…changing the world, one reader at a time.
Since the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, thousands of students in Texas have not been able to return to school. When they do go back, many will have lost their classroom, school, and public libraries. As part of an ongoing desire to teach our students empathy and the importance of community service, 4th grade teacher McKenzie […]
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Every so often, wandering through the library with my middle school groups, I’ll hear a sound that is music to my ears: students “You have to read this book. It’s so good. I’m obsessed with it.” Peer to peer recommendations are incredibly powerful. No matter how well I know a student or how passionately I […]
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WHO: 5th grade readers interested in picking up a new book to enjoy over the summer, share one of their favorites, and participate in a fun book exchange with their classmates. WHAT: 5th grade students have been begging for one more book club this year (I can’t blame them – they did such a great […]
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Her hair fell into her face and she hunched over, tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth, fingering an LED light and a strip of copper tape. The cardboard car sat stubbornly askew on the tabletop. She moved silently, in tiny increments, only pausing to wipe her hand on her skirt or tuck her […]
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WHO: 6th grade graphic novel lovers, makers, creatives, and students looking to try something new! WHAT: A graphic novel book club… with a twist. When I read Cardboard by Doug TenNapel, I was so inspired that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some cardboard. What magic could I make out of cardboard? What was […]
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Love is in the air! Hearts were fluttering with excitement and romance was everywhere yesterday as 7th and 8th graders met in the library for a very unusual book club. At this time of year, many students can feel overwhelmed by schoolwork and uninspired by independent reading. The weather is bleak, the midterms are rough, […]
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After the success of our last book club, I needed a fun and creative idea to keep the momentum going. It was time for 5th grade to have a chance to meet and discuss again, and I knew that this grade had something special – a unique enthusiasm for reading and the ability to […]
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WHO: 7th grade and 8th grade students WHAT: A book club for your creative side! Set your book up on a blind date by covering the front and back covers and title. Students can use a book from your personal collection or a library book, as long as it is school appropriate. Students, whatever book […]
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WHO: 4th grade students and their book club hosts – 5th grade readers! WHAT: 5th grade is coming together to plan fun and interesting activities and discussion based around Paper Wishes*, a middle-grade novel by Lois Sepahban. Since they’re in charge of all of the planning, the details aren’t mine to share – but I know it will be great! All participants […]
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Do you remember my lamenting about finding a book exciting and engaging enough to hook a big group of 5th and 6th graders? Okay. Take that, add a few years, lots of growing up, and about 2x the homework. Also, sports practice. And Early Morning Latin. And you’re left with the impossible task of […]
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