How to use this Page

International Literacy Day is September 8.

First Book and our friends at the International Reading Association are challenging students and teachers to spend 60 seconds each day for the next 60 days to doing small activities that enhance literacy skills.

Celebrate our love for reading on International Literacy Day with some of these out-of-this-world activities:

Activities for ages 4-8

• Talk Show.
  After reading a book, ask students  to write a question that they would ask the main character. Each day ask for a volunteer to pretend to be the main character, and give the volunteer 60 seconds to answer one or two questions.
• Take My Advice.
  Project a picture from a familiar book, such as Little Red Riding Hood walking through the forest. Have students talk to the characters in the book, and give them advice, such as “Little Red Riding Hood, don’t talk to the Wolf. He’s going to try to trick you!”

Activities for ages 9-11

• Vocabulary Space Ticket.
  Provide students with a vocabulary ticket to leave space. Have pairs or trios of students draw an image for each vocabulary word and write a definition so their ticket can be stamped for lift-off.
• Galactic Mural.
  Make a large mural of space with outlines of the planets. Each day a student brings in one space fact and adds the information to the mural. Once finished, sit back and enjoy your view of our corner of the galaxy.

Activities for ages 12-14

• Word of the Day.
  Take 60 seconds to learn a new word of the day. Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day is a great resource. If you have an extra two minutes, check out the podcast that accompanies each Word of the Day. Challenge kids to try to use the new word during the day in conversations in class or with their friends. Create a friendly competition, and see who can use the word the most or the best.
• Done in 60 Days.
  Get the whole class writing a collaborative story in 60-second bursts. Come up with a first-line story starter. On Day 1, have students write the sentence on the top of a blank sheet of paper. Then, give them 60 seconds to write the next line. Each day, have students rotate the sheets of paper so that in the 60 seconds, they are (a) reading what others have written and (b) writing the next line of the story. At the end of the 60 days, spend some time seeing the different directions taken by stories starting with same first line.

Visit the IRA website and download their International Literacy Day Activity Kit for more fun things to do to celebrate & promote literacy in the classroom and at home!

The post Celebrating International Literacy Day appeared first on First Book Blog.

Since 1985, teachers, parents and other individuals who make a difference in the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities, have taken the month of October to educate the public about dyslexia, ADHD and more.  This month, help spread awareness about learning disabilities by sending an article, interesting fact, or story to a friend, colleague or family member.

For more information about Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, including articles, book recommendations, and even a children’s art gallery, check out: http://www.ldonline.org.

The Funniest Children’s Books by Comedians

Reading to kids is a great experience, but when it comes to children’s books, the jokes often fall flat. Thankfully, many of our favorite comedians from Jeff Foxworthy to Jerry Seinfeld are able to tell great stories in the voice of our favorite funny people. Check them out for yourself and vote for your favorite!

Reading Rockets: How to Read with a Squiggly Baby (or Toddler!)

Parents know they should read with their child every day. But reading together requires that your baby or toddler will actually sit still long enough for a book! If you’ve got a squiggler in your house, see if these tips help your reading time go a little more smoothly.

Mortar Board Virtual Book Drive Underway!

Illiteracy is linked to nearly every major socioeconomic crisis today.  Since 2002, Mortar Board has made a national commitment to combat illiteracy with the “Reading is Leading” national project.  Join Mortar Board in their third annual Virtual Book Drive challenge, held in conjunction with First Book, running through November 12.

Announcing the 2010 Hugo Award Winners

The Hugo Awards are awarded for excellence in the field of science fiction and fantasy writing. The awards have been given since 1953 by the annual World Science Fiction Convention (the “Worldcon”). The awards are run by and voted on by fans. Check out nominees, winners and more information about this award by visiting www.thehugoawards.org

First Book’s national nonprofit partner, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record© day is only 45 days away.  This ground breaking campaign brings children and adults together to read the same book, on the same day, in homes and communities all over the world. The campaign also kicks off Jumpstart’s yearlong program, preparing preschool children in low-income neighborhoods for success in school and life.

