You might have noticed that priorities have shifted in this time of COVID-19 and education is no exception. People have shorter attention spans, it seems. They prefer to watch TikTok and scroll through Instagram. When it comes to books, they either read a summary or listen to an audiobook. It is not surprising that children…
Category: Literacy
Getting kids to love reading including reluctant readers as well as competent readers who just don’t like to read.
My First Book Festival: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
It was an honor and a privilege to be invited to Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. The line up of authors was staggering! I was placed in between Carol Weston and Nikki Grimes. They were a study in opposites in handling the crowds. Carol Weston warned me that she aggressively draws in the kids. She, in…
16 Hi-Lo Books for Middle Readers
Today, please welcome Kate Nafz with a Hi-Lo book list for middle readers. Hi-Lo is a term used to describe high-interest, low-readability books perfect for enticing reluctant readers to read. We are both excited about Greenhorn, a book on this list by Anna Olswanger because it is also a film! Greenhorn, both the book and…
World Read Aloud Day is Feb 1st!
10th annual World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) is on Friday, February 1! Created by the nonprofit LitWorld, World Read Aloud Day highlights the profound power of reading aloud and sharing stories. Help spread the word and encourage reading aloud at any age by sharing WRAD celebration tips (below), letting your readers know how you will celebrate, and/or publishing a round-up…
A Forgotten Camera Gets Dylan Reading
If you’ve been reading my blog, you might remember a long-time reader, Dee, whose son was (operative word!) a reluctant reader. She wrote me in 2012: Hi, Mia! Over the summer, I’m trying to spark an interest in history and social studies with Dylan. He’s going into fifth and finds the subject so boring. I’ll…
Origami Paper Airplane Kit
I thought I’d combine activities and books for some summer activity ideas. Today’s activity is about flying as in: aviation, female pilots, and pioneering aviators! First some aviation book ideas for both boys and girls … Fabulous Flying Females: Women Aviator Books for Kids 10 Books for Kids Who Dream of Flying And now the…
Top 11: Best Picture Books for Spring
You wouldn’t guess that it’s spring here in Boston, given the snow we’ve been getting in April! Still, I am dreaming of spring and getting my little garden going. These are my favorite picture books for garden inspiration. These books demonstrate that gardens can transform an environment, bring neighbors closer, and even become a political…







