It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 2/15/2021

What I Read

I definitely read off-plan this week! I’m not going to argue too much, because I did get some reading done. It just wasn’t what I planned on reading! But, honestly, as long as I’m reading, I’m happy. Considering, I also worked all day on Saturday, having read (almost) three books is pretty awesome.

Unsettled

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi was on my radar after hearing about it from a virtual friend, Kathie gush about it! We tend to have the same taste in books and I value her book opinions, so I knew this was something I wanted to read. This is a perfect read-alike for kids who loved Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga. It’s also written in verse from the perspective of an immigrant, middle grade student. It’s a powerful read about family, friends, and standing up for what you believe and who you are. This title will be released in May 2021.

These Unlucky Stars

I’m a big fan of Gillian McDunn’s previous works, so when I saw this was available on NetGalley, I was excited to read it! Gillian does an amazing job of writing characters that feel so real. In this story, Annie feels sorry for herself because her mother told her she was unlucky, and then her mom left the family. But, throughout the story, she goes out of her way to help friends and neighbors and soon learns that there’s more to life than just luck. And that she has a whole community of people who care about her – none of whom can replace her mom, but who care nonetheless. This title will be released in March 2021.

The Mending Summer

Written by Ali Standish, I’m about halfway through The Mending Summer. I’m loving the mix of mystery, magic, and realism that are combined so effortlessly. Ali Standish does amazing work in terms of creating deep feelings of loss in her characters and I’m really intrigued to see where this one goes. This is another title that will be published in May 2021.

What I’m Planning to Read

Since I ignored my reading plan from last week (again), I have a few to read now! This week, my goal is to read The Losers at the Center of the Galaxy by Mary Winn Heider. I’d also like to get to Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim. I have the second title as an ARC, but I want to read the first one, so I know what’s happening! Plus, I’m going to try and read/listen to Three Keys by Kelly Yang – I didn’t get to it last year and I don’t want to forget about it!

I’m continuing to shout out a different Black creator every day on my Instagram during the month of February. So you’ll definitely want to pop over there and take a look!

What else have you been reading lately?

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Check out the hashtag #IMWAYR for reading suggestions from readers across the globe.