Exploring America’s Past: Historical Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
Set in different eras, these three novels integrate historical fact with descriptive writing to present strongly delineated settings, re-create the ambience of specific periods, and recount past...
View ArticleOrdinary Kids, Extraordinary Circumstances: World War II Fiction for Middle...
Set against a backdrop of dramatic world events, these engrossing and vividly written novels provide glimpses at history from the relatable perspectives of their young narrators. Rich in details of...
View ArticleAll Around the Town | Great Books About Buses
Featuring school buses, city buses, international mini-buses, and even a dino bus, this round-up of winsome transportation tales will tickle funny bones and fire up imaginations. Are We There, Yeti? by...
View ArticleInside and Outside the Human Body: A Closer Look
From graphic novel to descriptive account to Q & A format, these books successfully employ a variety of narrative approaches and illustrative styles to impart basic information about human biology....
View ArticleGive the Gift of Music | A “Great Books” List
Ranging in format from illuminating biographical stories and based-in-truth tales to engaging fictional narratives, these lovely picture books all celebrate the power of music to lift hearts and change...
View ArticleCelebrating African Americans: The Arts
Handsomely illustrated and eloquently told, these recent picture book biographies provide insightful introductions to noteworthy African Americans who have defined their place in the world by following...
View ArticleBeyond the Stars: Sci-Fi YA Read-Alikes for “The 5th Wave” Fans
Science fiction has become the go-to genre for YA big screen adaptations, and the trend continues with The 5th Wave (PG-13), a motion picture based on Rick Yancey’s alien-invasion thriller (Putnam,...
View ArticleCelebrating African American History
Arranged chronologically, these informational picture books highlight trailblazing African Americans and significant moments throughout history. In addition to relating historical facts, these titles...
View ArticleGreat Books: A Bullish Market for Bears
Ranging from factual to fantastical, reassuring to rambunctious, bedtime-worthy to sidesplitting read-aloud, this selection of picture books starring ursine protagonists is sure to captivate young...
View ArticleDisrupters, Daredevils, and Artists: Women Who Changed the World
Celebrate Women’s History Month by sharing a picture book biography about a boundary-breaking, world-transforming, awe-inspiring individual. Pairing eye-grabbing artwork with elucidating texts, the...
View ArticleGreat Books To Welcome Spring
Eye-dazzling and delightful for sharing aloud, this selection of picture books, some old and some new, highlight the sights and sounds of the season, celebrate the reawakening of nature, and accentuate...
View ArticleMagic, Dastardly Villains, and Less-Than-Perfect Heroes: New YA Fantasy
Know any teens who can’t wait for HBO’s Game of Thrones to resume airing on April 24? The spring TV season features a fresh crop of book-inspired, fantasy-themed shows. MTV’s The Shannara Chronicles,...
View ArticleOtters, Emus, and Sharks, Oh My! | Informational Picture Books To Share
Celebrate Earth Day with a look at some of the planet’s most fascinating and diverse inhabitants. Packed with attention-grabbing kid appeal, these excellent offerings pair lively texts with dynamic...
View ArticlePainting Pictures with Words | Books for National Poetry Month
These recently published poetry offerings will captivate elementary age students with their enchanting blend of eloquent words and eye-grabbing images. Shared in the classroom, these books can be used...
View ArticleGreen Thumbs and Bountiful Imaginations | Great Books about Gardens
Whether they are digging, planting, nibbling, nurturing, or dreaming, the characters in these colorful picture books convey the wonder and joy of things that blossom. Dig In! By Cindy Jenson-Elliott....
View ArticleThe Olympics Are Coming! Great Sports Reads for Teens
It’s going to be a championship summer for sports lovers. In less than three months, the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in in Rio de Janeiro (August 5–21) launches, and the Olympic Flame has already...
View ArticleYou Gotta Have Heart: Out-of-the-Park Baseball Novels For Middle Grade Readers
Unforgettable protagonists, narratives peppered with baseball action and atmosphere, and heart-stirring emotions make these recently released novels crackerjack reads. Though the characters struggle to...
View ArticleThe Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien | SLJ Review
Olien, Jessica. The Blobfish Book. illus. by Jessica Olien. 40p. websites. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. May 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062394156. PreS-Gr 2 –A misunderstood deep-sea dweller gets its...
View ArticleBusy Hands, Engaged Minds, and Unfettered Imaginations: A Craft Book Round-Up
Summer vacation is the perfect time to try new things and get messy. In addition to being downright fun, craft projects and other hands-on activities fortify reading and visual decoding skills,...
View ArticleTake Wing | Books About Birds for Budding Naturalists
Exploring the avian world is as simple as gazing out a window. This selection of informational books and stories will help children learn about the basic characteristics of birds, begin to...
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