Steven L. Layne's Books

Mergers

By: Steven Layne

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ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM SELECTION "Gives readers a lot to think about concerning race, fate, trust--and friendship." --Margaret Peterson Haddix, author of Turnabout and Double Identity "A story that resonates from beginning to end." --The Alan Review "This book raises fundamental questions about the anatomy of racial hatred. The premises that society stagnates without diversity and that one person can sway the future bear examination and discussion. Give this one to your teens who might appreciate the Hardy Boys with a more serious twist." --VOYA Building upon the success of This Side of Paradise, which won the 2001 Hal Clement Award for Best New Science Fiction Novel for Young Adults, Steven Layne has written another gripping tale featuring teens battling evil forces. In Mergers, the sinister antagonist is the mastermind behind an engineered society that has wiped away all traces of race. He is intent on destroying Dirk and his friends, who have spent their entire lives in hiding because of their racial identities. Each has extraordinary powers--Nicci, the African Traveler, manipulates time; Mateo, the Hispanic Metamorph, alters his shape; Keiko, the Asian Empath, heals with her hands; and Dirk, the Caucasian Telepath, invades others' minds. In this cautionary tale, the themes of loyalty, leadership, and identity are all called into question as Dirk and his friends struggle to conquer The Merger. When they take a dangerous journey into the past with the hope of restoring the world's natural timeline, each of them must struggle with their own inadequacies and deal with all-too-human failings, despite their special powers. Mergers' riveting plot and supernatural characters will keep teens engaged while reminding them of each individual's potential to change the world.

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216

Publisher

Pelican Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455608793

ISBN 13

9781455608799

Igniting a Passion for Reading

Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers

By: Steven Layne

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Igniting a Passion for Reading

Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers

By: Steven Layne

When teaching reading, American classrooms often focus exclusively on skills instruction. But how can you teach the how without the why? In his new book, Igniting a Passion for Reading, Steve Layne shows teachers how to develop readers who are not only motivated to read great books, but also love reading in its own right. Packed with practical ways to engage and inspire readers from kindergarten through high school, this book is a must-have on every teacher’s professional book shelf. Well-known for his children’s books, young adult novels, and keynote speeches across the nation and around the world, Steve, aka Dr. Read, offers teachers everywhere a plan for engaging even the most reluctant reader. From read-alouds to creating reading lounges to author visits and so much more, this book will help schools create a vibrant reading culture. The book also includes reminiscences from many of today’s well-known children’s and young adult authors—Mem Fox, Sharon Draper, Steven Kellogg, Candace Fleming, Eric Rohman, Neal Shusterman, and Joan Bauer—about the teacher who ignited their passion for reading. Written with humor, grace, and poignancy, Igniting a Passion for Reading will have a profound effect on the teaching of reading in our nation’s schools.

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219

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Published Date

ISBN 10

1003843727

ISBN 13

9781003843726

Over Land and Sea

The Story of International Adoption

By: Layne, Steven L.

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Over Land and Sea

The Story of International Adoption

By: Layne, Steven L.

Two parents describe their journey over land and sea to find the child that belongs in their family, as well as all of the joy and love the new baby brings.

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Pelican Publishing

ISBN 10

1455610038

ISBN 13

9781455610037

My Brother Dan's Delicious

By: Layne, Steven L.

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My Brother Dan's Delicious

By: Layne, Steven L.

The soft evening colors in each full-page drawing throughout the book will lure children to sleep, as this is a perfect bedtime story to spark imaginations."--Children's Literature "Galey's colorful illustrations . . . convey without words the heartfelt relief found in the story's happy ending."--Mississippi Magazine Joey has everything going for him: he's smart, he's finally eight (and a half), and his parents at last understand he's old enough to be left at home alone until his older brother, Dan, comes home. But maybe things aren't as good as they seem. Joey is also everything monsters that enjoy pan-fried boys look for. To a monster, he is just a delicious, defenseless morsel. Fortunately, Joey has the quick wit to convince the monster that is slobbering under the bed, lurking in the shadows by the back door, and whose stomach is growling in the basement that his brother, Dan, would make a more suitable meal. After all, Dan is not as smart as Joey, he's bigger, and he eats all of his vegetables. What better boy-buffet could a monster ask for?

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Pelican Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455609110

ISBN 13

9781455609116

This Side of Paradise

By: Steven Layne

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This Side of Paradise

By: Steven Layne

When his father relocates the family to Paradise to work for the mysterious Eden Corporation, Jack Barrett uncovers a sinister plot that threatens everyone he loves.

