A Brush with Magic: A Gentle Fantasy Inspired by Korean Art, Culture, and Storytelling

 Art has a way of connecting us to culture, family, and stories bigger than ourselves. A Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn blends creativity, heritage, and imagination into a fantasy that will especially appeal to readers interested in Korean culture, art, and character-driven storytelling.

The story follows Yumi, who travels to South Korea for the summer while her parents remain behind for work. Although both of her parents are Korean, Yumi initially feels disconnected from the place and uncertain about where she belongs. She arrives expecting to spend time with her older sister, Minji, but quickly realizes Minji would rather hang out with their cousins — leaving Yumi feeling lonely and sidelined.

With little else to do, Yumi begins spending time with her grandfather, who introduces her to traditional Korean ink brush painting and shares stories rooted in folklore. These moments become the emotional anchor of the book, offering Yumi a connection to her family history and a new way to express herself.

When her grandfather is away and Yumi runs out of art supplies, she wanders into a mysterious art shop to buy more. What she brings home turns out to be far more than ordinary — an ancient brush infused with magic. When Yumi uses it, she accidentally summons a spirit and is swept into a series of unexpected adventures she never would have chosen on her own.

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The Good

This is a gentle fantasy well suited for readers who enjoy imaginative stories without intense danger or nonstop action. Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle will recognize a similar cozy, whimsical tone — magical, atmospheric, and driven more by character than plot.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its cultural richness. Ahn does a wonderful job bringing Seoul to life through descriptions of the city’s sights, sounds, and smells, making the setting feel vivid and immersive.

This book will especially appeal to:

• Students interested in Korean culture and folklore

• Readers who enjoy art, painting, and creative expression

• Fantasy readers who prefer softer, lower-stakes stories

The inclusion of traditional Korean ink brush painting adds a unique artistic thread that sets this story apart from more familiar fantasy titles.

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The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)

This is a quiet, character-focused story, which means it won’t be the right fit for every reader. Students looking for fast pacing or constant action may struggle to stay engaged.

However, when matched with the right audience — particularly readers who enjoy atmosphere, cultural exploration, and creativity — the book’s style feels intentional. This is a title I would recommend thoughtfully, rather than broadly.

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Classroom & Curriculum Connections

A Brush with Magic offers several natural cross-curricular connections:

• Art:

  • Exploring traditional Korean ink brush painting

  • Creating artwork inspired by cultural techniques

• Social Studies / Global Learning:

  • Learning about Korean culture and traditions

  • Discussing identity and connections to family heritage

• ELA / SEL:

  • Feelings of belonging and loneliness

  • Navigating sibling relationships

  • Finding confidence through creativity

This book works well within a global literature unit, an art-integrated lesson, or a multicultural reading display.

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Overall

A Brush with Magic is an imaginative and culturally rich story that blends gentle fantasy with meaningful themes. While it may not appeal to every reader, it offers a rewarding experience for students interested in art, creativity, and learning about Korean culture.

I especially enjoyed the nods to Howl’s Moving Castle and the opportunity to experience Korea through a magical lens. With the right audience, this book has the potential to spark curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful discussion.

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Recommended Grade Levels

Grades 4–7
Best suited for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy and cultural storytelling.

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Why Your Students Will Love It

Students who enjoy art and painting will be drawn to Yumi’s journey. The magical brush, the spirit-filled adventures, and the vivid setting make this a story that feels imaginative without being overwhelming — ideal for readers who want magic with heart.

Helping Students Rebuild Focus in the Library During the Winter Months

Winter can be surprisingly hard.

Students return from winter break excited, tired, and often unfocused. Add in snow days, schedule disruptions, and shorter daylight hours, and routines that felt solid in the fall can start to feel rusty. Even students who usually settle quickly may struggle during this time of year.

If that sounds familiar, it’s not a classroom management issue — it’s a seasonal transition.

Focus is a skill, and winter is when that skill often needs extra support.

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Why Focus Feels Harder in Winter

During the winter months, students:

• Experience more interruptions to routine

• Spend more time indoors and on screens

• Move unevenly between rest and structure

• Need extra time to regulate their energy

Returning to school after winter break — especially when snow days interrupt momentum — requires patience. Expecting students to immediately jump back into sustained focus can create frustration for everyone.

