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Use to set goals with students at the beginning of the year. "I can't yet" mindset to "I can" mindset!

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Author: Lory Britain
Illustrator: Matthew Rivera
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Date: April 9th, 2019
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are colorful and seem to be made with mixed media.
Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Mixed Emotions
Synopsis: A young girl describes the various emotions that reside inside of her at the same time, sometimes without explanation, that can be confusing and frustrating. However, she knows that having more than one feeling is okay and that she doesn't have to choose one. She also tells us that she knows she can explore these feelings in many ways like talking about it, creating art about it, or playing with animals that are feeling the same way. Most importantly, she tells us that it is okay to feel this way.
Personal Response: This book can help children discover their emotions and be able to label them. It can let them know that feeling more than one emotion is normal; coexistence is common. For example, feeling scared and brave, or excited and sad. This book also talks about coping methods that children can use to explore these emotions.

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Author: Charlotte Agell
Illustrator: Ana Ramirez Gonzalez
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: March 26th, 2019
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements:
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Healing, Friendship
Synopsis: Elba drags around a dark, heavy, block; Norris was a happy alligator who danced everywhere and was surrounded by butterflies. Norris helps discover that Elba's block, that she has been carrying, contains something sad that wants to come out. Norris, Elba's friend, helps her talk through her sadness even though she may not fully understand the extent of it.
Personal Response: The block represents feelings associated with loss and sadness. The butterflies that surround Norris represent happiness. This book has a lot of metaphors and can help children reflect on what they may need in times of sadness.

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Author: Terry Milne
Illustrator: Terry Milne
Publisher: Candlewick
Date: October 1st, 2019
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations appear to be drawn with pencil and ink, and colored with colored pencil.
Grade Level: Pre K - 1st
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Anxiety, Fear, Change
Synopsis: This rhyming story tells of Charlie, a nervous dog who sticks to his routine because he fears something bad may happen if he doesn't. One day, Charlie is needed by his friends and must stray from his routine. He realizes that bad things won't happen if does something a little different, and lives his life with less stress.
Personal Response: This book can remind readers to not fear the unknown. This would be a fun one-on-one read with a student who relates to Charlie and fears diverging from their routine.

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Author: Angie Lucas
Illustrator: Birgitta Sif
Publisher: Sounds True
Date: July 23rd, 2019
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations seem to be drawn and colored with pencil and pen.
Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Grief
Synopsis: One day, a young boys mother doesn't show up to pick him up from the park. When his friends mom comes to get him, the Big Dumb Invisible Dragon comes too... and doesn't goes away. The young boy's mother died and this Big Dumb Invisible Dragon inserted himself in, making the young boy feel frustrated. One day the young boy goes to the park to play with his friend and feels happy again, realizing that the dragon is gone. The dragon didn't leave forever, he often came back during random moments. However, the boy realized that he shouldn't focus on the dragon, but rather on the person beneath the dragon whom he is with.
Personal Response: The Big Dumb Invisible Dragon represents the grief that this young boy feels after losing his mother. He talks about the weight of the dragon when it lays on his chest and the big shadow that follows him around. He also talks about the occasional comfortability that the dragon provided; sometimes it felt oddly good to have something so heavy around. This book can help children feel understood, safe, and not alone.

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Author: Kate Read
Illustrator: Kate Read
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Date: October 1st, 2019
Number of Pages: 36
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations were made with mixed media, including collage and painting.
Grade Level: Pre K - 1st
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Counting
Synopsis: This books helps children learn to count! Each page counts upward to 10, and then jumps to 100. Visual representations show a scared fox hunting in the night.
Personal Response: This is a cute way of reading children a story, while also learning to count. It can be very interactive and there are many activities that can be built from this book.

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Author: Brad Montague
Illustrator: Kristi Montague
Publisher: Dial Books
Date: May 18th, 2021
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a paperback picture book. Illustrations are drawn
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Love
Synopsis: This rhyming story focuses on our own circles around us. When we are born, we have one small circle, with only ourselves inside. Eventually we begin to add more circles that include family, friends, and everyone around us!
Personal Response: This is a great book for all ages, even adults. It touches on the importance of love and building relationships. It also reminds the reader that it's important to always remember that the circles began with you and your heart.

