# data[].attributes.headline
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

# data[].attributes.subject
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

# data[].attributes.body
This children's picture book tells the true story of Philippe Petit, an aerialist who walked and danced on a tightrope wire strung between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. By first telling the story of this incredible event, developing a connection with the Twin Towers, and providing just a glimpse of the greatness that they have been a part of, Gerstein takes the opportunity to educate readers through this book. This story opens up conversation about 9/11 and the events that took place that day, but it presents it in an optimistic manner, suitable for young students. This story conveys the message to young students that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. By showing how Petit’s courage has made such a lasting impression, I can see young students being inspired to be courageous, take risks, reach their goals, and make a lasting impression of their own. Young students reading this book today were not even born yet when the Twin Towers were still standing, so this inspiring and educational book is extremely valuable in the children's literature world, especially today.

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen who is living in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Nazi invasion. This book takes us through young Annemarie’s drastically altered life, the difficulties she faces, and the struggles she overcomes. For young readers who did not live through and experience the time of Holocaust and the Nazi invasion, there is no way that they will every understand the depth and severity of the horror that the Holocaust brought to the people of that time. This book offers a way for readers to learn from Annemarie and her experiences, which is extremely valuable in the world of children's literature. Annemarie is such an amazing role model because, despite her young age, she showed that she is a strong person who is brave enough to do everything in her power to help those who need it. She also showed that, once again, despite her age, she is not afraid to stand up for what she knows to be right, even if the risks may be dangerous. Annemarie’s determination, bravery, and courage are great values that readers can look up to and follow. This story of Annemarie most definitely encourages readers to be that brave and courageous person for those whom they love, despite the consequences for themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
*Top 5*

This young adult novel tells the story of Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome, who is coping with the loss of her brother Devon, who has recently passed away in a school shooting. In Caitlin’s quest to find closure and understanding in her older brother’s passing, she discovers that the world is full of colors, and not everything is just black and white. As young readers see Caitlin grow in her quest to find closure and learn about empathy throughout the story, it's as if they are learning and experiencing everything along with her. The tragedy of Caitlin's brother's death was extremely difficult for Caitlin, but her approach towards dealing with his loss provided her with the greatest opportunity for psychological and spiritual growth. Caitlin takes her grief wound and uses it as an opportunity to learn more about herself and those around her. Young children oftentimes have troubles dealing with loss and grief; therefore, I think this book's message is extremely valuable in the world of children's literature.

# 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
*Top 5*

This chapter book tells the story of Edward Tulane, a China rabbit doll, and his journey of life. Edward goes on a journey that begins when he is thrown overboard while traveling on a cruise ship. We are taken with him as he experiences many different owners, many different environments, many different traumas, and many different lessons. Throughout his harsh journey, Edward and his outlook on life evolves. From acting selfish and ungrateful at the beginning of his journey to learning to be selfless and appreciative at the end, Edward learns to open his heart, leading to an emotional ending. Despite all of the terrible things that Edward experienced and went through, he still managed to open his heart and love again. Rather than handling his losses through extended feelings of grief, Edward chose to use these challenges as opportunities to grow in character. Edward's positive approach towards dealing with loss teaches young readers the importance of appreciation and hope, which are both very important values to instill through children's literature.

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the touching story of a young girl who is driving through Ohio with her family, when her parents suddenly decide to stop when they see watercress growing along the side of the road. As the family grabs paper bags and scissors and makes their way into the mud to collect watergrass, the little girl is ashamed. Her parents take this time to share stories of their family’s time in China, which leads to the young girl learning to appreciate not only the watercress that they have harvested for themselves, but also the family’s culture and heritage. A lot of kids get embarrassed when their family’s do certain things and act certain ways; a lot of kids often want what others have, whether it be money, cool toys, better electronics, a better house, and so much more. This book not only teaches young children to be appreciative of their upbringing and their personal belongings, but it inspires young children to learn about and truly appreciate their family’s culture and heritage. By taking a step back and growing in appreciation of the little things, life is better, and life is happier; that is the message in this book that makes it extremely valuable in the world of children's literature.

# data[].attributes.headline
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

# data[].attributes.subject
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

# data[].attributes.body
This humorous picture book tells the story of a rooster papa trying to put his little chicken daughter to bed, but the little chicken can’t stop interrupting her papa’s storytelling to warn the characters in the stories of impending danger. After interrupting multiple different bedtime stories, rooster papa suggests that his daughter make up a bedtime story instead, and, when she does so, she creates an adorable tale about putting her papa to bed. When papa chicken puts his little chicken daughter to bed each night, he always reminds her of the same thing; however, every night, the little chicken just cannot help herself. In the story, little chicken's made up bedtime story allows her to slow down, appreciate her bedtime moments with her papa chicken, and enjoy the little moments in life. This book is important to the world of children's literature because it inspires young readers to slow down and appreciate each moment in life, and it does so in a humorous, entertaining way.

