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Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Grade Level: PreK- 1st grade

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: Making the right decision when faced with persuasion

Plot Summary: After a bus driver leaves the bus to the reader and a persistent pigeon tries to drive the bus.

Personal Response: This is a great book for young readers and ties humor into literature.

Curricular Connection: Literature

Resources: Epic

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dont let the pigeon drive the bus book cover

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Author: Kaylin Melia George

Illustrated: Mae Waite

Publication Date: May 2023

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Fiction Narrative

Themes: Hawaiian culture and identity

Plot Summary: A young Hawaiian girl, Ano, grows up and learns about Hawaiian culture through dancing and adventuring. She learns the meaning of aloha while finding importance in the community and their connection to Hawaii.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book because of its poetic nature. It was fun and easy to follow and would be a great book in teaching students about the Hawaiian culture.

Curricular connection: Literature and Social Studies (cultures)

Resources: Youtube

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Book Title: The Door by the Staircase

Author: Katherine Marsh

Personal connection: I feel that this story is one that many readers can relate to. Although we have not all experienced the same loss, this book touches on the overall ideas of loss, love, and closure. It may not be as relatable for young readers, but many people have experienced loss or can empathize with the main character as she goes through her struggles.

Journey Map Explanation: The main character goes through many emotions as she navigates losing her family in a fire. As she is experiencing loss, she is adopted by a mysterious woman. She meets a new and magical friend who gives her hope and helps her look for clues about her new adopted mother. They discover the hidden secret and find the courage to open the hidden door. After confronting her mother, they have a new mutual understanding and bond.

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Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: February 2019

# of pages: 40

Grade Level: PreK- 3rd grade

Genre: Fiction/ humor

Plot Summary: This story is about an egg who is constantly trying to be good around other eggs who are "bad eggs". He ends up cracking under the pressure and it leads him to discovering his true self.

Personal response: I think that this book is an amazing way to teach young children about not having to be perfect all of the time and learning how to cope with mistakes.

Curricular connection: Mental health and self discovery

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Meg Medina

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: September 11, 2018

# of pages: 345

Grade level: grades 4-7

Genre: Children's literature

Theme: Navigating change and growing up.

Plot Summary: This book is a story about a Cuban middle school girl who navigates change through her family, school, and community.

Personal Response: I think that every student can relate to this book in some way. Everyone has experienced change in family life, school, and their community at some point or will in the future. Readers can also relate as middle schoolers themselves and all that being a middle schooler brings.

Curricular Connection: Literature

Resources: Youtube

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Poet: Georgia Heard & Rebecca Dotlich

Illustrator: Deborah Freedman

Publication date: August 2021

Grade level: 2nd- 3rd grade

Genre: Poetry

Themes: Imagination & curiosity

Plot summary: Each poem throughout the book represents a different room. These rooms of imagination range from topics about nature, science, art and more. The books takes you through each room and the beauty of each realm of imagination.

Type of poetry: Allegorical house

Personal response: This poetry book was incredibly engaging as it walks the reader through different rooms and allows us to imagine them for ourselves.

Curricular connection: Poetry/ creative thinking

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Cece Bell

Publisher: Abrams Fanfare

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

# of pages: 248 pgs

Grade level: 3rd- 7th grade

Genre: Graphic Novel

Themes: Self acceptance and confidence

Plot Summary: It is a story about a student who, at a young age, realizes she is deaf and is faced with many challenges surrounding this realization. However, she learns to use tools like hearing aids and uses her challenge as a super power.

Personal response:I really enjoyed reading El Deafo and found it to be inspiring and engaging. It was inspiring to see her face a major trial in her life and overcome it in a way that makes her struggle a super power. I feel that every student could learn from this story about being kind to all and accepting challenges.

Curricular Connection: Graphic Novels

Resources: Hard copy of the book

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Author: Thanhha Lai

Illustrator: Sehee Jung

Publication Date: January 2, 2013

Grade Level: 5th- 7th grade

Genre: Novel/ Historical Fiction

Themes: Cultural identity, immigration, belonging

Plot Summary: The story is about a young girl living in Vietnam. It is set at the end of the Vietnam War where her family is forced to flee to America. As she struggles to settle in to the new culture, she also fights with the struggle of her father missing in action in the war.

