Category: Book Reviews

Setting Expectations for Positive Behavior

The newly revised and resource-rich PBIS Team Handbook does an excellent job of breaking down what PBIS is, what it means to schools, and how effective it can be when implemented properly. The authors make a convincing case for Tier 1 implementation, says Christina Williams.

Breathing New Life into Classroom Book Clubs

In Breathing New Life into Book Clubs teachers can follow a step-by-step format in planning for a book club unit of study, grouping students into book clubs, guiding students in setting up readings, and providing possible teaching points, writes Jacqueline Barreras.

Building Bridges to Students at Risk

Building Bridges provides strategies and techniques that can help engage students at risk through the power of relationships and create classrooms and schools where teachers can teach effectively. A worthwhile refresher and book study for educators, writes Anne Anderson.

A Super Guide to Quality Reading Conferences

Jennifer Serravallo’s new book on reading conferences is a must-have if you’re ready to up your teaching game during independent reading time, writes Rita Platt. Her organized approach and bonus online resources provide everything teachers need to have quality conferences.

Managing Meaningful Classroom Conversations

If you value student discussion, Not Light, But Fire is for you. If you value students working through big issues, this book is for you, too. Teacher Andrea Clark finds something usable and important for teachers of all grades in Matthew Kay’s thoughtful, engaging book.

Making: Empower Students to Shape Their Worlds

Maker-Centered Learning: Empowering Young People to Shape Their Worlds provides a well-organized and well referenced look at the role of maker-centered learning and offers a perspective that is different from that of the popular press, writes educator Laura Von Staden.

Questions for New and Future School Leaders

If you’re thinking about a transition to school leadership, The Aspiring Principal 50 is a must read, writes educator Stacey Knighton. The book’s reflective format allows the reader to think about themselves as an instructional leader and prepare for the key interview.

Getting Beyond the Myths of How to Motivate Kids

In Money for Good Grades and Other Myths, Barbara Blackburn provides insight for parents and teachers regarding student motivation, expectations, and rewards. By highlighting common myths, Blackburn is able to debunk popular misconceptions, writes teacher Julianna Maurer.

Exploring Visual Texts to Boost Comprehension

In “The Art of Comprehension: Exploring Visual Texts to Foster Comprehension, Conversation and Confidence” Trevor Andrew Bryan shows how to help readers learn more about visual texts through a series of frameworks. This strategy sets the stage for students to learn more about how to approach complex stories, fiction and non-fiction, writes sixth grade teacher Kevin Hodgson.

Inquiry-Based Lessons in Early World History

Students can follow the trek of early humans toward global expansion through inquiry-based lessons and use resources to hypothesize responses to organizing questions. Ancient History teacher Joanne Bell says the book’s connections approach “is a phenomenal find for me.”