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Author: Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Nancy Zhang
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Date: February 27th, 2018
Number of Pages: 48
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations were made using traditional media as well as digital media.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Biography
Theme: Gender Equality, Empowerment
Synopsis: This book embodies the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a Jewish woman, Ruth faced an unfathomable amount of inequality during her life. However, keeping her mother's wishes close, she fought all of these and achieved many victories for "fairness". This includes fairness for women, men, and children. She created the Women's Rights Project, was appointed to the Supreme Court, and always fought for what was right and just.
Personal Response: This is such a powerful book. It tells the inequalities that Ruth had to face, but also shows what perseverance, determination, and dedication can get you. Ruth changed the world around her and made it a better place.

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Author: Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Publisher: Little Simon
Date: June 2nd, 2015
Number of Pages: 36
Visual Elements: This is a paperback picture book. Illustrations appear to be hand drawn and colored with pencil or watercolor.
Grade Level: Pre K - K
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Family, Love, Sexuality
Synopsis: It's mating season at the zoo and most boy penguins are focused on the girl penguins. There were two penguins, Silo and Roy, who were both boys, that loved spending time together. They realized that they were able to make a house like the other couples, but couldn't have babies. So, the zoo keeper helped them and gave them an egg that needed to be cared for.
Personal Response: This is such a heartwarming book! It shows children that couples do not have to be "girls and boys" but that they just need to be people who care deeply about one another.

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Author: Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Josh Cochran
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books
Date: May 19th, 2020
Number of Pages: 64
Visual Elements: This is a hard cover picture book. Illustrations are influenced by Keith's work and are very colorful.
Grade Level: 1st - 9th
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Theme: Art
Synopsis: This book is a biography on the life of Keith Haring. Keith has been creative his whole life and believed that art shouldn't be limited to museums. He loved to see and observe the viewers response to his art. He also describes his love for working with children.
Personal Response: This book is a great way to inspire children to choose something they love in life. It also reminds them to enjoy life despite any negativity surrounding them. Keith Haring died from AIDS at the age of 31, which they talk about in this book, so make sure you are aware of this if reading to a younger group of children.

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Author: Isabel Thomas
Illustrator: Daniel Egneus
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Date: June 25th, 2019
Number of Pages: 48
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Text is wrapped around image and they appear to be collages of some sort.
Grade Level: 1st - 2nd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Adaptivity, Survival
Synopsis: This informational picture book tells the story of moths, but can relate to wide range of animals or insects, that were (and still are) effected by human evolution. This can be used as an introductions to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection because it talks about how animals and insects adapt and change based on the world around them.
Personal Response: I love this book so much! It's such a great introduction in Darwin's theory and there are many post reading activities that are interactive and fun for children.

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Author: Holly McGhee
Illustrator: Pascal Lemaitre
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Date: September 5th, 2017
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations look to be drawn with pencil and ink, and colored with watercolor.
Grade Level: K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: War, Peace
Synopsis: A young girl does small things with her family and friends like walking the dog, going to the grocery story, and smiling at strangers, despite the talk of anger and hatred going on in the world on the television.
Personal Response: I loved reading this because it empowers people despite how helpless or small they may feel. The author writes "two people together are stronger than one", which teaches the lesson that people should come together and work along side each other. It teaches that there isn't something that is "too small" to matter. This story also uses the words "angry" and "hatred" often, which accurately describes war in a way that children will understand. I really enjoyed this book.

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All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

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All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

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Author: Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali
Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
Date: March 10th, 2020
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hard cover picture book. Images appear to be graphically drawn.
Grade Level: K - 4th
Genre: Autobiography, Nonfiction
Theme: Disabilities, Activism
Synopsis: This book is about the life of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, an activist for Americans with Disabilities. She spook out at protests as a kid and, even as she became an adult, never gave up this fight. When she attends a protest at the US Capitol building where individuals in wheelchairs have no way of getting up the steps to voice their opinion, so they begin to crawl. This is a prime example of how important the ADA is.
Personal Response: This book introduces the ADA law to children, as well as a first-hand example of an "activist". This book explains concerns and hardships that people who have disabilities may face. It also teaches people to stand up for what they believe in, and to persevere despite challenges.

