Maybe I’m a sucker for a good lighthouse story after sitting on the 2019 Caldecott Committee where Sophie Blackall won for Hello Lighthouse. But more likely, I’m drawn to an intriguing story. That was what I found when I opened… Read More ›
picture book
Pairing Picture Books and Primary Sources: Opening the Road Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book by Keila V. Dawson and Alleanna Harris
Over three years ago, I wrote about Victor Hugo’s Green Book in a KQ post based on a historical fiction picture book. I thought Hugo’s story was amazing then. That is one reason I was so excited to read Keila… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: The Fighting Infantryman: The Story of Albert D.J. Cashier, Transgender Civil War Soldier by Rob Sanders and Nabi Ali
Often when students learn about large topics like the Civil War, teachers work to help students see the human side of the event. It can personalize an abstract larger-than-life event, given an entry point to put themselves in someone else’s… Read More ›
Finding Teachers in the Most Unlikely Places
[SPONSORED CONTENT] As COVID-19 forces many kids to miss school this fall, I have good news for them: teachers are all around us―and not just on the computer screen. I met many of my best teachers far from any classroom…. Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Lisa Anchin
Historically based picture books, while often having some type of connection to our own lives, may not always seem timely. That certainly wasn’t the case with Linda Elovitz Marshall’s new book, The Polio Pioneer. The book explores Dr. Salk’s life… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: Interview with Chris Barton, Author of All of a Sudden and Forever
Authors of historically based picture books typically focus on one set of primary sources to tell their story, a set of materials connected with one moment in time. In his new book, All of a Sudden and Forever, author Chris… Read More ›
Exploring Equity with Those Shoes
Making Connections As librarians implementing the AASL Standards, we often find inspiration in those who work around us and among us. We celebrate the work of other librarians and find joy in being part of an effective, innovative profession. Making… Read More ›
Engage Readers with the Whole Book Approach
The Whole Book Approach is a read-aloud model that engages learners to gather clues from illustrations. Readers become active participants as they look closely at the artwork from cover to cover. This model is important because learners use their schema… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: Crossing Niagara: The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventure of the Great Blondin by Matt Tavares
Political cartoons used as primary sources can be difficult for students to understand. Cultural references that they may not be aware of can be mixed with political references. These can be confusing without the proper context. I came across one… Read More ›
Explore Earth Day and Poetry Month: Lessons That Support the AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Did you know that Earth Day is a global celebration? Every year, on April 22, the world pays closer attention to the impact we have on Earth. The air we breath, the water we drink, and the land that supplies… Read More ›