When your daughter hears the word 'nonfiction', it might conjure up the thought of a big, boring book with lots of facts and no storyline or pictures. However, more and more nonfiction titles geared towards children are appearing on the shelves.  

We picked 5 amazing, and definitely NOT BORING, nonfiction titles for upper elementary and middle grade girls. From thrill seeking women breaking barriers to how your favorite dessert came to be, these books contain facts that tell a story and keep your reader engaged. 

Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports by Ann McCallum Staats 

Perfect for grades 7 and up

Is your daughter a thrill seeker, sports lover or enjoys the outdoors? Then this book is a perfect selection, as it shares the stories of 15 unique, diverse and modern-day women in extreme sports.

Three incredible stories told in this book include Faith Dickey, a highline walker who uses the extreme sport to overcome fear, Sneha...

We are generally happier when we learn the skills needed to succeed in life. We can all think of examples of nice, intelligent, capable people that can’t seem to move their goals forward. By intentionally taking the time to teach your children effective life skills, your confidence can increase that they will be more balance and less stressed in life. Consider teaching these skills to your child:

1. Curiosity. As adults, we can teach ourselves nearly anything. The first step to learning something is by asking a question. Kids are excellent at it. It’s a parent’s job to encourage and foster that natural tendency. Be an example. When you and your child encounter something interesting, ask aloud, “I wonder how that works". And then figure out the answer together. Many parents just want their children to be quiet. Encourage children to ask questions and reward them when they do.

2. Finishing tasks. Many of us get into the bad habit of not finishing a task or...

A child can never have too much self-esteem. On the other hand, the outcomes for children with low self-esteem can be quite poor. As a parent, your child’s level of self-esteem is largely your responsibility. There is much you can do to make your child feel confident and competent.

Children are sensitive and have a peer group that can be quite harsh, so what you do at home matters. It’s vital that your child have a reserve of self-esteem that can survive the unpleasantness of other kids.

Give your child the best chance to be happy and successful.

Use these strategies to help your child feel good about themselves:

Love your child unconditionally. Every child should believe they are loved unconditionally. Every child should believe that no matter what mistake they makes or failure they suffer that they are still loved.

Consider the impact it has on a child’s self-esteem when she believes she’s only loved when she behaves a certain way or achieves a certain...

All children need to see both themselves and their peers in stories. Diversity in storytelling can include more than race or religion. Stories capture and share the experience of children with different abilities, socio-economical statuses, learning differences, and cultures. Reading diverse books teaches children a valuable skill, empathy.

We selected four outstanding middle grade novels that share an experience that maybe your child will resonate with or allows them to see the world from a different perspective. 

Shelter by Christie Matheson

Perfect for grades 4-6

Maya, her younger sister, Gabby, and her parents use to live in a quaint cottage in the city. Her dad use to be a writer and would cook them delicious homemade meals. Maya use to have sleepovers with her best friend, Abby. Maya's mom use to be an art teacher. But all of that changed when her father was in an accident. 

After her dad was struck by a car on his bike, her mom was unable to care for...

The holidays are a time for indulging in joyous celebration, tempting dishes, and enjoying the company of your loving family and friends. This is the ideal, picture-perfect holiday sight, but most families live a far more hectic scene. If you're sick and tired of dealing with holiday drama year after year, this is the perfect time to put a stop to your holiday fears.

Try these four tips to avoid unnecessary drama this holiday season:

• The early bird gets the worm. Discuss your holiday plans well in advance. In doing so, you avoid being bombarded with pushy suggestions about what others would like to see you do during the holidays.

• Know your wants and needs. Are you tired of going to your mom's house or your in-laws log cabin every Christmas? If so, speak up. Know your wants, know your needs, and be firm about your decision. It's perfectly within your rights to want to start your own holiday traditions. If your new tradition is to spend Christmas with just your spouse and...

Studies consistently show that emotional intelligence is much more important than IQ because it relates directly to happiness and success. Many highly intelligent adults struggle in day-to-day life due to a lack of emotional intelligence.

Making an effort to increase your child’s emotional intelligence is one of your most important tasks as a parent.

Avoid downplaying this important factor of happiness and success. Those with a higher level of emotional intelligence enjoy more satisfying careers and stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

Emotional intelligence has five components:

1. Self-regulation of emotional states. An emotionally healthy person can manage their moods appropriately and successfully.
   
   
2. The ability to motivate yourself. Staying the course in spite of doubt and distractions is an important component of emotional intelligence.
   
   
3. Empathy for others. This includes the ability to recognize emotions and feelings in others and choose an appropriate course...

Spooky, scary, and horror season is upon us. Leading up to Halloween, children and young adults are searching for stories to knock their socks off and give them a fright. We searched high and low for great reads that will give you chills (and maybe consider sleeping with the lights on). Here are six of our favorite spooky stories, some with a bit of humor, for all ages. 

Poultrygeist by Eric Geron, Illustrated by Pete Oswald

Perfect for grades K-3

This spooky, yet humorous, picture book takes a fresh spin on an old joke, "Why did the chicken cross the road".  A chicken bravely crossing the road but is sadly flatted by a semitruck. The animals who have gone before him have to break the news - the chicken is now on THE OTHER SIDE. Your child will enjoy the beautiful and colorful illustrations, along with interactive storyline to discover what really happens on the other side.  

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney

Perfect...

Is your bookworm tween looking for their next great read? Or is your child more of a reluctant reader that needs an extraordinary plot that will capture their attention? Either way, we share our top five favorite middle grade reads published in 2021. From magical muses and friendship to historical fiction and team spirit, your tween is sure to find a book they will enjoy. 

Bea is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard

It has always been Bea, her mom, and her grandma. The three Embers women taking on life together. Until Wendell and his three sons and several pets come along. Now that Wendall and her mom are married and expecting a new baby, they are blending their families into one household. Which means she has to live with Bryce, a bully-follower from her grade. 

In Bea and Bryce's small town, they don't have enough kids to have both a boy's and girl's soccer team, so the girls can play on the boys team but previously the coach never gave them any playing...

Think about the five most successful people you know. On the average, they’re probably not that talented. However, they know how to get things done and persist. That is why resilience is an important skill to develop and polish throughout life.  Resilience helps you be persistent through the ups and downs life brings. 

Resilience might be the missing ingredient in your quest for success. We want to share a few techniques you can use to increase your resilience.  You can also share with your children or partner so they can learn right along with you. 

1. Stay in contact with others. When times are tough, it’s natural to crawl into a hole and be by yourself. While there are moments we need alone time, you’re more capable with a support system. Give up the idea that strong people take on the world by themselves. You’re stronger when you have help and support. Maintain your relationships.
   
   
2. Have high hopes. It’s easier to stand strong...

Disappointment is a normal part of life, and the lockdowns due to COVID-19 caused some major disappointments while disrupting lives everywhere. It’s enough to make anyone feel a little sad and discouraged. But disappointments don't only pop up during global pandemics, they are mixed in with all the joy and excitement life can bring. 

It’s also natural for parents to want to shield children from such unpleasant situations. However, dealing with losses can be a beneficial experience. Otherwise, your sons and daughters may struggle when they run into bigger letdowns as adults.

How can you guide your children without taking over? Try these ideas for helping your kids to deal with disappointment.

Talking with Your Kids about Disappointment

There are major differences between dwelling on disappointments, trying to suppress them, and dealing with them constructively. Your child will probably find it easier to move on if they can talk about their feelings.

Try these...