Category Archives: Book Reviews

These are the latest blog posts under the category Book Reviews

Creative Assessment Strategies

This book about creative approaches to assessment is clearly written for both teachers & students, says Tracey Muise, with many ready to implement ideas.

Family Science Night Fun

Reviewer Catharine Pierce says the well organized fun found in Shelley Connell’s Family Science Night can enrich after-school clubs and classroom teaching.

Promote a Passion for Reading

Penny Kittle, says Kevin Hodgson, offers an ode to the power of reading to expand our intellects and a guide to encouraging our most reluctant readers.

Teaching Argument Writing

Not a portable guide, says Jaime Greene, but a book that "did help me begin to wrap my brain around what quality argument in the classroom sounds and looks like."

Building Background Knowledge

Whether you want to differentiate or just learn more about building prior knowledge, Jill Spencer's book is a helpful quick read, says reviewer Lucille Schauer.

Go Deep with SLCs

Student-led conferences should be more than feel-good experiences for students & parents. A new book helped Laura Collander make SLCs matter in her classroom.

PLNs & School Transformation

Although the authors favor trans- formation over more pragmatic ed reforms, reviewer Nicole Miller found this book about PLNs "informative, useful, & beneficial."

Toward Authentic MS Research

A book championing the idea that middle grades students should do more authentic research "comes not a moment too soon," says ELA teacher Ariel Sacks.

Engaging Readers with Tech

Reviewer Kevin Hodgson found this interactive, online book "a fantastic resource" for literacy teachers ready to explore engaging digital tools first-hand.