Unleashing Readers

Student Voices: Lindsay Currie’s Visit to Kellee’s Middle School

May 25, 2026May 20, 2026 by Kellee

I am so lucky because my principal began an initiative at my school where we get to have an author visit our school yearly (2026: Christina Diaz Gonzalez, 2025: George O’Connor, 2024: Jerry Craft, 2023: Christina Diaz Gonzalez, 2022: Nathan Hale, 2020: Neal Shusterman, 2019: Jennifer A. Nielsen), and this year we ended up having THREE: Mark Oshiro in November, Christina Diaz Gonzalez (whole school) in February, and Lindsay Currie in April!

I was so excited when we were contacted that Lindsay Currie was in town, and we had the opportunity to have her come visit our school. We split the visit with two other schools with two hours at each school. At my school, about 100 kids came to see her speak for a period then they could ask as many questions that they wanted to (she was so gracious about the Q&A!), and then she signed for students. It was truly a wonderful visit!

Here are some reflections from my students after the visit:

How did you like the visit overall?

I loved the visit overall and I thought the Lincoln Park story was extremely interesting.
I LOVED IT!!
i really liked it, she had many interesting things to share.
I really liked it, and I loved the advice she gave in the end.
I thought it was amazing.

What is your biggest educational take away?

For me it would be listening to how she created her book because for other genres you could easily like to get at a restaurant or see it at a park or anywhere for horror you can’t just see that anywhere could you write horror books or that kind of stuff you’re not well hopefully you don’t just see that anywhere so how she had the ideas and all that kind of stuff was probably the biggest education will take away from me.
My biggest take away is the writing techniques she spoke about in her presentation.
I liked learning about the history of her books and the ghost stories.
My take away was when she would talk about how she got her ideas for her books and how she tries new things that led her to being very successful.
The many ghost stories and how the smallest things can spark the biggest ideas/curiosity.
She taught and told us sooo many cool ghost stories that actually were interesting and she also taught us that it’s okay to lose interest easily that all you need is good planning and a story that you can relate to.
Sometimes you find inspiration for stories in random situations.
She gave some things to do like walking different ways, and writing tips and other really cool stuff.
I liked how she told us to be bored to find ideas–I think its a very good tip. And I also learned a bit about how to write characters and settings.
To always just do something and trust your gut.

How did the visit impact you as a student?

How it impacted me as a student would probably be to be able to learn about a new author in all about her in.
It impacted me as a student because it’s my last author visit so it was quite sentimental.
What impacted me the most was how she used interesting real life story’s and made them correlate on the life of a author.
It impacted me as a student by showing me that there can be deeper meanings to a book then you may think.
It reminded me to always be curious and try new things.
It made me realize that even authors lose interest in their own works and that its okay! Things that might help with that is good planning and a story that you can actually relate to and find interesting 🙂
It showed me more books to read.
I think learning about writing from an actual author is such an amazing opportunity and the fact that it happened is already impactful
It made me more aware of my surroundings and it taught me to not really care what others think and I think that’s important for me especially in middle school.

What was your favorite part of the visit (this doesn’t have to necessarily be educational)?

Probably her explaining like the books because like there were like interesting questions while she was explaining her books that could get people thinking that kind of stuff so yeah it probably just being able to be there with my friends for the visit
My favorite part was the Lincoln park story and the paranormal experiences she spoke about.
My favorite part is finding out that she has a short attention spam because I do too so I know her books will keep me interested.
My favorite part of the visit was when she told us about her new trail through Chicago that led her to writing some of her books.
I liked the part when she talked about how she writes her books.
My favorite part was when she told us her main thing that inspired her.
I loved when she was telling us about the history of where she lived because it’s like no one ever thinks of these things.

Why was this visit important? Why is it important and powerful to have an author visit our school?

