Teaching YA Romance with Joy: The Best Books and Creative Classroom Tips

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, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students. Highlights: Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven Finding the Right Books Project – Multi-Genre Character Collection YA Romance in Popular Media Try a Full Literature Circle

continue reading

Love, Tropes, and Trends: A Deep Dive into 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 that has captured the hearts of readers young and old. In this episode, we’ll: Define what makes a YA romance truly shine Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time Look at the trends dominating YA romance today And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

continue reading

Fresh and Relatable: Contemporary YA Authors You Can’t Miss

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 helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

continue reading

The Best YA Books of 2024

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 specialist keeping up with the latest releases, or just a book lover hunting for your next great read, this episode is for you. Highlights:

continue reading

The Only Close Reading Routine You’ll Ever Need

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 practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for students, but I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve used successfully for years, and by the end, you’ll have a system you can take straight to your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Why You Need a Strong Close Reading Routine

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 foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Teaching YA Romance with Joy: The Best Books and Creative Classroom Tips

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, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students. Highlights: Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven Finding the Right Books Project – Multi-Genre Character Collection YA Romance in Popular Media Try a Full Literature Circle

continue reading

Love, Tropes, and Trends: A Deep Dive into 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 that has captured the hearts of readers young and old. In this episode, we’ll: Define what makes a YA romance truly shine Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time Look at the trends dominating YA romance today And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

continue reading

Fresh and Relatable: Contemporary YA Authors You Can’t Miss

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 helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

continue reading

The Best YA Books of 2024

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 specialist keeping up with the latest releases, or just a book lover hunting for your next great read, this episode is for you. Highlights:

continue reading

The Only Close Reading Routine You’ll Ever Need

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 practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for students, but I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve used successfully for years, and by the end, you’ll have a system you can take straight to your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Why You Need a Strong Close Reading Routine

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 foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Popular Resources

Shop All resources

Get the list.

Looking for the BEST books to add to your ELA curriculum, classroom library, or let’s be real, your bedside table? Get my teacher-curated, student-approved list of 100 YA novels to add to your classroom by subscribing to my email list below!

CLICK HERE!
Facebook-f Instagram Envelope Goodreads-g