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By: Jacqueline Woodson
2002.

Date Read: 10/15/16 - 10/16/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Interesting look at a African-American family that were forced to go into the witness protection program. The father testified against fellow officers who killed an unarmed black teen.
Although written 14 years ago, this book comes right on time as this issue is still current events.

Audience:
Grades 6-9. This book will appeal to middle school girls.

Teaching Point:
I would use this book to do a lesson on characterization. I would also like to tie it a current events article. Perhaps have the class do a compare and contrast.

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By: Suzanne Collins
2008.

Date Read: 11/6/16 - 11/13/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Thrilling novel following a 16 year old girl as she participates in The Hunger Games. Two kids are chosen from each district to participate and they are forced to kill each other or be killed.
Almost an ode to Lord of the Flies, this shows what can happen to children when forced to care for and defend themselves.

Audience:
Grades 9-12. Reading this book will be appealing to many young ones because they are familiar with recent motion picture.

Teaching Point:
I would have the students create a map for those who have to participate in The Hunger Games. They would also need to make a list of items to include in a survival kit.

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By: William Golding
1953.

Date Read: 11/21/16 - 11/25/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
In this classic novel, follow a group of young boys stranded on an island. You can see their transformation from innocent children to products of their new environment and circumstances.
This book was as exciting as when I first read it about fifteen years ago.

Audience:
Grades 6-8. Any student with a sense of adventure would enjoy this book.

Teaching Point:
I would use this book to teach literary elements and figurative language. I may also have them create maps of the island and survival kits.

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By: Jacqueline Woodson
2014

2015 Newbery Honor
2015 Coretta Scott King Winner

Date Read: 10/17/16 - 10/19/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Beautiful and well-done memoir of the author. Through verse-writing, she tells the story of her coming of age down south and in the north.
Like Alexander's books, I love the verse-style of writing. It is so intriguing to me.

Audience:
Grades 6-9. This may appeal to readers that like history, particularly African-American history.

Teaching Point:
This is a good novel to expose students to reading and writing poetry. It can also be used to introduce them to verse-writing.

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By: Kwame Alexander
2016.

Date Read: 11/3/16 - 11/5/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Another captivating story from the author. The story follows the life of a young boy with the love of soccer.
Once again, this novel is written in verse style which I love! I think its genius.

Audience:
Grades 6-9. This story will appeal to soccer fans and students that enjoy hip hop and a more urban feel.

Teaching Point:
Great way to introduce students to reading and writing poetry. I may have the students write a short piece in the same verse style that the author used.

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By: Kwame Alexander
2014.

2015 Newbery Medal Winner
2015 Coretta Scott King Honor

Date Read: 10/31/16 - 11/2/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Captivating story that follows two brothers on and off the basketball court.
Where should I start?! First, I was amazed at the style the novel is written in. It written in verses and poetry! So cool and still easy to follow along. Then of course I like the names of the twin brothers, Josh and Jordan. Those are the names of my two sons! They are not twins (12 months apart) but everyone thinks they are so I began to imagine that it was my sons in the story!

Audience:
Grades 6-8. This story will appeal to students that love and play basketball and also students that are musically inclined and like hip hop.

Teaching Point:
What an amazing way to get students into reading and writing poetry!

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By: Raquel J. Palacio
2012

Date Read: 10/10/16 - 10/12/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Story about a young boy named Auggie (August) with severe facial deformities. He starts going to school in 5th grade and faces the challenge of trying to be ordinary. He is often teased but is to find friendship and in the end receives a great honor at the school.
This story made me laugh a lot, but it also made me hurt when Auggie was hurt. I like the way the story was told from different perspectives. Made it even more interesting.

Audience:
Grades 6-8. This may appeal to any student dealing with a disability.

Teaching Point:
This would be a great novel to use for characterization activities. At the same time, it raises awareness.

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By: Daniel Keyes
1966.

Date Read: 11/14/16 - 11/18/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
Originally a short story, this novel follows a man named Charlie who is dealing with an intellectual disability. He receives a surgery that makes his a genius but it time he reverts back to his original form.
What fascinated me and was the style in which the story is written. It is narrated by Charlie. At first all the spelling and grammar is wrong and as he becomes smarter, a shift is seen in the way he writes and the vocabulary he uses.

Audience:
Grades 8-12. The short story version was required reading for 8th grade in a Gwinnett County Public School.

Teaching Point:
I would use this novel to show the different styles of writing that authors can choose to write in. I may even have an activity where the students write a short piece in which they use the same style of writing.

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By: Trent Reedy
2011.

