It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date. Kellee Moye, of Unleashing Readers, and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. We encourage everyone who participates to visit at least three of the other kidlit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last week, I missed posting because I was at the American Library Association MidWinter Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. On Monday, I attended the Youth Media Awards. I love attending the Awards Announcement and the energy in the room.

The Schneider Family Book Awards are announced right at the beginning.

Very fortunate to serve with a fabulous group of teachers/librarians.

And the winners are....

Here's what I have been reading?

Love Is by Diane Adams (Chronicle Books, January 24, 2017) - Just in time for Valentine's Day and Spring, this Love Is story definitely will elicit an aww feeling.

How to Be A Bigger Bunny by Florence Minor and Wendell Minor (Katherine Tegen Books) - Sometimes a cover is a bit misleading. When I saw this, it had a Little Golden Books feel, but the story was much more. An enjoyable bunny hero story to be read over and over.

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey by Margriet Ruurs; Illustrated by Nizar Badr - Books are a way that we can share with children (and adults) the world around them. It opens windows and helps to build empathy and compassion. Definitely a book to read.

Yvain: The Knight of the Lion by M.T. Anderson; Illustrated by Andrea Offermann (Candlewick Press, March 14, 2017) - Different from what I expected from M.T. Anderson, this upcoming graphic novel tells the story of Yvain as part of the King Arthur's Legends. Beautifully illustrated.

Currently listening to....

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit (Knopf Books for Young Readers, January 2016) - Winner of the Odyssey Awards (best audiobooks for children and teens). I started this book and was immediately drawn into the story. The writing is rich and beautiful and you already know that despite that this is going to be an emotional read you won't be able to stop thinking about the story. (Note: For 13 or 14 years old and up)

Upon my return from Midwinter, I decided to read through some of the ALEX Awards. These are adult reads that will appeal to teen readers. Since I don't get to read many adult books, I thought this would be a fun way to introduce some new reads into my life. I have decided to start with IN THE COUNTRY WE LOVE: MY FAMILY DIVIDED by Diane Guerrero and Michelle Burford (Henry Holt and Co.)