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.

Jack and the Beanstalk by Steven Kellogg

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author/Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K-3

This is a story about a very curious boy who has no business climbing a mysterious beanstalk, but does it anyways. He quickly learns that he should stay away from places that he is not allowed it. He gets himself into a dangerous situation that he cannot handle- a confrontation with a giant! 

The illustrations are incredibly intricate and detailed. The setting and characters display the old farm town perfectly.

This is a classic tale that every child should know. There are valuable lessons about honesty and curiosity for students to discuss.

Lucky Beans by Becky Birtha

Lucky Beans

Author: Becky Birtha
Illustrator: Nicole Tadgell
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 2-4

Marshall lives during the Depression and his family eats beans every night. He is sick of beans until there is a contest at a local store that involves guessing the number of beans in a jar to win a sewing machine. His family uses math to win the contest

The illustrations in this story are realistic, yet appealing for young readers. The illustrator fills every page with color and reveals a lot about the time period through the clothing, furniture, and items.

Students can discuss what Marshall values about his family and relate it to their family at home. Students will learn about perseverance and gratefulness.

The Listeners by Gloria Whelan

The Listeners

Author: Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Mike Benny
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: Cybil's Award Nominee
Grade Level: 3-5

The young slave children were always sent to "play" near their masters home. This is so that they could overhear if any of them were going to be sold. One day, they hear that there will be a new president who will abolish slavery. They have hope that Abraham Lincoln will restore their freedom.

The illustrator uses a lot of detail in the beautiful landscapes and characters. The readers are transported to the cotton plantation through the artwork.

This book will help students understand slavery from a realistic perspective of a child. Students can discuss any confusion or anger they have about the use of slaves.

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer

New Shoes

Author/Illustrator: Susan Lynn Meyer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade level:

Ella Mae's excitement about being able to choose brand new shoes is dampened when she realizes that she won't be able to try on those shoes in the store. Instead, her mother must trace around her foot so that the clerk can then find the right size shoes for her to wear. Since she has watched another girl, a white girl with blonde hair, try on shoes, she experiences for the first time how unfair and how unjustified prejudices are. Rather than wallow in misery over something that she is too young to change, she and her cousin Charlotte do chores to earn extra money or used shoes, and then open their own used shoe store where other African Americans can actually try on shoes before buying them. 

The Illustrations are detailed and serve to make the reader experience how Ella Mae feels. They reach the reader on an emotional level.

Students can learn about the progress we have made in racial prejudice as well as the history of segregation and what we can do to diminish it. Students can discuss any personal experiences they have had with racism and how to overcome it.

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco

The Butterfly

Author/Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Genre: Historical Fiction

Awards: N/A

Grade Level: 3-5

Monique, wakes up and notices a young ghost-like girl sitting in her window. This girl is holding her cat and Monique realizes that it isn't a dream, but the girl is truly in her room. Monique gets out of bed and begins talking to the young girl who claims she lives inside Monique's house. Monique is appalled and says, "But I live here!" The young girl, Sevrine, goes on to invite Monique down to her own cellar and explains that she and her family are Jewish and I are hiding from the Nazis. Monique's mother had been hiding them and other families down there during the war. In the weeks to follow, Sevrine and Monique meet up at night to play together. One night, though, they look out the window and see a neighbor staring back at them. Now that Sevrine was seen, her family is not safe. Monique and her mom have to take Sevrine to a new home and Sevrine's parents need to escape as well and meet up with Sevrine in safety. After passing Sevrine off, Monique somehow gets separated from her mother. Luckily they both end up home safely. The next summer, Monique still thinks of Sevrine often and wonders how she is doing. When spring comes and butterflies fill her yard, she gets a sense that Sevrine is alive and okay, as if the butterflies were a sign sent from Sevrine.

The illustrations are done with ink and watercolor and beautifully capture the character's emotions and the color draws your eye towards the harsh colors of the Nazi flags and symbols

This story would compliment a unit about the Nazi's as well as any other unit taking place during the same time.

Junk Man's Daughter by Sonia Levitin

Junk Man's Daughter

Author: Sonia Levitin
Illustrator: Guy Porfirio
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-4

Hanna has recently arrived in America with her family and soon they face many economic hardships together. With a little teamwork, and willingness to work hard to make sure their family is taken care of, Hanna, her brothers, and father begin their family business from the ground up collecting trash. Her family sticks together to pursue their dreams of being successful in America.

