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Recommended Online Reading Resources for Grades K-12

Click for a virtual tour!
Hello, wonderful Salem Public Schools community! While we're away from school and learning at home, please check out the reading resources below. We hope you'll find a great book to read for yourself, or one to read to a sibling, friend (Remember to read virtually - we're practicing social distancing!), or beloved pet!  Are you a student or teacher looking for a great book to read for yourself or a family member? Are you a teacher in need of resources for lesson-planning or research purposes? Please feel free to contact your school library colleague or Joanne O'Keefe, SHS Librarian & SPS Library Team Coordinator! Be well and happy reading!
Bates Elementary School
Horace Mann Elementary School
Saltonstall Elementary School
Witchcraft Heights Elementary School
Collins Middle School
Collins Middle School
Salem High School
​Salem High School
Meghan Fitzpatrick (mfitzpatrick@salemk12.org)
Kathy Wood (kwood@salemk12.org)
Diane Heppner (dheppner@salemk12.org)
Kelly Cahill (kacahill@salemk12.org)
Kim Apostoloff (kapostoloff@salemk12.org)
MaryBeth Smith (msmith@salemk12.org)
Beth Bright (ebright@salemk12.org)
Joanne O'Keefe (jo'keefe@salemk12.org)

Publishers Alter Guidelines to Allow Online Story Read-Alouds During School Closures

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Many publishers have temporarily altered their policies to allow online story read-alouds during school closures, in order to support students and teachers. Click her for an updated directory of publishers and their guidelines, compiled by School Library Journal.

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NEW! Coronavirus: a Book for Children, by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson, and Nia Roberts; illustrated by Alex Scheffler

Honest, clear, and reassuring, this superb book should be required reading for children and families everywhere! Share widely! Download the FREE digital edition here. (Read the School Library Journal review.)

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NEW! My Hero is You: How Kids Can Fight COVID-19!
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NEW! Mi héroe eres tú: ​¡Cómo los niños pueden luchar contra COVID-19!

This wonderful book was produced by the UN's Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health & Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, the World Health Organization, and other international humanitarian organizations. It is available in many languages! To download a FREE digital edition, scroll down this page and choose the language you prefer to read in!

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Boston Public Library's amazing digital collections include:

  • Hoopla (movies, TV shows, ebooks, music & comics - NO WAITING LISTS!)
  • OverDrive (thousands of ebooks & audiobbooks)
  • RBDigital (20,000+ audiobooks, and popular magazines)
All you need is an eCard - learn more and apply here!

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Internet Archive National Emergency Library

Thank you to the Internet Archive for access to this amazing collection of 1.4 million+ ebooks - with no waitlists!
  • Search the collection.
  • FAQ, including helpful information about the Universal School Library
  • Learn more about the remarkable collaboration among the individuals, libraries, and universities that have made this collection available to students and teachers.

ABDO Free eBooks & Other Distance Learning Resources

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     To access Zoom:
     Username: abdo-zoom
     Password: 072020
To access the Elementary Digital Library: Username: abdo-elementary 
​Password: 072020
To access the Secondary Digital Library: Username: abdo-secondary
Password:  072020

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Audible Offers Students an Amazing Curated Story Collection - FREE! 

Posted today by Audible on Thursday, 3/19/20:
"For as long as schools are closed, we're open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet." Start listening here.

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Junior Library Guild Digital Online Reading Platform Now Available - Free!

Salem students, check out this terrific online book collection! An unlimited number of students can choose the same book - so your and a buddy can choose something fun to read and then talk about it virtually! Check out dozens of terrific reads, organized into Elementary, Middle School,​ and High School streams. Be sure to check out JLG's on-demand webcasts, including author interviews, book talks, and more. 
Want to read on your phone? Download the JLG Digital app from the App store and sign in for the school level stream of your choice:
ELEMENTARY
Username: JLGELM
​Password: JLGFREE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Username: JLGMID
​Password: JLGFREE
HIGH SCHOOL
Username: JLGHI
​Password: JLGFREE

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Lerner Books Offers Digital Book Collection for Grades PreK-12!

Search Learner's collection of audio & ebooks by genre, reader age, grade, reading level (Lexile, Accelerated Reader/ATOS, ) interest level, and more, or plan a virtual author or illustrator visit for your students! Check out the collection, organized into PreK-5 and 6-12 grade bands, here.
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Lit2Go, from the Florida Center for Instructional Technology

This excellent audiobook collection of stories and poems is searchable by author, title, genre, and readability (passages are organized here by approximate U.S. grade levels). To get the most out of this excellent collection, check out "How To Use Lit2Go Audiobooks in Your Classroom," by Roy Winkelman.