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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

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Author: Laurie Ann Thompson
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Date: January 6th, 2015
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements:
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction, Narrative
Theme: Disability, Perseverance
Synopsis: Emmanuel was determined to achieve things just like everyone else because, as his mother told him, "being disabled does not mean unable". Faced with many discouraging moments, Emmanuel doesn't give up and ends up educating others about individuals with disabilities too!
Personal Response: I don't like the use of the words "disabled people" because I think there should be person-first language. However, I think the author was using this because of it's context (shop-owners were telling him to "go out and beg like other disabled people did"). This can serve as an important teaching moment to students. I loved this book so much and think it can teach students important messages!

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Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Happy Birthday

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Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Happy Birthday

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Author: Rachel Renee Russell
Illustrator: Rachel Renee Russell, Nikki Russell
Publisher: Aladdin
Date: October 16th, 2018
Number of Pages: 304
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover chapter book. There are images on almost every page, and they seem to be drawn with ink.
Grade Level: 4th- 8th
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Friendship
Synopsis: It's Nikki's birthday and while she doesn't plan on having a party, her friends talk her into it. The plans don't go as expected but Nikki, her sister, and her friends, solve the issue and end up having a really fun party. Nikki also discovers that her friend Brandon, has feelings for her... and she has feelings for him!
Personal Response: This story embodies the life of a young girl. The drama, conversational language, and activities are all relatable. Great story and the rest of the series probably is too!

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Author: Jerry Spinelli
Illustrator:
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Date: September 9th, 2003
Number of Pages: 224
Visual Elements: The front cover is a drawing of milkweed which symbolizes the resiliency of humanity and the ability to survive.
Grade Level: 5th - 9th
Genre: Nonfiction, Based on true events
Theme: Resilience, Survival
Synopsis: A young orphan boy steals food in Warsaw for himself and other orphans. He has desires to become a Nazi because he sees how much power they hold, but eventually realizes how horrible they are.
Personal Response: This book accurately represents the heartbreak and horror that occurred during this time in Warsaw. It is presented with a child as the main character, which helps young readers relate, empathize, and understand the story.

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Author: BJ Novak
Illustrator: None
Publisher: Dial Books
Date: September 30th, 2014
Number of Pages: 48
Visual Elements: Some of the text is in color, otherwise there are no images in this book.
Grade Level: K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Humor, Imaginative
Synopsis: A comedic way to introduce children to the idea that words on the pages hold a lot more power than you think.
Personal Response: I loved this book! It's such a fun playful way to teach students about a more complex concept. It can also teach them to appreciate books without images. This book is fun because the format is conversational and seems like two people are talking to each other.

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Author: Alan Gratz
Illustrator:
Publisher: Starscape
Date: August 29th, 2017
Number of Pages: 256
Visual Elements: This is a paperback book. The only image in the cover.
Grade Level: 4th - 6th
Genre: Fiction, Novel
Theme: Activism, Censorship
Synopsis: Amy Anne fights back when her school library begins to ban books that she loves. She creates an illegal library in her personal locker in order to provide her peers with text that is deemed to be inappropriate.
Personal Response: This book teaches students about the power that books hold. Whether a book is written from the "good" or "bad" perspective, it can be used to teach and educate students on various concepts and ideas.

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Author: Alex Gino
Illustrator:
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Date: August 25th, 2017
Number of Pages: 224
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover chapter book. The only visual is the cover.
Grade Level: 3rd - 7th
Genre: Chapter Book
Theme:
Synopsis: This book follows a young girl who was born as a boy. Melissa, previously known as George, wants to play Charlotte in the school play of Charlotte's web. However, many people tell her that it is a girl's roll. She struggles to tell her friends and family about this but eventually does.
Personal Response: This book was later retitled "Melissa" because the publisher and author realized that the main character would have wanted to go by this name. Melissa is a fourth grade student and the story is told from her perspective. I love this book and think it's gives young readers a chance to understand the feelings of transgender youth.

