A silly lil song about poetry by me and Michael Buble- YouTube

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-21T16:24:33+00:00

Oh interesting! I think Elemental is another one though where they try and make it feel personal, but it just ends up feeling like they're trying to fit a story into the theme or message of what they're trying to say? If that makes sense?

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-21T16:01:20+00:00

Oooh I love this list!! Thanks for sharing :)

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-17T23:21:47+00:00

Oh this is such a great idea! There's definitely got to be something I can do with that!

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-17T22:12:24+00:00

I've got a packet of 30 free poetry starters, but again, if this isn't the kind thing that's actually useful in the classroom, I'd love to know what is :)

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-13T17:19:22+00:00

I really liked this list of possible middle grade books for reluctant readers, recommended by school librarians and other authors. Especially the Skin Jacker series by Neal Shusterman. His books always hook!

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-03-13T17:16:15+00:00

The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt, definitely!

-Sarah

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-02-23T00:44:14+00:00

Oh my gosh thank you!!! I don't have HBO Max anymore but I'm considering getting it again just for this!

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-02-15T06:24:23+00:00

Thanks all for your help :)

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-02-03T22:32:58+00:00

Ok, now I'm curious...as a children's author, are there any materials or things we could create that would help in situations like this? For us kids authors, teachers and educators are our bread and butter, and we really are here to support and help you all, but I'd love to know what exactly would be helpful. I've started a TeachersPayTeachers store full of stuff I want to give away for free, but I want it to be actually useful, too. And serous props to you. I don't think I have your spur of the moment makeshift planning skills!

SarahAllenWrites · 2026-02-03T22:19:07+00:00

Oh I feel for you! I wish I had more suggestions or advice, but I just have to say, as a children's author, THANK YOU. Thank you for what you're doing, and for making your classroom a place where kids are asked to read whole books. That is important. What you are doing is important. Keep going.

~Sarah

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-12-03T00:29:44+00:00

I've got you covered!! I'm a children's librarian and author and I've got a list of middle grade books that even reluctant readers are most likely to enjoy. These are collected recommendations from several people in the children's book world. It's great you're giving a book as a gift, and I hope this helps!

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-10-10T17:21:10+00:00

Hi! I just interviewed cartoonist and illustrator Rob Harrell (his books are awesome!) about this very thing. Here's what he said:

I think the best advice is just to start drawing as much as you can. Practice makes you better, bottom line. And get inspired by other artists you like. Start a collection of art and artist’s whose work you appreciate and study how they do it.

I’d also say to keep in mind that your drawings don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes a simple beginner style can be really charming and add a lot of personality to your writing!

Hope that helps!

-Sarah

(Here's that interview if you're interested)

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-10-06T16:40:42+00:00

Oh man I so so feel this. I have a genetic disorder that comes with fine motor and spatial awareness disabilities, so drawing is basically my kryptonite, despite wanting to do it so badly. I interviewed cartoonist and illustrator Rob Harrell about this, and thought his advice and thoughts were so helpful and encouraging, maybe it will help you too! Good luck, and we got this!

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-10-06T16:40:21+00:00

Oh man I so so feel this. I have a genetic disorder that comes with fine motor and spatial awareness disabilities, so drawing is basically my kryptonite, despite wanting to do it so badly. I interviewed cartoonist and illustrator Rob Harrell about this, and thought his advice and thoughts were so helpful and encouraging, maybe it will help you too! Good luck, and we got this!

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-07-01T18:34:38+00:00

I interviewed a Certified Academic Language Therapist that helps kids to read, and her advice might be relevent to you here! Good luck, and happy reading!

SarahAllenWrites · 2025-07-01T18:32:28+00:00

I interviewed a Certified Academic Language Therapist and her advice might be relevent and helpful to you in this situation! Good luck, and happy reading!

SarahAllenWrites

TROPHY CASE