Countless celebrities including singing sensation, Justin Bieber; actor, Vince Vaughn; Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe winning actress Mary-Louise Parker; singer/actor, LL Cool J and so many more, have read as part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record  Day.

This year’s Read for the Record book is the award winning title, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.  The First Book Marketplace is carrying this title for only $2.72.  Order your books today, so they arrive in time for your event.

How can you participate in this year’s Read for the Record Day on October 7?

• Pledge to Read – Jumpstart is aiming for 2.5 million children to be read to on that day.  Go here to register your event.
• Event Tips – Want to participate, but need some help planning an event.  Here are some great tips on how to incorporate The Snowy Day into your program.

For more information about Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day visit their website:  http://www.readfortherecord.org

A Novel Idea offers reviews and recommendations for children’s books as well as literacy tips and suggestions for parents and educators. The blog also highlights various children’s books authors and illustrators.
First Book’s Post Pick: Mystery Friend Friday: Meet Laura Numeroff !

Vocabulogic focuses on spreading word knowledge and linguistic insight. This blog provides neat links to tools and techniques for learning more about the English language.
First Book’s Post Pick: Helping Parents Become Strong Language and Literacy Partners

Books for Boys is a blog dedicated to providing helpful book recommendations for young boys. Blogger and children’s book author Max Elliot Anderson highlights books with topics that will surely motivate even the most stubborn boys to read.
First Book’s Post Pick: Television vs Reading

Raising Readers is a health literacy program based in Maine which provides books to children during well-child visits. Check out these great stories of spreading literacy and fun.
First Book’s Post Pick: Maine Parents – Best in the Nation

American Indians in Children’s Literature is a blog created by native blogger Debbie Reese. Her aim is to educate others about the culture and perspective of indigenous peoples especially pertaining to children’s literature.
First Book’s Post Pick: Top Ten Books Recommended for Elementary School

Developing Young Readers is a great resource for tips and activities pertaining to reading and literacy. It provides tools for parents and educators that are specifically designed to foster good reading habits at any age.
First Book’s Post Pick: Pre-literacy and Puzzles

Bookjoy is written by author Pat Mora who believes strongly in the power of creativity to enrich people’s daily lives. Her blog is a helpful source of inspiration and support for literacy initiatives.
First Book’s Post Pick: Children as Creators

Reading Really Rocks is written by an especially enthusiastic teacher aiming to spread a love for literacy. This blog contains useful grammar resources as well as children’s book recommendations.
First Book’s Post Pick: Favorite First Grade Read Alouds!

Mother Daughter Book Club is a great resource for parents and educators who are looking for parent recommendations of children’s books. This blog includes author interviews, reading lists and more.
First Book’s Post Pick: More News Linking Book Ownership and Literacy

Literacy, families and learning provides helpful support and advice for parents and educators. The blog features articles on literacy as well as useful websites and other resources.
First Book’s Post Pick: Visual Literacy

Treasuring Childhood is a fun, light-hearted blog that seeks to discuss literacy and children’s books in an exciting manner. Articles range from literacy tips, book recommendations and creative activities.
First Book’s Post Pick: Mainstream

Cass County Reading Railroad seeks to encourage parents to read with their children every day for at least 20 minutes. Articles include helpful information for encouraging your child to read and other tips.
First Book’s Post Pick: Don’t Forget to Eat Breakfast

The truth behind the Kindle craze
This article takes a hard look at the benefits to reading print books while making the case that the Kindle and other technology will never replace traditional books. Tell us what your opinion is by leaving a comment below!

Scholastic Summer Challenge Reading World Record heats up
Scholastic, Reading is Fundamental and the National Summer Learning Association have teamed up to bring kids a great incentive to read this summer. Kids from all over are attempting to break the current Scholastic World Record of minutes spent reading.

Children’s Book Movies
With the recent release of “Ramona and Beezus” as well as several other movies based on children’s books this year, many are taking a closer look at what attracts audiences. Take a look at this article which analyzes the appeal of these movies to all generations.

