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This is a valuable and informative website to find and explore multicultural picture books.

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The Diverse BookFinder is a comprehensive collection of children's picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC). We've cataloged and analyzed trade picture books fitting this criteria, published since 2002, to surface and create:

A UNIQUE CIRCULATING COLLECTION:
We strive to collect all depictions of BIPOC characters in trade picture books published since 2002. Anyone can check these books out at any time through Interlibrary Loan.

A SEARCH TOOL:
We offer a first-of-its-kind online, searchable database of our collection that makes it easier for everyone to locate and explore children's picture books featuring BIPOC characters.

A SOURCE OF CRITICAL DATA:
We provide real-time data on who (which BIPOC characters) is depicted in trade picture books, and how (what messages these stories send), to enable deeper conversation and change.

Learn More

We have collected and analyzed more-than 3,000 picture books published since 2002 featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC). The graphs below show the percentage of books in our collection featuring characters from each racial/cultural group. Not all groups are represented equally - or in the same way. Click on the graphs to see the types of available stories for each group.

See More

The Diverse BookFinder exists to help inform the diversity and representation discussion as a whole. That's why all books are included in our collection, no matter the quality of representation given or by whom. However, as we catalog books, some highlights and trends become apparent. Here are a few along specific themes:
See More

Recent thoughts from the Diverse BookFinder team, our Advisory Council & guest contributors.
See More

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Diverse BookFinder | Identify & Explore Multicultural Picture Books

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Are you looking for multicultural children's books? We've got you covered! You can search our circulating collection of picture books (2002-present), explore our quick lists, then borrow our books from your own library through interlibrary loan.

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A book for children about COVID-19, downloadable.

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A book for children about COVID-19, downloadable.

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The book, “We’re Going to be O.K,” has been recognized as one of the top 5 – among 256 entries – in the Emory Global Health Institute’s COVID-19 Children’s eBook Competition.

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A pair of physicians at UVA Health have produced a children's book for communities of color that are being disproportionately stricken by COVID-19. The free book is both a guide for staying healthy and a tool to help children cope with the stress and grief the pandemic may bring.

The book, "We're Going to be O.K," has been recognized as one of the top 5 - among 256 entries - in the Emory Global Health Institute's COVID-19 Children's eBook Competition.

UVA physicians Ebony Jade Hilton, MD, and Leigh-Ann Webb, MD, partnered with illustrator Ashleigh Corrin Webb to tell the story of Parker, a young African-American child, as he learns about COVID-19 from his parents and how the pandemic will change his day-to-day routines.

"My inspiration was fueled by knowing that the enemy of fear is information," said Hilton, who has authored two other children's books. "So the purpose of this book was to inform and empower while at the same time allowing for vulnerability. The addition of the latter, to allow children to express their emotions of grief and anxiety, was particularly important. We unfortunately know that some kids will experience the loss of a parent or a sibling, and we wanted them to have an outlet to write or draw out those thoughts. To give them a safe space to fully heal."

Designed for children ages 5-9, the book provides information about staying healthy during COVID-19 as well as mental-health support designed for young children. As frontline African-American physicians helping deal with a pandemic that has disproportionately affected African-American and Hispanic communities, Hilton and Webb believe it was important to tell this story through the eyes of an African-American family.

"One of the most rewarding aspect of the project was being able to create a meaningful work of art to reach all communities, but specifically communities of color," said Webb. "As I mom of two, I know it's important for black and brown children to see main characters that look like them. Ashleigh is a talented illustrator. She did a fantastic job."

The creators' goal is for the book to help children and families deal with the uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

"I hope children are comforted in knowing that their feelings are valid," Ashleigh Webb added. "I hope this book helps them address those feelings and also equips them to take action using both the tips and workbook-style pages we created."

The book can be downloaded here: http://globalhealth.emory.edu/pdfs/GoingToBeOk_FINAL1.pdf

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UVA Doctors Honored for COVID-19 Children's Book

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A pair of physicians at UVA Health have produced a children's book for communities of color that are being disproportionately stricken by COVID-19. The free book is both a guide for staying healthy and a tool to help children cope with the stress and grief the pandemic may bring.

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Check out The Ickabog,  the new fairy tale by JK Rowling, out today 5/26!

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Check out The Ickabog,  the new fairy tale by JK Rowling, out today 5/26!

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I had the idea for The Ickabog a long time ago and read it to my two younger children chapter by chapter each night while I was working on it.

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New York Public LIbrary 125 Kids Books We Love

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Live webcams from all over the world!
It is the world's largest live nature cam network!

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GRACE Gorilla Forest Corridor | Explore.org

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Watch live video of gorillas at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. Watch as the gorilla's pass through, graze on vegetation, and make their nest for their overnight slumber

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Explore and learn online, virtual field trips, exhibitions, educational programs and resources

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American Museum of Natural History | New York City

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Explore the natural world, and the known universe. All admission to the Museum is by timed entry and must be reserved online. Open daily, 10 am–5:30 pm.

