As a graduate of a women’s college, Women’s History Month has always been near and dear to my heart. In March, in addition to revving up my informal recruiting efforts for Barnard College, I love sharing books about empowered heroines with my friends and loved ones. Today, I am sharing a selection of those books with my OOM friends.

Clara and Davie by Patricia Polacco (Ages 3-5)

Bestselling author Patricia Polacco brings to life the story of her inspirational relative, Clara Barton. With beautiful illustrations of the simple life of a country girl, Clara and Davie is the true story of young Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and her older brother Davie. Tying together the importance of family support, believing in yourself, and staying true to your strengths, Clara and Davie is an uplifting story that is sure to inspire readers everywhere. 

Here Come the Girl Scouts by Shana Corey, illustrated by Hadley Hooper (Ages 5+)

In Here Come the Girl Scouts! readers are introduced to Juliette Gordon Low, known as Daisy to her friends and family. Daisy was not like most girls of the Victorian era – she loved the outdoors and yearned for adventure. Born into a family of pathfinders and pioneers, she too wanted to make a difference in the world and nothing would stop her. Combining her ancestors’ passion for service with her own adventurous spirit and her belief that girls could do anything, she founded the Girl Scouts. Over one hundred years later, Girl Scouts continue to have adventures, do good deeds, and make a difference in the world. (Fun fact: author Shana Corey is a graduate of Smith College, another women's college).

Scholastic: When I Grow Up series: Sally Ride by Annmarie Anderson (Ages 6-8)

This brand-new easy reader series provides perfect introductory biographies for young readers. Each book features a recognizable face and name and will take the reader on a journey from a historical figure's childhood to famed adulthood. This installment chronicles the life of Sally Ride, the acclaimed physicist and astronaut who remains the youngest American astronaut to travel to space.

Dear America series (Ages 8-14)

Written by an array of award-winning and bestselling writers, the Dear America books are presented in diary format from the perspective of girls living at different times in American history. Whether it is telling the tale of a pilgrim voyage across the treacherous Atlantic, or a young girl fighting for Japanese equality during WWII, the authors of the Dear America series transport you both emotionally and historically to a different place and time. As a child, the Dear Americabooks sparked my interest in women’s history, a passion which I developed further as a women’s history major in college! 

OOM readers, what do you like to read to celebrate Women’s History Month?

Today is National “Tell a Fairy Tale Day,” my new favorite holiday. For as long as I can remember, fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart. As a child, I attempted to grow my hair long like Rapunzel’s, was fearful of apples (things didn’t go well for Snow White when she chomped down on one), and never took off my (little) red hooded jacket. Nowadays, I like to imagine that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, leaped off of the pages of a fairy tale book. (How else can you explain her perfect hair and bewitching smile?)

To celebrate this fun holiday, here are some enchanting reads for all ages.

Cinderelephant by Emma Dodd (Ages 4-8)

Cinderelephant by Emma Dodd is a sweet and funny take on the iconic fairy tale. Prince Trunky is ready to look for a girlfriend, but he’s worried he’ll squash all the girls in the kingdom, including Cinderelephant’s mean step-sisters, the Warty sisters. When Cinderelephant’s Furry Godmouse transforms her into a beautiful two-stepping debutante the night of the ball, Prince Trunky knows he has finally found his princess. This delightful twist on the Cinderella story is complete with quirky illustrations and witty asides, making it the perfect introduction to the magic of fairy tales for young readers.

Whatever After series by Sarah Mlynowski (Ages 8-12)

In this fresh, funny middle grade series, bestselling YA author Sarah Mlynowski writes for a younger audience for the first time. In each book, Abby and her younger brother Jonah visit the magic mirror in their basement at night, and the mirror transports them inside a different fairy tale. Abby and Jonah have been transported inside the stories of Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and in the most recent installment, Whatever After #4: Dream On, Abby and Jonah explore the world of Sleeping Beauty.

Grimmtastic Girls seriesby Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams (Ages 8-12)

In Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams’ new series, fun twists on familiar fairy tales will delight young readers looking for adventurous stories about their favorite fairy tale heroes. In Cinderella Stays Late, the first installment due out this April, Cinderella starts her first week at Grimm Academy on the wrong foot. Cinda’s totally evil stepsisters are out to make her life miserable: the Steps tease Cinda, give her terrible advice about life at the academy, and even make her look bad in front of her new friends, Red, Snow, and Rapunzel. But when Cinda overhears the Steps plotting a horrible trick that could ruin Prince Awesome’s ball, Cinda, her new friends, and a pair of magical glass slippers have to stop them—before the last stroke of midnight.

Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick (Ages 14+)

Playwright, screenwriter, and humorist Paul Rudnick delivers a deliciously fun and fabulously fashionable modern fairytale in his debut young adult novel, Gorgeous. When eighteen-year-old Becky Randle’s mother dies, she’s whisked from her trailer park home to New York. There she meets the mysterious Tom Kelly, the world’s top designer, who presents Becky with an impossible offer: he’ll design three dresses to transform the very average Becky into the most beautiful woman who has ever lived. Written with Paul Rudnick’s trademark combination of snark and heart, Gorgeous takes readers past the catwalks, the red carpets, and even the halls of Buckingham Palace, to ask that eternally bewildering question—just who exactly is that in in the mirror?

OOM readers, what are your favorite fairy tales?

One of my earliest memories from elementary school is writing a report on legendary athlete and civil rights pioneer Jackie Robinson. As a child, I was amazed by Robinson’s athletic prowess and his courage in becoming the first black man to play major league baseball in the 20th century. It was then that I realized the world I grew up in was a better place because of Jackie Robinson.

On my first day of work at Scholastic, I was given a copy of Testing the Ice (Ages 7-10) written by Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. In this book, I learned that Jackie Robinson was not only a pioneer in sports and the civil rights movement, but he was also a dedicated family man whose bravery extended far beyond the baseball field.  

February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements of Jackie Robinson and other African Americans in U.S. history who have shaped our nation. Here at OOM, we believe the best way to celebrate any holiday or momentous occasion is to read.

With that in mind, here are some book suggestions for all ages:

Under the Same Sun by Sharon Robinson and illustrated by A.G. Ford (Ages 5+)

Sharon Robinson’s latest picture book is a moving intergenerational story about the importance of family and knowing one’s own heritage. Under the Same Sun is set around a trip to celebrate her mother Rachel Robinson’s 85th birthday in Tanzania, East Africa. It is a masterful true story that gives African-American history a powerful new perspective. Luminous oil paintings by AG Ford reflect the warmth and spirit, as well as the joys and pains of a close family living between two continents.

I Am series by Grace Norwich (Ages 7-10)

This series of short, accessible biographies chronicles the lives of key figures whose passion and heroism has made the world a better place. Recent installments include profiles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman. Each book features illustrations throughout, a timeline, an introduction to the people you'll meet in the book, maps, and a top ten list of important things to know about each person profile. It’s a must-have for librarians of budding historians.

Seeing Red by Kathryn Erskine (Ages 10-14)

In Seeing Red, National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine deftly weaves a moving story of family, friendship, and race relations. Inspired by the grave racial segregation she witnessed during her own childhood, first in South Africa and then in the American South, Kathryn Erskine delivers a coming-of-age story written in the tradition of American Southern storytelling that is both enlightening and empowering. This book is a great way for readers to understand what life was like during the Civil Rights movements for young people and how some people took it upon themselves to promote racial and social equality in their own communities. 

OOM readers, what books do you like to read to commemorate Black History Month?

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more YA fiction, you’re in luck. (And if this isn’t one of your resolutions, it really should be!) Scholastic has a slew of new YA books for every reader and here are three of many new releases that would make excellent additions to the stack of books on your bedside table.

A must-read for political enthusiasts and those interested in a great lesson in civics history is Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy.

In Divided We Fall, acclaimed author Trent Reedy takes readers into the near future with a provocative and compelling new young adult trilogy tackling today’s socio-political issues. The first book, Divided We Fall,is about a small town boy who gets caught up in a big national story and a dispute over the role and power of the federal government versus the rights of individual states. Trent Reedy was recently interviewed by CBS This Morning and spoke about how his experiences as a soldier in Afghanistan coupled with encouragement from literary legend Katherine Paterson inspired him to write 2011’s Christopher Award-winning Words in the Dust. After watching this piece, it’s clear that Reedy puts his heart and soul into every book he writes and Divided We Fall is no exception.

Readers with a case of wanderlust should check out Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf.

