Author: Jennifer Allen (Contributor 2019-2020)

This is the time of year that I find myself reading through stacks of books, books that I have picked up over the year that I haven't gotten a chance to read. I am always on the look out for books that I can share with classroom teachers, books that may be incorporated into professional… Continue reading Summer Reading Stacks

If you loved Marshfield Dreams by Ralph Fletcher then you will surely love his follow up collection of stories captured in Marshfield Memories. Ralph, the oldest of nine kids in his family brings his childhood stories to life. In Marshfield Memories we are reintroduced to the Fletcher clan and many new adventures that they had… Continue reading Marshfield Memories : More Stories About Growing Up by Ralph Fletcher

This post is a collaboration with Mrs. Cristan's 2nd grade students. I am a Wolf by Kelly Leigh Miller is the story of Wolf. The dog acts like a tough guy but he really just wants to be loved. This is his story of how he gets to a dog shelter and what happens to… Continue reading I Am A Wolf By Kelly Leigh Miller

This post is written by 5th grade student, Saphira. I am a 5th grade girl who wants to break barriers. Right now I have relaunched our school's book swap. This is a place where kids can come and bring a book from home and swap out for a new book. I love books and reading.… Continue reading Girls with Guts! The Road to Breaking Barriers and Bashing Records By Debbie Gonzales

Meet Norris and Elba. Maybe Tomorrow by author Charlotte Agell is one of my favorite titles of the year. You can imagine my delight when I learned that Charlotte was a Maine author and educator. Maybe Tomorrow is the story of Elba, a hippopotamus who carries around a heavy block. And it's the story of… Continue reading Maybe Tomorrow by Charlotte Agell

A Favorite Among Kindergarten Students We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins is sure to bring a smile to students. This book is pure enjoyment. It has an action filled plot and a lovable child-eating dinosaur that will engage young learners and grab at their hearts. I read the story to 18 kindergartners.… Continue reading We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Maine author and illustrator Matt Tavares is a favorite among teachers and students here in Waterville, Maine. His latest book Dasher was our December read for our, What's New in Children's Literature book group. Teacher's Thoughts... After years of knowing Christmas reindeer stories, it never occurred to me that some of the antlered reindeer might… Continue reading Dasher by Matt Tavares

This is the story of JoJo who decides to sleep in her own bedroom rather than with her older sister, Margaret.  Margaret assures JoJo that she will be back. As JoJo settles in for the night, she is visited by a variety of animals, and the story of her getting rid of the animals begins. … Continue reading This is My Room! ( No Tigers Allowed) by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Meet Emma. Emma is starting fifth grade in a Maine public school after years of being homeschooled. She is eager to start school and would love a best friend.  She meets Jack on the first day. Jack is a boy who doesn’t quite fit in. He’s not the best friend she thought she was looking… Continue reading Because of the Rabbit By Cynthia Lord

Children’s author, Cynthia Lord and her husband, John Bald foster rabbits. They take in bunnies that have been neglected and ones that owners no longer want as pets.  Cindy and John care for the rabbits until they are adopted. Borrowing  Bunnies is the true story of rabbits, Peggotty and Benjamin, that were saved by Maine’s… Continue reading Borrowing Bunnies By Cynthia Lord

Teacher Thoughts... Meet Mia Tang. Mia and her family have come from China to America for a new life.  Mia is ten years old and manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel in California. She is a girl with a kind heart and big dreams. This book is filled with many characters and stories… Continue reading Front Desk By Kelly Yang