Instead, this season calls for structure, predictability, and gentle rebuilding.

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The Library’s Role in Supporting Focus

The school library is often one of the few spaces where students slow down, listen together, and engage with stories.

Because of this, the library is a natural place for students to practice:

• Sustained attention

• Self-regulation

• Listening and reflection

This doesn’t require new programs or stricter rules. It begins with intentional routines and thoughtful pacing.

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Start Every Class the Same Way

One of the most effective ways I support focus is by starting every class with a predictable opening routine.

A short, consistent warm-up signals to students:

This is where learning begins.

Routines like Shelf Starters help students settle more quickly because they know exactly what to expect. Predictability reduces cognitive load and helps students transition calmly into learning.

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Keep Lessons Short and Purposeful

During the winter months, shorter lessons are often more effective than longer ones.

Rather than trying to cover everything at once, I focus on:

• One clear teaching point

• Brief modeling

• Time for students to practice

A structure that works well is:

• Mini-lesson: 5–7 minutes

• Active practice: 10–15 minutes

• Wrap-up or reflection: 3–5 minutes

Before each lesson, I ask myself:

What is the one thing students need to walk away with today?

That clarity helps both students and teachers stay focused.

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Using Character-Based Movement to Support Focus

Movement can support focus when it’s intentional and connected to comprehension. One strategy I return to often is character-based movement, where students use their bodies to show their thinking rather than release energy randomly.

This type of movement is brief, purposeful, and tied directly to learning.

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Example: Exploring Character Traits Through Movement

Instead of focusing on plot, I sometimes use movement to highlight character traits.

Teacher prompt:

“Show me a pose that represents a character who is brave.”

Student movement:
Students might:

• Stand tall with shoulders back

• Place hands on hips

• Look straight ahead

After a few seconds, I say:

“And freeze.”

I may then follow up with:

“Turn and tell a partner which character you were thinking of.”

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Variation: Comparing Emotions or Traits

This works especially well with older students.

Teacher prompt:

“Show me a pose for a character who feels confident… now freeze.
Now show me a pose for a character who feels unsure.”

Students adjust their posture to reflect the change.

Why this works:
Students are physically comparing traits and emotions, which strengthens comprehension and helps them refocus before moving on.

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Using Movement as a Transition

Movement works best when it signals a shift.

I often use character-based movement:

• After a mini-lesson

• Before independent work

• Before returning to listening

When students freeze, they know it’s time to refocus. Over time, this becomes part of the routine and actually saves instructional time.

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Using a Simple Visual Schedule

A visual schedule is one of the easiest ways to support focus and executive functioning in the library.

It doesn’t need to be elaborate. I keep mine consistent and simple.

Example Library Schedule:

1. Shelf Starter

2. Mini-Lesson

3. Practice / Explore

4. Share / Close

I point to the schedule as we move through the lesson so students always know what’s coming next. This reduces anxiety and helps students manage transitions independently.

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Focus Is an Executive Function Skill

Focus is not just about behavior — it’s part of executive functioning.

Skills like task initiation, sustained attention, and self-regulation take time to rebuild after breaks and disruptions. The library offers a safe space for students to practice these skills without pressure or judgment.

I’ll be sharing more specifically about executive functioning supports in a future post, but winter routines lay the foundation.

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A Gentle Winter Reminder

If focus feels harder right now, that’s okay.

Winter doesn’t require perfection — it requires patience, structure, and consistency.

Start with:

• A predictable opening

• Shorter lessons

• Intentional movement

• Clear visual structure

Small, consistent choices add up.

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Part of the Winter Reset Series

This post is part of my Winter Reset series for school librarians, focused on simple systems that support calm, focused learning.

Earlier posts in the series include:

• Shelf Starters to anchor each class

• Thoughtful winter library displays

More to come as the season continues.

Blood in the Water: A Slow-Burn Thriller That Hooks Readers with History, Horror, and Suspense

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson is a Scholastic title that immediately caught students’ attention during our book fair. As I was preparing displays, students were instantly drawn in after watching the book trailer Scholastic provides — the tension, mystery, and ominous tone did exactly what a great trailer should do: it made them want to know more.

