THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart – A story full of personality and emotion

Another book you really don’t want to put down! A cool “road trip” story with an interesting cast of characters and a mission that will break your heart.

Description from the publisher

Five years.

That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation.

It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash.

Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished—the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box—she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days...without him realizing it.

Along the way, they'll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there's Gladys...

Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her “once upon a time” into a “happily ever after.”

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart was published by Henry Holt in 2019.

Why you want to read this book:

Coyote’s story is heart-breaking and full of hope at the same time. It’s a contemporary “quest” story with a lot of kindness and a troop of interesting characters to help and cheer on Coyote as she faces one of the most difficult challenges in her life. This story is full of interesting details. For example, she adopts a kitten and names it Ivan, after one of her favorite book characters.

Opening:

There were big days and there were small days and there were bad days and there were good days and I suppose I could pick any one of ‘em for my “once upon a time.”

If you’re a writer…

There is so much personality in this story! I’d definitely read this if you’re thinking about how to create a unique or quirky story, one that stands out from the crowd.

I know it’s weird to call eyes “quiet,” since I’ve never seen a loud eyeball, but it’s the truth. Salvador’s eyes were quiet, and something about that quietness kinda gave you the courage to talk to them.

If you’re an educator…

Kids who have experienced periods of sadness or family troubles will be able to relate to this book. Coyote’s interesting character keeps you hooked on the story, but it’s really the story of how she and her father come to term with a terrible, life-changing event. It’s also a story of perseverance, because Coyote has a goal and she really doesn’t let anything stop her from reaching it. The other big theme in this book is kindness and helping others.

“Friend” wasn’t a word I heard all that often. It is one of those words that once you hear it, you wanna hear it a lot more.

Here's another review of this book by Colby Sharp:

  

If you’re looking for another great list of middle grade books to read, check out Marvelous Middle Grade Monday on Greg Pattridge's blog.

I’M SAD by Michael Ian Black & Debbie Ridpath Ohi

A perfect book to help young children understand and deal with difficult feelings! I'm so pleased these books are forming a series – the next to come is I’m Worried (check out the cover reveal on Matthew Winner's blog). I received a review copy of this book from Debbie Ridpath Ohi, who has also been my critique partner for several years now. Debbie is such a kind and generous person in the world of children's publishing and I’m so thrilled to be featuring her book on my blog today!

Summary from the publisher:

Everyone feels sad sometimes—even flamingos.

Sigh.

When Flamingo announces he’s feeling down, the little girl and Potato try to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. Not even dirt! (Which usually works for Potato.)

Flamingo learns that he will not always feel this way. And his friends learn that sometimes being a friend means you don’t have to cheer someone up. You just have to stick by your pal no matter how they feel.

Even if they’re a potato.

I’m Sad was written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. It was published by Simon & Schuster  Books for Young Readers in 2018.

Opening:     

I’m sad.

Will I always be like this?

My Thoughts as a Writer:

This book has a definite message, but it’s presented in such a fun and matter-of-fact way that it doesn’t come across as didactic. The story connects with readers because of the universal theme of sadness as well as the kid-friendly dialogue and solutions to the problem. It’s so lovely to find a book that doesn’t present an easy solution to wrap up the problem, the way many picture books do, but instead lets the feeling sit with readers.

My Thoughts as an Educator:

I'm so thrilled to have this book as part of my classroom collection. As a kindergarten teacher, I can never have too many books about emotions and this one provides so many opportunities for discussion. It includes a few questions, such as “Why do sad things happen?” and the message that sad feelings are natural and okay. The big, expressive illustrations are perfect for read alouds. Books with a humor that have deeper layers for discussion and thought are always a big hit! 

Ages: 4 - 8

Grades: K – 3

Themes: sadness, emotions, friendship

Activities:

Share: Draw a picture or tell about a time when you felt sad. Educators could collect the pictures or stories to make a class “Sad Book” or video for students to look at when they are feeling sad.

Design & Build: Could you make a hideout for flamingo and two friends to hang out in when they feel sad? What materials would you use?

Write: Make a list of things that might cheer you up when you’re feeling sad.

For more details about I'm Sad, check out Debbie Ohi's bonus page and this amazing teacher's guide created by Marcie Colleen, which is absolutely packed with great activities.