Mock Caldecott is one of my favorite times! We are early in the year so there's a good chance that the contenders haven't been released yet. I will try to update this list periodically throughout the year, but look for the finalized list in November or December.My...

Check out some new, fun author studies for fifth grade to keep them engaged. Make your activities related to the read aloud and let students express their creativity.Tips for Fifth Grade Author Studies: Some fifth graders think they are too old for read alouds....

There are so many excellent books for author studies for fourth grade. Look for engaging read alouds that students can connect to, and link them to a library skill. Tips for Fourth Grade Author Studies: Fourth graders should still listen to read alouds! Pick a variety...

I love third grade. If I could teach third grade all day, I would love it. Author studies are perfect for third grade because there are so many excellent books to introduce students to that will get their creativity flowing and send the books flying off the...

Second grade is one of my favorite grade levels because they can do more with writing and creating. Author studies are perfect for second grade because you can focus on the author's craft and have students create related activities. Tips for Second Grade Author...

First grade author studies are a perfect way to organize your library lessons. Pick an awesome author or illustrator, read 2-4 of their books, teach a related library skill, and your plans are done for the year! These books make great read alouds AND students will...

Kindergarten author studies are the perfect way to spend a few weeks reading different books by amazing authors and illustrators! I guarentee these books will fly off the shelves after you read them aloud. You can even keep a special bin on the shelves for the authors...

Here are some of my favorite books that came out in 2024. I am always updating this list as I read new-to-me books so make sure to check back! It's always important to remember to read books that YOU enjoy reading aloud because students will feed off of your positive...

2023 was an excellent year for reading! Here are some of my favorite picture books, nonfiction books, biographies, and more. This was one of my favorite books of the year. The story is silly and weird and kids will love it. Upper elementary will get a kick out of...

I try to read A LOT of picture books and nonfiction books. These are some of my favorites that I've read in 2025 so far 🙂  Use these picture books to teach library skills like character and setting, kickoff a research project, create comics, and more. These were...