Do you have an art loving kid? These books celebrate many aspects of art whether you're an artist or just like to know about art, your kids will love these inspiring picture books and chapter books about trips to the museum, famous artists, and making your own art. Inspiring Children's Books for Art Lovers PICTURE BOOKS The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Vashti is discouraged -- she is no artist. … [Read more...]
More Recommended NEW Chapter Books, Fall 2018
Ready for more new books? I just love so many of these and hope you check them out to see if your kids and students will, too. Recommended New Chapter Books, Fall 2018 Blended by Sharon Draper REALISTIC / COMING OF AGE / DIVORCE Isabella spends one week with her dad and his girlfriend, the next week with her mom and her boyfriend. She hates it. She really hates exchange day when she … [Read more...]
10 Favorite Spooky Chapter Books for Middle Grade Readers
written by Kathie MacIsaac, librarian and middle-grade book lover (full bio below) Do you like to read a book that makes you pull the covers a little tighter around you? Do you enjoy a story that gives you goosebumps, or requires you to sleep with the light on? Many kids love scary stories with ghosts and supernatural forces, but I also like a dark and emotional tale that tugs at my … [Read more...]
Kwame Alexander on New Book, Reading, & Upcoming Tour
Kwame Alexander's books connect to kids. In fact, it's why he's one of the most popular authors of our time --kids can't put his books down! In a recent phone conversation, Alexander shared, "I try to write books that kids are going to want to pick up and not going to want to put down. I'm writing for me, the book that I would want to read and not put down." Well, he succeeds. If you haven't … [Read more...]
The Best Dystopian Chapter Books for Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9 – 12)
You've probably read a dystopian novel or two in high school. (Remember 1984 and Farenheight 451?) This genre gets kids reading a LOT. Although there are more young adult (YA) dystopian novels than middle-grade, don't worry-- there are many great middle grade choices, too. These are my favorite books to introduce your tween kids (ages 9 - 12) to this addictive genre. The Oxford … [Read more...]
New Mayan Mythology Adventure Chapter Book Giveaway
Disclosure: Disney Book Group is partnering with me for a giveaway! Do you know about Mayan mythology? You will after reading The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes published by Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney Book Group. Learn more about this new fictional book infused with Mayan mythology at ReadRiordan.com. Then, buy The Storm Runner on Amazon AND/OR enter to win a copy (and $100 Visa … [Read more...]
6 New Beginning Chapter Books with Female Main Characters, Fall 2018
I'm excited to tell you about these new beginning chapter books including a new STEM series about Rosie Revere and her good friends, Iggy Peck and Ada Twist. All these easy chapter books are illustrated with bigger text size and less text per page making them good reading choices for your 6 - 9-year-olds. What's more, all these titles contain female main characters with pluck and creativity. … [Read more...]
Hook Tweens on Magical Realism with These Incredible Books
Magical realism books aren't like fantasy -- there are no magicians or magical creatures -- this is a genre of realistic stories containing just a little bit of magic. Like the story of a girl on a farm with chickens who have powers. Or a tree in an orchard who grows things that the child most needs. I fell in love with magical realism in college when I read Isabel Allende's House of … [Read more...]
11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018
Want to know about the best new middle grade books? These will draw in tween readers with their compelling characters, important themes, and emotionally resonating stories. 11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018 Sweep by Jonathan Auxier HISTORICAL FICTION / MAGICAL REALISM Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky girl and her protector … [Read more...]
12 Novels in Verse (That Get Kids Reading)
Have your tween kids tried reading novels in verse, stories written in free verse or prose? The text looks easy to read which often entices reluctant readers but dive deeper and you'll find compelling stories filled with heart, important themes, and precise language. I first fell in love with novels written in verse as an elementary fifth-grade teacher reading Love That Dog by Sharon Creech … [Read more...]
7 Middle-Grade Chapter Books I’m Loving, Summer 2018
As summer wraps up, I wanted to share some of my new favorite middle-grade titles. If you like historical fiction, Lifeboat 12 is a must-read. Artists will love The Frame-Up mystery novel. Fantasy lovers, you don't want to miss the enchanting Willa of the Wood whose beautiful cover is one of my favorite covers EVER. But, there are even more good books on this list. See for … [Read more...]
Outstanding Beginning Nonfiction Biographies for Ages 7 – 10
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...]