The illustrations are detailed and convey the emotional effect of being an immigrant in a strange country in an appropriate way for children.

Students can discuss the many values found in the story such as working hard and remaining loyal. This story also provides an accurate perspective of the life of an immigrant.

Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey

Players in Pigtails

Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Rebecca Gibbon
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K-3

Katie Casey has a passion for baseball. In light of the second World War, there is a need for entertainment and sports. However, due to the war a majority of men have been shipped off and have left the men's professional baseball teams empty. The first all women's baseball league is started and although it starts off rocky it takes an unexpected turn in popularity. 

The illustrations seem to target very young readers with bright colors, simple expressions, and stiff movements.

This story would compliments a lesson on the women's rights movement as well as appeal to students who are interested in sports.

Science Verse by Jon Scieszka

Science Verse

Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Genre: Poetry
Awards: Golden Duck Award, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Nominee
Grade Level: 3-5

Both educational and entertaining, this book features poems that introduce students to scientific concepts and principles. When a boy in Mr. Newton's science class becomes cursed with the "science verse," he hears everything as a science poem. Many different concepts, such as the water cycle and the food chain, are expressed through funny rhymes.

The illustrations are eye-catching and supportive to the poems meaning.

This book would compliment any science lesson that is mentioned in the poems. Also, readers can compare some of the original poems to the adaptions in this story.

If Peas Could Taste Like Candy by Crystal Bowman

If Peas Could Taste Like Candy

Author: Crystal Bowman
Illustrator: Lynn Jeffrey
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K-4

Covering a wide range of subjects, these poems reflect a child's natural curiosity and imagination. rhythm and rhyme are on every page.

The illustrations are very colorful and attention grabbing. They will pull readers into the stories.

This book could be read to the class while the students clap out the rhythm.

The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman

The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems

Author: Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustrator: Betty Fraser
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-3

These modern, silly poems feature many topics including animals, people, opposites and wordplay. The scenarios are funny and intriguing and the author uses many devices like alliteration.

The illustrations in this collection are modern and seem like they are from a typical picture book. Students will find the art style engaging and familiar.

Because these poems are so inviting and well-liked by students, teachers could encourage students to repeatedly read their favorite poems to build fluency.

A Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear

A Book of Nonsense

Author/Illustrator: Edward Lear
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 2-5

As the title suggests, this collection of poetry is unusual and nonsensical. Lear uses rhymes (and mostly limericks) to express crazy ideas and also make the reader laugh. The poems are light hearted and although they lack depth and meaning, they are entertaining from a comical standpoint.

The illustrations are sketches that contain very little color. They enhance the poems by visually expressing the humor that Lear also conveys through the text.

This books is full of examples of limericks. Students could use this book to view samples before writing their own limerick.

I Like This Poem by Kaye Webb

I Like This Poem

Author: Kaye Webb (collection of many authors)
Illustrator: Anthony Maitland
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 2-5

This is a collection of poems by many different authors, old and new. The poems have been selected by children and feature a wide range of topics and themes and include both comic and dramatic poems.

The illustrations are colorful and imaginative. Students will love how the pictures vary to compliment each poem.

This book will be useful to compare different poets and styles of poetry. Because it contains such a diverse set of writers, the book will include something that interests every student.

The Complete Poems of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

The Complete Poems of Winnie the Pooh

Author: A.A. Milne
Illustrator: Ernest H. Shepherd
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K-4

These poems are about the familiar characters who live in the Hundred Acre Wood. The poems are about all of their different adventures and display Pooh's quirky sense of humor that children love.

The illustrations create an enchanting world where the characters live. Children will love the soft colors and simple backgrounds.

In a classroom, this book will provide inspiration and examples of different rhyming schemes.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter

PaperboyAuthor: Vince VawterIllustrator: N/AGenre: Historical Fiction (Newbery)Awards: Newbery Honor (2014)Grade Level: 5-8Paperboy  is the story of a boy with a debilitating stutter forced to find ways to communicate—against a backdrop of racial bigotry in the summer of 1959 in Memphis. When the 13-year-old stutterer, who can't say his own name, takes over his best friend's newspaper route for a month, he encounters a fleet of life-spinning characters: an alcoholic housewife who attempts to seduce him, a junkman who steals from him, and a kindly Merchant Marine who seems to have all the answers to the boy's unending questions. Accompanying him on his month-long journey is his protector Mam, the family's black housekeeper, who saves the boy from being murdered.

