# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Raina wants to be a normal sixth grader, but after falling and knocking her teeth out, her life will never be the same. This is just the start of But one night after her long journey through adolescence of on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, rude friends, cute boys, family relationships, and more.
Theme Relationship: it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it's what matters on the inside. Raina developed a stronger sense of confidence throughout the book and put time and effort towards people and things she really loved.
Importance: teaches reactions to bullying, friendships, and relationships through adolescence. Raina goes through each of these factors of life and more and I think it is important for children to witness such a relatable story so that they may learn how to approach real life situations best.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: this story is about the author growing up in a family struggling with addiction and substance abuse, and finding a passion that helped him survive it all: art. Jarrett Krosoczka’s family seemed to be more than complicated; his mother was in a halfway house going through rehabilitation, his grandparents, who raised him, did not seem to understand the youth thoroughly, and his father was nowhere to be seen. This story includes the author growing up and facing the challenges that adolescence holds, like social obstacles and self-discovery.
Theme Relationship: to help children feel less alone. Whether experiencing life with addicted or absent family members, the author wants the readers to be aware of the cycle of improvement and worsening.
Importance: This story truly inspires those to follow passions, never give up, surround themselves with supportive people, and ask for help when needed.

# data[].attributes.headline
“The Little House” by Virginia Lee Burton

# data[].attributes.subject
“The Little House” by Virginia Lee Burton

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This book is about a loved house, that continued to endure all the environmental and societal impacts of the future. The little house that once was built in a field near a river and gravel road became squished between two skyscrapers in a dirty, overpopulated, smoke-filled city. The pictures depict how the house prosers in the rural area versus the urban area through the physical state of the house: the shutters, windows, color, etc.
Theme Relationship: environmental ethics and the balance between human and nature interaction; the house experiences how human activity causes pollution and the decrease of natural resources. Although the house was surrounded by busy people and a more modern world, she seemed miserable.
Importance: I think young readers can appreciate how the little house is personified with thoughts, gender, and emotions, and they can learn about environmental issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: A family from Virginia who packs their station wagon and visits their relatives in another state. This story contains all the welcoming, accommodations, chaos, and love that comes when relatives visit.
Theme Relationship: lives lived in relationships; those who find joy in family relationships also may find issues with separation and distance. This heartwarming story shares the message of how a good life is attainable if you share your blessings with those who love you.
Importance: I think this book can recover family memories and the ability to find joy through family events.

# data[].attributes.headline
“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo

# data[].attributes.subject
“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: A china rabbit is strongly loved by his owner but unfortunately, becomes lost and begins a journey. Each new owner treats him differently and he forms strong bonds with all of them. He learns to love but realizes that the loss of love is too painful, therefore, he refuses to believe in love. In the end, he does not take love for granted as he becomes reunited with his first owner after many years.
Theme Relationship: compassion and self-discovery, but also loss and recovery
Importance: Although this story is a part of children’s literature, I thought this book was very important for me to read now as a 20 year old. This story projects many messages to those who have lived long lives but also those who are just starting theirs. The author emphasized the intention of loving and the desire to be loved, which fuels us for the journey of life.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: An old woman named Omu who makes a delicious stew that happens to attract her community to her door. Although she was very excited to have her stew for dinner, she ends up sharing it all before she can have any herself. Luckily, her grateful community shares their own recipes and creations with her.
Theme Relationship: kindness, community, generosity, and gratitude are portrayed through Omu's kind actions. These actions are later reciprocated by her neighborhood.
Importance: It is important for children to express gratitude to those who are kind to them, so that they may share or exhibit good behavior in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: a bear has simply lost his red, pointy hat. He goes around to all of his fellow animal friends and asks them if they have seen his hat. Once he realizes that no one has seen his hat, he contemplates if he will ever find his hat again. However, after recalling his day, he remembers he has seen his hat, specifically on one of his animal friends that he had asked.
Theme Relationship: stealing and lying are wrong, and they will come with consequences. Once the bear eats the rabbit, it shows the reader that there are consequences to such behavior.

Importance:  I think this theme is important to include in early reading books for children because it teaches them that lying, whether it is to friends or adults, is immoral.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: In the beginning, a lonely dog buys and assembles a robot that soon becomes his best friend. One day, their friendship unexpectedly ends, however, they each find happiness but never forget each other. Although they are forced to move on with their lives, they live on in each other's hearts.

Theme Relationship:  explains the challenges of other people interfering with other friendships but also emphasizes moving on.
Importance: important for kids to be exposed to these lessons as they grow up and find their true friends through adolescence.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: The book is about two children who find a board game while being home alone. When the children start playing the game, they realize dangers from the squares they land on become reality, like rhinoceros stampedes, earthquakes, snakes, lions, floods, and more.
Theme Relationship: the children must always read the instructions and listen to directions. This becomes extremely important because they do not know how to end the game by yelling "Jumanji" until they find the instructions.
Importance: children must always pay attention to directions in projects, assignments, chores, work, and homework to be successful. If they don't, they may miss a key detail!

