October has begun and Halloween seems to be everywhere! It is the month of ghosts, goblins and witches. Today we are sharing a book about witches however it is not really a Halloween book. It is a graphic novel about growing up and finding one's way. The book is Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley. It is recommended for ages eight to twelve.
School has been in session for a month or so now around here. The first day for everyone is full of emotions and jitters. It can be hard for anyone but especially for young children just starting school or someone changing school. Today I get to share two new picture books about the first day of school. The first is Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Lala Watkins. It is recommended for ages three to six.
Does your school or your children's school have a star of the day/week/month, etc. award? Many of Hazel's classes when she was younger had star of the day and our lower school has a student of the month. These are often put in place to help motivate students to behave and work hard. Today we are sharing a picture book being released tomorrow that is created by Indigenous People sharing about being part of a community versus being the shining star. It touches on school, family, community and more. The book is All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson and illustrated by Winona Nelson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
It happened again. I was glued to the television last Thursday. UMass Boston had evacuated two buildings due to a 911 call saying there was an active shooter. Now we hear about school shootings almost daily it seems which is so wrong, but this one was different for me. It was personal. I immediately texted my friend asking if her son was home. Her son who I taught for several years and who is a freshman at UMass Boston. He wasn't home and in fact he was in one of the buildings evacuated. A police officer told him it was a confirmed active shooter. Luckily her son called his mom, and she talked him through the entire "escape" and even more luckily it was a false alarm. However, for about an hour or so it was really scary. My mind flashbacked to April 1999--the Columbine shooting. That was not
School officially starts this week! Have your kids started yet? Each new school year brings different ideas, fears and excitement. There seem to be many books for the younger readers. There are the books like The Kissing Hand, Milk Goes to School, and Miss Mingo and the First Day of School and many more for younger kids starting school. Today we are going to share one picture book and two middle grade books. We will start with the picture book which is Proper Badger Would Never Trash the Classroom! by Lauren Glattly and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Malia Grace to bring you this post.
Are you getting ready for back to school? When does school start for you? Teachers go back in a couple of weeks for me. It is hard to believe my summer is almost over. I haven't done half the things I hoped to but have had an amazing summer! I'm also looking forward to the new school year, but I know this can be hard on kids especially the first time they go to school or go to a new school. Today we are sharing an amazing book about a young coyote finding his place at school even after a difficult beginning. The book is Cody's Whisper by Malia Grace and illustrated by Lauren Elise Reeves. There is a giveaway at the end of this post and I created a free printable with lessons from the book!
When you hear disability what do you think of? Many of us have been programmed to go to someone in a wheelchair and with mental issues. While this is a true disabled person there are many of other types of disabilities and some cannot be seen. July is Disability Awareness Month or officially National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Some places even call it Disability Pride Month and have parades. This year we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so it is extra special! Today I am two books that share what life is like with different disabilities and a bit about loving someone with a disability. One book is a middle grade graphic novel, and the other is a young adult nonfiction book sharing real stories from couples of different abilities. We will start with the graphic novel. It is Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia with art by Brittney Williams and lettering by Tyler Smith. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
The start of school is fast approaching and that means time to think about back-to-school. For some kids this is very stressful. School can be very tough for the kids who are different. They may be quiet and shy or outspoken and dress uniquely. At some point someone may bully them, and the truth is there is only so much the adults in kids' lives can do to help end bullying. Schools have rules and states have laws but the enforcing of either can be difficult. It is important for kids to be able to be themselves at school and be comfortable. If they are not comfortable, they are not going to really learn at school. Today we are sharing a fun picture book about a young boy finding the courage to be comfortable with himself and have the bullying end. The book is Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow and illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Independence Day is past. Summer is quickly passing. Kids are enjoying their break from school as are teachers. But what is happening to your kids' math ability this summer? According to Learner.com, 70-78% of elementary students experience a decline in math skills over the summer. (Source) Most schools now assign summer reading to prevent the summer slide in literary skills, but does your child's school assign summer math? Most high schools do these days. Now I am a huge advocate for a break! I love summer! It is my favorite season, and I remember the days of having nothing to do and being able to hang out with friends and relax. However, summer slide is real. (There is a slide after any vacation and the longer the vacation the more skills lost.) There are things to do to help with the math summer slide even if your child does not have math summer work. Today I am going to review two great resources for different ages to help with the summer slide or just give extra practice to two ages groups: middle grades (8+) and high school. These books are amazing resources to help with math skills and also can give students extra practice or a leg up on the upcoming math year. At the end of the post, I have a roundup for different ages math products and activities to try this summer to keep your child's brain thinking mathematically.
