Writers use juicy words and phrases to describe sensory images that SHOW not TELL. We can also show our kids how good writers use all their senses in their writing to describe in sensory details so that readers feel like they are IN the story. Use mentor texts in your writing workshop to teach growing writers how to write description using vivid verbs, precise adjectives, rich figurative language, … [Read more...]
Beautiful, Emotional Middle Grade Books That Probably Will Make You Cry
In a strange coincidence, these five early 2019 middle-grade novels share a common thread -- they'll probably be the most beautiful, tender, and emotional stories you'll read all year. Or even for many years. Not only that, all five of these books include a main character with special needs -- intellectual differences as well as physical. Which is incredible and adds a rich depth to each book. … [Read more...]
The Scientific Method in Picture & Chapter Books
Get your kids excited about the scientific method with engaging picture books and chapter books like these. This science inquiry process is beneficial because it teaches kids to think: to make observations, ask questions, form hypotheses, experiment, analyze, fail, try again, and draw conclusions. Children's books like these make this process fun & exciting using memorable characters and … [Read more...]
If You Like Percy Jackson, Here’s What to Read Next
Percy Jackson is a funny, engaging hero on a classic hero's journey. Kids can't put this book series down. It's mythological, magical, and totally addictive. But if you're done with the series, don't despair, there are so many fantastic books you can read next. *As far as the new imprint from Rick Riordan with mythological titles, unfortunately, the three I've read so far were just so-so to me … [Read more...]
Read Aloud Books for 5th Grade
I'm continuing my read aloud book recommendations, this week is for 5th grade. (Fifth grade is ages 11-12.) to teach things like reading strategies, literary devices, character arc, and more. Also, you can use the historical and realistic fiction books on this list to integrate with your current events and history subjects. More Read Aloud Book Lists: 4th Grade 3rd Grade 2nd Grade 1st … [Read more...]
New Middle-Grade Nonfiction Winter 2019
If you're like me, you will want to read these middle-grade nonfiction books and then recommend them to the young readers you know. You might also want to read: Nonfiction Books for 8-Year-Olds Nonfiction Books for 9-Year-Olds Nonfiction Books for 10-Year-Olds Nonfiction Books for 11-Year-Olds Nonfiction Books for 12-Year-Olds New Middle-Grade Nonfiction Winter 2019 Rocket to … [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...]
Are You Informed About This Invisible Youth Epidemic?
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, but opinions are mine. Cigarette smoking is vilified in this country. It’s stinky, it’s cancer-causing, it yellows your teeth, and, among other things, it causes a lot of trash. But did you know there is a new cigarette in town? It’s one that kids think is cool. In Colorado, … [Read more...]
2019 Newbery and Caldecott Awards
Today the Newbery and Caldecott Awards for 2019 were awarded by The Association for Library Service to Children today with the Newbery going to Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina and the Caldecott going to Hello Lighthouse written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. My expectations for the Newbery winning book is that it should be amazing, life-changing, and so well-written you can't put … [Read more...]
Word Play Kids Love
Get kids loving and learning words with these 6 fun word play activities -- guaranteed to entertain and delight! Once kids see the fun in words, there's no telling how much that will positively affect them as readers and writers... 1. Tongue Twisters My daughter’s drama teacher uses tongue twisters as a warm up. And we love practicing them at the dinner table. These are SO easy to mess up! Try … [Read more...]