# data[].attributes.headline
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

# data[].attributes.subject
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the story of a curious young boy, CJ, and his Nana, riding the bus across town Sunday after church. While riding the bus, CJ notices a vast variety of things in those around him and his surroundings that make him question different aspects in his own life. Every question that CJ asks his Nana, she responds with an encouraging, inspiring answer that encourages him to see the beauty in his life, routine, experiences, and the world around him. Regardless of what we have, everybody compares; comparison is a fact of life. This book does an amazing job at putting everything into perspective and encouraging everybody to see the positives, the beauty, and the fun in their own routines and lives. Throughout the book, Nana encourages CJ to truly see and appreciate his surroundings and his life, which I believe to be an extremely valuable message for young readers to be presented through children's literature.

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the story of a young girl who spends most of her time indoors, playing inside her home, but she realizes how much of nature and the outdoors is available to her. This story and its illustrations visualize how the outdoors always find a way to make their way indoors to find us. Underwood and Derby let it be known to their audience that nature will always find a way to be with us, even when we’re in our cars, in our homes, indoors, or outdoors. Throughout the book, the illustrations of the outdoors and nature are vibrantly colorful, and they really make you get lost in their beauty and life. I believe this book shows its audience that nature is beautiful, nature is healing, nature is happiness, and we need to appreciate everything nature has to offer us in life. This message is especially valuable for young readers today, who are living during a time of social media and distractions. It is important that we look around, be at peace, spend time with nature, and appreciate the beauty of life in all of its shapes and forms; therefore, this book is extremely valuable in the world of children's literature.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have You Ever Seen a Flower? by Shawn Harris

# data[].attributes.subject
Have You Ever Seen a Flower? by Shawn Harris

# data[].attributes.body
*Top 5*

This inspiring book tells the story of a full-of-life young girl who leaves her dreary, gray city to visit a blossoming, vibrantly beautiful meadow, where she experiences a flower with all five of her senses. As the young girl in this book explores this meadow, you see how her appreciation for both her body and her life grows dramatically. She radiates joy, curiosity, and life, which is most definitely valuable for young readers to be exposed to through children's literature. This book is so inspiring for young readers; it inspires readers to want to slow down, enjoy the little things in life, and appreciate all that humanity has to offer. I believe through vibrant, unique illustrations and powerful metaphors, this book delivers amazing messages of gratitude and appreciation to its young audience.

# data[].attributes.headline
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

# data[].attributes.subject
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

# data[].attributes.body
This children's literature picture book takes readers through an entire Cherokee year of celebrations, traditions, and experiences, beginning in the fall and ending in the summer. Throughout the book, different Cherokee words are included and explained. Additionally, the entire Cherokee syllabary is included at the very end of the book. This story teaches its audience about the Cherokee’s way of always being mindful and grateful for every aspect of their lives. I think both the multicultural aspect of this book, as it discusses indigenous traditions and Cherokee language, and its message about gratitude are extremely valuable for young readers to be exposed to through literature. By learning about other cultures and traditions outside of their own, readers are able to build a broader appreciation for everything that life has to offer.

# data[].attributes.headline
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya

# data[].attributes.subject
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya

# data[].attributes.body
In this Latino retelling of an old classic story, the Prince knows that this woman is meant to be his wife, but his harsh, picky mother, the Queen, disagrees. This disagreement leads to the Queen setting up a secret test to see if the woman is truly meant to be the Princess. Along the way, the Prince shows readers that he definitely has what it takes to outsmart his mom. The Queen in this story goes through countless tests to make sure her son chooses the right woman to make his princess. Although mothers can be difficult, they always act on their strong love for their children. In the end, the woman is proven to be the Princess, they fall in love, and they live happily ever after. Therefore, this story sends the message that true love conquers all, and love can come in many forms. I think this book is extremely valuable in the world of children's literature, as it is a great book for learning, laughing, and appreciating different cultures from around the world.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

# data[].attributes.subject
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

# data[].attributes.body
In this supernatural fantasy, a kind, loving witch, named Xan, accidentally enmagicks a baby with moonlight, rather than starlight. Due to this mistake, Xan decides to raise this child as her own, naming her Luna. As Luna grows older and more mature, her magic powers begin to develop, and she is faced with troubles that he has never been faced with before. Beyond the entertaining magic and humor within this book, the story sends many strong, impactful messages about loyalty, love, and what truly makes a family. The struggles that Luna goes through send the message to readers that, although family can be what we are born into, sometimes, family is chosen. Sometimes family is not blood-relation; instead, family is those that we choose to love, appreciate, and share our lives with. Once again, I think this meaning of family is valuable for young readers of all ages to be exposed to within the world of children's literature.

