Murray Lake Elementary School recently hosted Joel Fritsma, chief meteorologist for Michigan Storm Chasers, to complement a new reading unit about storm chasers. Fritsma discussed his career, storm safety and weather phenomena as part of the school's first year using the Open Court Reading curriculum, which integrates narratives and nonfiction to enhance literacy and critical thinking.

Research can be intimidating for high-school students, writes history teacher and school librarian Benjamin Barbour, who shares seven tips to help students feel more confident. Barbour advises students to start with keywords, use Google and Wikipedia for preliminary research, and to keep a research log.

National Young Readers Week, a partnership between Pizza Hut and the Library of Congress, began in 1989 to promote literacy among children. The initiative highlights the importance of reading aloud and modeling positive reading habits. Schools, libraries and community centers host events such as read-aloud sessions and literacy challenges to make reading enjoyable and accessible.

Students of color frequently struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia, as their reading difficulties are often attributed to behavioral problems or home life circumstances rather than learning disabilities. Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, Black and brown children are significantly less likely to be identified and supported compared to their white peers. This underdiagnosis leads to missed opportunities for early intervention and perpetuates academic disparities.

Eldorado High School in Las Vegas has unveiled a $350,000 renovation of its library, transforming the 1973 space into a modern, student-centered environment. The updated library features open common areas for collaboration and a nostalgic corner displaying artifacts found during the renovation. The project aims to create an inviting space that honors the school's history while embracing its future.

Students at Kensington High School in Philadelphia have created the DreamEscape Library to offset a shortage of librarians and libraries in the city. The project began in the 2023-24 school year as part of an effort to win the Philly Service Award, which the students won in the Young Entrepreneurs category, netting them $20,000.

Middle-school science teacher Lindsay Kervan shares strategies to maintain engagement and connection as the school year progresses, including greeting students by name, using icebreakers, rotating random groups and encouraging passion projects. She emphasizes revisiting expectations and modeling respectful interactions to sustain a supportive, inclusive classroom culture focused on learning.