Making Phonics Fun!

Laugh and learn language arts with Phonics Fun! This new series uses silly, illustrated stories to introduce readers to phonics. Award-winning writer Brian P. Cleary (Words Are CATegorical®) and illustrator Jason Miskimins teamed up for this delightful series. Miskimins’ bright illustrations and Cleary’s electric text bring this series alive.

In the series American Slavery and the Fight for Freedom, new in January 2022 from the Read Woke™ Books collection, readers are shown the history of slavery and its lasting legacy in the United States. Like all Read Woke™ Books, this six-book series was created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. In this post, see examples of the ways primary sources are utilized in the books (including audio clips you can preview yourself). Plus, keep reading to learn about the Read Woke™ teaching guide, available now to all educators.

The use of primary sources is a major part of the American Slavery and the Fight for Freedom series. These sources highlight the experiences of enslaved people and the lives of Black people beyond the aftermath of the Civil War (1861–1865). In each book, readers will find two voices quotes. In the example below from Resistance to Slavery: From Escape to Everyday Rebellion, the quote expands on the information given in this text by allowing readers to see an enslaved person’s reflection of their time in slavery.

On January 20 we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Black History Month in February is just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for books to use in library displays, collecting book lists to share with readers, or looking for titles to complement curriculum, this comprehensive list contains many fantastic books for readers in grades PreK-12 you’ll want to consider.

It’s almost 2022, and we’re excited for readers to discover the many incredible books that will be released! Want a sneak peek at what’s coming? Check out video previews from our editors, get digital ARCs on NetGalley, and browse our new spring catalogs!

By Megan Ciskowski, Associate Publicist

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and we’d like to take a little time to reflect and celebrate all the incredible titles published in 2021. Continue reading to find a complete list of Lerner titles that received starred reviews or awards this year and then add them to your bookshelf!