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228

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Pelican Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1589808487

ISBN 13

9781589808485

In Defense of Read-Aloud

Sustaining Best Practice

By: Steven Layne

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In Defense of Read-Aloud

Sustaining Best Practice

By: Steven Layne

As accountability measures for schools and teachers continue to grow, instructional practice is under the microscope. The practice of reading aloud to children may be viewed by some educators as an extra bit of fluff used solely for the purposes of enjoyment or filling a few spare minutes,but researchers and practitioners stand in solidarity: the practice of reading aloud throughout the grades is not only viable but also best practice.In Defense of Read-Aloud: Sustaining Best Practices, author Steven Layne reinforces readers' confidence to continue the practice of reading aloud and presents the research base to defend the practice in grades K12. Layne also offers significant practical insights to strengthen instructional practice-;answering the questions of Why should we?- and How should we? and provides practical advice about how to use read-alouds most effectively.Leading researchers in the field of literacy provide position statements, authors of professional books share insights on books they have loved, leaders of the largest literacy organizations in the United States write about their favorite read-alouds, award-winning authors of children's and young adult book (Katherine Paterson, Andrew Clements, Lois Lowry, to name a few) share the powerful behind-the-scenes stories of their greatest books, and real classroom teachers and librarians speak about books that have lit up- their classrooms and libraries around the world.Last but not least,In Defense of Read-Aloud features many great recommendations of books to share with children.Read-aloud is an essential practice in teaching literacy in grades K -12. In this book, Steven Layne has provided everything needed to support, sustain, and celebrate the power of read-aloud.

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172

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Published Date

ISBN 10

1003842577

ISBN 13

9781003842576

Mergers

By: Steven Layne

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Mergers

By: Steven Layne

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216

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Pelican Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455608793

ISBN 13

9781455608799

Kids' Night Before Halloween

By: Steven L. Layne

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Kids' Night Before Halloween

By: Steven L. Layne

Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for students. Imaginations--and children--run amok, fueled by thoughts of pumpkins, trick-or-treat plans, and sugar highs. But at school, their teachers dread the yearly shenanigans, and this year, the students have started celebrating a day early. With princesses running a tiara trade ring in the girls' bathroom and a laser sword battle among fourth-grade space rangers, the kids are quickly taking control of the school! When a group of fifth-grade monsters tie up two first-graders and prepare to eat them, the teachers are ready to call it quits! It's up to the students and their parents to show the teachers a new kind of Halloween and give them a holiday treat they'll never forget.

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Arcadia Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

143967891X

ISBN 13

9781439678916

Paradise Lost

By: Steven L. Layne

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Paradise Lost

By: Steven L. Layne

The highly anticipated sequel to This Side of Paradise-which Kirkus heralds as an "an entertaining, suspenseful thriller"-Paradise Lost delivers the same chilling scenarios and head-scratching secrets that fans expect from author Steven L. Layne. Meet Chase Maxfield. After a summer break, the former wallflower returns to school with a new found confidence to match his sudden, yet classic, good looks. His popularity even pulls the attention away from golden boy Troy Barrett. But not everyone is enamored with the overnight class favorite. Troy's brother, Jack, suspects something sinister is behind Chase's unexpected transformation, and his skepticism only grows as other eerie events occur. When his grandmother is mysteriously poisoned, his brother disappears, and his girlfriend soon develops an interest in someone else, Jack becomes even more determined to discover the truth. Yet the late Mr. Eden-a man who embodies evil-will do whatever it takes to stop Jack until he meets his ultimate demise. Packed with action and off-the-wall incidents, this fast-paced novel invites readers on an adventure that builds momentum until the very last page.

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299

Publisher

Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455614955

ISBN 13

9781455614950

Number 1 Teacher

A School Counting Book

By: Steven L. Layne

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Number 1 Teacher

A School Counting Book

By: Steven L. Layne

From the five lines on a music staff to the seven colors of the rainbow, all the way up to the famous 100th day of school, Number 1 Teacher: A School Counting Book takes a by-the-numbers approach to helping young readers understand and identify many of the concepts and lessons they'll learn in elementary school. There are 3 forms of matter we learn in science class-- One is liquid; two is solid; and the third is gas. Geography, music, and how to tell time are just a few of the many topics featured. From the husband-and-wife writing team who brought us T is for Teacher: A School Alphabet now comes Number 1 Teacher to help students focus on what counts to make the most of their school days.Steven L. and Deborah Dover Layne also wrote the popular T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet, which received a Learning magazine Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books. Well-regarded educators and literacy consultants, the Laynes live with their young children in St. Charles, Illinois. Doris Ettlinger graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and has numerous picture books to her credit. Her other books with Sleeping Bear Press include T is for Teachers and most recently, The Orange Shoes. Doris lives, draws, and teaches in an old grist mill on the banks of the Musconetcong River in western New Jersey.