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: One girl dreamed of playing the drums but in her small town, only boys were allowed to play music. However, once she learned how to play after being taught by a professional, she was encouraged by friends, family, and the whole town to play in public.
Theme Relationship: the power of persistence can shatter expectations, break barriers (especially gender barriers), and make one’s dreams a reality. The girl is determined to work hard and to follow her dreams.
Importance: female empowerment is emphasized throughout this story and I believe that it is important for young readers, especially girls, to see the town girl follwo and achieve her dreams.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: The fox desires to be the terror of the barnyard, but not one of the animals is really intimidated by him. Even the wolf, can't teach him how to be a proper predator. The fox begins as a selfish and mean fox and later becomes caring, loving, and accepting.
Theme Relationship: the fox is not be afraid to stand up for who he loves and what he loves to do, like his chick babies.
Importance: the story involves humor and shows people to not be afraid to show or be who they really are and that caring and love are not weaknesses.

# data[].attributes.headline
“When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really, Angry…” by Molly Bang

# data[].attributes.subject
“When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really, Angry…” by Molly Bang

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Sophie gets angry when her sibling takes her toy and runs out into the woods. She climbs a tree to calm down, and is soon ready to come home to her loving family. Sophie exercises productive ways to deal with frustration.
Theme Relationship: head-on exploration of the causes of and solutions to anger. Sophie decides to be alone to deal with her thoughts and returns home in a calm manner to continue her day.
Importance: shows how children can deal with anger and frustration when they are young so that it is easier for them when they are older as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: an elephant named Gerald and his best friend piggy. Piggy has a huge surprise for Gerald but he has a really hard time waiting and being patient throughout the story until the surprise comes.
Theme Relationship: patience and impatience; Gerald is tested throughout this book while he waits for his surprise. Once the surprise comes, Gerald realizes that the wait was worth it and that he gets to share a great memory with his best friend!
Importance: this story provides emphasis on human emotion and how to handle it; this can benefit young children who are naturally impatient at this age.

# data[].attributes.headline
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

# data[].attributes.subject
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Max, a rebellious boy who feels misunderstood at home, escapes to his imagination... where the Wild Things are. The strange creatures on this island exhibit wild and unpredictable emotions, just like him. Max soon realizes that this place is not so easy to manage and that he misses his home where he has easier relationships and people that love him.
Theme Relationship: how strong imagination can be and the creativity that can come from it. Max's adventures display the extent of children's imaginations and how wonderful they can be.
Importance: this story can benefit children because of the promotion of imagination and creativity but also a sense of belonging.

# data[].attributes.headline
“Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann

# data[].attributes.subject
“Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Officer Buckle is a local police officer who loves to provide the public with safety tips. When he realizes kids have a hard time paying attention to him, he acquires a dog named Gloria. As a team, they become super successful until one day, Gloria is sent alone to the school where she does not perform well. Officer Buckle realizes he has been missed and that he and Gloria make a pretty good team.
Theme Relationship: this story mentions jealousy and attention; Gloria and Officer Buckle start off as a good team until Officer Buckle becomes jealous that the kids only pay attention to his presentations because of Gloria.
Importance: this story provides the real sense of jealousy and crave for attention, however, concludes with acceptance and teamwork. I think it is important for children to understand that for a team to be successful, everyone must collaborate, share ideas, listen, and be accepting of one another.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Hare and his family are hardworking unlike Bear who is lazy; Hare uses his intelligence on gardening to make deals with Bear on which part of the harvest to keep. Bear soon realizes that Hare has tricked him and learns his lesson to never sleep through a harvest season again. He must work hard to obtain a fruitful life.
Theme Relationship: be aware of those who could take advantage of you and learn to work independently, just like Hare did. Hare was successful because he was determined to feed his family but Bear failed because he was lazy and unmotivated.
Importance: this story emphasizes the positive effects of motivation, trustworthiness and independence, which are all valuable in a child's life as they gain friendships and other relationships.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: An old town witch helps villagers with their troubles, hires a boy named Big Anthony to help around the garden and house. He becomes very intrigued by her sorcery disobeys her orders. Although he is able to make everyone in the town praise him, he is unable to do undo a spell and things go wrong until Strega Nona returns. Big Anthony learns his lesson by cleaning up the mess he made.
Theme Relationship: When something goes terribly wrong in consequence to his actions, Big Anthony learns his lesson to listen to authority and not to boast successes that are not his.
Importance: Trust, punishment, and authority are emphasized so that children can practice obedience to their parents, teachers, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: young girl named Ella who was bestowed the gift, or curse if you will, of obedience by a fairy. Unhappy with her hostile stepmother and heartless stepsisters who take advantage of her, Ella sets out on a quest to find the fairy to undo the curse. On her journey, she befriends an elf, encounters ogres and giants, and falls in love with a handsome Prince.
Theme Relationship: throughout the book, Ella makes sacrifices to protect her friends while she suffers from her curse of obedience. As she continues to be motivated to overcome countless obstacles, she always put her friends first.

Importance: I think this book is a must read for growing girls and boys, as it emphasizes growth in self-esteem and friendship.