Teaching Tips

Activism, Diverse Books, Nonfiction, Picture books, Teaching Tips, Uncategorized

No Brain the Same coming June 2

Through powerful poems, this book honors neurodivergent youth activists transforming their communities and invites kids to act—continuing the spirit of No Voice Too Small  and No World Too Big.

Featuring Billie Eilish, Dara McAnulty, and Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn, these fourteen poems spotlight neurodivergent activists inspiring kids ages 5 to 9 to make change. These fourteen neurodivergent activists began their work when they were young and continue it now, changing systems, politics, policies, and more. The book features poems written by poets who have something in common with each activist.

These fourteen neurodivergent activists began their work when they were young and continue it now, changing systems, politics, policies, and more. The book features poems written by poets who have something in common with each activist.

Fourteen poems by CooXooEii Black, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Liv Mammone, Lyn Miller-Lachmann, K. A. Reynolds, and others honor activists from all over the world and the United States. Additional text goes into detail about each activist’s life and how readers can get involved.

Activists introduced:

  • Connor DeWolfe, featured in a poem by e.E. Charlton-Trujilo
  • Helena Donato-Sapp by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
  • Billie Eilish by Devin Murphy
  • Mia Armstrong by Fiona Morris
  • Sadie McCallum by Liv Mammone
  • Adam Wolfond by Hannah Emerson
  • Liam Garner by Jen Malia
  • Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown by A. J. Sass
  • Jazmine Wildcat by CooXooIee Black
  • Andy Smith by Lyn Miller-Lachmann
  • Molly Seidel by Jeanette Bradley
  • Dara McAnulty by Sally J. Pla
  • Mollie Davis by Jordan Scott
  • Cillian O’Conner by K. A. Reynolds

Edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley;
Illustrated by Jeanette Bradley
Charlesbridge | ISBN: 978-1-62354-583-3

40 pages | Ages 5-9

No Brain the Same, coming June 2, 2026!

Pre-order from:

Bookshop |  AmazonBarnes and Noble  Hudson Booksellers  | Books A Million | Target

Nonfiction, Picture books, Teaching Tips

OPENING THE ROAD is a Notable Book!

I am thrilled to announce that The State Library of Ohio, the Ohioana Library Association with the Ohio Center for the Book and Choose to Read Ohio Advisory Council selected OPENING THE ROAD: VICTOR HUGO GREEN AND HIS GREEN BOOK as a 2025 Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) notable book! Find the reader’s toolkit created for OPENING THE ROAD here.

The CTRO booklist features 20 titles for all ages selected by Ohio teachers, librarians, and other advocates for readers and reading.

Nonfiction, Picture books, Teaching Tips

A Poetry & Earth Month Mentor Text Activity

April is poetry month and Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd. But do you know about the Earth Month Ecochallenge? It runs from April 1 – April 30, 2024. This month, pledge to take action. The more who do, the greater the impact. From their website, “This year’s theme, “Conserving Every Ecosystem, Caring for Every Creature,” highlights the intersection of conservation and behavior change. By focusing on daily actions and continuous learning, we aim to create a sustainable and just world, not just for humans but for all species and ecosystems we rely on.”

Below is an activity for kids using NO WORLD TOO BIG, a perfect fit for April’s Poetry Month, the Earth Month Ecochallenge, and Earth Day on April 22nd. Click here or on the worksheet to download the template.

Every day is Earth Day!

Diverse Books, Teaching Tips, Writing Craft

Kidlit For Growing Minds October News

The October Substack newsletter is live! Teachers and librarians will find news you can use. And there’s another educator Book Bundle giveaway for subscribers.

October: Smells like pumpkin spice and book challenges

Bookish news, giveaways, a profile of Nancy Churnin, and new mini lesson on sensory language!

We are a group of children’s book creatives who write nonfiction and informational fiction books who are also dedicated to supporting teachers, librarians, and students to help them discover ways to use our books with students.

Also follow us on Twitter/X @ForGrowingMinds.

Diverse Books, Teaching Tips, Writing Craft

Introducing Kidlit For Growing Minds News!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It! I belong to a group of children’s book creatives who write nonfiction and informational fiction books. We are also dedicated to supporting teachers, librarians, and students to help them discover ways to use our books with students.

We’re publishing a newsletter on Substack! And each month we will share news and teaching tips.

Read our first post written by moi and subscribe to win a Back-to-School book bundle to support a school of your choice! And please share with others.

Also follow us on Twitter/X @ForGrowingMinds.