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Author: Micha Archer

Illustrator: Micha Archer

Copyright date: 2016

Awards: Ezra Jack Keats (2017), Charlotte Zolotow (2017), ALSC Notable Children's Books (2017)

Summary: It's a story about the beauty of poetry all around us. Daniel spends time with his animal friends and learns that poetry can be found in simple things like morning dew or leaves crunching. Each animal sees poetry in different places, showing that it's unique for everyone. The special thing is, poetry is in everyone, and Daniel is on a journey to find his own poem by taking the time to look and listen.

Uses: Conduct a nature walk around the school premises or a nearby park. Encourage students to observe and note down things they find poetic in nature. Conclude the lesson with a collaborative project, such as creating a class poetry display or a booklet featuring students' nature-inspired poems and illustrations.

Age Group: 5-8 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Copyright date: 2023

Awards:

Summary: An interesting tidbit from history of the first Black American to make it to the final round of the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in 1936 despite segregation and blatant racism.

Uses: This book would be a well-liked read aloud, especially for any young student about to tackle participating in a spelling bee themselves at school. I think it would open a great discussion about this sad aspect of American history with children in a very relatable way.

Age Group: 7-10 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Jason Reynolds

Illustrator: Jerome & Jarrett Pumphrey

Copyright date: 2023

Awards: Caldecott Honor (2023), Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (2023)

Summary: This is an ode to Langston Hughes and libraries and a little-known picture of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka dancing at the 1991 dedication of the Langston Hughes Auditorium at the Schomberg Center. Reynolds’ words bring the rhythm, but it is brothers Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey who really take things to the next level. Their illustrations are a celebration of words and movement and joy and freedom.

Uses: This cheerful and rhythmic tribute to famed poet and activist Langston Hughes is ideal for a read aloud and shared reading. There Was a Party for Langston is packed with elements of poetry, such as rhyming, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. Paired with the book's bold images and a story line that goes back and forth between present and past, they make for a visually and sonically beautiful book, but they may cause confusion for young readers on their own.

Age Group: 4-8 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Sneed B. Collard III

Illustrator: Howard Gray

Copyright date: 2023

Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (2024)

Summary: "Border Crossing" by Pat Barker is a suspenseful story about Tom Seymour, a psychologist, and Danny Miller, a troubled young man who did something very wrong as a child. Tom is trying to understand Danny's past and figure out how he is now.

Uses: Ask students to write journal entries from the perspective of Tom or Danny, exploring their inner thoughts, conflicts, and feelings to enhance empathy and understanding

Age Group: 6-9 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Susan Hood

Illustrator: Sophia Blackwell

Copyright date: 2018

Awards: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers (2019), CCBC Choices (2019)

Summary: The book highlights the inspiring lives of 14 remarkable women who made significant contributions to various fields. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging narratives, readers are introduced to diverse role models, from historical figures to contemporary heroes, showcasing the power of determination, creativity, and resilience in changing the world.

Uses: The teacher can invite a local female role model or conduct a panel discussion with women from various fields. This provides students with real-life examples of individuals making a difference around them.

Age Group: 4-9

Rating: 4

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Author: Thanhha Lai

Illustrator: Zdenko Basic, Mauel Sumberac, Ray Shappell

Copyright date: 2011

Awards: 2011 US National Book Award for Young People's Literature

Summary: This story follows Ha, a Vietnamese girl who leaves Saigon during the Vietnam War and moves to Alabama with her family. The book shows how Ha adapts to a new culture, faces challenges, and stays strong. Through poetry, readers see Ha's journey of making friends and searching for a place to call home.

Uses: By combining art with literature having students create visual representations, such as drawings or collages, depicting scenes from Ha's journey to display.

Age Group: 9-12 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Paul Fleishman

Illustrator: Eric Beddows

Copyright date: 1988

Awards: Newbery Award (1989)

Summary: The book features a series of humorous and imaginative poems meant to be read aloud by two voices. The poems celebrate the world of insects, exploring their behaviors, interactions, and the fascinating aspects of their lives. It is a delightful and entertaining exploration of the insect world, making poetry accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.

Uses: Teachers can conduct a read-aloud session with selected poems from the book and encourage students to follow along and notice the rhythm and tone created by the two voices. students can even produce their own two voiced poem with a partner.

