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By Mo WIlliams
Genre: Picture book
Age/Audience: Kindergarten/early elementary
Read August 12, 2018
Review: This book is about an elephant and pig trying to include their friend, a snake, in their game of catch. I liked it because it acknowledges that sometimes adjustments are needed to ensure that everyone is included.
Points that can be taught: Being accepting of others and understanding differences.

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By patricia polacco
Age/Audience: Upper Elementary
Read August 13, 2018
Review: I enjoyed this book because it was a book sort of dedicated to those who are scared of books. In other words, it gives those with disabilities such as dyslexia someone to identify with. It also embraces those who are different while encouraging kindness.
Points taught: Humility, kindness

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By Sandra Cisenero
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age/Audience: High School
Read September 3, 2018
Review: This book describes the complex limitations that are often assigned based on socioeconomic status, and ethnicity in a simplistic way. Cisenero lends readers first hand insight to the struggles that so many Latinas face and that so many others are blind to.
Points Taught: Humility, understanding a culture, empathy.

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By Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Young Adult (Fiction)
Age/Audience: Upper-elementary - middle school
Read September 4, 2018
Review: I enjoyed this book because it narrates the blossoming friendship between two people that seemingly have nothing in common. I appreciate the depth of development of the characters in particular. The free-spirited Primrose softens David's rough edges by being someone he can relate to - to lean on. Eggs provides a level of depth that is often absent absent from young reader novels. It describes a journey to combating the feeling of hopelessness with the help of a friend.
Points possibly taught: Empathy, coping, loss, friendship, embracing emotions
*Newbery Award Winner*

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By Carl Hiaasen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age/Audience: Upper-elementary & middle school
Read August 19, 2018
Review: I like this book because it goes further than cliche teenage struggles. Hoot touches on bullying, homelessness, abuse, and even crooked politics at the expense of an endangered species. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right no matter the circumstances.
Possible Teaching Points: ethics, humility, empathy, environmental politics.
*Newbery Award Winner*

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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

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By Chelsea Clinton
Genre: Non-fiction picture book
Audience/Age: K-4
Read October 5, 2018
Review: I love this book because it introduces children to historical female figures that are typically snubbed in the classroom setting. This book simplifies the influence of women like Harriet Tubman and Elizabeth Warren into terms that young ones can understand. As a feminist and lover of history, I feel that this book is a must-have for every classroom.
Possible Teaching Points: History, Historical Female Figures

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She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History

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She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History

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By Chelsea Clinton
Genre: non-fiction picture book
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read on October 5, 2018
Review: This book expands from influential American women to women around the world, including places like Brazil and England. Although women are all generally left unacknowledged in American education, foreign women are neglected more so than American women. I feel that this book is a good start to appreciating historical women from a variety of cultures. I love this book because it is teaching important content in a way that children can understand. I think it is important for young girls of color are given historical figures that can personally look up to and relate to.
Possible Teaching Points: Foreign History

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By Laurie Halse Anderson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age/Audience: Middle School
Read September 10, 2018
Review: I like this book because it tells a story in historical context while also being relatable. The main character, Mattie, is a typical teenage with typical teenage daydreams - until the yellow fever hits. This book entertains readers with an interesting storyline all while educating them on the unfortunate epidemic of yellow fever that consumed the late 1700's.
Possible Teaching Points: The historical impact of Yellow Fever
*Newbery Award Winner

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Dear America: When will This Cruel War be Over?

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Dear America: When will This Cruel War be Over?

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By Barry Denenberg
Genre: Historical fiction
Age/Audience: Upper Elementary School - Middle School
Read September 2, 2018
*Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2009*
Review: I like this book because it teaches about a historical event (the Civil War)  while presenting it via a relatable character. Readers are able to learn about the Civil War in an entertaining way and without lecture. In other words, history is presented as a story.
Points Possibly Taught: Historical context, The Civil War A

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By Pat Zietlow Miller
* Hot New Book #TitleTalk *
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Age 5 - 8
Read October 5, 2018
Review: I like this book in particular  because it revolves around girls of color. A group of girls become *almost* rivals over claiming the title of "fastest woman in the world" alongside their idol, Wilma Rudolph. I liked this story because it did not give into typical cliches of competition. In the end, everyone won.
Possible Teaching Points: Friendship, humility

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My Secret War: The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck 

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My Secret War: The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck 

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By Mary Pope Osborne
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age/Audience: Middle School
Read August 12, 2018
Review: I like this book because it gives readers insight to what it was like for families while their fathers, husbands, and brothers were away at war. This book more specifically focuses on the emotional difficulties growing up as a child during this era. I believe that this book in particular could be relatable to students whose own mothers or fathers are away from home on duty.
Possible Teaching Points: World War II, Confronting fears, Dealing with emotions.

