BookBreak

Far below the oceans surface live tiny, restless creatures called zooplankton. They are the ocean’s heart. 🩵

The Ocean’s Heart written by Jilanne Hoffman and illustrated by Khoa Le explores the largest migration of animals on earth…Zooplankton! They are so small that we may never see them but the entire food web depends on their survival. Check out the link in bio for a glimpse into this book! 🌊🪼🐚🐠

“Someone might tell you the thing you love is garbage. You can believe them… or you can prove them wrong.” 👀📚

During our BookBreak conversation, Adam Gidwitz shared a powerful reminder for young readers and creators: don’t let someone else decide what your passion is worth.

We recommend option two, too. 💥

Want to bring inspiring author conversations like this to your students? Visit bookbreaks.org to explore everything BookBreak has to offer schools and districts. And while you’re there, book a demo! https://bit.ly/4a1p9UY

Why is doing the right thing sometimes so hard… even when we know what the right thing is? 📚

In this clip, Torrey Maldonado, author of Tight, shares a powerful reminder about the difference between what our head knows and what our heart feels, especially in moments shaped by peer pressure, emotion, and fear.

It’s the kind of author insight that helps students connect more deeply to a story and reflect on their own choices, relationships, and experiences.

Want more moments like this? Head to our author clips site to explore more clips from Torrey Maldonado and other amazing BookBreak authors: https://bit.ly/4xAIsia

And if you want to bring author experiences like this to your school, book a demo to learn more: https://bit.ly/4gmFbfX

Calling all thespians and book lovers! Casting April is OUT NOW! 🎭

Casting April by Wendy Lu tells the story of sixth grader, April Xue, who lives and breathes all things Broadway. When she builds up the courage to audition for the lead role in the school play, she thinks she’s knocked it out of the park — until she finds out that she’s been assigned to the stage crew. April is devastated—it seems like the curtain is closing on her dream of being an actor.

A day later, April overhears that the theater director, Ms. Rooney, decided not to cast her because she’s disabled. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, April learns to confront her own insecurities as a performer and proves to everyone (including Ms. Rooney) that she deserves a fair shot — all in time for opening night.

We chatted with Wendy to learn more about how her own experiences inspired this story and heard her read from the beginning of the book; check it out now with the link in bio!

Do you have a favorite musical? 🎼🎤

Summer reading doesn’t have to feel like homework. ☀️📚

A few small reading habits can make a big difference in helping students stay connected to literacy during the summer months. From audiobooks in the car to graphic novels by the pool and magazines under a favorite tree, every reading moment counts.

Check out our blog where we’re sharing simple, realistic strategies educators and families can use to help prevent the summer slide while continuing to build a joyful culture of reading.

📕Choice reading
📕Library visits
📕Real-world literacy connections
📕Reading motivation tips
📕Easy ideas families can actually use

Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/3Spra7c

After leaving Earth, Rostam Zamini had just gotten used to life on Enceladus—one of Saturn’s many moons—only to once again have to move when one of his moms gets a fancy new job on dusty and dull Pars-1.

Rostam had worked hard and managed to make friends on Enceladus, but none of the Pars-1 kids seem to be impressed with Rostam’s big-city background. In desperate need of some space cred, Rostam makes a deal with Zahhak—a centuries-old demon prince—for popularity in exchange for the golden mace described in The Persian Book of Kings.

But when Rostam hands the mace over, he unknowingly plunges the planet into darkness by accidentally killing their ancient sun, a red giant. Now he must right his wrongs and save his new home before it’s too late.

We chatted with about her new middle grade book, ROSTAM WRECKS THE REALM and learned a little more about this Persian Book of Kings retelling and you can check it out with the link in bio!

✨🧑🏾‍🚀🪐🏳️‍🌈💥🐉