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The book I chose is The Boxcar Children. I remember seeing this book in my elementary school library and my mind immediately went to my maternal grandfather who worked for the railroad. I judged the book by its cover! The book is about 4 orphaned siblings named Jessie, Violet, Henry and Benny. They were determined to not be sent to foster home and to stay together. This is when they find an abandoned boxcar and make their home. In spite of their age, they were resourceful in creating a life for themselves in this abandoned boxcar. No matter the challenges they encountered they were committed to teamwork because of their love for one another. This made this story meaningful to me because it was about family, determination, and resilience. Like my grandfather, they made a way out of no way and stood firm in family over everything!

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As a child, I was not much of a reader, but as a mother and teacher I am! When my boys were little, Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are was on the regular bedtime story rotation. The main character, Max, misbehaves and is sent to his room as a consequence. He copes with his consequence by taking an imaginary journey. The story teaches the lesson that even if things go wrong during the day, it can end with peace. It is a story of unconditional love and is fun to read with the “terrible roars” and rolling of “terrible eyes.”

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"The Little Engine That Could" is about never giving up despite the odds. “The Little Engine That Could” is a children’s story about a small blue engine that, when larger engines refuse, takes on the challenge of pulling a heavy train full of toys, food, and candy to the children who live on the other side of a mountain. Despite its small size, the little engine succeeds by repeating the mantra, “I think I can, I think I can,” showing the power of perseverance and positive thinking. When it arrives to the other side of the mountain all the children cheer with joy and gratitude.

I have not had to read a children's book professionally; however, this was one of my son's favorite books. He would make me read it to him every night, several times a night. I also very much love the message of the story and want him to be resilient and determined.

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“A Bad Case of Stripes” by David Shannon is a story that resonated with me as a child. It follows Camilla Cream, a girl who secretly loves lima beans but feels the pressure to fit in. Her fear of being different makes her skin change unexpectedly (hence the stripes), reminding us to embrace our uniqueness. I have warm memories of sitting on the carpet with my peers and our teacher, reading this book, with its vibrant illustrations and heartfelt message.

I want to go back and reread it to feel the nostalgia!

https://youtu.be/XpURSD2m_0s

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The book I selected is Stand up! Speak up! by Andrew Joyner. The book features a young girl who becomes actively involved in the climate change movement. The book highlights how young people can take action in clear and simple ways on an issue of interest and concern to them. For example, young people can raise awareness, write letters, and join protests. I use the book in a 7th grade civics class I teach to help model active and justice-oriented citizenship.

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By the time I got into upper elementary and all through junior and senior high school, I generally didn't read, because I didn't enjoy it--where I grew up, it just wasn't cool to do so. This book is from my earlier childhood and I remain a fan of Dr. Seuss's work today.

The reading is simple and fun. The flow of the words through rhyme is enjoyable to read. The illustrations open the imagination. That's what I remember from this book and upon reexamination, it still rings true today.

The message is straightforward: there are many ways to read, but you have to do it with your eyes open, and then you can discover many wonderful things. The Cat in the Hat teaches a young cat in the hat this.

Foo Foo the Snoo!

-- Chris Tebbe

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The book I chose is called Chrysanthemum. This was always one of my favorites growing up, as well as in the classroom. The main character of the story is a girl named Chrysanthemum. She gets made fun of for her name throughout school, but her music teacher helps her see the beauty in her name, herself, and, in the end, she learns to love what was once something she disliked about herself. This story is meaningful for two reasons: as an individual reading it, it shows you how to love yourself, and as an educator reading it, you see the perspective of the music teacher who teaches her students to love themselves.

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Pippi is a playful, red-haired, and superhumanly strong girl known for her unconventional ways. She often mocks pompous adults and enjoys a carefree life filled with adventures, refusing to grow up, much like Peter Pan. Pippi's close companions include her horse, monkey, and her neighbors, Tommy and Annika.

As an introverted, obedient, and intellectual girl, I think I must have wished I could be like Pippi. She is witty and unconcerned in her refusal to conform, happy in her own skin and unable to fathom the rationale for nearly all societal conventions.

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Growing up, reading books was not one of my favorite things to do. I would've rather been outside running around with my friends or swimming in a pool. However, R.L. Stine's books have always interested me because I have always enjoyed anything scary or suspenseful.

The book, "Welcome to Dead House," is definitely one of those books. It's about the Benson family (a mom, a dad, a brother-Josh, a sister-Amanda, and their dog-Petey) who move into a house left to them by a relative who passed away. The neighborhood is called Dark Falls, and as soon as the family moves into the creepy old house, the young children notice things don't feel quite right. They soon realize Dark Falls is unlike any place they have been before.