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Mystery Science: Lessons for Elementary Teachers

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Mystery Science: Lessons for Elementary Teachers

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Hi! My name is Doug,

I taught elementary science for seven years and made it my students' favorite subject. I created Mystery Science to share my approach with you.

Every lesson begins with a Mystery that hooks your students. I then narrate an unforgettable story told with stunning images and videos and punctuated with opportunities for discussion. Every lesson concludes with simple hands-on activities designed to use supplies you already have (or are easy to get).

I hope my work saves you time & inspires your students. Read about our mission.

"I love these lessons! Everything is right there. The video clips and questions are great. My students get so involved and everyone participates. As I walk around the classroom, I hear great discussions between the students."

― Toni (3rd Grade Teacher, Grayling, MI)

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Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science.

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Hi! My name is Doug, I taught elementary science for seven years and made it my students' favorite subject. I created Mystery Science to share my approach with you. Every lesson begins with a Mystery that hooks your students. I then narrate an unforgettable story told with stunning images and videos and punctuated with opportunities for discussion.

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Dave Pilkey at Home!

Hello Supa Buddies! Welcome to Dav Pilkey At Home. Together we can get creative and have fun with some of your favorite characters from Dog Man and Captain Underpants! Check back every Friday to discover new activities, exciting videos, and so much more!

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Rewarding for teachers, easy for families, fun for kids- a love of reading is inside every Book Box.

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Author Read-Aloud: Allie all Along
A book about BIG FEELINGS

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ALLIE ALL ALONG- Storytime with Author/Illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul

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Author Kate Messener Read-Aloud: Rescue on the Oregon Trail, a Ranger in Time Series!

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Author Kate Messener Read-Aloud: Rescue on the Oregon Trail, a Ranger in Time Series!

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Julie Andrew's Read-Aloud Podcasts

https://www.julieslibraryshow.org/

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Cute video: Cookie Monster in the Library!

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Sesame Street: Cookie Monster In The Library

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https://www.upworthy.com/dr-seuss-dr-dre-epic-rap-mashup?fbclid=IwAR34KX285WSQrMXjD12thkACw81ukj9Hnd0yGDzIhyi4eLhHa37DeI7zcyE

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It's entirely possible that someone has rapped Dr. Seuss stories before, but I've never seen it. Now that I have seen it, the rhyming children's classics I've read over and over to my kids are never going to be the same-and not in a bad way.

Filmmaker Wes Tank has taken some of Dr. Seuss's most popular stories and rapped them over Dr. Dre beats in a mashup so perfect it's a wonder it hadn't been done a million times before.

Check out his rap of the tongue-twisting Fox in Sox. If you've ever tried to read this book out loud, you know how challenging it is not to flub, especially the second half. To rap it like Tanks does is an incredibly impressive-and enjoyable-feat.

The comments on the videos are almost as entertaining as the videos themselves. Here's what people are saying about the Fox in Sox rap:
"All of a sudden the coronavirus isn't the illest thing out there." "Am now convinced Dr.Seuss was some rapper's ghost writer." "I've listened to this maybe 7 times so far. Still not sick of it." "Yo, the tweedle beetle battle bit was fire."
Tank also rapped the cautionary environmental tale, The Lorax.

And people loved it.
"I'm devastated to think that there are only a finite number of Dre beats & Seuss books. Please don't ever stop."
"I didn't think rapping dr Seuss books was something I needed in my life but now I know better." "This is way better than the movie was." "Omg I just told my seven-year-old there was a new Doctor Seuss rap video, and now he's jumping up and down screaming with excitement, and begging to go to bed... 😂😂😂 Thanks?!"
How about a little One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish?

And the comments keep on coming:
"This guy just filled a niche I didn't even know existed." "Dr. Seuss' books weren't part of my childhood. Rap isn't really my thing. Why do I find these videos so awesome? Because they are amazing!" "You are frighteningly good at this." "3:05 is the literal definition of how to hit a beat with ferocity."
So far, it looks like Tanks has six Dr. Seuss/Dr. Dre videos on his YouTube channel, which you can check out here.

Well done, Wes Tanks. (Personal request-do The Sneetches next, please and thank you.)

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Man skillfully raps Dr. Seuss rhymes over Dr. Dre beats in a must-see mashup

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It's entirely possible that someone has rapped Dr. Seuss stories before, but I've never seen it. Now that I have seen it, the rhyming children's classics I've read over and over to my kids are never going to be the same-and not in a bad way.

