The Reading and Writing Nook

Hands-On Reading & Writing Resources

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About Us

Welcome! I’m Sonam, a passionate middle grades educator who believes learning sticks best when students are up, moving, and engaged. Over the years, I’ve taught middle school English Language Arts in both the U.S. and abroad, primarily in independent schools, and I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on, movement-based instruction can transform a classroom.

As a former board member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), I’ve been fortunate to help shape the broader conversation around literacy education. With a B.S. in Education from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, I now use my background and expertise to design creative, standards-aligned resources that bring energy, clarity, and joy into ELA classrooms everywhere.

5 Picture Books That Work for Middle School Goal Setting (Plus Ready-to-Use Activities)

1. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

Theme: Starting before you feel ready

This book is a perfect reminder that growth begins with action, not confidence.

Classroom Activity Idea

  • Have students write one academic or personal goal they’ve been avoiding.
  • Under it, they write the smallest possible “dot” they could start with this week.

Journal Prompt: What is one thing you could begin even if you don’t feel ready yet?
What would your “dot” be?

2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

Theme: Perspective, gratitude, redefining success

This book opens powerful conversations about what actually matters and serves as an essential foundation for meaningful goal setting.

Classroom Activity Idea

  • Create a two-column list:
    What I Think I Need vs. What Actually Helps Me Grow
  • Discuss how perspective influences goal choices.

Journal Prompt: How does your perspective affect the goals you set for yourself?
What might change if you looked at your life differently?

3. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

Theme: Growth mindset and perseverance

Middle schoolers connect strongly to the idea of “not yet” especially academically.

Classroom Activity Idea

  • Have students rewrite a negative self-statement using the word yet.
  • Turn it into a personal affirmation strip they can keep.

Journal Prompt: What is something you can’t do right now, but might be able to do someday?
What will help you get there?

4. The Empty Pot by Demi

Theme: Integrity, honesty, values-based goals

This book shifts goal setting away from outcomes and toward character.

Classroom Activity Idea

  • Ask students to choose one value they want to guide their goals this year (honesty, effort, kindness, responsibility).
  • Have them connect that value to a specific action.

Journal Prompt: What kind of person do you want to be this year? (Not just what do you want to achieve?) How can your actions reflect that?

5. After the Fall by Dan Santat

Theme: Failure, fear, and rebuilding confidence

This book resonates deeply with students who’ve already experienced setbacks, academically or socially.

Classroom Activity Idea

  • Students sketch or describe a “wall” they’ve fallen from (a failure or fear).
  • Then they list tools that could help them climb again.

Journal Prompt: What is something you’re afraid to try again? What support or strategy could help you move forward?

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