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Sleeping Bear Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1627536426

ISBN 13

9781627536424

T Is for Teachers

A School Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

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T Is for Teachers

A School Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

This school year promises "no more teachers' dirty looks." They'll be too busy smiling and reading from the pages of T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet. From the first verse, teachers and their kids will have great fun learning from the behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important buildings any of us enter. T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet is a charming education on education. Crisp, clever text from the minds of Steven and Deborah Layne keep children engaged as they are taken on an educational tour of the one room school houses, the roles of custodians and principals, quizzes and more that lay between the covers. Quick rhymes engage the reader while fact-filled text expound of each letter's topic. And no school tour would be complete without a stop in the art room. T is for Teachers' art class features Doris Ettlinger busy painting yellow busses, red bricks and every page with great care and straight A's. T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet is sure to find its way into the hands of students, parents and teachers alike. As a perfect introduction to the year ahead of a new student or as a great thank you to the teacher who makes a difference, this alphabet book will charm everyone who picks it up. T is for Teachers is a perfect complement to any classroom setting and proves once again that learning is indeed fun!

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Sleeping Bear Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1627531971

ISBN 13

9781627531979

Thomas's Sheep and the Great Geography Test

By: Layne, Steven L.

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Thomas's Sheep and the Great Geography Test

By: Layne, Steven L.

Worried about an upcoming geography test, Thomas finds himself unable to fall asleep until he tries counting sheep.

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Pelican Publishing

ISBN 10

1455613029

ISBN 13

9781455613021

The Teachers' Night Before Christmas

By: Layne, Steven L.

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The Teachers' Night Before Christmas

By: Layne, Steven L.

Teachers, and students and parents will laugh out loud at this parody of the frenetic pace of holiday happenings at schools."--Copley News Service What do excited students, craft projects, room mothers, nursing home visits, harried shopping, and near-disastrous pageants have in common? They are all a part of a teacher's pre-Christmas experience. In this energetic romp through a school's last days before the Christmas break, the students are full of energy and are up to all manners of mischief. The teachers are pulling out their hair trying to keep the students busy, while they despair over their own Christmas preparations. Who should come to the rescue? Santa himself, of course! He arrives at the helm of a flying school bus, with presents for all the teachers and a promise to take care of their shopping for them. The fantastic illustrations work with the text to make this a fast-paced, high-energy comedic interpretation of Clement C. Moore's classic poem. The book is sure to be a read-aloud favorite at Christmas parties in schools everywhere.

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Pelican Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455612804

ISBN 13

9781455612802

P Is for Princess

A Royal Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

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P Is for Princess

A Royal Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

Snow White had her Prince Charming and Victoria had her Albert. Who really knows how "grand" the Duke of York was? P is for Princess: A Royal Alphabet gives an enchanting A to Z tour of the world of kings, queens, and the stories behind the thrones. Monarchs real (Princesses Diana and Grace) and make-believe (Aurora and Cinderella) are examined, along with their accompanying legends and histories. Topics include castles, crown jewels, ladies-in-waiting, and that most anticipated of all royal occasions - the grand ball! Sumptuous artwork perfectly complements the majestic subject matter, making P is for Princess a visual treat for royal watchers of all ages.Steven and Deborah Layne also wrote the popular T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet, which received a Learning magazine Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books. Well-regarded educators and literacy consultants, the Laynes live with their young children in St. Charles, Illinois. Husband and wife Robert and Lisa Papp are each established artists in their own right. Rob's previous work for Sleeping Bear Press includes The Last Brother and The Scarlet Stockings Spy. Lisa illustrated the Pennsylvania number book, One for All, and Eve Bunting's My Mom's Wedding. Rob and Lisa live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