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https://safeYouTube.net/w/7spB

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Stimola Live – Live Author Events presented by Stimola Literary Studio

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One of 8 Dr. Seuss book raps with a Dr. Dre beat!
https://safeyoutube.net/w/ZSfB

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Feel

This Coronavirus is a Battleship
The the world in a MouseTrap
Comfort places and faces now empty spaces
The playground
The grocery store
The man next door
 
People are getting sick. 
Some will never go home. 
I miss friends
I miss my family
My mom worries about me 

The front line is working hard to save us
We should be working to save them
Better protecting our women, children and men. 
There are more of us then there are of them

Where to start, we stay apart 
Spreading hope not germs
Staying home
Using distance to learn

It’s going to take us all, We can't drop the ball 
People in power please make this your finest hour
I know it’s going to take s’more time to get our world back 
But I’ve learned that hope and love spread faster than any virus attack

In this together, Sharks forever!
Carter Bennett (3M)

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Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator shares his creative process. Fun STAR WARS material! May the 4th be with you!

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Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator shares his creative process. Fun STAR WARS material! May the 4th be with you!

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New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka [𝙲𝚛𝚘𝚠-𝚜𝚊𝚞𝚌𝚎-𝚔𝚊𝚑] gives readers a look at his creative process and offers writing and drawing tutorials. JJK has published 45 books, including his wildly popular LUNCH LADY graphic novels, select volumes of the STAR WARS…

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Audible Stories Free!

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Free stories for kids of all ages. Audible Stories is a free website where kids of all ages can listen to hundreds of Audible audio titles across six different languages-English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese-for free, so they can keep learning, dreaming and just being kids.

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Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

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Jerry Pallotta  Bird Alphabet Book Read-Aloud!

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Jerry Pallotta  Bird Alphabet Book Read-Aloud!

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Read Along With Me: "The Bird Alphabet Book" | Jerry Pallotta

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Storytime With Todd 🐶 Pete 🐶 Tater Tot 🐶 Jer Jer

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I Survived author Lauren Tarshis Read-Alouds!

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Selected videos supporting New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis, for her "I Survived," series. Each of these historical fiction books focuses on ...

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65 Graphic Novels for Kids Starring Mighty Girls!

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65 Graphic Novels for Kids Starring Mighty Girls!

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A Mighty Girl's top picks of girl-empowering graphic novels for children!

While many people think of graphic novels as "just comic books", the truth is that a good graphic novel doesn't simplify a story: instead, it amplifies it, drawing out details and adding emotional weight. For young or reluctant readers, in particular, a graphic novel format makes it easier to understand more complex stories. In fact, we'd argue that high-quality graphic novels are a key part of any library!

With the growing popularity of this literary form, there's been a tremendous increase in the number of graphic novels published in recent years, including ones for children. To help you discover the best girl-empowering titles, we've showcased 65 of our favorite Mighty Girl graphic novels in this blog post. Many of these titles are fantasy driven, while others are grounded in real-life - but no matter the theme, all of the graphic novels featured tell the stories of smart, confident, and courageous Mighty Girls!

For girl-empowering graphic novels for teen and adult readers, check out our blog post, Expanding the Story: Mighty Girl Graphic Novels for Teens. You can also browse our entire collection of over 150 graphic novels for all ages starring girls and women in our special feature on the Top Graphic Novels Starring Mighty Girls.

Mighty Girl Graphic Novels

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65 Graphic Novels for Kids Starring Mighty Girls

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A Mighty Girl's top picks of girl-empowering graphic novels for children! While many people think of graphic novels as "just comic books", the truth is that a good graphic novel doesn't simplify a story: instead, it amplifies it, drawing out details and adding emotional weight.

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TIME for Kids nurtures today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders with authentic news and the critical-thinking skills that shape active global citizens.

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Kids Ask Authors is a podcast where kids can ask the authors of their favorite books a question.

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Kids Ask Authors is a podcast where kids can ask the authors of their favorite books a question. Every week, children's book author and illustrator Grace Lin and a guest author answer one question from a child reader-helping kids on their own creative journey!

Kids Ask Authors is a podcast where kids can ask the authors of their favorite books a question. Every week, children's book author and illustrator Grace Lin and a guest author answer one question from a child reader-helping kids on their own creative journey!

How do you get your brain ready to write?

How do you get your brain ready to write?

Authors Leslie Connor and Grace Lin answer the question, "How do you get your brain ready to write?" and kid listener Lea reviews "Charlotte Web" by EB White.

Sounds amazing!

Sounds great for book fans! Hopefully they do R.L stine!

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‎Kids Ask Authors podcast on Apple Podcasts

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‎Kids Ask Authors is a podcast where kids can ask the authors of their favorite books a question. Every week, children's book author and illustrator Grace Lin and a guest author answer one question from a child reader-helping kids on their own creative journey!

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33 National Parks Tours you can take virtually!

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33 National Parks Tours you can take virtually!

