Our Library

There’s nothing better than a really great picture book. For familiar books, try having your child retell the story in their own way. With new books, try doing a “picture walk” through the book by looking at the pictures together and predicting what may happen in the story.

Wordless picture books build narrative skills in emerging readers, and help readers of all ages understand story elements like plot, dialogue, and pacing. They are also wonderful for families working to preserve their home language, because these stories can be told together in any language.

Reading is both a lifelong joy and a complex skill that takes consistent practice to master. To avoid frustration and foster a positive experience, our Learning Support team recommends this strategy: When your child makes an error, let them finish the sentence before reacting. Then, say something like: “One of the words there tricked you!” and go back and find the “trick word” together.  Keeping it fun and friendly will ensure your child builds skills while maintaining a love of reading—and it reduces stress on grownups, too!

Series books benefit emerging readers by motivating students to keep reading - and practice is one of the keys to proficient reading. Younger readers, snuggle up with your grownups and enjoy these great stories as a read-aloud. Older/independent readers, can you read one to a grownup?

The family read-aloud is the perfect opportunity to reinforce your family’s shared love of books and reading. Tip: Choose books a bit harder than your child can read independently. Then, when it feels natural and right, take the opportunity to teach new vocabulary words your child might be unfamiliar with. Reading aloud is a pleasure we recommend continuing into Middle School. Here are some of our favorites.

Many readers prefer nonfiction to fiction. Luckily, there are lots of great nonfiction reads to choose from.

There’s nothing better than a really great picture book. Here are some examples 2nd and 3rd Graders would love.

Wordless picture books build narrative skills in emerging readers, and help readers of all ages understand story elements like plot, dialogue, and pacing. They are also wonderful for families working to preserve their home language, because these stories can be told together in any language.

Reading is both a lifelong joy and a complex skill that takes consistent practice to master. To avoid frustration and foster a positive experience, our Learning Support team recommends this strategy: When your child makes an error, let them finish the sentence before reacting. Then, say something like: “One of the words there tricked you!” and go back and find the “trick word” together.  Keeping it fun and friendly will ensure your child builds skills while maintaining a love of reading—and it reduces stress on grownups, too!

Fun and engaging for a family read aloud; perfect for independent readers ready to try a chapter book on their own.

We recommend continuing the family read aloud through Middle School. It’s the perfect opportunity to reinforce your family’s shared love of books. Tip: Choose books a bit harder than your child can read independently, then take the opportunity to teach new vocabulary words your child might be unfamiliar with. These books make great family read-alouds, and are just right for readers ready for longer, more complex stories.

Many readers prefer nonfiction to fiction. Luckily, there are lots of great nonfiction reads to choose from.

There’s nothing better than a really great picture book. Here are some examples that 4th and 5th graders would love.

Wordless picture books help readers of all ages understand story elements like plot, dialogue, and pacing. They are also wonderful for families working to preserve their home language, because the stories can be told together in any language.     

Readers who are prone to skimming text often slow down to take in the visual images present in graphic works. Reading more slowly helps build attention span and allows time for students to make connections and integrate new knowledge. Here are some examples of graphic works of exceptional quality.

Fun and engaging for everyone; perfect for students who need shorter books to build confidence.

Just right for a family read-aloud, or for readers ready for longer, more complex stories.