
Michaela MacColl is a history scholar drawn to strong female characters, both historical and literary. Her latest novel, Nobody’s Secret, features the poet Emily Dickinson, on the trail of a murderer.
September 18, 2013
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Michaela MacColl is a history scholar drawn to strong female characters, both historical and literary. Her latest novel, Nobody’s Secret, features the poet Emily Dickinson, on the trail of a murderer.

Tackling the subject of refugees from war-ravaged nations who find an outlet in playing soccer, Maria Padian’s Out of Nowhere and Warren St. John’s Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town explore the devastating pasts and impoverished situations of these athletes, as well as the bigotry they encounter in their new homes.

Recent statistics from the CDC reveal that 1 in 88 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent titles for students, teachers, and families, broaden our understanding of individual needs, and highlight the enormous potential for achievement for children and teens on the spectrum.

Author and illustrator Jonathan Bean takes readers through his creative process behind his latest title, “Building Our House.”

In observation of Black History Month, Curriculum Connections takes a look at a variety of titles that highlight the achievement of African Americans. From abolitionists to artists, there’s something for every collection.

“Talking takes time” note the authors, but allowing students time for conversations about the texts they are reading is essential.

Filled with harrowing monsters and fate-dictating deities, and all-too-human hubris and heartache, Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ has thrilled and edified audiences for centuries. Today’s readers have a host of imaginative—and artful—adaptations of the epic poem to choose from.

Educators eager to implement the Common Core standards into their work need look no further than School Library Journal’s newest column, Nonfiction Notes. This month, we examine titles that include biographies, the American Revolution, and exploration.

From fabulous picture books to top-shelf literary nonfiction, 2013 brings a number of new titles about America’s favorite president, Abraham Lincoln.

Though books related to body image have abounded in recent years, the following titles offer a new perspective on the subject. These novels tackle fresh and original topics that range from morbid obesity to gender dysmorphia.

If students are not familiar with nonfiction texts, they may assume that every nonfiction book serves the same function.

Author Tanya Lee Stone talked to Curriculum Connections about the importance of visual storytelling in her work “Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers.”

Beyond those tried-and-true series entries there are many stand-alone titles with engaging texts and high-quality art to lure reluctant readers into informational texts.

When children and teens are ready to take a leap from those hybrid novels popularized by Jeff Kinney’s “Wimpy Kid” books into titles with a bit more text, where do they go? The books listed here will provide guidance.







By Elizabeth Bird on September 18, 2013
By Travis Jonker on September 16, 2013
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