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Author and Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Date: June 2, 2020
Number of Pages: 40
Awards: New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Picture This Recommendation List, Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr., and more.
Synopsis: No matter who are are, you always matter.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: You matter all the time.
Plot: Sometimes things seem too small to see, but even those things matter. The plot in this book was unlike most, yet showed that life is being lived everywhere - from ant hills to tree roots to dogs in an apartment. Everything is connected somehow, and therefore, it all matters.
Curricular Connections: This book showed a lot of visuals and pictures which can correspond to the subject of art. A picture of someone looking through a microscope was drawn and can correspond to the subject of science.
Artistic Media: Markers and pastels coloring.
Personal Response: I loved this book and think that it would be so very beneficial for all students to read within the classroom. It is important for students to understand that they matter and are loved no matter who they are.
Teacher Resources: https://youtu.be/ltOaIsWXpHA

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Author: Allan Wolf
Illustrator: Lauren Tobia
Publisher: Candlewick
Date: August 30, 2022
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Awards: N/A

Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Pre-K to 2rd-grade
Theme: Our hopes and dreams are within reach
Synopsis: Violet sits with her family during a picnic and dreams of the universe while on her blanket.
Plot: Violet feels like she needs to escape the busy world and finds herself gazing at the stars. She seems to be one with the galaxy and among the planets around us.
Artistic Media: Markers
Curricular Connections: Science
Personal Response: I love how this book connected family, aspirations, and reaching goals all within one fun book. So any children look at the sky every day, and after they read this book, they can do so all while gaining aspirations and self-confidence.
Teacher Resources: E-Book

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Author and Illustrator: Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Date: August 28th, 2018
Number of Pages: 32
Awards: This book is a #1 New York Times Children's Picture books Bestseller and also won the American Library Association's 2020 Schneider Family Book Award.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: The themes throughout this book are really talking about identity and culture as well as advocating inclusion.
Artistic Media: lyrical text and full-bleed illustrations on every page are thick with collaged patterns and textures that pair perfectly with melodic prose that begs to be read aloud.
Personal Response: I really liked this book and think having it in the classroom would be very beneficial to students.
Teacher Resources:

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Authors: Alicia Acosta and Luis Amavisca
Illustrator: Gusti Rosemffet
Publisher: NubeOcho Ediciones
Date: April 2, 2019
Number of Pages: 36 pages
Awards: Publishers Weekly

Synopsis: Ben loved painting his nails but got bullied by his classmates for doing so. His friend stood up for him and his dad supported him. Eventually, Ben's classmates created a community in the school for him to feel confident being who he was.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Be who you are / Nail polish is not made for a specific gender
Plot: Ben loved to paint his nails. Unfortunately, when he arrived at school many boys would make fun of him and call him mean names such as "nail polish is for girls" and "you're a girly girl". His friend Margarita would be the only one standing up for him. Ben began only to paint his nails on the weekends and have his mom remove the polish on Sundays before school. Ben began to feel very sad that he couldn't enjoy something that he loved.  On his birthday, which was Monday, Ben walked into class to find his whole class had painted their nails thanks to Margarita showing empathy and making a change. Ben felt heard and loved and had the best birthday ever with his nails painted once again!
Artistic Media: Watercolors
Curricular Connections: This book's theme covered the subject area of art. Painting nails in different colors shows creativity and color wheel use.
Personal Response: This book covered a very modern-day theme. I loved the lightness of it, as it was easy to connect to and made it a nice introduction to young ones on the topic of being yourself and finding friends who don't judge. I also enjoyed how it showed a classroom community supporting a student who felt left out. I would love to have this book in my future classroom.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author and Illustrator: Clotilde Perrin
Publisher: Gecko Press
Date: September 7, 2021
Number of Pages: 20 pages
Awards: United States Board on Books for Young People
Genre:  Children's literature, Adventure fiction, Toy book
Synopsis: A boy packing his suitcase. Lift the flaps to see what he takes, and travel with him over oceans and mountains, underwater and into the forest.
Plot: With every step on this voyage of obstacles the boy faces a decision that will lead to a new adventure and help him get home.
Artistic Media: graphically designed images
Curricular Connections: teaching young children how to problem solve.
Personal Response: I loved this book and its message about exploration of the world and problem solving.
Teacher Resources: https://www.usbby.org/oib-2022/inside-the-suitcasehttps://www.usbby.org/oib-2022/inside-the-suitcase

