August 2011

Welcome to ReaderKidZ, September 2011!

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a tough battle.” Plato It’s never too soon for children to learn empathy: empathy for children who talk, or look, or sound different; empathy for children from different cultures and religions; children with special needs. So much depends on our children learning this. That’s what books do –… Read more »

Notable Books for a Global Society

Each year the International Reading Association Selection Committee for Notable Books for a Global Society selects “well written books… in which children can see themselves…bringing stories that are engaging and compelling.”   These represent books for all ages and all readers.  Selections vary from poetry, fiction, and biography with age range spans from picture book through… Read more »

Amazing You, Amazing Me!

Developing a close-knit community of learners is critical in those beginning weeks and months of school.  Appreciating one another – the commonalities and the differences – and recognizing that each of us has many wonderful talents to offer to the others in the class is one of the most important life lessons that kids learn… Read more »

WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET by Tricia Springstubb

WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Heather Ross 9-year-old Mo Wren has lived on Fox Street her entire life. Almost everybody she cares about lives there; the Baggott boys, her best friend’s grandmother, even spooky Mrs. Steinbott. Whenever Mo’s dad works, she takes care of the “wild child,” her little sister,… Read more »

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

Click HERE and get set to enjoy a Reader’s Theatre rendition of Keller’s Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners created by the CYRM Committee Members of  2009. Shoot, while you’re at it, plan to enjoy the series of darling vignettes included in the .pdf document such as Drachman’s A Frog Thing, Steffensmeier’s Millie Waits for the Mail, Kelly’s My… Read more »

Cookies, Soup, and Ice Cream – Lessons in Manners

Beginning a new school year is an exciting time. By summer’s end, most kids are ready to return to the more structured routines of the classroom, and while teachers look forward to reconnecting with former students, we also know the importance of laying the right foundation so that this year’s classroom routines get off to… Read more »

DEAD END IN NORVELT by Jack Gantos

DEAD END IN NORVELT  By Jack Gantos The summer Jack turns twelve in Norvelt, PA, he’s grounded for unintentionally firing his dad’s WWII rifle, but allowed to help Miss Walker, the town historian, type up her obituaries for the paper. Mom’s saving to get Jack’s bloody nose cauterized, and Dad’s building a bomb shelter. When… Read more »