It is possible to inspire a lifelong love of reading in secondary ELA students and that’s what the Creating Joyful Readers podcast is all about.
Your host, Samantha (from Samantha in Secondary) is a seasoned educator with 15 years of classroom experience. This podcast shares what works in the post-pandemic classroom and what doesn’t so you can skip the trial and error.
Every Monday, we’ll chat about the amazing benefits of independent reading, dig into the latest literacy research, cover practical tips and strategies to nurture lifelong readers, break down projects that help students show off what they’ve learned in creative ways, and highlight some fresh young adult books you can snag at Target right now to keep your students excited.
Let’s be real – kids aren’t into reading anymore. Some can’t read well and those who can often don’t want to. It’s time for a change. We’re going to talk about how to make joyful, thriving readers a reality. If you’ve tried everything to get your students excited about reading and you’re out of ideas, you’re in the right place.
Tune in every Monday to find inspiration and practical tips to light that reading spark in your students. Remember, each book we introduce and every reading experience we create can change lives and foster lifelong readers.
Follow along on social media @samanthainsecondary for more tips, book recommendations, and to connect with other educators who are on this joyful journey.
Let’s talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.
Jason Reynolds:
When I Was the Greatest: https://amzn.to/48O1uoV
The Boy in the Black Suit: https://amzn.to/3CpYYcu
All-American Boys: https://amzn.to/48Ldyr3
Long Way Down: https://amzn.to/3YLHu1L
Jeff Zentner:
The Serpent King: https://amzn.to/4hL2Uon
Goodbye Days: https://amzn.to/40IHPEZ
In the Wild Light: https://amzn.to/4hN5cnc
Elizabeth Acevedo:
The Poet X: https://amzn.to/3Z2oRIe
With the Fire on High: https://amzn.to/3Z3bTtK
Clap When You Land: https://amzn.to/3UQp7HY
Nic Stone:
Dear Martin: https://amzn.to/4fhZCY6
Odd One Out: https://amzn.to/3UN7qcg
Jackpot: https://amzn.to/4fmJuVm
Sarah Dessen:
Someone Like You: https://amzn.to/3CpChFv
The Truth About Forever: https://amzn.to/3Z5TVG3
Just Listen: https://amzn.to/48QdeY7
Lock and Key: https://amzn.to/48J1BlT
Saint Anything: https://amzn.to/4eu3hkp
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
–> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
–> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
–> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
Check Out my Contemporary Literature Circles Unit
This unit is packed with everything you need to foster thoughtful discussions, spark creativity, and deepen student engagement with the stories your students will love.
Don’t miss out—check out the Contemporary Literature Circles Unit today, and give your students an unforgettable journey into realistic fiction!
👉 Visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Samantha in Secondary, and search the word ‘contemporary’ to find the full unit.
