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!

Teacher’s Guide: Most Dangerous – Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Who is Daniel Ellsberg? Take your students on a gripping ride as they discover the actions of a man labeled by some as one of the “most dangerous” men in America. Explore different points of view, primary sources from the Vietnam War era, and behind the scenes of government decision-making. A patriot or a traitor? Ask your students!

Download

Teacher’s Guide: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Another inspiring book by Phillip Hoose shows how young people can absolutely make a difference in the world, even in war. Through this true story of heroism and through activities in this guide, students can explore how words hold power and how actions can be courageous – at any age.

Download

Educator Guide for Odin’s Ravens by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr (Little Brown, 2014)

This adventure novel lends itself to classroom activities that get your students moving! Dramatize particular scenes that highlight conflicts and characters’ motivations. Go behind the writing curtain and close-read passages to better understand the author’s chosen craft. Action is bursting from the pages in this book and there are so many ways to grab on for an exciting ride!

Download

Teacher’s Guide: Dark Water by Laura McNeal

DARK WATER by Laura McNeal, a National Book Award nominee in 2010, is an exquisitely written coming of age novel for young adults. It is the story of fifteen year old Pearl Dewitt’s forbidden and tragic romance with Amiel, who is fascinating and talented and working as an undocumented migrant worker on her uncle’s farm.

We loved discovering all the teachable moments in this poignant novel. It gracefully humanizes the issue of undocumented immigration in the United States through likeable and fully realized characters who represent a variety of views.

Download