Date Read: 10/10/16 - 10/21/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
A young girl with a cleft palette experiences life in Afghanistan with her family. She faces several trials along the way but she is able to overcome her challenges.
I like that this novel not only gives students a glimpse of life in another part of the world, but also makes them aware that surgery is not always readily available in every country. People live with conditions that are easily and quickly fixed in the United States.

Audience:
Grades 6-8. This was required reading for 7th grade in a Gwinnett County Public School.

Teaching Point:
An activity that was done after reading the novel was making characterization posters. Students chose a character and explained their character traits citing evidence from the text.

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By: Eugene Yelchin
2011.

2012 Newbery Honor Winner

Date Read: 10/10/16 - 10/21/16
Genre: Chapter Book

Review:
A young boy puts his trust and faith in Stalin even after his father was arrested. In time, the truth is revealed to him.
What i really liked about this book is how historically accurate it is. The author grew u in Moscow during the time period of the book so he was able to really make it come alive.

Audience:
Grades 6-8. This was required reading for 6th grade at a Gwinnett County Middle School.

Teaching Point:
As with the 6th grade class that I read this book with, I will use this book to talk about plot, characterization, summary, and making inferences.

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Junie B. Jones  and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

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Junie B. Jones  and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

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By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
1995.

Date Read: 10/9/2016
Genre: Early Chapter Series

Review:
Junie got more than she bargained for in this funny fifth installment of the series!
Once again, although I cringe at her language, I found the story to be delightful.

Audience:
Elementary students
Grades 1-5

Teaching Point:
After reading five Junie B. Jones books, I have learned that it is a must in the classroom. The books can be used for fluency, building inference skills, comprehension, and new vocabulary.

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Junie B. Jones and Some Sneeky Peeky Spying

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Junie B. Jones and Some Sneeky Peeky Spying

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By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By Denise Brunkus
1994.

Date Read: 10/7/2016
Genre: Early Chapter Series

Review:
Junie is a really good spy. (according to her). She spied on her grandfather, brother, and her teacher.
I think this book made me laugh a little more than the others! I really liked it and how things look from a 6 year old's perspective.

Audience:
Elementary Students
Grades 1-5

Teaching Point:
It may be an interesting activity to ask the students questions like "Why do you think Mrs. ate the grapes without paying?" Questions like this will really help them think about what they are reading.

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By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
1993.

Date Read: 10/5/2016
Genre: Early Chapter Series

Review:
In the third installment, Junie got in trouble for the language and attitude that I don't like. Good! All in all, still another lovable story.
It may be her attitude that appeals to students. She is very spunky!

Audience:
Elementary Students
Grades 1-5

Teaching Point:
I'm learning that as an educator, I may not like something about a book but if it appeals to students and makes them want to read, I should make it accessible to them.

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Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business

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Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business

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By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
1993.

Date Read: 10/3/2016
Genre: Early Chapter Series

Review:
In the second book of the series, Junie B. Jones is not so happy about finding out shes having a little brother. Shes not very happy when he arrives either!
What worried me as I read the second book is the type of language Junie uses. The more I read, the more I disliked like the language but I did enjoy the story.

Audience:
Elementary students.

Teaching Point:
Children love Junie B. Jones and it gets them excited to read the next chapter and the next book! It's important to have series books in a library because it gives the students something to look forward to.

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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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By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
1992.

Date Read: 10/1/2016
Genre: Early Chapter Series

Review:
Hilarious and cute! This is the first book in the Junie B. Jones series and its easy to see why she is loved and adored. This book starts with her beginning Kindergarten and dealing with her fears.

Audience:
Elementary Kids love Junie B. Jones!

Teaching Point:
It's not just the girls that love this series. Boys love it too! It is important as an educator not to label a book a boy book or a girl book. We must let the students choose for themselves which book is going to interest them and cultivate a yearning to read. A must have in an elementary school library!

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Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in Wars

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Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in Wars

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By: Michel Chikwanine and Jessica Dee Humphreys
Illustrated by: Claudia Davila
2015.

Read: 9/23/2016
Genre: Graphic Novel

Review:
Memoir of the author telling his personal account of being kidnapped and turned into a child soldier. He also told about life in a refugee camp.
I have never seen anything like this! I was most impressed by how such an important global issue was transformed into a graphic novel for younger readers to understand. Truly brings awareness in an honest and simple way.

Audience:
This is for ages 10-14 or grades 6-9.
Due to the graphic nature and sensitive topics in the book and the illustrations, it is not recommended for younger grades. I would say it is at the discretion of the parent.

