From The Mixed Up Files

Read-alouds aren’t just for younger students! Research shows that reading aloud—even for just a few minutes a day—is just as effective for intermediate grades, middle schoolers, and even high schoolers. Whether at home or during dedicated time in class, reading aloud to students demonstrates that reading is not merely a difficult task required for testing. It transforms book discussions into opportunities for students to open up about complex topics and signals the true importance of literacy. “Never underestimate the power of a well chosen read-aloud. Even students who swear they don’t like books can be...

On March 19, Publisher’s Weekly reported that the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce moved forward with House Resolution (HR) 7661. As recorded on congress.gov, the stated purpose of this bill, sponsored by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) is as follows: “To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prohibit the use of funds provided under such Act to develop, implement, facilitate, host, or promote any program or activity for, or to provide or promote literature or other materials to, children under the age of 18 that includes sexually oriented material, and for other purposes.”  ...

Changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time reminded me of how disruptive losing one hour can be, and had me imagining if I could travel through time. These seven spectacular books feature diverse characters, each with a definite reason for visiting another time. Some go to the past for a...

Studying amphibians is a natural interest for most students.  After all, some amphibians hop, they stick out their tongues to catch their meals, and they go back and forth from land to water.  Studying amphibians is also a great way to expand students’ critical thinking skills through STEM.  Luckily, some...

We love a good series over here at the Mixed Up Files, and author/illustrator Royden Lepp is keeping ‘em coming with his new book, Jurassic Jeff: Phone Home (Jurassic Jeff Book 3). Royden has written and published a variety of children’s books and other comics, and his first series RUST...

Read-alouds aren’t just for younger students! Research shows that reading aloud—even for just a few minutes a day—is just as effective for intermediate grades, middle schoolers, and even high schoolers. Whether at home or during dedicated time in class, reading aloud to students demonstrates that reading is not merely a...

April showers bring….a storm of brand new Middle Grade Releases. Take a look at the books coming your way this month.     A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm by Philip C. Stead A plucky young goatkeeper sets out on...

I’m delighted to welcome award-winning author Fleur Bradley to the blog. I first discovered Fleur when I devoured her middle grade mystery Midnight at the Barclay Hotel. With its clever clues and spectacular twist, it felt very Agatha Christie for kids. I became an instant fan. She followed with Daybreak on...