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I wasn’t a huge reader growing up. Average, I’d say. I remember connecting to some books, and I’ve always loved a good beach read. My own experience aside, I have a vivid memory of connecting to books as a School Psychologist.

I was working with a great fourth-grade teacher who had a group that year. One that leaves you mentally exhausted on the daily. One day, I went into her room at the end of the day, presumably to drop off an envelope for a backpack last minute. The students were sitting on the rug, and the lights were dimmed. She was sitting sideways in a rocking chair and reading aloud a chapter book. There was not a sound in the room. No one turned when I walked in. The kids were enthralled. The peace and calm of the room struck me, and is something I still remember to this day, probably 8 years later.

I love the way that books can capture kids’ attention, and help assign words to thoughts and emotions we might not otherwise be able to access. Now, when my students need a quiet activity, I whip out a book, dim the lights, and read.

Check out some of my favorites here!