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Gale Databases 

Gale is offering schools free access to several excellent full-text database collections, designed to meet the needs of students in grades PreK-12, including Miss Humblebee's Academy (PreK), Kids InfoBits (grades K-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12). Links to these are available below. To see the entire collection, go to Gale's databases homepage.
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Infobase Database Collections

Infobase has provided district-wide access to the remarkable suite of database collections listed below through June 30! Click here to access a page with links to each of these collections. To access these excellent resources, log in as follows: Username: 423567-user  Password: digital 

Current Issues
  • World News Digest
​Geography & Culture
  • World Culture and Culture Online
​History
  • American History
  • Modern World History
Literature & Language Arts
  • Bloom's Literature
Medical & Health
  • Health Reference Center
Multi-Subject
  • Chelsea House Biographies Online
  • The Mailbox School & District Edition
  • The World Almanac for Kids
  • The World Almanac for Kids Elementary
Science & Mathematics
  • Science Online
Streaming Video
  • Learn360 + Classroom Video

Students with Salem Public Library Cards - Check Out These Great Reading Collections!

With a Salem Public Library card, an amazing array of full-text database and other online resources is available to members of the SPS learning community, including the collections described below.
Do you need a Salem Public Library card? Complete this online application form! Please include a phone number or email address so that an SPL staff member can contact you to give you the library barcode that will give you access to these great books & other resources!
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Salem Public Library Online Resources - SPL collections include a remarkable array of English and Spanish-language full-text databases, including newsapers, magazines and journals, encyclopedias, career resources, and more.
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Odilo  - This digital platform for sharing e-content features a collection of ebooks for Salem borrowers, including 
105 ebooks for children, 153 ebooks for young adults (YA), and 1,081 ebooks for adults. Up to three 3 ebooks at a time may be "borrowed" for 14 days.
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OverDrive - This popular e- and audiobook & magazine service includes titles for children, teens and adults. Download the Libby app (see image below) to access this terrific collection, which currently includes about 150 Spanish-language ebooks. (NOBLE is pursuing a grant to add to OverDrive's world language offerings.) Click the drop-down menu next to Collections to search by reader age, language, or for magazines. 
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  • Up to six books at a time may be checked out for up to 21 days. (The loan period is determined by the borrower.)
  • A borrower may place up to 10 "holds" at a time (This means that the borrower can be added to the waiting lists of up to 10 books at a time.)
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NoveList Plus
This remarkable collection of information about fiction and nonfiction books is searchable in a variety of ways, including by author, subject, title, series, genre, and more. Retrieval can be limited by age of reader, Lexile and/or grade level, author's nationality and/or cultural ID, and other criteria. Use NoveList Plus to find "read-alikes," lists of award-winning books, to discover new books to add to your TBR list, and much more!

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Wide Open School, from Common Sense

Curated by Common Sense subject experts, Wide Open School is a collection of high-quality content and resources, organized into K-5 and 6-12 grade bands, designed for use by educators and families working to support their students' academic growth, social and emotional well-being, and physical development. Resources for English-Language Learners can be found here.

Grades K-2

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TumbleBookLibrary - free through 8/31/20!
This collection of fiction and nonfiction ebooks and audiobooks is designed for use by students in grades K-5, and includes professionally narrated read-along stories and graphic novels, as well as a collection of National Geographic videos, and puzzles & games.
​Contact your school library colleague (see list above) or Joanne O'Keefe (jo'keefe@salemk12.org) for the school username & password you'll need to access this great collection!

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Epic! A Digital Library for Kids Ages 12 and Under
This tremendous collection includes 40,000 books, including fiction, nonfiction, Spanish-language titles and award winners, and videos. 

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Unite for Literacy - This excellent and FREE collection of fiction and nonfiction picture books is narrated in a variety of languages. Browse the collection, or search by category.

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Storyline Online
“Storyline Online streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.”

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International Children's Digital Library
“The mission of the ICDL Foundation is to support the world’s children in becoming effective members of the global community-who exhibit tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, languages, and ideas-by making the best in children’s literature available online free of charge."

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Miss Humblebee's Academy, from Gale
This
 interactive program "introduces children ages three to six to key concepts in math, science, social studies, language and literacy, art, and music." Thanks to Gale for making this database available to students while our schools are closed! You can access Miss Humblebee's Academy from Gale's databases homepage. 

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Caldecott Medal Award Winners 1938-Present
​"The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded by the American Library Association to a U.S. illustrator for the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States in the preceding year. The Caldecott Medal was first awarded in 1938 in honor of the nineteenth century English illustrator. Several honor titles are also chosen annually." -- NoveList Plus

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100 Great Children's Books|100 Years, from the New York Public Library

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Grades K-2 Graphic Novels Reading List, from the ALA's Association for Library Services to Children.

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How to Choose Outstanding Multicultural Books, from Scholastic
This helpful resource includes "50 great book recommendations, plus advice from top educators, writers, and illustrators on how to spot literature that transcends stereotypes." Recommended for grades PreK-K, 1-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

Grades 3-5

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TumbleBookLibrary - free through 8/31/20!
This collection of fiction and nonfiction ebooks and audiobooks is designed for use by students in grades K-5, and includes professionally narrated read-along stories and graphic novels, as well as a collection of National Geographic videos, and puzzles & games.
​
Contact your school library colleague (see list above) or Joanne O'Keefe (jo'keefe@salemk12.org) for the school username & password you'll need to access this great collection! 

