This is a short and sweet newsletter because in mid-September, it's all about the young scholars entering your classroom each day. It's about learning their names, their hopes, their fears—and then being the teacher they need. I did really enjoy this week's book—Rook—and I hope you'll keep it mind for your 8th to 10th graders.

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Title: Rook​

Author: William Ritter

Genre: Supernatural mystery

Age range: 12+ (best fit: 8th-10th grades)

Summary: Abigail Rook now holds the Sight—the supernatural power to see the absolute truth (the aura) of not only every living being, but every single physical object. That makes her an invaluable asset for untangling the chaos (from petty crime to murder) that is ripping apart New Fiddleham. With her mentor (and former Sight holder) Jackaby, Abigail must catch the perpetrator and protect the victimized paranormal residents. All while enduring a surprise visit from her parents who want to send her back to England to be married.

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It's similar to:

• This is a stand alone companion to the Jackaby series that came out in 2015. It's a fun four-book series and students who enjoy books with wit, paranormal creatures, and murder mysteries will enjoy all five titles.
• Naomi Novik's Scholomance series is another wildly creative fantasy/magical/mystery featuring an unexpected hero bent on protecting those pushed aside by society while taking down the evil keen on consolidating power for the privileged few.

Why it's an engaging addition to your classroom library:

Students need quirky and entertaining books to read. Especially when they are well-written with relatable characters, like Rook. This is the type of book that shows students that reading is fun. That words on a page can be as diverting as scenes on a screen. For your serious readers, hand it to them as a reminder that reading doesn't always have to be serious. Your reluctant readers will be glad to have a "not boring" book—and reading it will make them stronger and more confident readers (and potentially eager to read other titles).

Moreover, it's not just diverting. It covers themes of belonging, of fighting discrimination, and of being true to yourself. It just happens to do so while the characters interrogate trolls and fight murderous poltergeists. Let's not forget that books can be entertaining AND meaningful.

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Literacy Love Notes:

• Do you have a classroom wish list? I created a toolkit to help teachers clear their lists. And if you have one of my Classroom Library Registries on Bookshop, you'll find this particularly useful!

Have a good one and learn everything you can,

Hannah

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