Our Projects

Welcome! The grade levels and ages listed here are estimates, simply meant to guide you. You know your kids and students best—every reader grows at their own pace. Many books are wonderfully universal and work well across multiple age groups, and some titles remain a perfect fit for readers who may still be developing their skills, especially with a bit of guidance or support. And remember: nonfiction picture books can be powerful tools at any age—even in high school—as supplements, mentor texts, or just great stories worth encountering. Thank you for sharing books with young people, embracing beautifully diverse stories, and keeping the magic of reading alive.

Feel free to use and share any of the educator materials provided here—just kindly credit Room 228, and please note that none of our resources are permitted for resale. Read away!

Educator Guide for My Selma by Willie Mae Brown

In her memoir, Brown immerses her readers in the fear and uncertainties that the southern Black community experienced regularly in Selma, Alabama in the mid-1960s. Despite these many abuses, her memories of Selma are beautiful and filled with joy, love, and admiration for the people, for the locales she frequented, and for her family and home. In this educator guide, students will explore contextual vocabulary, the power of primary sources, and unique writing choices. Brown’s story teaches young readers today of the past, with the hope of changing the world of the future.

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Marcus Makes It Big by Kevin Hart

You better hold onto your socks because this book is about to knock them right off! Students are sure to love Marcus Makes It Big’s texts, emojis and realistic, REAL-LIFE conflicts. The activities in this guide give students a chance to dive deep into some big feelings, as well as get creative and cultivate a classroom community. Students will be reading, writing, analyzing, creating, and laughing the whole way. Happy reading!

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Educator Guide for Katherine Marsh’s The Lost Year

Thirteen-year-old Matthew is faced with the challenges of a worldwide pandemic. And he is home all. the. time., which sets in motion a journey through the past with his great-grandmother. What he learns exceeds any lesson he could have acquired in a classroom. Matthew is tasked with helping his hundred-year-old great-grandmother GG rummage through boxes of her packed away belongings. What begins as an annoying undertaking ends up as a twisty, turny, unimaginable, emotional journey through history. This educator guide helps teachers prepare their students for a deep dive into history by highlighting relevant historical and 21st century terminology, sharing resources to facilitate discussion, and offering activities that explore global and enduring themes.

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Educator Guide for Some Kind of Hate by Sarah Darer Littman

Declan Taylor is riding high. His pitching helped the baseball team win state, and the future looks bright. But when an accident puts the future he imagined for himself in doubt, he finds himself heading down a rabbit hole that will change his life—and the lives of everyone around him—forever. This educator guide asks students to explore difficult and sometimes painful topics. This guide serves as a reflection tool to help them process, critically analyze, and understand the world around them. The guide empowers students to dive deep into language and universal themes, vibrant stories, and characters who are just as confused, flawed, and interesting as any real-life friend.

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Author’s Guide: Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson’s mastery of examining sophisticated topics through age-appropriate story-telling is inspiring. This author study guides educators through many of Woodson’s chosen techniques so students can analyze, evaluate and practice them in their own reading and writing.

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