Today’s Friday Read Aloud reminded me how stories give English Language Learners the wings to soar. Just like Laila, our students find courage, voice, and belonging through words that lift them higher each day.

What better way to start the year than with a story that makes us stop, think, and laugh a little about our tech-filled lives. Bored Panda by Mike Bender, illustrated by Chuck Dillon, was the perfect springboard for our class iPad time agreement. In the story, Panda’s world goes dark when the power goes out. No wifi. No “Panda Pad.” Just… boredom. At first, nothing seems fun without a screen, but then he ventures into the forest and tries painting, photography, and even sculp

As a teacher, I see this every year—kids caught between languages, unsure of where they belong. Speak Up, Santiago! by Julia Anta & Gabi Mendez hit me right in the heart. Santiago’s story mirrors the quiet struggles so many of my students face when trying to reclaim a language that should feel like home but doesn’t… yet. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel gently explores what it means to grow into a language and a culture, even when others expect you to already know i

I’ll be honest—ask my students, my friends, even my family—I’m not a dog person. But this book? It made me feel things I didn’t expect. Gus and Glory is the kind of story that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re wiping away tears, and then suddenly you’re hugging the book because it feels like home.  If you loved Wish by Barbara O’Connor or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. Glory is a character you’ll ro

If you’re still on the fence about graphic novels being “real books,” let this one change your mind. How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoë Persico is a tender, visually rich, and emotionally layered story that hit me in the quiet corners of my heart. Told through the eyes of Adara, a young girl navigating the loss of her mother, this book gently explores what it means to care—for a plant, for others, and for yourself—especially when the world feels unfamiliar and heavy. Adara’

Sometimes a picture book does more than tell a story—it lights a spark. Ablaze introduces us to Deanne Shulman, the first female smokejumper in the U.S., and it completely swept me off my feet. As someone who believes in stories that empower and expand what’s possible, this one struck a chord. Deanne didn’t just break barriers—she ran headfirst into smoke and fire so others could follow. Sarah Gonzales’s illustrations bring Deanne’s courage and grit to life, and Jessica Lawso

Some books quietly change the way you look at the world—and this was one of them. Whale Eyes is James Robinson’s middle grade memoir, but don’t let the label fool you. It’s for anyone who has ever felt different, misread, or unseen. James writes about growing up with strabismus (he calls it “whale eyes”)—a condition that made reading incredibly hard, but being misunderstood even harder. His words? They stay with you. “Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the way that I see,

I was embarrassingly late to the world of Ruskin Bond—and I have my wonderful friend @mitra.of.stories to thank for the nudge. This little book, How to Be Happy, isn’t your typical self-help read. It’s something much gentler, wiser, and real. It’s Bond being Bond—charming, warm, and quietly profound. Right from the first page, I found myself smiling. His words feel like a cup of chai on a rainy day, a walk through the hills, or a long conversation with someone who gets it. H

Another Reem Faruqi gem to add to my shelf — Do You Even Know Me? 
Her stories always find a way into my heart. This one follows Salma, a young Muslim girl who faces bullying and Islamophobia in school and through the media. With grace and quiet strength, she begins to speak up, drawing courage from her faith and her identity. Reem Faruqi’s books never shy away from truth — they celebrate identity, kindness, and agency in a way that’s both tender and empowering. Whether it’s

Just received my contributor copy of Text and Tech by Kristin Ziemke—and it’s finally sinking in. I’m so honoured to be included among incredible educators from around the globe who are committed to rethinking literacy in today’s classrooms. This book is more than just strategies—it’s about how we weave multimodal literacy into our daily teaching: the dance between text and tech, print and digital, creation and comprehension. You’ll find real stories, actionable practices, an

I just finished Growing Home by Beth Ferry and the Fan Brothers, and all I could think was how much my class would have loved this one. Too bad it’s summer break because this book would have sparked such rich discussions. I teared up when the characters realized they weren’t just friends but family. That message of found family wrapped in fantasy and humor stayed with me long after I closed the book. Beth Ferry’s calm and whimsical storytelling, paired with the Fan Brothers’

Wrapped up the last week of school with a heartwarming stack of picture books that sparked meaningful conversations, creativity, and...

One of my students was deep into a chapter book on hurricanes from the I Survived series, and that sparked a whole class discussion....

With just 10 days left before summer break, This is a Moment by Micah Player was the perfect read for our class. We had a heartfelt...

Just finished reading Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George to my class and we were all in awe. The illustrations are breathtaking, but...

After a week filled with energy, excitement, and summer festival buzz, I ended the day with my class by reading Quiet Is Strength by Mary...

Inspired by In You I See by Rachel Emily, my students created their very own heartfelt book using Book Creator — and the results were...

Went to River Safari and spent the night in Manatee Cave. Brought Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat and honestly could not...

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park (illustrated by Lenny Wen) is the perfect book to read or share....

As an educator and parent, I am always looking for books that help children understand themselves and others more deeply. Bitsy Bat Team...