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Here's 33 National Park Tours You Can Take Virtually From The Comfort Of Your Home

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As we are all stuck at home, it's hard figuring out how we will keep the kids entertained. Well, say no more! I've gathered 33 National Park Tours you can virtually. Yes, that means you

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Great selection of read-alouds, including Childrens' Classics

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With these uncertain times, we are introducing Lesson Plans that include educational tools to help you learn while you're at home. Each lesson plan will consist of critical thinking questions, chapter recap quizzes, puzzles and more. Our goal is to help you continue to learn during these tough times. Great for Homeschooling Parents and Teachers.

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With these uncertain times, we are introducing Lesson Plans that include educational tools to help you learn while you're at home. Each lesson plan will consist of critical thinking questions, chapter recap quizzes, puzzles and more. Our goal is to help you continue to learn during these tough times.

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from weareteachers

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Podcasts are a terrific way to learn something new, whether you're at home, in the car, or in the classroom. They cover a wide variety of topics, so there's something to interest pretty much everyone. These podcasts for kids and teens are sure to engage young listeners and start interesting conversations. Plus, we've suggested enrichment activities to go along with each one!

Disclaimer: We've divided the list by grade level because some might be more intense or cover more mature topics than is appropriate for younger students. You are the best judge for your own kids or students, though, so we recommend vetting all material before sharing.

Best Podcasts for Kids in Elementary School

Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into music-rich radio plays for kids. Each episode explores universal themes like friendship, persistence, creativity, and generosity, and ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups. This is one of those podcasts for kids that appeals to adults too!

Activity to try: Print the free coloring page that goes along with each episode and let kids use their crayons or markers while they listen.

Life on Earth can be awfully strange, don't you think? The folks at Radiolab, creators of popular podcasts for adults and teens, produce this special series just for kids. Each episode has accompanying "shovels," which are activities to help kids dig deeper. This one is perfect for the classroom.

Activity to try: The drawing prompts for each episode are really unique. Have kids complete them, then display them on a bulletin board or slideshow for others to see.

These original audio stories are filled with whimsy and wonder for young listeners and their families.

Activity to try: Let kids write, illustrate, and make a recording of their own original story.

Kids have all kinds of curious questions-it's one of the things we love most about them! This production, from Vermont Public Radio, tackles such topics as Why Do People Have Nightmares?, Do Animals Get Married?, and Why Do Lions Roar?

Activity to try: Have kids start a log, using a special notepad, of all the crazy questions they can think of. They should take the notebook with them everywhere they go.

In an era of fake news, kids need to be able to determine what's true and what's false. And what better way to do that than a game show that puts kids in the driver's seat, adults on the hot seat, and a sound-effects robot strapped to the roof? Each week, a kid interviews two experts on a particular topic, one of whom is a genuine, credentialed expert, the other a liar. Hilarious and fast-paced, the show teaches kids to ask insightful questions, weigh the evidence before them, and trust their gut.

Activity to try: Play an in-class or at-home version of Two Truths and a Lie to polish truth-telling skills.

There's a whole lot going on in the world these days, and not all of the news is kid-friendly. KidNuz informs in a way that explains but doesn't overload kids. Their mission statement says it all: "To engage the next generation with news that will inform without fear and educate without opinion."

Activity to try: Pick an issue and do a "deep dive." Specifically, look for the upside of a situation-people helping people, people bonding together, etc.

A fun-filled podcast for kids all about ethical questions that get kids and adults thinking. "Do you have to love your sibling?" "Are some lies actually OK?" "Is it ever OK to fight back against a bully?"

Activity to try: Have your students write down questions to which they don't know the answers and discuss them (after vetting them, of course).

If you're looking for science podcasts for kids, this one tells stories about science discoveries with help from actual scientists. They explore things like why cats always seem to land on their feet and what a journey to the center of the earth would look like.

Activity to try: Discuss the topic of any given episode as a class, opening it up to questions and encouraging further research.

Follow the ongoing battle between Dr. Floyd and the evil mastermind Dr. Steve (along with his sock-shaped assistant, Fidgert). During all their fighting, Dr. Floyd learns about history. With more than 400 episodes, there are plenty to choose from.

Activity to try: Have students write their own episodes, including a historical event that they love or that you have covered in class.

"Brains On!" features science and kids. The host and her kid co-host talk with food scientists and snake handlers, put on plays, write songs, and so much more. It's a science lesson for your ears!

Activity to try: Listen to the episode " Books: How they're made and how your brain reads them." Afterward, have a discussion with your class about the many ways that reading is great for them.

This is an online treasure trove of free audio stories. You can listen to a mixture of original stories, fairy tales, and specially adapted myths and histories. Storynory has published an episode every week since 2005, so there is plenty to love and something for everyone.

Activity to try: Have students write an original short story and then present it to the class.

In search of podcasts for curious kids? Every two weeks, the creative host of this podcast takes questions from kids and spins them into an entertaining tale. Check out What If Clouds Were Made of Cotton Candy? or What If Magic Didn't Exist?

Activity to try: Make a top-10 list of your own What-Ifs. Write a story, create a comic strip, or make a drawing to go with your favorites.

