Here is a blog by Esme Raji Codell which is devoted to children’s literature. In her memoir Educating Esme, Ms. Codell shared her diary from her first year of teaching. The memoir is both funny and poignant as we read about the joys and difficulties of teaching in a challenging, urban elementary school. More recently, Ms. Codell is writing popular children’s books (check out Sahara Special). This blog is FILLED with suggestions of books from many genres which are nearly guaranteed to entice kids into the world of reading. I also enjoy the section on the bottom right corner entitled “Where I Lurk Lately” which lists many other really useful blogs also about children’s literature.
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading by Esme' Raji Codell
This book was my first introduction to Codell's work. One of the things that I admire is the way Codell moved from being a teacher, to a librarian, to an overall promoter of children's literature and MOST IMPORTANTLY, turning kids on to reading. This resource is full of specific books that many children, at all ages, will love. The chapters are organized according to genre (sort of). Chapter titles include "The Math and Science of Reading;" "Inside the Gingerbread House: Fairy Tales, Wonder Tales, and Fantasy;" and "Now Playing in a Book Near You: Broadcast and Performance." Check it out for great books and fabulous ways to connect your kids with books.
One of the things that appeals to me with this resource is way in which Codell named the chapters. That is intriguing in and of itself. The other thing I like is the fact that she was a librarian. Whenever I solicit help from a seasoned librarian on finding books, I'm never disappointed and always walk away learning something new and useful.
ReplyDelete