September 18, 2013

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The Summer Slide and the Rich/Poor Achievement Gap

summer reading cover

The significant decline in reading skills many students experience over the summer is no secret, but it’s particularly damaging for children in low-income neighborhoods. ‘Summer Reading: Closing the Rich/Poor Reading Achievement Gap,’ edited by Richard L. Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen, offers an in-depth look at this disparity and offers solutions that go beyond recommended reading lists.

Reading Nonfiction for Pleasure | On Common Core

real jane

How can we use the summer to provide kids with more opportunities to grow confident as nonfiction readers? The authors offer suggestions and recommend a few reading lists to share with students.

From Mud Huts to An American Icon | Nonfiction Notes, May 2013

the conquest of everest

Combining excellent texts and outstanding visuals, this month’s group of new titles are must-have purchases for libraries and classrooms looking to expand their nonfiction collections.

The “Radioactive Energy” of Bullies | An Interview with Meg Medina

Yaqui Delgado

Meg Medina knows firsthand about bullying—the topic of her young adult novel. In ‘Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass,’ the author explores its consequences when 15-year-old Piddy Sanchez becomes victimized at her new school.

This Boy’s Life | Recent Young Adult Fiction

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This trio of poignant young adult titles will resonate with teen boys not only because they feature male protagonists, but also due to their strong themes of identity and self-discovery.

Nurturing Learners | School Gardens and Other Growing Things

it's our garden

Perfect for use in the classroom, these lively looks at school and community gardens deliver a bouquet of titles about growing things. They’ll also be useful for public libraries and other organizations that support green-thumb projects for kids.

Nonfiction as Mentor Text: Style | On Common Core

fortune's bones

Authors of nonfiction for young readers model specific writing styles and techniques that demonstrate a command of the written word, engage and hook readers, and help to explain and contextualize important concepts.

Confrontations & Queries | Nonfiction Notes, April 2013

DarwinsFrog

From a teen eyewitness account of the Battle of Gettysburg to an investigation of those pointy-nose Darwin frogs (with some very unusual brooding habits) to an examination of science myths, we’ve selected a few nonfiction books publishing this month that you’ll want to display, booktalk, and put in the hands of your patrons.

Same But Different | Children Around the World

whatwewear

Introduce children to the day-to-day lives of kids around the globe with a group of handsome photo essays and picture books that celebrate our differences and commonalities. These titles will encourage students to explore a tapestry of world cultures as they foster understanding and steer children toward becoming responsible and informed citizens of a global community.

Poetry: It’s in the Details

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From haiku to animal poems to riffs on classic tales, this season’s new poetry titles open readers to the world around them—and some exquisite wordplay.

Birds of a Feather | New Titles to Welcome Those Harbingers of Spring

Ducklings

The arrival of migrant birds is a welcome harbinger of spring. Share these new titles with your patrons as we celebrate the homecoming of our feathered friends.

On Common Core | Nonfiction as Mentor Text

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Many people hold on to the belief that nonfiction writing is “just the facts,” often synonymous with formulaic, dull writing. Nothing could be further from the truth. Writers for young people model both substance and style, and can serve as mentors to their readers.

The World of Barbara Kerley | Interview

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When asked for quality nonfiction titles, Barbara Kerley’s name comes immediately to mind. Recently the author updated her website with references to the Common Core State Standards. We had a chance to talk about those changes and her work.

Meeting the CCSS Through Poetry | Professional Shelf

Mentortexts

Can kids garner a passion for literature without Shakespeare, Silverstein, Salinger, or Sendak? Not in the opinion of the “lead architect of the Common Core Standards Initiative.” In celebration of National Poetry Month, we offer three titles that illuminate the intersection between the study of poetry and the goals of the CCSS.

From Civil War Nurses to Young Filmmakers | Nonfiction Notes, March 2013

Louisa

What’s publishing this month? Biographies, poetry, and more!

“I’m Nobody! Who Are You?” | Emily Dickinson Plays Sleuth

nobody

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

outofnowhere

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.

Picture Books + Math Concepts = Learning Fun

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Vibrant illustrations, illuminating representations of basic math concepts, and dynamic storytelling add up to offerings that entertain as they educate.

Inquiry and Nonfiction | On Common Core

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Inquiry and nonfiction are closely related and books that explore the work of scientists can be ideal mentor texts as students develop skills that are essential for learning.

The Autism Spectrum | Books for Kids, Parents, and Teachers

InvisibleCord

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.