Because of the diversity in characters, students can learn about the difference between round and flat characters. Some of the topics in this book, such as alcoholism, are better suited for older students.

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

By the Shores of Silver Lake

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Genre: Historical Fiction (Newbery)
Awards: Newbery Honor
Grade Level: 3-5

This book is about the Wilder girls and their move to live on their new homestead with Pa. The decided to move West to a place where Pa would soon by building enough to form a town by the shores of the Silver Lake. The illustrator uses incredibly detailed pencil sketches to enhance the reader's imagination. This story would be useful to give students an accurate understanding of the setting and time period.

A Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky

A Pizza the Size of the Sun

Author: Jack Prelutsky
Illustrator: James Stevenson
Genre: Poetry
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-5

"A Pizza the Size of the Sun" is a book filled with a collection of poems. This poetry book is filled with quirky characters along with a lot of rhyme and rhythm. The poems are about different topics and feature different styles of poetry.

The illustrations are funny and will draw readers into the poems. There is a lot of variety in the layout of the pages.

Students could use this story as an example for different forms of poetry. The book uses different rhyme schemes as well as different styles.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The Polar Express

Author/illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Grade Level: K-3

When a young boy who has been having doubts about whether Santa Clause is real or not goes to bed on Christmas Eve, he is awoken by the sound of a train. He boards the train and sets off to the North Pole where he sees all kinds of new things, such as elves, reindeer, and even Santa! The boy gets chosen to open the first gift of Christmas- a bell from Santa himself. He returns home only to find that the bell had fallen out of his pocket. The next morning, he finds a present under his Christmas tree with his bell inside of it. He rings it, but discovers that his parents can not hear the ringing, suggesting that only those who believe in Santa Clause can hear the bell ring.

The illustrations in this story are well deserving of the Caldecott Medal. Allsburg clearly put immense detail into the setting, characters, and interesting landscapes.

This is a great story for students to read around the holidays. It encourages a sense of faith that all children, despite their beliefs, can learn from.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar Children

Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner
Illustrator: L. Kate Deal
Genre: Realistic Fiction (Other Novels)
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1st-4th Grade

After the death of their parents, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny search for a place to call home. The Aldens begin their adventure by making a home in a boxcar. Henry finds work doing chores for Dr. Moore. Jessie, Violet, and Benny search for dishes and other necessities in the town dump. They take in a stray dog named Watch. When Mr. Alden holds a Field Day, Dr. Moore asks Henry to go to it. Henry wins the Free-for-all Race and shaking his grandfather's hand as he accepts the prize, but has no idea that who he is! Violet becomes sick and Henry asks Dr. Moore for help. Dr. Moore brings Violet and the other children to live at his house until Violet feels better. Mr. Moore tells Mr. Alden who the children really are! The children learn about their grandfather and learn to love him.

The few illustrations in this chapter book depict the hardships of homelessness. The black and white images show the children in their boxcar, eating scraps, and rummaging for supplies.

This story will interest readers who like mystery stories. This is part of a series, so students will have the opportunity to keep reading about characters they love. This story can also be used to show students appreciation for the things that they have.

Nora's Castle by Satomi Ichikawa

Nora's castle

Author/Illustrator: Satomi Ichikawa
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-3

Nora is a young girl who explores a castle with her dog and talking stuffed animals. She decides to throw a party in the tower of the castle and she dines and dances all night long. The illustrations in this books are detailed and resemble Japanese style artwork. They create a visual experience for the reader and transport them to an adventuresome castle. Students could use this story as inspiration for their own writing. Students can think of somewhere they would want to go and write about their travel there and what they would do when they got there.

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner by Fred Gwynne

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner

Author/Illustrator: Fred Gwynne
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-4

Through the use of word play, a little girl imagines what her parents are talking about when they are actually meaning something different. Some of the words she misunderstands include "carpool" and "undertow."

The illustrations are classic drawings and can help the reader understand what the parents are actually talking about.

This book has some great examples for homonyms and homophones. Students can use this book to compare words that may seem like they have a different meaning. For example, the girl hears her parents talking about guerrilla war and assumes it is a war with gorillas in it.

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash by Sarah Weeks

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash

Author: Sarah Weeks
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: PK-1

Mrs. McNosh plants a squash garden. Her squash continued to grow until it was huge! She had to find somewhere to put it. Her solution is to make the squash her home and sleep in it.

