If you’re looking to boost your lesson plans with great reads and important classroom discourse, we have a selection of guides to help! This list of teacher’s guides for every occasion can help you plan for the year! From well-loved canon to important historical moments, you’ll find pre-reading questions, discussion topics, and common core ties that are evergreen conversation starters.
Continue readingPresident George W. Bush proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, making it a national holiday in 2006. However, this holiday was founded by Dr. Claire Nelson and celebrated by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in 2000. Find a list of books about celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of Caribbean-American people below!
On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, TX, enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their freedom, despite the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. Juneteenth is also referred to as “Freedom Day”, “Emancipation Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The first celebrations of Juneteenth were about honoring former enslaved people. Today celebrations of Juneteenth consist of gathering with family, BBQs, parades, festivals, beauty contests, and other celebratory events to remember the lives of their enslaved ancestors.
For those who would like to learn more, we recommend reading “Juneteenth: The Growth of an African-American Holiday” and “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?”
Learn more about these books →In July we celebrate Disability Pride Month by reading and sharing stories about the disabled community. Celebrate in your school or library by sharing the history of Disability Pride Month and by introducing readers to disabled fiction and memoir writers sharing their stories.
This month’s Author Spotlight is author Angela Cervantes! Angela joins us to discuss The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy, her new humorous and heartwarming middle grade novel, which follows 12-year-old Sleuth Diez as he investigates a high-stakes case and tracks down the tournament’s stolen trophy in time for the championship match. Be sure to check out the Spanish edition of The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy!
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We’re celebrating our LGBTQIA+ authors, illustrators, and creators this month (and every month)! Keep reading to discover new books and revisit your favorites!
Discover books & resources for PRIDE Month →
This month’s Author Spotlight is author, Van Hoang! Van joins us to discuss Auntie Q’s Golden Claws Nail Salon, her new humorous and heartwarming middle grade novel where one girl’s summer punishment becomes a mission to save a struggling nail salon and bring her family together.
★ “A sparkling exploration of identity and belonging.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by reading and sharing stories by Jewish American authors and illustrators. Celebrate in your school or library by uplifting these voices all year round! Find more resources on the Jewish American Heritage Month website.
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This month’s Author Spotlight is acclaimed author and poet, Julian Randall! Julian joins us to discuss his incredible new middle grade novel-in-verse, Shook. Plus, enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win an advance reading copy of Shook!
“Absolutely vibrating with energy and heart, Shook is a masterful middle-grade novel.”
—Newbery Honoree Jasmine Warga
Discover incredible titles and free resources about fierce, fearless, and remarkable women to celebrate Women’s History Month!
