20 LGBTQ+ Pride Books for Students of All Ages

All children should feel represented in the books in your classroom library. It’s important to share diverse titles so every student feels seen! In addition, exposing students to new points of view helps them to build empathy. Provide your students with a window into the many different experiences within the LGBTQ+ community when you […]

If Your Students Like “Turning Red,” Share These Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Titles

Between its cheeky humor, nostalgic early-2000s vibe and touching coming of-age themes, kids and adults alike can’t stop talking about Pixar’s “Turning Red.” This hit animated film addresses topics like puberty, parent/child relationships and being a teen in a way that makes students feel understood. If your students love the movie “Turning Red,” they […]

12 Books About Environmentalism and Climate Change

Kids are the future, and the quality of their lives depends on the state of our planet! Although your students may think they are too young to make a change, these timely books about environmentalism say otherwise. Encourage readers of all ages to get involved in saving the Earth when you share books about climate […]

13 Books/Series for Readers Who Love Harry Potter

One of the most important factors in learning to read is finding the right book. Chances are, the Harry Potter series was a gateway to your classroom library for many of your students. So what should they turn to when they’re ready for a new adventure? These popular, addicting titles are the perfect place to […]

Build Student Literacy and Reading Skills with These 14 Not-So-Traditional Fairy Tales

Although not originally intended only for children, fairy tales have had a prominent place in children’s literature for centuries. With their fantastic, magical elements and plot lines that support character education and social and emotional learning, fairy tales in the classroom can introduce students to history, international settings, critical literacy skills and more.
Fairy Tales Teach […]

By |January 3rd, 2017|Genres|2 Comments

A Place for Poetry: Mini-Lessons for the Classroom

April is National Poetry Month!!!

Now, depending on your personal experiences with poetry, you are either smiling with joy and happiness upon hearing that announcement, or you are cringing and considering closing this window. Twenty-five years ago (give or take a few) I was among the cringers. I. Hated. Poetry.
I Used to Love Poetry…
In my college […]

By |March 29th, 2016|Genres|5 Comments

Music, History and Craft: Powerful Classroom Learning with Pam Munoz Ryan’s Echo

I’ll be honest. When I decided to read Echo (Grades 5-9, Lexile 680) with my class, it was for selfish reasons. Pam Muñoz Ryan is one of my favorite authors, and Echo had been on my stack since the week it was published. But, with so many books and so little time, Echo, and its […]

By |February 29th, 2016|Genres|4 Comments

Can You Solve the Mystery? Booksource Book Club Reads Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Booksource Book Club invites you to read along with us. Every month or so (depending on the size of the book) a group of us book nerds gather to talk about a book we’ve all read. Now we want you to join in the fun! We’ll start by giving you an update of our last […]

By |April 7th, 2015|Genres|0 Comments

3-2-1 Fairy Tales: One High School Fairy Tale

You’re never too old to fall in love with the magic and mystery that make fairy tales come to life.

High school students (and adults) still love to be surprised by an author’s imagination, to feel like they’re part of a story where the seemingly impossible happens on every page.

Mix in some romance, some fierce competition […]

By |March 17th, 2015|Genres|0 Comments

3-2-1 Fairy Tales: Two Middle Grade Fairy Tales

Last week, I brought you three elementary fairy tale recommendations, and as promised, I’ve found two great titles for your middle school readers.

Of course, middle school students probably think they’re too cool for fairy tales. That’s why I’ve found some great options with darker themes and more complex narratives that are fresh and engaging. These […]

By |March 11th, 2015|Genres|0 Comments