Book Lists!

What better way to greet students as we head back to school than with an amazing classroom library! Whether you are building a classroom library or reorganizing one, here are a few ideas for you to consider. Building a Classroom Library A well-stocked, high-quality classroom library can generate interest and motivation, support differentiated reading instruction, and help develop expert readers in your classroom. But sometimes it’s overwhelming on knowing where to start. Below are some amazing resources if you are struggling to figure out where to find high quality books. ALA Book, Print and Media Awards (Newberry, Caldecott, Siebert Medal, etc.): https://www.ala.org/awards/books-media American library Association Booklist Online: https://www.booklistonline.com/ Cooperative Children’s Book Center: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/ School Library Journal Best Books lists: https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/page/best-books-2025 From the Mixed Up Files Book Lists: https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/mixed-up-files-book-lists/# One rule of thumb is to have anywhere from 10-20 books per students in your classroom at a variety of text lengths, genres, grade levels, and so forth. The more diverse the...

As a kid, my summers were spent hanging out at the library reading Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. I loved a good mystery, and not much has changed in that department. With summer reading in full swing, I’ve picked six of my favorite middle grade mysteries to share. They...

We have some ravenous readers in my house. My oldest can blaze through a few middle grade books in a single week. Sometimes it feels like my wife and I can barely keep up, and reloading his Kindle with picks from our local library is a nightly ritual. Of course...

Thinking Outside the Box: WNDMG Summer 2026 Recommendations Summer is the perfect time to unwind and relax. This is true for parents, children, teachers, and students alike! So while we rest our minds, it’s best to try thinking outside the box and finding time to discover some unconventional and lighthearted...

Summer can be an exciting season, inviting more time with friends and family, campouts under the stars, or fun-filled travel plans. However, the break in predictable school-centered schedules can also invite big changes! For me growing up, summers often meant relocation and new schools, for others it can bring big...

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a good book, and if you ask me, the spookier the better. Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, or under the covers with a flashlight, these ghostly adventures and spine-tingling tales are sure to make your summer a bit...

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest By Nik Korpon and Jorge Enrique Paz A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy. The walls between worlds are wearing...