We are thrilled to partner with Woozles, a local bookstore in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to share a monthly reading list of book recommendations featuring a variety of themes. At Halifax Learning we love to partner with other folks who share our same love of reading and as everyone knows, Woozles LOVES reading.

But reading doesn't just happen. There is a science to it.  We can all do better to ensure our children receive reading instruction that we know works. When you know better, you do better and the science is unequivocally clear. It just so happens that Halifax Learning has been delivering this science-based reading instructional method for over twenty years and guess what? The results are clear! We've changed over 4,000 lives and we're making plans for 400,000 more. Don't wait. Trust the experts. Enroll today so your child can enjoy everything that is magical about bookstores like Woozles!

Did you know Woozles is celebrating its 40th birthday!? Join them on Saturday, October 13th to celebrate!

This month's theme features books that celebrate the opportunities and challenges that a new school year brings. Thank you Woozles for your inspiration and dedication to reading!

September conjures up ideas of fall and cooler air, and, of course, back to school. Woozles carries books that help children get excited about their first day of school, help them deal with issues they face at various ages, and show them that school and learning is exciting!

Check out Woozles suggestions below:

Ages 5-7

• The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School by Nancy Rose
  This is the fourth book in Nancy Rose’s squirrel series. Mr. Peanuts and his friend Rosie get the classroom ready for the new students, buying school supplies, setting up the gym and the library, and even drive the school bus! (Hardcover  $23.49)
• Ready or Not, Woolbur Goes to School! By Leslie Helakoski, illustrated by Lee Harper
  Tomorrow is Woolbur’s first day of school. Enjoy Woolbur’s enthusiasm for the new things school brings, in contrast to the concerns of his classmates at the newness of everything. (Hardcover $21.99)
  

Ages 8-12

• Mr Wolf’s Class by Aron Nels Steinke
  Children certainly enjoy graphic novels, and this one is no exception. This is the story of a grade four class, complete with new and returning students, sleepy students, bossy students, and all of the everyday antics a school day can bring! (Paperback  $12.99)
• The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan
  This book is a collection of poems written by eighteen students in grade five. The poems are dated throughout the school year, telling of the kids’ school life, and how they speak up together to save their school from demolition. (Paperback  $9.50)

Ages 10-14

• Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass
  Ally, Jack and Bree, three young teens from across the country, from different family situations and school cliques, meet in a desert campground. They are there to witness a total eclipse of the sun. Here, they are free to be themselves, and form friendships that they otherwise wouldn’t have. (Paperback  $11.99)

Young Adults, Ages 14+

• Ramona Blue
  by Julie Murphy
  Ramona is in her final year of high school, gay, and the responsible one in her family. She juggles schoolwork and a job to help provide for her Dad and pregnant sister. The return of her childhood friend, Freddie, causes her to rethink the possibilities open to her in life, including unexpected love, scholarships, and university.  (Paperback $12.50)

Issue Oriented Books

• Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: Dealing With Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way
  by American Girl
  American Girl books are very good at communicating with tweens, conveying the subject matter via short and to the point text and great illustrations that highlight the points being made.  (Ages 11+,  Paperback $13.99)
  
  
• Feeling Shy
  by Kay Barnham, illustrated by Mike Gordon
  This book is part of a series entitled “Everyday Feelings”. Through anecdotes, the book illustrates how a young person reaches out to a shy child in the playground, helps a child join in with group games, and tells her sister how she doesn’t need to be shy from the attention of grown-ups. Lessons we can all share in!  (Ages 5-9, Hardcover  $18.99)