# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Worrysaurus

Author: Rachel Bright

Illustrator: Chris Chatterton

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: 2020

Genre: Fiction

Theme: How to cope with challenges and emotions

Grade level: Preschool-2

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The worrysaurus deals with different challenges in his life that bring him anxiety and difficult emotions. He goes through the different ways to cope with what he was going through and experiencing.

Personal response: This is a great book for students to read in order to better understand their feelings and how to navigate and deal with them.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Eva Eland

Illustrator: Eva Eland

Publisher: Random House Books

Date: 2019

Genre: Fiction

Theme: How to cope with and understand sadness

Grade level: Preschool-2

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The story is about sadness visiting. It displays sadness as gentle and quiet and it comes to the door of the protagonist. The book explores how the main character interacts and acknowledges sadness and finds ways to cope and let it go.

Personal response: This is a great story for students to read about how to cope with and understand sadness.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Chrysanthemum

Author: Kevin Henkes

Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Publisher: GreenWillow Books

Date: 1991

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Importance of self esteem

Grade level: 4-7 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The story revolves around a little mouse named Chrysanthemum who loves her unique name until she starts school. At school she gets teased because of her unique name. Chrysanthemum's self-esteem is affected because of this but her parents support her and help her understand that her name is lovely and unique.

Personal response: The book teaches valuable lessons about self love and realizing you are special and unique.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Guess How Much I Love You

Author: Sam McBratney

Illustrator: Anita Jeram

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 1994

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The importance of expressing love

Grade level: Kindergarten-1

Number of pages: 40

Summary: The story follows a parent and a child as they express their love for each other. They engage in a game where they one up one another revolving around how much they love one another.

Personal response: This book is a sweet and reassuring message for students of all ages.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1964

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Help those who are in need

Grade level: 2-3

Number of pages: 64

Summary: The story revolves around the relationship between a young boy and a selfless apple tree. Throughout the boy's life he goes to the tree looking for more and the tree always gives everything to the boy due to it's love and giving nature.

Personal response: This book is great for sending the message of selfless giving, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of love.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Inch by Inch

Author: Leo Lionni

Illustrator: Leo Lionni

Publisher: Knopf Books

Date: 2012

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Creativity to get out of bad situations

Grade level: kindergarten-3

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The story follows an inchworm who encounters many different animals that want to eat him. Instead of being caught, the inchworm measures different parts of the animals, convincing them that he is too valuable to eat.

Personal response: This is a great book to promote cleverness and resourceful thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Stellaluna

Author: Janell Cannon

Illustrator: Janell Cannon

Publisher: Harcourt

Date: 1993

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The importance of friendship and compromise

Grade level: 2-4

Number of pages: 48

Summary: The story is about a fruit bat named Stellaluna who becomes separated from her mother and lands in a nest of birds. Due to being raised by birds Stellaluna tries to adapt to their ways despite her natural bat instincts. Stellaluna realizes the difference between the species and finds her sense of self.

Personal response: This book beautifully highlights lessons on acceptance and self love/awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Who I am Words I Tell Myself

Author: Susan Verde

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: 2023

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self Love

Grade level: 4-8 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: This story is a bunch of positive affirmations to remind readers of who they are and what they deserve. It promotes self love and looking within ourselves.

Personal response: This is amazing to have in the classroom library so that students can read through these affirmations.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Don't Close Your Eyes

Author: Bob Hostetler

Illustrator: Mark Chambers

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date: 2013

Genre: Fiction

Grade level: 3-7 years

Number of pages: 20

Summary: Forest animals want to keep their eyes open during the night time when they know they should be asleep. They do this to experience the moon and other night life that they haven’t experienced before.

Personal response: This is a great entertaining book for young readers.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Cat in the Hat

Author: Dr. Suess

Illustrator: Dr. Suess

Publisher: Random House

Date: 1957

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Trust

Grade level: Preschool-2

Number of pages: 61

Summary: The story follows two children, Sally and her brother, who are stuck indoors on a rainy day. The Cat in the Hat comes to their door on this rainy day. The Cat in the Hat brings chaos and fun to their lives for the day. The children try to clean up the mess before their mother returns so that they don't get in trouble.

Personal response: This is a great book to teach about the balance of fun and responsibility.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Can I Play Too?

Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 2015

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Acceptance

Grade level: Kindergarten-2

Number of pages: 64

Summary: The story revolves around Elephant and Piggie, two friends who want to play catch. Snake wants to join the game but he can't catch. Although, they all come together to find a solution.