Personal Response: I think that this book would tie in really well with a history lesson. It shows the emotions and struggles of someone who had to flee their country for safety and would help students grasp that idea from a character their age.

Curricular Connection: History

Resources: Youtube

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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

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Author: Barbara Park

Illustrator: Denise Brunkus

Publisher: ‎Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication date: July 28, 1992

# of pages: 80 pages

Grade level: 2nd grade

Genre: Fiction/ humor

Theme: Growing up

Plot Summary: The story follows a young, humorous girl who rides the bus and realizes how gross it is.

Personal Response: As a kid, I always loved the humor in Junie B Jones books. I think that these are great books to engage students and create a love of reading for fun.

Curricular Response: Literature

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Roald Dahl

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publication Date: January 14, 1982

Publisher: Puffin Books

Grade level: Grades 3rd- 7th

Genre: Children's fantasy

Themes: Communication and injustice

Plot Summary: A young girl meets the BFG, or the Big Friendly Giant and their friendship grows. The giant struggles to stop giants from hurting people and works to protect them.

Personal response: This is a great story about building friendships and finding beauty in the unordinary.

Curricular Connection: Fiction literature

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publication Date: June 27, 2013

Grade level: PreK to 2nd grade

Genre: Fiction picture book

Themes: Individual expression and diversity

Plot Summary: A young boy opens his crayon box but only finds letters inside. Each of the letters explains why each color crayon is quitting. He works to find ways to make the crayons feel appreciated and want to color again.

Personal Response: I thought that this was a cute book that would be great for young readers. There is some humor as well as good lessons for readers.

Curricular Connection: Language arts/ persuasive writing

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Roald Dahl

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc

Publication date: 1964

# of pages: 192

Grade level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Fantasy fiction

Theme: greed, kindness, and family

Plot Summary: Charlie is one of five children who win a golden ticket to go see Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Along the way he learns that how he treats others gets him farther in life than money.

Personal Response: I have always enjoyed the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and how much it resembles the importance of kindness over money.

Curricular connection: Fantasy

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Publisher: ‎Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication date: March 1997

# of pages: 67 pages

Grade Level: 2nd- 3rd grade

Genre: Adventure fiction

Theme: Imagination and friendship

Plot Summary: As two children take a journey to the ocean, they encounter riddles and trials. Through friendship, courage, and help from dolphins, they are able to complete their journey.

Personal response: As an elementary student, I always loved reading Magic Treehouse books. I think they are very engaging for students because of the adventure created in each story.

Curricular connection: Adventure and literature

Resources: Epic

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Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: 1942

# of pages: 176

Grade Level: 2nd- 5th grade

Genre: Mystery Fiction

Theme: Selflessness and gratitude

Plot summary: This book tells a story about 4 orphaned children living in an abandoned railroad boxcar. It highlights all of the trials they encounter as well as how they lean on each others company to get through.

Personal Response: The themes of this book are a great way to encourage students to be grateful and find positives in any situation.

Curricular connection: Literature, comprehension

Resources: Epic

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Author: Matt De La Peña

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publication Date: January 8, 2015

Publisher: Penguin Books

Grade level: PreK- 1st grade

Genre: Fiction picture book

Themes: intergenerational friendship and community

Plot Summary: CJ and his grandmother volunteer at a soup kitchen. CJ struggles to understand why their family does not have nicer belongings, but throughout the story, his grandmother shows him the beauty in their everyday life.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this story because it reminded me of the beauty in my everyday life. It is easy to get caught up and look at our own life/ belongings and want what other people have. It is also encouraging to look for beauty in our own communities as well. This book is a good reminder for everyone.

Curricular connections: Arts and Social Studies

Resources: Epic!