This visit is important because it allowed us to learn more about an author’s writing process. Also it’ important and powerful to have an author visit our school because it allows a face to face chance to learn in person about a an author and have better interactions than on a zoom or teams call.
It was important because it was a main point for people to look around more, or else she wouldn’t have written that book. it is important because they teach lessons, and are entertaining, and some people may really already like that author.
it was important for me because i could relate to her in certain things.
This visit was important because as we read more books in this genre, we can relate to how we read other books in that same area from the actual author’s perspective. It is important and powerful because when we meet these author’s, we learn further more about her books and how it really is to be an author.
I think this was important because it talked about finding writing ideas which could be very important for (future) writers and it is important and powerful to have an author visit our school because:
– students could more relate to the author’s books or be exposed to them (which could lead us to read more).
– students may be able to learn more based on an author’s perspective and learn about the writing process itself.
– students would have the opportunity to ask questions to authors (which they may not be able to do other times).
To show and motivate us (kids/teens) that even big successful authors have their own struggles and how to help/solve those problems. For me, them visiting also gives many pointers to writing and reading 🙂
It brought us advice for what we can do with our imagination
It was important because it showed how we can use actual things to write books.
This visit was important because it showcased a different, sometimes less talked about genre of book. It is important and powerful to have an author visit our school because it offers an enhanced educational experience that you wouldn’t be able to get from a normal day of school, and it also could inspire someone to become an author or writer.
Because we can hear about their writing process first hand and we are able to hear different perspectives and experiences from what being and author may be
It was important because a lot of people like to read her books and she taught a very good lesson. It’s important and powerful to have an author visit our school because they can change some students minds with their success, like if a student is afraid of trying something.
Authors visiting makes stories come alive and shows me how books are created. It’s powerful because it inspires me to read more and even write my own stories.

As you can see from the comments and love, my students (and I) would highly recommend an author visit and specifically Lindsay!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/18/26

May 19, 2026May 18, 2026 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.

The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Kellee

Middle Grade

Night Stories: Folktales from Latin America by Liniers, Introduction by David Bowles: This graphic novel version of three Latin American myths combines humor and tradition into a book that will introduce readers to folk tales they may not know (or bring to life folk tales they’ve always known). And I LOVED the introduction–so informative!
A Comic Book History of The Big Bang and Beyond by Anna Claybourne, Illustrated by Rikus Ferreira: I loved the mix of formats in this one–it is more than just a “comic book” like it says on the cover. It is so informative, and I like that it is chronological and focused on space science and life science. Additionally, it had humor!
A Planet is a Poem by Amanda West Lewis, Illustrated by Oliver Averill: I really loved this book. I would love to use it in a classroom, and I am so glad I just got it for my library (though I worry about the fold outs being destroyed). Not only are the poems really well written, the instruction about poetry is on point and all the space science included information is fascinating as well!

Picture Books

Grandma, Cho Cho, and Me by Morgan Christie, Illustrated by Paulica Santos: This book is filled with imagery that will make your mouth water! And combined with the colorful illustrations, the book sings. This book, looking at a family’s tradition, is a perfect addition to add to early education when it comes to talking about the difference of families. I’d add it to a book set about mealtime with families and then have students tell their own stories.
Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, Illustrated by Violeta Encarnción: What a powerful use of a reverso poem to tell two stories about detainment: one in the past and one in the present. The way the author and illustrator worked together to tell both stories through the poem and stunning visuals is truly going to stick with me for a long time. The author and illustrator also do not hold back, showing the truth during both times in our history. This book is so meaningful and important.
The Elephant and the Piano by Colette Hiller, Illustrated by Nabila Adani: I am so glad I learned about Paul Barton from this book! This is a book based on a true story of Paul who visited an elephant sanctuary and felt that one elephant, who seemes especially disconnected, could be comforted by the piano. And he was! And others were! Check out his You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzSEchvesNHbIdXClhtq1JoBgOx8D6378. This book is another example of how animals are alive and much more like us than many want to believe; it is a book about caring and love and the power of music.

Young Adult

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss: In a story where a reality tv show about escape rooms ala Big Brother exists, the contestants find themselves in a true murder mystery, not just a game.

Adult

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson: I picked this book up for my book club thinking it was YA and while it is not (the protagonist is in her twenties and there is f bombs throughout), teen fans of Holly Jackson are definitely going to find this one and like it (and it’s okay!). I loved the premise of this book and it kept me reading: Jet is attacked in her home and finds out she has about a week to live. She decides that she is going to spend the rest of her life solving her murder!!!!
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: People need to stop calling this the octopus book becuase if you go in thinking that is what it is, you may actually be disappointed. If you go in knowing that it is about changes in life for two very different characters and how they help each other figure things out, then you will have set your expectations correctly. Although I did figure out the “twist” before it was revealed, I am still glad I read it, and I look forward to watching the movie.
I also read 4 Freida McFadden books since my last update–her books are so addictive!