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Author: J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: Mary GrandPré
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Date: September 1st, 2002
Number of Pages: 752
Visual Elements: This is a paperback novel. There are only illustrations at the beginning of the chapters, which are just small images.
Grade Level: 4th - 7th
Genre: Chapter Book, Fantasy Fiction
Theme: Bigotry, Equality, Death
Synopsis: Harry Potter's name gets thrown into the Goblet of Fire and he is forced to compete in the dangerous Tri-wizard Tournament. During the tournament, Voldemort shows himself, and his growing body and army, to Harry.
Personal Response: I think that this book in particular expanded the Harry Potter world. We find out that there are  more schools of wizards like Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. There is also a big fight for equality shown in this book. Hermione fights for the house-elfs' rights, and people fight against Voldemort who is advocating for only pure-blood wizards to be alive.

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Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
Date: January 7th, 2020
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are whimsical and abstract. They look like they are formed from collage of some sort.
Grade Level: K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Persistence, Dedication
Synopsis: This is the story of Mary Walker, a woman born into slavery, who was determined to learn to read. She was determined to read at a young age but never found the time. At age 114, she learned to read.
Personal Response: This book not only teaches about how slavery ended, because Mary and her family were freed at age 15, but it also teaches that you are never too old to be a student. Mary also explains the feeling of freedom that you get from learning to read.

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Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Date: August 25th, 2015
Number of Pages: 52
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations look like collage and basic drawings.
Grade Level: K
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Truth, Friendship
Synopsis: Leo, a ghost and young boy, lived in a house his whole life but finally leaves when he scares family that moved in. Upon deciding to explore the outside world, he finds a friend whom thinks he is her imaginary friend. When a man tries to break into Jane's home, he chases the man out, and saves the family! Leo explains that he isn't her imaginary friend, but a real one.
Personal Response: This book is heartwarming and sweet. It teaches about friendship and the importance of being honest.

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Author: Trung Le Nguyen
Illustrator: Trung Le Nguyen
Publisher: RH Graphic
Date: October 13th, 2020
Number of Pages: 256
Visual Elements: This is a paperback book. Part of the illustrations are traditionally drawn on card-stock; the other part were drawn on a tablet in Photoshop.
Grade Level: 7th - 9th
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction
Theme: Immigration, Cultures, Identity
Synopsis: Tiến finds it hard to communicate with his immigrant parents, because he speaks English and they don't. However, they connect through fairy tales that they read together in hopes for his mother to learn English. Tiến doesn't know how to tell his parents he is gay because of the language barrier, and his nerves.
Personal Response: The first two fairytale stories they read are Cinderella stories, and the last is The Little Mermaid. I didn't quite understand the first part of the book and wasn't sure what the meaning or significance is, of the priest telling his mother that he was gay.

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Author: Jess French
Illustrator: Sadie Thomas, Art Director
Publisher: DK Publishing
Date: April 2nd, 2019
Number of Pages: 72
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. The design team incorporated many elements into this book. There are many visuals weaved in with the text. Some are real photos and some are graphic designs.
Grade Level: 1st - 4th
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Pollution, Change
Synopsis: Jesse teaches children many facts about recycling and trash from where it goes, how it's made, and how we can make a difference.
Personal Response: This book is very detailed and long. There are a lot of interesting facts that explain the cause and effect on Earth.

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Author: Aida Salazar
Illustrator: Quang & Lien
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: September 15th, 2020
Number of Pages: 243
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover poetry book.
Grade Level: 3rd - 7th
Genre: Verse Novel, Fiction
Theme: Immigration, Persistence
Synopsis: This story is told through the perspective of a young girl, Betita, who's father told her that she and her family were cranes. They fled from the danger and destruction of the cartel war in Mexico to the U.S. but are put in detention facilities.
Personal Response: I appreciate that this book is told through the perspective of a child because I think this helps other children relate or understand it. The poems are formated in sequence and follow her families' journey to seek asylum. There are some really horrific things that happen in these detention facilities which is something to keep in mind when reading this book; however, they are real things that have happened. They are, sadly, a reality. Betita writes picture poems, which her teacher taught her about. These picture poems could be used as an activity in the classroom (page 210 explains).

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Author: Vashti Harrison
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Publisher: LB Kids
Date: October 16th, 2018
Number of Pages: 26
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. The words are large and illustrations are cute and simple.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Empowerment
Synopsis: This book is about African American women who became leaders and made a difference.
Personal Response: This book is meant to push children to believe in themselves and their capabilities. This is a great quick read.