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Epic! A Digital Library for Kids Ages 12 and Under
This tremendous collection includes 40,000 books, including fiction, nonfiction, Spanish-language titles and award winners, and videos. ​

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Kids InfoBits, from Gale
This collection of 70+ full-text magazines, biographies, and other reference information is tailored for use by students in grades K-5, and is a terrific resource for young researchers! 
Thanks to Gale for making this database available to students while our schools are closed! See all available Gale databases here.

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MA Childrens' Book Award (MCBA) Program 
If you're looking for great reading suggestions, you've found them! The MCBA is awarded annually from a list of 25 nominees recommended by teachers, librarians, and publishers. When nominating titles, the following criteria are considered: literary quality, ensuring a variety of genres, representation of cultural diversity , and overall appeal to readers. Be sure to browse this year's nominated titles and past MBCA winners and honor books here:
Everything MCBA!

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Check out these recommended lists from the Listopia feature in Goodreads:
Third Grade Book Lists
Fourth Grade Book Lists
Best Books for Fifth Grade Readers

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100 Great Children's Books|100 Years, from the New York Public Library

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Grades 3-5 Graphic Novels Reading List, from the ALA's Association for Library Services to Children.

Grades 6-8 

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TeenBookCloud, from TumbleBookLibrary
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This collection of fiction and nonfiction ebooks and audiobooks, designed for use by middle and high-school students, includes graphic novels, drama & poetry. Also included is a selection of National Geographic videos and AP English text selections. A selection of "Enhanced Novels" is also available, professionally narrated and line-by-line highlighting.
​
Contact your school library colleague (see list above) or Joanne O'Keefe (jo'keefe@salemk12.org) for the school username & password you'll need to access this great collection! ​

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Epic! A Digital Library for Kids Ages 12 and Under
This tremendous collection includes 40,000 books, including fiction, nonfiction, Spanish-language titles and award winners, and videos.
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Middle School, from Gale
This collection of full-text magazines, newspapers, primary source material, biographies, and other reliable reference information is tailored for use by students in grades 6-8, and a great resource for middle school researchers! Thanks to Gale for making this database available to students while our schools are closed! See all available Gale databases here.

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MA Childrens' Book Award (MCBA) Program 
If you're looking for great reading suggestions, you've found them! The MCBA is awarded annually from a list of 25 nominees recommended by teachers, librarians, and publishers. When nominating titles, the following criteria are considered: literary quality, ensuring a variety of genres, representation of cultural diversity , and overall appeal to readers. Be sure to browse this year's nominated titles and past MBCA winners and honor books here:
Everything MCBA!

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Top 100 Middle School Must-Reads, Voted on by Goodreads Book Club Members
Check out this list, and then be sure to browse "Books That Everyone Should Read at Least Once," "Best Epic Fantasy," "What to Read Next," and many more fun recommended reading lists from Listopia.

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John Newbery Medal Award Winners 1922-Present
"The prestigious Newbery Medal is awarded to a U.S. author for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children in the preceding year. The award is named after John Newbery, the famous 18th century British publisher and bookseller. The Newbery Medal was first awarded in 1922 and is given each year by the Association of Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association." -- NoveList Plus

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Pura Belpré Award 1996 to Present
"This award was established in 1996 by two American Library Association (ALA) affiliated groups. The award is named in honor of Pura Belpre, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, and the medals are given to the Latino/Latina writer and/or illustrator whose work best affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience. Given annually since 2009."

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Grades 6-8 Graphic Novels Reading List, from the ALA's Association for Library Services to Children.

Grades 9-12
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MA Commonwealth eBook Collection
Our new membership in the MA Commonwealth eBook Collections Program provides the SHS reading community with access to 13,000+ ebooks and 3,500+ audiobooks through OverDrive! Follow just a few steps below and discover your first ebook using the Sora app!
1. Download the Sora app.
2. Find your school.
3. Log in using your Google Learn account.
4. Start reading! :-) 

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TeenBookCloud, from TumbleBookLibrary
This collection of fiction and nonfiction ebooks and audiobooks, designed for use by middle and high-school students, includes graphic novels, drama & poetry. Also included is a selection of National Geographic videos and AP English text selections. A selection of "Enhanced Novels" is also available, professionally narrated and line-by-line highlighting.
Contact Joanne O'Keefe (jo'keefe@salemk12.org) for the school username & password you'll need to access this great collection! 

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Teen Book Finder, from the Young Adult Library Services Association
Use the Teen Book Finder to "search 4,000+ books, audiobooks, and films from YALSA's book awards and book lists. 
While these books have been selected for teens from 12 to 18 years of age, the award-winning titles and the titles on YALSA's selected lists span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adults to take an active role in helping individual teens choose those books that are the best fit for them and their families." Download the app, too!
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Printz Award, from the Young Adult Library Services Association
"The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association." 

About 

Library Use

​


Hours

M-F 7:12am-4pm
​(not open after school on early release or exam days)

Staff

Mrs. Joanne O'Keefe - Librarian
​Ms. Beth Bright - Library Paraprofessional
© COPYRIGHT 2019.
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
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