The illustrations are colorful and funny. The illustrator creates images of the problems one might have when a squash grows comically large.

This book would compliment a rhyming lesson. Students can also discuss different way to solve problems.

My Best Friend Moved Away by Nancy Carlson

My Best Friend Moved Away

Author/Illustrator: Nancy Carlson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: PK-1

When a young girl moves to a new town, she reminisces on all the good times she had with her best friend. She knows she will miss building forts and playing outside together, but eventually realizes that she will be able to make new friends. She will always have the memories of her old friends with her.

The illustrations are colorful and relatable. Readers can connect with the emotions the character is feeling through her facial expressions.

This story would be most effective to read to students who are new to the school or town. The book will encourage children to be sociable and make friends.

Dear America: A Journey to the New World by Kathryn Laskey

Dear America: A Journey to the New World

Author: Kathryn Laskey

Genre: Historical Fiction

Awards: N/A

Grade Level: 4th grade +

This fictional diary tells the story of a girl named Remember Patience Whipple (AKA "Mem"). Her family is traveling on the Mayflower to the New World in 1620. After traveling for many weeks,  they arrive on the land and are overwhelmed with questions. They discover that their voyage was only the beginning of the journey. The Pilgrims will have to learn how to live a totally new life like they've never lived before in Europe.

This story will provide a realistic sense of what it was like for early settlers dealing with death, illness, and other tragedies. This story would compliment a history lesson about the pilgrims or Mayflower.

A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

A Light in the Attic

Author/Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Genre: Poetry
Awards: Garden State Award, Young Reader's Book Award, William Allen White Award
Grade Level: 3-5

This collection of whimsical and quirky poems includes topics about many topics such as monsters, pirates, children, and animals. They are humorous and clever.

The drawings in this book are simple, black and white sketches. They add a comical element to the poems.

These poems will not only entice readers through their humor, but also engage readers on an emotional level. Students can use this book as an inspiration to write their own poetry.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Author/Illustrator: James Marshall
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Grade Level: PK-2nd Grade

Goldilocks has been sent out to play and she wanders into the forest to find a house. She has ignored the beware of bears signs that were posted along the way. She goes into the bears home while they are out for a bike ride. She eats their food, sits in their chairs and makes her way up to their beds where she lays in all of them until she decides to take a nap in the baby bears bed. The bears come home to see that their meals have been eaten, their chairs have been sat in and their beds have been slept in and baby bear finds goldilocks still in his bed! goldilocks is woken and runs for her life. She will not be back! 

The illustrations are unique and colorful. Marshall uses interesting shapes for the setting and even characters.

This story can be compared to more modern tellings of the classic story. Teachers can also use this book as an introduction to the five senses.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Author/Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: Lewis Caroll Shelf Award
Grade Level: PK-2

Mrs. Rabbit had four little rabbits: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. Peter was a naughty little bunny and the others were three good little bunnies. While the three good little bunnies went down the road to pick berries, Peter went on to get into mischief. The little bunnies were warned about going near Mr. McGregor's garden. Bad things would come of it, like Mr. Rabbit, for example, was made into a pie for entering the garden. This was not to stop Peter from venturing out. Defiant Peter made it into the garden, but met face to face with Mr. McGregor and his gardening hoe. Mr. McGregor stopped everything to stop Peter the rabbit of his thievery . Peter was close to being captured but made it out alive. With his clothes being left behind, Mr. McGregor strung them up to act as a scarecrow to ward off birds. Peter ran all the way home. A tired out Peter went to bed early while the other three good little bunnies had bread and milk. 

The illustrations are simple and fade into the page. The illustrator uses a soft, natural color palette to appeal to younger readers.

This is a classic book that every child should be familiar with. Teachers can introduce predictions to students by having them guess what will happen to the characters in the end.

The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop/Jerry Pinkney

The Lion and the Mouse

Author: Aesop
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Genre: Tradiditional Literature
Awards: Caldecott Medal (2010)
Grade Level: K-2

A mouse is wandering through the forest one day and is caught by a large lion. The lion contemplates eating the mouse but decides to let him go free. Then the mouse returns to his family. When the lion is strolling through the forest, he gets caught in a rope net that was placed by hunters and the lion starts to roar very loudly. The mouse hears the lion and runs to find him and when he does, the mouse remembers what the lion did for him and so he chews through the rope to set the lion free. The illustrations in this books are extremely intricate and detailed. The illustrator focuses on every hair on the animals, while still making the background interesting. This is a classic tale that every student should be familiar with. Students can practice making predictions and also make an argument for why the mouse chose to help the lion.

