For the Love of Literacy

Vera Brosgol provides readers of all ages with a heartwarming literary experience. As Freda thinks about all of the things she wants to save in jars, readers are undoubtedly prompted to think about things in their life that they would want to "bottle up" and save as well. Language is rich and Brosgol's extensive use of adjectives and figurative language helps readers connect with how Freda truly feels about Blueberries and other special things. The Illustrations expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the text. The recipe at the end of the book is also a wonderful touch, that young readers with certainly enjoy! Teachers can use this text:  Anchor text for writing about favorite things enjoy a heartwarming read aloud ------- Autho/Illustrator:  Vera Brosgol Year Published:  2021 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8 / Grades PK+ Genre: Picture book

A young boy with Dyslexia loves to write, but struggles to get his ideas down on paper. Through grit, determination, and the support of an inspiring author, Abdul learns a powerful lesson about making mistakes. Illustrator, Tiffany Rose, captivates readers will illustrations that perfectly capture the emotions and experiences of Abdul. They expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the text (specifically when showing what Abdul's stories look like on paper - eraser marks, holes, and all). A powerful text that can be enjoyed by teachers and students alike. Teachers can use this text:  to teach lessons about acceptance and learning differences read aloud featuring characters from Philadelphia ------- Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrator: Tiffany Rose Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8, Grades K-3   Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction 

 Mirha, the main character, is very excited for her first day of school. Unfortunately, when her classmates cannot pronounce her name, she contemplates changing it to an "easier name". As in all contemporary realistic fiction books, Mirha is a multidimensional characters, who's feelings change and develop overtime. Her problem is believable and is solved in a realistic, culturally grounded way, when she has a conversation with her mother learning the heritage of her name and the powerful meaning behind it. What a powerful book to use at the beginning of the school year to teach the power of one's name and how to stand up for yourself. Teachers can use this text:  as a beginning of the year read aloud/ discussion about names discussions about standing up for yourself and loving your name ------- Author/ Illustrator: Anoosha Syed Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Grade PK - 1 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture books   

  Known for her groundbreaking research and determination to change people's perspective on sharks, Eugenie Clark dedicated her life to discovering the truth about sharks that no other person was able to do. In this awe-inspiring biography, themes of grit and overcoming obstacles shine through. Readers will be able to tell that the story is grounded in fact as noted through the timeline included of Eugenie's life and many unknown shark facts.  Teachers can use this text:  to teach about inspiring women, STEM,  a narrative nonfiction supplement to learning about sharks ------- Author: Jess Keating Illustrator: Marta Alvarez Year Published: 2017 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 3-8, Grades K-4 Genre: Biography

  In this masterfully crafted memoir, written from the perspective of a four-year-old, Curtis captures the simple joys that come from "growing up" and the pride that comes with it. Children and adults will love sharing in the little girls celebration as she tells the tale of all of the things she has accomplished in her four and a half years. Cornell's illustrations help the reader visualize the time and place and illuminate the memories and moments the little girl shares.  Teachers can use this text:  as a mentor text for narrative writing to teach about perspective, craft, and other writing skills discuss themes of developing freedom and independence ------- Author: Jamie Lee Curtis Illustrator: Laura Cornell Year Published: 1995 Target Age/ Grade Level: Grades PK-3 Genre: Memoir, Picture book

Step into the childhood of author Ralph Fletcher, as he takes you on a journey through his humorous and captivating memoir tracing his roots in Marshfield Massachusetts.  The map at the beginning of the text helps readers visualize the places they are about to venture to and the photographs that appear throughout the text all attest to the integrity and accurate nature of the storyline.  Readers will feel instantly connected to Ralph, the oldest of nine children, his family, his friends, and his experiences.  Teachers can use this text to:  teach narrative writing show how good writers brainstorm and then use their brainstorming maps to elaborate in writing different essays ------- Author: Ralph Fletcher Year Published: 2012 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 8-12/ Grades K-5 Genre: Memoir

  Words That built A Nation is a fantastic example of a nonfiction resource. that is clearly organized. Readers are able to pull information from a collection of historical resources as this text "looks at words and ideas from forty one important documents and speeches in American History (Miller, 2018). Facts are current and the authors appropriately balance fact and theory by noting that though many documents are cited, this text is just one of many interpretations.  Teachers can use this text:  resource in social studies to teach about American history and some of the  most important historical essays, speeches, and documents ------- Author: Marilyn Miller, Ellen Scordato, and Dan Tucker Illustrator: Mary Kate McDevitt Year Published: 2018 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 8-12/ Grades 5-6 Genre: Nonfiction