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Author: Cece Bell
Published: September 2, 2014
Publisher: Amulent Books
Awards: John Newberry Medal
Number of Pages: 242 pages (chapter book)
Synopsis: No one really knows what someone is going through, and this book really brought forth that idea. Young children especially can have a hard time, especially with showing their emotions. Therefore, if they are feeling these big emotions they might pull out, and this book showed these harsh realities, but in a way that makes sense to children.
Genre: graphic novel
Theme: Overcoming one's Disability
Artistic Media: Digital Design
Personal Response: I thought that this graphic novel was an amazing way to show children about disabilities and just give them a little bit of an idea of what a student might be going through. We never know what someone might be going through, so this is important for students to understand.
Teacher's Link: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/49120

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Author: Claribel A. Ortega
Illustrator: Rose Bousamra
Publisher: First Second, a division of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.
Date: October 18, 2022
Number of Pages: 224 (chapter book)
Awards: 2023 Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award
Genre: graphic novel
Synopsis: Marlene, a young Dominican girl whose greatest enemy is the hair salon! Through her struggles and triumphs, this heartwarming and gorgeous middle-grade graphic novel shows the radical power of accepting yourself as you are, frizzy curls and all.
Curricular Connections: Grade 3-7, and shows how to embrace you you really are through the use of pictures and words.
Personal Response: I loved how this book showed how to build your confidence in showing the real you and not trying to hide behind your true identity and culture to be like others, but instead embracing it. Such a powerful message for young kids to understand.
Teacher Resources: https://ilovelibraries.org/article/2023-ala-youth-media-award-winners/

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Author: Andrée Poulin
Illustrator: Sonali Zohra

Publisher: Groundwood Books
Date: October 5, 2021
Number of Pages: 112 pages (chapter book)
Awards: N/A

Synopsis: This books looks into sanitation systems in third-world countries and how they negatively affect young girls and women.
Genre: Fiction, Poetry
Theme: Injustice for women, Exploring our bodies
Plot: This book follows Latika who lives in India. She grows observant of the fact that their village is unjust. Young women are having to give up their education in order to obtain privacy. Sanitation is non-existent and rules their land. Latika stands up to this unfairness when those in charge show up. She becomes an inspiration to all women there and makes a path to justice.
Curricular Connections: History and empathy
Personal Response: This was an amazing book that I feel is inspirational for young girls, especially those who experience poverty.

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Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Date: 1989
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Awards: American Library Association: Notable Book

Synopsis: This book tells the classic fairytale 'The Three Little Pigs' from the wolf's point of view.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Stereotypes and empathy
Plot: This story revolves around the wolf in their little pigs' story. The wolf needs a cup of sugar to finish making his grandmother a cake for her birthday. He asks two pigs at different homes and accidentally sneezes, blows their house down, and eats them in order to not be wasteful. He then goes to the pig living in the brick house and gets mad when the pig disrespects his grandmother and won't lend him a cup of sugar.
Curricular Connections: construction management and social adaptability
Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this story. It adds a twist to the story I grew up hearing and is a good reminder to always be aware that there are different perspectives to a story/event.

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Author and Illustrator: Doug Salati
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Date: May 24, 2022
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: Randolph Caldecott Medal

Synopsis: This book shows a dog that lives in the city take a day trip to the beach using little words and amazing illustrations.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: social, pets, adventures
Plot: This book follows a little wiener dog living in the city with his owner. When the day gets too hot and the people get too close he chooses to lie down and quit for the day. His owner picks him up and takes him for a day at the beach. There, he has so much room to run and so much fresh air to breathe! He then looks forward to a comfortable slumber at home in the city he loves.
Curricular Connections: self care
Personal Response: I absolutely loved this books. The author/illustrator did an amazing job providing images that spoke louder than the few words that were provided. It was a very sweet book that helps you to imagine what life is like as a house dog that lives in the city.

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Author: James Marshall
Illustrator: James Marshall
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Date: 1981
Pages: 32
Awards: Caldecott Honor
1-2 sentence synopsis: This book is about three little pigs who build their houses out of different materials. Then a wolf comes and blows their houses down. The last pig alive traps the wolf and eats him for dinner.
Artistic Media: Pen and watercolor
Curricular connections: I do not see many curricular connections. Maybe could lead to a science/engineering discussion about the construction of the pigs' houses.
Personal response: I have grown up reading this book. I do not think that it stands out as one that I need to have in my classroom library.
Teaching resources: https://youtu.be/4F-22Y6Wg60

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Author: Lisa Fipps
Illustrator: N/A
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
Date: March 2021
Awards: Printz Honor Winner
Pages: 256
1-2 sentence synopsis: This book tells the story of an 11 year old girl, Ellie, who struggles with body image and bullying.
Artistic Media:  N/A
Curricular connections: Social-emotional learning.
Personal response: I thought that this was a great book. And although bullying is a very prevalent topic I think students could find this book relatable

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Author: Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrator: Derek Sullivan
Date: March 1, 2015

Publisher: ‎Albert Whitman & Company

Genre: Folklore
Theme: Keep Your Promises
Grade Level: Pre-K to 4th grade
Plot: A young girl named Zuva is living in a village located in Zimbabwe. As she is down at the river fishing she encounters a crocodile (Croc).  In her town, they are told to NEVER bring a croc to town, but the croc did her a favor so she promised to bring him to the village to party. The message is never make a promise you aren't able to fulfill.
Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book, it wa silly but it had a great message behind it that can be beneficial for children to hear.