Youngster proves that it’s never too early to start writing
Seven-year-old I’deyah Ricketts wrote her first children’s book Where are the Animals when she was only four years old. Currently she spends time encouraging early literacy in her hometown area of Chicago. Ricketts has proven to be an inspiration to both young and old alike.

Finding solutions to the literacy gender gap
In schools, boys have traditionally lagged behind their female counterparts. Attempts to close this gender gap through traditional means have shown little progress. However, it is oftentimes not the act of reading that is objectionable to boys but rather the subject matter.

Summer Stock: Promoting Literacy in the Community
The Texas Woman’s University drama department is partnering with a local Girl Scout troop to promote literacy and the art of theater. This summer program engages kids through activities which are designed around beloved children’s book classics.

10 Weeks of Fun from RIF
Check out this great reading calendar from Reading Is Fundamental which includes fun learning activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer. This calendar incorporates creative learning ideas with everyday summer fun.

Book Reviews Delivered to Your iPhone
Kids Book Review is a new application for the iPhone which allows users to view book reviews on the go, helping shoppers make informed decisions about their book purchases. This also gives users the ability to post books to their Twitter or Facebook accounts to share reviews with friends.

125th Anniversary of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Elmira, the city where Mark Twain penned his famous work, is celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the release of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Excerpts from the book will be read aloud and the first 125 kids will receive a free copy of the book.

How Learning to Read Changes Your Brain
This article details findings of an ancient ability to recognize both an object and its mirror image as identical and how this affects learning to read. Confusing similar letters, an error once assumed to indicate dyslexia, turns out to be a common mistake of learning.

Guest Blogger Rachael Walker is the Outreach Consultant for Reading Rockets, a national multimedia initiative which aims to inform and inspire parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who touch the life of a child by providing comprehensive, accessible information on how to teach kids to read and help those who struggle. Rachael began her career in children’s literacy at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), has also served as a consultant to the NEA’s Read Across America campaign, and was most recently the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC.

‘Central casting’ at AdLit.org and Reading Rockets is looking for young, creative writers and filmmakers to star in the Exquisite Prompt Write It, Film It Video Contest.   Like the Exquisite Prompt Writing Challenge, prompts for the Exquisite Prompt Write It, Film It Video Contest are inspired by the authors and illustrators participating in the Exquisite Corpse Adventure, the rollicking online serial story sponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance.

To enter the contest, writers and film makers in grades 2-12 choose a prompt, create a narrative, then make a video of their story. In addition to a short video (no longer than 3 minutes) kids also submit original writing related to their video project, such as interview questions, storyboards, dialogues or scripts, in order to win fabulous prizes.

Entry deadline is August 13th. Visit www.readingrockets.org for resources and information on how to enter.

Bilingual Readers is a publishing company that works to provide bilingual books and resources to families and communities. Their blog provides valuable information on helping children living in bilingual homes to grow as readers.

First Book’s Post Pick: Reading to Kids Gives a Developmental Edge

Imagination Soup is a blog that focuses on incorporating fun into reading, writing and education.  Written by former teacher and current author, Melissa Taylor, Imagination Soup is a great resource for anyone who is looking for fun ways to incorporate literacy into everyday events!

First Book’s Post Pick: Parent Child Book Club

Literacy and Play is a blog that offers advice and suggestions on how to create a learning-rich environment for children.

First Book’s Post Pick: Reading Aloud

The story behind “To Kill a Mockingbird.” As the 50^th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” approaches, the true story behind the novel unfolds.  Find out what this world renowned book is really about!

Library of the Early Mind: a documentary exploring children’s literature.  “Library of the Early Mind” is an exploration of the art and the impact of children’s literature on our kids, our culture, and ourselves. The film features nearly 40 prominent authors and illustrators talking about their work, its genesis and its impact. The first screening will in October 2010.

Business vs. Art. This article debates how important it is for a writer or creator to focus on the art side of his or her creation versus the business side. Which do you think is more important?

