We Belong Together by Todd Parr

We Belong Together

Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: PK-1

This book is about what adoption is, why it happens, and who it happens to. The author keeps a positive tone and describes the matter in an appropriate way for even the youngest readers.

The illustrations are very colorful and made to look like a child's drawing.

Students can talk about diversity among families. Teachers can use this book to celebrate differences in students and promote an encouraging environment.

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrator: David Catrow

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Awards: N/A

Grade Level: 1-3

When his mother tells him he cannot paint anymore, this little boy refuses to listen. He makes a huge mess with his paint as he slowly covers each part of his body.

As the boy becomes covered with paint more and more, the pages get more colorful.

This story will promote creativity in the classroom. Students will be inspired by the boys enthusiasm and persistence. 

Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Herman

Carla's Sandwich

Author: Debbie Herman

Illustrator: Sheila Bailey

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Awards: N/AGrade Level: 2-5

Carla always has an interesting lunch. The other kids tease her about her silly sandwiches. One day, a little boy forgot his lunch and Carla offered to share hers with him. Although he is hesitant, he tries the sandwich and loves it! All the children start to bring unique sandwiches to school.

The characters are realistic and the sandwiches are interesting and funny. Students will love to look at all the interesting items in Carla's sandwich

This book will instill values of acceptance and open-mindedness in readers. Students will reflect a "don't knock it till you try it" attitude.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Awards: N/A
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade level: K-4

Alexander is having a very bad day! All day, worse and worse things keep happening to him. He contemplates moving to Australia to get away from all of his misfortune. His mother reminds him that sometimes, bad days happen, no matter where you live.

The illustrations are appealing to children, yet still represent a realistic setting.

Students can reflect on a time when they had a bad day and come up with ways to handle difficult situations.

The Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth

The Gingerbread Man

Author: Jim Aylesworth 
Illustrator: Barbara McClintock
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards:N/A
Grade Level: K-2

This book is about an old man and women who want to bake a perfect gingerbread man. Once the cookie is out of the over, he comes to life and runs away. He says "No, No, No you cant catch me I'm the gingerbread man". While he is on the run, he uses different people and animals to get to where he wants to be. His strategy seems to be working until he meets the fox. This is where the journey of the gingerbread man ends. 

The illustrations in this story are classic and familiar. Students will love the little details on the gingerbread man's clothes.

Students can listen to the story while decorating a gingerbread man. Then they can write their own story using the character they just created.

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Author/Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-3

The legend of the Indian paintbrush is the story of a young boy who is different from the rest of the boys in his tribe, he cannot go out with them to wrestle and run, he just cannot keep up. He does not let this keep him down. He spends his time making small soldiers out of found materials and painting small rocks. When the boy grew older he has a dream-vision that he would be a hero by documenting the stories of the tribe with paint, great hunts and other dream-visions. He will paint his dream-vision when the time is right. 

The illustrations in this book are simple and display the Native American Culture.

This story will compliment a lesson about Native Americans. Students can also use this as model for an assignment where students write their own story, then illustrate it. 

The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessey

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Author: B.G. Hennessey
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: PK-2

A boy tending his sheep feels lonely and decides to cry "wolf" when there was no wolf around. He liked to watch to people come running to him. One day, when a wolf really does appear, nobody answers his call for help.

The illustrations in this story are dimensional and appear to "pop out" of the page. Young readers will love this fun aspect of the artwork.

This story can teach students a valuable lesson about taking things for granted, lying, and being trustworthy.