The Knock – A Collection of Childhood Memories: Level 2 Reader for Children 9 – 12

Written by Carolyn Watkins

Illustrated by Lindsey Erickson

This is a poignant children’s book that creates a valuable resource for children living in military families.

This memoir is written from the point of view of an eight-year-old child whose father is called to serve in the Vietnam War. Readers learn about the fears of a child for his father’s safety, the difficult adjustment of a single mother and the turbulent life of military families who must pick up and move at a moment’s notice.

The book is written with the intention of providing an outlet for today’s children and military families to become a vehicle to express their hopes and fears.

The Level 2 Reader is appropriate for middle-grade readers. There is a Level 1 edition written in simpler language for military children who are younger.

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Bembe’s Heart: An old as Earth…this is a story about a boy born without a heart but full of his mother’s love

Written and Illustrated by Marin Darmonkow

This book is a beautifully illustrated folk tale that delivers a message of hope, resilience, dedication, and love.

Readers meet Bembe, a boy born with no heart. That does not deter him from working harder than most, laboring in the fields with his mother by day, and helping her at night while she knits ponchos to make ends meet. All the villagers believe Bembe will not survive.

On the eve of Bembe reaching maturity, the shaman comes to visit their home to see what will happen. The story builds to a climax as the shaman and Bembe’s mother wait. Readers have no idea what to expect.

This book is suggested for elementary age readers, but I feel its message will be better understood by readers in the eight to twelve age range.

Highly recommended reading for parents and teachers to include on their bookshelf.

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My Superhero Mom

Written by FA Khan

Illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

Soha is excited when her teacher announces an essay competition. She is confident that she can win. Her enthusiasm is dampened when the topic is announced. The students must write about why their mom is a superhero. Soha’s classmates share with her that each of their mothers have important positions in the community like teachers, doctors, and pharmacists. Soha’s mom is a stay- at- home mom.

Soha soon realizes that she is wrong. Her mom volunteers at soup kitchens, bake sales, and the food bank. She is a valuable member of the community. Soha learns that not all heroes are paid for their work. The value lies in the results that they produce for others.

This picture book is a valuable teaching tool. Children realize that a community needs responsible citizens who know the value of teamwork, empathy, kindness, and respect.

I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated multicultural book for readers in elementary and middle school. A worthwhile addition to both home and classroom libraries.

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A Budget for Bingo: (Penny Power)

Written by Tori Filas

Illustrated by Ethan Roffler

Fizzy and Lou are two siblings who want to adopt a dog as a new member of their family. They have a conversation with their mother.

She quickly points out that adopting an animal is like assuming responsibility for a new member of the family. Mom points out there will be new expenses, responsibilities, and job- sharing. The children learn about preparing a budget to pay for the expenses, and the work entailed in having a pet. They even discover new ways to earn that money and practice responsible leadership skills.

This book is the first in a series that will teach children about finance and money. Using animals as an important part of the story line is a clever idea. The vocabulary reinforcement section at the end of the book can be used to review the concepts taught. It is a wonderful introduction to economics for elementary school-age children. Highly recommended to parents and teachers of children to learn about budgeting.

Gamermom: A bedtime story for moms who game

Written by Liane Joly

Illustrated by Jared Huber

A funny picture book for children who enjoy gaming and are part of a family of adults who enjoy the same hobby. Done in comic book style with illustrations that express the frustration of a loving mom who just cannot find time to enjoy her favorite hobby.

Recommended for elementary school-age readers.

We Loved You Before You Were Born

Written and Illustrated by Agata May’kowska

A beautifully crafted, multicultural picture book with a message of unconditional love for a child.

The author and illustrator have put together this message that expresses the unconditional love of a parent for a child who is also a child of God. This book also illustrates the life cycle and contains quotes from the Bible. As such, it conveys the message from a Christian viewpoint.

This book is a beautiful gift for a prospective parent or the perfect read aloud for a family expecting a new member. Recommended for readers from toddler to elementary school age.

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Furry Fighters to the Rescue: How to Stop Feeling Angry Kids Book

Written by Lieve de Lint

Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

A brilliantly vivid picture book to help preschool and primary grade children deal with feelings of anger.

They learn to face their feelings by identifying with furry, firefighting creatures who team up to identify and analyze their strong feelings and get them under control.

A good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who work with children experiencing anger issues.

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Good Evening, Good Evening: Mindfulness and Affirmations for Babies and Kids.

