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
Reading Aloud in Upper Elementary & Middle School Classroom
Books & Activities
Kindness Art Activity: Fostering Kindness and Creativity in the Classroom
The classroom is the perfect place for this memorable and moving book. Jacqueline Woodson’s Each Kindness has teachable life lessons that might include bullying, judgmental attitudes, the power of kindness–specifically –including others, peer pressure, and the differences in our socioeconomic situations.
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
