Teaching Ideas

Explore jumping-off points that deepen discussions, inspire reading interest, and support connections to books and authors. Easily share and include in your instructional plans, newsletters, and social media.


Let's Talk About Authors!

Use the Literary Calendar to…

  • View author and illustrator birthdays and other literary events

  • Find and share resources for monthly or weekly events, themes, and celebrations  

Bryan Collier Celebrates his Birthday on January 31st

Padma Venkatraman

  • Learn about the author’s name in this Audio Name Pronunciation.

  • Consider this Meet-the-Author Recording as Venkatraman reveals what her life was like growing up and how she relates to the characters in The Bridge Home.

  • Enjoy this audiobook excerpt narrated by the author for A Time to Dance.

  • Learn more about Padma Venkatraman and her life as an oceanographer in this written interview.

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Alicia D. Williams

Explore Additional Author Resources