All of my students and I have been talking nonstop about the Divergent trilogy. The second book in the series, Insurgent, was recently released, and everyone I know has read...
I will admit to being a high school English teacher with a word wall. Okay three word walls to be precise-one for each level of vocabulary I teach. I have finally realized...
Seminal. Touchstone. Bellwether. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Laurie Halse Anderson; she is in my mind, the quintessential young adult...
Everyone has a favorite meal-foods that conjure up fond memories or set one’s taste buds to watering. Today, I propose we harness students’ stomachs and attach their...
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...
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...