As a teacher, I love books that create curiosity and this one did just that! “I Spot an Invention!” by Rana Aly and authored by Dinesh N. Melwani.This book lets young readers see the world through Sani and Jai’s eyes as they turn everyday moments into exciting discoveries. The story shows that “a single idea can come from anyone,” from Alarm Clock to Roti maker. I recently shared this book with my “Comic Camp club” and it caused so many “aha moments” that the kids started spo

I read “Just Shine”to my class this week, and it opened up one of the most heartfelt conversations we’ve had about love, learning, and the quiet ways we influence one another. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor offers wise words to live by for young children, but the message resonated deeply with all of us. Through the tender lens of her relationship with her mother, Celina, Ms. Sotomayor reminds us that children learn not only from what we say but from how we live. Her wo

I read “A Million YES “by DJ Corchin and Dan Dougherty to my class today and it opened up one of the most meaningful conversations we have had together. The story begins with a character who had a plan. It was a good plan, filled with a million yeses. But when a friend was in need, she gave them a yes. And then another. And another. Soon her plan started to change. My students already loved A Thousand NO’s so when this new book arrived they begged me to read it. We ended up s

Today I shared The Greatest River with my extension writers, my passionate writers who love exploring how words can move us. We paused on lines like Heads swayed, voices connected, the earth hummed.
Ananda closed her eyes and felt the healing energy.
Maasi wept silently.
“It feels good to let it out,” she said. We talked about how words can invoke meaning and emotions, how they make us see, feel, and almost hear what the writer is describing. This touching tale follows Ananda

Today’s read aloud was Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles 
My Grade 3s and I had such a meaningful discussion about what happens when pressure and anxiety feel too big to carry. This book gently reminds us that what you think you become. It instantly made me think of one of my favorite teachers of life, Dr Wayne Dyer. He often said, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.” That message was so alive in our classroom today. The strategy Think

If you have read Fish in a Tree, you know I am already a fan of Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s books. That story reminded us about the power of resilience, empathy, and embracing differences. Reading Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Nancy Carpenter with my Grade 3s was such a heart touching moment. What stood out most to my students was how Albert listened and admired him for exactly who he is. We talked about neurodiversity and how there are many kinds of brains and that think

The Day the Books Disappeared by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard with illustrations by Dan Santat When powerhouse authors come together with Dan Santat’s iconic illustrations you know magic is going to happen. My Grade 3s spotted his style right away. They said “That looks like Dan Santat” and their excitement filled the room even before the first page was read. Arnold only loves books about planes. He thinks everyone else should too. When he discovers he can make his

Sometimes the books I read to my class feel like a mirror reflecting their lives, their challenges, and their strengths. The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi is one of those books. It tells the story of a girl who loves soccer, her family, and just being a kid, but who also carries the responsibility of being her parents’ interpreter at doctor’s appointments, school meetings, and even at the market. I immediately thought of some of my students who do exactly this for their famili

Sometimes the books that hit hardest are the ones that feel a little too real. Reel Life by Kane Lynch reminded me of my own students who are navigating big family changes while also trying to figure out friendships and themselves. A heartfelt graphic novel that middle schoolers (and even adults) will see themselves in.

Sensitive by Sara Levine and Mehrdokht Amini 
This book felt like a warm hug for every child (and adult) who’s ever been called “too sensitive.” The words “jostled and tumbled” captured perfectly how sensitivity feels inside and its a reminder that we don’t need to change who we are, just learn how to nurture it. After reading it to my class, my students shared their powerful insights:
- They mentioned that sometimes they need more time to process
- Friends/adults use a kind

Read Aloud FRIDAY: Fuelling Curiosity, Inspiring Discovery I do not often find a picture book that makes me tear up while also reminding me of the simplest acts of kindness. Another Word for Neighbour did exactly that. Han, who loves the quiet comfort of his days, has his world turned upside down when two children move in next door. What begins as curiosity grows into connection. Food is shared, memories are spoken, and the tender ache of grief is softened by community. In my

Try-Again Thursday Read-aloud Reading Allan Finds His Wings with my Grade 3s was a reminder that dreams aren’t always easy, but they are always worth holding on to. Allan doesn’t give up when things get tough. Instead, he keeps looking for ways to make his dream of flying possible. That lesson—perseverance, hope, and opportunity—is one we all need. After the read-aloud, my Grade 3s and I brainstormed the obstacles they sometimes face—things like tricky math problems, learning

Motivation Monday Read-Aloud Today we shared Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan. A sweet reminder that small routines, like waiting for the garbage truck, can become big, joyful traditions that connect us to people and the world around us. Stories like this help us pause, notice, and celebrate the little moments that make our Mondays meaningful.

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,