Literacy Specialist. Developer of Educational Resources. Writer.
A bit belated, but I have a new book out, Bess!
Meant for 3rd and 4th graders, this guided reader (level P) tells the story of how girls aren’t allowed to act in Shakespeare’s London, so Bess pretends to be a boy to get a role. When it’s showtime, can she let her parents — and the Globe — know it’s her? BESS deals with the theme of how deep, societal change moves ever so slowly and how we can still play a part in it.
If you’re considering using literature to help middle schoolers critically engage in learning about criminal justice, From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a great vehicle to do so. I wrote a blog post with many suggestions for incorporating this book into the classroom and with middle schoolers. Click here to read it.
From debut author Janae Marks comes a captivating mystery full of heart, as one courageous girl questions assumptions, searches for the truth, and does what she believes is right—even in the face of great opposition.
It may be fall, but Snow Day is now available! This is my latest book for Teacher Created Materials, and it was a blast to write. Because it’s based on my actual children and Buffalo weather, this one’s even more special to me. Here’s the overview:
Snow Day
This early chapter book features full-color illustrations to capture the attention of 4th-6th grade children who enjoy modern retellings of classic tales. In this spin on Hansel and Gretel, Lia and Tim are playing outside on a snow day when they get lost in the woods. They find a candy shop owned by the mysterious Mr. Gretel, who gives them as much candy as they can eat. But they’ll have to rely on their own smarts when it comes to getting home! Kids will be captivated by this fast-paced adventure story that appeals to reluctant readers.
Should you read it, or any of my work, I’d love to hear your reactions.
The Osborne Association works with individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system to further develop their strengths and lead lives of responsibility and contribution.
This month, they are running the campaign, #SeeUsSupportUs, where they highlight voices directly impacted by parental incarceration. I’m honored to be featured today here.
Crammed into the tiny attendance office at Williamsville South High School, I handed my note to the woman behind the desk. Mom had written that I would be picked up after second period again. It was day three of what would be Dad’s two-and-a-half week murder trial.
The chic blonde unfolded the note, read it, and raised her eyebrows. “Why will you be leaving?”
I tucked my head down. I remained silent, trying to figure out what to say.
The blonde sighed and tried again. “Is it for a doctor’s appointment? The dentist?”
Read the rest of the essay here.
If you know of a third-seventh grader interested in California’s complex water system, my newest book is available now.
As summarized on Amazon, this book addresses:
Where does California’s water come from? Who are its users? How is water conserved? California has the largest economy and population in the United States, and its limited water supply must meet the demands of many people. Learn about the history of California’s water system with this primary source reader that builds literacy and social studies content knowledge! Primary source documents help students look at the world and current issues with a historical lens, and encourage them to consider bias and the validity and reliability of sources. This leveled text offers instructional opportunities to guide students to increased fluency and comprehension of nonfiction text and is aligned to the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and other national and state standards.
You can read more about it and view sample pages here. I hope you enjoy it!
Pamela Brunskill 