2 . Best Young Adult Books

We’re living in a golden age of great fiction and it’s become a real paradise for readers, whatever they like to read. I make time for things I really, truly love, and I’m pleased to share a few with you.

Leigh’s work has always thrilled me, but in Six of Crows, it feels like she’s reached a new level …a daring, brilliantly crafted robbery story, an unforgettable family of fully displayed characters, a world so attractive that I vanished inside and didn’t come out until the last page.

Ages 12-18|Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.|2015

An entirely, thrilling different journey into what we’re calling the Weird West ... a Western story with a twist. Young Nettie Lonesome’s journey from a slave to a fighter of supernatural threats is an inspiration and a surreal treat with loads of wonderful characters, and a world as rich and fascinating as any I’ve ever read. Fresh and entirely addictive, and the first in a series!

Ages 14+|Publisher: Orbit|2015

Yes, I’m late to the party, but I’m thrilled by this fantastic series already. It’s a rich, fascinating story that reads like a Grimm’s fairy tale I always knew, but just discovered. I’m only partway through and already dying for the next installment. LOVE.

Ages 8-12|Publisher: HarperCollins|2014

Oh, Alexandra, you had me at music, but you conquered me with time travel. I do adore this, full stop. It hits every one of my unfulfilled needs ... the power of music, a great historical setting, blood-boiling struggle, gradual transformation of characters. I time-traveled too…right through an entire day, lost in her world. More please!

Ages 14+|Publisher: Disney-Hyperion|2016

3 . On a recent visit to her family home in Atlanta, Stella came across some papers from her tenth- grade English class. Looking at her essays and the notes, Stella was struck by how the work she did in that class informed her work now as an editor. Her teacher, Mr. Newman, always encouraged his students to dig deeper. Stella learned that the best way to understand literature is by asking, “What is this work trying to accomplish?” Now, when she sits down to edit a manuscript (手稿) that’s one of two guiding questions Stella asks herself, followed by, “How can I help the author fully realize that vision?”

Those questions were at the top of Stella’s mind when Freewater by Amina landed on her desk. As Stella made editorial suggestions, she was mindful of the balancing act involved in writing about a topic as painful as slavery and doing so through the eyes of a child. Stella kept a kid reader in mind-someone who might have learned only a part of this history. Stella and Amina went back and forth in phone calls, e-mails, editorial letters, and notes directly in the manuscript, until they agreed that Freewater was exactly where it needed to be.

The novel hit bookshelves on February 1, 2022, and nearly a year later was awarded the John Newbery Medal. Amina became only the third Black woman to be awarded that medal in the award’s one-hundred-and-one-year history, and Stella became the first Black editor to edit a Newbery-winning book.

Stella’s strategic approach to editing, personal warmth, and keen editorial insight have won her universal admiration from authors and colleagues, who also enjoy her sense of humor and infectious laugh. She is a powerful advocate for all the authors in her orbit, which recently came to include her mother, Wanda M. Morris, whose novel All Her Little Secrets has been widely acclaimed and even optioned for TV.

4 . Independent Bookstores in New York

Forbidden Planet

Located on 832 Broadway in Union Square, Forbidden Planet is one of the world’s largest comic book, graphic novel and collectible retailers (零售商). Located next to The Strand, it is known to be a treasure spot for comic and science fiction lovers. Forbidden Planet has been around since 1981, and readers can not only visit the store but also order items from its official website for delivery.

Bluestockings Cooperative

Named after The Blue Stockings Society, a mid-18th century English political movement and literary discussion group to promote literature written by and for women, this volunteer-powered bookstore encourages community dialogue about social issues while also offering visitors access to a fair trade cafe. Through a series of monthly workshops, performances, and readings, Bluestocking aims to create a safe place for discussing topics such as gender studies, political theory and the environment.

Chartwell Booksellers

Named after Winston Churchill’s home in England’s Kent countryside, Chartwell Booksellers is the only Winston Churchill-themed bookstore in the world. With original transcripts of his speeches, biographies, rare books, paintings, and Churchill’s signed texts, this bookshop, located at 55 East 52nd Street in Midtown, is devoted to this former British statesman, army officer, and writer.

Albertine Books

Albertine prides itself on being the only bookstore in New York featuring exclusively French and English books, over 14, 000 of them. The bookstore is partnered with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, proving that literature can create friendship beyond borders and foster a better world for all. The shop often hosts discussions and events, bringing the world of literature closer to the world of global history and government.

9 . Through your college experience you spent a lot of time learning about methodologies (方法论) and strategies for teaching. However, nothing quite prepares you the moment you first step in front of a classroom full of students. You’re not even sure of what to wear. With student teaching approaching near, here are some great books to help you better prepare for the moment.

The First Days of School

This book, written by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong, was assigned reading in one of my college courses. Rightfully so, as it provides great plans for how to set up a successful classroom at the beginning of the year. Some of the topics include teacher and student introductions, designing indispensable procedures, and helping students master lesson materials.

Teaching Content Outrageously

If you’re concerned about creating lesson arrangements that your students will enjoy, you need to check out Teaching Content Outrageously by Stanley Pogrow. This book has tips for getting students excited and engaged in lessons. And he provides lesson plans and examples for distinctive grade levels, too.

Discipline with Dignity

One of the toughest things teachers have to cope with is classroom management. In Discipline with Dignity, Richard Curwin explores common discipline problems and approaches to dealing with difficult students. He suggests practical ways of giving students leeway without losing control of the classroom.

Teach like a Champion

Doug Lemov offers 49 techniques you can employ to manage your class. There are piles of practical ideas that are broken down so they’re easy to copy. You’ll likely find every idea is not practical for you, but you’re sure to find several you can.