Due to the current political climate, kindness and empathy are more important than ever. We know, however, that books can change a reader’s perspective and open a reader’s mind to a different world, a different culture, and a different way of life. In celebration of empathy and kindness, we’ve collected a list of recommended books that encourage kindness, giving, and open-mindedness.
Category Archives: Educator Resources
Lesson plans, activity guides, and helpful tips from our literacy specialist and guest educators.
25 Books from 25 Years: Marisol McDonald and the Monster
LEE & LOW BOOKS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! To recognize how far the company has come, we are featuring one title a week to see how it is being used in classrooms today and hear from the authors and illustrators.
Today, we are celebrating the latest installment of our extremely popular Marisol McDonald series, Marisol McDonald and the Monster/Marisol McDonald y el monstruo. In this endearing bilingual story, Marisol confronts her greatest fear: monsters!
Plan Your Month Roundup: December Books and Resources
Now that your stomach is filled with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, it’s time to get ready for the December holidays! Here are some book recommendations and resources for the December holiday season.
Celebrating 25 Books Over 25 Years: Juna’s Jar
LEE & LOW BOOKS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to recognize how far the company has come, we are featuring one title a week to see how it is being used in classrooms today, as well as hear from the authors and illustrators. Today we’re featuring one of our recent favorites, Juna’s Jar! Published in 2015, this sweet story with universal appeal and a touch of magical realism received widespread acclaim and continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Continue reading
Shame the Stars: Teaching Forgotten Narratives
In this guest post, educator and writer Tami Charles presents text-dependent questions and inquiry-based activities for students to practice close reading and critical thinking with the book Shame the Stars. Continue reading
Celebrating 25 Books Over 25 Years: Parrots Over Puerto Rico
LEE & LOW BOOKS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to recognize how far the company has come, we are featuring one title a week to see how it is being used in classrooms today as well, as hear from the authors and illustrators. Continue reading
Close Reading in High School: Ink and Ashes
Featured title: Ink and Ashes
Written by: Valynne Maetani
Synopsis
When Japanese American Claire Takata finds out that her deceased father was once a member of the yakuza, a Japanese crime syndicate, danger enters her life that could end up killing someone. Winner of Tu Books’ New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action.
Themes: trust, honesty, honor, family, teamwork, forgiveness Continue reading
Celebrating 25 Books Over 25 Years: Summer of the Mariposas
LEE & LOW BOOKS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to recognize how far the company has come, we are featuring one title a week to see how it is being used in classrooms today as well, as hear from the authors and illustrators.
Featured title: Summer of the Mariposas
Author: Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Plan Your Month Roundup: November Books
Can you believe it’s almost November? The autumn season is officially underway which means the holidays are right around the corner! Plan out your month with these book recommendations and resources to get you ready for the holiday season!
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Books as Bricks: Building a Diverse Classroom Library and Beyond
Last week, Tu Books Publisher Stacy Whitman spoke at the Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) conference about why and how to use diverse books in the classroom. In this blog post, we share some highlights from her presentation that may be helpful for readers across the country. Continue reading