September 2, 2018

The first week's two days of school went by in a hot and humid haze. This weekend's weather has been just beautiful to rest and recover. I know the heat is coming back next week but hopefully this is the last of it. On the bright side, I've worked out my schedule so that I will get to see EVERY class next week and I'm so excited to get started!

Honor your child's reading identity.

I like this research tidbit so much that I made it part of my email signature. Let your child decide what he/she wants to read. Even if it’s not a book or a genre you would choose, and even if your child reads a book multiple times, let your child decide. Would you want to be told what you have to read? I'm a parent and have to remind myself to walk the walk as well. Here's a personal reflection of mine doing just that.

Star Wars: Jedi Academy series

The Principal Strikes Back (Jedi Academy #6), 2018

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Goodreads summary here

Watch the Jedi Academy book trailers here

Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix, (2017)

by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Goodreads summary here

There's nothing better than when a book comes out by an author who visits your school. Melissa Stewart has been visiting our fourth graders during Reading Week in April for a few years now. She is passionate about nonfiction text, and has helped so many educators start to think more deeply about the importance of nonfiction for all readers. 

The only thing better than a book coming out by an author who visits your school is a book trailer made in one of your friend's classrooms! Massachusetts educator Lesley Burnap and her third graders helped Melissa Stewart to create what you are about to watch!

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers, (2018)

words by Melissa Stewart and pictures by Stephanie Laberis

Goodreads summary here

Barbara O'Connor is an author who visited our school for over a decade. She has since moved to North Carolina. However, the distance does not dim our love for this beloved author. She has a brand new book out that Emma, one of our former HMS students and now middle school student, gifted to the students of Hampden Meadows. What a great way to be remembered! We will all benefit from Emma's thoughtfulness and generosity.

Wonderland, (2018)

by Barbara O'Connor

Goodreads summary here

There is no book trailer for Wonderland at the moment. Sorry!

We are very lucky to have a Kid Lit Festival practically in our backyard every October. I will be highlighting an author or illustrator who will be there each week leading up to the event. This week I have the pleasure of introducing an author whose books always tug at my heartstrings. This next book is one of my front runners for the 2019 Newbery award. It is the first book I've read in which I desperately wanted to have the main character as a student in my class. 

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, (2018)

by Leslie Connor

Goodreads summary here

We end with an incredible new fourth grader named Kate who has created a book trailer to recommend a mystery series she really enjoys. I hope to end each post with a student created book trailer. I will be sending out a separate email with some ways children can make them. In the meantime...enjoy!

Mystery of the Ivory Charm (Nancy Drew #13), 1974

Carolyn Keene

Goodreads summary here