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Sleeping Bear Press

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ISBN 10

1627531580

ISBN 13

9781627531580

W is for Windy City

A Chicago City Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

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W is for Windy City

A Chicago City Alphabet

By: Steven L. Layne,Deborah Dover Layne

Lake Shore Drive, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier...just the mention of these iconic sights conjures up a skyline known the world over as the Windy City. Welcome to Chicago! And there's no better guidebook to the city than W is for Windy City: A Chicago Alphabet. Following the alphabet, the city's character and familiar landmarks are fully captured in poem and expository text. A is for Art Institute or Adler Planetarium. And if we want a "triple A," we'll add the Shedd Aquarium. Young readers can marvel at the treasures on display at the renowned Art Institute, go window shopping along Michigan Avenue's mile-long Magnificent Mile, or take in an afternoon game at Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs. W is for Windy City brings this famous city to life.A faculty member in the Department of Education at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, Dr. Steven L. Layne is a respected literacy consultant and keynote speaker, working with educators and children at schools and conferences throughout the world. With more than 20 years as an educator, Deborah Dover Layne has worked at elementary and middle school levels and has been a reading specialist. Currently, she is an elementary principal in Elgin. The Laynes live in St. Charles, Illinois. Rhode Island School of Design graduate Michael Hays teaches illustration and drawing at Columbia College and lives in Oak Park, Illinois. Judy MacDonald and Michael started Painted Pony Studio in Chicago several years ago, each of them bringing their own unique style to the drawing table while illustrating books and creating art for children.

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Sleeping Bear Press

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ISBN 10

158536570X

ISBN 13

9781585365708

Igniting a Passion for Reading

Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers

By: Steven Layne

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Igniting a Passion for Reading

Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers

By: Steven Layne

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219

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Published Date

ISBN 10

1003843727

ISBN 13

9781003843726

In Defense of Read-aloud

Sustaining Best Practice

By: Steven L. Layne

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In Defense of Read-aloud

Sustaining Best Practice

By: Steven L. Layne

A teacher's guide to the benefits of reading to students and having the students read-aloud.

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199

Publisher

Stenhouse Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1625310404

ISBN 13

9781625310408

Stay with Sister

By: Steven Layne

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Stay with Sister

By: Steven Layne

Big Brother finds out that not all babies are the same. Big Brother learns that not all little siblings are the same when his parents bring home a baby girl. He thinks he learned all about babies when Little Brother was small. However, Sister is very different. Other things are different too. Big Brother is old enough now to help keep an eye on the baby when Mommy and Daddy are busy and watching after Sister is not as easy as it sounds. But despite all the trouble she causes, Sister finds her way into Brother's heart, and that is where she will stay.

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Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455615234

ISBN 13

9781455615230

Life's Literacy Lessons

Stories and Poems for Teachers

By: Steven Layne

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Life's Literacy Lessons

Stories and Poems for Teachers

By: Steven Layne

This poignant collection of stories and poems honors literacy educators for the often difficult and always essential work they do with students of all ages. A well-loved classic, Life's Literacy Lessons , is back in print by popular demand and now includes stories as well as new poems. From reading aloud to grammar, from handwriting to standards, Steven Layne highlights the tears and laughter, the challenges and rewards that inspire today's teachers. And Steven reveals his motivation-;the events, words, and thoughts that led him to capture his musings in verse and prose. Whether you read them to inspire or entertain, these delightful poems and stories are sure to capture your imagination.

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Taylor & Francis

Published Date

ISBN 10

1003842534

ISBN 13

9781003842538

Teachers' Night Before Halloween

By: Layne, Steven L

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Teachers' Night Before Halloween

By: Layne, Steven L

It's the day before Halloween, and goblins, princesses, and Jedi have taken over the school. Every classroom is out of control as fifth-grade monsters pretend to eat a group of younger students and princesses hide in the bathroom to compare costumes. The teachers are fighting to maintain control, but the pre-Halloween celebrations aren't the worst of it. On Halloween Day, there is the annual student parade where students dress up, and ghosts, ghouls, fairies, and pirates take over the school completely. It's mayhem across the school this year, and the teachers are in for the biggest trick-or-treat of their careers.

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Pelican Publishing

ISBN 10

1455612812

ISBN 13

9781455612819

Paradise Lost

By: Steven L. Layne

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Paradise Lost

By: Steven L. Layne

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299

Publisher

Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.

Published Date

ISBN 10

1455614955

ISBN 13

9781455614950

This Side of Paradise

By: Steven Layne

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This Side of Paradise

By: Steven Layne

When his father relocates the family to Paradise to work for the mysterious Eden Corporation, Jack Barrett uncovers a sinister plot that threatens everyone he loves.

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