Every fall, teachers see the same pattern play out in classrooms across the country. Some students walk back in September reading at or above where they left off in June. Others have slipped backward, sometimes by an entire grade level. The difference is not random. It is predictable, measurable, and deeply unfair. The phenomenon is … Read more
Every January, librarians and book lovers across the country tune in for one of the biggest events in children’s publishing: the announcement of the Newbery and Caldecott Medals. These two awards are widely considered the most prestigious honors in American children’s literature. But despite being administered by the same organization and announced on the same … Read more
Yes, a picture book can win the Newbery Medal, and it has happened multiple times since the award began in 1922. The misconception that picture books cannot win comes from the fact that most winners are novels, not from any rule against illustrated books. If you’ve ever wondered why a picture book can win the … Read more
I want to start with the most important thing I can say to you right now. If your second grader reverses b and d, they are almost certainly going to be just fine. I know that doesn’t match the knot in your stomach. I know you came here worried, probably after watching your child write … Read more
You’ve sat beside your child through a chapter book. They read smoothly, with good expression, hardly a stumble. Then you walk away for ten minutes and find them staring out the window, four pages behind where they should be. When a child reads aloud fine but drifts while reading silently, the gap can feel confusing … Read more
I’ve sat across from many parents who quietly confess the same worry: their child reads constantly, but only one series. The Harry Potter stack by the bed. The Dog Man collection on the shelf. The same Junie B. Jones book reread for the seventh time this month. Here’s what I want you to know right … Read more
When a teacher and a tutor disagree about your child’s reading level, it can feel like two trusted adults are sending you completely different signals about the same kid. You might be sitting at the kitchen table watching your child zoom through a chapter book while the school’s last report card sat at a level … Read more
It is one of the most puzzling things a parent can watch. Your child sits down to read, alert and engaged for the first five minutes, and then something shifts. The words start blurring. The comprehension drops. Sometimes they literally fall asleep mid-paragraph. You may be wondering why your child reads worse when tired, and … Read more
If you’ve spent any time tracking children’s and YA book awards, you’ve probably seen the John Steptoe New Talent Award mentioned alongside the Coretta Scott King Awards. I noticed the name kept appearing in award coverage, but I had trouble finding a clear explanation of what sets it apart from a typical “debut” prize. So … Read more
Interactive read-alouds transform the simple act of reading to children into a powerful teaching strategy. Instead of asking students to sit quietly and listen, you invite them into the story through planned questions, discussions, and hands-on responses. This approach builds comprehension, vocabulary, and a genuine love of reading. In this guide, I will walk you … Read more