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Title: The Gardener

Personal response: I thought this book was a great story highlighting the themes of time, energy, and love can be more powerful than having money. The story is told through the letters the main character, Lydia Grace Finch, is writing to her family members. I thought that this added another element to the story.

Personal/ academic values for students: Powerful lesson that there is so much more to give each other than money

Visual Description: My visual is an envelope overflowing with pieces of the story. The envelope signifies all of the letters Lydia was writing to her family to tell the story. The story pieces such as the flowers being watered represent the physical garden in the story as well as the need to water relationships with love and time.

Effectiveness for students: I think that this activity helps readers visualize what they are reading and works their brains to represent ideas more abstractly.

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Author: Eric Litwin

Illustrator: James Dean

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: May 2012

Grade Level: 1st grade

Themes: Looking for the bright side

Plot Summary: Pete the cat is so excited about his shirt with 4 buttons ans sings about them. As he goes on, the buttons pop off one-by-one, yet he still remains excited and continues to sing.

Personal response: I thought that this children's story was positive and uplifting. It offers a good story as well as a positive lesson for readers.

Curricular connection: Literature

Resources: Epic

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Author & Illustrator: Anna Llenas

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Publication Date: October 2012

# of pages: 40 pages

Grade level: PreK- 3rd grade

Themes: Managing emotions

Plot Summary: This is a book following different emotions and how they are able to control them.

Personal Response: I think that this book would be great for learning social and emotional skills in a fun and understandable way.

Curricular connection: Emotions

Resources: Youtube

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Author: B.J. Novak

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers group

Publication date: September 14, 2014

# of pages: 48 pages

Grade level: Kindergarten- 3rd grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Words can say more than just pictures

Plot Summary: Although the book has no pictures, the reader is forced to say a lot of silly phrases and words

Personal Response: I can remember a time that I was babysitting and was asked to read this book before bed time. It caught me off guard and was a funny book to read that was really enjoyed by the kids I was babysitting.

Curricular connection: Literature/ humor

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Eric Carle

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: June 3, 1969

# of pages: 26 pages

Grade Level: 1st grade and up

Genre: Fiction picture book

Theme: transformation and growth

Plot Summary: The story takes us through the life cycle of a butterfly as it eats various foods and evolves.

Personal Response: Growing up, this was one of my favorite books. It is still one of my favorites as I grow up. One of my favorite parts is the illustration.

Curricular Connection: Literature

Resources: Epic

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Author: Salina Yoon

Publisher: Gardeners IV Books

Publication Date: 2016

# of pages: 40 pages

Grade level: PreK- 2nd grade

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Friendship

Plot Summary: This story follows the main character's journey in finding a true friend.

Personal Response: I think that this would be such a valuable book for the classroom and in creating a friendly classroom community.

Curricular connection: Social and emotional

Resources: Epic

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Author: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: August 2005

# of pages: 80 pages

Grade Level: K- 3rd grade

Genre: Fiction/ humor

Plot Summary: Mercy is an energetic pig with a personality. It is a fun story about the parents believing the best of their child.

Personal Response: I think that this is a fun chapter book that could be used for comprehension for younger students.

Curricular Connection: Literature

Resources: Epic

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Author: Christina Soontornvat

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

# of Pages: 288 pages

Grade Level: 3rd-7th grade

Genre: Nonfiction children's book

Plot Summary: Ekkapol Chantawong is the young coach in the book All Thirteen. When the soccer team gets stuck in a cave in Thailand after practice, he offers a calm presence and values keeping the team as safe and protected as he can. He is from Thailand and his spirituality helps him and his mental wellbeing when they are stuck in the cave.

Personal Response: This book was a powerful story that resembles a team that became a true family and helped each other through a difficult time. I chose the coach for this activity because I felt that he made a powerful impact throughout the story.

