For Teachers

Diversity in MG Lit #53 May and June 2025

By on June 19, 2025   /   Book Lists, Diversity, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, independent bookstores  

Last week it was my great pleasure to attend the Children’s Institute, the annual

logo for Children's Institute 2025 in Portland

meeting of children’s booksellers. This year it was in Portland Oregon. It was my 4th Children’s Institute. As always I was inspired by the passion of children’s booksellers for the art of getting each child the just-right book. The kindness and generosity of booksellers makes me proud to count myself among their number.

And in the very same week there was another bit of good news from my home state. The Oregon Legislature passed a bill that makes it illegal to ban a book written by or about a person from a protected class as recognized by the Oregon constitution. These classes include race, ethnicity, immigration status, disability, and LGBTQ+ which accounts for all the books currently the focus of book bans.

Booksellers are brilliant at many things. One of the most important superpowers of the indies is the ability to boost the visibility of a debut authors. Online algorithms and big box stores are great at showing readers a book they’ve already bought, but terrible about helping readers find the vibrant new voices. Every year a committee of book sellers reviews all the debut titles and choses a dozen or so to include on the Indies Introduce lists in both adult’s and children’s books. Here is a link to this year’s Indie Next list for kids. And remember if you don’t see a title you want on the shelf at your local indie, ask them to order it for you. It’s easy, usually fast and if you pick up the book at the shop you don’t have to pay for shipping. Thank you Indie Bookstores!
Here are a few of the books that were featured at Children’s Institute.
book cover Scarlet Morning by ND StevensonScarlet Morning by ND Stevenson (Quill Tree Books HC) is the authors first venture into prose novels. It has so many elements that MG readers are going to love: pirates, a mysterious book, friendship, treachery, a daring voyage and a search for hidden truth. Best of all it has lots of lively black-and-white spot illustrations throughout to bring the adventure to life. It will publish in September.
book cover for The Golden Necklace by Mitali PerkinsThe Golden Necklace: a Darjeeling Tea Mystery by Mitali Perkins (Charlesbridge) will be available in October. It is set on a tea plantation in Nepal. Our heroine Sona is determined to win a scholarship to the best school in her community and also to solve the mystery of a missing inheritance so that her brother will not be blamed for the crime. This one has a handful of full page illustrations that bring the countryside of Nepal to life.
book cover Chloe Vega and the agents of magicChloe Vega and the Agents of Magic by Leslie Adame (Harper) is a debut title. Like so many mixed status immigrant families, Chloe Vega worries about her parents. Worries they’ll be deported. Worries that she is a financial burden on them. So when she learns that her parents are heirs to a magical power and have been taken, not by ICE, but by sinister magical forces, Chloe is determined to master her powers and save her family. This book comes out in September
book cover for Folk Remedy by YoshiotaFolk Remedy by Jem Yoshioka (Andrews McMeel) is a graphic novel set in 1920s Japan. It features characters from Japanese mythology. I appreciated the mix of historical and fantastical elements. The art has a muted palate with warm tones and a style that will feel fresh and interesting to readers who mostly look at American-made graphic novels. It will publish in September.
book cover RefugeeRefuge the graphic novel by Alan Gratz (Graphix) This book in prose form has been a best seller for years. It portrays the lives of refugees in 1939, Germany; 1994, Cuba; and 2015, Syria.  Understanding the refugee experience is vital to grasping the politics of our times. This graphic novel will make an important story all the more accessible. It will be available in September.
This list is based on books that were being promoted at the Children’s Institute in 2025. As always if you have a new diverse MG book
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Why Your Teens Need Writing Conferences

By on June 13, 2025   /   Articles, For Teachers  
Neal Shusterman, Margaret Peterson Haddis, Marissa Meyer present on a panel at youth writers conference

Writing Conferences

I had the opportunity to volunteer at a writing conference for teens this year, and it was incredible! I seriously feel like that was an understatement. I hadn’t brought my own kids because I signed up to volunteer last minute and I didn’t realize how amazing it would be. Now I want every school and family to know about these opportunities.

Author speaking to teens at writers conference

Haddix Inspires Young Writers

The conference I attended is called StoryCon, previously known as Teen Author Boot Camp. This is only one of multiple writing conferences for kids in my state (there are also conferences for adults and some specifically for educators). I am willing to bet that there are some in your area as well, so I want to help you find them.

Why Should I Go To a Writers Conference?

  • First off, they are so much fun! The energy there from the speakers, volunteers, and attendees is amazing.
  • Interacting with friends. Whether you bring them with you or make them there. It is always fun to have friends who have an interest in books like you.
  • What’s that you say? You’re not interested in writing? Then this next reason is for you! You may discover some new skills and interests you didn’t know that you had. And even if you aren’t into writing, if you are a reader it is so cool to hear from these amazing authors about how and why they write.
  • Which brings me to my next point. These conferences are so inspiring. Margaret Peterson Haddix is up there in all humility saying things like, “and when you get published, because you will get published…” If we’re speaking honestly, it is hard work to get published, and here we have an author who has really made it in the publishing world, standing up there encouraging YOU! Believing in YOU! These presenters were so motivating that even if you just have a tiny seed of interest in writing, they will help you water and grow that seed into something more.
    Neal Shusterman, Margaret Peterson Haddis, Marissa Meyer present on a panel at youth writers conference