Duke by Kirby Larson

Duke

Author: Kirby Larson
Awards: North Carolina Children's Book Award
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 3-6 Grade


Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part, he carefully saves his money buys war stamps to support the war that his father is fighting an ocean away. After his best friend Scooter moves away, Hobie feels like his only friend is his faithful German Shepherd, Duke. But when he hears about Dogs for Defense, he knows what he has to do even if it means giving up the only friend he has left. But after sending Duke away Hobie comes to regret his decision and is determined to convince the army to send him back. 

Given the WWII setting of this story, I believe this book would provide an excellent connection between History and Language Arts. The story will interest readers and give them a realistic understanding of the time period.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

Author: Beverly Cleary

Illustrator:

Genre: Realistic Fiction (Newbery)

Awards: Newbery Honor (1982)

Grade Level: 3-5th Grade

When Ramona starts 3rd grade, there is a lot going on in her life. Her father decides to go back to school, which puts her family in a financial bind. Her mom's work schedule is busy and Ramona has to go to her friend Howie's house after school. She is also struggling with bullying at school! Despite all of these struggles, Ramona still tries her best to make it through the year.

There a few black and white illustration that feature some of the main characters including Ramona, her sister Beezus, Howie, and her parents.

This book is a great addition to any classroom library because of how relatable Ramona is. She faces problems that many students today are facing. Students can discuss the development of the characters as well as compare themselves to Ramona.

The Great Fire by Jim Murphy

The Great Fire

Author/Illustrator: Jim Murphy
Awards: Newbery Honor (1996)
Genre: Nonfiction
Grade Level: 4-6

This book informs readers about the famous Chicago fire. The author tells readers about how the fire was started when a cow kicked over a bucket. Because the entire city was built out of wood, the fire continued to spread. By the time the fire had been doused, Chicago had to face new problems, including homelessness.

This book includes both photographs and drawings. They are realistic and may be frightening to younger readers, but the dramatic flames will keep older and more daring students engaged.

This story is a great informational text about an iconic historical event. Students can also learn valuable lessons from this book, such as how to prevent catastrophic events in the future and how to be safe in the event of a fire.

People By Peter Spier

People

Author/Illustrator: Peter Spier
Genre: Nonfiction (multicultural)
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-3 grade

This book informs readers about many different cultures, including their history, appearance, houses, diet, and even holidays.

The illustrations in this story are beautiful and showcase the diversity of each nation.

My first impression of this story was it's usefulness in an ESL classroom. Students would love finding their own culture in the book as well as learning about their classmates homes. Other classes can find value in the abundance of vocabulary and the emphasis on accepting diversity and celebrating our differences.

The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons

The Fruits We Eat

Author/Illustrator: Gail Gibbons
Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: K-2

The book informs readers of all the different fruits and how they grow.

Unlike many nonfiction books, this story includes illustrations rather than photographs. The illustrations are realistic and the fruits are recognizable by even young readers.

This story will teach students about where our food comes from. Teachers can use this book for many reasons including science and the study of seeds and growth, as well as economics and how the fruits get from the ground to our plates.

Who Was Walt Disney? by Whitney Stewart

Who Was Walt Disney?

Author: Whitney Stewart
Illustrator: Nancy Harrison
Awards: N/A
Genre: Nonfiction (Biography)
Grade Level: 2-6

This is about Walt Disney and how he created his iconic Disney empire. Walt Disney grew up on a farm in Missouri and was always entertaining people. He was rejected many times as a cartoonist before he became the great creator that he is known for today. He and his brother Roy noticed a lack of animation studios in the California area and decided to fill the void with their own studio. This eventually became the Walt Disney Studios that we all know today.

The only illustration in this book is the cover page, which is a colorful caricature of Disney in front of a castle.

Because Walt Disney is such an iconic celebrity for families, students will find the story of his life interesting and inspiring. The absence of pictures may deter younger readers, but seeing as the book is not very long, I think it is suitable for many age groups.

