Five Ways to Get The Most Out of Your ReFoReMo Experience

Reading for Research, here we come!

Registration for the 2021 Reading for Research Challenge is still open! We start learning from our presenters on Monday, March 1st!

Want to get the most out of your experience?  Here are a few tips. 

1. Max out your library card, by putting the mentor texts from the booklist on hold. If you can't find a book, refer to our research tools for ideas.

2. Read the posts daily, along with the recommend texts.  

3. As you read, ask yourself these questions:

       What about this book makes my heart sing?

       How can I infuse those things in my own writing?

4. Take notes--write down everything you learn from each day of Reading for Research! 

5.  Share your ideas and insights in our Facebook group as you make discoveries! 

Get ready for a great month of learning!  We’re thrilled to have you with us. 

ReFoReMo 2021 Registration

ReFoReMo Badge Illustration by Lori Nawyn: https://lorinawyn.com/

 

ReFoReMo 2021 is officially open! We are excited to celebrate the reading-writing connection for the 7th year of this annual challenge.

ReFoReMo examines the craft of making picture books through mentor texts and multiple perspectives from authors, illustrators, educators, and publishing professionals. Registration opens today and runs through March 2. From March 1-March 31, participants will be presented with many different ways to focus on picture books as mentor texts to inform the craft of writing.

 

During the challenge, we follow a reading list, but we encourage you to use mentor texts that compliment your writing projects, too. The follow-through is what counts the most. Will you adopt a regular reading and research routine to inform your writing? If your answer is yes, please read and follow the guidelines below to register. 

1.   At the bottom of this post, find the comment box. (If you received this registration post in your inbox today, you must click the title of the post first. That will take you to the website where our challenge takes place, and you'll find the comment box at the bottom of that post.) Enter your FIRST and LAST NAME in the comment box. Click on the "Publish" button. Comment only once, please. Be patient. With many people entering comments at once, it may take quite some time for you comment to show up in the comment section. Tip: Underneath the comment box, there is a “Load more…” feature. Your comment may be there. Also note: Registration is considered official through Monday, March 1 (for prize purposes). Again, please do not worry if your name does not show up right away! We are on the honor system.

 

If you experience difficulty leaving your comment, sometimes changing your browser is all it takes. You can also request help in the ReFoReMo Facebook group. (If you are not yet a member of the FB group, you must request to be admitted to the private group. Please be patient with us during this busy time. Once you are admitted, you will find the registration post pinned to the top of our FB group wall. Enter your FIRST and LAST name in that comment thread only if you have tried our tips for commenting on the blog and were not successful.)

 

2.  (If you already receive our emails, skip this step.) Subscribe to this ReFoReMo blog by entering your email address into the opt-in box on the right-hand side. A Feedburner Email Subscription box will pop up. Type the captcha code listed at the bottom of the box and submit.  You will receive an email verification link in your inbox. Click the link to activate your subscription. This will enable you to receive the daily challenge posts as emails.

3.   We designed the ReFoReMo Facebook group  to journey together as a community, hosting your discussions and questions about picture books as mentor texts. We encourage you to discuss the perspectives and mentor texts as you read. Note: We understand that sometimes certain mentor texts are hard to find. However, we cannot support sharing video readings in the FB group. (Most of them break copyright laws.) Look for readings created by the publisher or author.  

4.    Many of our presenters are generously offering prizes. They will be revealed during the posts. To be eligible, you must be registered by March 1, make efforts to consistently research mentor texts, and comment on every blog post from March 1-March 31. You must be on the blog to comment. Please do not reply to the posts via email.  We are on the honor system and therefore you will not need to post your results anywhere. To keep things simple, we will have only one Rafflecopter to enter on March 31 from which all winners will be drawn.

5.    You may post the ReFoReMo badge (top) on your site or social media. Please link it back to this address:  www.reforemo.com   For more beautiful illustrations and designs, visit the talented creator, Lori Nawyn! 

 

Our 2021 Reading List can be found here. Get a jump on reserving your books from the library now. We understand the delays curbside service presents during the pandemic. (You can also use picture books of your own to study the points discussed.) When March 1st rolls around, it's go time! Read the posts and book recommendations. Take notes on how each perspective applies to your writing needs. You may come across the same mentor text more than once, but you’ll have the opportunity to study it in a new light. Particular elements may apply to you personally more than others. That may lead you to study additional mentor texts that are not on the list. Hooray, we say! Hooray! 

