This June I’m gearing up for two big events!
I’ll be presenting at the 2024 ISTE conference and Ann Arbor SummerFest in the same week! I’ll also be giving away signed copies of my first book, Social-Emotional Learning Using Makerspaces and Passion Projects at both. I’d love to see you there!
June also means Summer reading! Scroll down for details about programs and websites for kids and adults, alike.
There will not be a July newsletter, while we concentrate on book launch and book tour event planning. Sign up for the emailed newsletter here for this content, plus special book launch giveaways and discounts delivered directly to your inbox!
If you missed my National Children’s Book Week: CS For Young Readers panel presentation last month, the recording is now available here.
June Presentations – More Details
On Monday, June 24th from 3-4 p.m. I’ll be presenting Teaching CSTA K-2 Standards Using Books, Games and Songs at the 2024 ISTE conference in Denver, CO. This session will be in-person, live-streamed and recorded, for ISTE conference participants. You’ll need to register for the in-person and/or virtual conference to attend.
On Friday, June 28th from 5-8 p.m. you’ll find me with illustrator D. J. Cools and Booksweet in the KidZone tent at A2SF, giving a sneak preview reading from our forthcoming titles, Little Hackers and Little Computer Scientists, singing the Debugging and Silly Password songs from the Guidebook and teaching kids about binary, ciphers and cybersecurity vocabulary. Enter the in-person drawing for a signed copy of Social-Emotional Learning Using Makerspaces and Passion Projects and a basket of makerspace supplies. Free event.
Summer Reading Resources
AI powered Sona gives you recommendation based on book descriptions that you type in.
Literature Map asks you to enter the name of an author you like and then creates a map of other authors you may also enjoy.
Which Book gives you curated recommendations which can be selected by region of the world, mood, character, plot and bestsellers.
The American Library Association puts together recommended Summer reading lists compiled for Pre-K through 8th grade. You can access the lists here.
Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading program for kids in grades 1st-6th as well as suggested Summer reading lists for all ages.
If you’re feeling nostalgic, Pizza Hut does in fact still have their read books for free pizza program for Pre-K-6th graders. It’s called BookIt. You can find more details and enroll here.
Don’t forget about independent bookstores and your local public library! They also have fantastic Summer reading contests, prizes and incentives (and everything is free)!
If you’re looking for additional reading ideas, the Library of Congress has great reading lists from every state, you can peruse the 2024 compilation here. Consider taking a walk in your area and exploring some of the Little Free Libraries! You can locate many of them on this Little Free Library World Map.
Happy Reading! – Julie