Amanda Simkin is a mother of two boys and owner of a tutoring business, Little Readers Big Thinkers, that has helped hundreds of kids fall in love with reading through personalized, hands-on, research-based literacy instruction. She has over 10 years of experience as a reading specialist and says her secret superpower is matching up readers with books.
Cat Has a Plan: Ready-to-Read Ready-to-Go!
by Laura Gehl and Fred Blunt
This book is my go-to for Emerging Readers who have mastered letter sounds and can decode CVC words. It is the perfect book to start a child's independent reading journey and I tear up every single time a student reads it without any assistance.
This Book is Red
by Beck and Matt Stanton
While serving as a Reading Specialist in a school filled with reluctant readers, I presented this whimsical, interactive, and down right HILARIOUS book to my early elementary school students and it ignited a spark of reading interest that I had never observed before in my 15+ years of teaching. There are also three other books in this series.
Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob Buyea
Out of all of the read alouds my family has enjoyed together, all four of us agree that the initial book in the Mr. Terupt series is the absolute best because of the way a tragic accident bonds together a group of students who couldn't be more different from one another. Be prepared to hear "Just one more chapter!" over and over again if you are an elementary school family looking for a great book to read together.
The Tapper Twins Go Viral
by Geoff Rodkey
The fourth book in the Tapper Twins series has been a godsend to me, as both of my kids are in middle school and technology is prevalent in their lives. The story of siblings who complete with one another for more likes/views/shares on social media serves as a great launching point for discussions about "how much is too much" when it comes to being online.
A Place to Hang the Moon
by Kate Albus
Set against the backdrop of WWII, this eloquent story of three orphaned siblings who bounce around from home to home culminates not just in finding comfort in the town library, but also in the librarian who provides motherly love that they desperately needed. This middle grade novel is more beautiful and impactful than most adult books I have ever read.
Remember the Titans
Film, 2000
Loosely based on a true story, the movie focuses on the integration of a high school football team in Virginia in the 1970s. What makes this movie so special is how the teammates come together to overcome racism and stereotypes to build relationships and (spoiler alert) win a football championship. It is such an impactful, timeless story that reminds the audience that we are stronger together.
Hidden Figures
Film, 2016
While math might be incredibly challenging for me, I connected to and was inspired by the three African American female mathematicians who serve as the main characters in the film, which is based on actual events. Through their experiences and expertise working for NASA, they tell the story of civil rights, feminism, and one of the most important moments in spaceflight history.
Dead Poets Society
Film, 1989
Robin Williams serves as a passionate, creative English teacher at a stuffy boarding school in this popular, coming-of-age film. Williams uses poetry and unique teaching techniques to challenge his students to think for themselves, push through challenges, and believe that they are extraordinary--something that I strive to do with every lesson I teach.