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Author: Sara Greenwood
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Publisher: ‎Random House Studio
Date: October 11, 2022
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: N/A

Synopsis: This book follows a young girl who longs for her brother who is incarcerated.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Healing through memories
Plot: This book begins by shuffling through a young girl's memories with her brother. She constantly states how she misses him. Her peers at school bully her because her brother was on the news. She knows that he has been arrested, but the book doesn't explicitly state what for. Her mother helps her count down the days until she sees him again. The girl and her mother and father make their way to the prison to visit him. She is nervous that he will not remember her. However, he does and his hug warms her heart and heals her wounds. She sees all of the other families around her whose brothers are away and she feels better.
Artistic Media: Colored pencil and watercolor
Curricular Connections: Social justice
Personal Response:  I really loved how this book shed some light on the topic of everyone's families are different which is totally okay but to bully someone is never okay. You never know what is going on in someone else's home.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author: Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Illustrator: Charlene Chua
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Date: January 4, 2022
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: Stonewall Book Award

Synopsis: This book follows a young girl, Violet, who finds the courage to ask her crush to be her Valentine. She has to overcome physical and emotional obstacles in order to find out how to be brave and not let embarrassment stop her from growing.
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Love takes courage
Plot: Violet has a crush on Mira, but is scared of rejection. She decides to make Mira's Valentine's gift and tuck it in her hat, waiting to find the perfect time in the day to give it to her. However, the wait continues as Violet becomes nervous that Mira will laugh at her and turn her down. As the day goes on, Violet slips and falls, and the whole class giggles. She runs outside to find peace and to be alone. Then, she recognizes that the only one who didn't laugh was Mira, and there she was to comfort her outside. Mira gives Violet a locket necklace with the two of them inside. Violet realized that Mira wanted to be her Valentine all along!
Artistic Media: Watercolors
Curricular Connections: This book relates to the subject of communication. By cutting off basic ties of communication, one can become a victim in their own mind. Being brave and communicating early can prevent emotional damage and frustration.
Personal Response: I love this book and its inclusiveness.

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Title: Baseball Saved Us
Author: Ken Mochizuki, Dom Lee
Publisher: Lee&Low
Pages: 42
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: The plot of the book follows Shorty's journey as he learns to find strength in himself and in the people around him. The story is a powerful and poignant reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Personal Response:  I feel that this book is a powerful book with an amazing story that comes behind it.
Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TooObOfOx4w

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Author: Martyn Ford
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: August 2, 2016
Page Number: 240 pages (Chapter Book)
Genre: Science Fiction
Summary: Tim is an inventive and imaginative young boy who dreams of becoming an inventor, but he lives in a world where creativity is discouraged and conformity is the norm. One day, he stumbles upon a strange, old box in a junk shop, and after tinkering with it, he discovers that it can bring his imagination to life. With the help of his best friend, a girl named Dee, Tim starts using the box to create all sorts of wondrous things. However, their fun is cut short when a group of mysterious men start to take an interest in the box and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.
Tim and Dee must race against time to protect the box and keep their inventions out of the wrong hands, all while trying to uncover the secrets of the box's origins and what it might be capable of. Throughout the book, Tim learns about the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the value of standing up for what you believe in. The story is full of excitement, adventure, and heartwarming moments that will inspire readers of all ages.
Curricular Connections: 4th-7th
Personal Response: I really liked this book and think that it is a book that I would include within my classroom. It is super adventurous which makes it hard to put down.
Teacher Resources: amazon

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Author/Illustrator: Sue Fliess, Claire Keane
Date: May 10, 2016
Grade Level: kinder-2nd
Summary:The story follows a little girl named Lia who moves to a new town and has trouble making friends. One day, while exploring the forest behind her new home, she meets a fairy named Willow. Willow is friendly and playful, and Lia is thrilled to have a new friend. Together, they have fun playing games, making crafts, and going on adventures. Willow even helps Lia feel less lonely and more confident at school.
However, Lia's happiness is threatened when she discovers that some people in the town do not believe in fairies and want to destroy the forest. Lia and Willow must work together to save the forest and Willow's home, all while teaching the townspeople about the magic of the natural world and the importance of friendship. The story is full of whimsy and imagination, with beautiful illustrations that bring the characters and forest to life. It teaches children about the value of friendship, the importance of protecting nature, and the power of believing in magic.
Curricular connections: This could be a fun read for the younger children due to them having such crazy fun imaginations.
Personal response: I really liked this story and thought that it had such a cute theme.

