Give the gift of reading with a boxed set of chapter books. Once you can get kids hooked on a book series, it will keep them reading for hours, days, and weeks. These are chapter books series that are just too good to put down. When should you give a boxed set of books? Holidays like Christmas or birthdays or anytime just for fun. And to whom would you give a boxed set? Any child in your … [Read more...]
Best Middle Grade Chapter Books of 2018
What are the best middle-grade books of 2018? I've picked my favorite books of the year. Books that transported me to other worlds, made me feel deeply, and inspired me to think about big issues. And these books are so well written, I couldn't put them down. Comment if you've read any of these or you want to share other favorites! If you're curious about other 2018 books, you read the … [Read more...]
11 Ways to Motivate Middle School Students to Read
A teacher recently wrote to me asking how to motivate her middle school students to read more. It's such a relevant question for parents and teachers everywhere. In a time when technology is more alluring than ever and test scores are driving instruction, here are some ways to get our middle grade students excited about reading-- either again or for the first time. And before I launch … [Read more...]
16 Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving books for kids share the early history of the United States, gratitude, and thankfulness. Do you know that thankfulness is a habit - something to practice and make a regular part of your day? (Kind of like exercise!) We practice thankfulness each night in our family prayers. For other people, they might share gratitude at a family meal. The good news is that gratitude directly … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Elections and Voting
I firmly believe it's our responsibility as citizens to educate kids about the democratic process of elections and voting. (Even though you might dislike election time and the drama that comes with it!) Election season gives us an opportunity to teach children about elections by reading kid-appropriate children's books like these... Children's Books about Elections and Voting This Little … [Read more...]
Informative Biographies for Children Ages 7 – 17 (New in 2018)
Many kids need encouragement to read biographies but do it -- it's a valuable thing to do. Why? Because biographies show that ordinary people can have extraordinary lives. It helps children be self-reflective, particularly if parents and teachers use biographies for discussion and reflection. Not to mention, reading nonfiction is an important part of developing a well-rounded skill … [Read more...]
80 Favorite Book Character Costumes
Dress up as your favorite book character and have a Happy Bookish Halloween! How about one of these book character costume ideas from the favorite children's picture and chapter books? I've linked to many costumes you can buy and some you can make. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to find a fun book costume that works for you! Favorite Book Character Costumes Alice in … [Read more...]
Inspiring Children’s Books for Art Loving Kids
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...]