Search Results for: STEAM

Diverse Easy Readers for Emergent and Early Readers
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Diverse Easy Readers for Emergent and Early Readers

ByMelissa Taylor

What are the best diverse easy readers for emergent and early readers? You may have noticed that most easy readers contain animal main characters. While diversity has gotten a little better in some categories such as realistic beginning chapter books and realistic middle grade books, we still aren’t seeing much representation in early readers. (Or…

26 New Middle Grade Books for Kids, May & June 2020
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26 New Middle Grade Books for Kids, May & June 2020

ByMelissa Taylor

Is this list to long? Because holy moly do I have a TON a new middle grade and YA books to share with you!   All of these books, I’ve read and recommend. My very favorites are indicated with a star.   TABLE OF CONTENTS Fantasy Science Fiction / STEM Mystery & Adventure Realistic Historical…

45 Popular Illustrated Chapter and Middle Grade Books for Kids
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45 Popular Illustrated Chapter and Middle Grade Books for Kids

ByMelissa Taylor

Would your readers love these popular illustrated chapter and middle grade books for kids? Whether your kids are emergent readers or middle grade readers, here are good books with illustrations that will appeal to readers ages 6 to 12! Illustrations offer picture support for children who are just learning to read as well as provide…

24 New Books for Growing Readers (Ages 5 – 9)
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24 New Books for Growing Readers (Ages 5 – 9)

ByMelissa Taylor

Need a good book that will hook your growing reader? Discover the best, new easy readers and beginning chapter books for ages 5 to 8! Easy Readers for Ages 5 to 7 Also Read: ALL Easy Readers for Ages 5 and 6. Nick and Nack Fly a Kite by Brandon Budzi, illustrated by Adam Record…

30 Children’s Books with Muslim Characters
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30 Children’s Books with Muslim Characters

ByMelissa Taylor

Children’s books, picture books, chapter books, and middle grade books, with Muslim characters show representation, open kids’ eyes to new cultures, and build empathy.   We still need more books with Muslim characters. Hopefully. publishers will realize that readers like us want to see more diversity and continue to offer more books with diverse characters….

45+ Fun Staycation Ideas for Kids To Do At Home
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45+ Fun Staycation Ideas for Kids To Do At Home

ByMelissa Taylor

If your vacation destination is at home, let me give you staycation ideas to do with your kids with this helpful guide of resources and ideas of things to do, read, and create. Families all over the world are stay home for many reasons — work, money, and so forth. Whatever your reason, you can…

Good Middle School Books for Reluctant Readers
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Good Middle School Books for Reluctant Readers

ByMelissa Taylor

Find good books for your middle school students who are reluctant readers, maybe even struggling readers. From graphic novels to nonfiction books, I’m sharing six categories of books plus recommendations in each category of books that are motivating, some at lower levels, and really, really good. In other words, kids will like them! Not only…

OwnVoices Beginning Chapter Books for Growing Readers Ages 6 – 9
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OwnVoices Beginning Chapter Books for Growing Readers Ages 6 – 9

ByMelissa Taylor

Continuing my series of OwnVoices books for kids, check out these excellent #ownvoices beginning chapter books.   What does OwnVoices mean? OwnVoices is when an author writes about a person or group of which the author also shares their identity. This is particularly important with regard to diversity and continues to be a growing movement….

20 Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books
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20 Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books

ByMelissa Taylor

Want to find standout STEM engineering and invention picture books that inspire engineering, tinkering, and invention in kids? Read one or all of these engaging engineering and invention-themed books. You’ll love how they show the STEM concepts in such a positive light. And, I bet they’ll put some new ideas in your child’s mind. Ideas…

45 Favorite Diverse #Ownvoices Picture Books
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45 Favorite Diverse #Ownvoices Picture Books

ByMelissa Taylor

As you know, I love sharing picture books with children. Reading aloud picture books to kids builds important literacy skills and develops a love and appreciation for stories. And those of you who are long-time Imagination Soup readers know that I deeply value representation and diversity in the literature I share with children. Recently, I’ve…

27 Amazing New Picture Books, October 2019
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27 Amazing New Picture Books, October 2019

ByMelissa Taylor

I’ve been working hard to get these reviews done because holy moly, are there a ton of AMAZING new picture books to tell you about! The purple star shows books I’m considering for my best of 2019 list. (I may or may not add more stars to books on this list– it’s hard to decide…

Impressive New Middle Grade Books You Don’t Want to Miss
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Impressive New Middle Grade Books You Don’t Want to Miss

ByMelissa Taylor

Many of these middle-grade books are all about the hard work of growing up– whether they’re about coding or adoption or ADHD or something else — they’re still tackling coming-of-age, too.   Coming-of-age means these are about kids growing into young adulthood learning hard-earned life lessons about who they are and how to make sense…

Looking for More Easy Chapter Books for Beginning Readers?
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Looking for More Easy Chapter Books for Beginning Readers?

ByMelissa Taylor

Heads up! Today, I’m happy to share with you the latest easy chapter books for beginning readers. Because we all know that most kids like variety in their reading diet — and need lots of great choices from which to choose. Easy Chapter Books for Begining Readers Diary of an Ice Princess: Snow Place Like…

What’s New in Middle Grade? More Good Books I’m Reading…June 2019
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What’s New in Middle Grade? More Good Books I’m Reading…June 2019

ByMelissa Taylor

Want more good middle-grade books to add to your to-read piles? I’m so excited to tell you about these new titles!   If you like science fiction and coding, check out The Ghost Network: Activate by I.I. Davidson!   If you just want a great adventure, you’ll like Elements of Genius: Nikki Tesla and the…

What’s New in Middle Grade Books, February 2019
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What’s New in Middle Grade Books, February 2019

ByMelissa Taylor

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 REALISTIC / IMMIGRATION I couldn’t put this book down!…

12 Ways to Motivate Middle School Students to Read
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12 Ways to Motivate Middle School Students to Read

ByMelissa Taylor

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–…

6 New Beginning Chapter Books with Female Main Characters, Fall 2018
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6 New Beginning Chapter Books with Female Main Characters, Fall 2018

ByMelissa Taylor

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…

Children’s Books About India and Indian Culture
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Children’s Books About India and Indian Culture

ByMelissa Taylor

I’m so excited about the beautiful picture books and interesting chapter and middle grade books about India, Indian culture, and Indian mythology. It helps me teach myself and my children about a culture that isn’t our own, which is important for building bridges of understanding.

