And the Winner is…
Exciting news in the literary world: Erin Entrada Kelly has clinched her second Newbery Medal with her latest masterpiece, The First State of Being. This captivating novel whisks readers back to 1999, blending the nostalgia of the pre-millennium era with a thrilling time-travel twist. I adore this book…
My first Mid-Year Newbery contender pick
Don’t you worry! You know I have more than one! I just had share my first mid-year pick as the potential Newbery Award Winner for 2025: The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. Imagine this: it’s 1999, Y2K is looming large, and our Michael is grappling with more…
Summer Time Reads
A Summer of Sun, Sand, and Stories I recently returned from a wonderful family beach vacation on Kiawah Island, and I have to say, it was absolutely amazing. There’s nothing quite like the combination of sun, sand, and some much-needed relaxation. One of the best parts of the…
Parent Conference Guide
Who is getting ready for Parent Conferences? I loved end-of-the-year parent conferences! I know- I’m strange! But, I truly fell in love with each of my students and couldn’t wait to share that love with their parents one final time as we celebrated all their growth. You are an…
DiCamillo and Entrada Kelly Writing Classics for a New Generation
Writing Classics for a New Generation Kate DiCamillo and Erin Entrada Kelly do it again! Here in Virginia, the weather has been warmer, the trees are flowering and the sunsets have been incredible! (I just had to share!) It is the PERFECT time to grab a few books…
Caldecott Winner: BIG
Refresh your classroom community and promote Self-Love with BIG by Vashti Harrison Bringing some happy back to the class! I don’t know about you- but at this point during the long, winter months my students need a refresher in all the community-building- friendship- respect lessons that we hit…
The Best Middle Grade Books of 2023!
Stand outs for the year of 2023 for your middle-grade reader. I am so excited to present to you five amazing new novels published this year. These are five completely different books. I’ve even included one non-fiction! The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln has been much…
Holiday Gift Guide for Middle-Grade Readers
Best Books for your readers ages 10-14! Also, check out my Best Books of 2023 for Middle Graders post! When recommending books for 10-14-year-olds (middle-grade readers) I am always drawn to a variety of fiction books that span different interests. Children love new, fresh stories… complicated, emotional stories…and…
Gifts for 8-10-year-olds This Holiday Season
Something for every reader! So many books…so little time! My students would never believe I narrowed this list down to just 10 books. When looking at buying a book for an 8–10-year-old, their reading level and maturity level must be considered. Best Series for Your Young Reader If…
The Best Books of 2023 for Upper Elementary!
Stand-out books of 2023 for 8-10 year olds. Some of my favorite books of 2023 for 8-10 year olds are from literary giants, and one newcomer, Beth Lincoln. Peter Brown, Katherine Applegate, Jennifer Choldenko, Rebecca Stead, and Wendy Mass are five of the premiere children’s authors to grace…
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Drama?
Reader’s Theatre in an elementary classroom Reader’s Theatre Scripts & Activities available for purchase below. Using Reader’s Theatre in my classroom is one of my favorite ways to work on reading skills without the students realizing it! The holidays is a great time for Reader’s Theatre in the…