There are some books that strike harder than others. Some that leave a lasting impact that has you thinking about them days, weeks, months, years beyond when you finish reading them. Books that just won’t let go. They haunt you, make you see things differently, affect your actions, push you to look around you and recognize the truth of what’s… Read More
Archives for 2017
Repost: When Tragedy Happens, I Turn to Books
*I wrote this post a year ago after the tragic mass murder in Orlando. I’m reposting it today, one year after the senseless killings, in the hope that it will help us all think about ways to grow more empathy in our classrooms and our world. Design by Ashley Heafy. When tragedy happens, I turn to books. When huge nationwide… Read More
How a Job Change Caused a Reading Slump
So I’ve been in a slump. A reading slump. It’s been a weird transitional time for me. I left the classroom last January to work with teachers as a literacy consultant – providing professional development and helping educators select the right books for their classrooms. It’s been great, but I desperately missed talking books with kids. And the biggest change,… Read More
Happy Children’s Book Week! #CBW17
Love Graphic Novels or know of a child who does? Well known graphic novel illustrators such as Gene Luen Yang, Jeffrey Brown, Charise Mericle Harper, and many more came together to create One World, Many Stories—a FREE & DOWNLOADABLE graphic novel that you can access at Every Child a Reader here. What’s more? Kids can engage with the story and personalize their… Read More
Where Will You Celebrate Children’s Book Week? #CBW17
Join fellow children’s books lovers to celebrate the 98th annual Children’s Book Week next week! Over 700 bookstores, libraries, and schools are participating with activity hours, author readings, and more. Find the nearest location to you celebrating Children’s Book Week on a BRAND NEW interactive map on the Every Child a Reader website here. I know I’ll be celebrating in Milwaukee with Boswell… Read More
Have You Voted? #CCBA17
Have your children voted yet for the Children’s Choice Book Awards? Elmo has! Check out what he has to say about his love of books and his vote. Have your students vote at everychildareader.net/vote until May 7th!
Looking Ahead to Children’s Book Week
Are you planning on celebrating Children’s Book Week? Now is a good time to get ready for May 1-7, and Every Child a Reader has FREE resources for you! Teachers, librarians, bookstores, and parents can find activity pages, bookmarks and much more on the Every Child a Reader website here! I’m honored this year to be one of the Children’s Book Week Champions,… Read More
Voting is Open for the Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards
One of the things I loved most about teaching was sharing books with students and hearing their opinions on them when they finished. Especially in middle school, those kids won’t hesitate to tell you their honest opinions! I particularly loved when they were enthusiastically emphatic one way or the other. A great way to have your students participate more widely… Read More