Best Children’s Books by Topic

Best Children’s Books by Topic

ByMelissa Taylor

Best Children’s Books by Topic​ Your Guide to the Best Children’s Books for Kids Book Lists on Imagination Soup Discover the best kids’ books for your kids on Imagination Soup! Here is your guide to the many great book lists I’ve written over the years for you and your children. You can find books that…

Best New Middle Grade Books to Read, January 2018
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Best New Middle Grade Books to Read, January 2018

ByMelissa Taylor

From a young girl’s escape from Syria to a boy’s passion for hockey, you’ll find many incredible middle grade chapter books to read and enjoy this January 2018. Books like Just Like Jackie and Escape from Aleppo.   Best New Middle Grade Books to Read, January 2018 Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard REALISTIC /…

How to Help Kids KEEP an Innovator Mindset
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How to Help Kids KEEP an Innovator Mindset

ByMelissa Taylor

written by Katey Howes, picture book author of Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe Our children are born with the mindset necessary to be top-notch innovators. From day one, they are curious, flexible, and persistent. As babies and toddlers, every development milestone is achieved through trying, failing, and trying again. No blame, no…

Best Nonfiction Children’s Books of 2017
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Best Nonfiction Children’s Books of 2017

ByMelissa Taylor

I can’t tell you how much I love a good nonfiction book. And there were so many incredible titles in 2017. The books below are the best of the year; nonfiction books that engage, teach, and inspire. Don’t miss: Best Picture Books of 2017 and Best Chapter Books of 2017. Best Nonfiction Children’s Books of…

Best Children’s Middle Grade Books of 2017
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Best Children’s Middle Grade Books of 2017

ByMelissa Taylor

I’ve read so many amazing middle grade books in 2017 and finally picked what I think are the best children’s chapter books of the year. You can’t go wrong with any of these! You know those (expensive) subscription book boxes? My kids love getting the goodies that come with the books. So I thought why…

5 Reasons Why My Kids LOVE Anki Overdrive Fast and Furious Racetrack
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5 Reasons Why My Kids LOVE Anki Overdrive Fast and Furious Racetrack

ByMelissa Taylor

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious racetrack. Like, my kids are addicted. They like how it’s super interactive with technology (their favorite). They love building and rebuilding the track and racing against each other, friends, dad, or the computer — one of the most fun things they do every day! (Yes,…

Amazing Middle Grade Books for Ages 8 – 12, Late Fall 2017
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Amazing Middle Grade Books for Ages 8 – 12, Late Fall 2017

ByMelissa Taylor

Maybe publishers saved the best for last this year because holy smokes are there some amazing chapter books for late fall (2017)! You’re not going to know which one to read first. Seriously. So. Many. Good. Books.   Amazing Chapter Books for Ages 8 – 12, Late Fall 2017 Timeless Diego and the Rangers of…

Picture Books From Countries Around the World
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Picture Books From Countries Around the World

ByMelissa Taylor

When we introduce diverse cultures to kids, it enlarges their worlds. Picture books from different countries give kids an important appreciation for both other cultures and people.   In today’s list, many of the picture books are about foods! Very relatable to all kids, right!? Because we all eat. It’s a fun way to learn…

STEM Skills in ThinkFun’s Roller Coaster Challenge
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STEM Skills in ThinkFun’s Roller Coaster Challenge

ByMelissa Taylor

We’ve been loving ThinkFun’s Roller Coaster Challenge. Kids get the STEM skills of logic, spatial reasoning, and engineering plus a satisfying end result in a fun loop de loop roller coaster game. The game is for ages 6 and up. Both my 12 and 15 year old enjoy playing with it so it’s engaging enough…

Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 11
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Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 11

ByMelissa Taylor

From sports facts to dinosaur poop and historical biographies, these latest nonfiction books give readers (ages 6 – 11) plenty to learn and read.   Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 12   Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster Oversized, dramatic white on black pictures…

7 Beginning Chapter Books, Fall 2017
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7 Beginning Chapter Books, Fall 2017

ByMelissa Taylor

Calling all readers ages 6 to 9 who are transitioning to chapter books! Here are seven new beginning chapter books you’ll want to peruse. See if the descriptions sound like something you’d like. Then off you go.   7 Beginning Chapter Books for Fall 2017 Ada Lace is On the Case by Emily Calandrelli with Tamson…

13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017
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13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017

ByMelissa Taylor

Discover new, amazing middle grade books for tweens, ages 9 – 12, for fall 2017 reading.   *Find more newly published (excellent) fall 2017 middle grade FANTASY books here  and HISTORICAL FICTION books here. (I separated the list because it was so long.)   13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017 Wallace the Brave…

Easily Make Your Own Literacy Book Bags
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Easily Make Your Own Literacy Book Bags

ByMelissa Taylor

You’ve heard of busy bags, but do you also know about literacy book bags? These are bags with a picture book and playful toys, games, or other related hands-on activities to do. And you can easily make your own! Literacy book bags help children go deeper into the story. The bags encourage a child to…