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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.

Smile!

August 13, 2015

There are many things to celebrate in August. Lots of parents celebrate schools soon opening. Commuters appreciate less crowded roads. There’s still time for a summer getaway. And of course, the second week of August has been dubbed National Smile Week! More >

Showing to tell

July 30, 2015

A graphic novel takes me much longer to read carefully than a text-only book does. Why? I think the pictures slow me down. I need to examine them carefully in order to make meaning from them, what they’re saying, how they interact with the words (if any). The artist is telling a story. And how that story is told is intriguing. More >

Picture books: poetry in motion

July 6, 2015

I’ve been thinking a lot about picture books and why some work and are memorable while others just land with a thud when read. I continue to ask myself what is it about those picture books that resonate with readers and particularly those that can be shared many times between adults and children, delighting both. More >

Everyone has a story: an interview with author Karen Deans

June 11, 2015

Karen Deans is an author and an artist who tells stories in several ways. She uses rich language in her books as she reveals lives of interesting women. She is a painter, creating images that capture a mood or a place for the stage. And some of her paintings are just for pleasure to look at every day. More >

Books make a big difference

April 29, 2015

Working with children means that you work with the significant adults in their lives. I’ve often found — both personally and professionally — that parents are flummoxed by the huge number of messages about raising children; all too often parenting becomes fraught with guilt. More >

Let’s talk about poetry with Lee Bennett Hopkins

March 31, 2015

In honor of National Poetry Month I contacted one of the most prolific and versatile poets and anthologist whose books I’ve long used and admired. More >