Comic book news. Are you a comic book lover? Check out the San Diego Comic-Con Friday Lineup. This is a full day of comic book performances, readings and discussions.

Children’s Books at ALA: A PW Photo-Essay. Librarians, publishers, and authors braved the heat and crowds to attend ALA’s annual conference, held late last month in Washington, D.C. Check out Publisher Weekly’s gallery of photos of authors, events, and other happenings from the conference.

For those that follow the First Book Blog you know that this is our portal to share detailed news about what First Book is doing nationally with partners, at events and sharing how our local Advisory Board volunteers are getting thousands of books to kids in over 270 communities across the United States.

Since there is always more to know about literacy, education and books news, consider following us on Twitter,  fanning us or adding us as a cause on Facebook.

In addition to helping programs learn more about First Book and other education issues, we are excited to have the opportunity to engage in a broader conversation with First Book supporters, find new supporters and of course, have a little fun! If you have not already seen our Facebook polls check out this weeks which asks: “Which child detective(s) would you want to solve your crime?” Look out for a new poll every Wednesday and feel free to comment if we missed your favorite child detective!

• Cam Jansen
• Encyclopedia Brown
• Hardy Boys
• Nancy Drew
• The Boxcar Children
• Nate the Great
• Sammy Keyes
• The Famous Five

Together Time 4 Families seeks to reinforce the importance of books and reading in the home. Activities shared on this blog are a great resource for parents looking to involve the entire family in literacy fun.
First Book’s Post Pick: Early Literacy Summer Activities

Early Ed Watch is a blog from New America’s Early Education Initiative which pays special attention to news and resources which promote early literacy in children up to age eight.
First Book’s Post Pick: Infants, Toddlers and Precursors to Literacy

Bookends is a blog created by two middle-school librarians who write well-structured and concise reviews on select books. Reviews are organized very well and the site itself is well navigable.
First Book’s Post Pick: Dinosaurs!

Imagination Soup was created by author, parent and teacher Melissa Taylor who provides great links for all types of learning styles, topics and abilities.
First Book’s Post Pick: Early Readers Read the Pictures

Give the Gift of Reading this Father’s Day
Don’t forget to wish Dad a Happy Father’s Day this Sunday, June 20th. If you’re still stumped for a last-minute gift, consider making and online donation to First Book in honor of your dad or whomever you choose. After making a donation you can send him an e-card to remind Dad how special he is.

Big Universe: Read, Create and Share Children’s Books Online
This site is a great resource for reading, writing and learning. The site offers book suggestions, reading quizzes, and even the opportunity for kids to create their own children’s books. Parents and educators can even help kids share their creations with other students using the site’s virtual bookshelves.

Magic Tree House Series Goes Digital
Now fans of Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House Series can cherish them forever as e-books. All forty-three titles have been converted to digital versions. Random House is now proud to offer this classic children’s book series in print, audio and digital.

4th Cheerios New Author Contest
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your ideas in print? Through Cheerios’ Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest aspiring authors have the chance to submit their children’s books in the hopes of being selected as the winner. The winning story gets published and packaged in Cheerios boxes and released for purchase as well.

More Tips from Reading Rockets to Curb Summer Learning Loss
Keeping kids engaged in learning activities over the summer can be a challenge. Here are some more great ideas to keep kids interested and having fun while they learn. From planting a garden and neighborhood book clubs to interactive websites and writing activities, this list is sure to keep your child busy during the summer months.

For many students summer is a time to rest, play with friends and simply be a kid. However, as fun as it is to simply sit back and relax the day away, last year’s learning has a tendency to slip away. Students can lose over two months of learning during the summertime. The Kids Count Data Center article, “Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters”  uncovers the realities of child development detailing the necessity for children to switch from learning to read from Kindergarten until third grade, to reading to learn once they begin fourth grade. Visit the Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Center to learn more.

To help prevent the summer brain drain in your house, try mixing fun and learning in a way that makes parents, students and their teachers happy!

