Books That Celebrate Love, Family, and the People Who Care
These books honor the special people in our lives—the ones who care, support, and show us love. These stories remind us that families comes in many forms.
“Page Turners for the Final Stretch”
May and June are packed with excitement, celebration, and sunshine! We kick off with tacos and traditions on Cinco de Mayo, take a galactic trip on May the 4th (‘May the Force Be With You!’), and honor our heroes on Memorial Day. As the school year wraps up, we celebrate all we’ve learned and look forward to sunny summer adventures. Whether you’re into history, fantasy, or fun-in-the-sun reads, there’s a book waiting to match the moment. Let’s celebrate the season, one page at a time!”
Awesome Picture Books That Will Inspire Perseverance
These picture books show young readers how to keep going when things get tough, how mistakes can lead to growth, and how effort matters more than perfection.
Test Time? Let’s Turn the Page with Confidence!
Testing season can bring big feelings, but the right stories can help students feel calm, confident, and ready to shine. These picture books are perfect for encouraging perseverance, easing worries, and reminding kids that trying their best is what truly matters. Let’s face those tests with brave hearts and strong minds, one page at a time!
Springtime Board Books that will Bring New Wonders
Spring board books have bright colors, playful illustrations, and rhythmic text that mesmerizes young readers while introducing them to the wonders of spring.
April Blossoms: Books to Nurture Confidence and Self Belief
Building confidence in children is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Confidence doesn’t just help kids believe in their abilities; it’s the foundation for resilience, independence, and a positive self-image. Here are some books that will support this growth in children.
Spring Into Stories: April’s Book Picks
April is a month full of possibilities, and for young readers, it’s the perfect time to dive into books that spark creativity and curiosity.
The Power of Kindness: Small Acts, Big Impact
In February, we focus on kindness as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. Here are some of our favorites..
January SEL Focus: Courage-Building Books for Students
Little Yellow Bus,
The Jar of Laughter,
Be Brave Little Penguin,
Brave Irene,
I Am Courage,
The Day You Begin,
A Little Spot of Courage,
When You Are Brave,
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
Education and Teaching Books for New Teachers
Reading educational and teaching books is important because it provides a way to gain knowledge, deepen your understanding of topics and develop teaching skills. Here are some books for new teachers as they begin their journey as a teacher.
Helpful Books for Reading Development in the Early Years
These helpful books encourage future basic reading skills. Shop our helpful picks collated from the Southern Schoolhouse, then cuddle up and enjoy!
Turn Math into an Adventure with Math Start Books!
I use the Start Right books with my younger students to reinforce various math concepts, making learning both educational and enjoyable. I am still building my collection and have mostly Level 1 books because that is where a lot of my resource students fall. Below you will find some of my favorites!
Counting Made Fun with These Magical Counting Storybooks!
I love using these magical counting storybooks by by Amanda Sobotka with my younger students throughout the year! Whether it’s counting pumpkins in a Halloween tale, reindeer at Christmas, leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day, or counting turtles, bulldozers, and fish, these books make learning fun and engaging! Each story features vibrant illustrations and exciting themes that keep kids excited as they count, touch, and explore.
Poke-a-Dot Adventures in Reading
Poke-a-Dot books are popular and fun because they connect interactive play with storytelling. Kids love pressing and popping the colorful dots, which adds a tactile part to reading, making it more engaging.
ABC Adventures: Fun Learning for Young Minds!
Exposure to the ABC alphabet books supports building a foundation for early literacy and language development.
The Perfect Book Series for Little Ones
The Little Blue Truck book series is a sweet and fun collection of stories about a cheerful blue truck and his animal friends.
Teaching Character Analysis- Book Suggestions
Teaching Character Analysis- Book Suggestions
Favorite Chapter Books-Fantasy Genre for a Great Bedtime Routine
These highlighted series are my all time favorite fantasy read-alouds. The literary adventures have created many memories and childhood fun for my family and I hope to share them with you. Even my 22 year old will still cuddle up beside me while I read Harry Potter to his little brother. Happy adventuring…
Chapter Books for the Hesitant Reader
Most of my experience as a regular education teacher has been with the upper elementary students. As the students move into 3rd grade, they move towards reading chapter books instead of picture books. A pattern I noticed over the years is that students enjoy having that chapter book in hand whether they can actually read it or not. The thicker the better. Chapter books just become “the thing” when the students get into the upper grades.