Classroom Library

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Text Scanning Pen

A scanner pen is a handheld device that reads printed text aloud as a user moves it across a page. It can help students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or reading difficulties access written materials independently. Many models include built-in dictionaries so students can instantly look up word meanings or hear pronunciations, supporting vocabulary and reading comprehension. The scanned text can also be transferred to a computer or tablet for note-taking or digital storage. Because it is small and portable, a scanner pen allows students to use it in any learning setting without needing large assistive equipment. This tool promotes confidence and independance by giving students immediate access to written information in a format that suits their learning needs.

Videos and Websites

Videos of someone reading a book can make stories more accessible by combining both audio and visual elements. Students can choose to listen, follow along with their own copy, or watch the illustrations being shown on screen to support their reading comprehension. Here is a screenshot of The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang being read aloud on YouTube. This graphic novel does not have an official audiobook version, but like many other stories, it can be found online as a read-aloud video. This format increases access for students with vision or reading difficulties and provides an engaging, multimodal way to experience the story.

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Educational websites (Reading A-Z, iXL, Storyline Online, Epic!) can be used in the classroom by providing additional resources to teach reading with engaging materials for different kinds of learners. Newsela is an online platform that turns current news stories and nonfiction texts into engaging, leveled reading materials for students. Articles are available at multiple reading levels for grades 3-12, providing differentiated materials that allow teachers to assign the same topic to all students while supporting diverse literacy needs. Newsela offers features that help students build reading comprehension and critical-thinking skills. The site offers audio support and has features for English Language Learners (ELL), including translated articles. Many articles cover global issues, diverse cultures, and stories that reflect a wide range of identities and experiences, making it a strong resource for multicultural education. Teachers can use Newsela to connect literacy instruction with social studies or current events and to promote inclusive classroom discussions about real-world topics. Its adaptive reading levels and accessibility features ensure that all students can access and understand meaningful content.

Portable Electronic Magnifier for Low Vision

A portable electronic magnifier enlarges printed text and images for students with low vision. These devices range from the size of a book to the size of a laptop, allowing students to use them anywhere instead of being limited to a fixed viewing station. The magnifier’s color, contrast, and brightness settings can be adjusted to make words clearer and easier to read, and many models can also read text aloud. Some can connect to a smart board, allowing a magnified image to be shared with the whole class. This supports inclusive instruction by giving students with visual impairments access to the same materials as their peers.

Headphones

Headphones allow students to listen to audiobooks, read-alouds, or educational videos without disturbing others. This can be especially useful for students who benefit from audio input or need support with reading comprehension. Noise-canceling headphones can also reduce sensory distractions for students who are easily overstimulated by background noise. Providing headphones gives all students the option to engage with learning materials in the way that best supports their focus, comfort, and accessibility needs.

Show Me a Sign is a historical fiction novel set on Martha’s Vineyard in 1805. The story follows Mary Lambert, an eleven-year-old Deaf girl growing up in a community where Deaf and hearing people share a common sign language. When Mary is kidnapped by a scientist who wants to study the “cause” of her deafness, she must find a way to escape and return home. LeZotte, who is Deaf herself, explores ableism, communication, and the right to self-determination while also addressing racial tension between white settlers, the Wampanoag people, and formerly enslaved Black residents. The book encourages conversations about inclusion, cultural identity, and how society treats people who are seen as different. In the classroom, teachers can use it to support discussions about respect, empathy, and accessibility in both historical and modern contexts.

A Pho Love Story is a young adult romance about two Vietnamese American teenagers, Bao and Linh, whose families own competing pho restaurants. When the two are assigned to work together on a school project, they begin to uncover their family secrets and navigate their feelings for each other. The novel explores themes of identity, family expectations, and cultural pride. Le’s writing offers authentic representation of Vietnamese culture, language, and food while also addressing the intergenerational trauma that lingers from the Vietnam War. In the classroom, teachers can use this story to start discussions about cultural heritage, assimilation, and empathy across generations. It can also encourage students to see the value in their own cultural traditions and how those experiences shape relationships and community.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology helps ensure that all students can access learning materials and participate fully in classroom activities. These tools support a wide range of needs related to reading, writing, attention, and sensory processing. In this classroom, assistive technology includes:- laptops- eReaders- portable electronic magnifiers- scanner pens- headphonesEach device provides students with flexible ways to engage with content, build independence, and experience success as learners.

