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Maria Salvadore

Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.

Confusing times for children

September 12, 2008

Yesterday the country commemorated a tough anniversary: the seventh year since the terrorist attacks in the United States. I was reminded that children were not only victims, but many young children lost a parent. One 8- or 9-year-old boy was interviewed on the radio. While I don't remember the station or the time or even the child's name, his words made me tear up. More >

Where interests lead

September 5, 2008

Have you ever been interested in one thing and have it lead to something else? I was reminded of that by a fascinating book I've just read (it's coming out in December). It's called I'll Pass for your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Clarion) by Anita Silvey. More >

Dog days of summer — gone!

August 29, 2008

I missed them. Even though they haven't felt much like them, the dog days of summer have come and gone. And I missed them. I always thought that they were called "dog days" because they were just lazy days or maybe too hot to do much other than laze around…but not so, I learned. More >

A summer walk

August 21, 2008

Have you ever been with a young child and watched them take in the world around them? I was recently reminded that the world and everything in it is new to each child as they encounter it. More >

What did you say?

August 15, 2008

Children absorb what's around them, including — or maybe especially — language. Words are absorbed at an incredible pace, but just look around; you'll probably see how often adults talk at children rather than with them. More >

Let the games begin! (2008 Summer Olympics)

August 7, 2008

The 2008 Summer Olympics will officially open in Beijing tomorrow. Television and computer screens will be filled with images of athletes and athletics, not to mention the host county. I wonder how the Olympics can achieve what its slogan advertises: One World One Dream. More >