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Author: Adria Karisson
Illustrator: Linus Curci
Grade: Kinder-2nd
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Date: September 1st, 2021
Number of Pages:32
Genre: Children's literature, narrative
Theme: Adapt, acceptance
Plot: When Daisy's elder brother receives a new sibling, he is overjoyed. They do everything together and are the closest of friends. But circumstances alter in kindergarten. His sibling claims to be a female and that she prefers the name Daisy. The change must be accepted by Daisy's sibling, who also needs to consider what it means for them personally. My Sister, Daisy is a strong, moving picture book based on a true story that treats a delicate topic with kindness and love.
Curricular Connection: This book really conveys such an important message of really being accepting of everyone.
My Response: I really liked this book and think that it is one that I will have in my future classroom.
Teacher Resource: Youtube

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Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher:Abrams Books for Young Readers
Date Published: 2010
Genre: Fiction
Grade: Ages 4-8
Plot: Dear Primo is a touching story about the power of friendship, the importance of family, and the beauty of different cultures. It celebrates the similarities and differences between people from different backgrounds and encourages children to embrace diversity and seek understanding.
Theme: Family, friendship, cultural diversity
Personal Response: I really liked reading this book and the message that came behind the book. When talking about diversity, that takes place anywhere you are and I loved the message.
Teacher Resources: Youtube

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Author: Ali Benjamin
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Date: September 22, 2015
Number of Pages: 352
Awards: GoodReads Choice Award
Genre: Novel, Fiction
Grade Level: 3rd-8th
Theme: Accepting reality even when bad things happen.
Plot: "The Thing About Jellyfish" is a young adult novel written by Ali Benjamin, published in 2015. The story revolves around a young girl named Suzy Swanson who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic death of her best friend, Franny Jackson.Suzy becomes obsessed with the idea that Franny's death was caused by a jellyfish sting. Despite being told that this is highly unlikely, Suzy becomes convinced that she can prove it and embarks on a journey of scientific discovery. Throughout the novel, Suzy struggles with her grief and isolation. She feels misunderstood by her family and peers, who don't seem to understand the depth of her loss. She finds solace in her science teacher, Mr. Russom, who encourages her to pursue her passion for science. As Suzy conducts her research, she begins to uncover some surprising truths about Franny and the circumstances surrounding her death. In the end, Suzy must confront her own feelings of guilt and sadness, as well as her fear of losing those she loves.

Curricular Connections: I think that this book is really good for a future classroom and talking about unexpected death.
Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the message that was told. There was so many important messages of friendship, loss, and the healing power of science.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Read Aloud

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Author: Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: February 15, 2022
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Grade Level: Preschool - 3rd Grade

Genre: Non-Fiction Literature
Theme: History of the color blue dye
Plot: The discovery and use of the color blue throughout history are chronicled in this book. This color was highly prized since it was the color of the skies. The book demonstrates how there was a dark side to trade in blue, including enslavement and human trafficking.
Artistic Media: Watercolors and pastels
Curricular Connections: History
Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book and the message that it conveyed about history
Teacher Resource: Youtube

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Author: Laurel Goodluck
Illustrator: Jonathan Nelson
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publishing date: October 4, 2022
Age: 4-7
Page numbers: 32
Theme: Importance of Relationships
Circular message: Social emotional, Social Studies
Plot: This tale centers on two cousins who are practically joined at the hip. Best of cousins and best of friends. Both cousins worry about their relationship because Kara must return to the city. They quickly learn, though, that their bond is much stronger than their physical separation.
Personal Response: This is a narrative I really enjoyed reading, and I believe it has the potential to resonate with many students who are relocating or who have friends or family who are.
Teacher Resources: Youtube

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Title: All The Way To The Top
Author and Illustrator: Annette Bay Pimentel and Nabi H. Ali
Published: 2022
Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
Pages: 35
Genre: Biography
Awards: American Library Association
Grade: 2-4
Summary: Jennifer Keelan was committed to changing the course of history. She didn't care if she was only a young girl since she wanted to transform the world. She never imagined that using a wheelchair would slow her down, but the way the world was designed made it challenging to carry out even the most basic tasks.
Curricular Connections: This book relates heavily to social-emotional learning and brings awareness to changes that need to be made to our world.
Artistic Media: Watercolors and pen and ink
Personal Response: This book and its underlying message really spoke to me. Books like this, in my opinion, are not typically brought to our or students' attention. Recognizing this is crucial since it will inspire and motivate kids. It is a fantastic book to add to my teaching library in the future!