And you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off; I’ll share what I’ve been reading next week.

Kellee

Reading with Trent who is reading it for ELA: The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
Listening: Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
Also reading: More Freida McFadden books

Wednesday: Student Voices: Lindsay Currie’s Visit to Kellee’s Middle School

Friday: Student Voices: Reflections on School from Faten I., Ajani G., and Amber D.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “How Fiction Provides a Safe Place for Young Readers to Explore Celebrity, Fame and Fandom” by Mima Tipper, Author of Channeling Marilyn

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!

and

Author Guest Post: “Illness is a Part of Life. A Good Book Can Help Kids Cope.” by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

May 17, 2026 by Kellee

“Illness is a Part of Life. A Good Book Can Help Kids Cope.”

“Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick,” Susan Sontag writes in her seminal 1978 essay Illness as a Metaphor. “Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.”

Disease is something every child will encounter, as Sontag eloquently points out. Yet it is often shrouded in taboo. An illness in the family might be kept a secret or buried under mysterious language. Our bodies can become scary, dangerous – even shameful – when we don’t understand how they work in sickness and in health. Avoiding the subject leaves kids ill equip to talk about discomfort, pain, and the swirl of emotions that come with it.

As a child, my family talked a lot about disease. My father, a surgeon, discussed tough cases and triumphant ones at the dinner table. I remember paging through his medical textbooks and marveling at anatomical drawings of my insides. But novels like Little Women and The Secret Garden gave me a deeper understanding of the experience of illness.

While the classics have much to offer, a handful of middle-grad novels have broadened my understanding of “the kingdom of the sick,” as Sontag calls it. Reading them with my 11-year-old daughter has given us a shared language to talk about illness as a part of life.

Wink by Rob Harrell

Harrell’s semi-autobiographical novel about a 7^th grader diagnosed with a rare eye cancer is hilarious, heartbreaking, and life-affirming. In other words, it’s brilliant. Harrell’s deft sense of humor invites you to examine the stigma that surrounds illness and the liberating power of art and human connection.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

Merci is a heroine for the ages. A 6^th grader navigating private school as a scholarship student, her family is her rock, especially Lolo, her wise and warm grandfather.

Only Lolo’s been acting differently. An angry outburst, forgetting things, tumbling off his bike – Merci can see Lolo changing, but no one in her family will tell her what’s going on.

Ultimately, Merci learns that her grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease. Meg Medina offers a delicate portrait of how cognitive disorders unfold and effect families. Ultimately, Merci’s understanding of her grandfather’s condition allows her to step up and take on more responsibility. This empowering story offers a blueprint for how families can face illness together.

Dust by Dusti Bowling

In Dust, Avalyn moves to Arizona with her family in search of a climate that would prevent another asthma attack like that one that almost killed her ten years ago. Her world is thrown into chaos when dust storms kick up, coinciding with the arrival of a new student at school. Breath and the experience of having a chronic respiratory illness are at the center of this novel (at least until the source of those dust storms is revealed…no spoilers!). Bowling uses magical realism to take you inside the experience of illness in a way that will change your understanding of health.

Published May 19th, 2026 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

About the Book: A precocious seventh grader whose cancer has recently gone into remission assists her “medical detective” uncle while readjusting to life in middle school in this heartwarming and funny middle grade debut novel that’s Front Desk meets Roll with It.

Twelve-year-old Deepa is ready to un-pause her life. After spending a year in the hospital, she’s itching for things to go back to the way they were before she got sick.

Only everything’s changed. Her parents treat her like she’s made of glass, there’s a mean girl out to get her, and her best friend Renée forgot to mention she has a whole new life now.

But when her Uncle Jai, a genius doctor that patients love to hate and the “Sherlock Holmes” of medical mysteries, needs her help with a tricky case involving a teenage patient, Deepa steps up to the plate—because she knows better than anyone what it’s like to be sick.

