Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

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March Into Change

March is a month filled with celebrations like Dr. Seuss' birthday, observed by Read Across America Day. It's also Music in Our Schools and Women's History Month. March's wind sometimes brings about an almost magical change with the start of spring — a salute to green. So, mark March with books and make everyday a day to celebrate reading!

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Bow-Wow Hears Things
Bow-Wow Hears Things
By: Mark Newgarden & Megan Montague Cash
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

A small chick finds his true voice with the help of Bow-Wow, a small, expressive terrier. Strong lines in simple illustrations convey humor and movement — for both child and adult — in this short tale.

Eggs
Eggs
By: Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by: Emma Stevenson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What is "…a quiet crib, …a bobbing boat, …breakfast, lunch and dinner"? An egg, of course. Many types of eggs from insects, reptiles, and even mammals, in various environments are introduced in crisp text and clear illustration in this handsome, informative book.

Green Eggs and Ham
Green Eggs and Ham
By: Dr. Seuss
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Sam-I-Am tirelessly tries to convince the other guy that he'll just adore green eggs and ham. Resistance is futile. However, to the nameless fellow's delight, he discovers that he indeed likes the delicacy and will eat them everywhere! Readers — new and experienced — appreciate the silliness and verve of this rhyming adventure.

Like a Windy Day
Like a Windy Day
By: Frank Asch & Devin Asch
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A child imagines being like the wind: playing with hats and leaves, zooming and racing throughout the country and city until she becomes a gentle breeze. Evocative language combines with suggestive illustrations in this breezy book.

Little Blue Truck
Little Blue Truck
By: Alice Schertle
Illustrated by: Jill McElmurry
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Unlike the arrogant, large dump truck, Little Blue Truck always has time to greet the animals in and around the farm. So when both get stuck in the mud, the animals respond to Little Blue Truck's plea for help. Cooperation abounds in this rhyming story — ideal for reading aloud.

Papi's Gift
Papi's Gift
By: Karen Stanton
Illustrated by: Rene King Moreno
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Graciella's father leaves his family to pick fruit far away, but calls every Sunday. The surprise he sends for Graciella's seventh birthday is lost as is the child's hope of seeing Papi — at least temporarily. This realistic, universally appealing story told from the child's point of view is gently illustrated.

Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women
Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women
By: Cheryl Harness
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

They have come in all colors and sizes and times throughout American history and their impact is still felt. Meet 100 interesting, diverse women whose contributions range from helping people escape injustice to creating fashion. Portraits accompany each engaging biographical essay.

Sweet Music in Harlem
Sweet Music in Harlem
By: Debbie Taylor
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

CJ's uncle, a well known jazz musician, has lost his signature hat and sends the boy out to locate it. CJ searches Harlem finding something better than the beret for the magazine photographer to snap. Animated illustrations and an author's note take a memorable look at Harlem and musicians of the mid 1950s.

Tadpole Rex
Tadpole Rex
By: Kurt Cyrus
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The story of a prehistoric frog begins when it was just a tiny tadpole in a puddle. Deep within the growing amphibian is the strength of a T-Rex which may explain why "hoppers and croakers are here to stay." Rhythmic, alliterative language and bold, large illustrations create a riveting story. An author's note provides factual information.

That's What Leprechauns Do
That's What Leprechauns Do
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Emily Arnold McCully
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Three leprechauns can't help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that's what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.

Trout Are Made of Trees
Trout Are Made of Trees
By: April Sayre
Illustrated by: Kate Endle
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

As two children and their fathers explore a stream and its natural riches, a straightforward text explains how trout are made of trees — just like the bears and people who catch and eat the trout. Warmly hued, textured collages illuminate a down-to-earth, understandable story of a stream habitat.

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