What follows are images and a list of some of the books I read this summer or currently reading.
In addition to the books listed above, this summer I also read Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, Start with Joy by Katie Egan Cunningham, Indian No More by Charlene Willing MacManis & Traci Sorell, On/Me by Francine Cunningham, and Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed.
I loved all of these books, which makes me wonder about the fact that I rarely abandon books. I’ve only abandoned two books that I can think of and one of them I went back to read at a later time and wondered why I ever set it aside in the first place. The second book I abandoned happened recently. This was a YA book that had gotten great reviews on social media, but for some reason I didn’t like the writing or the characters. I may pick it up to read again, but with so many great books out there I don’t have to worry about not having choices from which to make a selection.
This reminds me that I need to share these stories with my students so they can understand that we need to really love the books that we read and not read them just because someone recommended them or they’re the rave at the moment. While that may be, it may not be a book for us and with so many books out there…well, you get the picture.
Currently reading: Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park. Highly recommended!
And, finally, here’s a stack of picture books waiting to be read.
As summer comes to a close, I am thinking about how I am going to keep my reading life from falling apart. How I am going to keep my writing from becoming a once a week event. One idea I have is to make sure that I stick to a schedule that allows room for all of that. A schedule that prioritizes what’s important to me. A schedule that keeps me accountable and doesn’t let me undo everything I’ve worked so hard to do as a teacher who reads. As a teacher who writes.
Cross posted to the Two Writing Teachers Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge.
Elisa Waingort 
Very eclectic reading, and lots of good ideas for my own TBR pile there. I have been curious about Steal Like an Artist, and I also want to incorporate more books by indigenous writers into my reading.
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Thank you for your comment, Karen. I’m glad that my summer list is adding to your own want-to-read pile! Yes, Steal Like an Artist is worth the read. It’s not very long, but it’s full of great ideas.
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You’ve been reading so much! I love your last sentences- so powerful. You (we) are the examples for our students and it means so much to be people who read widely and write often.
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I’m hoping I’ll be able to keep up the momentum once I am back at school full time. Although I know that won’t be altogether possible, I don’t want to fall down on my reading or my writing. New resolution for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
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You have interesting choices in books, it makes me wonder what subject(s) you teach. I am not so adventurous, but you’ve made me want to take some chances with my reading choices! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for your comment. I teach grades 4 & 5 and am always looking for great middle grades titles for my students. However, I also love to read YA novels and sometimes wish I taught older kids so I could share the books I’m reading with them. I find Twitter is a great place for book recommendations. Good luck adjusting your reading choices.
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Elizabeth Acevedo is my new favorite author. The Poet X is equally stunning, as is With the Fire on High (although that one is not in verse). Thanks for sharing your recommendations!
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Reading The Poet X right now. My introduction to Elizabeth Acevedo was through With the Fire on High. Loved it! Highly recommend her newest book – Clap When You Land.
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Thank you for sharing your summer reading. Steal Like an Artist was the only familiar book to me. Now I have more books to add to my TBR pile. 🙂
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I love it when I come across new titles. I am maxed out on holds at my public library, so I have a “for later” list on my library app and it’s over 150 books long. I can never say I don’t know what I’m going to read next. LOL!
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I love a good reading list! Thanks for sharing
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You’re welcome, Tammy! Enjoy!
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