Some parents ask about the value of their children reading fiction. While reading nonfiction such as biographies, history, nature, and science is important, we feel strongly that fiction offers experiences students need for a complete education. Truly, students’ minds require fiction. Entire new worlds—whether accurate historical settings or fantasy realms,…

What is it and why is it important? This most well-known and prestigious award for children’s literature began in 1921 as part of the American Library Association (ALA) wanting to recognize outstanding writing for children. Named after John Newbery, a bookseller in 1700s England, this award is the first of…

SpiderSmart began with a strong Asian connection in Annandale, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. Known as “Little Korea,” this community needed and supported our first SpiderSmart learning center. We love that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month! We keep a global attitude at SpiderSmart and want…