It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of Unleashing Readers. The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link-up and share your reading!
Celebrating America’s 250th with Publisher Spotlight! I am a lucky librarian. Thank you, Stacy and Tracy at Publisher Spotlight, for allowing me to read and share such wonderful books. These three titles are recent publications and I will add them to our school library collection in August. I loved learning more about America while I watched fireworks fly.
Mihaly, C., & Sevilla, M. (2026). America’s founding myths …and what really happened! Barefoot Books.
This oversized, colorful infographic-style book is gorgeous! I love infographics and this title encourages readers to ask questions and find answers, which is perfect for our middle school library time. Each time we turn the page, we find a flap that says, “The Myth.” When you flip the flap out, underneath is “The True Story of [topic],” such as “The True Story of Christopher Columbus (p. 8-9). Readers revisit the myth, the story they may have heard before, then read to find out what really happened. This is a great way for young researchers to explore history and learn more about America. Tactile-kinesthetic readers will love guessing the “True or False?” questions and uncovering the answers; these fun little flips are placed throughout the book for independent learning or quizzing a friend.
As a teacher tip, I recommend housing this book in your reference section of the classroom library or school library to make sure the pages and “flip” parts stay in tack. Pages 4 and 5 have a guide for readers for how to use the book and even a disclaimer that states, “If you need more help understanding something, or if you feel upset by something you’ve read, talk to a grown-up you trust.” That’s wise advice, and much appreciated, especially with all the controversies surrounding historical events recently.
Highly-recommended for grades 4 and up in classrooms and libraries.
5 Stars!
Murphy, B. (2026). How do you become president? A book about world leaders & government. Flowerpot Press.
The glossy, raised-pictures on the cover are delightful and children who pick up this book will say, “Ooh, this is nice!” The content is an overview of how people become leaders of countries. If the reader is looking for more specific information about how to become president, specifically, they will have to look elsewhere, as this title is an introductory book about different types of leaders around the world (which it does say in the title). The animated illustrations are fun to view, and the “Law or No Law?” true/ false questions and answers at the end of the book are hilarious and interesting. (“In Nebraska, it’s illegal to eat spaghetti with a spoon” is false.) This is a fun book to read with a friend or start a conversation in social studies class.
Since this is a paperback copy, I’d recommend keeping this on a reference table or with other browseable nonfiction books in a school library or classroom. This is an entertaining book that will get passed around.
4 Stars!
The Washington Post & What on Earth!. (2026). America as it happened: A moment-by-moment journey through time, from prehistory to the present day. What on Earth! Books.
This big, heavy (!) beautiful text will be housed in the reference section of our school library. A wealth of information is presented in newspaper-like pages that make it seem like the reader is reading a newspaper the day after a major historical event. As the reader turns the pages, they discover significant events, organized in chronological order through history. Turn to page 8 first to find out “How to Use This Book.” Then take a tour through major happenings of America, from before 1600 through the 2000s. Along the bottom of the pages, there’s a timeline and QR codes that lead the reader to The Washington Post extras.
Each social studies class from middle school through high school and each school library should have a copy of this book. It’s a fascinating way to journey through time.
5 Stars!
It’s Monday! What are YOU reading?
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