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.
Kick-Starting a New Life | Recent YA Titles
By on March 5, 2013 1 Comment
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.
The Autism Spectrum | Books for Kids, Parents, and Teachers
By on February 25, 2013 Leave a Comment
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.
From the Ground Up | Jonathan Bean and the Art of the Story
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Author and illustrator Jonathan Bean takes readers through his creative process behind his latest title, “Building Our House.”
Nonfiction Notes | Inching Toward Women’s History Month
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This month, Curriculum Connections’ newest column “Nonfiction Notes” highlights the latest quality nonfiction titles, with a special emphasis on books about women.
Doers and Dreamers | Celebrating Black History
By on February 5, 2013 1 Comment
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.
Old-time Gals with Gumption | The Picture Books of Shana Corey
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Shana Corey’s picture-book biographies feature little-known women with buckets of gumption.
On Common Core | Talking about Nonfiction
By on February 4, 2013 Leave a Comment
“Talking takes time” note the authors, but allowing students time for conversations about the texts they are reading is essential.
Nick’s Picks | The 2013 American Library Association Award Winners
By on February 4, 2013 Leave a Comment
Listen to the recent winners of the 2013 ALA book awards share the stories behind their work.
Adventures with a Far-Wandering Hero | Homer’s The Odyssey
By on January 31, 2013 1 Comment
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.
From Cannons to Courage | Nonfiction Notes, January 2013
By on January 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
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.
Whiskers, Dreams, and Grave-Robbing Schemes | More on Abraham Lincoln
By on January 8, 2013 1 Comment
From fabulous picture books to top-shelf literary nonfiction, 2013 brings a number of new titles about America’s favorite president, Abraham Lincoln.
Our Bodies, Our Minds | Confronting Self-Image in YA Fiction
By on January 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
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.
‘Twelve Kinds of Ice’ | An Ode to Childhood and Winter
By on January 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
Ellen Bryan Obed’s ‘Twelve Kinds of Ice’ is an ideal mentor text on many levels.
Deconstructing Nonfiction | On Common Core
By on January 8, 2013 6 Comments
If students are not familiar with nonfiction texts, they may assume that every nonfiction book serves the same function.
A Mission Above and Beyond Them | An Interview with Tanya Lee Stone
By on January 8, 2013 1 Comment
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.”
‘Pathways to the Common Core’ | Professional Shelf
By on January 7, 2013 Leave a Comment
“Pathways to the Common Core” offers solutions and directions for teachers looking for a way to understand and implement the Common Core State Standards into their lesson plans.
Amazing But True | Nonfiction for Reluctant Readers
By on December 4, 2012 Leave a Comment
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.
Life Lessons from Aesop | Classic Connections
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Attributed to a man who lived in fifth-century-B.C. Greece, Aesop’s Fables abound with simple wisdoms and useful truths.
Reaching Those Resistant Readers | Fun, Fast-Paced Fiction
By on December 4, 2012 1 Comment
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.