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Title: Again, Essie?
Author and Illustrator: Jenny Lacika and Teresa Martinez
Published: May 3, 2022
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pages: 35
Genre: Informational
Awards: Mathical Book Prize
Summary: Essie's older brother finds it irritating since she continually destroying his forts and Lego creations. He comes up with various ways to construct the ideal wall to keep Essie out. She can still dismantle it in some manner. She only wants to play with him, he realizes as he sits there fuming. Together, they devise novel ways to construct amusing forts and walls.

Personal Response:  I adore the way this book illustrated a very typical sibling subject by combining the perspectives of the brother and sister. For ELs and bilingual pupils, there was also some Spanish in the text.

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Author: Lisa Cline-Ransome

Publisher: Holiday House

Date: August 14, 2018

Number of pages: 108

Awards: Coretta Scott King Book Award

Grade Level: Preschool- 1st Grade

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Books can carry us into a better world.

Plot: Langston starts to despise his life after relocating from Alabama to Chicago, losing his mother to sickness, and losing his mother. He misses his hometown and has no pals. His mother used to enjoy Langston and his passion for reading. As a result, Langston is directed to the Chicago Public Library, where he is able to reconcile himself with his father, himself, and his new community.

Personal Connections: I really loved this book and all of the difficult themes that it talked about and addressed.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder

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My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder

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Author: Nie Jung

Illustrator: Niue Jung

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Date: August 1, 2018

Number of pages: 130

Awards:2019 Batchelder Honor Book

Grade Level: 2nd-5th

Genre: Graphic Novel

Theme: Everyday wonder and the beauty that can be found in ordinary moments of life.

Plot: It tells the story of a young girl named Yu'er who lives in modern-day Beijing with her grandfather. The book is divided into four parts, each of which tells a different story about Yu'er's adventures in the city. Throughout the book, Yu'er learns important lessons about the world around her and the importance of cherishing everyday wonders. The book is beautifully illustrated and is a celebration of the rich culture and history of Beijing.

Personal Connections: I thought that this was a super fun book and I loved the lessons that the book taught throughout the story.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Florence Atwater, Richard Atwater

Illustrator: Robert Lawson

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (US); The Bodley Head (UK)

Date:

Number of pages: 160

Awards: John Newbery Medal

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The value of friendship and family.

Plot: Mr. Popper is a house painter who longs for adventure. He receives a surprise package from a famous explorer containing two penguins, Captain Cook and Greta, which he and his family care for. As the family grows, they discover the joy that these unique animals bring into their lives. Mr. Popper comes up with a plan to take the penguins on the road as part of a traveling act, leading to hilarious chaos and heartwarming moments. The book is a delightful adventure full of humor and family values.

Personal Connections: I think that this book is a really fun read for my future classroom and teaches the value of friendship and family through a child friendly story. I will definitely have this book in my future classroom

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Margi Preus

Publisher: Amulet Books New York

Date: January 1, 2012

Number of pages: 336 pages

Awards: Newbery Honor Book

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Historical Non-Fiction

Theme: The ways of becoming a hero

Plot: The story follows little Japanese kid Nakahama Manjiro, who was found stranded in the ocean and recovered by the American Army. When seeking to negotiate with Japanese leaders, the United States utilized him as a translator and assisted him in learning English. His perseverance and commitment to his nation and those who assisted him finally earned him a Newbery Honor.

Personal Connections: I appreciate how this book imparts historical knowledge while being entertaining to read. While studying about a historical event in time, students may strengthen their reading comprehension and reading abilities.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Jen Bryant

Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Publisher: Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company

Date: September 15, 2014

Number of pages: 42

Awards: Orbis Picture Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

Grade Level: Kinder-3rd

Genre: Biography

Theme: Words are so powerful.

Plot: Peter started making lists at an early age. These lists contained information he had learnt in class or seen outside that day. As he became older, he started making lists of terms he occasionally didn't understand. Early in his maturity, Peter enrolled in medical school. He worked as a teacher for a while before going into medicine. Even after becoming a doctor, he continued to make lists. One day, he collected all of his lists into a 100-page book. He soon gained the confidence to share his lists with the entire world.

Personal Connections: I adored how this book followed Peter as he grew from a youngster to an adult. His lists persist in his life even as his interests change. Students learn from this that enthusiasm never goes away or becomes old.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Susan Wood

Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: September 6, 2016

Number of pages: 32

Awards: 2017 Pura Belpre Award Honor

Grade Level: Kinder-4th

Genre: Biography

Theme: Always follow what you’re passionate about.

Plot: Juan learns to play the piano and other instruments on his own as he grows up in Mexico. He may support himself by performing and writing songs. He is able to visit New York City and find intriguing and novel instruments there. The narrative of the book centers on Juan's employment of these entertaining instruments to produce hitherto unheard sounds. This made him very well-liked and gave him the opportunity to live his life how he desired.