Personal response: This book is great for showing inclusitivity and the value of friendship.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: A Ticket Around the World

Author: Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owens

Illustrator: Kim Smith

Publisher: OwlKids

Date: 2015

Genre: Informational Fiction

Theme: Informing on countries around the world

Grade level: 5-8 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The story follows a young boy named Julian who receives a ticket for a journey around the world from his grandmother. As Julian travels to different countries, he experiences diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes.

Personal response: Great read! It's informative and encourages learning about other countries and cultures.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Giraffes Can’t Dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 2021

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Sense of self and never giving up

Grade level: Preschool-3

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The story follows Gerald the giraffe who wants to dance but believes he can't because of his awkward movements. With the help of a cricket, Gerald discovers that everyone has their own unique way of dancing, and he just needs to find his own style and accept himself.

Personal response: The book delivers a story of individuality which is great for students to read about.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: You are (Not) Small

Author: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 2015

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Don’t compare yourself to others

Grade level: Preschool-1

Number of pages: 32

Summary: Two characters debate about size until more characters join in. Mainly the story is about the idea that size is subjective and depends on individual viewpoints. The book promotes understanding and acceptance.

Personal response: Love the message because it is something many kids need to hear but it’s also a funny and entertaining story.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Pink is for Boys

Author: Robb Pearlman

Illustrator: Eda Kaban

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Date: 2021

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Gender bias

Grade level: preschool-3

Number of pages: 24

Summary: The book encourages a more inclusive and open-minded view that colors like pink are not limited to one gender. All colors are for everyone and the story encourages children to embrace their preferences without conforming to societal expectations about what colors are meant for who.

Personal response: This is great for students to see that you can like whatever color you want regardless of gender and gender biases.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Our Class is a Family

Author: Shannon Olsen

Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

Publisher: Shannon Olsen

Date: 2020

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The classroom is a safe and inclusive place

Grade level: Preschool-2

Number of pages: 27

Summary: The story emphasizes the idea that a class functions like a family, where students support and care for each other. It's all about friendship and empathy and the idea that the connections formed in a classroom can create a warm and supportive environment like a family.

Personal response: Great for students to read and apply to their own classroom environment.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Snowy Day

Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1962

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Diversity and exploration in a new season

Grade level: 1-3

Number of pages: 40

Summary: The story follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood on a snowy day. Peter plays in the snow and makes footprints. Peter experiences the magical transformation of his surroundings and the snow.

Personal response: The book captures wondering and childhood discoveries that memories are formed around.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: A Tree is Nice

Author: Janice May Udry

Illustrator: Marc Simont

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1956

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Appreciating the environment

Grade level: 4-7 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: The book is about the beauty of trees and the positive impact trees have on the environment and people's lives. This can come in the form of oxygen, shade, food, and beauty.

Personal response: This is a great book to teach students about the importance of nature and treating nature kindly.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Relatives Came

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Stephen Gammell

Publisher: Aladdin

Date: 1993

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Sharing joy and love with family

Grade level: preschool-2

Number of pages: 32

Summary: This book is about the excitement and chaos that occurs from a family visit. The story celebrates the joy of family reunions and the special moments that come with being together.

Personal response: This is a great read for the classroom library. It celebrates family and the importance of spending time with them.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: No, David!

Author: David Shannon

Illustrator: David Shannon

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 1998

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Bad behavior hurts others

Grade level: Preschool-3

Number of pages: 32

Summary: David struggles with his behavior and is always being told no when he messes up. Due to this he feels as if no one likes him due to his behavior. When he is told he is loved he realizes no matter how many mistakes he makes he will always be loved.

Personal response: Amazing story for students to read. Everyone makes mistakes but we still are loved no matter what.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Name Jar

Author: Yangsook Choi

Illustrator: Yangsook Choi

Publisher: Random House

Date: 2003

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Difference and identity involving culture

Grade level: 5-8 years

Number of pages: 40

Summary: A girl moves to America from Korea and finds that her name may be hard for her peers to pronounce. Due to this she tries to think of another name that is Americanized but this causes her to feel lost in her identity.

Personal response: This is a great story for students to read that displays diversity and the importance of identity and inclusion.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Kissing Hand

Author: Audrey Penn

Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date: 1993

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Separation anxiety and sense of self

Grade level: Preschool-3

Number of pages: 32

Summary: Chester has separation anxiety as the first day of school comes closer so his mother tells him about the kissing hand which carries her love with him throughout the school day. This helps Chester be away from his mom during school.

