Disclosure: Disney Book Group is partnering with me for a giveaway! Do you know about Mayan mythology? You will after reading The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes published by Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney Book Group. Learn more about this new fictional book infused with Mayan mythology at ReadRiordan.com. Then, buy The Storm Runner on Amazon AND/OR enter to win a copy (and $100 Visa … [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...]
12 Novels in Verse (That Get Kids Reading)
Have your tween kids tried reading novels in verse, stories written in free verse or prose? The text looks easy to read which often entices reluctant readers but dive deeper and you'll find compelling stories filled with heart, important themes, and precise language. I first fell in love with novels written in verse as an elementary fifth-grade teacher reading Love That Dog by Sharon Creech … [Read more...]
7 Middle-Grade Chapter Books I’m Loving, Summer 2018
As summer wraps up, I wanted to share some of my new favorite middle-grade titles. If you like historical fiction, Lifeboat 12 is a must-read. Artists will love The Frame-Up mystery novel. Fantasy lovers, you don't want to miss the enchanting Willa of the Wood whose beautiful cover is one of my favorite covers EVER. But, there are even more good books on this list. See for … [Read more...]
8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018
If you're looking for new middle-grade books for your kids or students, these eight won't disappoint. I particularly want to highlight The Rhino in Right Field, The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle and The Jigsaw Jungle. But all the books on this list are great! 8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018 The Rhino In Right Field by Stacy DeKeyser HISTORICAL FICTION I loved this … [Read more...]
Travel the World: Books for Kids About Japan and Japanese Culture
Travel to Japan by reading picture books and chapter books that are set in Japan and show Japanese culture and traditions. Books help kids learn about different countries and their cultures. For me, the book Shogun first got me interested in Japanese culture. I wonder what it will be for your kids? Happy travels! Picture Books About Japanese Culture My First Book of Japanese Words: An … [Read more...]
Historical Fiction Books About The Civil Rights Movement
Whether in the classroom or at home, kids ages 9 - 12 (middle-grade readers) need quality historical fiction chapter books that illuminate our history. In this case, the Civil Rights Movement. These novels contain memorable characters and plots. Although they're fiction, this often helps bring the history to life in a way that kids won't soon forget. Historical Fiction Books About The Civil … [Read more...]
10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018
I absolutely loved Front Desk -- it's my favorite book on this list -- don't miss it. The others are mostly a mix of adventure and coming-of-age. 10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018 Front Desk by Kelly Yang COMING-OF-AGE / INCLUSION This is a must-read 2018 middle-grade book!! Mia and her parents have struggled ever since moving to America from China. When her parents take a new live-in job … [Read more...]
Children’s Chapter Books Set in South and Southeast Asia
Are you looking for chapter books for kids that take place in south and southeast Asia? Specifically Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Vietnam? Or you might be looking for stories in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries. Find more about these countries and religions in this list of novels. Isn't it wonderful that we can connect to the larger world through stories? … [Read more...]
7 New Middle Grade Books You Should Know About
I'm excited to share these 7 titles with you -- for your kids, students, and you. Ghost Boys and Captain Superlative both are incredibly thought-provoking. Bob, The Endling, and The Lost Books are well-written, can't-put-em-down fantasy stories. Hardscrabble is a fascinating historical slice-of-life look at life in sod houses around the turn of the century. I think you may just find your next book … [Read more...]
What’s Good in New Middle Grade Books
I've been reading new middle grade books, as I do. :) Here are my favorite choices from the new release bookshelf for spring 2018. What's Good in New Middle Grade Books Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman FANTASY If you like adventurous fantasy stories with unique plots, this book is for you. Homeless, orphaned 12-year old twins, Anders and Rayna, unexpectedly discover that they … [Read more...]
Wholesome Middle Grade Chapter Books for Girls
Because you requested this, I've made another wholesome middle grade chapter book list for girls ages 9 - 12 with nice (not catty or mean) female main characters. (Go here for the list for boys.) My criteria for books on this list is this: excellent writing books with main characters you'd like for your kids' friends books with nice main characters (for the most part, we all have bad … [Read more...]