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Reading With Intention: Five Thoughtful Ways to Choose Books

January 2, 2026

This year, the way I read began to shift. I’ve always loved picture books and children’s literature – one of my favorite categories – but now I’m reading with intention. With my students in mind. With curiosity and care.

I’m reading to discover which books will excite them, bring them joy, and help them learn—whether that’s building reading skills or simply falling in love with stories.

I’m still getting to know my students: their strengths, challenges, excitements, and what helps them feel safe as readers. So this isn’t a list of “perfect” books. It’s simply the stack I’m starting with as I learn how to be the kind of teacher they need.

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Reading With Intention as a Teacher

A Book That Found Me at the Right Time

Inside Mrs. B.’s Classroom: Courage, Hope, and Learning on Chicago’s South Side by Leslie Baldacci 

I mentioned this in a previous post and it feels like one of those books that was waiting for me on the shelf. When I walked into the used bookstore a little more than a month ago, it seemed to say, “You need me right now”—apt for this phase of my life, even though my classroom is thankfully nowhere near as tough as the ones in the book.

(1 & 2) Book Beginnings and First Line Friday

BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY is hosted by Rose City Reader. What book are you happy about reading this week? Please share the opening sentence (or so) on BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY! Add the link to your blog or social media post and visit other blogs to see what others are reading.

Happy Friday and welcome to the FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.

From Inside Mrs. B.’s Classroom:

It was the first time I’d been to “The Dungeon.” The others were already there.

3 Friday 56

THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by by Anne at HeadFullofBooks. To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up and visit others in the linky. 

From Inside Mrs. B.’s Classroom:

In places where the pen is not mightier than the sword, a pen can be stripped for parts and made into a sword.

4 Book Blogger Hop

The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

Which genre are you eager to jump into more this year, and what draws you to it?

My answer (for now): Children’s literature and graphic novels that my students might fall in love with: because reading with them in mind changes how and why I read. While it is already something I do read a lot, my plan is to do so with intention.

5 Ways I’m Reading With Intention as a Teacher

Choosing books based on who my students are becoming – not just what’s popular

These aren’t just the kinds of books I’m drawn to – they’re the ways I’m learning to read with intention, letting purpose guide how and why I choose books for my students.

1️⃣ Reading With Students in Mind

I’m learning from teachers and librarians like Mychal Threets, John Schu, Colby Sharp, Pernille Ripp, and Donalyn Miller. All of them remind us that knowing books is one of our most powerful classroom tools. They read widely and joyfully, always centering kids first. That’s the direction I’m ‘tending’ toward.

2️⃣ Books That Invite Ideas and Conversation

Stories with accessible language, rich illustrations, and space to talk, wonder, and reflect together. Ideal for shared reading, oral language, and multiple entry points.

3️⃣ Books About Belonging, Imagination, and Courage

Gentle entry points for discussion, inference, and emotional connection – especially for students finding their place as readers

4️⃣ Series That Celebrate Trying (and Failing Forward)

Predictable structures, familiar characters, and big ideas for rereading and confidence-building.

Great for reinforcing vocabulary, comprehension, and perseverance without pressure.

5️⃣ Humor as a Doorway to Reading

Laughter as the fastest access point: high interest, visual support, and pure joy.

High interest, visual support, rereadability – and most importantly, joy – which is critical to turning young readers into lifelong ones.

Bonus: High-Interest Series

Short chapters, strong pacing, and manageable text chunks: ideal for reluctant readers who want to feel like “real” readers.

Many of these work well for independent reading, partner reading, and quick wins that build reading identity

And Now, the End of This Post: A Closing Thought

This list isn’t finished—and it isn’t meant to be. It’s a starting stack. As I continue to reshape my reading habits and tend to my students’ needs, the books will evolve.

The goal? To keep finding the right ones for them—books that build skills and spark love.

That feels like a good intention to carry into the new year

And now, dear reader, how has your reading changed when you read with someone else in mind—students, children, or even your past self?

9 thoughts on “Reading With Intention: Five Thoughtful Ways to Choose Books”

  2. As a fellow avid reader, my reading life changes all the time. That could also be because I’m a mood reader. Right now, I want to sink my teeth into nonfiction. I have a lot to learn about running my business and being a marketer in the 21st century. I bought so many books on these topics, but have barely cracked them open. Reading more nonfiction will be a priority in 2026.

  4. I plan on focusing more on women’s fiction-where love might exist, but the real center is growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Happy Reading!

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