Personal Connections:  I love how this book inspires kids and encourages them to pursue their hobbies. I also enjoy how this book integrated geography, social studies, and engineering such that it could be read during any of those subject times.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Chris Barton

Illustrator: Don Tate

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Date: April 1, 2015

Number of pages: 50

Awards: 2016 Carter G. Woodson Book Award

Grade Level: 2nd-3rd

Genre: Non-FIction

Theme: Being brave and standing up is what will make a change.

Plot: John Roy Lynch grows up a slave who was unable to achieve his childhood dream of freedom. His and his brother's slave owners enjoyed twisting the law and the Bible to make slavery seem moral and honorable. This, however, was not at all the case. People in positions of authority, like Abe Lincoln, believed that slavery was evil and wrong. In order to free slaves like John Roy, he tried to establish unions. After achieving freedom, John spent the rest of his life working to ensure that others may have the lives they deserved.

Personal Connections: Through the perspective of a slave and his family, this novel chronicles the American Civil War. It's crucial to discuss this subject with young pupils despite how delicate it is. I adore how this book can be utilized to impart lessons on American history or to educate the concepts of bravery and human rights when I read it on my own time.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Linda Stanek

Illustrator: Shennen Bersani

Publisher: Arbordale Publishing

Date: February 10, 2016

Number of pages: 32

Awards: Children’s Choice Book Awards Winner

Grade Level: Kinder-3rd

Genre: Non-Fiction

Theme: All about heroes and how mighty and strong they are.

Plot: The great desert heroes are elephants. Elephants are followed in this book as they guard the desert savanna. Elephants provide much more to the planet than just beauty. They have the ability to put out flames and gather water for tiny animals. This book also illustrates what would occur if elephants disappeared from the planet or stopped inhabiting the desert. The worst would happen.

Personal Connections: This book does a great job of presenting a real occurrence to young readers in a light-hearted and interesting manner.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Margery Williams Bianco

Illustrator: Kate Seredy

Publisher: Dover Publications, Inc.

Date: January 15, 2014

Number of pages: 256

Awards:The Newbery and Caldecott Awards

Grade Level: 5th-9th

Genre: Non-Fiction

Theme: Living in a time of brutality

Plot: Throughout the Great Depression, a family is followed in this book's plot. While their parents are at work, smaller siblings are left in the care of sisters Kay and Garry. Their father is an archaeologist, while their mother works as a mobile nurse for the neighborhood. In order to appropriately care for everyone around them during such a horrific period in history, Kay and Garry must mature quickly. The opinions of each brother are highlighted throughout the book.

Personal Connections: This book does a great job of accurately portraying a historical period while keeping the reader entertained. It imparts knowledge about such a trying moment via the eyes of the youngsters involved. Because of the novel's veracity, history and social studies classes can utilize it. In general, I liked how this novel gave a true incident a human touch.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: May 6, 2014

Number of pages: 40

Awards: Pura Belpre Award

Grade Level: 1st- 4th

Genre: Biography

Theme: Fighting for your rights is important

Plot: In this book, Sylvia Mendez and her family are followed as they struggle for recognition as Mexicans in a predominantly white society. Sylvia and her siblings are compelled to attend the Mexican school because "that's how it's done" because they are not permitted to attend the school in their area. The parents of Sylvia won't give up and let the government unfairly divide them and other members of their culture. They come across several signs throughout the city that have insensitive phrases like "Mexican Pool" and others. They decide to successfully sue the city for unfair segregation!

Personal Connections: I appreciate how this book can tackle such a weighty subject while yet being kid-friendly. This book educates readers on the depravity and wrongdoing of racial extremists. The novel remains entertaining and fun because to the language and pictures.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Heather Forest

Illustrator: Susan Gaber

Publisher: August House

Date: August 15, 2005

Number of pages: 32

Awards: Best Children’s Book of the Year

Grade Level: Preschool-2nd

Genre: Fiction/folktale

Theme: The importance of sharing.

Plot: Two men who are going through a cozy and contented small village are the subject of this book. When they knock on doors to ask for food, everyone replies that they don't have any. The two guys understand that if nobody has any food, they would have to share their renowned "stone soup" with everyone. They start by taking a big, black pot from a neighbor. They decide to depart because they don't have all the necessary materials. A little carrot is offered by a young girl. Then, one vegetable at a time, the entire hamlet starts to offer. The two guys are able to combine everything and feed the community. They encourage everyone to follow these instructions if they ever wish to prepare this soup.

Personal Connections: I appreciate how this book teaches young children the importance of sharing on a broad scale. Giving up what you have might be difficult at times, but if doing so advances the larger good, it is always worthwhile.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Nikki Grimes

Publisher: Wordsong

Date: October 4, 2016

Number of pages: 120

Awards: 2017 Children’s Literature Legacy Award

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Utilizing your passion.