    After the panel presentation teens had the opportunity to ask questions

  • For you teachers who are looking for opportunities for kids to do something good (in addition to maybe the great athletic opportunities offered), this is why you should organize a group from your school to attend a writing event! Can you imagine getting a group of students from your school excited about books! What would that look like to you? How would it feel for you to have made a difference to these kids in developing an interest in writing talents?
  • Develop skills. What if you’re not a writer… yet? That is why you are going to this conference. My friend, we all start somewhere and some of these events will have times for you to start right then and there learning and applying what you are hearing.
  • Meet authors and get some of your books signed! This conference I attended had some incredible names that I already knew and loved. Neal Shusterman. Marissa Meyer. Magaret Peterson Haddix. Shannon Hale. Brandon Mull. Jennifer A. Nielson. Dhonielle Clayton. Janet Sumner Johnson. As well as some that I got to meet and discover a new love for. Kaela Rivera. Frank Cole. Aubrey Hartman. Rena Barron. And so many more.
    Meeting author Jeff Kinney

    Meeting the author of Diary of a Whimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney

  • So get signed up. Sit with your friends (or new friends). Get fired up about writing. Set some practical goals. And then take the energy from the conference and keep it going in your life. Extra advice – come again next year. You don’t want that new little seed to shrivel up and be forgotten. There will be new authors presenting with new things to inspire you with.

How To Find the Best Writers Conference for You

I found out about this conference through a writer friend, but the first and easiest thing to day is to go type this phrase into your favorite search engine: writer’s conference in (add your state). Also check with local universities to see if they have any conferences, camps, events. Sometimes they don’t name them ‘writing conference’ so it can sometimes take some digging. You might try other phrases like: teen writer (switch it to writing), teen writing camp, books for young readers, conference with authors of children’s books (or middle grade or young adult). Another place to ask is your local library, they sometimes know about these events. Or ask your school/school district. These conferences often reach out to school districts to share their information and not all of it gets passed on. I’m going to pick some random cities around the US and do these searches and see what we come up with here:

Clearly this does not cover every state and every option for teens. And there are even more options for educators, librarians, and other adults interested in writing or fostering a love of reading/writing. But hopefully some of these links will get you excited to start your own search of what might be available or your area.

What if I Can’t Afford to Attend a Writers Conference?

There are often scholarships available through the conference itself. You could also check into funding through your school PTA, district offices, or seek out local sponsors. This conference I was at offered a significant discount if you brought of group of 10 or more people. Even if you are just an interested parent you could contact your school to help get a group organized or create a homeschool (or book or writers club) group to qualify for the discount. This event even offered a complimentary educator pass for the teacher accompanying the group of students. Believe me, adults will love attending their own classes or being a part of the contagious spirit of the event.

Next year I am going to this same writers conference, but this time I am taking all three of my kids who are old enough to go. I know there are writers conferences, camps, and events for teens (and others) interested in writing in most states. So you should start taking advantage of some amazing opportunities.

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Longer Picture Books Are “Gateways” for Middle-Grade Readers

By on May 26, 2025   /   Articles, For Teachers, From the Classroom  

On a middle grade blog, I feel the need to confess up front: I love picture books. As a fourth-grade teacher, I read picture books to my class nearly every day. As a mom of two elementary-aged boys, I read picture books to them every day. And as an author of picture books, I read picture books every day! So many picture books, in fact, that when I check out books at my library, they give me a cart to wheel them to my car.

So why am I talking about picture books on a middle-grade blog? Because longer picture books can be “gateway” books for our middle grade readers–particularly our more reluctant readers. I think of gateway books as a bridge between picture books and traditional middle grade books. Gateway books are still in that familiar large book (usually hardcover) format. They are still highly illustrated yet have more text per page, which makes for a longer read.

Examples of “Gateway” Books

Battle of the Butts by Joselyn Rish is an example that always comes to my mind. At around 6,000 words, it is definitely not a traditional picture book. (Traditional nonfiction picture books are typically less than 1,000 words, though some are longer.) Engaging writing draws readers into a topic that is sure to interest middle grade students. Plus, the book features the interactive element of rating each butt on a scale from “Boring Backside” to “Terrific Tushie.” A butt that can breathe?! I think that’s one “Remarkable Rump.” How about you? Be sure to check out the sequel: Battle of the Brains.

Spooky Lakes by Geo Rutherford is an oversized picture book with dense text on each spread. The pages contain enough intrigue to captivate middle grade readers whose interest will be piqued by the haunting illustrations. Beware! These pages mention dead bodies!

Plants: The Sneaky Ways They Survive is another oversized picture book. Even though it contains longer blocks of text, the book leaves plenty of room for stunning illustrations. And there is loads of intriguing information to keep older readers engaged. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn about rats that use flowers as toilets?

Sensational Senses: Amazing Ways Animals Perceive the World by Rebecca E. Hirsh is aimed at an older audience, yet still packaged in a picture book format. Photographs, diagrams, and sidebars break the text into manageable chunks. The information will fascinate students and keep them reading. Did you know star-nosed moles blow snot bubbles underwater and then suck them back in to “smell” the water? What?!

The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom by Lita Judge pairs poems about trees with detailed expository information. These chunky blocks of text are packed with interesting information. I’m fascinated every time I read about how trees communicate and share resources underground.

The Scientists in the Field series is a set of texts written more specifically for middle grade. (The suggested grade level is 5-7.) Yet because this series is in a picture book format with lots of illustrations, the books can be more approachable for reluctant readers.

For some readers, longer, high-interest, nonfiction picture books with colorful illustrations and interactive elements can seem more manageable than staring at an entire page of words. By incorporating gateway books into your classroom, you are helping students to find books that, to them, are less daunting and more delightful. Bottom line: you are doing everything you can to help your students develop a love of reading (and perhaps, their knowledge of butts.)

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