All posts in Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)

best chapter books set in Florida, best old Florida books for kids, best books for kids set in Florida

Top 10 Best Chapter Books Set in Florida’s Past

May 6, 2013

It could just be me but I find that there is something poetic and Old Hollywood-y about Florida’s past. Perhaps it is just the way old Florida is portrayed in children’s books. The setting also seems like a backdoor shortcut to a Newbery award.

From our last trip to Florida in North Captiva Island, we noticed wildlife with big personalities. Perhaps this is the magic that Florida has. If the wild creatures have charisma, imagine the people and the stories they have to tell! Or just read them! These are our picks for best chapter books set in Florida. You don’t have to live in Florida or visit in  Florida to read them, but they might inspire a visit!

What are your favorite children’s books set in Florida, either in the past or in the present day. Please help me build this list!

Egret in Florida, birds who are not afraid of people Read more…

Comments: 10 Posted by: Categories: 4) Grade 3-5, 5) Middle School, Award Winning Books for Kids, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
book club for Kane Chronicles, activities for Rick Riordan books

Kane Chronicles Series Activities for Kids: Poppins Book Nook

April 29, 2013

This month the Poppins Book Nook is about Wizards. I looked up the definition to make sure that my book choice was appropriate.

Wizards, Sorcerers and Magicians, Oh My!

wiz·ard  (wzrd)

n.

1. One who practices magic; a sorcerer or magician.
2. A skilled or clever person: a wizard at math.
3. Archaic A sage.

Wizards (or Magicians) in Rick Riordan’s Kane Chronicles

Ah, a magician is part of the definition. Phew! My son and I have been reading Rick Riordan’s books since the fall. We finally finished the last one this week. It was the third and final book of The Kane Chronicles, The Serpent’s Shadow (The Kane Chronicles, Book Three).
Comments: 24 Posted by: Categories: Book Club for Kids, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
Irises book club for girl, YA book club for girls, 7th grade book club for girls, painting book club for girls, art book club for middle school

7th Grade Book Club for Girls: Irises

March 31, 2013

YA Book Irises Reflects Middle School Life

It was with great difficulty that I managed to schedule a book club for my 7th grader, Grasshopper and Sensei, and there are only four girls in her book club! Yes, they are so busy these days!

I have to confess that I’ve been so busy that this is the first book club I’ve hosted where I didn’t pick the book or even read it! My daughter discovered it at school and thought everyone would like it. She assured me that an “easy” book club would be fine and to stop stressing.

7th grade book club, 8th grade book club, book club for teens

Her friend Isabelle arrived at 6:45 pm after dance. Jane’s family had forgotten so she arrived shortly after that. And somehow Rachel’s parents missed the memo. Read more…

Comments: 28 Posted by: Categories: Book Club for Kids, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
Newbery Medal 2013, Caldecott Medal 2013, Newbery winner, Caldecott Winner, Coretta Scott King

2013 Newbery Medal, Caldecott Winners and More!

January 28, 2013

Newbery, Caldecott and Printz Winners of 2013

Congrats to all the authors, illustrators, publishers, friends and family who helped in the creation of all these wonderful books! Which books have you and your kids read and which ones do you recommend? Please share!

p.s. Compare predictions here.

p.p.s. If you are upset — What? Wonder didn’t win anything?!! — that a book you love didn’t win, Nerdy Book Club has a great post on Top 10 Things You May Not Know about the Newbery Award by Monica Edinger. Read it if you are upset. It is guaranteed to make you feel better!

 

2013 Newbery Medal Winner

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature. Read more…

Comments: 30 Posted by: Categories: Award Winning Books for Kids, Non-Fiction for Kids, Reading Lists: Easy Chapter Books, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Picture Books, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
WWII books for kids, Japanese American books for kids, Japanese American Internment books for kids

Pearl Harbor Day: Books for Kids and My Mother’s Story

December 7, 2012

From Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima: A Personal Journey

My mother, nearly 90-years-old, has come full circle with the nexus around WWII. Born in San Francisco’s Japantown, her parents hailed from Hiroshima. I visited the Hiroshima Museum with her two decades ago when I was working in Tokyo for the summer. This past summer, we all went to visit the Pearl Harbor museum where, in a single day, her life totally changed. Read more…

Comments: 6 Posted by: Categories: Asian American Children's Books, Award Winning Books for Kids, People of Color Children's Books, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Picture Books, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA), Social Studies
summer-reading-flowchart

Flow Chart for Older Teens To Find Perfect Book

September 17, 2012

Try this Chart to Find Perfect Book for Teen

How do you find the perfect book? Do you ask friends? Do you google book? Do you ever wish there was a magical book finder for you? Well, this flow chart should help teens find books that are perfect for you. It’s great for adults too! Happy reading! Read more…

Comments: 18 Posted by: Categories: 6) High School, 7) College, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
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Popular Books for Kids at the Return Cart

June 17, 2012

Favorite Books Checked Out at the Library

I was in my elementary school library for the Skype author visit by Sheela Chari of mystery chapter book Vanished. Sometimes I hang out at the school library when I have time to kill say waiting between parent teacher conferences if I am able to schedule them somewhat back to back. I do love all libraries but especially school libraries. Read more…

Comments: 6 Posted by: Categories: 3) Grade K-2, 4) Grade 3-5, Award Winning Books for Kids, Book Reviews, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
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Summer Reading List GIVEAWAY: 20 Great Books for Kids Set During the Summer

June 12, 2012

Summer Reading List Top Picks

It’s the summer or very close. Tomorrow is our last day of school. Some years my kids have summer reading homework but this year everyone is scott free. Still, I want them to read for pleasure this summer which will take some coaxing, especially for PickyKidPix who needs a school assignment as a motivation to read. Read more…

Comments: 44 Posted by: Categories: 1) Infant & Toddler, 2) Preschool, 4) Grade 3-5, 5) Middle School, Award Winning Books for Kids, Book Reviews, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Picture Books, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA), Top 10: Book Lists
One for the Murphys

YA So Good You’ll Cry: One for the Murphys. GIVEAWAY

May 30, 2012

Best Chapter Books That Make You Cry

There are only a few books that I read and reread knowing that I’ll sob like a baby. Ever After Ever by Jordan Sonnenblick is one of them. Read more…

Comments: 30 Posted by: Categories: 4) Grade 3-5, 5) Middle School, Reading Lists: Grades 3-5, Reading Lists: Young Adult (YA)
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