Have you ever thought about how important your name is? Which part is most important to you? I remember changing my name when I got married (which I do sometimes regret) and trying to figure out what I wanted my full name to be. I decided to drop my maiden name and keep my middle name. One of my sisters often uses my first and middle names when talking to me so it felt right. Of course, with the ideas of requiring IDs to vote and in some states the requirement of having a birth certificate with the same name, makes me question anyone changing their name ever. But I won't get political today. Today I get to share a beautiful new picture book about the importance of a name. It is My Name is Ai Lin by Maria Wen Adcock, blogger over at Bicultural Mama, and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8. And it is being released this week!!
Do you know any kids who don't want to try something new, but when they do, they love it? I feel like so many kids go through this stage. It is hard to try something new. It is scary and a bit nerve-racking even for adults. For kids it is easier for them to say no then try it. Today's book is all about this stage. It is I Don't Think So! by K. Joyner and illustrated by Asha Butler. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!
It is hard to believe it is almost the end of May and thus almost the end of the school year! When are your kids out of school? I only have a week and half left of work with kids in my room. Today I am going to share three new books that have different school themes to them. The first book is Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own by Roz MacLean. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
I have always believed in equal rights. I truly believe each of us is equal and deserves to be treated with kindness and respect (unless they are doing something to hurt you or those you love). I have shown this side of me throughout Crafty Moms Share and am a proud member of Multicultural Kids Blogs and reviewer (and have been cohost) of Read Your World Day (formerly Multicultural Children's Book Day). As a teacher I have worked hard to make students of different cultures, ethnicities, races, genders, abilities, etc. feel welcome and included. I began teaching in public schools in the mid 1990's. There was some diversity as to race in the schools I taught in but not much. Most was due to busing programs in Boston. I helped develop and run diversity programs in several schools in which I taught and went through various diversity training. I have even been an advisor/chaperone at Anytown. Each of these trainings and experiences have made me a better teacher. In general, I try not to get involved in politics or speak about them here. However sometimes I find I have to speak out. This is one of those times. My heart is breaking as President Trump is trying to get rid of DEI programs in schools as well as elsewhere. Today I am going to share why I feel it is so important to have DEI programs in schools.
January is flying by!! We only have a couple more weeks until the big day--the Read Your World Celebration!! We are sharing another book for the big event. This one shares about a neurodivergent young girl and how her ADHD affects her life especially at school. The book is not released yet but will be coming out in April 2025. The book is Ady and Me by Richard Pink and Roxanne Pink and illustrated by Sara Rhys. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Do you or your middle schooler love books about magical schools and magical lands? Then I have the series for you!! Perhaps you are missing the release of new Harry Potter books. If so, this series is for you. Today I get to share with you a fantasy middle school series (trilogy) by Erika Lewis. It is The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts Series. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. It has magic, mystery, friendships, new creatures, goddesses, and a never-ending war between summer and winter.
When does/did school start where you are? My school starts back today. On Friday we dropped Hazel off at her new boarding school for the arts. Steve and I have officially become empty nesters. A new school year can bring many different feelings for kids (and teachers). There is the excitement of what is to come and there is the fear of what is to come. Whether it is a new school or just a new class and teacher, most people experience some anxiety this time of year. And it isn't just the students and the teachers. I remember all too well the stress of leaving Hazel at school when she was younger. So, I thought in honor of my first day back with the students, I would share three picture books that have messages about controlling anxiety, overcoming fears, being true to oneself and also accepting differences. The first book I will share is How to Train Your Amygdala by Anna Housley Juster and illustrated by Cynthia Cliff. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8, although I know some high school students it might be good to share it with.
My Facebook newsfeed is full of back-to-school photos. Has school started where you live? We drop Hazel off at boarding school for the first time today! My classes begin on Tuesday though. It seems everyone is thinking back-to-school. Today I get to share with you a perfect book for this time of year. It is Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends by Jen Kirkley and illustrated by M. Brayer.
Today I get to share an online educational toy store with you. When Hazel was young, I loved getting educational toys for her and especially loved when they were made from natural materials. Today I get to share with you my experience and a toy from Alphabet Trains and Toys. I was approached to review a toy and share my experience with you.
Has school started where you are? Many schools near us start this week and our school begins after Labor Day. However, the teachers have been back for teacher training starting last week. Last week we had three days with experts in success counseling originally started by Dr. William Glasser and his choice therapy. It has been really interesting and was a tiring week. We literally were being taught to think and react in a different way. If you have time, check it out.
With the first day of school there is always some anxiety for students, teachers, and parents. Today I am sharing a new picture book that is meant to help children learn ways to deal with anxiety including the first day of school jitters. The book is The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas and illustrated by Betty C. Tang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 but could be used with older children to help teach some techniques to help fight anxiety.
