Booklists Archives - Staying Cool in the Library

Teaching Types of Genres to Elementary Students

If you’ve ever watched your kiddos light up when they connect with a story, you know how powerful books can be. When I introduce different types of genres in the school library, it’s a chance to open the door to new worlds, big ideas, and unforgettable adventures. Picture and chapter books are great for lessons because they’re perfect for breaking down genre elements while keeping children engaged. Whether you’re working with primary students or upper elementary readers, there’s something magical about finding just the right book to bring a genre to life. Today, I’m sharing some favorites that I use when teaching the different types of genres to my students. Breaking Down the Types of Genres Before diving into book recommendations, let’s take a moment to break down what makes up each genre. Understanding the key features of each genre helps our students recognize patterns and appreciate the storytelling

Caldecott Medal Predictions 2025

The Caldecott Medal winner will be revealed on January 27th, 2025. Each year, I compile my own list of potential contenders. While I haven’t read as many books as the committee, I’ve selected 15 titles I believe are strong candidates. These books are listed in alphabetical order, and at the end of this post, I’ll share my top three picks for the Caldecott Medal. Don’t forget to explore my other Caldecott blog posts for more insights! Being Home by Traci Sorrell This book portrays the journey of a young Cherokee girl and her mother as they return to their homeland. As she prepares for the road trip, she draws the different landscapes she sees out her window. She is excited for the journey to end so she can be with her family and start life in a different home. The illustrations enhance the narrative with vivid depictions of landscapes

10 Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy and Loss

Tragedy and loss are not reserved for adults. Even our youngest students can walk these paths and be left with the overwhelm of processing their feelings and emotions. From natural disasters to the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can help our students in these unchartered territories. Events like these leave more than just physical damage. They also leave emotional scars, especially for young ones dealing with sudden loss. It can be tough for our kiddos to process these experiences. As educators, we’re always looking for ways to support them. One of my favorite ways to reach them is through books. Stories can be incredibly healing, helping our kiddos find words for their feelings, see that they’re not alone, and inspire hope and resilience. Today, I’m sharing a mix of picture and chapter books to help kids that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful for navigating loss and

Festive Chinese New Year Books for Your Elementary Readers

As a school librarian, I enjoy witnessing the impact that cultural exploration can have on students of all ages at my school. Today, we are going to go on a literary journey into the vibrant traditions of the Chinese New Year. It is a celebration brimming with significance and rich details. Diving into the details of this festive occasion might seem daunting for some of our readers! Through the magic of picture books and chapter books, we unlock the gateway to a captivating learning experience. These literary treasures weave compelling storylines but also enchant with vivid illustrations. Let’s jump into the Chinese New Year books full of pages of enchanting tales that foster an appreciation for diversity and cultural awareness among our eager learners. Why Should You Use Chinese New Year Books? Diving into the spirit of Chinese New Year is more than just adding festive decorations. It’s about

Top Fantasy Books for Elementary Learners

There’s nothing quite like getting caught up in a good book. It’s a magical experience that truly helps develop a lifelong love of reading. Knowing this, I am always on the lookout for stories that will grip my readers’ attention! If you are hoping to do the same, look no further than the wondrous world of children’s fantasy books! In this realm dragons take flight, wizards cast their spells, and extraordinary adventures unfold on every page. As elementary school teachers and librarians, we all play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds and sparking their imaginations. We all know the value of cultivating a deep love for reading, and fantasy books are a great way to do so. If you’re in need of some ideas, this post is designed just for you! Come along to see my recommendations for top fantasy books suitable for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Let’s

Map Books: A Journey to Introduce Students to the World of Maps

Are you eager to spark your child’s interest in the world, help them explore its geography, and set them on the thrilling path of map reading? Well, map books are the secret tool here! They’re like the treasure hunt leading young adventurers into the exciting world of maps. So, whether your learner is enchanted by far-off places, dreams of epic explorations, or wants to decode the secrets of maps, I’ve got you covered with a fantastic mix of fiction and nonfiction map books. The Power of Map Books Through Visualization Maps are visual tools that help children understand and remember geographic information. Map books provide a tangible way to introduce abstract concepts like distance, direction, and spatial relationships. Through the illustrations and graphics in these books, young readers can see the world in a way that makes sense to them. This visual learning not only aids in comprehension but

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Teaching Types of Genres to Elementary Students

Caldecott Medal Predictions 2025

10 Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy and Loss

Festive Chinese New Year Books for Your Elementary Readers

Top Fantasy Books for Elementary Learners

Map Books: A Journey to Introduce Students to the World of Maps

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