A.S. King and Jackie Morse Kessler are not only amazing authors, but also speak out against bullying. Plus, their books send an anti-bullying message that is realistic and...
Inspired by the PBS show, Word Girl, I've created a vocabulary activity where students teach vocabulary words to each other by creating a performing skits. So my pseudonym...
Deborah Hopkinson writes great children’s books! I was amazed by the vast number (over 40) of picture books and chapter books she has written. All her books are...
I love playing vocabulary games where students have to incorporate their vocabulary in multifarious ways, and this twist on an old favorite might be just what you are...
Pickle is one of author, Kathryn Erskine’s favorite words, and I don’t blame her-it’s a great word to say! However, that’s not the only word that Kathryn knows- she’s also...
John Green-wow! I was exhilarated to sit down with John at the ALAN workshop back in November for a quick interview. He is one popular fellow who seems to do it all- an...
I want to bring Allan Wolf to my school-his energy and enthusiasm are catching. Not only is he is a great writer who can discuss all the books he’s written for kids and...
One of my favorite games growing up was “Mother, May I” where participants took turns asking the “Mother” if s/he could step forward in a certain style (ballet twirl, giant...
Ilsa Bick is the definition of cool; she’s ex-air force and knows how to survive in the wilderness, is a child psychiatrist by day, and has written 15 books in her “spare...
I always strive to come up with unique activities for teaching academic vocabulary. When vocabulary instruction becomes redundant, students tend to check out. Practice...
I have been a huge Jack Gantos fan for many years now, and so I am thrilled that he won the 2011 Newbery Award for his latest novel (and pseudo memoir) Dead End in Norvelt.
Ned Vizzini is a literary rockstar; his three books are HUGE! His first book, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, was just released as a movie, Be More Chill was a Today Show book...