Teaching Point:
This would be great to have in a middle school classroom library. When covering units of conflicts in Africa, this graphic novel can be used to show a  first person POV. It's quite genius.

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By: Raina Telgemeier
2010.

2011 Eisner Award Winner

Read: 9/26/16- 9/28/16
Genre: Graphic Novel

Review:
The author's story of her 6th grade struggles with orthodontics among other things.
This was such a hilarious novel. I see why its popular!

Audience:
Grades 6-8. This novel is great for middle school girls (and boys) because the character is in middle school and shares some of the same experiences and feelings.

Teaching Point:
Graphic novels are great to have in a classroom library because it offers a different format of text which makes it less overwhelming to read. Great option for helping to build stamina and for those who may not be reading on grade level. It is also great for anyone who wants to just read a great book!

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By: Cece Bell
2014

2015 Newbery Honor Book

Read 9/24/16 - 9/25/16
Genre: Graphic Novel

Review:
In this autobiography, the author tells her story about becoming deaf. When others teased her, she created an alter-ego called El Deafo. Wonderful story about turning a negative into a positive!

Audience:
Grades 2-8
This would appeal to students who are deaf or hard or hearing or that have friends or family that are deaf or hard of hearing.

Teaching Point:
This book can be used to raise awareness about individuals  that are dealing with a disability. Like many graphic novels, it presents text in a way that is not overwhelming to read so it would be good to have in the classroom library for those building stamina or students that just want to read a new format for a change.

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By: Raina Telgemeier
2012.

2013 Eisner Award Winner

Read 9/29/16- 9/30/16
Genre: Graphic Novel

Review:
Follows the author and her sister as they grow together. It is hard for them to get along but they learn that their bond is stringer than they thought.

Audience:
Grades 6-8
This will appeal to middle school students who have a sister or another close relative.

Teaching Point:
For me, this is just a book that I would like to have in the classroom library for those who don't have strong reading skills, have not developed stamina, or for students just looking for something fun (and funny) to read.

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By: Lilli Carre
2014.

Read: 9/22/2016
Genre: Graphic Novel

Review:
This graphic novel has an interesting story line about a little girl that is a sleepwalker. She goes out sleepwalking and ends up with tons of animals in her room!
I like that the author used night time colors for this night time story. This would make for a great bedtime story.

Audience:
Kindergarten through second grade.

Teaching Point:
I think I would use this book for strengthening inference skills.

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The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

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The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

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2016

By: Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by: Jez Tuya

Date Read: 9/20/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Wow! What an amazing story. William Hoy was a deaf baseball player who has left a lasting impact on major league baseball.
The story was presented well with wonderful illustrations to support the text.

Audience:
This book would be great for elementary and middle school students. It will really appeal to baseball fans and perhaps sports lovers overall.

Teaching Point:
I love how this can be used to raise awareness of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

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By: Megan McCarthy
2010.

Date Read: 9/19/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Pretty cool story that offers the history of chewing gum and the transition to the popular pink bubble gum!

Audience:
Pre-K through elementary school. This will appeal to the student that is looking for something fun to read.

Teaching Point:
I would use this book on a lesson about interesting facts vs. important facts.

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The Tree Lady: The True Story of How one tree loving woman changed a city forever

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The Tree Lady: The True Story of How one tree loving woman changed a city forever

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By: H. Joseph Hopkins
Illustrated by: Jill McElmurray
2013.

Date Read: 9/19/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
This non-fiction book is about Katherine Sessions and how she was able to bring trees to the San Diego area.
I never heard of Katherine Sessions nor did I know that San Diego used to be without trees. Interesting read!

Audience:
This book is for elementary students.

Teaching Point:
This would be a good book to use in science if the class is going to plant as a project. It is also a good one to use when speaking on the advancement of women since Katherine Session was the first woman to graduate with a science degree from the University of California.

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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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2015.

Date Read: 9/18/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Incredible story of courage, determination, and perseverance. This story chronicles the life of Emmanuel and how he never gave up despite dealing with a disability.
Reading this nook inspired me to learn more about Emmanuel and his life.

Audience:
This book is good for elementary and middle school students. It may also appeal to students dealing with a disability.

Teaching Point:
I would like to use this book when I speak about awareness and acceptance of individuals dealing with disabilities.

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The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage

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The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage

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By: Selina Alko
Illustrated by: Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
2015.

Date Read: 9/17/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Civil rights story about Mildred and Richard Loving. They were an interracial couple whose case to have their marriage legally recognized in their state went to the supreme court.
Their story was recently made into a major motion film and I am happy to have this book in my classroom library.