Plot: Garvey discovers his true calling when he joins his community choral group. This musical touch seems to replace the void left by his lack of identity from earlier years. He is relieved that he can finally be himself and interact with others through the chorus without having to pretend to have certain hobbies, like sports. In this way, he can relate to his father.

Personal Connections: Students are discovering who they are throughout school. This book demonstrates how common and natural an identity crisis feeling is, as well as how attempting new things may help us mature.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Michael J. Rosen

Illustrator: Julia Patton

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Date: August 1, 2016

Number of pages: 32

Awards: The Mathical Book Prize

Grade Level: 2md-5th

Genre: Non-Fiction

Theme: Have fun with math.

Plot: The goal of this book is to show readers how to solve challenging arithmetic word problems using diagrams and formulae. Each page may be utilized by students to work on either independently or in groups during math class. For readers who might not grasp the questions being posed, the book's visuals assist depict each word issue.

Personal Connections:  I appreciate how exciting a math lesson was for young pupils thanks to this book. Young pupils may find it challenging to visualize word problems in math, but this book helped readers do exactly that!

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Nonny Hogrogian

Illustrator: Nonny Hogrogian

Publisher: Aladdin

Date: September 1, 1974

Number of pages: 32

Awards: Caldecott Medal

Grade Level: Kinder-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: There are consequences that come with your actions.

Plot: While moving through a field, a young fox decides to sip milk from an elderly woman's metal jug. She punishes the fox by chopping off his tail since he drank her milk. He begs her to stitch it back in, but she refuses, saying that she won't unless he brings her more milk. As he encounters several different people and animals, the fox sets out on a lengthy voyage. In order to eventually acquire more milk from a cow, he offers his assistance to each of them. The fox gives the elderly woman his milk, and she fixes his tail by hand-stitching.

Personal Connections: I adore the way that this book teaches young readers about the effects of their actions. Making things right after making a mistake is crucial. This book presents the several subjects in entertaining and interesting ways.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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A River  of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

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A River  of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

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Author: Jen Bryant

Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Date: July 9, 2008

Number of pages: 34

Awards: Caldecott Honor Award

Grade Level: 2nd-6th

Genre: Biography

Theme: Follow what you’re passionate about.

Plot: The story follows William Carlos Williams, a doctor and a poet who has won awards. It demonstrates his wide range of interests that he cultivated during his life and how those interests influenced his work.

Personal Connections: This book can help students understand how people can have a variety of interests and occupations throughout their lifetimes. Additionally, they have the potential to be quite prosperous!

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Bao Phi

Illustrator: Thi Bui

Publisher: Capstone Young Readers

Date: August 1, 2017

Number of pages: 32

Awards: Caldecott Medal

Grade Level: 2nd-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Always be grateful for your family and food and shelter.

Plot:  In the early morning hours, a small child and his father go fishing. It soon becomes apparent that they are both refugees and living in poverty. They are appreciative of their ability to catch fish for their huge family's meal. The boy is left with his siblings once they arrive home since his parents had to depart for work. At supper, they are reunited, and the son is pleased with the fish he has caught.

Personal Connections: I appreciate how this book discussed developing an unwavering love for family and a thankful mindset. Learning is something that is crucial for young kids.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: May 7, 2013

Number of pages: 32

Awards: Pura Belpre Award

Grade Level: 1st-4th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Always and forever your family.

Plot: The story follows a young rabbit that travels to the north in search of his father, who traveled with other people to look for crops for the village. A coyote stumbles upon the rabbit and offers to aid in return for the animal's food and water. The rabbit misses his father, not because he wants to give away his wealth. The coyote attempted to devour the rabbit after he ran out of food. In a split second, the rabbit's father bursts through the door to save him from the coyote.

Personal Connections:  I appreciate how this book portrays immigrant life in a humorous manner. Students may relate to the text and use it to apply their own life experiences in this way.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Varian Johnson

Illustrator:Varian Johnson

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Date: June 25, 2019

Number of pages: 368

Awards: Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honors Awards

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Mystery Fiction

Theme: New discoveries.

Plot: Candance, a little girl, is forced to go to South Carolina as a result of her parent's divorce in this book. The house where her granny lives is in South Carolina. When Candace meets Brandon, they both learn a lot of new things. They discover a wealth to divide among themselves and the community, as well as information about their own identities and family history.