Curricular Connection: Nonfiction

Resources: Online Library

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Author: Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrator: Jen Hill

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Publication Date: 2018

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: K-1st

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: In this story, a character named Tanisha spills grape juice on her dress and is embarrassed. Another character tries to be kind and mentions that her favorite color is purple. This short and small act of kindness makes a large difference in the way that Tanisha feels for the rest of the day. This book encourages readers to do small acts of kindness and to support those around us.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great way to encourage students to be kind to each other and understand the power of kindness.

Curricular Connection: Emotions/ relationships

Resources: Epic

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Author: Carol McCloud

Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press

Publication Date: 2006

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: PreK- 2nd

Genre: Nonfiction picture book

Plot Summary: This book was published as “A guide to daily happiness for kids” and it is just that. An aspect of this book that I think is especially valuable is the idea that happiness is not just a feeling. When we fill our bucket by being kind to others and receiving kindness, happiness can be carried with you throughout your day. Teaching kids that giving kindness can fill their bucket is a powerful lesson. It helps them to understand that they do not need to receive kindness to be kind and fill their bucket.

Personal Response: I appreciate the positivity of this book and how it teaches students about the term "filling our bucket".

Curricular Connection: Classroom culture

Resources: Youtube

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Author:  R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: March 28, 2017

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: 4th-7th

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This book is a picture version of the story Wonder which follows a story of a

young boy whose medical condition makes it hard for him to fit in. The picture book version details Auggie, the main character, and his journey he has with his dog. The main theme of this story is wanting to fit in and be loved. He realizes that there are so many different types of people on Earth and there is a place for every one of them.

Personal Response: This book encourages readers to be inclusive and kind to others as there is a place for everyone.

Curricular Connection: Social-emotional connection

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Margery Cuyler

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: June 26, 2007

# of Pages: 48 pages

Grade Level: K-5th

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This story highlights the importance of the golden rule “Kindness is cool”. Mrs. Ruler, a Kindergarten teacher realizes that her class is getting too rowdy and is not being kind and respectful to others. She has the students make a short list of acts of kindness they have done. In the weeks following, the class is inspired and the wall grows with more and more acts of kindness that the students have done. This wall proves to the students that they can make a difference, even as Kindergarteners.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book to read to inspire students and remind them that even a small act can make a large impact.

Curricular Connection: Classroom culture

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Kadir Nelson

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: 2015

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: PreK-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This book connects the idea of nurturing a seed to kindness. To help a plant grow into a seed, we must nurture it. This goes the same for friendships and those around us. The book also talks about what happens when we act selfishly and how that impacts others. When we are unkind, others may get hurt just as a plant would whither if we do not nurture it. It is a real world connection that helps students understand the importance of being kind.

Personal Response: I think that this book does an amazing job of describing kindness and relating it to real life objects like a plant.

Curricular Connection: Plants/ Social-emotional

Resources: Epic

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Author: Alan Gratz

Publisher: Starscape

Publication Date: August 29, 2017

# of Pages: 256

Grade Level: 4th-6th

Genre: Fiction novel

Plot Summary: Amy Anne takes a stand for the banned books and the librarian, Mrs. Jones. She creates a banned book club that reads challenged and banned books.

Personal Response: This book is a great way for students to learn about why books get banned and to empower them that they can make a difference.

Curricular Connection: Censorship

Resources: Hardcopy of book

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Author: Kerascoët

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: 2018

# of Pages: 40 pages

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: With kindness there is also the opposite. Bullying is a topic that is consistently discussed in schools, however it still occurs daily. This story is about a student in elementary school who is bullied and a bystander is not sure how to help her. She finds that simply walking with her sparks an inspirational movement of others' support and helps Vanessa overcome her struggles.

Personal Response: This book is a great way to explain not only the importance of kindness but also explain to students ways in which they can be kind and make an impact.

Curricular Connection: Reading Comprehension/ Social-emotional

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Beth Ferry

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publication Date: April 2015

# of Pages: 48 pages

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This is a story about two very different characters, Stick and Stone, who find comfort and friendship in each other. Although they are different and have been very lonely, they discover that they do not have to be alike to be friends.

Personal Response: This story is a great encouragement to young readers that no one should feel lonely and that friendship can be found where we do not expect it.

