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 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 Yo...

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. H...

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 books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what makes the speculative fiction genre so fascinating f...

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 distant galaxy? These "what if" questions are the foundation of speculative fiction, a genre that invites readers to imagine worlds beyond our own. Highlights: What is speculative fiction? Why This Genre...

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 Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategie...

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 your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels Resources Mentioned: If you’re loving these ideas but don’t have time to plan all the details, I...

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 episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students...

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 transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, th...

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 the ups and downs of growing up with authenticity and heart. Influenced by childhood favorites like Sweet Valley High , The Baby-Sitter’s Club , and Ramona Quimby , Kaycee's love for stories only gre...

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 exploring the secrets of what makes a great YA romance. I’m so excited to be joined by Kristy Boyce, the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama , Hot British Boyfriend , and Hot Dutch Daydre...

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,...

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 T...

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 Fix it https://amzn.to/3BBt4cZ The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades https://amzn.to/3ZJzXRF Some links referenced here are affiliate links...

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 of Hoodie Rosen - https://amzn.to/3ZDnNcR Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you. --> Shop for your modern...

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 go...

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 is Contemporary YA Literature? The Evolution of Contemporary YA Big Themes in Contemporary YA Criticisms in Contemporary YA Why Teach Contemporary YA? How to Teach Contemporary YA Lit Resources Ment...

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: How I read so many books each year My rating scale 10 titles you w...

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 hav...

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: National Reading Panel...

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 joyful reading experiences. I hope that today's conversation with Kimberly Dyar fills you with ideas and inspiration. Resources Mentioned: The Arrival by Shaun Tan - https://amzn.to/4eZ56Xz The Awakening...

Science of Reading isn't something secondary teachers should skip. If you have struggling readers in your classroom, today's guest, Allison McManus has tips that you won't want to miss. Resources Mentioned: Science of Reading in Secondary Toolkit - https://mrsmcmanusela.ck.page/sorin2 Planning a Science of Reading Aligned Unit for Secondary ELA https://mrsmcmanusela.wordpress.com/2024/08/12/planni...

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. Highlights: Literary Field Trip Histor...

Setting is your hook when we're talking about historical fiction. I know it might not sound like the most thrilling lesson idea in the world, but stick with me because I have a few ideas that are going to be both fun and educational. Working through these activities always had students laughing and learning, so I know your students are going to love them, too. Highlights: Start with Explicit Instr...

I’ve got some great books to share today that I know are going to help your students fall in love with historical fiction, so hang on, joyful readers, you’re going to want to hear all about these recs! You’ll likely have a student or three in mind who you’re dying to suggest a title to. Today's episode includes recs for: The History Buff The Adventure Seeker The Empathetic Reader The Critical Thin...

Over the next few episodes, we’re going to talk about a new genre that I’ve personally witnessed help to shape lifelong readers. I know that sharing this genre in your classroom is going to hook an entirely new set of students. Settle in, joyful reader, because today I’m going to encourage you to introduce your students to historical fiction. Highlights: Why Study Historical Fiction? What Makes Fi...