In a distant future that's either really bad or really good (depending on whose side you're on), two strange and unlikely champions embark on a series of adventures to stop a wicked A.I., and in the process must struggle to understand "old-fashioned" ideas like "kindness" and "just hanging out not doing much."

Activity to try: Start a discussion on how devices such as smartphones impact students' interactions with the people around them. Discuss the pros and cons of technology and the things we can do to be more connected with each other.

James Hawkins helps his mom run a motel in modern-day Montauk, Long Island. When a mysterious man washes up on the beach with a treasure map tattooed on his chest, James discovers that Billy Bones is, in fact, a time-traveling pirate from the 18th century. James and his new friends, Morgan and Max, follow the map right into a magical portal that leads them back nearly 300 years and into a swashbuckling adventure.

Activity to try: Have students write the story of what they would do if they discovered someone was a time-traveler. Would they want to enter the portal and go back in time?

In the spirit of Mayan folklore, an 11-year-old Belizean girl accidentally invokes an evil spirit that threatens to consume the rain forest. She goes on a thrilling journey to save her home and her people.

Activity to try: Ask students to write their own story of what they would do to protect their home. Do they see any similarities to the environmental problems we face today?

Finn Caspian is an 8-year-old boy aboard the Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. He and his friends Abigail, Elias, and Vale are Explorers Troop 301, taking off from the Marlowe to explore uncharted planets, help the occasional alien, and solve a mystery that threatens to destroy their space station.

Activity to try: Have students create their own illustrations of Finn's adventures. Would they want to be among his explorer friends?

Best Podcasts for Kids in Middle School

Tai has been uncovering the mysteries of the universe in this podcast since he was 11. Four years in, he's tackling topics like how to fix recycling, why math is so hard to love, and other subjects tweens can relate to.

Activity to try: Before listening to a podcast, pose the title question to students and ask them to think, write, or discuss their initial responses. After listening, see how their opinions stack up to Tai's findings.

Though this podcast focuses mainly on Australian girls and women, their stories are meaningful around the world. Learn about athletes, scientists, adventurers, and more.

Activities to try: Challenge students to try to find girls or women in their own lives who have had similar experiences to the ones featured in this podcast.

Listen as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots, outwits crafty villains, and goes after the Big Story. Eleanor's pursuit of truth takes her into orbit, out to sea, and even to the halls of Congress! Her adventures are entertaining and informative.

Activity to try: Have a discussion about Eleanor and her values, especially the importance of access to information, being inclusive to different points of view, and telling the truth. Then have your students write about what their values are.

If you're looking for podcasts for kids who are into hip-hop, this one for tweens might be just their speed. Episodes follow the main character, Antoine, a boy who is bullied and finds a magical book that transports him to another world.

Activity to try: Have students create an illustrated version of the story as they follow along with the podcast.

Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about all things space: stars, planets, humans in space, and so much more. He also interviews a lot of amazing people, from astronaut Buzz Aldrin to actress Olivia Munn to former president Jimmy Carter.

Activity to try: Have students research the science topic covered in a given episode, learning more about the topic and sharing their findings.

Explore all of the oddities of the English language! Filled with good humor and levity, this podcast will help students explore the roots of words and phrases that we use every day.

Activity to try: Have students write their own grammatical or linguistic jokes, using these as starter examples.

Looking for history podcasts for kids? This title speaks for itself. Learn about people and events that are often overlooked in a typical history class.

Activity to try: Choose a popular unit of historical study, like the Civil War or Great Depression, then have students research the little-told stories related to it. They could even write a readers theater based on their findings.

Listenwise is an award-winning listening-skills platform, searchable by topic area or school subject. It advances classroom learning by providing additional content and building listening skills. There is also a focus on current events that helps keep the learning tied to the real world.

Activity to try: Each episode comes equipped with teaching resources, so pick the topic that is best for your class and get listening.

Humans are a curious lot as this podcast attests to in its mission statement: "True stories of inspiration, humor, and the incredible achievements of all types of people, many of which are sadly under-shared."

Activity to try: Have your students reach out to relatives, friends, or neighbors and ask them to share stories from their past.

This thought-provoking podcast tells the origin story of middle schoolers Marcus Aronson and Mondo Ramirez, also known as Cupid and the Grim Reaper. Can these two mismatched heroes overcome their differences and learn to harness the powers of life, death, and love?

Activity to try: Start a conversation about what it would be like to be a teen with superpowers. Discuss the perspectives of the main characters. How would students feel if they were 13 years old and found out they are Cupid or the Grim Reaper?

Best Podcasts for Kids in High School

Help students connect with this centuries-old play using this new bilingual podcast version. It's ideal for schools where Spanish is just as prevalent as (or even more common than) English.

Activity to try: Ask students to select a passage from the original play and translate it into another language. Rather than insisting on word-for-word translation, encourage them to rewrite the passage in a way that captures the rhythm and emotion of the original.

Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling podcast produced entirely by youths who are almost adults.

Activity to try: Have your students select a topic in the news today and write their own podcast that shares their take on the news.

A podcast created by the co-author of Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics, Stephen Dubner, invites listeners to explore the hidden sides of everything. And given his almost 300 episodes on topics ranging from Millionaires vs. Billionaires to How To Win a Nobel Prize, he is well on his way to talking about everything.

Activity to try: Have students pick an episode and find how it affects their everyday lives. These can be written or presented to the class, allowing for discussion and questions.

Tune in to the community radio of this desert town for the news on local weather, the mysterious lights overhead, announcements from the Sheriff's Secret Police, a dog park that prohibits dogs, and dark-hooded figures with unknowable powers.

Activity to try: Challenge students with this prompt: You have been hired by Night Vale Community Radio to write a segment. It could be a continuation of a segment that already exists, like The Children's Fun Fact Science Corner or Community Calendar, or a report of a strange happening in the town, told in Cecil-fashion. These could be performed in front of the class, written, or put in podcast form.

This podcast brings you the "ins and outs of everyday things," from the "Pledge of Allegiance" to Mexican jumping beans to "Your Limb Is Torn Off (obviously for teens and older!).

Activity to try: Ask each student to give a short presentation on something they think all their classmates should know about-whatever they find fascinating!

Sarah Koenig tells one story week by week. The first season covers the true story of Adnan Syed, convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore. The problem: Adnan cannot remember what he was doing the day of the murder. And as if that wasn't bad enough, there's someone claiming that he helped Adnan hide the body.

Activity to try: Have students find a famous crime in history and write a dialogue between themselves and the accused, having the accused tell their side of the story. These projects can be handed in, performed in front of the class, or put into podcast format.

Radiolab is a show about curiosity where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.

Activity to try: Listen to the episode Sight Unseen about a soldier's last moments and the photographer who captured them. Divide the class in half, and have them prepare and then conduct a debate on whether or not the photographer has the right to publish the photos.

Stories of people who've done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Phoebe Judge explores topics from owls killing people to how to fake your death to the life of a police dog.

Activity to try: Have students pick an episode that interests them and do more in-depth research on the topic, presenting their findings to the class.

Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and The Tipping Point, looks back through the overlooked and misunderstood in history, reexamining the past and asking whether we got it right the first time.

Activity to try: Listen to the three-part series on college (season one, episodes 4-6), and have a class discussion. Trust me, there will be plenty to talk about.

Each episode of This American Life centers around a theme. Most are journalistic at the core, but some are comedic. This podcast is hard to generalize, especially after over 600 episodes. But the number of episodes and the podcast's massive popularity should speak for themselves.

Activity to try: Have students take a theme from an episode and write their own report or story surrounding that theme.

99% Invisible is a narrative podcast hosted by Roman Mars about all the thought that goes into the things we don't think about-the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.

Activity to try: Ask students to pay closer attention to the buildings and infrastructure in their town or city. Have them make a list of things they had never noticed before.

Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday shares news about science, technology, and other cool stuff. Host Ira Flatow mixes it up by featuring people in the know and those who want to be. The podcast frequently features listeners that call in with their most riveting science questions. if you're looking for science podcasts for kids in high school, this is a winner.

Activity to try: Choose from a wide range of topics such as Racism and Mental Health, Privacy and Big Data, and Structure of Conspiracy Theories, and spark a discussion.

Will and Mango have lots of questions. Will we ever live without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting humans? Where are the sunniest tax havens to hide your money? Join these Part-Time Geniuses as they dive into ridiculous topics and discover some pretty smart stuff along the way.

Activity to try: Ask students to come up with an interesting question. Then, once their topic is approved, have them share the answer with their classmates.

This highly acclaimed podcast delivers honest and unfiltered conversations with celebrities, activists, athletes, and influencers focusing on real-life issues-from mental health and political activism to pop culture and more.

Activity to try: At 18, Sammy Jaye became the youngest person to host her own podcast on iHeartRadio. Have students write a short paper on whether they'd want to have their own podcast while reflecting on the challenges they might face.

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40 Best Podcasts for Kids in Elementary, Middle, and High School

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Podcasts are a terrific way to learn something new, whether you're at home, in the car, or in the classroom. They cover a wide variety of topics, so there's something to interest pretty much everyone. These podcasts for kids and teens are sure to engage young listeners and start interesting conversations.

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Watch The Who Was? Show on Netflix. It's a sketch comedy show based on the book series!

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List of Author Read-Alouds and Teacher Guides!

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List of Author Read-Alouds and Teacher Guides!

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With kids at home and parents looking for educational activities, many of our favorite authors are offering online read-alouds and activities on social media. We've rounded up over 50 of the best virtual author activities below!

Read-Alouds for Elementary School Kids

These authors are offering read-alouds of their books and books by their favorite authors.