Personal Connections: This book was able to touch on a variety of significant issues that young children may encounter during their upbringing. Divorce, identity issues, and a family history mystery are these topics. In methods that keep the reader interested and entertained, this book just skims the surface of these complex issues.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Brian Selznick

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: January 30, 2007

Number of pages: 533

Awards: Caldecott Medal, National Book Award finalist, Michael L. Printz Award

Grade Level: 4th-8th

Genre: Historical fiction

Theme: The power of creativity

Plot: Hugo Cabret, a young orphan kid who lives within the confines of a Paris railway station and spends his time mending clocks, is the subject of the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret. When he meets an oddball girl named Isabelle, his life is forever changed. Isabelle aids him in solving a mystery involving a mechanical man, a resentful old man who owns a toy shop in the station, and the early days of film.

Personal Connections:I thought that this book was such a fun read and shared so many fun themes. It really works your imagination and I will definitely have this book in my future classroom.

Teacher Resources: Epic

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Author: Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson
Publisher: Dial Books‎
Date: April 14, 2020
Number of Pages: 246 pages
Awards: Walter Dean Myers Award for Young Readers and Bank Street Children's Book Committee's Josette Frank Award

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Graphic Novel
Theme: Keeping empathy in our hearts
Plot: In this novel, a young kid named Omar and his sibling are followed as they grow up and face challenges. Omar as he moves through life, starting in a refugee camp in Kenya and ending up in the US. Despite being separated from his mother, he was able to keep his brother by his side the entire time.
Personal Response: I adore how this novel connects to a common inter family relationship. It teaches relatives how to communicate and get over challenges. This book's African setting was another aspect I adored.
Teacher Resources: Public Library

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Author and Illustrator: Diana Ejaita
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop‎
Date: February 15, 2022
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Awards: 2022 Latinx Kitlit Book Festival

Genre: Fiction
Theme: Maintaining connections no matter the distance
Plot: In this book, Olu and Greta, two cousins, are followed as they try to stay close to one another. As the author discusses all the exciting ways the two cousins may unfeasibly travel to meet each other, it sparks the imagination. The author claims that even if they cannot meet in person, they can still video chat and give one another letters and boxes of delightful things.
Personal Response: I adore how this novel connects to a common interfamily relationship. It teaches distant relatives how to communicate with one another. I really enjoyed the dual setting of this book—Africa and Europe.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author: Allan Wolf
Illustrator: Brianne Farley
Publisher: Candlewick
Date: February 9, 2021
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Awards: N/A

Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Pre-K to 2rd-grade
Theme: Celebrating the power of books
Plot: This book eloquently enumerates all the ways that reading improves our life. Books provide us with meaning by teaching us knowledge, morality, and how to develop our imaginations. Books have just as much value to us as people and students as they do to them.
Personal Response: I adore how this book tells young readers straight out why they should read. The answer to the question "Why" is just as crucial for teachers to provide as it is for pupils to inquire.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author and Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: April 10, 2018
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Awards: Caldecott Honor and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award

Genre: Fiction
Theme: Ancestry / Names having meaning
Plot: Because Alma had five names, she thought that it was excessively lengthy. She enquired as to the reason why from her father. He continued to tell her the countless tales associated with each name and a former family member. The names made her feel honored. Her father was questioned about Alma. She will be able to write her own tale and eventually leave her mark on future generations, he assured her.
Personal Response: I believed that this book would be excellent for parents to use as a springboard for discussing name origins with their children. Children could have a better understanding of who they are and what makes them special if this is done. The ability to be unique should never be anything to be embarrassed of.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author: Robb Pearlman
Illustrator: Eda Kaban
Publisher: ‎Running Press Kids
Date: June 5, 2018
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: N/A

Genre: Fiction
Theme: Colors are for everyone
Plot: Each page in the book has a separate color that is designated for boys and girls as well as for both genders. This book demonstrates how everyone may appreciate all colors via enjoyable activities in nature and with companions.
Personal Response: The variety and sincerity of this book made it so lovely. around activities that leap around the rainbow, we were able to see young children of various abilities and colors interacting with one another. Young students should read this book to help them realize that colors are for everyone and that no one should ever try to convince them differently.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link

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Author: Elana K. Arnold
Illustrator: Linda Davick
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Date: August 27, 2019
Number of Pages: 40 pages
Awards: National Book Award Finalist

Genre: Fiction
Theme: Imagination and creativity / Creating relationships
Plot: Riley went to school on space day dressed in planet pajamas. To feel bold, she went to the dentist dressed as a superhero. She assisted her father with errands while donning an overall and construction hat. She treasured the badge sticker she received for assisting her dad and gave it to a friend. She started dressing up to make her feel more at ease when she met new people. Riley presented it to a new acquaintance and discovered that forming relationships isn't as terrifying as she had thought.
Personal Response: This book was fantastic. It encourages children to use their imaginations and demonstrates that everyone is capable of being creative. It demonstrates how occasionally we inspire people without even realizing it. Through this book, kids might learn so much about relationships and how people interact with one another. I want to one day have it in my school library.
Teacher Resources: Youtube Link