Patricia and Fredrick McKissack are a writing duo that got their start when they decided they wanted to do something about the lack of children’s stories about African Americans. In this exclusive interview with Reading Rockets, Patricia and Fredrick McKissack talk about finding inspiration for their writing, their favorite books, their commitment to writing African American stories, and the power of reading to children.
The Emancipation Proclamation — that all enslaved people in Confederate states be freed — was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, but it took two and a half years for the news of freedom to reach everywhere. Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the day that federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the enslaved people there. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, and families across the country celebrate “Freedom Day” with community gatherings, parades, freedom walks, festivals — and sharing books together. To learn more:
Teaching About Juneteenth with Children’s Books (Lee and Low)
How Juneteenth (and Other Celebrations) Can Be Meaningful For Your Family (PBS Parents)
There are incredible stories in history: tough tales, tales of bravery and resolve, of heartbreak and triumph. Some are told in poetry, others in prose, still others are told with pictures; some are true, others are fictionalized. Discover many more related titles with Book Finder.
FreeReading is a free, open-source reading program addressing literacy development for grades K-3. Leveraging the collective wisdom of researchers, teachers, reading coaches, and other education and industry professionals, FreeReading provides a high-quality, cost-effective framework for intervention programs supporting K-6 literacy. Schools and teachers can use the complete, 40-week, research-based intervention program for K-1 students, or use the library of lessons to supplement existing curriculum in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
Parents who have a child they suspect has a disability are likely to have many questions about special education. Find answers to commonly asked questions about special education eligibility, IEP’s, and re-evaluation in this guide for parents.
Having interesting things to read at home is a great way to keep kids motivated. Below are a few questions to ask yourself about your home library. Some simple changes on your part can help you create an amazing home library, and help your child develop an early love of reading!
Each family has a unique history and cast of characters — a combination of personalities, colors, shapes, and sizes. A collection of favorite books is a bit like like a family: each book has its own “voice” and personality that you enjoy spending time with again and again. In this collection of stories old and new, families of all kinds celebrate special days, ordinary days, and each other.
Relationship skills are the ability to form and nurture healthy, positive relationships. This includes communication skills as well as learning how to resolve conflicts and work together. These books celebrate friendships, honest talk, respect, and cooperation. This booklist is part of our Social-Emotional Learning series.
In this webcast, Todd R. Risley, Sharon Landesman Ramey, and Julie Washington discuss research-based strategies for developing language and pre-reading skills in young children.
Look around! Have you ever wondered what clouds are made of? How a plant grows? Wondered about food groups or noticed how the sun’s angle changes with each season? Have you ever read a poem that makes you look at commonplace things differently? You can find out about these and more in your own community — but be sure to start with a book!
Books for young readers continue to be translated into films as they have been for decades. Like books, film can have lasting power. Just think of Judy Garland in movie version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The first film of the series of a boy wizard and his fight against evil came out in 2001. While the books are all recommended, keep a critical eye out for the movie version to decide if they are appropriate — sometimes the characters and presentations are very different. What’s most important is to share the experience together, whether it’s reading the book, seeing the movie, or both!