You’ll be dreaming of summer when you pick up this beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story from an award-winning, bestselling German author making his posthumous American YA debut. In its starred review, Publishers Weekly described the book as an “alternately wild, sad, hilarious, and tender tale [that] chronicles the development of a strange and beautiful friendship.” This is the kind of book that stays with you after the tears have dried and the laughs have stopped. In addition to Publishers Weekly, the book also received a star in Kirkus, plus raves in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Readers seeking a taut, suspenseful novel should check out The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher.

From the author of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Stolen, The Killing Woods is the highly anticipated thriller about deadly games played in the dark. In its starred review, Kirkus described the book as “a gripping, heartbreaking, emotionally substantial look at war wounds and the allure of danger.” This book kept me up all night. To whet your appetite, here’s a link to the book’s trailer and a clip of the author reading the first chapter, http://dialedin.com/scholastic10/Killing_Woods_/killing_woods.

Want more book suggestions? Check out https://www.facebook.com/thisisteen.

OOM readers, what books are you looking forward to reading this year?

Last week’s nationwide polar vortex served as a stark reminder of the dangers of winter. This season is particularly perilous for homeless kids and their families. Through her research for her novel Hold Fast, a mystery told through the eyes of a girl in the Chicago shelter system, acclaimed and bestselling author and Chicago resident Blue Balliett is familiar with the plight of the homeless. Today we welcome Blue to OOM to discuss Chicago homelessness and how her novel Hold Fast inspired a project committed to giving homeless kids a voice.

January in Chicago is often a time of howling, freezing winds and blanketing snows.  It’s a time when many of us wonder how people without a place to call home manage – especially families with kids.  The record cold of the past couple of days – sixteen below zero yesterday – makes the reality faced by the thousands and thousands of homeless kids, boys and girls growing up in the third-largest city in the United States, unforgivable.  The numbers have risen with each year, to a current low estimate of 35,000 kids within the city of Chicago itself.  These are kids just like your own or the kids down the block, but with one huge, painful difference.

I have been following this national rise in numbers for years now and wondering if I could possibly help, at least in my own way, to make these kids less invisible.  To give them a voice.  I began spending time in some of Chicago’s public shelters and got to know many kids I will never forget, kids who are ready to change their world.  

Although worried about whether I could tackle this subject successfully, I wrote Hold Fast, a mystery published by Scholastic in March, 2013.  It takes place in January and February of 2011 in a desolate neighborhood in Chicago, and is told through the eyes of an eleven-year-old girl, Early Pearl.  After her father mysteriously disappears not far from home, she lands in a shelter with her mom and little brother.  Shelter life plays a big part in this book, as does the Chicago Public Library, the unbreakable love within her small family and an idea Early comes up with, one to end homelessness.  She calls her project Home Dreams, and it is kid-centered.  Of course, a dream of mine has been that one day Early’s solution would find its way into real life, and that does seem to be happening.

Last fall, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless launched a project based on Early’s dream.  It is called Homes for Kids, and has drawn the attention of the Chicago Sun-Times.  As a mother, classroom teacher and writer, I’ve long believed that kids can be amazing visionaries and problem-solvers.  They don’t necessarily see the walls their parents do, and herein lies much of their power; they reach easily for the stars.

There is word in the news these days that children are the new face of homelessness.  I hope this renewed attention will bring this important issue to light as there is much work to be done.

--Blue Balliett

Tomorrow I will return home to Long Island and spend two weeks with my ten-year-old Westie, Iggy. When he’s not sleeping, chewing, or barking, Iggy loves to read. No, I’m serious! Here he is doing his best impression of a New York City Public Library lion in my family’s library. In addition to packing the essentials (my e-reader, curling iron, and oversized scarves), I am bringing home three captivating books to delight my old furry friend and perhaps inspire him to learn some new tricks.

Byrd and Igloo: A Polar Adventure by Samantha Seiple
Ages 8-12, Scholastic Press
Byrd & Igloo is the first narrative nonfiction book for kids to tell the daring adventures of legendary polar explorer and aviator Richard Byrd and his lovable dog explorer, Igloo. Byrd is known for being the first to fly a plane over the North and South Poles, while Igloo is famous for being the only dog to explore both the North and South Poles. The adventures of Byrd and Igloo opened the door for science and research in the Antarctic.