Choosing books that parents and kids enjoy is a great start. This site has great summer reading recommendations with lists tailored to certain interests or age-ranges which make navigating through all the titles much easier. Another way to keep brains engaged is to have your kids write letters or send postcards from all the wonderful places you’ll visit this summer. Not only will they be able to share stories about their adventures, but children can enjoy the thrill of sending and receiving letters from friends and family while they learn important skills. If writing gets them excited you can also visit ReadWriteThink. This website has some great ideas to get kids reading and writing, such as writing your own sports trivia questions as well as literacy resources for parents and educators.

Lastly, if you just need to get out of the house, check out Pottery Barn Kids Book Club. Pottery Barn is hosting story time events every Tuesday with a special gift on a child’s fifth visit. This is a great summer activity where kids can get their 30 minutes of reading in, and have a fun time meeting others in the community while learning!

Regardless of your child’s interests, it is vital to encourage summer learning. These resources provide book lists, activities, events, games, challenges and more to ensure that summer learning stays fun and rewarding for everyone.

Mobile phones becoming more prominent than books among students
As the world of technology continues to expand, more children are reaching for cellular phones rather than books. It is vitally important to keep books in the homes of young, developing students as their presence has proven to increase the likelihood of children continuing on to higher education.

James Patterson’s resource for encouraging uninterested readers
Author James Patterson created a useful site for parents, educators and students to help find not only age-appropriate books but also titles which would be of interest to even the most reluctant readers. The site includes comprehensive lists of titles as well as reviews and additional information.

“What Interested You Most in the Times this Week?”
The New York Times challenges students ages 13 to 25 to share their opinions and reflect on articles and other media from the Times. Throughout the summer the Times will post their “favorite” every Friday and will continue to feature student responses on Twitter and Facebook.

Preschools in forests take root in US
A new type of school is emerging in a few areas of the US with the belief that young children ought to be having fun as they learn about their natural environment. These programs seek to quell the onset of disorders which arise in children in traditional schools such as obesity and attention disorders.

How to ensure the most stubborn students become avid summer readers
Not all reluctant readers can be treated the same. This list of recommended titles for summer reading caters to specific types of students and their interests to ensure that they not only read during the summer months but additionally develop a desire to continue reading.

Guest Blogger Rachael Walker is the Outreach Consultant for Reading Rockets, a national multimedia initiative which aims to inform and inspire parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who touch the life of a child by providing comprehensive, accessible information on how to teach kids to read and help those who struggle. Rachael began her career in children’s literacy at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), has also served as a consultant to the NEA’s Read Across America campaign, and was most recently the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC.

Asian Pacific Heritage Month

At Reading Rockets and its sister site Colorin Colorado, celebrate the family traditions and the rich diversity of Asian and Pacific Americans through books and authors.  Find great books written about a wide range of Asian and Pacific American cultural experiences. Meet authors Janet Wong, who grew up in Los Angeles where she observed the rich community life that comes from many cultures blending together, and Laurence Yep, who writes books that draw from his Chinese American background yet speaks to common feelings and experiences. Reading Rockets’ one-page Parent Tips offer ways for parents to help kids become successful readers and are available in 11 languages, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Hmong.

The Exquisite Prompt Writing Challenge Continues!

The Three Bears retold, inventions, obituaries, tall tale lunacy, dead words, cliff-hangers, and more! Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events) and Steven Kellogg (Pecos Bill) provide the inspiration for this month’s writing prompts. Give your K-12 students the chance to flex their writing muscles — and win fabulous prizes in the Exquisite Prompt Writing Challenge!

Summer Reading

Watch and learn about some of the best ways to keep kids engaged with learning during the summer break — and avoid the “summer slump” —  in Adventures in Summer Learning, the newest episode of Launching Young Readers, WETA’s award-winning series. Then dig into a virtual beach bag of resources to help families get ready for fun, enriching summertime experiences.  Make sure kids have a summer companion by browsing the 2010 Big Summer Booklist from Reading Rockets.