 

Take advantage of the break we offer on the weekends. Use that time to catch up or just rest. Utilize our research tools and start discussions in our Facebook Group. We are excited to share this educational experience with you and we hope it makes a difference in your writing!

ReFoReMo 2021 Reading List

Are you excited for ReFoReMo 2021?  We are, so we want you to have a chance to start reserving your books! Grab you library card, and get comfy at the computer. 

Registration opens next week!

ReFoReMo 2021 Reading List

Week One

March 1 ReFoReMo Day 1: Authors/Founders Kirsti Call and Carrie Charley Brown (Harmony-Musicality)

Saturday by Oge Mora

Swish! The High-Flying Alley-Ooping Harlem Globe Trotters by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Don Tate

No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History Edited by Keila V. Dawson, Lindsay Metcalf, and Jeanette Bradley, Illustrated by Jeanette Bradley

Mootilda’s Bad Mood by Kirsti Call and Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrations by Claudia Ranucci

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison and Brianne Farley

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Juana Martinez Neal

I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon by Baptiste & Miranda Paul

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Lights Out by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Susan Reagan

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith

March 2 ReFoReMo Day 2: Mentor Text Maven/Author Marcie Flinchum Atkins (Historical Fiction)

Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield’s First Ride written and illustrated by Joel Christian Gill

Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Christine Davenier

At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell, Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre

Lumber Jills: The Unsung Heroines of World War II by Alexandra Davis, Illustrated by Katie Hickey

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson, Illustrated by Marie Lafrance

Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome

Francesco Tirelli’s Ice Cream Shop by Tamar Meir, Illustrated by Yael Albert

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Hubbard, Illustrated Oge Mora

Night Walk to the Sea: A Story About Rachel Carson, Earth’s Protector by Deborah Wiles, Illustrated by Daniel Miyares

Ruby’s Hope: A Story of How the Famous “Migrant Mother” Photograph Became the Face of the Great Depression by Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Sarah Dvojack

March 3 ReFoReMo Day 3: Podcaster/Author Matthew Winner (First Lines)

What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood by Anastasia Higginbotham

Luci Soars by Lulu Delacre

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith

Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer and Cindy Derby

My Hair Is Magic! by M. L. Marroquin and Tonya Engel

From Archie to Zack by Vincent X. Kirsch

Outside, Inside by Leuyen Pham

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade

I Am Darn Tough by Licia Morelli and Maine Diaz

March 4 ReFoReMo Day 4: Author Heidi E.Y. Stemple (Great Books)

Your Place In the Universe by Jason Chin

Birdsong by Julie Flett

When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox, by Jamie L.B. Deenihan, illustrated by 

We are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom, Illustrated by Michaela Goade

The Next President, By Kate Messner, illustrated by Adam Rex

You Matter, by Christian Robinson

Love Is Powerful, by Heather Dean Brewer, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Your Name Is A Song, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

How to Find a Bird, by Jennifer Ward, Illustrated by Diana Sudyka

The Women Who Caught the Babies by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Daniel Minter

 

March 5 ReFoReMo Day 5: Literary Advocate Susannah Richards (books you may have missed in 2020)

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez 

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris, Illustrated by Ana Ramírez Gonzålez

Lift by Min Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat 

Chicken Little: The Real Totally True Tale by Sam Wedlich 

A New Green Day by Antoinette Ports 

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe 

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable by Rowboat Watkins 

Catch that Chicken! By Atinuke, illustrated by Angel Brooksbank 

The Wanderer by Peter Van Den Ende

Do I Have to Wear a Coat? A Journey Through the Seasons by Rachel Isadora 

Week Two

March 8 ReFoReMo Day 6: Literary Agent/Author Kaitlyn Sanchez (Structure)

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

I'm Trying to Love Math by Bethany Barton

How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley, illustrated by John Martz 

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña

March 9 ReFoReMo Day 7: Author Traci Sorell (Narrative Non-fiction)

No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas, written by Tonya Bolden and illustrated by Don Tate

Beatrix Potter, Scientist, written by Lindsay H. Metcalf and illustrated by Junyi Wu

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist, written by Linda Skeers and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed A City Forever, written by H. Joseph Hopkins and illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer, written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Natasha Donovan

