No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

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 or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

continue reading

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Classroom Library

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 breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students. 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

5 Ways to Assess Your Historical Fiction Unit Without a Test or Quiz

Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.

continue reading

No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

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 or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

continue reading

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Classroom Library

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 breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students. 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

5 Ways to Assess Your Historical Fiction Unit Without a Test or Quiz

Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.

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