Books

Six of Crows is a fantasy novel about six outcasts who come together to pull off an impossible heist in the city of Ketterdam. Each member of the group brings unique strengths and struggles, including trauma, chronic pain, physical disability, and the lasting effects of discrimination. Bardugo integrates these elements naturally into the story, showing that disability and difference are part of identity rather than a limitation. The book offers strong multicultural representation, featuring racially diverse, queer, and disabled characters who work collaboratively and challenge stereotypes. Teachers can use this text to engage students in discussions about identity, inclusion, and resilience. It can also model representation for students who rarely see themselves reflected in literature.

War Girls is a science fiction novel set in a futuristic Nigeria devastated by climate change and civil war. The story follows two sisters, Onyii and Ify, who are separated by conflict and forced to survive in a world shaped by racial tension, environmental collapse, and technological warfare. Onyebuchi blends science fiction with African culture and history, using the story to comment on colonialism, displacement, and the lasting effects of war. The book highlights women’s strength and resilience while imagining a future where African perspectives and innovation drive the story. In the classroom, War Girls can be used to discuss global inequality, climate justice, and representation in science fiction. Students can think about how the story connects current social issues to what is happening in the world today and provides visibility to African voices often missing from the classroom.

Comic books

The story follows Prince Sebastian who secretly enjoys wearing dresses and hires a talented dressmaker to make dresses for him. The story is set in 19th century Paris where Sebastian faces pressure to marry and uphold his royal image, the story explores gender identity, self-expression, and friendship. Wang’s expressive artwork and storytelling make the novel engaging for middle and high school readers. The book offers representation for gender-nonconforming and LGBTQ+ youth, showing that individuality and creativity deserve celebration rather than shame. In the classroom, this graphic novel can be used to encourage conversations about identity, acceptance, and challenging gender norms. Because it is told through visual storytelling, it is also a helpful resource for visual learners or students who may struggle with traditional text-heavy novels.

El Deafo is an autobiographical graphic novel that tells Cece Bell’s story of growing up Deaf after losing her hearing at a young age. Using humor and imagination, Bell reimagines herself as a bunny who wears a powerful hearing aid that lets her hear her teacher even outside the classroom. The story follows Cece as she navigates friendship, communication, and self-confidence while learning to see her hearing aid as a source of strength rather than embarrassment. The inclusion of Spanish phrases and bilingual dialogue also reflects the linguistic diversity found in many classrooms. Teachers can use El Deafo to start conversations about disability awareness, communication differences, and celebrating individuality. It can also be used to explore how language, culture, and identity intersect in stories, helping students appreciate the many ways people experience the world.

Quick Guide

Welcome to the Classroom LibraryHere you will find a variety of resources designed for a 7th–8th grade classroom. The literature spans several reading levels while remaining age-appropriate and engaging. These books reflect diverse cultural identities, experiences, and abilities, giving students opportunities to see both themselves and others represented. Technology tools are included to make the materials accessible to many types of learners. All books listed are available in print, eBook, and audiobook formats, and all graphic novels are available in print and eBook. The font used throughout this library is OpenDyslexic, which features distinct letter shapes that can reduce visual stress and make reading more comfortable for people with dyslexia.

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Technology Tools and Assistive Devicces

Educational Material

Laptops are versatile tools that support multiple learning formats, including audiobooks, text-to-speech software, and eBooks. They also allow students to access educational websites and videos for independent or guided learning. Built-in accessibility options include dictation, magnification, and high-contrast display settings. These help students with visual, motor, or writing challenges access the same material. Browser extensions can further improve access by providing screen reading or translation features. Laptops give students flexibility in how they read, write, and communicate, supporting both independence and inclusion in a diverse classroom.

Laptops

eReaders

An eReader provides students with a portable and accessible way to read independently. Unlike traditional LCD screens, most eBook readers use e-ink displays that are easier on the eyes and reduce glare, making them more comfortable for extended reading. Students can seamlessly adjust the font type, size, and spacing, and many devices offer options to change background and text color for better contrast. Built-in dictionaries let readers quickly look up unfamiliar words, and some models include stylus support for making notes or annotations. A few eReaders also offer audio or text-to-speech options. Because they can store thousands of titles, eBook readers make it easy for students to access a large classroom library and select books that fit their interests and reading levels.