Creating these book graphics cuts into my reading time, but it fills my creative tank and I’m excited to share this next batch!

Here is this month’s lineup:

Fiction: Lessons in Chemistry was my favorite title from last month. Its humorous, lighthearted tone made it a fun read even though it tackled some seriously gritty topics. The Eyes and the Impossible won the Newbery and I’m anxious to gather some student opinions on that book.

Picture Books & Early Readers: Should I be concerned that creating these graphics takes longer than actually reading a picture book? The irony is not lost on me!

— I cannot believe I’ve never read The Snowy Day before, especially considering it was published in 1962. My copy included several pages of backmatter that explained the inspiration for the book, Keats’ artistic process, and the response to the title’s publication. I highly recommend that version!

— I’ll never look at trees or walk through a forest in the same way thanks to The Wisdom of Trees. I love the thought of trees communicating through their root systems beneath the soil, with the older trees working to protect the forest saplings.

–I cheated with Farmhouse. I read that book quite a while ago, but I love it so much that I made its graphic just for fun. Bonus!

Graphic novels: I’m making an effort to read more graphic novels because they are so popular with my students. This graphic novel was inspired by Kate Moore’s 2017 nonfiction title The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women which got rave reviews. I’d love to read Moore’s version, but nonfiction rarely lands on the top of my TBR pile. The story of these women is an intriguing, tragic part of history and I’d love to learn more.

Wow, reflecting upon this list I think I’m due for some cheerier books in March! Happier reading!

Works Cited

Atwood, Margaret. The Robber Bride. New York City, Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, 1993.

Bailey, Jenn, and Mika Song. Henry, Like Always. San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 2023.

Blackall, Sophie. Farmhouse. New York City, Little, Brown and Company, 2022.

Cy. Radium Girls. Chicago, Iron Circus Comics, 2022.

Eggers, Dave, and Shawn Harris. The Eyes & the Impossible. New York City, Alfred A. Knopf, 2023.

Fong, Pam. When the Fog Rolls in. New York City, Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2023.

Garmus, Bonnie. Lessons in Chemistry. New York City, Doubleday, 2022.

Gibbons, Kaye. Ellen Foster. Vintage books ed., New York City, Vintage Books, 1990.

Judge, Lita. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom. New York City, Roaring Brook Press, 2021.

Marsh, Katherine. The Lost Year. New York City, Roaring Brook Press, 2023.

Pringle, Laurence, and Kate Garchinsky. The Secret Life of the Sea Otter. New York City, Astra Young Readers, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2022.

Wallis, Velma, et al. Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun: An Athabaskan Indian Legend from Alaska. New York City, HarperPerennial, 1997.

Weatherford, Carole Boston, and Frank Morrison. How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. Somerville, Candlewick Press, 2023.

Windness, Kaz. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. Simon Spotlight edition. ed., New York City, Simon Spotlight, 2023.