Age Group: 6+

Rating: 3

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Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2003

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award (2004), National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature (2003), Vermont Golden Dome Award, Judy Lopez Award, Rebecca Caudill Award

Summary: The story is told through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy named Lonnie Collins Motion, also known as Locomotion. Lonnie, who lost his parents in a fire, expresses his emotions, thoughts, and experiences through poetry.

Uses: Facilitate a group discussion on resilience. Discuss Lonnie's journey and how he copes with challenges. Encourage students to share their ideas on resilience to wrap up the day while self-reflecting.

Age Group: 11-16 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Markus Zusak

Illustrator: Colin Anderson

Copyright date: 2006

Awards: Indies Choice Book Award for Children's Literature (2007), National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Readers (2006), Kathleen Mitchell Award (2006), Michael Printz Award (2007)

Summary: "The Book Thief" is a story about a girl named Liesel in Nazi Germany. The tale is told by Death, and it follows Liesel, who lives with a foster family. Even though times are tough, Liesel finds comfort in stealing and sharing books. The story is about love, loss, and the importance of words during wartime.

Uses: Students can create a visual collage using images, quotes, and symbols from "The Book Thief." Students can use a mix of digital tools or traditional art supplies to visually represent key themes.

Age Group: YA

Rating: 4

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Author: Anthony Doerr

Illustrator:

Copyright date: 2014

Awards: Pulitzer Prize Winner (2015) Andrew Carnegie Medal (2019)

Summary: "All the Light We Cannot See" is a book by Anthony Doerr about a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a young German boy named Werner. The story happens during World War II, and it shows how their lives connect. The book talks about surviving tough times, being human, and how war affects people. It tells the story in a detailed way, showing how people can find hope even in dark times.

Uses: Book club (Was hard for me to stay in it and I am intrigued with this topic)

Age Group: 18+

Rating: 2

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Author: Amy Tan

Illustrator: Holly Summerson

Copyright date: 1989

Awards: Commonwealth: Club of California Book awards (1989), National Book Award (1989), National Book Critics Circle Award (1989), LA Times Book Prize (!989)

Summary: "The Joy Luck Club" is a book about four Chinese-American families in San Francisco. The book tells sixteen stories, taking turns between eight Chinese-American women and their American-born daughters. It talks about cultural identity, disagreements between generations, and the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. Immigrant mothers share their stories and wisdom, while their daughters try to understand their mixed identities. The book explores the clash between traditional Chinese values and American ideas, looking at how the past affects the present. People liked the book for its great stories, cultural insights, and how it shows complex family relationships.

Uses: Assign the book as a class reading and conduct discussions on its themes, characters, and narrative structure. Highschoolers can compare and contrast this story by watching the film adaptation of "The Joy Luck Club" and compare it to the novel. Discuss how the story is translated from page to screen and the impact of visual storytelling.

Age group: 16+

Rating: 4

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Author: Jhumpa Lahiri

Illustrator: Philippe Lardy

Copyright date: 2003

Awards: Pulitzer Prize (2000),

Summary: This story follows Gogol Ganguli, an Indian-American navigating the complexities of dual identity. Born in the U.S. to Bengali parents, Gogol grapples with his unique name, symbolizing the challenges of straddling two cultures.

Uses: An exploration of the significance of student names and their impact on their identity. Students can discuss the importance of their first names in different cultures along with their own and how they shape individuals' perceptions of themselves.

Age Group: 14+

Rating: 4

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Author: Chimananda Ngozi Adichie

Illustrator:

Copyright date: 2013

Awards: Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

Summary: "Americanah" follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for education. The novel explores her experiences with race, identity, and immigration as she starts a blog discussing these issues. Interwoven with her story is a complicated romance with Obinze, her childhood friend. The novel delves into the challenges of navigating cultural differences and the impact of race on individuals. Written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "Americanah" has received acclaim for its insightful portrayal of contemporary issues.

Uses: This theme can be tailored these ideas to fit the grade level, curriculum, and objectives of your class. Conclude the lesson with a culminating project where students showcase their understanding of the novel's themes. This could include presentations, creative projects, or discussions.

