Ready to see what I've been reading? Here's what's new in middle-grade books from realistic to sci-fi to historical fiction. But before I get to the reviews, I did want to address what we talked about a few months back...whether or not I include book reviews of books that aren't positive. So many of you emailed me that it would be helpful for you to know about books that I didn't love. … [Read more...]
Game Changer! Gives Teachers Helpful Ideas to Get Books to ALL Kids
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Scholastic. All opinions are my own. Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp is a must-read book for elementary school teachers and librarians. It's eye-opening, practical, research-based, and packed with helpful ideas to get books in the hands of ALL students, particularly students who don't have consistent access … [Read more...]
Have You Seen These New Graphic Novels?
If your kids like graphic novels, you'll want to check out these new titles. There's a little bit of everything here -- fantasy, realistic, and sci-fi. Have You Seen These New Graphic Novels? Click by Kayla Miller (pub: 1/2019) REALISTIC Click is an excellent, relatable book about friendships and finding your place --my daughter felt could have been her own story. When the talent show is … [Read more...]
Best Boxed Chapter Book Sets for Kids and Teens
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! Find ALL these books on my Amazon store here. If you're curious … [Read more...]
New Nonfiction Books
I'm excited for this nonfiction book list because there are so many great books! Many of these, you'll soon see on my best of the year list. New Nonfiction Books (Early Winter 2018) Balance the Birds by Susie Ghahremani This book simplifies the math concept of weights and balances as birds land and leave the tree branches in captivating, whimsical illustrations. Ode to an Onion Pablo … [Read more...]
2018 Holiday Gift List: STEM Toys, Games, & Kits
Are you looking for the best STEM gifts of 2018 for your kids? Discover the newest and best coding kits, building sets, science kits, STEM books, cool tech, and MORE. I hope this helps you with your Christmas and holiday gift giving. Almost all of these will help your children develop their knowledge and skills in STEM -- science, technology, engineering, and math. I love giving gifts that do … [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...]
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...]
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...]