Tiffany D. Jackson is well known for her suspenseful writing, and this book is no exception. The story unfolds on Martha’s Vineyard, a setting rich with history and atmosphere. What begins as a quieter, slower-paced story gradually builds into something far more intense, revealing how fear, bias, and misunderstanding can escalate with devastating consequences.

At the center of the story is Kaliani, whose experience invites readers to examine how people are treated when fear takes over — and how quickly assumptions can replace truth.

The Good

One of this book’s greatest strengths is how it showcases Black history connected to Martha’s Vineyard, making it a meaningful curriculum connection for social studies and ELA classrooms.

The story also offers a strong look at the judicial process, creating natural opportunities for:

• Mock trials

• Analyzing evidence and perspective

• Discussing fairness, bias, and justice

From an SEL perspective, students can explore how Kaliani feels about the way she is treated, how fear impacts decision-making, and what it means to be unheard or misjudged.

The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)

This is a slow-burn novel, especially at the beginning, and some students may need encouragement to push through the early chapters. That said, readers who stick with it will find themselves pulled into twists and turns that make the final portion of the book feel like a roller coaster ride.

It’s also important to note that this story falls within the horror/suspense genre. There are intense scenes that may be uncomfortable for younger or sensitive readers, making this a book best recommended with intention.

About the Author

Tiffany D. Jackson is a master storyteller known for keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her ability to blend suspense with real-world issues is what makes her books so impactful.

I first read Allegedly back in 2017, and it’s a story that has stayed with me ever since — a testament to Jackson’s skill at crafting narratives that linger long after the final page. With Blood in the Water, she once again proves her gift for building tension and delivering powerful, thought-provoking stories.

Classroom & Curriculum Connections

This book offers strong cross-curricular opportunities, particularly for middle and upper grades:

• Social Studies:

  • Black history of Martha’s Vineyard

  • Community response to fear and crisis

• ELA:

  • Character perspective

  • Theme, conflict, and suspense

• SEL / Civics:

  • Fairness, bias, and empathy

  • How fear influences behavior and judgment

• Science & Health Extensions:
  Teachers can extend the story by discussing shark attacks, including:

  • Why shark encounters happen

  • How rare shark attacks actually are

  • General water safety tips and how to reduce risk

This adds a real-world connection that helps students separate fear from facts.

Overall

Blood in the Water is a gripping, unsettling read that rewards patient readers. Tiffany D. Jackson’s talent for suspense is on full display, blending history, horror, and social commentary into a story that invites deep discussion.

For students who enjoy thrillers with substance — and for educators looking to spark conversations about justice, fear, and safety — this book offers powerful possibilities.

Recommended Grade Levels

Grades 6 and up
Best suited for mature middle-grade readers and early high school students.

Why Your Students Will Love It

Students who enjoy suspense will be hooked by the tension and twists, especially once the story gains momentum. Many readers will find themselves eager to talk about what’s fair, what isn’t, and how fear can quickly change the way people are treated.

January Displays: Using a Display Lens to Support a Calm Reset

January always feels like a quiet reset.

After the busy pace of fall and winter, the library becomes a place where students need help settling back into routines, rebuilding focus, and reconnecting with books. This month, I’m sharing a short January Reset series focused on simple systems that support calm, intentional learning in the library.

Last week, I shared how Shelf Starters help anchor each class period. This week, I’m focusing on another system that quietly shapes student behavior and book choice: library displays.

Library displays are often treated as decoration, but when they’re planned with intention, they become one of the most effective tools we have for guiding students — without adding another task to a busy schedule.

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Why Library Displays Matter (Especially in January)

Library displays aren’t just visual. When they’re thoughtfully planned, they can:

• Guide students toward meaningful book choices

• Reinforce routines and expectations

• Reduce decision fatigue for students returning from break

• Support classroom learning

• Make the library feel welcoming and calm

In January, displays can do even more. They help students ease back into learning without pressure or overload — something many students need after time away from school routines.

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Introducing the Display Lens

To keep display planning manageable, I use what I call a Display Lens.

A display lens isn’t a calendar or a checklist. It’s a guiding question:

What do students need right now — and how can the library space quietly support that?

Instead of changing displays constantly, the lens stays the same. What changes is the student need it’s responding to.

In January, that need is clear: reset, focus, and reassurance.

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How I Think About January Displays

Rather than changing everything at once, I approach January displays with simplicity and purpose. I usually choose one main focus display and one or two supporting displays that can stay up for most of the month.