Age Group: 14+

Rating: 4

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Author: Ursula K Le Guin

Illustrator:

Copyright date: 1969

Awards: Hugo (1970) Nebula (1970) Otherwise (1995) Gaylactic Spectrum (2003)

Summary: "The Left Hand of Darkness" is a sci-fi book by Ursula K. Le Guin. It tells the story of Genly Ai, an ambassador on a mission to a faraway planet called Gethen. What's special about Gethen is that its people can be both male and female. The book looks at themes like identity, politics, and the difficulties of understanding each other across different cultures.

Uses: Assigning students a research project to explore how gender is perceived and expressed across different cultures on Earth. Connect findings to the themes in the novel.

Age Group: 18+

Rating: 2

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Author: H.G. Wells

Illustrator:

Copyright date: 1895

Awards: Locus (1975)

Summary: "The Time Machine" is a sci-fi book by H.G. Wells from 1895. The main character, known as the Time Traveller, invents a device to travel 800,000 years into the future. There, he discovers two different human species: the gentle Eloi and the savage Morlocks. The Eloi are harmless but get preyed upon by the Morlocks who live underground.

Uses: Older students can practice grammar skills involving the use of commas and active and passive voice. They can practice morphology skills involving a variety of Greek and Latin prefixes, including ex-, extra-, hyper-, hypo-, pro-, sub-, and super-.

Age Group: 9-11 years

Rating: 3

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Author: Ernest Cline

Illustrator:

Copyright date: 2010

Awards: Alex Award (2012) Prometheus Award (2011)

Summary: Wade Watts takes part in a virtual reality quest to find a hidden Easter egg in a huge virtual universe called the OASIS. Whoever finds the egg gets tons of money and control over the OASIS. The story is full of '80s pop culture references and mixes adventure, gaming, and a race against a big corporation.

Uses: Encourage students to actively listen and visualize the virtual world. Students can even create their own.

Age Group: 13+

Rating: 2

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Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: Patricia Castelao

Copyright date: 2012

Awards: John Newbery Medal (2012),

Summary: This story is narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in captivity at a shopping mall. Alongside his friends, including an elephant named Ruby, Ivan reflects on his life, art, and dreams of freedom. When circumstances become challenging for the animals, Ivan uses his artistic abilities to inspire change.

Uses: Conduct a read-aloud session with selected chapters from the novel. Encourage students to actively engage with the characters' emotions. Have students create posters advocating for animal rights, using both visual elements and persuasive writing. Display these posters in the classroom or school to raise awareness.

Age Group: 8-12 years

Rating: 4

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Author: Jaqueline Woodson

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2014

Awards: National Book Award for Young People's Lit (2014), Jogn Newbery Medal (2015), NAACP Image Award (2015)

Summary: The book recounts Woodson's childhood experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. Through poetry, Woodson reflects on her family, identity, and the Civil Rights Movement, offering readers a poignant and personal exploration of history and self-discovery.

Uses: Assigning students a research project on a specific historical event or figure mentioned in "Brown Girl Dreaming." This deepens their understanding of the historical context.

Age Group: 10-18

Rating: 4

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Author: Meg Medina

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2018

Awards: Newbery Medal (2019)

Summary: Medina paints a portrait of the ways that America’s class-stratified society impacts a child’s life in both every day and intimate ways. Through her treatment of the complexities of Merci’s experiences, Medina paints a detailed portrait of the social and psychological impact of class oppression. This book is heartwarming and bittersweet with a sugar-dusting of humor. Medina captures all the awkwardness.

Uses: Culture/tradition themed: Discuss with a group how Merci's family celebrates various holidays. Compare: "How is the way that the Suarez family celebrates similar or dissimilar to how your family celebrates holidays?"

Age Group: 11-12

Rating: 5

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Author: Kadir Nelson

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Copyright date: 2008

Awards: Coretta Scott King (2009) Award Robert F. Siebert Award (2009)

Summary: This is an inspiring story of African American baseball players who played in the Negro Leagues, dealing with segregation. Despite challenges, the book highlights their talent and determination to succeed in the face of difficulties.

Uses: Black History Month lesson: Students will focus on challenges faced by African American players in sports.

Age Group: 8-12 years

Rating: 3

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Author: Joyce Sidman

Illustrator: Maria Sibylla Merian

Copyright date: 2018

Awards: Robert F. Siebert Informational Book Medal (2019)

Summary: This nonfiction biography that explores the life of Maria Merian, a pioneering entomologist and artist. The book showcases her groundbreaking work in studying and illustrating the metamorphosis of butterflies and insects during the 17th century. This story is filled with vivid illustrations and a compelling narrative.