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the story of three children who follow their grandfather up to his attic, where he then opens a trunk, and pulls out his old hat, cane, and tap shoes from when he was a vaudevillian performer. When he does this, he proceeds to entertain his three grandchildren with his dancing, jokes, and magic tricks. Throughout the story, the young children remained so eager and excited to watch their grandpa, appreciate his talents, and learn about a time long ago when he was a young performer. I believe the message that this book conveys to its young readers is extremely important in the world of children's literature. This book inspires readers to spread love by sharing time, conversations, interests, and memories with those whom they truly love. This book also shows readers that sometimes the most rich and impactful lessons are taught through actions and from loved ones. These children are not staring at a TV, phone, or gaming console. They are learning love, appreciation, history, and so much more by spending time with and appreciating their grandfather.

# data[].attributes.body
This novel tells the story of a boy named Nobody Owens, also known as Bod, who grows up in a graveyard after his entire family is killed. In this graveyard, Bod is raised by two Victorian ghosts, as well as a guardian. This novel takes us on many adventures with Bod and his friend Scarlett. This novel also takes us through many different challenges that Bod is faced with as he grows up. The end of this novel is extremely bittersweet, as Bod turns 15 and is no longer able to see the ghosts that raised him, his family. Because of this, Bod leaves the graveyard and enters a new stage of his life: being on his own. Although Bod was not raised by his blood-relatives, he was raised by a family, and that family made a commitment to protect, love, and care for him until it was Bod's turn to take over his own life. I think this children's literature book is very valuable for young readers because it really connects to how everybody has a different upbringing. All humans grow up differently, and, oftentimes, family is not defined by blood-relationships. Like Bod's upbringing, family are those that make sacrifices, love the deepest, and act selflessly, and that is extremely important for young readers to understand.

# data[].attributes.body
*Top 5*

This children’s book tells the story of Mel, a young, optimistic bird, who is determined to learn to fly while her mom is away. When she first jumps out of the tree, she continues to fall, as she decides to never even open her wings. She eventually ends up dive bombing into the water. Soon after, she flies. She flies up, up, and up until she gets back up into the tree, where she can finally show her mom that she is flying! Although Mel was doubtful, she took a leap of faith, and that leap of faith led to so much accomplishment! I think Mel's actions in this piece of children's literature are entirely valuable in teaching young readers about being confident in themselves, as well as having faith in themselves and their abilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

# data[].attributes.subject
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

# data[].attributes.body
This adorable picture book tells the story of Ella Sarah, a young girl who is passionate about what she wants to wear. Ella Sarah is very clear on what she wants to wear, and she refuses to change her mind, no matter what her family members tell her. Every member of her family suggests what outfit they want her to wear, but Ella Sarah’s opinion on the exact same outfit that she wants to wear does not change. At the end of the book, Ella Sarah does exactly what she wants. She wears the flamboyant, extravagant outfit that she had her mind set on the entire time, and when her friends arrive later, they are all dressed in equally unique outfits, creating a heart-warming ending! I feel that the message this book conveys is not only cute, but also inspiring for young children. The storyline of this book is simple, relatable for children that want to express themselves many ways, including through their clothes, in order to feel confident. I love that this book celebrates the start of the independence that children express at such a young age, regardless of how crazy, vivid, and mismatched things are, which I think is so valuable, especially in children's literature. Every person expresses their self-confidence differently, and this book definitely celebrates that uniqueness.

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

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

# data[].attributes.body
This book tells the story of Officer Buckle, a police officer who loves to visit schools to teach young children safety tips. His advice does not appear to be making a difference until he gets a dog named Gloria, who begins attending Officer Buckle's safety presentations. Officer Buckle feels discouraged and disappointed when he learns that crowds are only excited to see Gloria, so Gloria is sent by herself to speak at schools. Gloria's presentation does not go well, so Officer Buckle comes to help. In the end, Officer Buckle realizes that him and Gloria work best as a team. I think this book is extremely valuable in the world of children's literature because it shows young readers that one person's weakness may be another person's strength, and rather than focusing on these differences, we should celebrate how working together can help more get accomplished. When you choose to always stick with your friends, like Officer Buckle and Gloria did in this book, life is easier and much more productive.

# data[].attributes.headline
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

# data[].attributes.subject
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

# data[].attributes.body
*Top 5*

This book tells the story of Ivan, an easygoing gorilla who has lived in a lonely, glass-enclosed domain in a mall for 27 years. While he sits in his domain, Ivan thinks about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog, as well as art. When Stella passes away, Ivan makes her a promise. Soon after, Ruby, a baby elephant, is taken from her family and placed in the mall with Ivan. Ruby makes Ivan see their home and his artwork through new eyes. It is up to Ivan to keep his promise to Stella and protect Ruby. Throughout this book, Ivan endures, sacrifices, and risks so much of himself for those around him. He always puts his best efforts forward because he truly loves and cares for his friends, who act as his family. I think this storyline is so important for young readers to be exposed to, as Ivan's actions show readers the value of true and genuine friendships. Additionally, Ivan's sacrifices act as a guide for readers, inspiring them to act selflessly for their loved ones and closest friends.