Category: Book Reviews

The Human Side of Changing Education

Julie M. Wilson explains how to lead educators through change and also looks at how leaders can sustain their effort by taking her readers on a leadership version of The Hero’s Journey. Principal Michael Whisler particularly liked her Strengths-based Conversation script.

Help Students Craft Mindful Class Responses

In Reading with Presence discover how Marilyn Pryle gives students an opportunity to organize their thoughts, reactions, opinions, and questions in writing, so they’re prepared and even eager to participate in class discussions. Definitely a keeper, writes Anne Anderson.

Quick Writes to Kindle Kids’ Hearts and Minds

In SPARK!, a book about quick writes, Paula Bourque offers a powerful teaching tool to help students find ideas, discover their voices and build confidence about writing. Teacher educator Linda Biondi notes the frequent, low-stakes writing can stretch across content areas.

Helping Middle Graders Master Nonfiction Texts

With this volume of their Jacob’s Ladder program Joyce VanTassel-Baskel and Tamra Stambaugh have devised a way to garner the most impact from nonfiction mini-lessons while allowing for flexibility and choice within the texts, says educator Erin Corrigan-Smith.

Quick and Effective Reading Intervention

In The Next Step Forward in Reading Intervention, teacher leader Michelle Voelker discovered a wealth of knowledge and intentional lessons by two educators who work to grow students as readers. She praises the ready-to-use resources for short-term, small-group interventions.

How to Make Sure Your Word Study Sticks

If literacy coach Pam Hamilton had to choose one word to describe Word Study That Sticks, a book about words, she would select “fabulous”! Hamilton finds it is also practical, teacher-friendly, and colorful with lessons and activities across content areas.

Inclusion and Autism Spectrum Disorder

With recent studies showing a marked increase in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, teacher Joanne Bell finds Inclusion and Autism Spectrum Disorder a helpful resource for understanding ASD and for finding effective strategies to support students.

Pair Just-right Texts and Reading Strategies

Every teacher who works with students as readers should read Jennifer Serravallo’s new book, Understanding Texts & Readers, writes NCBT and principal Rita Platt, noting it brings big-picture reading goals, skills, strategies and texts together in a meaningful hierarchy.