We Are Teachers is a blog which seeks to highlight the importance of teachers as well as the overall learning process. The blog includes a wealth of resources as well as ideas for other educators.
First Book’s Post Pick: 5 Tips for Beating Summer Reading Loss

Preschool Teachers Passionate About Literacy offers up some fantastic ideas for classroom activities as well as recommendations for age-appropriate books to pair with activities. Bloggers also provide information on upcoming literacy events.
First Book’s Post Pick: The Literacy Ambassador’s Favorite Read-Aloud List

Kids Book Review includes exclusive interviews with not only children’s book authors, but also literacy magazine writers and other experts. Readers can also take a look at a variety of reviews of children’s books.
First Book’s Post Pick: Interview: Rebecca Newman

Early Childhood Resources is a blog created for parents and teachers to provide vital information regarding childhood development as well as early literacy resources. The blog also seeks to share a wealth of knowledge on activities for children.
First Book’s Post Pick: Three to Five Years- Implementing a Program that is Developmentally Appropriate

PBS Kids Reading Activity Calendar
The summer months are often challenging when it comes to encouraging children to read and learn. This handy calendar, developed by PBS Kids is a great source for suggestions on how to combine reading and fun this summer.

Third Grade is proving to be a crucial year for young readers
A new report titled, “Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters,” details the importance of mastering reading skills before kids enter the fourth grade. This period of time marks a child’s transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

Walter Farley Literacy Foundation gets kids reading
The Walter Farley Literacy Foundation seeks to encourage literacy in children by introducing them to the beloved Black Stallion story. In addition to reading this classic tale, kids also get a chance to meet the real thing and develop a connection with real horses.

Museum Exhibit Exemplifies Treasure in Little Golden Books
We all remember the charming stories from Little Golden Books. Here is a museum exhibit which features them called, “Golden Legacy: Original Art From 65 Years of Golden Books.” The exhibit will run through August 22nd, so be sure to check it out this summer.

Classic Children’s Book Favorites Now Infiltrating Your Cell Phone
Today’s technological advances are proving more and more that everything can be digitized-even Dr. Seuss. Children’s book favorites are now making their debut as cheaper digital versions.

National Children’s Museum Offers Literacy Tips in New Book
The National Children’s Museum recently released a new book called, Family Literacy Projects on a Budget: A Trainers’ Toolkit. The book can is also now available for purchase on Amazon.

Literacy Program a Help to Immigrant Children and Their Parents
A Family Literacy Program helps not only children but their parents gain a better understanding of English, improving grades and all-around confidence.

Helping Kids Navigate the World of Advertisements
In today’s world, advertisements are constantly bombarding kids with flashy slogans and cute mascots. Check out how a federal agency is trying to help kids make more informed decisions.

New Strategy to Teach Vocabulary
To many middle-school students reading non-fiction books can be a daunting task because of the volume of new vocabulary required to understand the text. This strategy attempts to make the process more fun and less toilsome for students.

A Conversation with Famed Children’s Book Author Lois Lowry
Author of famous children’s books such as The Giver, Lois Lowry gives readers the inside scoop on her books.

Voting for the Children’s Choice Book Awards is in full swing and will close next Monday, May 3rd! Check out the finalists for the 5th and 6th grade and vote for your favorite.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

Nikki J. Maxwell has been awarded a scholarship to a prestigious private middle school as a part of her father’s bug extermination contract. Follow along as she deals with the resident mean girl, her embarrassing parents, her crush on the hot boy, and making new friends are all recorded alongside numerous sketches of her life.

The Adventures of Benny by Steve Shreve

As Benny goes on five adventures that take him from the woods behind his house to the pyramids of Egypt, he comes face to face with a host of bad guys—pirates, a mummy, and even his very own Booger-Man!

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 Written and Illustrated by Brian Floca

Simply told, grandly shown, here is the flight of Apollo 11. Here for a new generation of readers and explorers are the steady astronauts, clicking themselves into gloves and helmets, strapping themselves into sideways seats. Here are their great machines in all their detail and monumentality, the ROAR of rockets, and the silence of the Moon. Here is a story of adventure and discovery — a story of leaving and returning during the summer of 1969,    and a story of home, seen whole, from far away.