The Dogs of Winter by Bobbie Pyron
Ages 10-14, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic
The Dogs of Winter is a heart-pounding novel based on a true story of an abandoned boy who finds help in an unexpected form. Ivan is adopted by a pack of dogs, and the dogs quickly become more than just his street companions: they become his family. Soon Ivan, who used to love reading fairytales, is practically living in one, as he and his pack roam the city and countryside, using their wits to find food and shelter, dodging danger, begging for coins.

Mush! Sled Dogs of the Iditarod by Joe Funk
Ages 8-12, Scholastic Paperbacks
2013 was the 40th anniversary of the Iditarod, known as the "Last Great Race on Earth.” Spanning over 1,150 miles of the roughest terrain in the world, this race crosses jagged mountain ranges, frozen rivers, forest, tundra, and miles of windswept coast. A race this rugged would not even be possible for the human competitors (or "mushers") without their sled dogs. This gripping non-fiction book teaches young readers about the Iditarod, the mushers, and the dogs whose history dates back to the famous Balto.

OOM readers, what are your favorite winter reads?

Today OOM welcomes John Mason, Director of Education and Library Marketing for the Scholastic Trade publishing division. John is a wonderful storyteller and we’ve asked him to share his experiences about the annual M.R. Robinson Reception & Dinner, a longstanding, well-respected tradition at the annual National Council of Teachers of English Conference which was held in Boston last week. John joined Scholastic in 1986 and just attended his twenty sixth M.R. Robinson dinner! Take it away, John. 

1) What do you think makes the M.R. Robinson Dinner so special? In other words, why have you made it a point to attend the event year after year?

John Mason (JM): There are several things that make the M.R. Robinson Dinner special.  It starts with the sense of history that this event conveys.  Every year, Dick Robinson reads the same speech, which is the same speech that his father, Maurice Robinson, the founder of Scholastic in 1920, used to read every year.  So it's a tradition that has lasted for many decades.  The speech recounts how NCTE always used to take place over Thanksgiving, and Maurice Robinson was sad to see people dining alone or in small groups in the hotel dining room, so one year he invited a few friends to join him for Thanksgiving dinner, and the next year more friends asked if they could join the group, and the event just grew and grew.  The first year that it was planned in advance was in 1932 when NCTE was in Memphis. 

Many people have been attending the dinner for years, and are happy to hear the same speech every year - in fact they become quite emotional about it!  The other thing that is special is that there is no hidden agenda.  It is not explicitly a marketing event.  The name "Scholastic" is never mentioned once.  It is, in a very real sense, a continuation of that gathering of friends for Thanksgiving dinner.  It is Scholastic's way of saying thank you to the English teachers who are our partners in our mission of education and literacy.
 
When Dick thanks the guests after the speech, he always reads out the names of the current board members of NCTE who are there, and then proceeds to read the names of all the past Presidents of NCTE who are there, with the year they were President, and each one stands up as he names them.  And then the audience applauds after he has named them all.

When I joined Scholastic from another publisher and attended my first M.R. Robinson Dinner in 1986, I was amazed at the power of this event and the unique position occupied by Scholastic in this arena.  I had not been aware of it before!  No other publisher has the deep relationships and connections with this teacher organization going back so many decades.  It is impressive, and conveys so much without explicitly saying it, and above all it is not a marketing gimmick, it is authentic and historic.  I think these are some of the reasons people keep coming to this event year after year.

2) In the past 27 years, what have been some of your favorite memories from the dinner?

JM:  My favorite memory is actually the very first time I attended it, when I invited our authors who were at the convention to attend the dinner with me.  It turned out that this had never been done before--the dinner previously only included educators!  However, it soon became apparent that inviting our authors was a great way to make them feel part of the larger "Scholastic family."  They, too, were impressed by the event and by Scholastic's tradition and reach to educators.  And now, Dick always recognizes the presence of our authors and thanks them for being there.

3) In your opinion, which year featured the best turkey dinner?

JM:  I have no memory of a "best turkey dinner!"  As far as I can remember, the dinner never varies.  Every year, the food is as unchanging as the speech!

Every Thanksgiving after the effects of turkey’s tryptophan kick in, I hunker down in my living room with a stack of books, emerging from my armchair only to make a late-night turkey sandwich or to sneak an extra piece of pumpkin pie.
 
With my older sister expecting twins next year (!!!), I am excited to pass on this cozy tradition to the youngest members of my family and I have already begun building their holiday libraries. The Thanksgiving shelf is almost full, as there is no shortage of adorable turkey-themed tales for kids. Here are three books that I cannot wait to share with the little ones in my life.
 