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By Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Age/Audience: Middle School
Read August 17, 2018
Review: I liked this book because it ultimately sways not only the characters in the book, but the readers as well, away from conformity. The main character, Stargirl, embodies almost every middle schoolers biggest fear: standing out. After being shunned by the rest of the school, the boy who loves her the most has to decide something most of us have to decide as well -  is being different is worth it?
Possible Teaching Points: nonconformity, acceptance, friendship

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By Ann Turner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age/Audience: Upper-Elementary
Read August 7, 2018
Review: I liked this book because it lended a voice to a group of people, the Native Americans, who are typically muted in the context of education. I feel that this book is a good step toward filling in the gaps on the history of the natives that America's education system often sugarcoats. This book exposes the cruelty and horror that was forced upon the Native Americans in exchange for European settlement.
Possible Teaching Points: Exploitation in a historical sense, History of Native Peoples

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By John Steinbeck
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: High School
Read: October 1, 2018
Review: I feel that this classic provides readers with a level of rawness and realness that today's young adult books do not capture. I like this story because it gives readers an example at what true oppression looks like. Of Mice and Men takes on the realities of inequality based solely on race and mental capability. I feel that the themes that this novella takes on are (unfortunately) timeless. I think it serves as a good reminded of where society once was.
Possible Teaching Points: Inequality, oppression, history

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By Jerry Spinelli
*Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Winner*
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Upper-elementary, Middle School
Read September 2, 2018
Review: I like this book because it illustrates a boy's transition from "loser" into "hero" without the need of any character changes. Donald, the main character, never feels the need to change himself to better fit it. I like this book because it emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and most importantly, kindness.
Possible Teaching Points: Empathy, kindness, nonconformity

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By Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Genre: Children's non-fiction
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read on October 5, 2018
Review: I like this book because it acknowledges the significance and power that this fashion designer holds. Important figures are not limited to scientific or economic fields. Coco's rise from the bottom is inspirational and should be shared.
Possible Teaching Points: Determination, historical biography, historical female figures

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By Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Genre: Children's non-fiction
Age/Audience: Elementary
Review: I love this book because it spotlights a woman who remained true to herself despite the consistent difficulties she faced. As a little girl who dreamed of being an artist, this book would have meant the world to me seeing as though I was never familiar with any famous female artists. Another aspect that I enjoy about this book is emphasis on Frida's uniqueness.
Possible Teaching Points: History of Art, Biography, expressing yourself

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By Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Genre: Children's Non-fiction
Age/Audience: elementary
Read October 5, 2018
Review: I like this book mostly because it gives deeper insight to who Rosa Parks really is. We have all been taught about her refusal to move bus seats but never about her. I enjoy that this book breaks down who she is for children who are beginning to learn about her role in the cicil rights movement.
Possible Teaching Points: Civil rights movement, historical female figures.

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By Eileen Spinelli
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Ages 4 - 7
Review: I like this book because it describes a family dynamic that is common but still not considered traditional. Parents who work at night is common among middle and lower class families. I feel that this sort of representation gives so many children a family dynamic that they can truly relate to.
Possible Teaching Points: Roles of Parents, careers, diversity

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By Laura Numeroff
Genre: fiction
Read August 9, 2018
Review: I like this book simply for its humor and relativity. The mouse in this story seems strikingly familiar to a younger sibling or cousin and is constantly in need of whatever you have. I feel like this book is a good way to get students involved and engaged.
Possible Teaching Points: Cause and Effect

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Our Century in Pictures for Young People 

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Our Century in Pictures for Young People 

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by LIFE
Genre: Non-Fiction
Age/Audience: age 12 +
Read September 18, 2018
Review: I think this book should be seen by every student. It uses photography and commentary to highlight prominent moments in the last 100 years ranging from politics and tragedy to pop culture. I like this book because it passes on historical moments that would otherwise be forgotten.
Possible Teaching Points: History, Social Studies,

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By Angela Wenzel
Genre: Nonfiction
Age/Audience: Age 10 +
Read September 20, 2018
Review: I enjoy this book particularly because it is more than simply a biography on Paul Cézanne. This book goes in depth on his actual techniques and the historical context in which his artwork stood out. I think it is important to provide students books that appeal to their interests and I feel that art is often left out of the options.
Possible Teaching Points: History of Art, Paul Cézanne, art technique

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By Ann Herbert Scott
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Early Elementary
Read August 9, 2018
Review: I like this book because it represents the childhood experience that most of us all cherish: snuggling up with your mom. I like this book particularly because it illustrates a common experience with an Eskimo family. The change in demographic is refreshing. It is also more than skin deep; aspects of their culture are placed subtly throughout the story.
Possible Teaching Points: Eskimo Culture, family dynamics

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By Sally Hobart Alexander
Genre: Non-fiction
Age/Audience: Upper-elementary and middle school
Read September 14, 2018
Review: I like this book because it touches on and discusses what it is like to have a parent who happens to be blind all while speaking on her experience as a whole. I feel like shedding light on those with disabilities and handicaps is an important way of de-stigmatizing it. This book doesn't focus on what she can't do but rather what she does differently.
Possible Teaching Points: Diversity, acceptance

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By John Schoenherr
Genre: fiction
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read August 9, 2018
Review: What initially drew me to this book was its beautiful illustrations. It isn't as bright and colorful as most children's books but it's beautiful nonetheless. I like this book because it embodies the concept of struggling in order to get stronger in the context of nature. I feel like this would be a perfect book for a kindergartener or first grader that is having trouble transitioning into school without their mother. I, too, was at a loss when I started school away from my mother but it took time for me to gain confidence, just as it did with the bear.
Possible Teaching Points: Animals (bears in particular), independence

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by Lois Ehlert
Genre: fiction
Age/Audience: early elementary
Read August 9, 2018
Review: I drawn to this book by its illustrations, they are cut-outs instead of hand-drawn or computerized. I like this book because it breaks down the process that is ultimately behind every bowl of vegetable soup. I also appreciate the variety of of vegetables mentioned. It gives students the opportunity to learn about foods that they are not familiar with.
Possible Teaching Points: How we grow vegetables and other plants, types of vegetables

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By Dav Pilkey
Genre: Children's Fiction
Age/Audience: Upper-elementary
Review: I think this book is good to have in the classroom particularly for students who find reading boring. The book's pictures and format are appealing but the humor and pranks pulled by the main characters are what will likely capture the attention of uninterested readers.
Possible Teaching Points: Heroes in literature, Imagination, friendship, creativity,
Read on August 12, 2018.

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By Hope Larson
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Middle School
Read on August 13, 2018
#BookADay @ColbySharp (2018)
Review: I liked this book because it is very relatable, particularly to middle schoolers. It perfectly describes the awkward stage of adolescence where friends change and so do feelings. I like this book because it embodies the growing pains that are inevitable to all pre-teens.
Possible Teaching Points: Flexibility, friendship, change

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By Maggie Thrash
Genre: Memoir/graphic novel
Age/Audience: Age 14 +
#BookADay @ColbySharp
Read on August 16, 2018
Review: A common theme among young adult novels is the blossoming of love between teens but I like this book because it is a little different - it's about two girls instead of a boy and a girl. I liked this book because it lets the lesbian community in on a cliche that isn't typically reserved for them. It describes the struggle of a girl coming to terms with who she truly is.
Possible Teaching Points: normalization of the LGBTQ community, accpetance

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By Shel Silverstein
Genre: Picture Book
Age/Audience: 5 +
Read on August 12, 2018
Review: I love this book for its obvious emotional theme but I like it more for it's possible open-ended interpretations after rereading it as an adult. A surface reading of this book determines the plot as revolving around a motherly relationship between a tree and a boy. I like this book particularly for its plethora of possible interpretations. I would love to use this a book to analyze and write about with middle and even high school students.
Possible Teaching Points: Selflessness, relationships, analyzing meaning in literature

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Amelia Earhart Flies Across the Atlantic

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Amelia Earhart Flies Across the Atlantic

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By  Nel Yomtov
Genre: Non-Fiction Graphic Novel
Age/Audience: Upper Elemantary
Read on August 28, 2018
Review: I like this book because it is educating readers on an important female historical figure that it often looked over in a way that captures reader's attention. The comic book-style of this books makes it easier for us to see her for what she is: a hero.
Possible Teaching Points: General History, history of planes, determination

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By Brenna Thummler
Genre: Fiction, Graphic Novel
Age/Audience: Ages 9 - 12
Read September 28, 2018
#BookAday 2018
Review: I like this book because it revolves around the supernatural in a way that is relatable and positive. This book particularly appeals to kids with more responsibilities than their peers while showing a way to cope with the pressure - with a friend. I appreciate that this book addresses serious topics such as loneliness and depression in a way younger readers can understand and relate to.
Possible Teaching Points: Friendship, empathy, dealing with emotions

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Take a Picture Of me, James Van Der Zee!

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Take a Picture Of me, James Van Der Zee!

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By Andrea J. Loney
Genre: Children's non-fiction
Age/Audience: Ages 6 - 9
Read August 18, 2018
Review: I like this book because it highlights an important figure to the Harlem Renaissance. I have been learned about the Harlem Renaissance but not about actual prominent figures of this era. I liked this book because although it is geared toward young readers, I was about to learn something new. I think it is important to have books highlighting the historical positives about minorities.
Possible Teaching Points: The Harlem Renaissance, African American historical figures

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Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression

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Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression

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By Carole Boston Weatherford
Genre: Non-fiction
Age/Audience: Upper Elementary +
Read on August 18, 2018
Review: I really enjoyed this book because it gives insight on the woman who illustrated what the depression was really like for future generations. I have seen many of her photos in my years in American History class but I was never aware of who the person was behind the camera. I appreciated that this book was about who she was as a person and not the era that consumed her.
Possible Teaching Points: The Depression, Historical female figures, the impact on record keeping by photography

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By Ruby Shamir
Genre: Non-fiction/biography
Age/Audience: elementary +
Read on August 19, 2018
Review: I like this book because it focuses on important figures that are typically neglected in American History, with the exception of Elenor Roosevelt or Jackie Kennedy. Schools touch on all presidents, even those who are quite forgettable and unimportant, allowing no time for these female figures. I like this book because it is full of information that is left out of history classes and textbooks. It acknowledges that women throughout history are interesting and influential.
Possible Teaching Points: Historical female figures, American History

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The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

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The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

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By  Cynthia Levinson
Genre: Non-fiction
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read on August 19, 2018
Review: I like this book because it allows young readers to understand the broad impact of civil rights. While African Americans still relate to this to some degree, we currently live in a word where many other children are shielded from the world's unfortunate realities. I  like this book because it gives the point of view of a child, making it more impactful to young readers. I also enjoyed this book because it learned something knew, I never know of Audrey Faye Hendricks.
Possible Teaching points: Civil Rights, Protesting

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Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

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Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

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By Patricia Valdez
Genre: Non-fiction, biography
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read on August 22, 2018
* Hot New book, 2018 *
Review: I liked this book because I was able to learn about someone new. I also like it because it depicts a historical woman with interests that do not align with societal norms. She fought against these norms to be in a career that she loved. I appreciate a book that provides less represented students someone to look up to.
Possible Teaching Points: Historical female figures, non-conformity, determination, history

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By Emily Arnold McCully
Genre: Biography
Age/Audience: Elementary
Read on September 1, 2018
Review: I like this book not only because I learned something new but also because it sheds light on a woman that is left out of the history of astronomy. This book acknowledges that there are roles for women in STEM. This book is enjoyable because it is spotlighting an influential figure that could easily have been forgotten about.
Possible Teaching Points: Historical female Figures, Scientific figures, history of astronomy

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Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals

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Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals

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By Gabrielle Balkan
Genre: non-fiction
Age/Audience: Upper elementary - middle school
Read on September 1, 2018
Review: I enjoyed this book because it was very engaging with the sort of guessing required by readers followed by humorous commentary. It helps readers make connections from an animals physical composition to their behavior and habitat. I liked it because it grabs the attention of readers, even those who aren't as interested in this topic.
Possible Teaching Points: Biology, ecosystems, species, bones

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By Mo Willems
Genre: Children's literature/picture book
* Caldecott Award Winner *
Age/Audience: Early Elementary
Read August 12, 2018
Review: I like this book because the entire concept of a pigeon driving a bus is silly, which makes student engagement expected. The pigeon's constant begging despite already being told no, actually reminds me of young children. I think it would be fun to turn the tables on young students and have them being bombarded with "what if's".
Possible teaching points: Responsibility, following directions, obedience

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By David A. Adler
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Audience/Age: Level J
Read September 30, 2018
Review: I like this book primarily because it is a mystery. I use to, and continue to, gravitate toward this particular genre. I also liked how this specific book in the series is about finding a School Bus of all things. I find it humorous yet relatable because I often have to do the same with my own car in parking lots.
Possible Teaching Points: Finding clues, remembering/taking note of clues.