Audience:
This book is geared towards elementary students. I think students who are part of an interracial family (like myself) will like to see this on the shelf.

Teaching Point:
This is a good book when discussing equality and supreme court cases.

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Aliens are Coming! The true account of the 1938 War of the Worlds  Broadcast

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Aliens are Coming! The true account of the 1938 War of the Worlds  Broadcast

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By: Meghan McCarthy
2009

Date Read: 9/16/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
In 1938, panic spread as Americans listened to the radio broadcast of H.G. Wells "The War of the Worlds". They did not know that it was just a story.
I had know idea that this important (and hilarious) moment in American history was transformed into a children's picture book! How awesome!

Audience:
This will reach the hearts of elementary students (and adults) that love science fiction.

Teaching Point:
I can use this to teach a history lesson. I would also like to play the original 1938 broadcast while the class looked at the pictures in the book and follow along!

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By: Brian Floca
2013.

Date Read: 9/15/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Interesting book about the beginning of the Transcontinental railroad.

Audience. Mid to upper elementary. This book is sure to captivate train lovers and little boys.

Teaching Tip:
This would be a good book to use to introduce new vocabulary.

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By: Jen Bryant
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
2013.

Date Read: 9/14/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Heart-warming biography of artist Horace Pippen.
I liked the way the author presented the information and the illustrations brought them to life.

Audience:
Because of the vocabulary used in the book, I would say that this book is for upper elementary students. I would read it aloud to younger students though.

Teaching Point:
I would love to feature this book year round but particularly during Black history month. Horace Pippen is not well known among students and I feel it will be a fresh, new person to learn about

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By: Jennifer Berne
Illustrated by: Vladimir Radunsky
2013.

Date Read: 9/14/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
A biography of Albert Einstein presented in a way that will keep young students engaged with the book while they learn all about a genius.
I was impressed with just how much information was presented but it never once felt overwhelming. It was interesting and the illustrations were well done. I also liked the font used. Some of the lines were bight red. It breaks up the monotony.

Audience:
Pre-K through elementary.

Teaching points:
Great to read when covering math or science units or important figures in history.

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By: Pat Miller
2016.

Date Read: 9/14/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
I must say I never once thought about how or who invented donuts. This new charming biography of Hanson Gregory, the creator of donuts. Now every time I eat a donut, I have a little history to go with it!

Audience:
This is a good book for elementary students.

Teaching point:
I would use this book to show an example of a timeline. In addition, I think it is a fun book with lots of facts about a topic that many people do not think about. It will definitely be in my classroom library.

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By: Gail Gibbons
1993.

Date Read: 9/13/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Book about frogs, how their life begins, and their environment.
What I really like about this book are the illustrations. I also like that the author is talking to the reader. Makes it a personal journey of learning!

Audience:
This book is good to have in a preschool and elementary school class library.

Teaching Points:
I may use this book to study habitats.

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By: Wendy Pffeffer
2004.

Date Read: 9/13/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Book about how pumpkins begin as seeds. The author gives great easy facts and follows the journey of a farmer with a pumpkin patch.

Audience:
Preschool through elementary students.

Teaching Point:
This book can be used to show how things grow and/or can be used in the fall months to introduce the season.

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By: Nicola Davies
2001.

Date Read: 9/13/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Easy to follow book about a bat. Little facts about bats are given along the way.

Audience:
Preschool through elementary. Students who like animals and science may like this book.

Teaching Point:
This would be a good book to draw important facts from.

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The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

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The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

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By: Eugene Trivisas
1993.

Date Read: 9/3/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
We all know about the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf but this was a story about the three little wolves and the big bad pig!
Even as an adult it was fun to read a new take on an old classic!

Audience:
Preschool through elementary.

Teaching Point:

I would love to use this book to teach students how to read with prosody and expression.

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By: Aaron Becker
2013.

2014 Caldecott Honor Book

Date Read: 9/112016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book (Wordless)

Review:
Wordless story about a little girl who decides to go on an adventure of her imagination when her family was to busy to play with her.
This was my first encounter with a wordless picture book and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! The illustrations bring the story to life. The best part, the story can be different each time you tell it!

Audience:
This will appeal to pre-school and elementary students. It is also great for students that are not yet able to read and for students that like adventure and fantasy.

Teaching Point:
This would be great book to use for a picture walk. It would also be interesting to have students write a story based on the pictures.

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By: Phillip Stead
2016.