Curricular Connection: Friendship and problem solving

Resources: Epic

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Author: Lynda Hunt

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Publication Date: February 5, 2015

# of Pages: 320 pages

Grade Level: 5th- 8th

Genre: Fiction Novel

Plot Summary: Throughout the story, Ally starts to believe in herself and realizes that her struggles can be her superpower. The story helps the reader to understand internal and external struggles of someone with dyslexia.

Personal Response: I think that this is a powerful story about turning our struggles into our superpowers.

Curricular Connection: Understanding characters/ comprehension

Resources: Hard copy of book

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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Author:  Sonia Sotomayor

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: September 3, 2019

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: In this story, a group of unique and different students work together to build a community garden.

Personal Response: This book brings together all different types of students and would have such a positive impact on readers.

Curricular Connection: Class community/ social-emotional

Resources: Epic

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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Author: Mo Willems

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Publication Date: October 2, 2004

# of Pages: 40

Grade Level: PreK- 2nd

Genre: Fiction picture book

Plot Summary: This book is about a young girl who loses her bunny. She struggles to communicate to her father what is wrong.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book that shows the power of communication.

Curricular Connection:Storytelling/ Communication skills

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Maribeth Boelts

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: September 11, 2007

# of Pages: 40

Grade Level: 1st-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This story is about a boy who wants to fit in by having the same shoes as all of his friends. When he is forced to wear mismatched shoes he realizes that his friends do not care about what shoes he wears.

Personal Response: I think that young people, including me, have the hardest time wanting to fit in with trends and with their peers. I think this book would be so powerful to read.

Curricular Connection: Comprehension/ kindness

Resources: Youtube

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Author: Rob Buyea

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: October 2010

# of Pages: 336 pages

Grade Level: 3rd-7th grade

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: The story follows a classroom full of diverse learners. Each student is impacted by an amazing teacher, Mr. Terupt.

Personal Response: I thought that this book was powerful to read as a future teacher and understanding that I will need to teach in a variety of ways to reach all students.

Curricular Connection: Characters/ Social

Resources: Online copy

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Author: David Shannon

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: PreK-2nd grade

Genre: Fiction comedy

Plot Summary: This is a comedic story about a young boy who likes to get into trouble and his mother yells at him.

Personal Response: I feel that this is a comedic and funny book to read aloud to a class.

Curricular Connection: Early literacy

Resources: Epic

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Author: Matt Forté

Publisher: ‎Tyndale Kids

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

# of Pages: 32

Grade Level: 1st-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This is a book about different types of hair and embracing your natural self.

Personal Response: I think that this is a positive, uplifting, and diverse book.

Curricular Connection: Language arts/ self worth

Resources: Epic

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Author: Katherine Applegate

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 17, 2012

# of Pages: 336 pages

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Biographical fiction

Plot Summary: This book tells the story of a gorilla living in captivity to be used for show. He makes a strong friendship with an elephant and reflects on his life.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book to talk about emotion in characters with students and is a very powerful story.

Curricular Connection: Characters/ literature

Resources: Library

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Author: Patty Brozo

Publisher: Tilbury House

Publication Date: August 6, 2019

# of Pages: 36 pages

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: As the students understand what it feels like to be left out, they are encouraged to make a change in their school. This change is done through the buddy bench.

Personal Response: I think that this is another book that shows how we can encourage students to make a change and be kind.

Curricular Connection: Literature/ Friendship

Resources: Epic

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Author: Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrator: Clement Hurd

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Publication Date: September 3, 1947

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Genre: Picture book

Plot Summary: This book is a story about a little bunny's bed time routine saying goodnight to all of the objects around him.

Personal Response: I loved this book growing up especially the bright and detail illustrations.

Curricular Connection: Art

Resources: Hard copy of the book

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Author: Anna Dewdney

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: May 5, 2005

# of Pages: 34 pages

Grade Level: PreK-K

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This story is about a llama who struggles to go to bed because he is scared. His mother reassures him that she is always around to protect him.

