Check It Out: October Newsletter, Scary Stories edition

October marks the official "Scary Stories" season in the library (or classroom). And while readers of all ages always seem to ask for a SCARY story, fall is always a good season for those books best read on a dark and stormy night.

Check out all the things you will need to get in the scary story mood this October. You'll also find some great ghost stories, literary costume ideas, and a how-to art lesson for decorating pumpkins by author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Plus, you'll always find books for all ages, curriculum connections, #classroombookaday options, a terrific read for First Chapter Friday, new titles coming from POPULAR authors, book-to-movie news, and more.

Scroll down or click here to read it.

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#newsletter #classroom #curriculumconnection #teachers #librarians #fridayfive #classroombookaday #yalit #kidlit #newbooks #basedonabook #newbooks #reading #authors #firstchapterfriday

Check It Out: Back to School Newsletter

It's the Back to School edition of the newsletter!

Check out all the things you'll need to get your students excited for a great year of reading, plus important curriculum connections, book-to-movie news, and some of my favorite picture books of 2019 so far.

Scroll down or click here to read it.

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#newsletter #classroom #curriculumconnection #teachers #librarians #fridayfive #classroombookaday #yalit #kidlit #newbooks #basedonabook

Summer Reading, Round #2

WOW! Time sure flies when it’s summer and you’re reading good books.

If you missed the first 12 books I recommended, click here.

Books #13-#24 include some FANTASTIC books and several 5 STAR titles!

Without further ado, the next round of #60daysofsummerreading.

13) On July 13th, I officiated a friend’s wedding. (Which was a BLAST... I may have quoted Albus Dumbledore. And I may have decided to make this my new side gig). In honor of this special occasion, I’m highlighting three of my favorite wedding-themed #yalit titles, all appropriate for grades 8-12 (and middle school readers who have already read all the Sarah Dessen books).

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

14) There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

I ADORE this new one by Menon! 5 STARS for sure! This is a stand-alone companion to When Dimple Met Rishi. The perfect rom-com plus so much more! Grades 7 and up, fans of Dumplin’ will find much to love here. Each book by Menon I like a little bit more so now I can’t wait for whatever might come next.

15) Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord. This is just the latest in a line of great books by Lord. Animal lovers, readers who feel like they don't quite fit in, and classroom teachers looking for a new read-aloud will especially enjoy this one. Grades 3-6.

16) Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry & Vashti Harrison. One of the best picture books that I've read so far this year. I'm completely in love with Hair Love, and you will be too! Grades K-2 and a good one for #classroombookaday.

17) Undaunted by Anita Silvey. Another 5 star book! I love this one as much as I loved the author's Untamed (about Jane Goodall). And now I'm desperate for one about Dian Fossey to complete the set. So far, this is my favorite non-fiction book of the year.

18) Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum. I'm always a fan of Buxbaum and this one did not disappoint. A book about loss, healing, and 9/11 for readers that weren't alive to remember. Sprinkle in summer and a "treasure hunt" of sorts and you'll find wide appeal for this one. Grades 7-12.

19) When Sue Found Sue by Toni Buzzeo and Diana Sudyka. For dinosaur lovers and anyone that dreams of science and making discoveries. A good introductory biography for grades 1-4.

20) Moon! Earth‘s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis. I LOVE THESE BOOKS by McAnulty! (Sun! and Earth! complete the set). These are "autobiographies" filled with science vocabulary and kid-friendly facts, written with a humorous voice. Entertaining and inspiring for the next generation of scientists. Grades K-3 (and older).

21) You Are Home by Evan Turk. A 5 star book and gorgeous ode to many of our National Parks. For the youngest readers, this is really a book for anyone that appreciates nature and the beauty of our world. And I'm SO PROUD of myself for "discovering" this book in time to give it as a baby shower gift for my National Park trekking friends.

22) Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles. A quiet gem that will find readers. A story of family, friendship, and unknown futures. Grades 4-7.

23) Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett. My view on this one might be tainted by love of the PNW and because I listened to it right after spending a month back home in Seattle. This book was great! A nod to Seattle, Bainbridge Island, riding the ferry, classic mystery/detectives, writers, and romance...it has something for everyone. Grades 8-12.

24) We Are Displaced by Malala Yousafzai. 5 stars! Absolutely. This has so many fiction and nonfiction book-pairing possibilities, as well as classroom/curriculum/current event tie-ins. The audiobook is good, and Malala narrates the introduction. Grades 6-12.

What are you reading this summer?

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#yalit #kidlit #newbooks #summerrreading #fiction #nonfiction #teachers #librarians