Guide Round-Up
The back-to-school season can be an exciting time, but also hectic. We’re saving you time by gathering our most popular Educator’s Guides all in one place. From classic curriculum books to new titles there is something on here for every classroom. You can also head over to this blog post for book recommendations to start your year off right.
Early Reader
Picture This: Illuminating the World Around Us
This STEM picture book guide features three great titles to inspire your students to explore the world around them.
Spark, Shine, Glow
By Lola Schaefer
Illustrated by James Yang
The Book of Turtles
By Sy Montgomery
Illustrated by Matt Patterson
We Are Branches
By Joyce Sidman
Illustrated by Beth Krommes
Kevin Henkes Author Study
This guide to teaching art and writing using Kevin Henkes features perennial classroom favorites like Chrysanthemum and Kitten's First Full Moon.
That Flag
By Tameka Fryer Brown
Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
That Flag is a powerful picture book for teaching the history and lasting affects of the Confederate flag.
Magnolia Flower
By Zora Neale Hurston
Adapted by Ibram X. Kendi
Illustrated by Loveis Wise
Magnolia Flower was adapted by Dr. Kendi because he didn't want children to have to wait until high school or college to be introduced to the amazing Zora Neal Hurston.
Middle Grade
Voice of the Wilderness
Rosanne Parry is the beloved author of A Whale in the Wild and A Wolf Called Wander. Teach students about the challenges of survival in the natural world with one or both titles.
The One and Only Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan was published in 2015 and became an instant classroom classic. As Applegate has introduced us to new characters, we've built a guide to all of the amazing titles in the One and Only collection.
The Monkey Trial
By Anita Sanchez
The Monkey Trial is the true story of the fight that took place almost 100 years ago to allow the teaching of evolution in public schools in Tennessee. Written in a dynamic and engaging way, this is a great way to introduce middle grade readers to the legal challenges still facing schools today.
Inside Out & Back Again
By Thanhhà Lai
Inside Out and Back Again and it's recently released stand-alone companion novel, When Clouds Touch Us, are novels in verse detailing a young girl's experience leaving Vietnam and immigrating to the United States. Inspired by the author's own experiences, this book is used in classrooms across the country.
Amari and the Night Brothers
By B.B. Alston
The first book in the heartpounding series, Amari and the Night Brothers is part Men in Black, part Artemis Fowl and all action. This is a great pick for reading groups - especially one with reluctant readers!
New Kid
By Jerry Craft
New Kid was the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Award and as soon you start reading, you'll know why. This is a great book for teaching visual literacy while also talking to students about friendship, bullying, and the challenges of fitting in.
Teen
America Redux
By Ariel Aberg-Riger
America Redux is a one-of-a-kind history book that will change how your students view the subject. With SO many ways to use in the classroom, this book and guide are a must have.
The Hate U Give
By Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give spawned instant conversation in classrooms everywhere, winning awards and garnering starred reviews left and right. Both this title and the prequel, Concrete Rose, are now available in paperback making them perfect classroom reads.
Author Study: Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany Jackson has proven that she can master every genre and there's a book for every reader among her list. We've put together a comprehensive guide to start discussions with each of these amazing books.
Punching the Air
By Ibi Zoboi
Co-Written with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam, Punching the Air is THE book to use when talking about the justice system with teens. It's enthralling, infuriating, and accessible and our guide will help you to start powerful conversations.