March 10 ReFoReMo Day 8: Author/Illustrator Don Tate

Frida, by Jonah Winter

Wilma Unlimited, Kathleen Krull,

Tomas and the Library Lady, Pat Mora

Not Norman, Kelly Bennett

Anything by Eric Rohman, Giant Squid

March 11 ReFoReMo Day 9: Author Erin Dionne (Storytelling in Nonfiction)

Seven Golden Rings, Rajana LaRocca, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan  

Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuko Ando, Andrea Wang, illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz

You’re Invited to a Moth Ball, Loree Griffin Burns, photos by Ellen Harasimowicz

We Are Grateful: Ostaliheliga, Tracey Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac

Dirt Cheap, Mark Hoffmann

March 12 ReFoReMo Day 10: Author Janie Reinart (Voice)

I Talk Like A River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith.

Looking for Smile by Ellen Tarlow, illustrated by Lauren Stringer

How to Walk an Ant by Cindy Derby

We are Water Protectors by Carike Lindstrom, illustrated by MichaelaGoade

HoneyBee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming,  illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Week Three

  

March 15 ReFoReMo Day 11: Literary Agent/Author Joyce Sweeney (World View)

SAVING GRANDADDY’S STORIES by Shannon Hitchcock and Sophie Page 

V IS FOR VOTING by Kate Farrell and Caitlin Kuhwald 

SELENA, QUEEN OF TEJANO MUSIC by Sylvia Lopez and Paola Escobar 

LILLYBELLE A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, written by Joana Pastro and Jhon Ortiz 

COUNTING THE DAYS by Janeen Mason 

March 16 ReFoReMo Day 12: Author Todd Tarpley (Humor)

THE VERY IMPATIENT CATERPILLAR by Ross Burach

SMELL MY FOOT by Cece Bell

THE HAPPY BOOK AND OTHER FEELINGS by Andy Rash

LENNY THE LOBSTER CAN'T STAY FOR DINNER by Michael Buckley

WHO WET MY PANTS? by Bob Shea

March 17 ReFoReMo Day 13: Author Hayley Barrett (Finishing Salt)

YOU ARE LIGHT by Aaron Becker

MAGIC RAMEN by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

ADRIAN SIMCOX DOES NOT HAVE A HORSE by Marcy Campbell and Corinna Luyken

PLANTING STORIES, THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER PURA BELPRÉ by Anika Aldamay Denise and Paola 

SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan

March 18 ReFoReMo Day 14: Author Corey Rosen Schwartz (Onomatopoeia)

Cow Says Meow by Kirsti Call and Brandon James Scott

Noisy Night by Mac Barnett and Brian Biggs

The Thingity Jig by Kathleen Doherty and Krystina Litten

The Wonky Donky by Craig Smith and illustrated by Katz Cowley.

March 19 ReFoReMo Day 15: Author Keila V. Dawson (Conservation, Preservation, and Climate Change)

We Are Water Protectors Lindstrom, Carole (Author) Goade, Michaela (Illustrator) 

Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet, Jeanette Winter 

Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet by Nanette Heffernan (Author) and Bao Luu (Illustrator)

The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord  (Author), Julia Blattman (Illustrator) 

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French (Author) 

Week Four

March 22  ReFoReMo Day 16: Literary Agent/Author Miranda Paul (Accessibility)

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and R. Gregory Christie

Baby Loves Coding! By Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg

Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutto 

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

 

March 23  ReFoReMo Day 17: Author/Poet Carole Boston Weatherford (Language)

Giant Squid by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

The Stuff of Stars illustrated by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated Ekua Holmes

Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Crown by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon James

March 24  ReFoReMo Day 18: Author Lauren Kerstein (Feelings)

I AM THE STORM by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple/ Illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell

PARKER LOOKS UP: AN EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry/ Illustrated by Brittany Jackson

I AM EVERY GOOD THING by Derrick Barnes/ Illustrated by Gordon C. James

DEAR EARTH… FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5 by Erin Dealey/ Illustrated by Luisa Uribe

THE REMEMBER BALLOONS by Jessie Oliveros/ Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

March 25  ReFoReMo Day 19: Author Sue Ganz Schmitt (Vulnerability)

Can I Be Your Dog – by Troy Cummins 

Escargot --by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

Julian is a Mermaid - by Jessica Love   

A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui 

Take a Picture of Me James  Van Der Zee by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Keith Mallett 

