Category Archives: Favorites

What I’ve Been Reading (September 2016)

September came and went and the calm, but productive days of summer are gone. School is in full-swing and as a teacher, that means very little time for my “side gig” as a writer. I managed to get through a couple children’s books that I’d recommend, but that makes my list super short this month. […]

What I’ve Been Reading (August 2016)

In March of this year, I attended the SBCWI MD/DE/WV conference with my good friend and critique group buddy, Nicole Groeneweg. After listening to Traci Todd, the Executive Editor or Abrams Appleseed, Nicole and I were inspired. We decided to collaborate on a board book series to submit to her. Abrams Appleseed specializes in books […]

What I’ve Been Reading (July 2016)

Ahhh! Summertime! Lazy days and more trips to the public library. I attended a Children’s Literature Conference at Shenandoah University in June, so many of the books on this list are by the fantastic authors and illustrators I met there. Preschool (3-5 years): Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years): Early Elementary (5-8 years): Middle Grades (8-12 […]

What I’ve Been Reading (June 2016) Alphabet Books!

As research for an ABC story I’m working on, I read stacks and stacks of alphabet books. Gosh, there are a lot! Here are my favorites. Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years): Early Elementary (5-8 years):

What I’ve Been Reading (May 2016)

I’ve been reading up on books written my mentor, Ellen Jackson. You will see a few gems of hers on this month’s list! Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years): Early Elementary (5-8 years):

What I’ve Been Reading (April 2016) Graphic novels!

April was a busy month and I only managed to squeeze-in a few graphic novels. These can be great for reluctant readers who may be intimidated by a whole book full of words. The combination of words and pictures in a comic strip format is more exciting for some students. Side note: The City of […]

Autism in Books – Awareness, Understanding, Acceptance

April is Autism Awareness Month According to the Autism Speaks website, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control […]

What I’ve Been Reading (March 2016) – BIOGRAPHIES!

I’ve been researching picture book biographies for two new stories I’m working on. I find it such an exciting format for kids to learn about important people in our world. The shorter word count of a picture book can draw in reluctant readers and the illustrations add another layer of interest and understanding. A blurb […]

Scholastic Book Talk – Last Stop on Market Street

Look what Scholastic Booktalk I got this time! Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena; the Newbery winner this year! The designated books will get a QR code attached to them in the school library. When the code is scanned by a student using a smartphone, ipad, etc., the book talk video […]

What I’ve Been Reading (Feb 2016)

Here are some of the wonderful books I read in February that you should check-out. I just finished reading Newbery winner Sarah, Plain and Tall with some my students. Aren’t I lucky that I get to read children’s books as part of my job? Happy reading, everyone! Babies and Toddlers (0-2 years) & Preschool (3-5 years): Preschool […]