Uses: Have students keep nature journals, recording observations, sketches, and reflections. Create a nature museum with their nature drawings or research.

Age Group: 6-11 years

Rating: 3

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Author: Ellen Levine

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Copyright date: 2007

Awards: Notable Children's Book (2008)

Summary: It tells the true story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate. The book highlights Henry's courage and determination to escape slavery and find a better life.

Uses: Multiple grade levels can use this a resource. Teachers can have students create their own "Freedom Boxes" using art supplies. These can be decorated boxes representing their dreams, aspirations, and what freedom means to them.

Age Group: 4-8 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Rupi Kour

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2017

Awards: Goodreads Choice Award (2017)

Summary: Divided into five chapters, the book explores themes of growth, healing, self-love, and empowerment. Through evocative and accessible poems accompanied by simple illustrations, Kaur takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the beauty of finding strength in both joy and adversity. The collection celebrates the human experience and encourages readers to embrace their own complexity and blooming, much like the sun and her flowers.

Uses: Have students engage in a creative writing exercise using Free Verse where they write a poem reflecting on their personal growth, experiences, or self-love. Encourage them to experiment with Kaur's style.

Age Group: YA

Rating: 5

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Author: Tyehimba Jess

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: (2016)

Awards: Pulitzer Prize (2017)

Summary: The book delves into the life and experiences of the African American boxer Jack Johnson, who became the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion in the early 20th century. Through a unique blend of poetry and historical documents, Tyehimba Jess explores Johnson's resilience, challenges, and the broader cultural and racial context of his time.

Uses: Have students write persona poems, adopting the voice of a historical figure or someone they admire. This exercise allows them to explore empathy and historical perspectives.

Age Group: YA

Rating: 5

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Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Copyright date: 1974

Awards: New York Times Outstanding Book Award, ALA Notable Book, IRA/Children's Choice Award (1982)

Summary: A beloved collection of children's poetry written by Shel Silverstein. The book is a whimsical journey into the imaginative and playful world of Silverstein's verses. Filled with clever wordplay, humorous illustrations, and fantastical scenarios, the poems invite readers to explore the magical realm where sidewalks end and where the joy of childhood is celebrated.

Uses: Have students write their own silly poems inspired by Silverstein's style. Encourage them to experiment with language, create imaginative scenarios, and embrace the freedom of expression. Have students share in small groups.

Age Group: 6+

Rating: 4

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Author: Harper Lee

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 1960

Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Pulitzer (1961), Quill Award for Audio book (2007)

Summary: To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. The story is set in the racially charged American South during the 1930s. It follows Scout Finch, a young girl, and her brother Jem, whose father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer defending a black man, Tom Robinson, accused of raping a white woman. The novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy through Scout's perspective as she learns about the complexities of human nature and societal prejudices.

Uses: Techers in higher levels can have students discuss character motivations, development, and how they contribute to the novel's themes.

Age Group: 11-18 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Maurice Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Copyright date: 1963

Awards: Caldecott Award (1964), Boston Globe- Horn Book Award for Illustration (1981), Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1964)

Summary: "Where the Wild Things Are" is a classic children's book written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. The story follows a young boy named Max who, after a tantrum, sails to a magical island inhabited by wild creatures known as the Wild Things. Max becomes their king but eventually returns home to find his supper waiting for him. The book explores themes of imagination, emotions, and the comfort of home.

Uses: Discuss whole group the Wild Things and their characteristics. Teacher can ask students to identify the emotions or traits each Wild Thing represents. Teacher can even engage students in an imagination activity. Have them draw their own Wild Thing and describe its emotions and characteristics.

Age Group: 3-6 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Shell Silverstein

Illustrator: Shell Silverstein

Copyright date: 1964

Awards: New York Times Outstanding Book Award winner (1974)

Summary: "The Giving Tree" is a children's book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. The story revolves around the deep friendship between a boy and a selfless apple tree. Over the years, the tree gives everything it has to make the boy happy, from its apples and branches to eventually becoming a stump. The narrative explores themes of selflessness, generosity, and the evolving nature of relationships.

