“Books are a students’ passport to entering and actively participating in a global society with the empathy, compassion, and knowledge it takes to become the problem solvers the world needs.” –Laura Robb   Research shows that reading and literacy directly impacts students’ academic success and personal growth. To help promote the importance of daily independent

By Kayla, 7th-grade student, City Springs Elementary/Middle School What happens when a community decides to tackle some of the most complex issues of our time? What happens when we decide to stare racism and police brutality in the face and seek to find ways to overcome it? We came together as a city to try

On April 11, Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced The Cardboard Kingdom as the selection for the Youth One Book, One Denver program. The YOBOD summer reading program offers children ages 9–12 a chance to read along with peers and enjoy fun, educational programming, with activities tied to the book’s themes. A goal of the program

By Beth Orsini, 7th Grade ELA Teacher, Melican Middle School The challenge in finding an All School, One Read selection for middle school is that it must resonate with students from grades six to eight, as well as with adults. The book must have compelling characters, those whom students will want to read about in the

Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy has a powerful message and is a frequent choice for first year and community-wide reading programs. In his book, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative delves deep into the broken U.S. justice system, detailing his many challenges and efforts as a lawyer and social advocate, especially on behalf of America’s

Character units are a part of many lesson plans across schools. Kids are often looking for heroes and character units are a great way to introduce young readers to not just heroes, but how important character is and that it can help everyday people turn into heroes. Welles Crowther did not see himself as hero.

Women’s history is still under-discussed and undervalued, doubly so when it comes to the history of women of color.  We’re highlighting some of our recent favorite titles, bringing these women’s stories and perspectives to the forefront.

Common Reads presents a list of classic and contemporary dystopian fiction with offerings for all-ages, ideal for use in both first-year and community reads.

As a young kid not knowing where I fit in, when I found punk music I found myself. More importantly, after years of existing in the margins at school and at home, I found a community. It wasn’t just about music (entirely), it was about a collective that accepted people for who they were, not

By Amber Bauer 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher at Conger Elementary School Delaware, OH As teachers, we all know that little pit you feel in your stomach when your principal says, “How would you feel about . . . ?” Six years ago, my principal came to me asking if I would take over a

Savvy is celebrating its 10th anniversary of publication with a special paperback edition! This Newbery Honor book has everything you could want in a coming of age story (and more): adventure, magic tattoos, and a rickety bus full of determined kids. For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a secret. At the age of thirteen, every

Bibliotherapy, or the therapeutic use of literature, can support students as they develop empathy and a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. Reading engaging and timely books in one classroom, one school, or one entire community can help educators in their mission to build a culture free from stigma and bias. JUST UNDER THE