Personal Response: This is a comedic and positive story for younger grades.

Curricular Connection: Social emotional/ literacy

Resources: Epic

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Author: Doreen Cronin

Publisher: Little Simon

Publication Date: 2000

# of Pages: 34 pages

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Picture book

Plot Summary: This book tells a story about cows who find a type writer and demand warm blankets for cold nights.

Personal Response: I think that this is a comedic way to teach opinion and argumentative writing.

Curricular Connection: Opinion writing

Resources:

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Author: Johanna Spyri

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 1880

# of Pages: 392

Grade Level: 4th-6th

Genre: Children's novel

Plot Summary: The story follows a young orphan who lives with her grandpa in the Swiss mountains. It follows her adventures and emotions through change.

Personal Response: I think that having some classics in the classroom is so important with expanding students literature.

Curricular Connection: Literature/ history

Resources: Hard copy of book

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Author: Andrea Beaty

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: Sept 6, 2016

# of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This story is about a young girl who aspires to explore and answer her questions about the world.

Personal Response: I think that this is such a positive story to encourage young girls that they can be scientists. There is a lot of emphasis on males in science and not a lot of women representation for young girls to look up to.

Curricular Connection: Science

Resources: Epic

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Author:  Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin

Publisher: Magination Pr

Publication Date: 2015

# of Pages: 40 pages

Grade Level: K-5

Genre: Fiction children's literature

Plot Summary: This is a great story about autism and creates a positive stigma around it.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book to share with students to understand autism within themselves or their classmates. Spreading awareness in schools is so important.

Curricular Connection: Social- emotional

Resources: Library

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Author: Renato Moriconi

Publisher: ‎Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: August 17, 2021

# of Pages: 52 pages

Grade Level: 1st-2nd

Genre: Picture book

Plot Summary: A plant sprouts up from the ground and is very hungry. It begins to eat everything in its path.

Personal Response: I think this a light hearted story for children to use their prediction skills and also learn about plants.

Curricular Connection: Plants/ Literature

Resources: Epic

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Author: Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: March 14, 2017

# of Pages: 48 pages

Grade Level: K-4th

Genre: Fiction/ humor

Plot Summary: The story is a fun, lighthearted story about a triangle and a square trying to prank each other. There is also an element of surprise.

Personal Response: I think that having some lighthearted and fun books in the classroom for students to enjoy reading is so important.

Curricular Connection: Shapes

Resources: Epic

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Author: Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: September 1, 2015

# of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Plot Summary: This story follows stuffed animals waiting on the windowsill each waiting for something different. They find friendship in each other and see many beautiful things.

Personal Response: This is a great story to analyze characters.

Curricular Connection: Characters

Resources: Library

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Author: Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: April 2025

# of Pages: 288 pages

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Graphic Novel

Plot Summary: Four middle schoolers are passionate about comic books and find a teacher to help them make a comic book club.

Personal Response: This book offers diversity in a classroom library encouraging a love of reading through graphic novels.

Curricular Connection: Characters/ Graphics

Resources: Epic

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Author: Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: April 1, 2025

# of Pages: 244

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Realistic fiction novel

Plot Summary: This book follows multiple different kids perspective on a day at the beach.

Personal Response: I think that this book is an easy segway into reading novels and understanding books with multiple perspectives.

Curricular Connection: Characters/ Comprehension

Resources: Library

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Author: Neil Sharpson

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: April 8, 2025

# of Pages: 40

Grade Level: PreK-2nd

Genre: Humorous picture book

Plot Summary: A funny but scientific story about a crab describing scary things about fish.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great way to mix scientific facts about fish with humor in the classroom.

Curricular Connection: Fish/ Life science

Resources: Library

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Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 1989

# of Pages: 36

Grade Level: PreK-1st

Genre: Picture book

Plot Summary: This story is about alphabet letters running to the top of the coconut tree.

Personal Response: This book is a great way to introduce letters with fun rhyming and rhythm.

Curricular Connection: Letters/ Spelling

Resources: Epic