Lucky Superstitions

Since this week is both the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day, we're taking a break from books and reading to have a fun look at lucky superstitions. Superstitions are light-hearted or trivial beliefs that we hold regardless of evidence. Examples of lucky superstitions include four-leaf clovers, knocking on...

3 Middle-Grade Reads for Women’s History Month

March 1987 was the first designated Women's History Month in the United States. President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8, 1980, as the first Women's History Week. This was followed by additional Women's History Week observances that eventually became the month-long celebration recognizing the achievements and contributions of...

Books to Help Parents and Kids Talk about War

With the war between Russia and Ukraine dominating the news cycle, your children may be asking questions. Why are they fighting? Why don't they stop? Are we safe? Let your children guide the discussion. If the topic comes up, start by asking, "What do you know about the war?" We've...

Exactly What is Mid-Grade Fiction?

If you have young readers in your home, you may have encountered terms like mid-grade, juvenile, young adult, or new adult to classify books, but what do they mean? The classifications are intended to help guide readers (and their parents) to age-appropriate books. None of the designations are carved in...

Books to Help Kids Process COVID

It’s hard to believe, but COVID is still with us almost two years later. It’s still impacting how we live and work, and it’s affecting children’s daily routines. We’ve found three books to read with your children to help process the effects of life during a pandemic. When the World...

A Book-Themed Valentines

The month of love is here and, according to research by Hallmark, Americans will send 145 million cards to their sweethearts. That doesn't even count the millions of cards exchanged in classrooms next Tuesday. Teachers, Hallmark says, get the most valentines, and that seems appropriate. Want to give your Valentine's...

80 Years of Little Golden Books

I was wandering the aisles of my favorite big box store this week when I saw a display of Little Golden Books. I haven't had young readers in my house for some time, so I wasn't up to date on offerings from the imprint. Little Golden Books have been around...

Making the Most of the Commute

When measured before the pandemic, Americans' average one-way commute time was just more than 27 minutes.* As we inch back toward 'normal,' we once again find ourselves spending more time in the car. So let's explore some creative ways to use that almost one hour in the car with our...

Word Games to Play with Kids

Have you discovered WORDLE? The online word game gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. It gives you clues by showing if you've guessed a letter in the word and if it's in the correct position. There is a new WORDLE to solve every day. It's a great...

Rewind: Our 2015 Interview with Crenwinkle

Night Buddies is celebrating the the10th anniversary of John, Crosley, and the rest of the Night Buddies crew. Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare was published on June 12, 2012. Later this year, the fourth adventure, Night Buddies and the Evil School Bus, will be released. Today, we revisit...

The Night Buddies Glossary

Night Buddies John and Crosley have a special language filled with words that not all parents understand. Fortunately, each Night Buddies adventure contains a glossary. Here is a sampling so you can start the year by brushing up on Crosley speak: Snerk!, Snk-Snork!, Wuff!, Fup!: Waking up noises Snog!, Gnf!,...

Librarian’s Choice: Best Books of 2021 for Middle-Grade Readers, Part 5

We wrap up 2021 with the final four books that made the School Library Journal's list of best books for middle-grade readers. This list can help you discover new authors and new books. Books are presented in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Descriptions from Amazon. See specific grade recommendations...

Librarian’s Choice: Best Books of 2021 for Middle-Grade Readers, Part 4

Need book suggestions for your middle-grade readers? We went right to the librarians for their list of the best books of 2021. Here's part four of the list. Keep it handy for your next trip to the library or your local bookstore . Books are presented in alphabetical order by...

Librarians’ Choice: Best Books of 2021 for Middle-Grade Readers, Part 3

It’s part three of our list of the best books of 2021 for mid-grade readers. Librarians, editors, and reviewers compiled the list for the School Library Journal. The list will come in handy when you’re perusing the shelves of your local bookstore or library. Books are presented in alphabetical order...

Librarians’ Choice: Best Books of 2021 for Middle-Grade Readers, Part 2

We continue with our list of the best books of 2021 for mid-grade readers. Librarians, editors, and reviewers compiled the list for the School Library Journal. Use this list to find outstanding gifts or good reads on your next trip to the library. Book descriptions from Amazon. See specific grade...

Librarians’ Choice: Best Books of 2021 for Middle-Grade Readers, Part 1

Parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles, we know that feeling of wondering the shelves in the bookstore looking for a great book for your middle-grade reader. That’s why we’ve turned to a great source for book recommendations: school librarians. The School Library Journal has released its list of top books for...

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