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Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
I love following along as a group of librarians, teachers, and kid lit enthusiasts start debating the merits of one book or another for awards. Typically, the ALA awards are announced in late January and most are closed-door discussions, so we, on the outside, have no idea what is being…
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2020 Gift Guide: Easy Readers & Chapter Books
Yesterday was all about the littles, today I’m sharing 25 easy reader and chapter book titles that are perfect for emerging readers and those ready for the next step! Many books in these categories are part of a series. I’ve given you the most recent title in the series and…
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30 More Chapter & Middle Grade Books Featuring Black Protagonists
Three and a half years ago I created a list of 30 Chapter Books Featuring Black Protagonists. And to this day, it’s one of my most popular posts. That being said, I figured it was probably due for an update. And I’ll be honest, three and a half years later,…
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Four on Friday: Saxophone Day
It’s Saxophone Day! This is a great way to introduce kids to music they might not be familiar with or to share all the great musical instruments in this world. So, grab a couple of these titles, throw on a groovy jazz album and learn about this amazing instrument! Four…
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Four on Friday: National Candy Corn Day
It’s National Candy Corn Day! Just in time for Halloween and whether you love or hate the sugary treat, you can’t seem to escape it during this time of year! Personally, I don’t love it, but if I start eating it, it’s hard to stop. Today for Four on Friday,…
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Four on Friday: Public Speaking & Debate
With all eyes in the U.S. on the 2020 presidential election, I felt that I should probably offer up some different titles than the typical “election” books that are available. (Although, I do have a list of those titles too!) Today’s Four on Friday: Public Speaking & Debate focuses more…
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15 Diverse Easy Readers & Chapter Books
During our author visit with Saadia Faruqi this week, we had a parent ask if she considered writing a series similar to her Yasmin series featuring a male main character. Saadia was quick to point out that boys should (and do) read the Yasmin series. And she doesn’t plan on…
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16 Books with Black Characters Written by Black Authors
My heart hurts every time I have to address police brutality, like school and gun violence, these situations keep happening and nothing seems to get better. People across the country are hurting right now and it can be seen in the number of peaceful protests and the more violent looting…
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12 Books All About Tree Houses
It’s an absolutely gorgeous day today. The sun is shining, the sky is a bright blue with puffy white clouds, and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect day to spend in a tree house. I judge many a tree on whether or not it would make a good “tree…
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2020 ALA Galleys
I told myself that I wasn’t going to pick up too many galleys when I stopped by the ALA Midwinter Conference. I ended up bringing home more than 50 new books! I’m not sure what happened. I’d walk past a publisher’s booth and then see a new book by an…
