Photo of a classroom library showing books for children in Spanish and English.
If you are in Chicago this weekend, come see us at CSCTFL 😁
“Cutting It Out: Curating Diverse and Inclusive Classroom Libraries.”
Saturday March 14, 2026
2:30pm
Salon 12
@cslang4all.bsky.social
Teachers looking for a nuanced book that opens up opportunities for classroom discussion about aspects of Ecuadorian society -- check out LLLAB’s review of Los ojos de Carmen by Ecuadorian author, Veronica Moscoso.
El pato tiene más by Sarah M. White is a short, simple book about a duck and an elephant counting fruit, which offers simple vocabulary, repetition of numbers, and a sweet message about sharing.
Marie-Antoinette et le collier de la mort by Diane Touchet tells of a historical event in which a stolen necklace helped bring down the monarchy. This version of the story centers the mastermind behind the event, Comtesse de la Motte.
A photo of a bookshelf in a Spanish classroom shows a mixture of leveled readers and children’s books
On the way to #ACTFL25! Come see us on Friday at 4:30pm in room 213 for “Cutting It Out: Curating Diverse Classroom Libraries.”
If you're heading to #ACTFL25, I hope to see you there! In the podcast, I give the wrong time for my ACTFL presentation. I'll be presenting with Esme Mora and Kristi Lentz of @languageboard.bsky.social on Friday at 4:30 in room 213. Our topic: Curating Diverse and Inclusive Classroom Libraries.
Ángel
Ángel learns the surprising truth about his family and himself in this advanced fantasy novel. The text requires readers to unpack stereotypes and discuss themes of consent, Latinx identity, neurodivergence, and asexuality.
Brandon Brown versus Yucatán
Brandon Brown versus Yucatán invites readers to explore cultural sites in Mexico along with Brandon. Teachers may wish to discuss Brandon’s prejudices and inappropriate tourist behaviors.
Das Haus Nummer 13
Das Haus Nummer 13 is a story of a teen girl living in a haunted house while grieving her father. The story explores processes of grief and access to mental health resources while opening up opportunities for intercultural discussions on these themes.
Illustration shows several colorful books. The titles are not visible. Text says: what do you want to see us reading?
What do YOU want to see us reading?
As the 2025-2026 school year gets underway, LLLAB is gearing up for another year of reading and reviewing. It's not too late to share YOUR suggestion for what books you'd like to see reviewed.
Click here: forms.gle/Les4p2ZVHZyv...
Logo says Languages are FUNdamental. Central States 2026. Chicago
We’re excited to announce that LLLAB will present at the Central States Conference in Chicago in March 2026. The topic is Cutting it Out: Curating Diverse Classroom Libraries.
If you are a supporter of LLLAB, or just curious to hear more, please come join us. 😊
We invite YOU to apply to join the Language Learner Literature Advisory Board (LLLAB). If you care about languages, teaching, social justice, comprehensible input, & collaborating with peers – this is the place for you! Apply by following this link:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
text: join LLLAB. Read books; meet people; save the world. Image: background of colorful cartoon drawing of books.
Join us at LLLAB! Now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 board. Looking for applicants who read in Spanish, French, and German.
You may not actually save the world, but you will meet other people who care about representation and reducing stereotypes.
Apply here: forms.gle/2UTsNAKSBgr2...
text: Which books should we review next? Image: sketch suggests 5 books
Your opinion matters! Which books would you like to see LLLAB review? Please take our survey at wp.me/pcenJi-E7
What books do you think LLLAB should review? What books would you like to recommend because they have a great message that promotes social justice? What books are you concerned about? Please submit your suggestions at our website.
Updated Review!
Alicia: La lista is a nuanced story of a girl in Costa Rica who works toward her goals while trying to balance friendships, sports, family, and a new romantic relationship.
wearelllab.org/2022/12/27/a...
Updated Review!
Alice: La liste is a nuanced story of a girl in France who works towards her goals while trying to balance friendships, sports, family, and a new romantic relationship.
wearelllab.org/2024/06/04/a...
And Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Sorry!
New review! La rosa de los vientos.
A dystopian novel (available as an e-reader) which explores disturbing themes related to survival and prophecy. The text tends to emphasize the attractive bodies of the adolescent main characters.
New review! Daniel el detective.
Daniel, a boy in Spain, searches for clues to find a missing ticket to La Tomatina. The story challenges notions of "goodness" while presenting opportunities to compare Spanish and U.S. cultures.
New Review! Le Rat des Catacombes
A book rich in details about Parisian monuments and set against the backdrop of the 2019 Notre Dame fire. Teenagers Sofia and Tristan find themselves in the midst of a mystery deep within the Catacombs.
Claude, a seven-year-old boy, is assigned a school project about chocolate in which he learns not only about the food, but also about the boy who bullies him.
Meme with two maps. On the left, North and South America on a light blue background with the text "This is America." On the right, the United States of America on the same blue background with the text "This is USA." At the bottom, the text "Learn the difference."
LLLAB has some thoughts on the term "America."
wearelllab.org/commentary-o...
Good Stories for Language Learners of German is a collection of silly stories to be read aloud with students learning German in their first and second year of study.
NEW REVIEW: Der Brief
The story of Yasmin and Klara, best friends who attend the same school. When Klara begins to express potential romantic interest in a boy at their school, Yasmin realizes that she has been harboring her own romantic feelings for Klara.
Wearelllab.org/2025/01/04/der-brief
UPDATED REVIEW: Los Tres Amigos
This story includes two gay students as main characters. Marissa and Jack are best friends. Julio is the new kid at school. As Marissa and Julio begin dating, Jack struggles with his identity.
Wearelllab.org/2022/01/15/los-tres-amigos
A recent interest of mine is Indigenous Language Learning. I became interested after I met Hoocąk teacher Šųųkjąksgaį at Fluency Matters. This Thanksgiving, take some time to learn about the cultures of the People who we learn in school helped start this tradition.
bsky.app/profile/wazi...
Hola, #LangChat, si quieren practicar su comprensión auditiva (o nomás les encanta el chisme!) les invito a que escuchen este podcast de mis queridísimas colegas y amigas Adriana y Margarita donde, la mera neta, se armó el bochinche, y el desmadre. Échenle una escuchada aquí: shorturl.at/u76BE
In my #actfl24 session on using CI Readers for more than just language proficiency, participants reflected on role of:
—intentional goal setting
—choice of reader
—supplemental materials
—social support
—personal growth
Read their amazing reflections on our padlet:
padlet.com/ProfConlon/c...
Cécile standing next to a projected slide that says Bonjour! Je m'appelle Cécile Lainé. I am here because I want my classroom to become a place of joyful and empathetic cultural exchanges. The slide also features her headshot and the logo for her website toward proficiency
Excited to learn about cultivating cultural connections with novice learners with Cécile Lainé. I love for way she begins: I am here because I want my classroom to become a place of JOYFUL and empathetic cultural exchanges.
#actfl24