TRUE STORIES I absolutely love this engaging ‘trend’ in picture books. They are perfect for older readers who love to ask…”Did that really happen?” The author’s note at the end of true story books is a great discussion starter, and often provides real photos of the event depicted in the picture book. I always enjoy having readers identify the central message and theme during these true stories. Providing some background knowledge prior to the read-aloud can facilitate deeper discussions and encourage them to read and check out more nonfiction books on these topics. Showing video clips or online photos is always a sure-fire way to pique reader’s interests even more! Common themes we like to discuss and ‘sort’ our true stories in are…Courage, Perseverance, Honesty, Kindness, Power, Overcoming obstacles, Friendship, and Bravery (many stories are often a mix of all of these, and readers LOVE choosing/debating which one they believe is the best ‘fit’ and why!) True Story Research ArticleTrue Story Exit CardPOURQUOI TALES One of my all time favorite types of literature to share with students are the engaging, thought-provoking “Pourquoi Tales”. Pourquoi tales are stories from long ago that explain the mysteries of the universe in quirky, funny, and sometimes shocking ways. There is