We loved this article by Patrick Carman from SLJ-Check it out now! From School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 2011: Read Beyond the Lines: Transmedia—and its multiplatform brethren—has changed the very notion of books and reading By: Patrick Carman Whenever I speak to a group of middle school students, I run the same simple test. I ask the audience to think about the day before I arrived. Only that one day. Then I have them count on their fingers each of the following things they did the day before I got there: • Used a cell phone • Used a personal device to listen to musicRead More →

From Publisher’s Weekly: With 2012 fast approaching, here at Publishers Weekly we’ve assembled our list of the very best books published this year for children and teens. Did your favorites make the cut? Read on to see the top Children’s Picture Books here. Or, check out the best of Children’s Fiction, Children’s Non-Fiction, or see all of PW’s top picks for readers of all ages.Read More →

ASU is Offering ENG 500: Research Methods in English Education Investigating Reading and Writing Practices in Secondary Schools Spring 2012 Wednesdays 4:40-7:30pm Dr. Jessica Early Course Description: This graduate seminar is designed to explore research methods used to study the reading and writing practices of secondary students in classroom settings. Research methodology is a central issue for literacy researchers and this course will link methodological concerns with practical issues, acknowledging the ways research design has an impact on the classroom as well as the academy. In recent years, researchers examining secondary reading and writing practices have become increasingly interested in expanding their methodological options andRead More →

The November issue of our newsletter is out now! Bringing book industry news, info on new releases and cool websites, book reviews, opportunities to win free books, grant tips and much more straight to your inbox! Not signed up for our email mailing list? It’s easy- just find the Join Our Mailing List link on the right sidebar of this blog. (Or, click here) In the meantime, just in case you didn’t get one, check out the newsletter here. Did we mention you could win free books? Update – This giveaway is now closed, the winner was Teresa M.. Thanks for entering!Read More →

The October issue of our newsletter is out now! Bringing book industry news, info on new releases and cool websites, book reviews, opportunities to win free books, author spotlights and much more to you, our readers! Not signed up for our email mailing list? It’s easy- just find the Join Our Mailing List link on the right sidebar of this blog. (Or, click here) In the meantime, just in case you didn’t get one, check out the newsletter here. Did we mention you could win free books? Check it out to find out more! 11/1/11 Update: The October Lucky Winner is Vicki G.  Congratulations!! This giveaway is now closed.Read More →

Did you know that it is currently Banned Books Week? Every year, during the last week of September, hundreds of libraries and bookstores across the US join together to celebrate the freedom to read and the importance of the first amendment. Since 1982, more than 11.000 books have been challenged for a variety of reasons. Banned Books Week celebrates American’s right to free and open access to information and points out the harms of censorship by looking at both actual and attempted bannings of books across the country. Want to know more? Check out the ALA website and bannedbooksweek.org. In 2010, the 10 most challengedRead More →

Ribbit Rabbit by Candace Ryan, illustrated by Mike Lowery, is the story of two best friends, Frog and Bunny. They do everything together, swimming, eating peanut butter sandwiches, fighting monsters, and playing, but sometimes Frog and Bunny don’t get along. When they are apart, they learn that lots of things are more fun with your friends, so they eventually make their way back to each other, apologizing and playing on. This absolutely adorable picture book is great for young children. Its repetitive text, clever and simple word play, and cute illustrations perfectly depict how little things and big things can make you fight, but itsRead More →

From toolboxforeducation.com: “Raise up to $5000 for your school in minutes. It’s almost that easy when you take advantage of Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant program. Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) knows how hard you work for your kids and your community and we’re dedicated to helping your parent-teacher group achieve even more for your school. Apply for our Toolbox for Education Grant now and build on your already impressive parent group success with Lowe’s. Now in its 6th year of helping build better schools and communities, the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program has provided nearly $25 million to more than 5,000 schools acrossRead More →

The September issue of our newsletter is out now! Bringing book industry news, info on new releases and cool websites, book reviews, opportunities to win free books, author spotlights and much more to you, our awesome readers! Not signed up for our email mailing list? It’s easy- just find the Join Our Mailing List link on the right sidebar of this blog. (Or, click here) In the meantime, just in case you didn’t get one, check out the newsletter here. Did we mention you could win free books? Check it out to find out more! 10/3/11 Update: The September Sweepstakes is now closed.  Congratulations to Jayne P. this month’s winner!Read More →