Personal response: This is great for kids to read especially as they begin schooling. Many kids struggle with separation anxiety having never been without their loved ones and in a new environment so this book will help students not feel alone.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Llama Llama Red Pajama

Author: Anna Dewdney

Illustrator: Anna Dewdney

Publisher: Viking Books

Date: 2005

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self confidence and strength

Grade level: 2-5

Number of pages: 40

Summary: Llama Llama in his red pajamas is waiting for his mom to come back from the kitchen but she is busy cleaning and doing the chores she needs to get done. Llama freaks out after being alone and is reminded by his mom that he is always loved and she’s always with him whether she is there physically or not.

Personal response: This is a great story for young kids. This is a nice reminder that we are all loved whether our parents are with us or not.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Corduroy

Author: Don Freeman

Illustrator: Don Freeman

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1968

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self love

Grade level: 1-4 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: Corduroy is a teddy bear who is waiting to be bought at a store. He waits for the day someone wants him but since he is missing a button on his overalls no one buys him. He searches and searches for the button until he is reminded that he is perfect the way he is.

Personal response: I think this is a great message for students because self love is something we all can struggle with at any age.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Illustrator: Philip Straub

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Date: 2010

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Sense of self and identity

Grade level: 10-13 years

Number of pages: 375

Summary: A group of young adults are put into a maze without their memories and must escape using any means necessary. They don’t know where they are or how they got there but Thomas knows he must regain his memory.

Personal response: This is a very entertaining and interesting book. This is great for older elementary aged students.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Illustrator: Tim O’Brien

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 2008

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Power and survival

Grade level: 6+

Number of pages: 384

Summary: Set in a future civilization 12 districts must put forth 2 young adults to fight in the hunger games. Only one person survives leaving one district to win and parade the capitol. This is a public watch party where civilians and the president watch the hunger games unfold. Katniss and Peta beat the game and both survive using their relationship to win the public’s hearts.

Personal response: I loved this book and this series as a whole. I think it has a deep meaning about the abuse of power and love overcoming all. Great read for kids wanting to be more challenged in their reading level.

# data[].attributes.headline
Whats in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature's Treasures

# data[].attributes.subject
Whats in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature's Treasures

# data[].attributes.body
Title: What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures

Author: Heather L. Montgomery

Illustrator: Maribel Lechuga

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: September 14, 2021

Genre: Non fiction

Theme: Celebrate the wonders of nature

Grade level: 4-8 years

Number of pages: 48

Summary: This story is about a group of kids who acted as scientists and collected things that they found throughout nature. They learned more about science from these findings and putting them in categories and observing them.

Personal response: I think this is a great story for the classroom library. It would be perfect to read before a science lesson to get the students engaged.

# data[].attributes.headline
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

# data[].attributes.subject
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

# data[].attributes.body
Title: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

Author: Christina Soontornvat

Date: October 13, 2020

Publisher: Candlewick

Genre: Nonfiction

Theme: Resilience, survival, and strength

Grade level: 10-12 years

Number of pages: 288

Summary: A soccer team of 12 young boys and their coach explore a cave when they become trapped due to flooding. They were trapped for 17 days while the whole world was watching and praying that the kids and their coach make it out safely. They all made it out alive but a diver lost his life while saving everyone’s life.

Personal response: I thought this book was incredibly sad and terrifying yet gave feelings of hope and resilience. This is an amazing read, especially for older grade levels.

# data[].attributes.headline
Are We Having Fun Yet? The Human Quest for a Good Time

# data[].attributes.subject
Are We Having Fun Yet? The Human Quest for a Good Time

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Are We Having Fun Yet? The Human Quest for a Good Time

Author: Maria Birmingham

Illustrator: Katy Dockrill

Date: March 2023

Publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Genre: Nonfiction

Theme: A study on the history of fun.

Grade level: 4-7

Number of pages: 80 pages

Summary: This book is about the history of fun and why humans have fun. It discusses the different activities humans did for fun vs what those activities evolved into today.

Personal response: This was a very informational text about the history of fun and I learned a variety of new facts about the evolution of fun.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Ban this Book

Author: Alan Gratz

Publisher: Starscape

Date: August 29, 2017

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Standing up for what you believe in

Grade level: 4-6

Number of pages: 256

Summary: Amy Anne finds out her favorite book got banned by the school board so she starts a library of books that got banned so that other students can read banned books as well.

