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...]
11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018
Want to know about the best new middle grade books? These will draw in tween readers with their compelling characters, important themes, and emotionally resonating stories. 11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018 Sweep by Jonathan Auxier HISTORICAL FICTION / MAGICAL REALISM Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky girl and her protector … [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...]
New in Picture Books, Summer 2018
What are you reading this summer? Here are some newly published picture books that I think you'll enjoy. (I put the latest funny picture books in a separate post here.) New in Picture Books, Summer 2018 Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang FEELINGS This is one of the best, most healthy emotional intelligence children's books I've ever read about feeling your … [Read more...]
If You Like to Laugh, Read These 5 New Funny Picture Books
Kids love all sorts of books, especially ones with funny stories. Here are five newly published picture books that will get your kids laughing with delight. ENJOY! If You Like to Laugh, Read These New Funny Picture Books Walrus in the Bathtub by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Matt Hunt FUNNY Things I love about this story: illustrations humorous story handwriting … [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...]
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...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse Cultures
I'm so happy to see books about different cultures and stories with non-white faces! Little by little, children's picture books are starting to more accurately represent the world we live in! The books I'm sharing today are all spring 2018 titles about the themes of identity and inclusion or from a specific culture. Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse … [Read more...]
(Even More) Must Read Picture Books from 2017
2017 wraps up with even more great picture books and a few I missed earlier in the year. You're going to love these... Even More Must Read Picture Books from 2017 This Is Not a Normal Animal Book by Julie Segal-Walters, illustrated by Brian Biggs HILARIOUS. Wacky humor ("if a cat laid an egg . . . it would be a HEN") and a goofy conflict of ideas between the author and illustrator will crack … [Read more...]
What to Read Next? More Exceptional Late Fall 2017 Chapter Books
It's almost the end of 2017 yet there are still books to read. I've culled and found even more amazing middle grade books to recommend to you. If you're looking for what to read next, try one of these. (Several are going on my BEST OF 2017 list!) What to Read Next? More Exceptional Late Fall 2017 Chapter Books Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti … [Read more...]
7 Beginning Chapter Books, Fall 2017
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 Weston, illustrated by Renee Kurilla MYSTERY / STEM Ada moves to a new … [Read more...]
13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017
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 by Will Henry HUMOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL If you like the humor … [Read more...]