Books & Literacy Development
We share our favorite books for the classroom, paired with discussion questions, activities, and STEM/STEAM lessons to build community and camaraderie with your students.
Some of Our Favorite Books for Building Classroom Communities
Luke’s Way of Looking
This book tells a story about a boy, Luke, who sees—and paints—the world differently from others.
I Walk With Vanessa
This wordless book captures the hurt of being bullied and the joy of friendship. Although the story is geared for younger children, it easily can be used with students of any age.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Morris is an energetic little boy who loves pancakes, puzzles, apple juice, and most of all, the tangerine dress in the dress-up center at his school. His classmates tell him that dresses are only for girls. The boys refuse to let Morris join them on their spaceship. By the end of the week, Morris has a tummy ache. He stays home and his imagination takes him on amazing adventures.
Ish: Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
This simple story appeals to children of many ages and is particularly helpful curtailing the insecurities of beginning artists who claim, “I can’t draw.”
Jabari Jumps: Written and Illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari Jumps is a simple story about big topics like feeling nervous, what it means to be brave, taking small steps to achieve big things.
Middle-Grade Reading
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm
All Jett Jamison wants is a little peace from her active household and the traumatic memories in her head. Seedlings chatted with author and educator Kimberly Behre Kenna to learn more about about Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm and what inspired her to write it.
Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
Twelve-year-old Artemis Sparke conjures up help from deceased ecologists to save a Long Island Sound salt marsh from certain death, but chaos ensues in her tourist town when she discovers that her mother’s boyfriend’s hotel is part of the problem.
Reading Aloud in Upper Elementary & Middle School Classroom
Books & Activities
Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon Provides Launching Pad for Art, Science, and Writing Activities
Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon, is a terrific book to pair with language-related activities, including similes and metaphors. Find activities that may be used as for a variety of situations from stand alone lessons to a “let’s take a break” sessions.
Thunder Cake: Explore Weather, Feelings of Fear and More
Patricia Polacco’s story can be a springboard for many activities including weather studies and conversations about students’ personal fears and concerns.
ELA, STEAM, Social Studies, and Other Curricular Areas for the Brave Girls Book Series
Author and educator Kimberly Behre Kenna has compiled activities grouped by a variety of curricular areas, including ELA, STEAM, Social Studies, and more.
Ideas for Teaching Writing to Elementary School Students
Author and educator Kimberly Behre Kenna offers up some ideas for teaching writing, writing prompts, writing-related activities, and encouraging peer editing.
Miss Rumphius: Ideas for Discussion and Classroom Activities
Find prompts for discussion and writing and art activities to pair with Barbara Cooney’s Miss Rumphius
Change Sings by Poet Amanda Gorman, with Activity Ideas!
Change Sings is lyrical, uplifting, and beautifully rendered. The book launches into both community-building and integrated learning across the disciplines. Check out some activity pairings and community connections!
STEM Learning & Literature Connections
Book Lists
Books for a Trauma-Informed Practice
A helpful list of books for adults and children to find guidance, comfort and information about trauma-related experiences.
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Libib: Our Online Bibliography
In an effort to support the development of your STEAM-centered curricula, we have curated a booklist that we feel represents some of the best available children’s literature related to the different focus group topics.
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