For educators and librarians serving the nearly 3.8 million native Spanish speakers in U.S. schools, a significant new resource has arrived. Thorndike Press, a part of Cengage Group, has introduced its first collection of youth large print books in Spanish, specifically designed to support emerging bilingual students. This initiative addresses the critical need for accessible and inclusive reading materials that foster language development and equity in education. The collection was officially launched at the Public Library Association Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on April 3, 2024.
Enhancing Reading Accessibility with Print In Spanish for Young Learners
The release of large print books in Spanish marks a significant step forward in supporting English Language Learners (ELLs). Research indicates the profound impact of large print on language acquisition. A study by Project Tomorrow revealed that nearly two-thirds of teachers observed faster English acquisition among students using large print materials. Furthermore, 42% reported improved decoding skills in ELL students who engaged with larger text formats. These findings underscore the effectiveness of large print in simplifying the reading process and boosting confidence for students navigating a new language.
“Reading books with relatable storylines and characters is key to engaging young readers,” emphasizes Meg Medina, author of several titles within the new Spanish collection. “Providing books in their native language within the school environment helps students feel valued and included. It allows them to maintain a connection with their cultural heritage while integrating into a new community, bridging language barriers. Stories, like that of a 7th-grader who struggles with dancing, offer opportunities for students to share experiences, develop empathy, and practice essential communication skills for success in our diverse world.”
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A collage of cover images from Thorndike Press Spanish youth large print books, showcasing a diverse range of stories for young readers. The Thorndike Press logo is prominently displayed, highlighting their commitment to accessible print in Spanish.
Thorndike Press Spanish youth large print books are meticulously crafted to aid students in their language development journey. By offering accessible reading materials in Spanish, these books help young readers expand their vocabulary, strengthen grammar skills, and improve overall reading comprehension. This approach not only benefits students but also equips educators with valuable tools to support bilingual learners across varying reading proficiencies.
Donna Gray, library coordinator at the New York City School Library System, highlights the importance of this initiative: “Offering youth large print in Spanish is a powerful way to build an inclusive environment that celebrates linguistic diversity. It ensures that all students, regardless of their native language, have equitable access to essential educational resources. Providing large print titles in Spanish demonstrates a clear commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and accommodating the diverse learning needs within our student population. Ultimately, this enriches their learning experience and cultivates a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.”
Promoting Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility for English Language Learners
The Thorndike Press Spanish youth large print collection features 17 acclaimed titles, encompassing 11 middle grade books for grades 3-7 (ages 11-13) and six young adult titles for grades 8-12 (ages 14 and up). All titles are fiction and are available in both English and Spanish editions, allowing for parallel reading and comparative language learning.
Examples from the Spanish-language collection include:
Spanish Middle Grade Titles:
- La última cuentista (The Last Cuentista) by Donna Barba Higuera, a compelling science fiction novel.
- Tumbos (Tumble) by Celia C. Pérez, a heartwarming story about family and identity.
Spanish Young Adult Titles:
- Yaqui Delgado quiere darte una paliza (Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass) by Meg Medina, a powerful novel addressing bullying and self-discovery.
- Las fuentes del silencio (The Fountains of Silence) by Ruta Sepetys, a historical fiction exploring themes of silence and truth.
Explore the complete Spanish collection online.
Thorndike Press Spanish youth large print titles are presented in their entirety, using a 16-point font and high-contrast black ink on opaque paper. Each book features an engaging synopsis on the back cover to draw in readers. The text layout includes expanded spacing between words and increased line spacing, approximately 33% more than standard editions. This enhanced readability minimizes eye strain, enabling readers to concentrate on content comprehension rather than word recognition. Furthermore, these books support family literacy, allowing parents who are still developing their English skills to comfortably read with their children in Spanish.
“We are delighted to offer these Spanish youth large print titles to support English language learners and promote inclusive literature,” states Paul Gazzolo, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Gale. “By providing accessible reading materials in both English and Spanish, we are fostering a supportive educational environment tailored to the unique needs of emerging bilingual students, ultimately enhancing literacy skills and cultivating a lifelong love of reading.”
The new Thorndike Press Spanish large print titles, along with their English counterparts, are available for purchase via the Thorndike website and major book wholesalers. Thorndike Press has announced plans to expand the Spanish-language youth large print collection with additional titles later in the year, further solidifying their commitment to accessible and diverse reading options.
Thorndike Press showcased these new Spanish youth large print titles at the Public Library Association (PLA) conference, April 3-5 in Columbus, OH, at the Gale booth #2001.
For further details, please visit the Thorndike Press Spanish youth large print webpage.
About Cengage Group and Gale
Cengage Group is an educational technology company reaching millions of learners across 165 countries, dedicated to improving learning through high-quality digital experiences. The company serves various sectors including K-12, higher education, professional training, libraries, English language learning, and workforce development globally. Gale, a part of Cengage Group, provides libraries with original and curated content, along with modern research tools and technology, connecting libraries to learning and learners to libraries. With over 65 years of partnership with libraries worldwide, Gale facilitates the discovery of knowledge and insights, making information accessible when and where it’s needed. Gale employs 500 individuals globally, with its primary operations located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, visit www.gale.com.
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About Thorndike Press
Thorndike Press, a leading large print publisher and a division of Gale, part of Cengage Group, is committed to making books enjoyable for readers of all ages. Since 1999, Thorndike Press has been publishing unabridged large print reprints for middle grade and young adult readers, and their catalog now includes over 1,000 titles, growing monthly with popular fiction and nonfiction, including contemporary classics, award-winning books, and bestsellers. Founded in Thorndike, Maine, in 1977, Thorndike Press is dedicated to producing high-quality, guaranteed large print books to support young readers in developing into successful, confident, lifelong readers.
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Media Contact:
Kayla Siefker, Gale, part of Cengage Group
248-378-3376
