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 Ady and Me by Rich and Rox Pink and Illustrated by Sara Rhys

This beautifully written, accessible story and accompanying guide, celebrate neurodiversity and teach us that ADHD is something to be proud of and to support through compassion. Weaving in social emotional awareness, empathy, self-control, confidence, and acceptance, this whimsical collaboration is ideal for classrooms, families, libraries, and medical settings for developmental ages Pre-K through 3rd grade. This delightful book and guide, that incorporates writing and art, are sure to help children, their caretakers, and friends see the many benefits of ADHD as they follow Sophie and her invisible friend, “Ady”, through a particularly challenging school day, that ultimately culminates in acceptance.

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Educator Guide for Sara Weiss’ The Totally Awesome World of Caitlin Clark

Sara Weiss’ middle grade biography The Totally Awesome World of Caitlin Clark dives deep into Clark’s basketball journey and the history of the WNBA with high-action photographs and historical and factual blurbs. Weis doesn’t shy away from sometimes overlooked topics, including the challenges in women’s sports and the role race plays in sports, the media, and society. Whether you’re a basketball fanatic or you’ve never set foot on a court, this book and educator guide offer something for all. Readers will be celebrating hard work and the magic of a childhood dream! The educator guide has young people exploring elements of nonfiction texts, setting goals, and connecting the exciting world of basketball to the wonderful world of math.

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Educator Guide for Dear Black Boy written by Martellus Bennett and reimagined by MR. TOMONOSHi!

Dear Black Boy is fitting for every classroom community wishing to build camaraderie amongst classmates and a culture of setting and reaching goals. The author’s dream is freedom for all. The journey may look different for everyone, but hard work is the one thing we all have in common. Dear Black Boy is a beautifully illustrated picture book and highly relevant for both younger and upper elementary students. Educators can adapt the questions, activities, and standards to match their students’ ages and abilities.

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Picture Book Educator Guide | Building a Beak by Becca McMurdie

In the wild, Grecia the toucan loved to soar from branch to branch and sing for all the creatures of the rainforest. Until, one night, loud voices echoed through the trees, sticks and rocks flew, and Grecia fell from her favorite avocado tree, tragically breaking her beak. While witnessing Grecia’s determined spirit, readers will learn how this single plucky toucan became a symbol for the international wildlife protection movement and inspired real change in anti-animal cruelty law, saving countless animals from harm. Perfect for the young activist, engineer, or animal lover, Grecia’s triumphant true story will resonate with readers of all ages, showing how determination and teamwork can make an impact and create lasting change.

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Educator Guide for Astro and the Creepy New Kid | Picture Book by Claude Jones

Welcome to Planet Flurkal! Author Claude Jones’ Astro the Monster Kids in Leadership series is a collection of 4 picture books that teaches students the essential skills to become future leaders in the classroom and beyond. This comprehensive program provides educators with the tools and resources to break down difficult experiences into manageable parts, helping pre-K through grade 3 students develop the foundational skills needed to navigate interpersonal relationships and interactions in a whole new, holistic way through ELA, SEL, and STEM activities. Enjoy this free sample from the Kids in Leadership program that highlights one of the books in the series, Astro and the Creepy New Kid. To explore the program in its entirety, visit astrothemonster.com.

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