In honor of back-to-school season, we’re sharing this classic essay by Esme Raji Codell about the profound sense of promise a teacher can instill in a child. This piece was originally published in The Algonkian in 1999. Codell is the author of Educating Esme, one of our August Lucky 7 e-book titles. When I wasContinue reading

Notebooks, papers, pens — oh my! No matter how long it has been since we were in school, come August, the back-to-the-books thoughts creep into our minds. But we have a bevvy of bold and brainy e-books for this month’s Lucky 7 list. Each e-book is just $1.99 throughout August. Don’t play hooky from theseContinue reading

Last week, Algonquin author Esmé Raji Codell was featured on the Chicago television station WCIU,  where she showed off her wonderful Bookroom–PlanetEsme. Her mission? To educate and inspire future generations of book fanatics! Seriously, this woman is saving the world. Watch the video HERE. After taking the virtual tour of The Bookroom, I’m kind ofContinue reading

As promised, here’s a piece from Esmé Codell, author of Educating Esmé, praising the power of the picture book biography and giving some great ideas for celebrating one of her favorite American heroes, Johnny Appleseed. This is a cross-post from Esmé’s brilliant new blog for teachers; find more here. For additional children’s lit recommendations tuneContinue reading

If you haven’t read Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year, um, what are you waiting for? The book is spirited, funny, and endearing. But don’t just take my word for it! It’s been hailed as “the gold standard” of the first-person account (The New York Times), and declared “hilarious” by People, and aContinue reading