The author will be doing read-alouds on Instagram Live of her book Mae Among the Stars.

Reading one of her books each day on Facebook!

The author will be reading a book a day on Instagram Live. It does not appear that he will be adding the videos to his website at this time.

She is hosting DRAW ME MORE: a Read-Along/ Draw-Along activity on her website. She's already shared an 11 chapter, chapter book (reading level grades 2-4) called MASON & THE MEGA-NAUTS.

Author and illustrator of It Came in the Mail; Rot, the Cutest in the World; and upcoming Rot, the Bravest in the World. He has scheduled two read-aloud sessions on Facebook. March 18 (2 PM EST) and March 20 (5 PM EST).

Julia Cook, bestselling children's author, will be doing Monday and Friday readings on Facebook Live at 9:00 AM CST!

He is the grandson of famed sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, and a third-generation ocean explorer and filmmaker. He is the author of the Fabien Cousteau Expeditions, a series of graphic adventure novels for kids, the latest of which is JOURNEY UNDER THE ARCTIC. He will be doing a live Shark Story Time reading on March 23rd at 3:00 PM and will have a live Q&A on March 24th at 10:00 AM.

The author reads various Pete the Cat books daily at 12 PM EDT

Enjoy a reading of Falatko's book, Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), by Stranger Things actor, David Harbour. This read-aloud comes with a teacher's guide.

Oprah Winfrey reads Godin's book, The Hula-Hoopin' Queen, which is accompanied by a handy teacher's guide.

The author has added a collection of videos of herself reading from her picture books on Instagram. You may also learn more about her books on her website.

Reads 3 chapters from "Miss Blake is a Flake" each day at 2:00 PM EDT, but you can also view archives!

Bruce has posted a series of writing tips videos on this page of his website and a read-aloud of my book, BIG BAD BABY, on YouTube, with more to come.

The author will be reading one book every day on Instagram Live. Can't make it? He'll also be posting the videos to his website.

Award-winning author and illustrator, Susan is reading books aloud on her YouTube channel. This one is the first chapter of her new book, THE STORY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG.

Live every day at noon EDT on Instagram Live. Her stories stay up each day for 24 hours.

Activities and videos from the New York Times bestselling author of How I Became a Pirate and other amazing books.

Upcoming author Brittany Thurman reads aloud Medina's book, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy.

A former classroom teacher, Messner has written more than three dozen books for kids. She's put together a library of distance learning resources for students, families, teachers, and librarians.

Author, illustrator, and founder of FableVision. Find Peter's weekday read-aloud events on Facebook at noon EDT, Monday through Friday.

Young kids will enjoy this great read-aloud of Where Are My Books? The author also provides a teacher's guide, drawing demos and shares a crowd-sourced music video based on the book.

Author chat for families stuck at home during closed schools and for young writers and adults of all ages interested in fiction and how authors write books.

Follow the story of A Bad Case of Stripes as read by Lord of the Rings actor, Sean Astin. Then, work through the helpful teacher's guide.

Learn the story of The House That Jane Built as read by The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina actress, Kiernan Shipka. You may access activity guides for teachers or for parents.

She is reading a chapter a day from her book Henry and the Chalk Dragon on Facebook live!

Virtual Author Activities for Middle School

Read-alouds and reading activities from favorite authors.

The author has put together reading activities around his Cogheart Adventures. He's even created Q&A videos on YouTube.

Sarah is adding readings, mini-lessons, and prompts to her page! Follow along and get inspired to get reading and writing.

Find Daily live drawing sessions on Facebook! Tony DiTerlizzi is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has been creating books for twenty years. He created The Spiderwick Chronicles with Holly Black, which has sold millions of copies around the world. His highly anticipated sequel to Kenny and the Dragon, KENNY & THE BOOK OF BEASTS, releases this fall.

Listen to a read-aloud of Henderson's The Magic in Changing Your Stars and then work through the writing challenge (with hints!) listed on author Kate Messner's site: Who is Ailey Benjamin Lane named after?

This official PDF teaching guide is a great learning resource for your middle schooler to think about and discuss the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series!

Watch Knowles read the first chapter of her middle grade novel, Where the Heart Is, while giving students a fun writing exercise. She's also created guides for teachers and book groups on her website.

Author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, Krosoczka will be hosting a daily drawing webcast on YouTube at 2 PM EDT. You can also find videos on his website. Be sure to also check out his National Book Award Finalist, Hey Kiddo.

The author behind Enginerds has created some cool worksheets that will be updated every few days to keep kids entertained and engaged. These activities may be a good addition to your distance learning resources.

The author and illustrator has taken to YouTube to provide a glimpse into Chinese culture and a guide for drawing Chinese dragons.

Author of O ne for the Murphys, Fish in a Tree, and Shouting at the Rain, she has put together several videos for readers and teachers online.