Uses: Teachers can encourage students to write or draw/journal about a time when they shared or gave something to a friend. Discuss the positive feelings associated with sharing.

Age Group: 7+

Rating: 5

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Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 1925

Awards: Connolly 100 (1925), Modern Library 100 Best Novels (2002), Time Magazine 100 Novels (1925)

Summary: The story is set in the 1920s and follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire known for his lavish parties. The narrator, Nick Carraway, recounts his observations of Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and love, particularly his love for Daisy Buchanan. As Gatsby tries to win back Daisy, the novel explores themes of the American Dream, excess, and the complexities of love. Tragedy unfolds as characters grapple with illusions and the consequences of their actions.

Uses: Would be a great tool to use for History. Students could provide background on the 1920s, the Jazz Age, and the Roaring Twenties and discuss how societal values influenced the characters

Age Group: 14+

Rating: 5

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Author: R.J. Palacio

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2012

Awards: Maine Student Book Award (2014), Vermont's Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (2014), Mark twain Readers Award (2015), Hawaii's Nene Award (2015), Junior Young Reader's Choice Award (2015)

Summary: "Wonder" is about a boy named August with a unique face going to a regular school. The book shows the importance of kindness and understanding. It teaches readers to look beyond appearances and how compassion can change lives and friendships.

Uses: A read-aloud session with selected chapters from the book. Encourage students to actively engage with the characters' experiences and emotions. Analyze the protagonist whole-group, August Pullman, and discuss his challenges, strengths, and the impact of his unique perspective on others.

Age Group: 9+

Rating: 5

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Author: Ruth Behar

Illustrator: Pura Belpre Award (2018)

Copyright date: 2018

Awards:

Summary: "Lucky Broken Girl" is about Ruthie, a Cuban-Jewish girl surviving a car accident and being in a body cast. The book shows how she stays strong, makes friends, and faces challenges as an immigrant in 1960s New York. It's a story about healing, hope, and finding strength in unexpected ways.

Uses: Writing a letter lesson: Have students write letters to Ruthie, offering words of encouragement, advice, or sharing their own experiences of overcoming challenges.

Age Group: 10-11 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Neil Gaiman

Illustrator: Dave McKean

Copyright date: 2008

Awards: John Newbery Medal (2009) Carnegi Medal for Writing (2010) Hugo Award (2009) Locus (2009) Audie (2015) Cybils (2008) SFX (2010) Audie (2015)

Summary: It's about a boy named Bod who grows up with ghosts in a graveyard after his family is killed. The book tells the story of Bod's adventures as he explores both the world of the living and the dead. Along the way, he meets supernatural beings and tries to solve the mystery of his family's death.

Uses: Have students create a map of the graveyard, marking significant locations and events from the story.

Age Group: 10-13 years

Rating: 3

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Author: Grace Lin

Illustrator: Grace Lin

Copyright date: 2009

Awards: Newbery Honor (2010) Mythopoeic Fantasy Award (2010)

Summary: This courageous Chinese folklore is a fantastical adventure about a young girl named Minli who embarks on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon. Along the way, she encounters magical creatures, makes new friends, and discovers the importance of storytelling and gratitude.

Uses: Can conclude the lesson with a "Moon Festival Celebration" where students enjoy Chinese snacks, and engage in activities related to the novel.

Age Group: 9-12 years

Rating: 5

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Author: Jaqueline Woodson

Illustrator: N/A

Copyright date: 2014

Awards: National Book Award for Young People's Lit (2014), Jogn Newbery Medal (2015), NAACP Image Award (2015)

Summary: The book recounts Woodson's childhood experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. Through poetry, Woodson reflects on her family, identity, and the Civil Rights Movement, offering readers a poignant and personal exploration of history and self-discovery.

Uses: Assigning students a research project on a specific historical event or figure mentioned in "Brown Girl Dreaming." This deepens their understanding of the historical context.

Age Group: 10-18

Rating: 4

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Author: Margarita Engle

Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

Copyright date: 2019

Awards: Schneider Family Book Award (2020) Pura Belpre Award (2020)

Summary: It shows how she turned to music for comfort as a girl and later became a famous pianist, using her music to bring happiness and hope to people, especially during difficult times.

Uses: Have students create a visual map or timeline showcasing key moments in Teresa Carreño's life and musical career

Age Group: 4-8 years

Rating: 4