One of my editors is researching a piece on mindfulness initiatives in elementary schools.  Do you know of an elementary school that has introduced meditation or breathing techniques to help children focus?  If so, please contact Linda Rodgers at

LRodgers-consultant@Scholastic.com

Happy reading,

Christine

bookgirlblogger.blogspot.com

Last night at the Grammy Awards, Hunter Hayes debuted his new single, "Invisible."  What a great song for young people experiencing bullying, or just trying to fit in.  Even though "No-Name Calling Week" is officially over, you still may want to share this with your students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0XQir8szo

Happy reading and listening,

Christine…

Opting out is in, but does it work?

More parents are choosing to opt out of high-stakes standardized testing for their kids. But what impact does not participating really have—and is it really the best way to implement change?

Answer this question here in the comment section, or email me at

bookgirlblogger(at)gmail(dot)com, and your opinion could appear in a national magazine.

Happy reading and…

I recently read Lyddie, by Katherine Paterson and I couldn't put it down.  Why?

1.  Ms. Paterson followed the most important rule of writing by creating a character readers care 

     about.  I liked Lyddie as a person, and was willing to stick through 200 pages with her to make

     sure things turned out in her favor.

2.  Ms. Paterson grabbed me with all of the sights, sounds and smells of the time period.  I felt like I

     was on a…

As the East Coast braces for a blizzard, I was thinking about some of my favorite wintry tales for young people.  Of course, Snow Day comes to mind, as well as Little House in the Big Woods.  The Twistrose Key is a 2013 release about a frozen realm.  I just picked it up, so I don't know yet if it belongs in the same category as the first two. 

Last February, as we braced for a blizzard, I wrote about my favorite winter movies.  I've reposted it below if…