The Turkey Train by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Jim Paillot invites young readers aboard a festive locomotive to share in holiday merriment. This train to Maine is full of puzzles, games, and of course, fun-loving turkeys. With bouncing rhymes and cheerful illustrations, this book is sure to be put a smile on everyone’s face.
 
Give Thanks for Each Day by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Robert McPhillips reminds us of what Thanksgiving is all about: friends, family and an appreciation for all the good things in our life. With a cadence and rhythm that's both soothing and inviting, this story is sweeter than a slice of my mom’s incredible pumpkin pie.
 
I Spy Thanksgiving by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick is a visual feast of search-and-find fun perfectly themed for the fall holiday. It won’t be hard to find this book with its vivid photographic cover on the Thanksgiving shelf!
 
OOM readers, what are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Are there any books you like to read on this holiday?
 
 

November 22nd will mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Much has already been written about our 35th president in those 50 years. But now two new titles from Scholastic explore his life and legacy, as well as the tragic and avoidable circumstances of his death, introducing younger readers to this fascinating man.

I Am John F. Kennedy, by Grace Norwich, the 9th title in the I AM biography series for ages 7-10, readers learn about the youngest-ever President of the United States. With one-color illustrations throughout, a detailed timeline, maps, sidebars, and a top ten list of important things to know about JFK, I Am John F. Kennedy introduces a new generation of readers to his inspiring legacy.

Bestselling author James L. Swanson (Chasing Lincoln’s Killer) uses his absorbing “you are there” style in The President has Been Shot! The Assassination of John F. Kennedy (ages 12 and up)—a ticking clock pace; an eye for dramatic detail; historical accuracy based on comprehensive research; and rich, visual storytelling through photos, artifacts and artworks. More than 100 carefully curated images were selected for the book—rare photos as well as detailed diagrams. Swanson frankly discusses the circumstances surrounding John F. Kennedy’s assassination, giving a clear and detailed account of his last days. 

OOM readers, what does JFK’s legacy mean to you? Do you remember where you were on November 22, 1963?

--Sheila Marie Everett, Publicity Manager

Just in time for the 2021–2022 school year, Scholastic has debuted PreK On My Way™, a comprehensive PreK program, with print and digital resources available in English and Spanish, that supports social-emotional learning and language development. Prek On My Way provides educators with an equitable, developmentally-appropriate model for early learning, with evidence-based assessments and daily read-alouds, structured for large groups, small group activities, and independent learning centers.

At the heart of the program is the Mind Builder™ skill-building methodology, developed with the Yale Child Study Center to support social-emotional learning, executive function skills, motivation, and creativity. PreK On My Way also incorporates Children’s Learning Institute’s Developing Talkers/Hablemos Juntos research model, which is proven to significantly expand children’s receptive and expressive vocabulary skills.

PreK On My Way provides access to a collection of authentic, culturally relevant books, in addition to fun and engaging songs and games that foster critical thinking and reasoning. Throughout each lesson, mascots Scout the Squirrel, Pablo the Parrot, and Lala the Lizard guide children on their learning journeys as they build skills across content areas: language, literacy, math, science, fine arts, physical development, social studies, and technology. The full program features:

• High-quality literature: Children learn through a rich selection of more than 350 print and digital books featuring exciting, interactive stories that have been transadapted between English and Spanish. These stories reflect children’s own lives and experiences, while introducing them to new worlds of discovery. Additional digital resources, such as My Big World™ and Watch & Learn Library™, are also available to complement PreK On My Way instruction.
• Hands-on learning: With a gradual release approach, children take an active role in their own learning through hands-on small group activities and purposeful play in independent centers. All learning is connected to the week’s concept question, creating an immersive learning experience each week.
• Family engagement: Through the digital Family Exchange portal, available via smartphone, tablet, or computer, caregivers gain access to original bilingual activities including play ideas, songs, and writing or question prompts that create a two-way learning exchange between school and home.
• Teacher support: Best practices for responsive teaching, classroom management, and meaningful family engagement are embedded throughout the program; resources include a Teacher Hub with customizable lesson planning, an implementation guide, teaching guides, read-aloud cards, and activity cards.

To learn more about PreK On My Way, visit www.scholastic.com/prekonmyway.