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Tiff4Tat is back with a fresh vision and renewed focus. Stay tuned for a formal welcome on Tuesday! 

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Middle Grade Monday: Nonfiction, Invigorating, Interactive, Gritty

Suggestions for middle grade teaching tips like Blackout Poetry, an Escape Room, and much more I don’t write enough about nonfiction, especially for upper elementary and middle grade readers. At NCTE’s 2024 convention – Heart, Hope, & Humanity – I had the great fortune to listen to authors and educators share great books and teaching tips around three nonfiction books.  Why Longform Nonfiction?  Excellent middle grade nonfiction acts in certain ways for readers. It invigorates readers, it provides interactive opportunities for students, and it’s often personal and gritty for readers of all ages.  When the writing is really good, it gets to the point quickly, which is something young readers can engage with immediately. The great books are invitations into other worlds and the topics get kids excited about concepts and reading.  What follows are three books for any reader interested in courageous nonfiction that offers tons of information. Educators: read to the e...
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Middle Grade Monday: Intersection of Art & Identity

If you have a story to share, then share it.  Three authors – Jonell Joshua, Huda Fahmy, and Sarah Myer – have done just that. They had the opportunity to share about the writing process and craft during their presentation at the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English ( NCTE ) annual convention in Boston this November.  Me with Sarah Myer at NCTE, 2024 While the texts in this post are written for older middle grade and young adult audiences, the teaching tips can be adapted and used by all secondary teachers.  The speakers shared that queer authors and authors of color teach us about craft and writing process, not just about reluctant readers or book bans. What follows is a summary of their books with a link to their websites.    How Do I Draw These Memories? by Jonell Joshua ~ Levine Querido Jonell Joshua spent her childhood traveling between Savannah and New Jersey – living in grandparents’ homes during the times her mother, struggling with mental illne...
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This Thing Called Wrestling: A Poem for Moms (Version B, no pictures)

A wrestling poem for our daughters and sons In the arena of strength and might,  Warriors clash with all their fight,  Moms stand as guardians, guiding lights,  Moms of wrestlers, hearts take flight.  Singlets donned and shoes laced tight,  Our children step forth into the wrestlers' fight.  Warriors on the mat, relentless and bright, Moms cheer from the stands, with all our might.  Grueling practices and endless drills, A wrestler’s determination never stills.  With every takedown, pin, and win,  Moms witness their passion, their spirit within.  Wrestling rooms – sweat-soaked and tough, Wrestlers learn resilience, discipline, and all is enough.  Moms watch them grow, fierce and kind, True embodiment of body and mind.  Moms bandage their wounds, seen and not, With tender care, moms tend a lot. A mother’s love knows no bounds, Supporting their dreams, hearing wrestling sounds. In the face of setbacks and moments of doubt, Moms o...
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