When planning January displays, I think about the needs students bring with them after winter break. Most fall into three areas:

• Fresh Starts & Goals

• Learning, Leadership, and Reflection

• Focus & Curiosity

Not every display needs to be elaborate. A clear theme and a small collection of well-chosen books go a long way.

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January Display Ideas That Work

📚 1. New Year, New Reading

This is a simple, student-friendly way to start the semester.

Display ideas might include:

• “New Year, New Books”

• “Try a New Genre”

• “Books to Start the Year Strong”

You might invite students to:

• set a personal reading goal

• recommend a favorite book

• choose a genre they want to explore

This display pairs naturally with conversations about growth and curiosity — without adding pressure.

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🧠 2. Focus, Growth, and Perseverance

January is a great time to highlight books that quietly support:

• Focus and perseverance

• Problem-solving

• Growth mindset

These displays reinforce executive functioning and calm learning habits without needing explicit instruction. The books do the work.

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🌟 3. Leadership, Voice, and Change

January includes meaningful moments for reflection and learning, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This makes it a strong month to highlight books about:

• Leadership

• Standing up for others

• Fairness and justice

• Real people who made a difference

This display can be simple — a small collection of picture books and biographies with a clear sign.

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January Literacy & Learning Observances to Note

Here are a few January observances that work especially well for library displays:

• National Braille Literacy Month (all month)

• International Creativity Month (all month)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)

• Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday (January 19) — great for mysteries

• Data Privacy Day (January 28) — a natural tie-in to digital citizenship

You don’t need to highlight all of these. Even one thoughtful connection is enough.

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A Gentle Reminder About Displays

Library displays don’t need to change every week to be effective.

One or two well-planned displays that stay up for most of January can:

• Reduce student overwhelm

• Support reading habits

• Reinforce routines

• Make the library feel intentional and calm

Sometimes, doing less allows the books to speak more clearly.

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How the Display Lens Works Beyond January

While I’m focusing on January displays right now, the Display Lens is designed to support the library all year long — without requiring constant change.

Instead of planning entirely new displays each month, I shift the focus of the same system based on what students need most at that point in the year.

Here’s a high-level view of how that lens evolves, along with a few starting-point book ideas for each month.

January — Reset & Focus

Displays support routines, reduce overwhelm, and help students ease back into reading.

Display starting points:

• The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

• The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak

• Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! by Trudy Ludwig

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February — Comfort & Motivation

Displays highlight familiar favorites, short reads, and choice without pressure.

Display starting points:

• I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

• The Bad Seed by Jory John

• Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

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March — Curiosity & Independence

Displays invite exploration and self-directed browsing as routines solidify.

Display starting points:

• Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young

• Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield

• The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

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April — Stewardship & Care

Displays connect reading to responsibility, community, and environmental awareness.

Display starting points:

• The Watcher by Jeanette Winter

• What a Waste by Jess French

• The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

• Our House Is on Fire by Jeanette Winter

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May — Reflection & Celebration

Displays honor reading identity, effort, and growth without adding new expectations.

Display starting points:

• Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

• Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

• Maybe by Kobi Yamada

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Looking Ahead in the January Reset Series

This January Reset series is focused on small systems that make a big difference. Instead of adding new programs, the goal is to strengthen what’s already happening in the library.

In upcoming posts, I’ll continue sharing ways to support routines, focus, and reading engagement — one intentional shift at a time.

Manga, Comics, & Graphic Novels for Kids: An Updated School Librarian Guide (2026)

 In 2016, I wrote my first post about comics, manga, and graphic novels for tweens after a student asked me for recommendations — and I completely froze.

At the time, my experience was mostly limited to titles like Smile, Sisters, and El Deafo. Manga felt unfamiliar, and age-appropriate options for elementary readers were far more limited than they are today. With help from colleagues (and a lot of reading), I created a list that became a go-to resource for my library.

Nearly ten years later, the world of manga and graphic novels for kids has grown tremendously.

This updated post reflects:

• Newer, school-appropriate manga

• Manga adaptations and hybrid formats

• Clear grade guidance for families

• And thoughtful recommendations for today’s readers

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📘 Manga Formats to Know

Manga Adaptations

Manga adaptations are based on familiar franchises — games, shows, or movies kids already love. These are often excellent entry points for reluctant readers.

