Creating Joyful Readers

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles o…

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without b…

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her bo…

What if time travel were possible? What if magic and science collided? What if we lived in a world where artificial intelligence developed emotions—or where humanity had to fight for survival in a di…

Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and …

Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in yo…

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you're reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this epi…

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can …

Today, I’m joined by storyteller extraordinaire Kaycee Racer—a Young Adult author, devoted reader, and retro media podcaster. Kaycee is the author of two heartfelt contemporary YA novels that capture…

I’m so glad you’re here for Creating Joyful Readers, your go-to show for tips, strategies, and inspiration on nurturing avid readers in secondary schools. I’m your host, Samantha, and today we’re exp…

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance…

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre…

Don't miss this conversation with literacy expert Natalie Wexler.

Connect with our guest:

https://nataliewexler.com/

The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to …

Enjoy this conversation about contemporary YA writing with author Isaac Blum.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.isaacblumauthor.com/

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold - https://amzn.to/3ZEH1yQ

The Life and Crimes…

Let's talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and hel…

If you’re looking to make literature feel more relevant and relatable for your students, this episode is for you. Listen in and let’s bring contemporary lit to life in your classroom.

Highlights:

• What …

Young Adult books are one of my favorite things so today I'm sharing the 10 best YA titles I read in 2024. Whether you’re an educator looking to add new reads to your classroom library, a media speci…

You're in for a treat today! I'm sharing something I’ve developed and refined over my 15 years in the classroom: my tried-and-true process for close reading.

If you're an ELA teacher looking for a pra…

Reading isn’t joyful when it’s hard, right? We all want to share amazing books and do fun, engaging activities to get kids excited about reading, but we also can’t forget the importance of those foun…

Are you making the most of the resources available within your media center? Your media center specialist is a tremendous resource for your instructional planning and for connecting students with joy…