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Author: Yuyi Morales
Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Date: September 4th, 2018
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is hardcover picture book. Illustrations are detailed, colorful, and symbolistic.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography
Theme: Immigration
Synopsis: This book embodies Yuyi Morales's immigration into the United States. She explains her curiosity, confusion, and discovery of literature.
Personal Response: This is beautiful story of a mother and daughter who come into the United States without knowing anything about the land or language. She talks about the importance of books and that they really helped her during this time. It has beautiful illustrations as well!

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Author: Martin Jenkins
Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: March 12th, 2019
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are made from mixed media.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Crocodiles
Synopsis: This book explains all the facts about crocodiles from hunting, motherhood, fatherhood, an
Personal Response: The book circles back to the initial fact that crocodiles hunt animals that come to drink water. I wasn't the biggest fan of the illustrations in this book, I felt that they could have used better placement and colors. However, I like the facts.

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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

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Author: Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher:  Roaring Book Press
Date: October 22nd, 2019
Number of Pages: 48
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are made with acrylic paint, colored pencil, and graphite on hand textured paper. They are soft looking.
Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Family, Culture
Synopsis: Fry bread is a classic Native American food. It is much more than food though; it brings family together and represents the culture.
Personal Response: This book explains the importance and significance of fry bread in the Native American culture. It also tells the reader some of the beliefs and values that are associated with the Native American culture. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book as well. At the end, the author added his own recipe for fry bread and some notes about it.

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Author: Karen Hesse
Illustrator: Wendy Watson
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: August 1st, 2004
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a paperback book. Illustrations use neutral or muted tones of color.
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th
Genre: Historical Fiction
Theme: Oppression, Inequality
Synopsis: A Jewish girl and her sister blend into the Polish land during World War 2. They have hopes to smuggle food to their friends that live in the Ghetto, but when something goes wrong, the cats are there to help.
Personal Response: It is often difficult to explain harsh historical subjects to children. However, this book uses a young girl and cats to explain the hardship that people had to face during this time. It gives a sense of reality to the homelessness and starvation that people endured during the Holocaust.

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Author: Pamela M. Tuck
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher:  Lee & Low Books
Date: April 1st, 2013
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hard cover picture book. Illustrations contain a lot of detail and look like they may be acrylic.
Grade Level: 2nd - 4th
Genre: Historical Fiction
Theme: Civil Rights, Desegregation
Synopsis: Mason has been helping his father in the Civil Rights Movement by typing up documents. When Mason's father got him and his brothers the chance to enroll in an all white school, the boys face discrimination from students, teachers, and even the principle. However, Mason signs up for a typing competition and wins; showing his hard work and dedication to something he loves despite the hardships he faced on the way.
Personal Response: This book exemplifies the unfair and unjust treatment of people of color. The story is told through a child's perspective, which makes for an influential children's book, because students can relate to it. LOVE this book!

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Author: Shelly Anand
Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali
Publisher:  Kokila
Date: March 2nd, 2021
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are cartoon like and seem to be digitally made.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Diversity, Self-love
Synopsis: A young Indian-American girl discovers that hair grows everywhere! When a girl points out Laxmi's mooch or mustache, she embraces it and teaches her friends to do as well.
Personal Response: This book celebrates diversity in an enlightening way. Laxmi discovers that everyone is a little different in their own special way!

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Author: Paul Goble
Illustrator: Paul Goble
Publisher: Atheneum Publisher
Date: 1978
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are made with pen, ink, and watercolor.
Grade Level: K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Native American Folktale
Synopsis: This story is about a girl who preferred to run with the wild horses, over being in her village. One day when she was laying in the sun, a storm came and chased everyone away from the area and onto unfamiliar land. The girl found peace here. However, men from the village came to get her and brought her back to the village. She expressed her longing to remain with the wild horses, and her parents allowed her to.
Personal Response: This book communicates a Native American Folktale to young readers and provides a great example for plots, including a climax and rising/ falling action.