Examples include:

• Pokémon

• Animal Crossing

• Minecraft

• Splatoon

• Disney Manga titles (Kilala Princess, Stitch!)

 

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Hybrid Manga Formats

Hybrid manga blend manga-style art with Western graphic novel storytelling. These often read left-to-right and feel especially approachable for beginners.

Hybrid formats are wonderful bridge books for readers moving from graphic novels into traditional manga.

Captain Underpants Manga (Coming April 2026) 

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🌟 Updated Manga & Graphic Novel Recommendations

🪄 Fantasy & Magical Adventures

Unico — Grades 3–6

A modern reimagining of a classic unicorn story. Gentle fantasy, emotional depth, and themes of kindness and resilience.

Disney Manga: Kilala Princess — Grades 3–6

An original Disney manga following a girl who journeys through classic Disney worlds while discovering her own inner strength.

Hilda / Hildafolk — Grades 2–5

Whimsical adventures inspired by folklore. Still incredibly popular thanks to the animated series.

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🐾 Animal & Slice-of-Life Stories

Saphie: The One-Eyed Cat — Grades 2–5

A gentle, empathetic story about a one-eyed cat navigating everyday life.

Chi’s Sweet Home — Grades K–3

Short, expressive chapters perfect for emerging readers.

Happy Happy Clover — Grades 2–4

A sweet woodland story centered on friendship and community.

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🤖 Sci-Fi, Robots & STEM-Curious Readers

Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms — Grades 4–7

A sci-fi adventure featuring a sentient mechanical arm and a student learning responsibility and teamwork.

Zita the Spacegirl — Grades 3–6

A strong sci-fi adventure that continues to hold up beautifully.

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🎮 Manga Adaptations for Gamers & Franchise Fans

Pokémon Adventures — Grades 3–6

Action-driven stories set in the Pokémon universe.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Deserted Island Diary — Grades 2–5

Low-stakes, cozy storytelling focused on community.

Minecraft: The Manga — Grades 3–6

Highly engaging for reluctant readers.

The Legend of Zelda (manga) — Grades 4–7

Fantasy adventure tied to a familiar game world.

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😂 Humor & Everyday Life

Yotsuba&! — Grades 2–5

A joyful look at everyday life through a curious child’s eyes.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn — Grades 2–5

Humor-driven with heart and strong appeal to fantasy lovers.

Babymouse — Grades 1–4

Still a fantastic bridge from early readers to graphic novels.

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⭐ Still Recommended from My 2016 List

Some recommendations truly stand the test of time. These titles were strong picks in 2016 — and they’re still excellent choices today:

• Amulet

• Bone

• HiLo

• The Lunch Lady

• Bird & Squirrel

• Sidekicks

• Roller Girl

• Sunny Side Up

• Awkward

• Raina Telgemeier titles (Smile, Sisters, Ghosts)

📌 These books continue to circulate well and remain favorites for many students.

👉 You can view my original 2016 list here:

[Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga for Tweens (2016)]

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⚠️ Popular Manga to Read With Guidance

Some manga frequently requested by students were not written specifically for elementary readers. These may be appropriate for older readers with guidance:

• Warriors Manga — Grades 5–7

• Spy x Family — Grades 5–7

• Haikyu!! — Grades 6+

• One Piece — Grades 6+

• Dragon Ball / Dragon Ball Z — Grades 6+

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👨‍👩‍👧 Tips for Families Choosing Manga

• Check the rating on the back cover

• Flip through a few pages together

• Read Amazon reviews, especially low-star reviews that mention content concerns

• Remember that popular doesn’t always mean age-appropriate

• When in doubt, ask a librarian

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Manga, comics, and graphic novels are not a shortcut around reading — they are reading.

What’s changed since 2016 isn’t the value of these formats, but the breadth of thoughtful, age-appropriate options now available. With intentional curation, manga can be a powerful way to help kids fall in love with reading.

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If you’re looking for more support as you help kids build strong reading habits, I’ve created a free K–6 Reading Guide filled with practical recommendations, reader-friendly strategies, and tools for families and educators.

It’s designed to complement formats like graphic novels and manga while supporting long-term reading growth.

👉 Grab the free K–6 Reading Guide here: