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Author/Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Award: Caldecott Honor in 2015.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Range: K-3
Reading Level: Level 2.1
Summary: A little boy goes to visit his Nana in the city, and his first reaction is that the city is loud and scary and is no place for his Nana to live. After his Nana makes him a cape, he finds the city is not as scary as it seems and a great place for his Nana to live and for him to visit.
Response: How did the book make you feel? How does it relate to your own experiences? Did you make any connections to other books you have read?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book because I love the city and fall time. This book made me feel joyful and nostalgic for living in the city. I lived in the city during my freshman year and absolutely loved it. Most of my family does not like the city though, so I relate to the Nana in the story in believing the city is full of magic. I loved the artwork in the book as well; I enjoyed seeing fall colors not just in the trees, but in the clothing and city scenery. This book represents the classic saying do not judge a book by its cover before the boy went to the city he did not like it, but once he got to experience it for himself, he learned that a city is a place he could enjoy. I think this is seen in a myriad of books and in life. I try to make an effort to keep an open mind before trying something new because you never know until you try.

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Authors:  Laurie Keller, Mo Willems

Illustrator:  Laurie Keller, Mo Willems

Award: Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal

Genre: Fiction

Grade Range: Preschool-3

Reading Level: 1.1

Summary: Walt and his friends are all growing fast. One of his friends is the tallest, another is the curliest, and another is the crunchiest, silliest, pointiest, and dandiest. Walt seems to think he is not anything-est; as the story goes on, Walt learns what makes him special. This cute story about pieces of grass explains that everyone is unique and has something special about themselves.

Response: Describe the artwork in terms of style and media. What elements of the illustrations appealed to you? What is the primary medium (collage, drawings, photographs, etc.) used in the illustrations? How were illustrations used to tell the story?

The story takes place in a yard, and there is a simple background on each page to highlighting the focus on the characters in the book. The illustrations resemble a cartoon, and the words on the page are in different fonts, colors, and sizes based on importance. The characters are extremely animated, matching their dialogue well, which makes it easier for the reader to understand and interpret the story. The primary medium is drawings with a collage of dialogue on the page. The illustrations can be used by readers to preview the story before reading. The reader can look at the pictures before and have an idea of what the story is about before reading. The illustrations also represent a variety of emotions that the reader can interpret as well.

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Author: Jessie Oliveros

Illustrator: Dana Wulfekotte

Award: Schneider Family Award Honor

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Grade Range: K-4

Reading Level: 2.8

Summary: The story revolves around a young boy and his relationship with his dear grandpa. Everyone holds balloons filled with memories and stories about their life. The boy has more than his younger brother, but his grandpa has the most balloons. The boy and his grandpa share the same balloon because they shared memories together. As time goes on, his grandpa starts to lose some of his balloons, and the boy has to cope with his grandpa losing his memory.

Response: What was the main problem that the main character faces? How is this problem similar to a problem that most children have faced before? In what way could elementary children relate to this character?

The main problem the main character faced was dealing with his grandpa’s memory loss. The boy was upset that the grandpa did not remember their favorite memory shared, and the boy decides to share those memories with him by retelling the stories. I think memory loss and Alzheimer's has a significant impact on the family because they lose a part of their loved one. This book embraces taking advantage of the time you still have and sharing the good memories, rather than dwelling on what they have lost. I think children who have lost someone close to them, either through Alzheimer's or other causes of death. I think this book would be beneficial for children who are specifically coping with this. Elementary children could relate to the character’s pain and sadness he felt, and they could learn a coping strategy.

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Author/Illustrator: John Rocco

Award: Robert F. Sibert Honor

Genre: Informational

Grade Range: 5-6

Reading Level: 8.3

Summary: This informational picture book focuses on the process of getting the first man on the moon. It tells the story of 400,000 unsung heroes-the engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers. It starts with the race to space, then designing the rocket, building a launch vehicle and spacecraft, explaining how to stay alive in space, and support on the ground. Every part of the process is explained through diagrams, experiments, moments of crisis, and human stories.

Response: What factual information did you learn? Did anything surprise you? How do you know if this information is accurate?

Hundreds of thousands of calculations were computed for this mission. At that moment in history, the calculator had not been invented yet. The engineers on the project used a "slipstick", which is a mechanical analog computer that computes complex equations quickly. Many female engineers take jobs as "computers" solving intricate mathematical equations essential in space exploration. Surprisingly, all of this was done before technology was a major aspect of human life. The author lists a plethora of resources for the information in the book, additional reading, and a list of common acronyms at the back of the book. The author included thorough details in the text and illustrations to engage the reader in this factual children's book.

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Author: Audrey Wood

Illustrator: Bruce Robert Wood

Format: Alphabet Book

Genre: Fiction

Grade Range: Preschool-2nd

Reading Level: 3.1

Summary: Every night the letters in Charlie’s alphabet tuck themselves in and call out their name, except little x is missing. Little x ran away to Master M’s castle because he felt neglected. The alphabet needs to bring little x home to give Charlie’s mom a special gift for her birthday.

Response: What values were conveyed through this book? How were these values or social views conveyed to the reader?

There were multiple values conveyed throughout the book; everyone is special in their own way, and everyone wants a sense of belonging and purpose. In the book, little x ran away because he felt that Charlie never used him, and he had a “real job” at the Master’s castle playing the xylophone. The other letters reminded him that Charlie would not be able to make his mother’s birthday gift without him. They acknowledged his sense of isolation, but the letters reminded him that they all have a purpose that makes them unique and special in their own way.

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Illustrator:  Luciano Lozano

Format: Wordless Picture Book

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade Range: Preschool-2nd

Reading Level: 2

Summary: Paintings and sculptures come to life at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. It starts as an ordinary tour, which highlights the fact that the art must not be touched, and it turns into an interactive parade of well-known art pieces.

Response: Describe the artwork in terms of style and media. What elements of the illustrations appealed to you? What is the primary medium (collage, drawings, photographs, etc.) used in the illustrations? How were illustrations used to tell the story?

As a wordless picture book, this book relies on illustrations to tell the story. The illustrator incorporates lively drawings to engage the reader in this story. Some museum experiences may feel stuffy and dry due to the fact that children are not allowed to touch the pieces but simply look. The illustrator made a point to bring the art to life to exhibit the beauty and appreciation of these famous works. The illustrator also chose to incorporate clear expressions of the characters, which makes it easier for the reader to interpret their emotions and feelings.

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Author:  Rajani LaRocca

Illustrator: Steven Salerno

Format: High-Interest Information Book

Genre: Nonfiction Informational book

Grade Range: Preschool-3rd

Reading Level:

Summary: This book works as a simple introduction to the complex concept of DNA, chromosomes, and cells through rhymes. It explains that DNA is a code inside you that looks like a twisted ladder, tells your body what to do, and is the blueprint for how a person or animal looks. It also introduces genetics and illustrates what you choose to do with your body is up to you.

Response: What elements of the author’s style and language drew you into the book? Explain and give examples.

The author utilizes cartoon illustrations and rhyming to engage the reader in this book. On each page, there are different illustrations that cohesively intertwine from one page to the next. The author was able to strategically incorporate scientific ideas and topics in a child-friendly manner. The end of the book provides DNA facts, a website to learn more, and an experiment. The experiment includes the materials, procedures, and the scientific process of extracting the banana DNA.

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Author/Illustrator: Christina Balit
Format: Historical Fiction Picture Book
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Range: K-3rd
Reading Level: 4.9
Summary: Tranio tells the tale of what happened to Pompeii in AD 79. It begins with Tranio looking out to Mount Vesuvius which is ironically known as the greatest protector, the Gentle Mountain. Tranio goes through the city and feels tremors. As the air fills with pumice, Tranio and his friend, Livia, escape to a cargo ship. The tale ends with Tranio and Livia at an orange tree thinking of the tragedy that destroyed the city and the people they loved.
Response: Describe the setting. Was the setting essential to the plot of the book? Explain why or why not.

The setting is the city of Pompeii in AD 79. Tranio explores different parts of the city before the volcano erupted. He starts at the harbor, where the fisherman unloads their cargo from the ships, then to the forum, where politicians deliver speeches, and finally at the theater, where his father, an actor performs. The author described the setting in detail because the history of Pompeii and everyday life are critical to the plot of the book. The ending of the story brings the main characters, Tranio and Livia, back to the mountainside. In the illustrations, the reader can see the split page to highlight that the ruins beneath the ground are not forgotten.

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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

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Author: Rita L. Hubbard
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Format: Biography Picture Book
Genre: Biography
Grade Range: Pre-K-3rd
Reading Level: 4.6
Summary: Mary Walker was born into slavery, but her family was freed by the time she was 15. Throughout the story, it describes the various jobs she worked, she got married and had children, and lost her family. The story explores the hardship African Americans experienced from the Civil War up to the Civil Rights Movement. Mary Walker was determined to learn how to read, and by the age of 116, she did just that.
Response: How did the book make you feel? How does it relate to your own experiences? Did you make any connections to other books you have read?

This book is inspirational because even though Mary Walker experienced oppression and suffering throughout her lifetime, nothing was going to stop her from learning to read. Others would have given up on that goal after so many years; however, after 116 years of living, Mary persevered and accomplished her goals. The mindset of you can do anything you set your mind to is prevalent in this story because one's attitude and determination are major indicators of achieving goals. This book reminds me of the Little Engine that Could and Thank You, Mr. Falker, because both books incorporate the importance of tenacity.

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Author: Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: Carol Schwartz
Format: Informational Picture Book
Genre: Informational
Grade Range: 2nd-4th
Reading Level: 4.5
Summary: Grassland ecosystems are found on nearly every continent with hundreds of different plants and animals. Bees are crucial to the environment, chain system, and functioning of living things. Each page explains how they are critical in a variety of ways. Without bees, there would be fewer fruits and vegetables and certain plants could not make seeds for birds, which would lead to a myriad of problems in the food chains.
Response: What factual information did you learn? Did anything surprise you? How do you know if this information is accurate? (information books, biography, some historical fiction).

Bees are a critical part of the environment and a majority of plants and animals are dependent on bees to survive. However, due to changes in land use and agricultural pesticides many bees are dying. If these actions continue, there will be fewer plants and animals roaming around. It is surprising how crucial bees are to living organisms, but the topic of bee extinction is not talked about often. The information in this book came from reliable sources, and the author provided an index at the end of the book for additional support.

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Author/Illustrator: Valérie Fontaine
Category: Realistic Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Range: K-3rd
Reading Level: 3.1
Summary: The Big Bad Wolf in my House mimics the fable story of the three little pigs, but it focuses on the idea of domestic violence. The wolf, at first, is sweet to the mom and daughter, but as time goes on, his violence escalates. After a fearful experience, the story ends on a happy note.
Response: How did the author make the story believable? Were you able to relate to the characters in any way? (any fiction genre)
Even though one of the main characters was a personified animal, the author made the story believable. I think the author was strategic in making the abuser an animal because the readers would focus on the actions of the character, rather than the looks. Children in abusive homes would be able to relate to the feelings of the child in the story and feel seen in this book. The author was not specific about the wolf's actions, so the readers can understand the violence in a kid-friendly manner.

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Author: Dianne Hofmeyr
Illustrator: Piet Grobler
Category: Fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Grade Range: PreK-2
Reading Level: 2
Summary: This bold cat from Paris believes she is different than the rest because she can do anything she sets her mind to. She leaves her family behind to follow her dreams and becomes famous, dancing alongside Josephine Baker and her cheetah. However, she finds herself missing her family and decides to make her own nightclub.
Response: Describe one of the main characters. How did the author make this character unique and believable?
The main character is a cat from the alleys of Paris, and she is an energetic, outgoing character. Her confidence leads her to dance on stage at a nightclub and become famous. This character leaves her family to live the big life, a typical storyline of a small-town character wanting more. The author made the character unique when the cat missed her family and did not want the life she had dreamed of. She expressed realistic feelings of fame and created a compromise.

