Reading Lists

Professionally curated reading lists developed by topic and/or age level. Some Reading Lists include titles from multiple age groups and will appear under more than one category

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Thematic Reading List: Self-esteem

One of the most important attributes to foster in young children is self-esteem. These six books, geared towards ages 4 to 7, focus on how being unique is good and how we should accept ourselves for all our qualities and talents.               Because You Matter By: Jan Carmen Liles […]

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Thematic Reading List: Protecting our Environment

Our environment is changing at an alarming rate. These six books provide information on the current state of our environment, those who have contributions to preserving our environment, and discuss how we can improve our planet.                 Bringing Back Our Deserts By: Clara MacCarald Bringing Back Our Deserts […]

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NationalWWeather

Thematic Reading List: National Weatherperson’s Day – February 5

People who predict the weather, also known as meteorologists, have the challenging task of hypothesizing how weather patterns will move and change hours and even days into the future. The science behind this job is robust, but it is not always accurate as the weather does not always behave as it seems it will. These […]

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koreanamericans

Thematic Reading List: Celebrating Korean Americans

The United States is made up of people of all nationalities and backgrounds. One of these is Korean Americans, a group that accounts for about 0.6% of the United States population. Though this number is relatively small, this group is a vibrant part of the American tapestry. This book list includes both fiction and non-fiction […]

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Religion

Thematic reading lists: Religious Freedom

The first amendment grants United States citizens the freedom of speech and religion. While this can be difficult to find in practice at times, the more people learn about the myriad belief systems in the world, the more easily they can coexist. This book list includes non-fiction titles for elementary school students that represent many […]

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newsletter

Thematic Reading List:Technology Day!

Technological advances throughout history have improved human existence in countless ways. From food production and distribution to sports and entertainment, technology affects human lives every day. In honor of Technology Day, January 6, this book list includes nonfiction titles for readers aged 7 to 18 about significant technological advances throughout history and some of the […]

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techcareers

Thematic Reading List: Tech Careers

Technology careers are available in a variety of disciplines, from medicine to energy, yet many students may not be aware of the magnitude of opportunities available. If students are good at problem-solving, critical thinking, and have a keen eye for creativity, a job in technology may be the perfect fit for years of rewarding work. […]

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nano

Thematic Reading List: NaNoWriMo – Getting Kids Writing

November has become the time when writers endeavor to craft a complete book in one month. While this is fun for adults, it can also be fun for kids! No matter their interest or skill level, children can write poetry, stories, and more if they have the desire to do so. This book list includes […]

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AllAboutNighttime

Thematic Reading List: All About Nighttime

Nighttime is a mysterious and wonderful time of day. Though it can be scary, these books are selected to showcase the beauty and calm that come with nighttime. From bedtime to the animals that are awake during the night, young readers will enjoy these selections as they prepare for bed. These books are written for […]

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Thematic Reading List: Body Parts!

Learning the names of body parts is an important part of childhood. Readers between the ages of 0 and 5 will love these books about human body parts, as it is easy to connect the images on the page to their own bodies. While reading these books is fun, doing so in conjunction with doing […]

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healthyeating

Thematic Reading List: Healthy Eating for Teens

Teenagers are becoming ever more capable in the kitchen and ever more independent in their lives. The teen years are the perfect time to cultivate not only an understanding of healthy eating habits but also the skills and knowledge required to accomplish those goals both in their family home and out on their own. This […]

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Thematic Reading List: Supporting Executive Function

Executive Function is a buzzword today, referring to the skills that humans need to control their impulses and contribute positively to society. Pre-schoolers are working heavily on this task, and sometimes books can reinforce the message better than parents or caregivers can. The books included in this list are selected to support the continuing growth […]

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ADHD

Thematic Reading List: Living and Thriving with ADHD

Children with ADHD are vibrant individuals who often have trouble harnessing their uniqueness in a classroom setting. Our list of 8 middle grade books featuring characters with ADHD shines a light on how these children can excel despite challenges.             Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big, Fat Quitter By: Carmella Van […]

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shapes

Thematic Reading List : Shapes and Construction

Shapes make up the foundation of nearly every object and building, each one requiring skill and precision in its construction. Very young children can begin to appreciate these edifices in their more basic forms, specifically in shapes and visual design. As an introduction to the engineering component of STEM curriculum, the books in this list […]

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windpower

Thematic Reading List : Wind Power 

Looking for renewable energy sources can be as simple as stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. The wind has been used to harness energy for thousands of years, all the way back to the first sailboats. Learn about the history and current uses of wind to harness energy and power entire communities. This list […]

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Thematic Reading List : The Space Race

Learn about the people who made space travel happen. Recommended for grades 5 and up.                       Hidden figures By: Margot Lee Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as “Human Computers,” calculating the flight […]

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Thematic Reading List : Oceans Away!!! A Celebration of the World’s Oceans

This list includes fiction and nonfiction books that focus on the ecosystems of the ocean, for ages 4 through 11. Contributor: Elizabeth Bridges                   The Big Book of the Blue By: Yuval Zommer This book focuses on biodiversity for elementary age children. Sea creatures’ habitats, ways of […]

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Thematic Reading List: Summer Themed Books for Middle Grade Readers

No classroom settings here! Enjoy these middle grade books focused on sun and June, July, and August. Recommended towards ages 8-12.                     Finding Someplace By: Denise Lewis Patrick The weekend she turns thirteen, aspiring clothing designer Teresa “Reesie” Boone is separated from her family by Hurricane […]

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Illness

Thematic Reading List: Teen Mental Illness

There is something comforting when we see others facing the same challenges and illnesses we are facing. These 8 titles geared towards teens take a look at dealing with mental illness and the courage it takes to deal with its challenges.                    All Our Broken Pieces By: […]

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Thematic Reading List:Summer

Our teen summer reading list includes essential summer settings. Recommended towards ages 13 and up.                         Camp So-and-So By: Mary McCoy Twenty-five girls are invited to attend the mysterious Camp So-and-So over the summer where they work with their cabin mates to compete in […]

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