How to Share a Book Wishlist With Your Students’ Families (and Titles to Include!)

This year is quite different from most, and I know many of us (myself included) are currently teaching from behind a screen. But still, there are many of you who are in the classroom and seeing students each day. As the winter holidays approach, you’ll likely be getting little goodie bags from students with sweet and thoughtful gifts as families share their gratitude for you.

But this year, if you’re willing to forgo a few Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks gift cards, consider sharing a classroom library wishlist with your students’ families on your Google Classroom, Class Website, or via email. Families want to support you and your classroom, and this wish list could be the perfect way to allow them to do so. And, if you’re not comfortable doing that, just share this list with friends and family! The books listed below have been the biggest hits among my students all year long. I know yours will love them, too.

(If you plan to send this list to parents, here is a sample letter to use)

Happy December!

We’ve almost made it to the end of 2020! Thank you for your continued support at home as we’ve navigated this crazy year. Despite the circumstances, teaching your child has been such a joy. 

As the winter holidays approach, I wanted to share this classroom library wish list with you. If you would like and are able, the students in room ____ would love to see these new titles in their classroom library. They have been devouring books all year, and nothing is more motivating to them as readers than seeing fresh, new titles on display. 

Thank you, again, for all you do at home to support your child’s learning experience. I know it hasn’t been easy this year. 

(Insert signature)

And without further ado, here are my top picks for this year!

1. Long Way Down ~ Jason Reynolds (in particular, the new graphic novel edition!)

2. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl ~ Stacey McAnulty

3. Miles Morales Spider Man ~ Jason Reynolds

4. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus ~ Dusti Bowling

5. Crush ~ Svetlana Chmakova

6. Jackpot ~ Nic Stone

7. House Arrest ~ K.A. Holt

8. Genesis Begins Again ~ Alicia D. Williams

9. Guts ~ Raina Telgemeier

10. Tight ~ Torrey Maldonado

I hope you’re able to add some of these titles to your shelves this year. Your students will thank you!

Happy Reading!

♥ Kara & Riley