In a recent newsletter, I shared that I’ve been in a reading slump. Big time. Sometimes, to snap me out of it, I read different genres — or gasp, adult books. You should see my to-read pile of middle-grade books that I still need to read and review… But here are six that I’ve recently […]
Middle School
2019 Summer Puzzle & Activity Books
Use activity and puzzle books to keep your kids off screens while engaging their brains in fun thinking and learning. Here’s a selection of new choices for 2019; activity books that will make a great addition to your summer learning plans. 2019 Summer Puzzle & Activity Books 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: A Puzzle Adventure […]
Brilliant Family Read-Aloud Books for Kids of Different Ages
A reader recently wrote to me asking for read-aloud chapter book ideas that appeal to different ages of kids. Whether you’re taking a family road trip or at home reading with kids of different ages, you want books that ALL your kids will enjoy. But is it even possible to find a book that kids […]
6 Vocabulary Building Writing Activities with Mrs. Wordsmith’s Storyteller’s Illustrated Dictionary
Disclosure: I partnered with Mrs. Wordsmith to bring you this information. Grow a child’s vocabulary and writing skills with Mrs. Wordsmith’s Storyteller’s Illustrated Dictionary. This deluxe, illustrated storytelling dictionary gets kids jazzed about words with over 1,000 words illustrated in entertaining cartoons. And those illustrations? They are from Craig Kellman, the Hollywood artist behind […]
New Mystery Chapter Books (Spring 2019)
Do your kids enjoy reading mysteries? I want to tell you about four well-written middle-grade mystery books with interesting storylines, excitement, and adventure. I’ve added these titles to my BIG list of MYSTERY BOOKS for kids. New Mystery Chapter Books (Spring 2019) Digging Up Danger by Jaqueline West, illustrated by Hatem Aly You are […]
12 Children’s Books to Give as Graduation Gifts
If you have an 8th grader, a 12th grader, or a senior in college, soon they will be graduating. (I’m already crying.) Gift one of these inspiring children’s books to celebrate your child’s accomplishment and upcoming life transition. Maybe one of these incredible children’s books full of wisdom and encouragement will help them on their […]
8 Reasons to Let Your Kids Read Graphic Novels
Guess what?! Comics and graphic novels count as credible reading materials and aren’t just for reluctant readers. The truth is children need both variety and choice to become good readers. Meaning, they need nonfiction, different genres of fiction, and different formats of books. Graphic novels give readers a variety in format. And of course, reluctant readers often […]