Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books We’ve Read So Far In 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Top Ten Books We’ve Read So Far In 2015

These are the best books we’ve read so far this year.

Ricki

You can blame me for making Kellee limit her list to five books. I told her we have to limit ourselves or people will be overwhelmed. Of course, now I regret that decision because I have to limit myself to five. 😉

1. Picture Book: What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

This book left me mesmerized. I immediately ordered a copy and sent it to my sister, who is always drumming up ideas of inventions. This book will inspire children to have confidence in their imagination.

2. Picture Book: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

I read everything by this incredible author. This book seems to have led to a movement. So many parents are taking their children on public transportation to allow them to explore the world. My son asks me to read this book over and over again.

3. Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Book: Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

From the first chapter, I was hooked in the splendor of Circus Mirandus. I just finished this book, so I am excited to write a full review. If you like Roald Dahl or can get lost in a magical book, try this one. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Young Adult Literature: X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon

I can’t stop blogging about this book! I debated listing other great young adult texts I read this year, but I wanted this book to stand out. It is a book that will force kids to think. Malcolm Little (Malcolm X) is not always a likable character, and that will allow for great classroom conversations.

5. Classic Literature: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

I’ve been saying I would read this book for a long time. Finally, I got my hands on the 23 audio discs of this epic text, and I went for it. I had many car rides that were full of the this winding, interwoven tale, and I loved it.

Kellee

These lists are always the hardest for me. If you have ever looked at my “Best of…” lists at the end of the year, you know I am not a minimalist about sharing. I really think that if a book was one of the best and one I truly enjoyed, it deserves to be shared. However, I am going to keep this list to only 5 to stick with a total of 10. I just want to make sure you know that I had a list of  15 titles that I wanted to share (I’ll just wait until my end-of-the-year list!).

This list is in no particular order and does not include picture books.

1. Best YA: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

Gabi is a girl that goes through so much. This novel takes you through a very tough year in her life, but the reader also gets to experience her strength, the changes she wants to make, and the hopes of her future.

2. Best Novel-in-Verse & Middle Grade 1: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

It is so obvious why this book won the Newbery Medal. It is a rhythmic piece of literature filled with heart and soul, and Josh is a character that is so easy to connect with–he is real and you love him.

3. Best Audiobook 1 & Middle Grade 2: The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates (series) by Caroline Carlson

These books were so much fun! I love that Hilary is everything that society doesn’t want her to be and that she rocks at it. Girl power! Also, the gargoyle is one of the funniest characters!

4. Best Audiobook 2 & Middle Grade 3: Better Nate Than Ever (series) by Tim Federle

 

Oh Nate, Nate, Nate, Nate, Nate! Love him! He makes these books. He is funny, naive, talented, and just so brave. I wish I could jump in these books and be his friend!

5. Best Nonfiction & Graphic Novel: The Underground Abductor by Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale’s graphic novels about different historical times are brilliant, and I think this one is my favorite.  Harriet Tubman was one amazing woman, and I loved learning more about her.

Which books have you enjoyed this year? 

 and