He is reading a chapter a day from Book 1 of the Wingfeather Saga, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

You may have to change the season or specific circumstances, but this collection of writing prompts is a great way to help your student build literacy skills, while giving them a chance to express themselves.

What better series for middle schoolers than the famous Harry Potter books? You probably loved them, and now you have the chance to introduce your children into the Wizarding World. Use this handy discussion guide that covers the first four books to bring an academic approach to your own little wizards' education.

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Arc of a Scythe series. "With so many people working and learning from home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to give you all something special. Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing some readings from my short story collections: MINDQUAKES and MINDSTORMS." Available on Youtube.

The nonfiction science book author has created engaging video mini-lessons including a similes worksheet, researching skills, and more.

Mo Willems invites you into his studio every day for his lunch doodle! Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together while he chats about his characters Pigeon, Piggie, and Elephant.

Virtual Author Activities for High School & Young Adults

Even more resources for tweens and teens.

The author of The Jumbies series has created videos of mini-lessons on comparative mythology and has added valuable distance learning resources, including downloadables for teachers and parents, to her website.

Due to public health concerns, these YA authors sadly had to cancel all in-person events for the release of BETWEEN BURNING WORLDS in March, and are connecting with readers through a virtual book tour.

Emily Dickenson

High school students may have discovered the timeless magic of Emily Dickinson. This teaching guide includes multimedia and discussion questions for The Essential Emily Dickinson collection.

Fans of the author of The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns? Here's a link to some discussion questions surrounding his works. Green has also co-created Crash Course, a website that provides high-quality educational videos for high school and college-level classes. Students, parents, and teachers alike could be entertained for hours without ever leaving the site!

Looking for writing prompts? This author has put together a list of prompts to get students thinking outside of the box.

To go along with his collection of youth novels, Hobbs has created resources and activities for teachers and librarians.

Check out the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Learning Guide for Silver Sparrow by this NEA creative writing fellow.

Want to learn more about writing an etheree (a ten-line poem in which writers add an additional syllable with each line)? Scanlon has a video lesson all about them!

Ready to work on some poetry? It can be tough to know where to start, but Sidman has created a poem starters for teachers and students, and even has categories for Younger Writers or Older Writers.

Students or kids reading Thomas' The Hate U Give? You'll find some good distance learning resources for discussion questions and projects on this website.
Looking for more? We have over 130 online resources for learning at home here!

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The Big List of Children's Authors Doing Online Read Alouds & Activities

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With kids at home and parents looking for educational activities, many of our favorite authors are offering online read-alouds and activities on social media. We've rounded up over 50 of the best virtual author activities below! These authors are offering read-alouds of their books and books by their favorite authors.

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Magic Tree House Series Read-Alouds and Activities!

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Magic Tree House Series Read-Alouds and Activities!

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Jack and Annie fans, check this out!

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Create a SUMMER SAFARI Adventure from Home with Jack and Annie!

The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie away on a NEW adventure this summer, and you get to come along! This week, learn about animals, explore faraway lands, and experience cultures from around the world with Jack and Annie on your own SUMMER SAFARI! Your adventure starts today-right from HOME!

Settle in for fun storytime videos from Mary Pope Osborne, download safari-themed activities, craft ideas, and recipes, play trivia games, participate in reading challenges, and more!
Join us on safari ALL WEEK, beginning August 3!
Are you up for the challenge? Complete the Summer Safari reading challenge to download an exclusive prize!

Are you ready for adventure? Read and explore with Jack and Annie!

Featured Books

Do you want to learn more? Check out these companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers!

Featured Fact Trackers

DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS TO GET STARTED!

READ ALONG WITH MARY POPE OSBORNE

Mary is your summer safari guide on this week's Home Adventure as she reads from Jack and Annie's newest adventure, Late Lunch with Llamas! Watch the video below, and read along with Mary Pope Osborne!

Continue to explore South America with Mary as she reads from Afternoon on the Amazon. You can view the storytime video below!

LISTEN ALONG WITH LISTENING LIBRARY

DOWNLOAD ADDITIONAL SERIES RESOURCES

ASK THE AUTHOR

Watch below as Mary answers a few of your frequently asked questions!

We hope you enjoyed adventuring with Jack & Annie! With a parent's help, use this form to tell us a bit more about your experience.

To give back to teachers. Mary Pope Osborne created the Classroom Adventures Program, which provides free downloadable resources including lesson plans for every book and nonfiction Fact Tracker in the series. Please click here to find even more educational resources for this week's Home Adventures books and Fact Trackers!

Did you miss a week of Home Adventures? Check out the Home Adventures Archive for past adventures!

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Create a SUMMER SAFARI Adventure from Home with Jack and Annie! The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie away on a NEW adventure this summer, and you get to come along! This week, learn about animals, explore faraway lands, and experience cultures from around the world with Jack and Annie on your own SUMMER SAFARI!