Listology
Scary Short Story Collections and Novels for Middle Grade Readers
While Halloween is just weeks away, scary stories are year-round favorites for many kids. Scary story collections and stand-alone novels often appear on the bestseller lists in kid-lit publishing.
It Takes Place on Alcatraz
Books about a specific locale are magnets for readers. One of the places that has mythological status in American culture is Alcatraz Island. Here are some of the books about this island that captivates our imaginations.
Math for the Young Set
There are all kinds of ways to bring math into a young child’s life. Count birds outside the window. Talk about shapes and give them names. Discuss measurements while cooking. Our favorite way is to read stories and look at picture books, absorbing math concepts easily.
When Families Gather
In the midst of the holidays, or at any gathering-time of year, these books are “just right” for reading out loud to young and old. Celebrate family!
Mental Health: Nonfiction
Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, authors and educators, offer selected nonfiction books with mental health as a focus.
Mental Health: Grief
Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, authors and educators, developed this list of middle grade novels and picture books with grief and loss as a focus.
Mental Health: LGBTQ: Middle Grade
Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, authors and educators, developed this list of books for middle grade readers with mental health and LGBTQ characters as a focus.
Mental Health: Several Lists
Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood have contributed several lists for PreK-Grade 8 in which mental health is a part of the story.
Mental Health: Character Mental Health: Middle Grade
Middle grade readers will find windows and mirrors in these novels whose characters experience anxiety, phobias, depression, therapy, OCD, ADHD, or grief. This list, developed by Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, provides good recommendations.
Mental Health: Picture Books
For a child experiencing anxiety, phobias, depression, or grief, a picture book is a good conversation starter. This list, developed by Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, is essential.
Mental Health: Family Mental Health: Middle Grade
Ann Jacobus and Nancy Bo Flood, authors and educators, developed this list of books for middle grade readers with family mental health as a focus.
Books for Baby Gifts
Books are a wonderful way to encourage families to start the read-aloud habit early and often. Here are suggestions from people who work with children, families, and books.
Gardening and Community
To encourage planting seeds to save the environment, to brighten spirits, and to instill a sense of connection and possibility, I like to read the following books that focus on gardening and community. Read and grow!
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan begins this year on March 22nd, and culminates with Eid al-Fitr on either April 20th or 21st. Here are books you can read with your children if you are observing Ramadan or if you are honoring Ramadan with your friends and family.
Fabulous Food
There are so many terrific books about food! I could go on and on with selections and recommendations but these are a few of my favorites.