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The Curse of Ravenscourt: A Samantha Mystery

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The Curse of Ravenscourt: A Samantha Mystery

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By Sarah Buckey
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Age/Audience: level N
Read on October 1, 2018
Review: I liked this book not simply for its mystery but rather its dark mystery. I have always tended to be more interested in the creepy or "spooky" things in life, even as a young reader. I think this would be a good book for students similar to myself, as well as students who aren't as into "dark" stuff. I also appreciate the historical context of the story.
Possible Teaching Points: curiosity, remembering/looking for details, 1900's history

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By Annie Barrows
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: Level M
Read on August 14, 2018
Review: I liked this book because it depicted human interaction in a realistic way. I like this book because it emphasizes a friendship between two people that are very different from each other. As humans, we tend to gravitate towards people who are like us. I think this book would be a good way to ingrain in students that different is good.
Possible Teaching Points: Diversity, friendship

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Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-Up

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Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-Up

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By Melissa Thomson
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Level N
Read on August 16, 2018
Review: I like this book because it introduces relative issues to young readers: bullying, peer pressure, and learning from mistakes. It describes the sort of struggles and redemption that is inevitable while growing up. This book emphasizes the impact of the choices we make.
Possible Teaching Points: Relationships, ethics, learning from mistakes, empathy

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By Sara Pennypacker
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Level N
Read on August 17, 2018

Review: I like this book mainly because of the main character, Clementine. Her mind is always day dreaming and her foot is always tapping - she exemplifies a student with ADHD. I think this sort of representation is important in the classroom because there are so many students who resemble her rather than the traditional version of a "good student". I like this book because it presents Clementine as a character who many can relate to.

Possible Teaching Points: Diversity, relativity

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By Malala Yousafzai
Genre: Autobiography/picture book
Audience: Upper-elementary
Read on October 5, 2018
Review: I like this book because it introduces children to the struggles and difficulties of others in a simplistic way. She also emphasizes to readers the possibilities and opportunities available to make a difference. I like this book because it introduces readers to a heavy concept in a way that they can understand.
Possible Teaching Points: Social studies, ethics, determination, Malala Yousafzai

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By Deborah Freedman
Genre: Fiction
Age/Audience: K - 2
Read October 6, 2018
Review: I like this book because it revolves around combating something I struggle with myself - change. The snail wants to discover new books but his comfortability in his settled environment is keeping him from venturing out. I like this book because it emphasizes the importance of venturing outside your comfort-zone in order to grow.
Possible Teaching Points: Growth, growing up, welcoming change

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By: Eric Litwin

Genre: Picture Book
Age/Audience: Early Elementary
Read on October 6, 2018
*#TitleTalk @ColbySharp*
Review: I like this book because of Pete himself. He is always cool, calm, and collected, even after his new white shoes are "ruined". I like this book because Pete doesn't let his messy shoes upset him, he simply takes it all in stride.
Possible Teaching Points: Be adaptive, make the best of what you have.

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By  Margaret Wise Brown
Genre: picture book
Age/Audience: lower-elementary
Review: I like this book mostly because it revolves around the moon, which I am fascinated with. It associates with moon with nighttime and everything that comes with it, including exchanging "goodnight's". I also feel like it appeals to students who appreciate routines.
Possible Teaching Points: Repetition, time of day.

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By Don Freeman
Genre: Picture book
Age/Audience: lower-elementary
Read on October 6, 2018
Review: I like this book because it emphasizes that no one is perfect and that physical appearance doesn't determine ones worth. I can personally relate to this book because as a child, I, too, picked out the imperfect stuffed animals on the shelves at good-will to take him. I like this book because in a way, it steers kids away from a hyper-materialistic way of thinking.
Possible teaching points: acceptance, materialism, belonging