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Sam Hart and Artur Fujita

How did Robin of Loxley become Robin Hood? Why did he choose to fight injustice instead of robbing for his own gain? Expressive and gritty, this graphic novel whisks readers back to Crusades-era England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist, and in the haunted heart of Sherwood Forest, a defiant rogue — with the help of his men and the lovely Maid Marian — disguises himself to become an outlaw. Lively language and illustrations follow the legendary hero as he champions the poor and provokes a high-stakes vendetta in a gripping adventure sure to draw a new generation of readers.

High-school students are often intimidated by poetry. Mostly, their dislike for this writing medium is from a lack of knowledge. Many students simply don’t know how to handle poetry. However, students can begin to appreciate poetry by simply being taught the basic structures and techniques that underlie this form of literature.

One program that is helping to teach poetry is WritersCorps. Since 1994, this non-profit is improving the lives of young people across the nation with creative writing. WritersCorps has helped more than 40,000 people in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods improve literacy and self-sufficiency in San Francisco, CA; Washington DC; and Bronx, NY. In each of their three sites, an established group of artists teach creative writing at public schools and social service organizations in order to improve literacy while also presenting creative expression as an alternative to violence and drug abuse. To read the work of the young people in the WritersCorps program, take a look at their collection of poems titled Paint Me Like I Am.

Want to help your high schooler to write their own poetry? Checkout the non-profit “Teen Ink”, devoted entirely to teen art and writing. The magazine has published more than 45,000 teens since 1989 and claims to have the largest distribution of its kind.

If you’re suffering from major writer’s block, take a look at Francine Prose’s Reading Like A Writer: A Guide for People Who Look Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them. This humorous and informative New York Times best seller will inspire readers to look at classic literature by authors such as Philip Roth and Flannery O’Connor from a different perspective.

For poetry written just for teens, check out Elise Paschen’s new book, Poetry Speaks Who I am: poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else. The book and CD compilation includes poems about the pressures of school, losing a grandparent, sibling rivalry, and parent problems.

Although these are just a few examples, if you have any ideas or resources to share – make a comment below!

Tidy Books is a blog written by the founder of the Tidy Books Company. She created a line of new book shelving units designed with organization and fun in mind.
First Book’s Post Pick: Should Children’s Books Come with Warnings?

The Book Maven’s Haven is a blog run by a 4th and 5th grade teacher who shares information on children’s literature as well as similar associated topics. She shares books of interest as well as articles relating to literacy.
First Book’s Post Pick: Librarian Love

Open Shut Them is a blog run through a library in Ohio which brings to light important studies concerning child development. The blog also highlights books based around varying themes.
First Book’s Post Pick: It’s Past Your Bedtime

Imaginary Blog is a creative and fun place in which books meet other forms of expression. The blog highlights certain titles as well as fun activities to increase literacy.
First Book’s Post Pick: Making Books with Young Children: A “Make and Take” Hands-On Workshop For Adults

E-Books coming to the iPad for kids
As the iPad gains momentum, top picks for e-books include classics such as Alice in Wonderland and various Dr. Seuss books. The iPad’s appeal is only heightened by its 3-D capabilities.

Finding the Right Children’s Book
Children’s books are so varied and numerous these days that parents and educators often have a hard time selecting the best titles to share with children. This article discusses a handy guide inside the world of children’s books.

Gary Paulsen’s Newest Adventures
Three-time Newbery Honoree, Gary Paulsen is releasing Wood Runner, a young adult book set during the time of the Revolutionary War.

Illustrator John Schoenherr Passes at Age 74
In his lifetime, John Schoenherr illustrated over 40 children’s books, including Owl Moon and Julie of the Wolves. Remember his contributions to childrens’ imaginations and take a look at his illustrations.

Jewish Heritage Through Early Literacy
Jewish families can enjoy learning about their heritage together through children’s books which incorporate cultural customs while aiding in early literacy.