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Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki

Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki When I first encountered Dad Bakes on the “New Picturebooks” shelves of my local library I didn’t have any expectations beyond a read-aloud to compliment a cold weekend after some father-son baking time. When flour finally returned to shelves a few months into the initial on-set of the pandemic, baking… Continue reading Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki

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Built Together, written by Mina Starsiak and illustrated by Barbara Bongini

Known for the HGTV home renovation series, Good Bones, Built Together is Mina Starsiak’s first children’s book. It is a book about LOVE, as Starsiak explains: “This book comes from my heart – I wanted to show that families can come in all forms and look a little different – just like houses – and… Continue reading Built Together, written by Mina Starsiak and illustrated by Barbara Bongini

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She Persisted: Ruby Bridges

She Persisted: Ruby Bridges by Kekla Magoon Julia Soucy, 8th grade student, shares her thoughts of the She Persisted series, including She Persisted: Ruby Bridges. Julia's observations: Themes and lessons put in a good way for younger children to understand. Has pictures so that students can better visualize the story and further understand what they… Continue reading She Persisted: Ruby Bridges

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Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85k-Shaj254 For the last couple of weeks, I've been enjoying this collection bit by bit. Thanks to Libby App, I have been able to enjoy each story as a read aloud -- in the car, when walking or on my couch with my paperback copy. The introduction, crafted by editors S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed,… Continue reading Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

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Magic Like That

A young Black girl wonders what kind of magical hairstyle her mother will create in Magic Like That by Samara Doyon Cole. Page by page, the reader is invited along as Doyon weaves themes of identity and self-confidence with her own magic of rhythmic poetic text. Geneva Bowers’ bold and engaging illustrations bring this magic… Continue reading Magic Like That

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Inquiry & Research Resources for Kids

Our third grade class is kicking off 2022 with wonder. As we begin our expository nonfiction research unit, students are identifying topics of interest and brainstorming questions they would like to learn more about. From muscles to miniature pinschers to the universe, there are so many topics we'd like to explore. So where do we… Continue reading Inquiry & Research Resources for Kids

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Listen Written by Gabi Synder and Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Listen Written By Gabi SnyderIllustrated by Stephanie Graegin Close your eyes. Listen. What do you hear? At first, you might just hear noise. But, if you really focus, what sounds do you hear? As I sit here typing, I hear the whir of the refrigerator behind me, the clicking of keys as I type, and… Continue reading Listen Written by Gabi Synder and Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

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Letter Writing: Building and Maintaining Relationships

Dear Readers, As the second show I’ve tried to watch today watches me, these oldies but, goodies are running through my head; Dear Mr. Blueberry, Can I be Your Dog?, Dear Primo, Dear Mrs. LaRue, The Jolly Postman and Other People’s Letters, Letters from Maisy, Dear Juno, Dragon Post… An idea is brewing. Over the… Continue reading Letter Writing: Building and Maintaining Relationships

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Layla and the BOTS Cupcake Fix by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Christine Nishiyama

Whenever Layla and the Bots get together, awesome things happen. Happy 2022! What awesome things are you planning for your students and classroom in the new year? I love teaching in January. It’s a month where I observe the most growth in my students as readers. Their stamina increases, their inferences deepen, and their willingness… Continue reading Layla and the BOTS Cupcake Fix by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Christine Nishiyama