But why, oh why, did her first patient have to be her bully’s older brother?

As the case spirals and her illness flares up, Deepa quickly learns that if she wants to save her patient, she’ll have to diagnose what’s going on inside herself first.

About the Author: Priya Swaminathan lived the dream of making movies and TV shows for 19 years. She helped launch Higher Ground productions, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, where she produced award-winning documentaries, films, and kids shows like Waffles + Mochi, Emmy-award winner Ada Twist, Scientist, and the NAACP award-winner We The People. Previously, she developed narrative films for Spike Jonze, Johnny Knoxville, George Clooney, and Bennett Miller and was the head of development at Annapurna Pictures. A few years ago, Priya decided to shake things up. She quit her job to write and go back to school. She graduates from UCLA School of Nursing in June and plans to work with oncology patients. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and hopes that someday she’ll convince her husband to get a big, fluffy dog. Deepa, M.D. is her debut middle-grade novel.

Thank you, Priya, for sharing this wonderful list and showing how books can help with tough times in kids’ lives!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/11/26

May 16, 2026May 11, 2026 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages

Happy reading!

Wednesday: Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Kellee

Today is my day off from IMWAYR, but you can learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

I am not able to post this week; I’ll see you all in two weeks!

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

and

Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee

May 6, 2026 by Kellee

Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral
Author & Illustrator: Lynn Curlee
Published May 5th, 2026 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Summary: A fascinating visual history of Notre-Dame, “the World’s Cathedral,” that highlights the burning and reconstruction of the cherished building from award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee.

On April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris was almost destroyed by fire, an event that shocked and riveted the entire world as it played out in real time on TV and across the internet.

The story of the fire and its aftermath, along with the rebuilding of the historic cathedral, offers an exciting narrative around which Lynn Curlee builds an illustrated story for middle grade readers about this internationally cherished monument.

In the way that only he can, Lynn illuminates captivating information about cathedrals, gothic architecture, French history, restoration of old buildings, heroism under fire, and even Quasimodo, the famous Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

★ “This handsome offering goes far beyond covering the story of the devastating 2019 fire that
destroyed the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. . . Currently the only book available on this subject
for middle-grade readers, this will be an attractive addition for all collections.” – Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Soaring tributes to both the building and the workers who preserved it.” – Kirkus Reviews

About the Creator: LYNN CURLEE was educated as an art historian and worked as a fine artist for many years before he began to make children’s books. Three of his books, Capital, Liberty, and Rushmore, were chosen by the Barbara Bush Literacy Campaign as their Book of the Year in three consecutive years. Mr. Curlee has won numerous awards for his work, including but not limited to a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (Brooklyn Bridge), Orbis Pictus Award (Rushmore), ALA Notable Books for Children (Liberty), and Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year (Parthenon). His other books include Ballpark, Trains, Mythological Creatures, and Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He lives in Norwich, Connecticut, with his partner and two Great Danes. Find out more on Instagram @LynnCurlee.

Review: This book is beautiful and fascinating! I learned so much about Notre-Dame and Parisian history. I also found the parts about the fire and restoration of the cathedral so interested!

I had not read any Lynn Curlee before this one, and I have now set a goal to read more because I loved the way that he brought his passion for the topic into both the text and the illustrations. Sadly, there is a not in the back from the editor that shares that in early 2025, Lynn Curlee fell “ill and is unable to continue working” and “this book is likely Lynn’s last book.” I am happy to say that this final book is definitely one to be proud of.

Educators’ Tools for Navigation: This book has so much for educators!

First, it could be used for a read aloud. It is pretty text heavy, so would probably be for older readers, but chunking this like a chapter book would be a fascinating read aloud.

Second, I loved the vocabulary and glossary in this book. It is a great way to discuss vocabulary in nonfiction text.

Third, this book could be used for a mentor text to create their own nonfiction text about something they are interested in.

Fourth, this book would be a great support for any class learning about gothic architecture–I learned so much!

Fifth, make a timeline!

Sixth, do a book club with his other titles in this set then let students share with the class what they learned about their topic.

I just would love to see this text in classrooms and libraries; I hope you grab it!

