Do you kids love Harry Potter? Most fans read and reread the books. But is there life after the Harry Potter series? Yes! Keep your HP fans reading with this huge list of magical adventure books like Harry Potter that they will also love. (Read alikes!) More Harry Potter Ideas: If you want more learning activities, […]
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11 Chapter Books Featuring Kids in Foster Care
Do your kids know about foster care? Or are in foster care themselves? No matter your children’s life experience, chapter books like these about kids in foster care are important to read. For kids who are in foster care, they might see that they are not alone. They’ll see that other kids have gone through […]
Continue ReadingMust Read Chapter Books From the New Shelf
I’m excited to share with you some great new middle grade books that I think you’ll want to use in your classrooms and with your kids at home. New Chapter Books (2019) Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf REALISTIC / SOCIAL JUSTICE / REFUGEES When a new refugee boy […]
Continue ReadingThe Best Read Aloud Books for 6th Grade
When you select a 6th grade read aloud book for your 6th graders (ages 11-12,) use this list to find the best recommendations from both teachers and from me. All of these books are compelling and well-written so next, you’ll want to consider the purpose of your read aloud book. Here are some things to […]
Continue ReadingBest Children’s Books With Characters Who Have Learning Differences
Want to know another very underrepresented group in children’s books? People with learning differences. For children who are challenged with learning differences (disabilities is a term I dislike), seeing a person like yourself in a story is quite affirming. In fact, Rick Riordan said that’s why he wrote Percy Jackson for his son who, like Percy, has ADHD and […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s New in Middle Grade? More Good Books I’m Reading…June 2019
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 […]
Continue ReadingPoignant Middle Grade Books About Feelings, Friendship, & Growing Up
I’m out of my reading slump — hooray! And have some books to tell you about. Books that are worth reading, sharing with your classrooms, and sharing with your kids. New Poignant Middle-Grade Books (2019) Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga REALISTIC — IMMIGRATION (in verse) Written in evocative yet readable verse, follow […]
Continue ReadingMiddle Grade Books I’ve Recently Read (May 2019)
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 […]
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