WeAreTeachers
(School Library Journal)
Best Books for Middle-Grade Students
(ImaginationSoup)
Announcing the Newbery Award Winner for 2025
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Click here for a quick look at the book
Check out the Newbery Honor books for 2025 - Click on the picture for more details.
Parents and Teachers: Don't be so quick to dismiss graphic novels! For struggling readers, they provide a viable alternative once in awhile. Just encourage "regular" novels, too. Check out this list of kid approved graphic novels.
Students will be given a Running Record that determines their independent reading level. Books on their independent reading level should feel "just right."
A "just right" book is a book within your reading level band AND captures your interest
Click here to read about the different reading level bands of complexity and to understand the common characteristics of books within the same band.
Click here for a chart that compares Grade Level, Guided Reading Letter, and Lexile Level.
Keep your copy of Meet Your Next Favorite Book (Google Doc version) up to date. It's great to keep a list of books "on deck" so you know what to select when visiting the library and/or bookstore. You should use the links provided to help generate a list of books/series/authors that you would like to read next. I encourage you to choose a variety of genres as this will help you improve as a reader.
Get in the habit of leaving a stack of books by your bed and set up a time each night for independent (or shared) reading. This is a great way to help you make reading a lifelong hobby. Maybe even make this a family event in the living room!
Feel free to reach out to share what has worked for you and your family, too. I would love to add more to this list.