Wednesday Book Review: I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love

I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love by Alec Aspinwall


The grandchild laments that he wishes his grandfather "weren't so good at getting old", and the grandfather responds he was always an overachiever. Here the sweet understanding of a grandchild learning about grief and loss, but realizing that the departed live on, around us, as "the water", is the star of the story. Filled with heart, this is a wonderful book for grief or loss, or even just to remind kids "whose they are" and as they go out in the world, the ones they love and that love them, are always with them.

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Google Classroom Filing Cabinet!

Gearing up for a new school year? Want to get ideas about how to set up your Google Classroom and organize it from the get go? Check out my Google Classroom Filing Cabinet! 

Wednesday Book Review: The Teachers March!

The Teachers March! by Sandra Neil Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


"Show up and show out", Reverend Reese preaches, and show up they do, when the teachers march! This would be great paired with Let the Children March, and a deep dive into Selma, the parallels between the time of segregation, the peaceful protests of that time and the peaceful protests of now and how the media skews them. This could also be tied to a discussion of voters rights, voting tests (could you tell me how many drops of water are in the Alabama River?), government, and the importance of not only voting, but voting in your own communities at the local level. As well as understanding the platforms and bias of local candidates that will directly effect community needs and services: like schools, public transportation, police presence (or lack of), fire department services, public libraries, park districts, and more!

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Wednesday Book Review: Probably a Narwhal

Probably a Narwhal by Shelley Moore Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just plain fun! Girl blames her messes (pies, rainbows, etc.), probably a narwhal. Quickly we figure out that she does not actually know what a narwhal is, but a narwhal shows up to set her straight! This book could also be used as a "take responsibility" mentor text. Loved this one!

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Wednesday Book Review: I Talk Like a River

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heartwarming story about a boy who stutters. With watercolor illustrations that go from vivid to muddy mirroring his speech impediments, I think it would be a great SEL and therapy addition supporting speech therapists. It can also be a conversation starter in the classroom about how and why students sometimes stumble on their words and how to be supportive.

Thank you to Edelweiss for the eARC.

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Wednesday Book Review: Oh! What a Surprise!

Oh! What a Surprise! by Suzanne Bloom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goose and Bear are making surprises. Fox MUST know what they are. When Goose and Bear don't share their surprises, Fox decides to make his own. All of the friends will find out their surprises! Adorable story for the very young could be used as reminder to be patient, or for just fun and finding little hints in the illustrations to figure out what the surprises are.

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Wednesday Book Review: All Along the River

All Along the River by Magnus Weightman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reminiscent of Richard Scarry's illustrations and anthropomorphized animals, crossed with a Where's Waldo/I Spy feel, this story is a cute animal story of lost and found. With tons of details to seek and follow, along with cute little pictorial jokes (my fave is when Little Duck is in the row of swans across one spread). The open ending gives readers a place to use their imagination to think of their own adventures that little duck and Bunny might go on next!

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