Personal response: Personal response: I love the message of this story. I think it is noble to stand up for what you believe in while helping others do the same. This story shows students that they can fight for what they want and use their voice even though they are not adults in power on the school board.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bull and Bear Grow Together: A Diversification Tale 

# data[].attributes.subject
Bull and Bear Grow Together: A Diversification Tale 

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Bull and Bear Grow Together: A Diversification Tale

Author: Will Revels

Illustrator: Mónica Gutiérrez

Date: September 12, 2023

Publisher: Mascot Kids

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Diversification and the importance of kindness in friendship

Grade level: 1-2

Number of pages: 38

Summary: There is a bull and a bear that went to plant crops. The bull didn’t want his crops to go to waste like last year so he only planted lemons. Not all of the lemons came though so the bear had more crops by the end of the year. The bear was able to make more goods to sell so more people went to his stand. The bull didn’t have enough lemonade to sell so they went to the bear’s stand again. This made him sad so the bear offered the bull to come to his stand to help make goods. The bull told the bear this is why diversification is important.

Personal message: I loved this story because this showed the kindness of friendship as well as why it's important to not put all of your eggs in one basket.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Author: Tomie dePaloa

Illustrator: Tomie dePaloa

Date: 1973

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Non Fiction

Theme: Dealing with grief

Grade level: 4-8 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: This is a story of a little boy who always visits his Nana upstairs and downstairs. He always says hi and talks to both his Nanas as part of his routine. His Nana upstairs dies but he continues to visit Nana downstairs. Once Nana downstairs gets old she moves upstairs and then she passes as well. When he sees a shooting star he says that’s both of his Nanas upstairs.

Personal message: I loved this story because it was a great message and comfort for children who may be experiencing grief and a passing in the family. This is very sad and touching but also an important book for young kids to understand grief.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Author: Laura Numeroff

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Date: 1985

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Cause and effect relationships

Grade level: 1-5 years

Number of pages: 32

Summary: This story is about a friendship between a mouse and a kid and the kid gives the mouse a cookie that starts a whole chain of events. The mouse wants something new after everything the kid gives him.

Personal message: I love this story because it’s one that I read a lot as a kid so it brings back a lot of memories from my childhood. I also want to teach younger grades so this would be a great addition for the younger students.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Breadwinner

Author: Deborah Ellis

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Date: 2000

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: The importance of family

Grade level: 9-12 years

Number of pages: 176

Summary: Parvana is a young girl who is witnessing and experiencing her family struggling during the war in Afghanistan. They are struggling to stay afloat with little to no money to survive on. Parvana disguises herself as a boy to work for her family to provide and bring in money.

Personal response: I loved the message of this book although it was incredibly heartbreaking. The power of family is truly so strong and seeing this valued deeply in the novel was a great read.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Illustrator: Thomas Taylor

Date: September 1998

Publisher: Scholastic Corporation

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Theme: The importance of friendship and doing the right thing

Grade level: 9-12 years

Number of pages: 223

Summary: Harry Potter is the main character who finds himself living with his aunt and uncle under the stairs when he gets a letter from Hogwarts. From there he goes to the school for wizards and learns how to become one. He uses his power for good when trying to keep the sorcerer's stone from he who shall not be named. He learns about his parents throughout his journey and protects his friends and loved ones.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: How I Became a Ghost

Author: Tim Tingle

Illustrator: Steven Walker

Date: 2013

Publisher: Roadrunner Press

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The value of bravery during a scary and horrific time

Grade level: 9-11 years

Number of pages: 141

Summary: The story of Isaac who hides with his people when they are beginning to be forced out of their home but once they must leave, the soldiers come to take them down the trail of tears. Isaac knows he is going to die soon and holds on to his bravery throughout the story. Isaac watches his people die and suffer until he too becomes a ghost. He begins to help people survive as a ghost and aids the people in need.

Personal response:  I loved this story even though it was incredibly sad and heartbreaking. Reading about the horrific things they had to go through on the trail of tears after being forced out of their home is horrendous and inhumane. This is an important story for students to hear and learn about because it is our history and something that must be discussed.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Room on our Rock

Author: Kate and Jol Temple

Illustrator: Terri Rose Baynton

Date: 2018

Punisher: Kane Miller Books

Genre: Fiction

Theme: There’s always two sides to every story

Grade level: 4-8 years

Number of pages: 32

Artistic media: Reading front to back then when you reach the back you read it back to the front for both point of views

Summary: The seals are trying to lay on the rock but the other seals won’t allow them and they tell them to go back to where they came from but then you read it backwards and the seals are actually telling them that there is room on their rock since their home got destroyed.

