Award-Winning Historical Fiction for Youth

March 16, 2011 in Book Lists, Tween 9-12

The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman, HarperCollins, 1996, Ages 9-12.
Brat sets out on a journey to knowledge and self-discovery when the village midwife pulls her from a dung heap to become her apprentice.

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Grey, Puffin, …

Sea Life Picture Books

March 2, 2011 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists

The Rainbow Fish by Pfister J. James, North-South Books, 1992, Ages 4-8.
A beautiful rainbow fish that gives up his scales to help others finds that being kind is better than selfishness.

Seamore, the Very Forgetful Porpoise by Darcie Edgemon, HarperCollinsPublishers, 2008,  Ages …

Drama Smart: Readers Theatre Plays

February 16, 2011 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists, Tween 9-12

Fairy Tales Readers Theatre by Anthony D. Fredericks, Libraries Unlimited, 2009, Ages 9-12.
This book provides scripts for many of the classic fairy tales, and  seven  have “a touch of humor.” My personal favorite is “Little Red Riding Hood Punches the Wolf …

Health Smart: Books for Tweens

February 2, 2011 in Book Lists, Teen 13+, Tween 9-12

Girlology’s There’s Something New About You: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up by Melissa Holmes and Patricia Hutchinson. HCI, 2010. Ages 9-12
Written by two doctors to help girls understand their developing bodies, practice grooming tips, and become better friends.

My Body, My …

Science Smart: Scientists in the Field

January 19, 2011 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists, Science Smart, Tween 9-12

These books are from the ‘Scientists in the Field’ collection, which produces nonfiction books about what real scientists do.

Project Seahorse by Pamela S. Turner, Houghton Mifflin Co., 2010, Ages 6-12
Learn about an organization working to help educate and preserve the seahorse, …

Money Smart: Starting a Business

January 10, 2011 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists, Literacy Tips, Money Smart, Tip of the Week, Tips of the Week, Tween 9-12

Is your child looking for ways to earn some extra money? Have them set up a sales stand! They might want to sell lemonade and cookies, homemade recipes in jars, or crafts they make on their own. Help them advertise with …

Dystopians for Young Adults

January 5, 2011 in Book Lists, Teen 13+

For teens (and adults!) looking for a book or series after finishing The Hunger Games, here’s a great list of dystopian books written for young adults:

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Simon Pulse, 2005, Young Adult
Tally can’t wait to turn sixteen and get …

Health Smart: Food Books

December 15, 2010 in Baby/Toddler 0-4, Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, Random House, 1960, Ages 4-8.
Sam-I-Am wants his friend to eat some green eggs and ham! But he won’t eat them anywhere, in any way. Will Sam-I-Am be able to convince his friend to give …

Science Smart: Books for Young Astronomers

December 1, 2010 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists, Tween 9-12

Scholastic Atlas of Space by Dona Vekteris, Scholastic, 2004, Ages 9-12.
A comprehensive guide of the universe. See how space works from its building blocks, to types of stars, to space exploration.

Next Stop Neptune by Alvin Jenkins, illustrated by Steve Jenkins, Houghton …

Social Smart: Thanksgiving Picture Books

November 17, 2010 in Beginning Readers 5-8, Book Lists

Need something to do after your feast? Have family time and read what Thanksgiving is all about.

Let’s Celebrate Thanksgiving by Peter and Connie Roop. Illustrated by Gwen Connelly. Scholastic, 2001. Ages 4-8.
Teach your children the truth about how Thanksgiving was started …