Category: YA Lit

Glimpses into a Better Understanding of the Human Experience with New Poetry Books

April is national poetry month, a celebration of how this literary art reveals the precious truth with words. All of us have experienced hardships, joy, and challenges these past two years. We have seen glimpses into a kinder society that shows our desire to gain a better understanding of each other. I believe we are lucky to be educators during a time of turmoil in our government and communities. Books that provide windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors have helped us understand what others’ hopes and fears entail. And no other form of writing expresses emotions and creates imagery like poetry. Following are details about four of my favorite new poetry titles...

A New Generation is Taking Action – 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

This April 22 will be the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, an annual event celebrated around the world that gives people an opportunity to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Not unlike the environmental scientists of 1970, the young self-starters of the Youth Climate Lawsuit are celebrating Earth Day every day. They are reminding the world that Government is required by our Constitution to protect the rights of young people and children, including their fundamental rights to life and liberty. There have been several new books published that ignite a call to action for change, encourage young people to be part of the change, and celebrate our Earth’s beauty. These three new books can help students celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and get inspired to be part of the fight for everyone’s future.

Engage All Readers: Fill Your Library With A Variety Of Book Formats To Meet The Diverse Needs Of All Students

Fostering a love of reading is one of our goals as educators. All students benefit from having a variety of different types of texts available, especially reluctant readers. When building your collection, be sure to include a wide variety of titles in different formats to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Talk About It: Three Important Steps in Creating Interesting Book Talks

[originally published on MackinCommunity.com] Having students engaged and motivated in reading is one of our goals as educators. Therefore, it is important to develop a positive and supportive reading culture throughout your school. In addition to the librarian being excited about reading, it is essential to have the commitment of the principal and staff to … Continue reading Talk About It: Three Important Steps in Creating Interesting Book Talks →

Stories in Verse

[originally published on MackinCommunity.com] In a PBS NewsHour interview, Jason Reynolds, the award winning young adult literature author, shares his ideas on how poetry can get more young people interested in reading. And I couldn’t agree with him more. This year, several publishers are launching new stories in verse. These are some of my favorites: … Continue reading Stories in Verse →

It was a Book before it was a Movie

[originally published on MackinCommunity.com] The holidays are a great time to go see a movie with family and friends. This season, there are several films that were books first. The classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (: 9780375938474, Gr PS-3) and Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers (: 9781328498847, Gr 5-7) have … Continue reading It was a Book before it was a Movie →

Building a Diverse Book Collection

Providing Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors, and Beyond [originally published on MackinCommunity.com] Building a diverse collection of fiction, nonfiction, novels in verse, graphic novels, and biographies can be an overwhelming task. The books need to appeal to a wide variety of students that turn over every few years. Knowing how to spend your budget can … Continue reading Building a Diverse Book Collection →