Discussion Questions:

How did the Parisians change their view of the cathedral during the 900 years it has been around?
Why was the restoration project so successful versus others that took longer?
Why is Notre Dame’s architecture so special?
How did Victor Hugo’s book affect the treatment of the cathedral?
Why is the cathedral so important to modern Paris?
How is our modern technology and advancements negatively affecting Notre-Dame?
How do you think the author chose which parts of the cathedral to include as illustrations?
Why do you think the author chose to jump around time-wise in the book?

Flagged Spreads:

Read This If You Love: Architecture, History, Nonfiction Picture Books for Older Readers

Recommended For:

**Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review!**

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/4/26

May 4, 2026 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages

Happy reading!

Thursday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Kellee

Middle Grade

Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks: This was my first Science Comics, and I really enjoyed it! I learned so much about coral reefs, and the structure of the text made it so easy to read (the narrator was FUNNY!). And it was perfect timing for reading it because I did science assessment review stations all last week.
Kingdoms of Life by Carly Allen-Fletcher: I reread this awesome picture book before I did a review station about classification. It does such a good wonderful job of explaining each of the 6 kingdoms!

Picture Books

Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee: I will be reviewing this on Wednesday.
Stories are the Heart of the World by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt: This is a beautiful lullaby of a book that follows the story of a child who is born then nurtured through “ceremonies and rituals” until they set off in the world with the stories in their heart. The use of both narrative and lyrical writing added to the experience and combined with the family-centered colorful illustrations, the book is truly beautiful. (Additionally, the author’s note and activity in the back brings inspiration and connection between the reader and the book–LOVE!)
One Last Snoot Boop by John Graff, illustrated by Xiao: This book is one that so many families need because the loss of a pet is so hard to process and this story shows the beauty of the journey of pet owning and the toughness of the end of a pet’s life. It is illustrated in soft tones, adding to the emotion of the book which is just so gentle, making it a perfect book for its purpose.

Adult

I’ve been on an adult book kick!

11/22/63 by Stephen King is one of the most brilliant books I’ve ever read.
The Inmate is a typical Freida McFadden book–I can never see the twists coming!
Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is more of a whodunit murder mystery than a thriller, but I enjoyed reading it with my sister–again, I didn’t know how it was going to turn out.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides was recommended to me since I am enjoying thrillers, and I am glad I read it (and, you guessed it, I didn’t see it coming!).

And you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off, and I’ll be off next week too, so I’ll see you in a few weeks!

Kellee

Reading along with Trent reading for language arts: The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
Listening: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Going to Start: I Witnessed the Great Train Robgery of 1963 by Andrea Debbink, illustrated by Crystal Jayme
Going to Start: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Listening Next: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Wednesday: Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee

and

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

April 30, 2026 by Ricki

Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Hello and welcome to another book review! Today I want to share with you, The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto! This YA thriller had me HOOKED for two days and I couldn’t stop reading it! I have read another book by Sutanto, The Obsession but I prefer The New Girl (even though I also loved The Obsession). This book talks about the struggles Lia faces as she starts school in a place where wealth is common and diversity is practically nonexistent. As Lia starts her adventure at Draycott, she slowly discovers that nothing is as it seems.

Goodreads Summary

Lia Setiawan has never really fit in. When she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she’s determined to make it work even though she’s never felt more out of place. But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unfazed, but it leaves her unsure of what she’s gotten herself into. As she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn’t what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she’s not sure if she can trust anyone–especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.

My Thoughts

Wow, The New Girl was just too exciting to put down! I love the plot, and I really feel like I am with Lia as she is discovering Draycott. After the first day, she already feels out of place and that feeling just grows. When she starts getting bullied and blackmailed I truly feel bad for her. I had a lot of fun though trying to uncover what is actually happening at Draycott, between corrupt teachers, bullies and drugs. I found it cool that Lia’s character was a good example of resilience, because even after all of the challenges she faced coming to a new, elitist school, she never gave up on fighting for what she thought was right.

On Amazon, The New Girl is recommended for ages 14-18 and this is most likely for the constant mentions of drugs, people dying, sometimes from overdoses, and the vast amount of bullying. They literally have an app that is dedicated to bullying, Draycott Dirt. Overall, The New Girl was a captivating, fast-paced thriller that I absolutely loved! Happy reading!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**