Best books, authors to ignite a passion for reading in tween boys - Yahoo! Shine

As a teacher and homeschool parent, reading for research and pleasure is elemental. Each person in my family, male and female is a passionate bibliophile. I'm surprised when parents say that their kids, especially the boys, don't like to read. I suggest that this is less a distaste for reading and more that they haven't found books that engage them. To remedy that, I've created a list of favorite books and authors, in several genres, geared to boys ages 10-14. Most of these books have some mature content and that's one reason boys love them so much. They feel respected and not talked down to. I recommend reading these stories with kids.  Literature for preteen boys

Free printable Shel Silverstein activities

Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein Publish Books Two beloved children's authors, Maurice Sendak ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Shel Silverstein ("The Giving Tree") have new books out. Silverstein's "Every Thing on It" was published posthumously, while Sendak's "Bumble-Ardy" is raising hair and hackles. Silverstein died in 1999. He had a colorful history and raised a few eyebrows. He is as well-known for his drawings as he is for poetry. After joining the armed services and serving in the Korean War, Silverstein became a cartoon illustrator for "Playboy" magazine. Silverstein was a folk singer and guitarist. He wrote what would become Johnny Cash's only silly song: "A Boy Named Sue." Read more.

Henry Winkler Awarded OBE for Services to Dyslexic Children - "Hank Zipzer" Books

Henry Winkler Awarded OBE for Services to Dyslexic Children Every girl loves the Fonz, even Queen Elizabeth II, it seems. The Queen awarded Henry Winkler (aka Arthur Fonzarelli of "Happy Days") the Most Excellent OBE (knighthood). Winkler was honored for services to dyslexic and special needs children. Notable is Winkler's "Hank Zipzer" kids book series. Read more...

Free printable Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts and activities

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll, authored Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and The Jabberwocky. Tim Burton has synthesized these tales into colorful, 3D movies, well cast with superb actors. New for 2016 is "Alice in Wonderland 2 "Through the Looking Glass." Seeing Burton's movie will send you scurrying like a Mad March Hare to your local library or ebook dealer to find the original stories of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Lovers of steampunk, you'll delight in Burton's "Alice in Wonderland." And guess what--here are free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass activities, crafts, games, coloring pages and even a party kit! 

Murder Mystery Authors Like Agatha Christie

A Guide to Similar Authors for Agatha Christie Fans Do you love Dame Agatha Christie's vintage murder mysteries and whodunit? Need more Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, Harley Quinn? Here are 10 mystery authors whose work compares to Agatha Christie.In Great Britain, children often begin reading Agatha Christie at age 10! View more »

Read Around the World

Read Around the World --Grades 4-8 Literature Unit--for School, Library, or Home-School Use With this literature unit you can tour the 7 continents visiting 20 countries in all, by reading books set in these different lands. Includes title, author, copyright date, brief description and age level. Most books are Newbery award winners (for content) or Caldecott award winners for illustrations). View more »

Lesson Plans from Dr Seuss

Using Dr. Seuss Books to Teach Economics, History, Political Science and Sociology Lessons Dr. Seuss gives us words of wisdom in candy-coated treats. Yertle the Turtle, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose, The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who--these and others teach important life lessons. Here are guidelines for using four classic Dr. Seuss books to teach lessons in ethics, current affairs and sociology. View more »