Teachers and parents, do you need suggestions for good read-aloud books for the 4th grade? Research shows that reading aloud, as you probably know, expands vocabulary, improves comprehension, develops imagination, increases attention span, and best of all, engages readers in wonderful stories! What's more, sharing a read-aloud story can offer a wealth of instructional value as well as spark … [Read more...]
Easy Books for Older Kids (Who Are Struggling Readers)
If you have an older reader who needs to read easy books, easier than their grade level, it can be tricky to find high-interest books that don't seem ridiculous or babyish yet are still at a low reading level. This book list is for them. Readers who are struggling and need ideas for books that are easier to read. (Sometimes these books are called high-low books.) Granted, these books … [Read more...]
What’s New in Middle Grade Books, February 2019
Want to know what's new in middle-grade books? Here's what I've been reading that I want to share with you all. Hope you find something good to read. What's New in Middle-Grade Books, February 2019 Beast Rider by Tony Johnston and Maria Elena Fontanot de Rhoads (pub: 3/19/19) REALISTIC / IMMIGRATION I couldn't put this book down! It's an eye-opening, powerful story of growing up, … [Read more...]
What are the Best Greek Mythology Books for Kids?
Kids love Greek mythology books. Especially if they're action-packed, funny, and adventurous like Percy Jackson or Myth-O-Mania! Greek myths get growing readers reading both nonfiction and fiction which is skill-building and enriching. The nonfiction mythology books on this list often motivate kids to challenge themselves to read more difficult texts than they normally would. Watch how much … [Read more...]
New Beginning Chapter Books, Winter 2019
You probably know how much I love finding GOOD beginning chapter books that will keep kids reading because the stories are really engaging & interesting. I particularly love both Rabbit & Bear and Fox + Chick for new readers. I predict these will be read and reread many, many times. New Beginning Chapter Books, Winter 2019 Big Words Small Stories: The Missing Donut by Judith … [Read more...]
Read Aloud Books for 3rd Grade
This list of books contains teacher-recommended, kid-favorite read aloud books for third (3rd) grade. (Third grade is about age 8 here in the U.S.) How do you pick which books to read with your class? INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSE Consider your instructional purpose as well as cross-curricular themes in science, social studies, and writing. You can also use the books on this list to model and … [Read more...]
Read Aloud Books for Second Grade
If you're a 2nd-grade teacher, librarian, or parent, this list of read aloud books will give you teacher and kid recommended titles plus a printable list. (For non-U.S. readers, second graders are 7-year-olds here.) As you consider which books to read, you also must consider the instructional purpose and potential curriculum tie-in. That's why I'm including themes, topics, and skills for each … [Read more...]
The Best Read Aloud Books for First Grade
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers, are you looking for a good list of books to read aloud to your first graders? Here a list of favorite books recommended by first-grade teachers, kids, and me -- a mixture of newer titles and classic favorites. You are going to love these books! But first, here are some important considerations when picking a read-aloud book. Higher Reading … [Read more...]
Similar Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
If your kids like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you'll want to find read-alike books to keep your children engaged in reading. This book list contains books that are just as hilarious and appealing to kids. Happy reading! Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier, illustrated by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley Kids LOVE this … [Read more...]
New Middle Grade Books (Ages 8 – 12)
Ready to see what I've been reading? Here's what's new in middle-grade books from realistic to sci-fi to historical fiction. But before I get to the reviews, I did want to address what we talked about a few months back...whether or not I include book reviews of books that aren't positive. So many of you emailed me that it would be helpful for you to know about books that I didn't love. … [Read more...]
Emotional Intelligence Activities for Kids
(updated: 1/5/19) I've been reading aloud Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves to my 13-year-old daughter. It was a school assignment. She didn't want to read it so we're reading it together. Interestingly enough, it's been really helpful. It's helping AJ label emotions and also providing strategies to improve her emotional self-awareness and emotional self-management. … [Read more...]
A Year of Reading Challenges for Kids
The goal in this reading challenge is for kids to read 12 books in 12 different categories in 12 months. I've purposely built-in flexibility to make this easier to achieve. Alternatively, your children can set their own 12 book goal if these categories don't appeal. Whatever gets them to read and read in a variety of texts, that is the goal. A Year of Reading Challenges for Kids Use this yearly … [Read more...]