Written by Kaarjal Agnani

Illustrated by Ekta Makhijani

This is a sweet rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. It contains short affirmations connected to evening that will calm them down and prepare them for bed, while reminding them of the many beautiful images associated with winding down at the end of the day.

Recommended for children ages two through five to be read aloud as a bedtime lullaby.

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Navigating the Middle School Transition: A Parent’s Guide

IS YOUR CHILD ANXIOUS ABOUT ENTERING MIDDLE SCHOOL?

Saying Goodbye to Elementary School

Transitioning from the familiar environment of elementary school can be challenging for some children. Kathy Glass, a former middle school teacher and author specializing in curriculum and instruction, notes, “Children often spend several years at their elementary school, making it feel like home. When multiple elementary schools merge into a single middle school, it can be socially overwhelming, potentially straining old friendships and fostering new ones.”

Embracing Independence and Organization

Middle school demands greater independence and organizational skills from students. “Unlike the single, self-contained classrooms of elementary school, middle school students rotate through different classes with various teachers, each with unique expectations. This can be daunting for some children,” explains Glass.

As a parent, you can offer support by listening, sympathizing, and guiding your child through this transition while clearly communicating the importance of focusing on schoolwork and succeeding academically.

SEVEN STRATEGIES TO KEEP YOUR CHILD ON TRACK

1. Provide Hands-On Guidance
   • Advocate for your child with teachers, counselors, and school staff.
   • Monitor homework, asking guiding questions like:
     • What information do you need for this assignment?
     • Where will you look for it?
     • What steps will you take next?
2. Assist with Organization
   • Help your child develop a system for managing important papers.
   • Use binders with folders for completed and returned work.
   • Ensure your child uses a planner to track assignments and deadlines.
3. Communicate with Teachers
   • Discuss any organizational challenges with your child’s teachers or school counselor.
   • Brainstorm solutions together.
4. Teach Time-Management Skills
   • Reinforce the habit of referring to a planner regularly.
   • Break down large assignments into manageable tasks.
   • Help your child estimate how long each task will take and create a realistic schedule.
5. Develop Note-Taking Skills
   • Encourage starting a new page for each class daily, using key words and abbreviations.
   • Review notes after class to ensure accuracy.
   • Teach your child to take notes from reading assignments by pre-reading to grasp main themes.
6. Hone Study Skills
   • Encourage active learning techniques such as highlighting, making study cards, and diagramming concepts.
   • Identify the best study times for your child and establish consistent study habits.
   • Use mnemonic devices to aid memorization.
7. Engage with Teachers
   • Address specific teacher-related challenges through communication.
   • Ensure your child understands each teacher’s expectations and homework policies.

Seeking Extra Help

If your child continues to struggle, consider hiring a tutor. Literacy coach Laura Hendrick advises, “Middle schoolers still need parental support, both academically and emotionally. Be firm and establish accountability measures.”

Reading Tips for Middle Schoolers

To become a successful reader, students should:

• Maintain an organized home study space.
• Practice reading daily.
• Use textbook headings and questions to guide comprehension.

Advice for Parents

High school teacher Lance Balla suggests:

• Understand your child’s learning style and provide a conducive study environment.
• Stay engaged with teachers and monitor your child’s progress regularly.
• Foster a college-going culture and model enjoyable reading habits.

Encourage your child to read newspapers and discuss their learning content, focusing on understanding rather than grades.

Small Medium at Large

Written by Joanne Levy

This middle-grade book will be especially enjoyed by preteen girls. Lilah is a twelve-year-old seventh grader who faces a myriad of challenges.

In the opening scene, Lilah is at her mother’s wedding when she is stuck by lightning. Fortunately, she is not seriously hurt and makes a quick recovery. Unfortunately, there is one lasting result. She now has acquired the qualities of a medium and hears dead voices. Lilah encounters them at home and in school. She cannot seem to get rid of them.

How much can a twelve-year-old handle? Lilah really wants to go to the school dance with Andrew, her crush, but she keeps hearing his dead father’s voice. Lilah’s own father doesn’t want to take her advice. An eighth-grade girl is bullying her. Lilah somehow copes with all of these problems with a sense of humor.

Middle-school readers of divorced families, victims of bullies, those adjusting to fitting in with peers and family relationship difficulties will empathize with Lilah and her struggles.

Highly recommended for the middle school audience.

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