Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/396235
Know & Tell Resources I T ' S A N E W S C H O O L Y E A R , and we've got new book recom - mendations for you and your students! This time, we've added recommendations for prekindergarten and adult readers as well. From colorful artwork to gripping nonfiction narratives, this list is sure to have something for everyone. Are you using these recommendations in the classroom? If so, let us know how! Email thasker@cta.org. We'd love to feature your good work in this magazine and on our blog. If you're looking for lesson plans or other resources to go with these book recommendations, take a look at cta.org/californiareads, where we've amassed a collec- tion of classroom resources. By Tiffany Hasker Recommended reading for fall P R E K I N D E R G A R T E N We Are in a Book! By Mo Willems I can think of no greater tribute to the joy of reading than a book that invites the reader to step inside it and interact one-on-one with the characters. Willems creates a wonderful read-aloud experience for kids reading to the adults in their lives, as well as for adults reading to kids. It's filled with nice, big sight words that early readers will be able to sound out. G R A D E S K - 2 A Butterfly Is Patient By Dianna Hutts Aston and S ylvia Long This is an excellent book to use when teach- ing a bout life cycles. A perfect ga tewa y to science books, it of fers just the right tone and perfectl y selected facts. Add the illustra tions tha t are large, interesting and filled with details, and you now ha ve the ideal packa ge to get children interested in the na ture right in their own backyards. G R A D E S 3 - 5 The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life By Lois Ehlert This nonfiction picture book allows readers a glimpse into Ehlert's creative process as well as her personal history. Simple text, gorgeous art and priceless encouragement for young artists. And for kids who don't already see themselves as artists, this book might ignite a spark. A great reflection on creativity. G R A D E S 6 - 8 Paperboy By Vince Vawter This first-person narrative of a young boy with a stuttering problem who takes over his best friend's paper route for a month is filled with quirky characters, wonderful insight and some adventure. Readers will see that everyone has something that makes them vulnerable but also makes them unique. G R A D E S 9 - 1 2 Seraphina By Rachel Hartman Hartman has created a world in which dragons and humans live side by side, seemingly harmoniously. They have not fought for decades, yet there is a simmer- ing distrust between them which begins to boil over after the suspicious death of a member of the royal family. As Seraph- ina attempts to solve the mystery, she learns more about herself and her "condi- tion." You see, Seraphina is half-dragon, half-human. CALIFORNIA READS: 16 www.cta.org