Personal response: I loved the message of this book because it seems like one perspective until you begin to read it back to front and get the whole new perspective and side of the story.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: The Gardener

Author: Sarah Stewart

Illustrator: David Small

Date: August 30, 1997

Publisher: Square Fish

Genre: Children’s literature, Fiction

Theme: Being the light in dark times

Grade level: 3-9 years

Number of pages: 40

Summary: Lydia was a young girl who went to stay with her uncle in the city during the depression. She worked at his bakery and planted seeds around and on the building to bring color back to the gray city. She made people smile in the dark times.

Personal response: I loved this book because Lydia was slowly bringing the color back to the gray city. During the depression people were struggling and spirits were low to say the least so having a story where a young girl could bring back some happiness to people’s lives is a great message.

# data[].attributes.body
Book title: Being Frank

Author: Donna W. Earnhardt

Illustrator: Andrea Castellani

Date: September 26, 2012

Publisher: Flashlight Press

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Honesty is the best policy when your delivering it with kindness

Grade level: 5-7 years

Number of pages: 32

Artistic media: Bright colorful drawings following a young boy

Summary: Frank was always honest with people but it sometimes came out as rude so one day he learned from his grandpa that there are nice ways of being honest. We can point out the things we like rather than the things we don’t like.

Personal response: I loved this message because sometimes kids can take the honesty is the best policy saying and run with it.

# data[].attributes.body
Books title: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears

Author: Verna Aardema

Illustrator: Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon

Date: 1975

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Genre: Picture book, fiction

Theme: The consequences to telling a lie

Grade level: 2nd grade

Number of pages: 32

Cover image: A colorful painted picture of a mosquito buzzing in a human’s ear

Type of traditional literature: West African Tale

Summary: The mosquito told a lie that the iguana couldn’t bear to hear so he put sticks in his ears causing a chain of events to occur. Due to these events the owlet was killed and the mother owl refused to wake the sun, sending the animals into a meeting to find who caused the start of the events.

Personal response: I loved this book as a child so I had to read it again. I think the message is strong and shows not to lie, but the folktale side of the story is amazing. This is a story that has been passed down through generations making it special.

# data[].attributes.body
Book title: The Bad Seed

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Date: August 29, 2017

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Fiction

Theme: We can always change for the better

Grade level: Kindergarten

Number of pages: 40

Artistic media: Colors and facial expressions that display the seed’s emotions at that point in the story

Summary: The seed began as a happy seed then faced the struggles of life and it turned him “bad”. He decided he didn’t want to be known as bad anymore or feel that anger anymore so he began to change for the better. He shows that it’s possible to change and be who you want to be regardless of past experiences.

Personal response: I think this message is great for kids and would be perfect for a classroom library.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Inside Out and Back Again

Author: Thanhha Lai

Illustrator: Zdenko Bašić, Mauel Šumberac, Ray Shappell

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: September 22, 2011

Number of pages: 288

Grade level: 4-8

Genre: Historical fiction

Theme: Resilience in the face of loss and leaving home

Artistic media: Soft pastel colors and dark silhouettes

Summary: Ha is a young girl who lost her father and is fleeing Vietnam due to the war. She has to learn to navigate a new country at the young age of 10. She endures and perseveres showing her strength and loving nature.

Personal response: I loved reading this! I thought it was a beautiful story that encapsulates the struggles and tribulations behind children and families who leave their home, move to a whole new country, and lose family.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: A Poem Grows Inside You

Author: Katey Howes

Illustrator: Heather Brockman Lee

Award: Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

Book Cover Image: The cover image is a young girl with vines growing from within her signifying poetry

Type of poetry: Verse

Publisher: The Innovation Press

Date: November 22, 2022

Number of pages: 48

Grade Level: 4-8 year old

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Share and spread your talents and passions

Artistic media: Beautiful and colorful pictures to perfectly represent the love of poetry being portrayed

Summary: This book shows the readers to express your passions to the world and further describes the love of poetry. The poems discuss how writing and expressing your emotions through poems makes you feel and this further pushes the point that expression through poetry is something special.

Personal response: I love the attention to poetry this story brings. Writing poems is a rarer form of artistic expression and I love the idea of introducing it to students. This could bring them an artistic outlet they might not have had before.

