets out on a journey to save her sister from El Sombreron, the bride stealer. Read it! Cece Rios.
Efren Divided
10/2021: Wow! This is a powerful story about Efren, who is trying to balance school and friends, while caring for his siblings after his mother, Ama, has been deported to Mexico. Realistic fiction. Loved it. Efren Divided.
A Wish in the Dark
9/2021: I am LOVING this story about Pong, a boy who was born in a prison, unjustly kept there in this society, and escapes. There's magic in this society as well--it's set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, so cool. I've only just started, but I'm already hooked. A Wish in the Dark.
180 Days
8/2021: I can't believe it took so long for me to read this! 180 Days is full of ideas and reasoning around the need for daily genuine reading and writing. I haven't finished yet, but I'm very excited about what I'm learning and what it's inspiring me to think about in my own classroom.
Clean Getaway
8/2021: Clean Getaway is a funny and entertaining story about a cross country adventure Scoob takes with his Grandma. Nic Stone is a celebrated and trusted YA author, and I think this is her first middle grade novel. I'm enjoying it!