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Author: David Bowles
Illustrator: Erika Meza
Publisher:  Penguin Random House
Date: September 14th, 2021
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book, created by using gouache, watercolor, pencil, and digital media. Illustrations are very detailed and colorful.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Community, Hope, Freedom
Synopsis: A boy and his father cross the US-Mexico border into the US to buy things for his family, community, and the refugees. They visit the refugee camp to deliver supplies and as they leave, the boy says that he hopes that his friends will be able to go back and forth between the border towns like him.
Personal Response: This book explains to young children what refugees and passports are. It shows, in the words and illustrations, the hardships they face. The young boy is hopeful for his friends to be able to have the freedom that he has.

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Author: Katherine Battersby
Illustrator: Katherine Battersby and Jim Hoover
Publisher:  Peguin Random House
Date: February 23rd, 2021
Number of Pages: 41
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are created from a combination of pencil, collage, photography, and digital media.
Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Trouble with assumptions, Friendship, Diversity
Synopsis: Squirrel gets a new neighbor and assumes, solely by looking at him, that he is TROUBLE. But then, Squirrels pet goes missing and she blames Trouble. It turns out that Trouble took care of her pet and wasn't trouble after all.
Personal Response: This book shows children that you shouldn't make assumptions about people, especially if you don't know them. Also, that you shouldn't judge people just because they do things that you are familiar with.

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Author: Darshana Khiani
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harrcourt
Date: 2021
Number of Pages: 37
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Illustrations are created from digital media and mainly show the young girl without any background. They are simple but whimsical and fun.
Grade Level: K - 1st
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Family, Growing Up
Synopsis: A young girl wants to prove to her family that she isn't a little kid anymore! She sets out to impress her mom, aunts, and family that she knows how to wear a sari... but she isn't quite there yet.
Personal Response: This book is so cute! It touches on children's desire to grow up fast and become adults. It also shows them that despite hinderances, you can still achieve milestones, even if they aren't as big as you want them to be.

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Poet: Naomi Shihab Nye
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Date: 2020
Number of Pages: 241
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover poetry book with graphic style illustrations. The images are vibrant and have many textures.
Grade Level: 4th - 6th
Genre: Verse Novel
Theme: Hope, Discovery, Childhood
Synopsis: Naomi's poems are seperated into three sections, The Holy Land of Childhood, The Holy Land That Isn't, and People Are the Only Holy Land. In the first sections Naomi embraces the insightful thoughts and words of children. In the second section, she embraces her Arabic culture and the journey her family had to make because they lost their home in Jerusalem. Her last section redefines Holy Land as human beings.
Personal Response: Some of Naomi's poems are written through a child's perspective. This makes the book relatable to many people and allows the reader to connect and associate themselves to it. She shows us her hopefulness in humanity and our ability to care for each other.

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My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness

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My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness

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Poet: Georgia Heard
Illustrator: Isable Roxas
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Date: February 9th, 2021
Number of Pages: 56
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book. Words are written all over the page and surround illustrations that are minimal and simple. All of the illustrations inside the book are blue, while the cover is filled with more colors.
Grade Level: 3rd - 4th
Genre: Poetry
Theme: Mindfulness
Synopsis: This book is filled with mindfulness poems to teach children the importance of slowing down and being cautious for how you're feeling on the inside. Heard provides readers with many different mindfulness tools. It brings ideas from Japan and includes the word "breath" in Sanskrit, Hebrew, and Greek.
Personal Response: This book provides many different ways that we can practice mindfulness. I think this book is a must-have in the classroom. It can be used at the end of the day, beginning of the day, or for students to read when necessary.

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Author: Patricia Polacco
Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
Date: May 7th, 2001
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book. Illustrations seems to be drawn with a pencil and colored with watercolor. Images are detailed and slightly dramatic with the colors.
Grade Level: K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Discovering One's Own Gift, Disability
Synopsis: Trisha struggles with reading and notices that she is behind her peers. She believes that she is "dumb" and doesn't have hope for herself. Her teacher, Mr. Falker works with her and helps her to discover that she is capable of reading.
Personal Response: This is such a heartwarming story. Her teacher doesn't give up on her and helps her gain confidence in herself. This book serves a great reminder that anyone is capable of doing something that they want to accomplish. It is also a great reminder to educators to stick by your students side and help them along the way.