The Wide Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner

The Wide Mouthed Frog

Author: Keith Faulkner
Illustrator: Jonathan Lambert
Genre: Modern Fantasy (Pop-up)
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: PK-2

This is a story about a curious frog who takes a journey in discovering what other animals eat. When he comes across an alligator who eats wide mouthed frogs, the frog is frightened and jumps into the water.

The illustrations are colorful and simple. The pop-ups are in all of the mouths of the animals, which pairs well with the context of the story.

This book would be useful in science unit about animal's diets as well as engage readers who are interested in animals.

Little Red Riding Hood by Jerry Pinkney

Little Red Riding Hood




Author/Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: CCBC Choices, ALA notable children's book
Grade Level: PK-4


This is the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood. Red Riding Hoods grandmother was sick and her mother wanted Red to deliver a goodie basket to help her feel better. Red was to go straight to her grandmothers house but was distracted by a wolf. The wolf wanted to eat Red and her grandmother. The wolf sent Red on a different task and snuck away to Grandmothers house. When he got to the Grandmothers house, the wolf ate her up and disguised himself in the old woman's clothes. The wolf waited in bed for Red to show up so he could eat her too. When Red showed up she asked the disguised wolf several questions. But after asking about his teeth the wolf ate her too. The wolf then took a nap after finishing his snack. Later, a lumberjack passing by heard strange noises coming from the cottage and decided to investigate. He saw the wolf sleeping in the bed and also could see something moving in the wolfs stomach. The lumberjack killed the wolf and cut Red and her grandmother out of the wolfs belly. Both of the ladies were fine and decided to share the goodie basket with the brave man. Red decided to return home and went straight there.

The illustrations are extremely realistic. Great detail was used in each characters face, down the the hairs on the wolf. The scenery is also notable, with dense colors and beautiful landscapes.

This book teaches a great lesson about being obedient and doing as you are told. This is a classic story that every child should be familiar with.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy B. Ering
Awards: Newbery
Genre: Modern Fantasy (Newbery)
Grade Level: 4-6 grade

When Despereaux was born, his family noticed that he was unusual. He was short and had extremely large ears. He was also born with the ability to hear special sounds and read. One day, he is drawn to the music that the king is playing and eventually finds himself falling in love with his daughter, Princess Pea. Despereaux breaks every rule of being a mouse. He reveals himself to the princess, allows her to touch him, and even speaks to her! When the mouse council finds out, they decide to send him to the rat dungeon to be executed. In the dungeon, he befriends a rat who promises to rescue him if he will tell him a story. The second section begins with a rat names Roscuro, who is fascinated with light. This is when the reader learns that a rats purpose is to make others suffer. He wanders through the castle one day when the royal family is having a party. He falls from the ceiling and lands in the queens soup! He speaks to the queen and she dies from shock. Roscuro takes the spoon back to the dungeon with him. Revenge gets the best of him and he makes it his goal to hurt the princess. The king is so distraught that he bans all soup and soup related utensils. He even declares all rats as outlaws. This section ends with the rat plotting his revenge on Princess Pea. The third part is about a girl named Mig who is left motherless at age 6. Her father sells her for cigarettes, a tablecloth, and a hen. The father was previously seen in an encounter with Roscuro. Mig has to live with an abusive man who she calls uncle. Mig dreams of becoming a princess, but ends up the mistress in the castle.

The illustrations are all black and white sketches, which help set the dark tone of the story. They are infrequent, but provide readers with an idea of what the characters look like.

This story is better for older students, as it addresses many complex situations such as abandonment, death, and even abuse. Despite the mature elements, I love the writer uses the characters to tie all three stories together. Students can discuss and learn how to address bullying through Despereaux.

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin

Duck for President

Author: Doreen Cronin

Illustrator: Betsy Lewin

Genre: Modern Fantasy

Awards: N/A

Grade Level: K-3 grade

When Duck has had enough of Farmer Brown, he is determined to prove that he can do a better job running the farm. The other animals elect Duck as the new leader for the farm. Eventually Duck becomes bored of the farm and moves on to better things. He runs for mayor! He continues climbing the political ladder all the way to the top. Duck is elected president! He becomes stressed by all of the presidential duties and decides that he has had enough. He returns home to be a regular duck on the farm.

The illustrations are simple, but animated. They feature funny depictions of the farm animals and the political figures. The illustrator uses simple lines and uses a sketch-like style.

This story will be effective in introducing classroom or local elections to students. Classes can have a mock election where they vote for Farmer Brown or Duck to learn about the election system.