For many students, Shakespeare feels impossible before they even open the book. The unfamiliar vocabulary, unusual sentence structure, and fear of “getting it wrong” can create an immediate barrier to comprehension. As teachers, we often want students to analyze themes, character motivations, and literary devices, but those skills can only
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it the perfect time to introduce students to powerful stories that highlight diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. These novels not only build empathy and cultural awareness, but they also engage middle school readers with relatable characters and meaningful themes. If you’re
Women’s History Month Books for Middle Schoolers As Women’s History Month approaches, it’s the perfect time to share stories that celebrate the courage, creativity, and impact of women throughout history and today. These Women’s History Month Books are engaging, meaningful reads for middle school students — from real-life heroes to
Black History Month is an important opportunity for middle school students to engage with stories that highlight Black voices, experiences, resilience, and contributions throughout history and today. The following Black History Month books are meaningful, engaging, and well-suited for middle school readers. Each title encourages reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding
Looking for great winter books to share with your middle school students (or to read yourself) this season? Whether you’re cozying up by a fire or tracking themes of resilience and survival through the cold, these titles bring winter to life — from magical lands to challenging natural environments. Below
December is the perfect month to curl up with a good book. The shorter days, crisp air, and festive season set the scene for stories that are cozy, exciting, and full of holiday spirit. Whether your students or young readers enjoy adventures, humor, or tales inspired by cultural traditions, this
Middle school is a wonderful time for students to explore stories that expand their view of identity, heritage, and culture — while also enjoying strong characters, engaging plots, and thoughtful themes. These five Native American Heritage books do just that. The first four are available on my YouTube channel as
Halloween is the perfect time to get students excited about reading—stories with a little creep, mystery, and imagination are ideal for middle schoolers. Here are 5 Halloween books that strike just the right balance between spooky and engaging. Each one offers something different—ghosts, adventures, magic, or quests. Plus, I’ve included
Back to school season is the perfect time to encourage students to dive into some great back to school reading that can inspire, comfort, and entertain them as they start a new year. Whether students are excited or a little nervous about the changes ahead, the right books can make
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on creating a novel study.
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on teaching informational text as
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on a historical fiction unit.
For many students, Shakespeare feels impossible before they even open the book. The unfamiliar vocabulary, unusual sentence structure, and fear of “getting it wrong” can create an immediate barrier to comprehension. As teachers, we often want students to analyze themes, character motivations, and literary devices, but those skills can only
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it the perfect time to introduce students to powerful stories that highlight diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. These novels not only build empathy and cultural awareness, but they also engage middle school readers with relatable characters and meaningful themes. If you’re
Women’s History Month Books for Middle Schoolers As Women’s History Month approaches, it’s the perfect time to share stories that celebrate the courage, creativity, and impact of women throughout history and today. These Women’s History Month Books are engaging, meaningful reads for middle school students — from real-life heroes to
Black History Month is an important opportunity for middle school students to engage with stories that highlight Black voices, experiences, resilience, and contributions throughout history and today. The following Black History Month books are meaningful, engaging, and well-suited for middle school readers. Each title encourages reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding
Looking for great winter books to share with your middle school students (or to read yourself) this season? Whether you’re cozying up by a fire or tracking themes of resilience and survival through the cold, these titles bring winter to life — from magical lands to challenging natural environments. Below
December is the perfect month to curl up with a good book. The shorter days, crisp air, and festive season set the scene for stories that are cozy, exciting, and full of holiday spirit. Whether your students or young readers enjoy adventures, humor, or tales inspired by cultural traditions, this
Middle school is a wonderful time for students to explore stories that expand their view of identity, heritage, and culture — while also enjoying strong characters, engaging plots, and thoughtful themes. These five Native American Heritage books do just that. The first four are available on my YouTube channel as
Halloween is the perfect time to get students excited about reading—stories with a little creep, mystery, and imagination are ideal for middle schoolers. Here are 5 Halloween books that strike just the right balance between spooky and engaging. Each one offers something different—ghosts, adventures, magic, or quests. Plus, I’ve included
Back to school season is the perfect time to encourage students to dive into some great back to school reading that can inspire, comfort, and entertain them as they start a new year. Whether students are excited or a little nervous about the changes ahead, the right books can make
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on creating a novel study.
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on teaching informational text as
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating an ELA curriculum map for your middle school classes. This month, we will focus on a historical fiction unit.