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Author: Alma Flor Ada
Illustrator: Elivia Savadier
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Date: January 1st, 2002
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book with illustrations that appear to be watercolor and ink.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Multicultural, Family
Synopsis: A young girl spends her Saturdays with her grandma and grandpa. On los domingos, she spends time with her abuelito y abuelita. She explains the different foods they eat, activities they do, stories they tell, and how they celebrate birthdays. While there are many differences, the love they have for their granddaughter is still the same.
Personal Response: I loved this book! Children who have parents from different backgrounds may find that they can relate to this young girl and the integration of both cultures in her life. This book can also be used to inform children that it is not abnormal to identify with multiple cultures. It teaches children that families do not all look the same but that the love is!

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Author: Cece Bell
Illustrator: Cece Bell
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Date:  September 2th, 2014
Number of Pages: 248
Visual Elements: This paperback comic book is filled with fun visuals for children. Images are colorful and have many thought and speech bubbles.
Grade Level: 3rd - 7th
Genre: Graphic Novel, Autobiography
Theme: Physical Disabilities, Ownership, Empowerment
Synopsis: Cece Bell finds out that she is deaf. She walks us through her discovery, how her peers view her, and life as a child with a disability. With the use of the Phonic Ear, she finds out she has a superpower! The power of super hearing!
Personal Response: Bell exposes us to the struggles that a person with a disability may face. This book can be used to help children with a disability feel heard. It can also be used to teach children how to treat others who have a disability. Bell teaches us that our differences can be used in a positive way.

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Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Scholastic/ Orchard Books
Date:  October 6th, 2020
Number of Pages: 44
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. The illustrations look like a mixture of acrylic painting and collage. They are bright and colorful, drawing a lot of attention.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Empowerment
Synopsis: A book, or letter, written directly to children of color, reminding them that they have always and will always matter.
Personal Response: I liked that this book directly speaks to the children, by saying "you ____". Children can feel the injustices being faced but we don't always discuss it with them. This book serves as an important and strong reminder to them, that they matter.

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Author: Jeff Kinney
Illustrator: Jeff Kinney
Publisher: Amulet Books
Date: 2007
Number of Pages: 217
Visual Elements: This is hardcover chapter book. It has many drawn cartoon illustrations throughout the book.
Grade Level: 3rd - 7th
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction
Theme: Friendship, Middle School, Humor
Synopsis: Welcome to Greg Heffley's Journal! This journal, written by Greg, walks us through what it's like to be in middle school and the desire to be the most popular kid. Greg and his best friend, Rowley, endure some struggles along the way in attempt to remain friends.
Personal Response: It truly embodies what it's like the be in middle school. The feeling of being in 6th grade and feeling so small, along with the constant want to be most popular, are 100% relatable.

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Author: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator: Stevie Lewis
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Date: June 11th, 2019
Number of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. Most visuals take place in space and images are fairly simple but effective. The planets are shown with human features which is unrealistic but relatable for young children.
Grade Level: Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Astronomy, Friendship
Synopsis: Told in the perspective of the moon, it teaches information and history about the moon, and it's relation to earth. It also touches on key aspects of friendship. Moon describes that she is Earth's only natural-made satellite, and is her #1 sidekick/ best friend. Moon explains why she looks different every night, how her characteristics compare to Earth's, that she isn't the ONLY moon in the solar system, and so much more!
Personal Response: This book is informative and playful because it gives the moon and earth a personality. It's a fun way to introduce complicated or sophisticated ideas to a young audience.

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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

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Author: Barbara Park
Illustrator: Denise Brunkus
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Date: July 28th, 1992
Number of Pages: 69
Visual Elements: This is a paperback chapter book that contains illustrations on some pages. The illustrations are in black and white look like they were hand drawn.
Grade Level: 1st - 4th
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction
Theme: "Firsts", Facing fears
Synopsis: It's Junie B. Jones's first day of kindergarten. She wasn't too happy about riding the bus to school; she said it smelled weird and there were mean kids on it. When she gets to school, she meets her classmates and tours the school. However, when it's time to get on the bus to go home, she hides and ventures all around the school. When emergency personnel and her mom finally find her, she explains how much she hated the bus. They find a friend for her to sit with on the bus the next day, which makes her excited to get onto the bus.
Personal Response:  Junie B. Jones is a comical young girl. I think that many children can relate to her feelings on the first day of school because there are so many new and unfamiliar things.