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Author/Illustrator: Tatsuhiko Shibusawa
Category: Traditional Literature
Genre: Fairy Tale
Grade Range: PreK-3rd
Reading Level: 4.6
Summary: The clever cat outsmarts a king to win a castle and a princess for his penniless master. The king and princess are riding in a carriage throughout the land, and Puss warns everyone that they must say the land is owned by the Count of Caribbus. The final stop is the sorcerer's castle, and Puss tricks the arrogant sorcerer into winning his castle.
Response: How did the book make you feel? How does it relate to your own experiences? Did you make any connections to other books you have read?
I enjoyed this book because I knew of Puss in Boots because of watching Shrek, but I never read the traditional tale. It was entertaining to read because I did not know what the cat's plan was for his master, but it was impressive to see how his confidence and cleverness allowed him to trick a powerful figure in the story. I think being confident in one's abilities is a major aspect of success. This book reminds me of multiple books I have read before where a character's arrogance gets in the way of their logical decisions. One book that I think of is the Tortoise and the Hare because the Hare was overly confident he would beat the Tortoise, he did not think to try his best.

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Author/Illustrator: Lauren Stohler
Category: Poetry
Genre: Poetry
Grade Range: Prek-3rd
Reading Level: 3.2
Summary: Cat and Pug decide they are going to be the best poet, so they will stop at nothing to achieve this. When they write sonnets to sundaes or ballads with their butts, they will not stop until they have out-witted, out-written, or out-versed the other. However, the ending shows a grander prize than being the best poet.
Response: What is the theme of the book or a poem within a collection? Do you think this is a worthwhile theme for elementary children? Explain.
The theme of enemies to friends is seen at the end of this poem. The story revolves around a cat and a pug who want to be the best poet; through various forms of poetry, they explain how they are better than the other. However, at the end, they decide if they combine their talents, they can be the best together. This theme is important for elementary children because no matter what classroom you are in, there will be problems with who is better than the other. Children need to be aware that everyone has special talents, and we should embrace each other's talents, rather than disprove them. It is also important to note the idea of working together to make something even better; collaboration is a key aspect of life and being able to efficiently work with others will be beneficial for everyone.

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Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Award: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Range: K-3
Reading Level: 3.3
Summary: CJ and his grandma ride the bus from the church throughout town every day. On the ride, CJ asks his grandma questions that address diversity, and his grandma responds with encouraging answers. The book also introduces the idea of charity and the benefits of helping other people.
Response: What values were conveyed through this book? How were these values or social views conveyed to the reader?
There are a plethora of values conveyed throughout this book. The first is intergenerational friendship; this is seen with CJ and his grandma. They spend quality time together every week, and CJ can freely ask her questions about the world around him. It shows that two people of different generations can learn from each and develop a strong friendship. Another value is finding beauty in unlikely places. CJ asks why they have to ride the bus, why doesn't he have iPods, and why do they have to get off in the dirt part of town. The grandma responds with an optimistic outlook on life, and she explains to the grandson that there is always a bright side to any story.

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Author:  Anitra Rowe Schulte
Illustrator:  Chen Ziyue
Award: Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Range: Prek-2
Reading Level: 3.2
Summary: Elsie cannot wait to go to her first daddy-daughter dance. She goes to the store and picks out the perfect dress. She practices twirling and swirling in her wheelchair, but will the snow ruin the fun? The story focuses on familial relationships; Elsie has Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome and the story acknowledges the syndrome but it is not the main idea.
Response: How did the book make you feel? How does it relate to your own experiences? Did you make any connections to other books you have read?
I enjoyed reading this beautifully illustrated and heartfelt children's book about the relationship between a father and daughter. Although Elsie has Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, the author does not revolve the story around it. She mentions that Elsie has to get fed through a tube, and she cannot walk. However, the problem in the story has nothing to do with the Syndrome, and all the characters treat her as everyone else. It was refreshing to read a story that normalizes and acknowledges differences but does not portray them as different. I also loved the illustrations and diction the author chose.

