Choice Lit Topic: Booklists
There are so many wonderful new children’s and young adult books published each year — and there is a lot of dreck out there too. We aim to be curators as we sort through, organize, and group books so that you can find just what you need.
Whether it’s mentor texts for a unit on persuasive writing, or just-right books for a fifth-grade English language learner, we’ve scoured lists of award winners, recommendations from colleagues, and the Kidlitsophere to come up with these lists.
Results
Comic Books and Mini Caped Crusaders for the Youngest Readers (Home is Where the Books Are Series)
I’m not a big comic book reader. Both of my brothers are, so I’ve tried to get into the sweeping and gorgeous graphic novels they periodically recommend, but they just...
Bully Literacy
Ahna came running up from her sand castle to where I was soaking up the sun. “Mom, there’s a kid with a weird arm who wants to play with me....
Book Matchmaker: Nonfiction to Read Cover to Cover
Clare is looking for some nonfiction books that can be shared in their entirety during read alouds. Here are some of my favorite nonfiction cover-to-cover read alouds. ...
Book Matchmaker: Fairy Tales for Older Readers
Fairy tales for older readers are becoming more popular. Many readers enjoyed Harry Potter in the elementary grades, and sophisticated fairy tales are a perfect choice for...
Common Core Booklist: Writing Personal Narratives
One emphasis of the The Common Core State Standards in Writing is narrative writing for fourth graders. When looking closely at the standards, students are expected to develop an experience...
Book Matchmaker: Read Aloud Versions of Old Favorites
Not only do children love to hear new versions of favorite stories, but the thinking that happens when students read these stories is powerful. Seeing connections between stories, characters...
Supporting Young Writers with Opinion Texts
I believe that effective teaching is about hearing all the voices -- making sure that every student is valued, heard and respected and knows that his or her voice can...
Chronology in Nonfiction (Common Core Booklist)
As I try to choose books that will help my students meet the expectations of the Common Core State Standards, I find myself needing to look across grade level expectations...
The Quest for the Perfect First Read Aloud of the Year
I love summer reading. I love the freedom to read what I want, and catching up on books I’ve been meaning to read. And I love having time to browse...
Rethinking My Nonfiction Library in Response to the Common Core
The focus on nonfiction reading in the Common Core has us all thinking of ways to move our students forward as nonfiction readers. The new focus on nonfiction has provided...
Worldwide Cinderellas
Like many teachers, I see my classroom growing more diverse each year. My students can tell stories about crossing the Mexican border, or recount how different their classrooms were in...
Book Matchmaker: Read Alouds for 1st Grade
Lori Sabo is looking for new read alouds for her first-grade class. There are so many terrific picture books that are great read alouds in first grade. When I...
Matching Students to Nonfiction Texts in Grades 3-6 (BOOKLIST)
We hear so much about matching students to nonfiction texts based on their needs and interests. Often the lens is very broad ("tweens will like this book") or very narrow,...
Book Matchmaker: Texts for Young English Language Learners
Paulette teaches English language learners at an overseas school. Children come to the school from many countries, and many have very limited English. Paulette wants to share her...
If You Like Junie B. Jones, You Might Like . . .
Getting hooked on a series is an important part of a child's reading development. I remember as a child getting addicted to Nancy Drew, the Betsy books, The Secret Seven...
Fresh Books and Age-old Skills
Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables. Spanish Proverb Getting stuck in a rut is easy because making a change is difficult. Take the story of my kitchen clock and...
Poetry that Celebrates Summertime and the Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time for poetry. The warm, relaxed days are filled with great images and memories. There are many poetry books for children that celebrate nature and the...
Book Matchmaker: Picture Book Biographies
Melanie Quinn is an instructional coach is looking for new picture book biographies to share with teachers and students. In the last several years, there are many picture...
Book Matchmaker: Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility
When I thought about the idea of citizenship and all that could be learned about such an important topic with young readers, I wanted to share some books that...
Book Matchmaker: Wordless Picture Books
 Brad Smedley, an elementary principal, is looking for wordless picture books to share with his preschool classes. No matter what age we work with, I find the...
Book Matchmaker: “Cool” Books for a Struggling Second Grader
Peggy asked me to help her find books for a second grader. The student is struggling, but still wants to read the kinds of books her friends are...
