We invest a great deal of time and energy teaching children to share, take turns, and be kind to others. These skills support a healthy, happy community in the classroom, on the playground, and in larger life. So many wonderful picture books serve as discussion starters for these essential lessons! But we often neglect to […]
Category Archives: Top Ten Lists
October
31
Top Ten Tips for Reading Scary Books by Kristiana Sfirlea
posted by CBethM
Like all holidays in 2020, Halloween is going to look a little different this year. For many, season staples such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and haunted house attractions will not be part of their celebrations, and it can leave everyone feeling put out like a jack-o-lantern with its candle extinguished. But never fear! When […]
October
30
10 Picture Books to Introduce Young Readers to Activism by Keila V. Dawson
posted by CBethM
Unless you live under a rock, it’s hard not to notice that activism is on the rise. And kids have likely witnessed marches and or demonstrations on TV or in their own neighborhoods. Some may have even participated in protests. So, how do we engage young readers in the topic? At what age do we […]
August
31
Top Ten Reasons to Shop at Independent Bookstores by Josh Funk
posted by CBethM
I’m very lucky. Tomorrow the fourth book in the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, Short & Sweet comes out. But that’s not why I’m lucky. I’m lucky because I live in a town with an independent bookstore. I wish everyone could live in a town with one. But whether there’s one […]
July
30
10 Picture Book Biographies About Women in Presidential Politics by Kate Hannigan
posted by CBethM
As we move into the final stretch of the 2020 election, it’s a great time to reflect on how far America has—and hasn’t—come since August 1920, when the 19th Amendment’s ratification granted women the right to vote. In those 100 years, there have been few opportunities to cast ballots for female candidates seeking the highest […]
April
10
Picture Books in Grief and Crisis: A COVID19 Reflection by Oona Marie Abrams
posted by CBethM
On April 3rd, my mother-in-law died due to COVID19 complications. Here in New Jersey, flags are flying at half-staff to honor those who have succumbed to the virus, a number which now exceeds that of state residents who died on September 11, 2001. Prior to sheltering in place with my family, and long before […]
March
28
Ten Picture Books to Change Your Reading Life by Angie Moore
posted by CBethM
I would never have thought five or six years ago that picture books would become such an essential part of my reading life. But my life changed four years ago when I decided to go back to college to get my teaching degree. I love to read, but with all of the additional schoolwork I […]
March
14
10 Ways KidLit + STEM Thinking Stimulates Inclusion by Patricia Newman
posted by CBethM
When I taught remedial math in a rural high school, I knew my students read below grade level. I introduced word problems to help them practice reading comprehension. One freshman named Mark said, “Ms. Newman. What is all this reading $%#@. This is math class.” Mark unwittingly emphasized the boundaries between subject areas that always […]
March
07
Funny Realistic Fiction Novels for Middle Grades by Arianne Costner
posted by CBethM
We need more laughter in this world. As an author of funny books, I may be biased, but I’ve always extra-appreciated a book that can make me giggle. These stories are worthy of study and acclaim. It’s hard to create humor, and laughter is not only enjoyable, but it’s good for your health! (hyperlink: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm) […]
October
05
Top Ten Quick-Start Books for Middle School by Cindy Christiansen
posted by CBethM
“Mrs. Christiansen, I need a book that starts fast! Can you help me?” I heard that request from my sixth graders many times last year. They want to be hooked right away when they begin reading, and this is especially true for my reluctant readers. My students and I created the following list of our […]