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King and Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats

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King and Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats

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Author: Dori Hillestad Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
Category: Transitional Chapter Book
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Range: 1-3
Reading Level: 2.2
Summary: Kayla is making dog treats for her friend's new puppy, and King is upset he does not get any. Once Jillian and her new puppy come over, they notice there are a couple of missing dog treats. King is determined to find the culprit of the missing treats.
Response: What elements of the author’s style and language drew you into the book? Explain and give examples.
This transitional chapter book incorporates fun illustrations to support the text. The author provided comical commentary from King throughout the chapters. It was fun to read King's thoughts, and how Kayla responded. I think kids would love to read about a dog solving cases with its owner. The word choice made it easy to express the emotions of the characters and make the story come alive.

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Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Category: Transitional Chapter Book
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Range: 1-4
Reading Level: 2.5
Summary: Mercy Watson loves going on Saturday drives with Mr. Watson, but she wants to drive the car. Obviously, Mr. Watson says no because pigs are not allowed to drive. Next door, are two sisters; Baby wants folly in her life, while Eugenia thinks that the pig is nothing but trouble. The next Saturday drive, Baby sneaks into the car, and Mercy takes the wheel. The hectic ride leads to police involvement, but in the end, buttered toast is shared and all is well.
Response: How did the book make you feel? How does it relate to your own experiences? Did you make any connections to other books you have read?
The book was nostalgic because I had read it in elementary school, but I did not remember until I started the first chapter. It was exciting to reread the story because I had an idea of what was going to happen, but I could not remember the exact details. I also thought the book was funny and lighthearted; the sister's polar opposite perspectives reminded me of my sister and me. I also found it comical that the best way to solve your problems is with buttered toast. However, I am quite fond of buttered toast, so I do not disagree with the statement. I think the story is a great way to introduce children to chapter books.

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Author/Illustrator: Ben Clanton
Category: Graphic Novel
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Range: 1-3
Reading Level: 2.4
Summary: Narwhal and Jelly meet at the beginning of the story, and Jelly is skeptical if Narwhal is real. Once they become friends, the author includes fun facts about both narwhals and jellyfish. Then, Narwhal decides he and Jelly need to make a pod, so they find friends to make a pod and everyone eats waffles.
Response: What factual information did you learn? Did anything surprise you? How do you know if this information is accurate? (information books, biography, some historical fiction).
Even though the story is a fictional graphic novel about friendship, the author includes nautical information appropriate for kids. The most obvious fact I learned was that narwhals are real, and their horn can be up to 10 feet tall. They can hold their breath for 25 minutes, dive down over a mile into the ocean, live up to 90 years, and live in pods. I also learned there are over 4,000 types of jellyfish, they have been around longer than dinosaurs, and some jellyfish stings can be deadly. It was shocking to learn all of these facts in a fictional story, but it was interesting to read that jellyfish have been around longer than dinosaurs. I have only heard about narwhals in the movie, Elf, and they are called the unicorns of the sea, which is why I thought they were not real. I know this information is credible because I checked it on credible websites.

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Author/Illustrator: Mika Song
Category: Graphic Novel
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Range: Prek-3
Reading Level: 2.0
Summary: Two squirrels try to make pancakes for breakfast; after their breakfast is ruined they come upon a donut truck. They try to order donuts, but the worker sprays them instead. They come up with a plan to steal the donuts. While they are in the truck, one of the squirrels adds a secret ingredient to the recipe. They succeed in getting the donuts and have a donut party to celebrate. The food truck owner appreciates the added ingredient and sends his gratitude with a treat.
Response: What elements of the author’s style and language drew you into the book? Explain and give examples.
The author used basic language and cartoon illustrations that supplemented the text to engage the audience. I enjoyed the pages where the two best friends would finish each other's sentences; I think this is accurate to how friends have conversations, once they know each other well. The author used conversation bubbles when the characters communicated, and I liked how the story was broken up by chapters. Even though the text was limited to ten words per page, the readers would be able to say they read a book with chapters. I think this story would be appropriate for students to gain confidence as readers and grow their appreciation for reading if they do not love traditional books.