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...]
Wholesome Middle Grade Chapter Books for Boys
You asked for it. Here it is -- a wholesome middle grade chapter book list for boys ages 9 - 12 with nice (not rude) main characters. There's a lot of subjectivity in a list like this. So my criteria (besides excellent writing) is the following: books with main characters you'd want your kids to be friends with books with main characters who are kind, helpful, and / or determined books … [Read more...]
Children’s Books About India, Indian Culture, and Indian Mythology
I'm so excited about the beautiful picture books and interesting chapter books about India, Indian culture, and Indian mythology that have arrived in the children's literature world recently. Standouts include the gorgeous The Festival of Colors picture book and the historical chapter book Ahimsa. But they're all amazing. These books will help kids learn and appreciate what makes India … [Read more...]
Recommended Books for Kids About Families with Divorced Parents
Are you looking for recommended books that show families with divorced parents? Children's books with divorced parents (picture and chapter books) help kids know that other kids experience similar family situations as them. Bibliotherapy! This is a good thing. And I have lots of books to recommend... Recommended Picture Books About Divorce Thee picture books show your children what it can be … [Read more...]
New in Chapter Books, Winter 2018
My goodness, so far this year's chapter books have been a mixed bag. I probably abandoned about 20 titles that weren't worth my time -- or yours. Fortunately, all is not lost. Thankfully, good chapter books still are being published. Here are the books I recommend from the last few months. I hope they give your readers enticing new options for what to read next. Beginning Chapter Books (Ages 7 - … [Read more...]
2018 Newbery and Caldecott Awards
The ALA (American Library Association) announced the 2018 John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott awards today. Honestly, I'm disappointed with the Newbery winner. The Newbery winner and honors books are meant to be the most outstanding contributions to children's literature. Of the whole year. This year's choice did not resonate with me. I love the Caldecott winner though. The Caldecott medal … [Read more...]