Category: Book Reviews

Good Tools for Analyzing Fiction and Nonfiction

Stressing the need to provide wide fiction and informational text choices, the authors consider the needs of all readers while offering extensive activities for all classrooms. Reviewer Jenni Miller found the book “wonderful” – both informative and encouraging.

Math Lesson Starters to Use Right Now

Ready for fresh math bellringers? Reviewer Lynne Menechella highly recommends Math Lesson Starters for the Common Core. Arranged by CCSS-M domains, the compact book “does a wonderful job of providing ready-to-use problems that work as formative assessment.”

What You Need to Explain Ratio and Proportion

Ratio and proportion get a thorough treatment in Anne Collins and Linda Dacey’s new book, reaching from potential challenges and misconceptions to individual needs, with CCSS present for each of the many activities, says reviewer Ashley Walther.

Middle School Reading with the CCSS

Gretchen Owocki tackles complex literature, informational texts and content-area reading in her new middle grades CCSS book, weaving together instructional elements in a teacher-friendly format. Reviewer Anne Anderson highly recommends it.

Teacher Leaders in Action

The Power of Teacher Leaders will empower readers to mobilize colleagues to positively affect school change and student achievement through shared and collaborative practice. See it happen in case studies, says reviewer Linda Biondi. With an online study guide.

From Notepad to iPad with Engaging Tools

Starting with a grant for 1:1 iPads, teacher Matthew Gillispie traces his school’s progress to iPads for everyone. He shares advice for getting started and includes numerous lessons. Reviewer Laura Von Staden says it’s for ELA and beyond.

Overcome 8 Myths of Student Disengagement

Reviewer Joy Kirr stopped often during her reading of 8 Myths of Disengagement so she could include ideas in lessons or share them with coworkers. Kirr highly recommends the book to teachers who want to take a fresh look at engagement based on research.

Help Students Learn to Use Primary Sources

Examining the Evidence explains seven strategies to engage with primary sources, all easily understood by students. Aligned to specific Common Core standards, the strategies are useful in K-8 classrooms beyond social studies, says reviewer Nicole Miller.