I want to highlight two excellent nonfiction biography series for beginning readers, ages 7 to 10, one called Little Guides to Great Lives and the other called The Story Of. Having taught this age group, I always struggled to find interesting nonfiction text for my students to read. Because, as you know, kids need to read both fiction and nonfiction (also called expository.) When I'd test a … [Read more...]
How Predictable Book Series Benefit Beginning Readers
"Mom, do you think the goblins stole the flag?" my daughter said one night as we read the (kazillionth) book in the Rainbow Magic Fairies series. (Or thereabouts.) If you haven't read these books, let me explain something quickly-- the goblins ALWAYS, in every book, are the bad guys. I tried to act surprised, "Hmm, I don't know. What do you think? What clues made you think it might be the … [Read more...]
8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018
If you're looking for new middle-grade books for your kids or students, these eight won't disappoint. I particularly want to highlight The Rhino in Right Field, The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle and The Jigsaw Jungle. But all the books on this list are great! 8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018 The Rhino In Right Field by Stacy DeKeyser HISTORICAL FICTION I loved this … [Read more...]
If You Have a Neurodiverse Child, Differently Wired Is a Must-Read
In a world full of parenting books for "typical" kids and books about understanding specific disorders, there aren't many books that guide us on how to embrace and parent an atypical, neurodiverse child. Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World is a judgment-free breath of fresh air; it shows parents like me how to see, parent, and celebrate the kids we've been … [Read more...]
Riveting Robot Books for Kids
Robots rock, right? (See what I did there? rrr ...) Get your STEM-loving kids jazzed about robots with these books all about robots! From picture books to nonfiction tomes, these books will get your kids excited about robotics. Riveting Robot Books for Kids The Robot Book by Heather Brown This robot has two eyes, two arms, and two legs, but what really makes him tick? Inside The Robot Book, … [Read more...]
Have You Seen These New Beginning Chapter Books? 2018
Beginning readers (ages 6 - 9) need engaging chapter books with interesting plots and memorable characters. That's why I like to bring you the latest new releases so you have even more reading options. Find ALL my book recommendations for new readers: Easiest Chapter Books for 6- and 7-Years-Old Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds Have You Seen These New … [Read more...]
Travel the World: Books for Kids About Japan and Japanese Culture
Travel to Japan by reading picture books and chapter books that are set in Japan and show Japanese culture and traditions. Books help kids learn about different countries and their cultures. For me, the book Shogun first got me interested in Japanese culture. I wonder what it will be for your kids? Happy travels! Picture Books About Japanese Culture My First Book of Japanese Words: An … [Read more...]
Historical Fiction Books About The Civil Rights Movement
Whether in the classroom or at home, kids ages 9 - 12 (middle-grade readers) need quality historical fiction chapter books that illuminate our history. In this case, the Civil Rights Movement. These novels contain memorable characters and plots. Although they're fiction, this often helps bring the history to life in a way that kids won't soon forget. Historical Fiction Books About The Civil … [Read more...]
Best Summer Beach Reads For Moms!
written by Christa Jimenez of Pura Vida Moms Hi, I'm Christa- writer, photographer, world traveler, foodie, voracious reader and bilingual mom. I love all things Costa Rica- including my soccer-loving husband and two bicultural daughters. You can find me at www.puravidamoms.com. Summer is here and many of us have a bit more time to read-- especially on vacation. There is nothing that I love … [Read more...]
10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018
I absolutely loved Front Desk -- it's my favorite book on this list -- don't miss it. The others are mostly a mix of adventure and coming-of-age. 10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018 Front Desk by Kelly Yang COMING-OF-AGE / INCLUSION This is a must-read 2018 middle-grade book!! Mia and her parents have struggled ever since moving to America from China. When her parents take a new live-in job … [Read more...]
Children’s Chapter Books Set in South and Southeast Asia
Are you looking for chapter books for kids that take place in south and southeast Asia? Specifically Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Vietnam? Or you might be looking for stories in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries. Find more about these countries and religions in this list of novels. Isn't it wonderful that we can connect to the larger world through stories? … [Read more...]
22 Magical Children’s Books About Unicorns (Picture Books & Chapter Books)
Does your child love unicorns? Of all the magical creatures in the world, unicorns are probably the most beloved by children. Celebrate these fantastical creatures with memorable stories -- in picture books for younger readers and chapter books for older readers. And, if you find out that unicorns are real, will you let me know? Because I'm almost positive they're out there … [Read more...]