March 26: ReFoReMo Day 20: Author Cindy Williams Schrauben (Humor)

Potato Pants by Laura Keller

The Bad Seed by Jory John, illustrated by Peter Oswald

Spring Stinks by Ryan T. Higgins

Bob Not Bob! by Audrey Vernick & Liz Garton Scanlon , illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Week Five

March 29: ReFoReMo Day 21: Author/Librarian Kathy Halsey (Illustrations)

Cubs in a Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo’s First Woman Zookeeper - Candace Fleming, illustrator Julie Downing

No Fuzzball - Isabella King, author-illustrator

Polar Bear Island - Lindsay Bonilla, illustrator Cinta Villalobos

Open the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book – Keila V. Dawson, illustrator Alleanna Harris

Reading Picture Books with Children: How to Shake Up Storytime and Get Kids Talking about What They See - Megan Dowd Lambert

March 30: ReFoReMo Day 22: Author Joana Pastro (Onomatopoeia)

CAN U SAVE THE DAY by Shannon Stocker/ Illustrated by Tom Disbury

THE LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE by Kelly Jordan/ Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING by Teresa Robeson/ Illustrated by Junyi Wu

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT by Lauren H. Kerstein/ Illustrated by Nate Wragg

WOOD, WIRE, WINGS by Kirsten W. Larson/ Illustrated by Tracy Subisak

ReFoReMo 2021 Presenters Revealed

ReFoReMo Badge Illustration by Lori Nawyn: https://lorinawyn.com/

ReFoReMo Badge Illustration by Lori Nawyn: https://lorinawyn.com/

Are you ready? It’s reveal time for our 7th-annual 2021 Reading for Research Month (ReFoReMo) team of presenters! Every March, our annual online challenge immerses us in the craft of writing picture books through reading and analyzing them as mentor texts. Our 2021 registration opens on February 16, and the reading list will be revealed next week on February 9.

Introducing the 2021 ReFoReMo Presenters...

Week One- Ten Books-a-Day Posts

March 1 ReFoReMo Day 1: Authors/Founders Kirsti Call and Carrie Charley Brown

March 2 ReFoReMo Day 2: Mentor Text Maven/Writer Marcie Flinchum Atkins

March 3 ReFoReMo Day 3: Podcaster/Author Matthew Winner

March 4 ReFoReMo Day 4: Author Heidi E.Y. Stemple

March 5 ReFoReMo Day 5: Literary Advocate Susannah Richards

 

March 6-7 Happy Weekend!

Week Two- Five Books-a-Day Posts Begin

March 8 ReFoReMo Day 6: Literary Agent/Author Kaitlyn Sanchez

March 9 ReFoReMo Day 7: Author Traci Sorell 

March 10 ReFoReMo Day 8: Author/Illustrator Don Tate

March 11 ReFoReMo Day 9: Author Erin Dionne

March 12 ReFoReMo Day 10: Author Janie Reinart

 

March 13-14 Happy Weekend!

Week Three 

 

March 15 ReFoReMo Day 11: Literary Agent/Author Joyce Sweeney

March 16 ReFoReMo Day 12: Author Todd Tarpley

 

March 17 ReFoReMo Day 13: Author Hayley Barrett

March 18 ReFoReMo Day 14: Author Corey Rosen Schwartz

March 19 ReFoReMo Day 15: Author Keila V. Dawson

 

March 20-21 Happy Weekend!

Week Four

March 22  ReFoReMo Day 16: Literary Agent/Author Miranda Paul

March 23  ReFoReMo Day 17: Author/Poet Carole Boston Weatherford

March 24  ReFoReMo Day 18: Author Lauren Kerstein

March 25  ReFoReMo Day 19: Author Sue Ganz Schmitt

March 26: ReFoReMo Day 20: Author Cindy Williams Schrauben

 

March 27-28 Happy Weekend!

Week 5:  Last Push! Wrapping Things Up

March 29: ReFoReMo Day 21: Author/Librarian Kathy Halsey

March 30: ReFoReMo Day 22: Author Joana Pastro

March 31: ReFoReMo Day 23: Founders Carrie Charley Brown and Kirsti Call Bring it Back to Your Writing and Rafflecopters open!

As traditions go, let's allow the fabulous Emily Arrow to exercise her golden voice, kicking off our ReFoReMo celebration in true songstress style! (If you have not yet experienced the music-literature bonds that Emily builds, you won't want to miss out!)