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Whale Eyes
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,

Shameer Bismilla
Jul 22, 2025


How to be Happy
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

Shameer Bismilla
Jul 21, 2025


Do You Even Know Me?
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

Shameer Bismilla
Jul 14, 2025


Text and Tech
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

Shameer Bismilla
Jul 8, 2025


Growing Home
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’

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 27, 2025


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

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 20, 2025


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

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 13, 2025


This Is A Moment
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...

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 6, 2025


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

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 5, 2025


Quiet Is Strength
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...

Shameer Bismilla
Jun 2, 2025


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

Shameer Bismilla
May 31, 2025


Don't Trust Fish
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...

Shameer Bismilla
May 15, 2025


Outside Mom Inside Mom
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....

Shameer Bismilla
May 10, 2025


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

Shameer Bismilla
May 9, 2025


Dear Bookstore
Dear Bookstore, I love you.🥰
This book made me smile, giggle, and sigh in all the best ways. Dear Bookstore by Emily Arrow, with...

Shameer Bismilla
May 1, 2025


Boys Don't Fry
It’s Book Day at school, and I came dressed for the occasion—with an apron, a wok, and a powerful story! Boys Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee...

Shameer Bismilla
Apr 30, 2025


Hilwa's Gifts
Hilwa’s Gift” is an absolute treasure—a beautiful, creative story that had me wanting to sing and dance beneath ancient olive trees.
It...

Shameer Bismilla
Apr 29, 2025


Home
First week of school, and I couldn’t wait to share Home by Matt de la Peña and Loren Long with my class. This book is something special....

Shameer Bismilla
Apr 26, 2025


Zarina Divided
Reading Zarina felt like holding a piece of someone’s real memories — tender, imperfect, and full of heart.
From the very first page, I...

Shameer Bismilla
Apr 26, 2025


Barnaby Unboxed
These three picture books by The Fan Brothers — “It Fell from the Sky”, “The Barnabus Project”, and “Barnaby Unboxed!” — are absolute...

Shameer Bismilla
Mar 28, 2025
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