# data[].attributes.body
Title: El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: Cece Bell and David Lasky

Date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: Amulet Books

Genre: Fiction (based on true events)

Theme: Embrace our differences

Grade level: 3-7

Number of pages: 248

Artistic media: Bright colorful pictures that depict the characters emotions

Short summary: The main character feels embarrassed of her hearing aid device and wants to feel normal at school. What she once saw as something that made her different she begins to see as her super power that even helps her make new friends.

Personal response: I loved the message of this book. This book is all about celebrating our differences instead of viewing them as something we should be ashamed of. This is an excellent book for students to read.

Curricular connection: Language arts

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Molly Idle

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: September 7, 2021

Number of pages: 40

Grade level: 4-8 years old

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Building Friendships

Artistic media: Dark pages filled with light from the star using colored pencils

Summary: This book is about a kid who wishes on a star, and the star wishes on the kid in return. As the book progresses they both realize their wishes weren’t material objects but instead they both wished to have a friend. From then on the kid and the star were best friends and had someone to do all of the activities stated in the book with.

# data[].attributes.body
Book title: Invisible

Author: Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Illustrator: Gabriela Epstein

Date: August 2, 2022

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Inclusivity and coming together

Grade level: 10-12 years old

Number of pages: 208

Artistic media: Comic like illustrations

Short summary: This book is about coming together despite outside factors such as race, socioeconomic status, immigration, culture, etc. It teaches a strong message about seeing people for who they are on the inside, not what their ethnicity or background may be. The characters learn more about each other and themselves after a forced proximity component sets in.

Personal response: I loved the message of this novel. Many people and kids judge one another without ever having met or really gotten to know each other. This book shows that if we just gave each other a chance we could learn more about others and see who they are on the inside.

Curricular connections: Language arts

# data[].attributes.body
Book Title: What a Wonderful Word

Author: Nicola Edwards

Illustrator: Luisa Uribe

Date: January 2018

Publisher: Kane Miller Books

Genre: Non-fiction

Theme: Teaching words from every language to spread inclusivity

Grade level: 10-12 years old

Number of pages: 64

Artistic media: There is a picture for every page/word that describes the beauty of the word

Short summary: For every word there is an explanation/loose definition of the word. There are a variety of words from all different languages with pictures to represent the beauty of them. This book celebrates all cultures and languages, therefore bringing a sense of inclusivity.

Type of literature: Multicultural

# data[].attributes.body
Title: All Are Welcome

Author: Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publishing date: July 10, 2018

Number of pages: 44

Grade level: Preschool - 3rd grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Inclusivity

Visual elements: The illustrations showed flags from every country and added little details throughout to show inclusivity.

Synopsis: This book is about kids coming to school and feeling included. They discuss eating foods from everywhere and sharing stories. This helps the kids to feel safe and included at school.

Personal response: I loved reading this book. I believe this message is highly important for all ages, but especially the younger ages. Diversity and inclusiveness are both extremely important both inside and outside of the classroom.

Curricular connections: Language arts

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Alma and How She Got Her Name

Author and illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal

Publisher: Candlewick

Publishing date: April 10, 2018

Number of pages: 32

Grade level: Preschool- 3rd grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Love your name and where you came from

Visual Elements: The illustrations consisted of each part of her name and contained pictures that described where they came from.

Synopsis: Alma was a young girl who didn’t like how long her name was, not knowing about the origin of her name. Her dad explained to her each part of her name and who it came from, as well as, the importance and meaning behind it. Alma learned that she has a beautiful name with a long history, but “Alma” has a story currently being written by her.

Personal response: I love the message behind the book and how it teaches kids to love their names. This shows kids that they are special and have a unique background.

Curricular connections: Language arts

# data[].attributes.body
Author and illustrator: Erin Hourigan

Publication date: May 3, 2022

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Grade level: Young children, 1st grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Family depression

Number of pages: 40

Visual Elements: The color blue covers half or whole pages, while the rest is vibrant yellow and orange colors. This demonstrates when the dad is experiencing anxiety.
Synopsis: A little girl is experiencing life with a loving dad who has depression. She describes his depression as the blue and talks about what it’s like to see him sad. By the end of the story she comes to the conclusion that the blue will always appear in small or big waves but that they can go through anything together.
My personal response:  I have experienced family depression and I know the toll it takes on the kids. This book would have been great to have when I was young because it shows kids who may be experiencing this that you're not alone. This book normalizes mental health and I think this is a great topic.

Curricular connections: Reading requirements/language arts