Jill Eisenberg, our Resident Literacy Expert, began her career teaching English as a Foreign Language to second through sixth graders in Yilan, Taiwan as a Fulbright Fellow. She went on to become a literacy teacher for third grade in San Jose, CA as a Teach for America corps member. She is certified in Project Glad instruction to promote English language acquisition and academic achievement. In her column she offers teaching and literacy tips for educators.
We’re in the process of updating our lists of recommended books for special holidays! Our diverse books cover a wide range of holidays, celebrations, and important moments in history. Whether you are looking to rejuvenate your holiday read alouds in the classroom or purchase a gift to remember a special moment, you’ll find the perfect title on our list. Here’s what we’re celebrating – and reading – in January:
JANUARY 20
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
The Bus Ride
Dear Mrs. Parks
Etched In Clay
In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall 
Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery
George Crum and the Saratoga Chip
John Lewis in the Lead
Night Golf
The Palm of My Heart
Paul Robeson
The Piano
Richard Wright and the Library Card
The Secret to Freedom
Seven Miles to Freedom
Up the Learning Tree
National Hobby Month (January)
Allie’s Basketball Dream
Bird
Butterflies for Kiri
Capoeira
The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story
Ole! Flamenco 
Strong to the Hoop
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year
Sam and the Lucky Money
The Monster in the Mudball
Finally, bridge current events with classroom reading! The 2014 Winter Olympics (February 7-23) are almost here. Here is our recommended book list on sports history, athletes, and the Olympics.
Stay tuned for upcoming book lists for Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and more!