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Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Carson Ellis
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Date: December 28th, 2021
Number of Pages: 38
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. The illustrations look like they could be watercolor.
Grade Level: K
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Love, Personal Journey, Understanding
Synopsis: A boy asks his grandmother, "What is love?" but she cannot answer. The boy embarks on a journey and asks people and animals what they think love is. The boy discovers that everyone has their own definition for what love is, and eventually, he discovers his.
Personal Response: This book implicitly answers a fairly complex question. I really liked that it was told in first person, from the view of the young boy. This makes the book relatable to a young audience. It also shows children that you will embark on your own personal journey as you grow older. It is a story about love and understanding.

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Author: Sangeeta Bhadra
Illustrator: France Cormier
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Date: September 1st, 2020
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book with illustrations that seem to be digitally created.
Grade Level: K - 3rd
Genre: Poetry, Fiction
Theme: Perseverance
Synopsis: This story follows the journey of a nut that fell from an oak tree, that Jill plays in. It is captured and moved by many animals in the woods like birds, raccoons, deer, bears, etc. The nut eventually gets buried by a squirrel and the warm sunlight helps the nut to grow into an oak tree where Jack plays.
Personal Response: The story teaches readers that there may be difficulties but something bright and warm will eventually come to help you grow. There are many fun sounds like "ROAAAR" and "PEEK-A-BOO" throughout the book that make it a great read aloud story!

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Author: Eric Carle
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Publisher: Philomel Books
Date: 1984
Number of Pages: 24
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book. The illustrations almost look like they've been cut out of paper and pasted onto the book. The book is multi-sensory because it has tactile elements such as raised lines.
Grade Level:  Preschool - 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Persistance, Determination
Synopsis: One day a spider landed on a fence on a farm and began spinning her web. Many animals come to her, trying to distract her. However, she continues spinning her web and creates something useful and beautiful.
Personal Response: I really enjoyed the multi-sensory aspect of this book. Children are able to feel the spiders web while also reading or listening to the book. Each animal that is trying to distract the spider is introduced with the sound it produces. It not only teaches sounds that animals make, but the pay-off for hard work, determination, and focus.

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Author: Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Joey Chou
Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Group
Date: June 16th, 2020
Number of Pages: 34
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book. It has beautiful illustrations filled with vibrant color and details. The people in the story represent diverse backgrounds.
Grade Level:  Pre K - 3rd
Genre: Fiction, Rhyming
Theme: Friendship, Kindness, Connection
Synopsis: This story includes ways that we can make someone feel welcome and included in simple, everyday activities.
Personal Response: This book shows viewers that welcoming everyone creates a positive, kind, and happy environment. It teaches them how welcoming someone can take many different forms like waving and saying hello, inviting them to sit with you, or helping them with something. It's such a positive, enlightening book!

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Author: Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Publisher: Philomel Books
Date: September 3rd, 2019
Number of Pages: 32
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book. The illustrations look very textured and are vibrant.
Grade Level:  Preschool - 3rd
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme: Diversity, Inclusivity, Friendship
Synopsis: The story begins with a girl named Sonia, who is planting a garden with her friends. Many of Sonia's friends introduce themselves while contributing something to the garden. They each share something unique or different about themselves.
Personal Response: Sonia uses the garden, a place where each person contributes, as a representation of a community. She explains that our differences make the world more interesting and fun. Each page ends with a question like, "Do you use a tool to help your body?' or "What do you like to talk about?". These questions can be used interactively, and we can use this book to do introductions and share something unique about ourselves.

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Author: Emma Dodd
Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Publisher: Templar Books
Date: September 4th, 2021
Number of Pages: 24
Visual Elements: This is a hardcover book with digitally created illustrations in color. A few pages have shiny textures on the pages and show the pandas in various environments.
Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd
Genre: Fiction, Rhyming
Theme: Spreading kindness, finding happiness or joy in the little things
Synopsis: This story is about a mother who teaches her child about the importance of kindness and how to find joy in simple, everyday things. The story takes place in the forest and pictures bamboo and a waterfall.
Personal Response: This book brought me a sense of calmness and peacefulness. It made me think about and appreciate things that happen everyday like watching the clouds, seeing friends, laughter, and being home.