I just finished doing an all day in-service with teachers called “Dealing With Difference: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom.” The rural area of Idaho is not filled with racial diversity, so I demonstrated several examples of literature that help learners think beyond their own immediate experience. As Rudine Sims Bishop says:…
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A warm play on the theme of inclusivity, with horrors more huggable than otherwise
“A cartoonishly adorable monster cast populate the brightly colored pages of this uplifting tale. Through earnest and optimistic depictions of found family dynamics, Davault presents the ups and downs of relationships while emphasizing openness, communication, and acceptance.” – Publishers Weekly Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends meets Hilda and the Troll in this spooky and sweet…
A Journey Through the Caldecott: Rita Baguio Christensen’s Insight into Celebrating Children’s Literature
“I will defend the importance of bedtime stories to my last gasp.” —JK Rowling I met Rita Baguio Christensen at the BYU Books for Young Readers Conference and was fascinated by her work on the Randolph Caldecott Medal. The Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children”. It is…
A Heartwarming Tale of Sisterhood and Tradition
Critically-acclaimed artist Anoosha Syed brings Anitha Rao-Robinson’s stunning text to life in this story, Sari Sisters, about getting dressed up and the enduring bonds between sisters. Ruhi is ready for her weekend tradition: a dance party with her older sister, Kayra! Everything is ready to go–the music, the lights, the glitterballs–but where is Kayra? Ruhi…
A poverty-stricken boy bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him.
A gripping new novel in verse by the author of the Printz Honor-winning Starfish, featuring a poverty-stricken boy who bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him Joe Oak is used to living on unsteady ground. His mom can’t be depended on as she never stays around long once she gets “the…
Funny Poems About School that Make Young Readers Come Back for More
Young readers will find a lot of familiar faces and things in David L. Harrison’s book of funny poems about school. Along the way they’ll recognize the agony of tests, homework, cursive writing, and the mysteries of cafeteria food. Plus, there’s Betsy Lewin’s amusing illustrations that perfectly capture one silly trip through a day at…
The Bard and The Book
The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters’ lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor’s role) and passed around, but…
✨🎉🎉 Happy Birthday Mavis Staples!
“A resonant profile of the great singer and Civil Rights activist. A moving look back at a long and storied career.” —Kirkus Review “This engaging picture-book biography offers especially rich insights into Mavis Staples of the legendary Staple Singers gospel group. The lyrical text includes lines from gospel classics and flows freely; the vivid illustrations…
A captivating tale of a courageous mouse and an extraordinary journey
Renowned Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell and revered librarian and children’s book reviewer, Travis Jonker share an enchanting story with The Ship in the Window, a captivating tale of a courageous mouse and an extraordinary journey. Mabel, a spirited little mouse dreams of adventure on the high seas as a fearless sea captain, exploring the world and…
A wondrous, mesmerizing glimpse into the magic that’s always hidden in the mundane
“An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that’s guaranteed to leave readers eager for more.” —Kirkus Sahara is bringing an important part of home with her this Summer – her best friend, Vicky, along with the feeling that she’ll have to go up against El Ghoula and her powerful wind again. With Vicky by…
Young People's Pavilion 