Date Read: 9/11/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Story about the sights that an author and his dog see as they take a walk. He is able to get ideas to write as he takes a look at everything around him.
This book is so fresh! I love that it is in the font of a typewriter! The incorporation of real life photographs was such a wonderful idea. I also liked the painting. I like everything about this book! The story, the illustrations, and  the simple characters, including Wednesday!

Audience:
This book is good for upper elementary and middle school students although it can be enjoyed by everyone. It will also appeal to writers of all ages.

Teaching Point:
I would love to use this book with my class as an introduction to creative writing. They will be able to see that inspiration to write is everywhere around us.

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By: Dr. Seuss
1960.

Date Read: 9/10/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
That Sam-I-Am just does not want any green eggs and ham. No, not with in a box and not with a fox! Finally at the end he tries it! And guess what? He likes it!

Audience:
For new readers but this is a book all ages can enjoy with a smile. Great fro kids who are afraid to try new foods.

Teaching Point:
Great book to use when teaching students about rhyming

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By: John Steptoe
1987.

1988 Caldecott Honor Award

Date Read: 9/10/16
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
A wonderful African tale that shows that inner beauty will always prevail over physical beauty.
The illustrations are mesmerizing and the details of the characters clothing, jewelry, and hair are outstanding.

Audience:
This picture book is a bit lengthy with lots of new vocabulary words. This  would be a great picture book for middle school students but it is a story that all can enjoy.

Teaching Point:
It might be interesting to use this book to compare and contrast with well known story like Cinderella.

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By: Kevin O'Malley
2006.

Date Read: 9/9/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
For those cold, snowy days, this book follows a little boy on his way to school.
I really loved the surprise ending and something tells me that the character did too!

Audience:
For emergent readers who love snow!

Teaching Point:
I may use this book to focus  on how illustrations provide context clues.

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By: William Joyce
2015.

Twitter: #BookADay

Date Read: 9/8/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Where do I start with this awesome book?! Do not let the title turn you away. Written by the author as a memoir of his early childhood, he was able to show that everyone has a talent, even if its hard for others to see it. He brilliantly put a book inside of a book!

Audience:
I really feel this will appeal to elementary school boys. It will also appeal to students who like to write stories.

Teaching Point:
This book may be a good one to use when encouraging students to write stories.

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By: Brendon Wenzel
2016.

Twitter: #BookADay

Date Read: 9/7/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
In this book different animals all see the same cat differently. I absolutely adored the simplicity of the book yet it carries such a complex message of perspective.

Audience:
This is a good book for early readers and preschool through early elementary students.

Teaching Point:
This is a good book to use to show point of view.

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By: Jacqueline Woodson
2012.

2013 Corretta Scott King Honor
Jane Addams Peace Award

Date Read: 9/6/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
This is a very realistic story about bullying. A new girl is bullied and disliked. At the end, one of the bullies wished she had the opportunity to right her wrongs but it is too late.

Audience:
This book would be good for mid to upper elementary students as well as middle school students.

Teaching Point:
This is a good book to read for anti-bullying. If I ever wanted to bring out that not all stories have a happy ending, this would be one to show. The illustrations would also be great to show how the use of details in pictures can add to the authors message.

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By: Carole Weatherford
2015.

Twitter: @colbysharp

Date Read:9/21/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Tells the story of slave life in Louisiana and how they looked forward to not having to work on Sundays. I liked the illustrations and will add it to my classroom library.

Audience:
I believe that elementary and perhaps middle-school students may appreciate the book.

Teaching Point:
This will be a good book to read during Black History Month. It also includes rhyming so that may be a  teaching point as well.

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By: Dev Petty
Illustrated by: Mike Boldt
2015.

Twitter: #BookADay

Date Read: 9/5/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Story about a frog who wants to be every other animal except for a frog. At the end, being a frog is what saves his life.
What I enjoyed about this story is the way that it is written. The words are in thought bubbles and blurbs. So creative and keeps in interesting. In addition, this will teach children to be individuals and to take pride in themselves and appreciate their differences.

Audience:
Great book for all ages. It will interest students who like animals.

Teaching point:
This is an excellent book for teaching punctuation. There's tons of question marks, exclamation points, and commas. They are bright and big.

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By: Adam Rex
Illustrated by: Christian Robinson
2016.

Twitter: #TitleTalk

Date Read: 9/15/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
Cute little story about  a school's perspective of experiences on the first day of school.
I thought it was a fantastic and fun idea to have the first day of school told from an unusual angle.

Audience:
This book will be great for P-5, but especially for preschoolers and kindergartners experiencing school for the first time.

Teaching Point:
Must have book to teach point of view. This will be good to read during the first week of school as an introductory 'Welcome to school" theme.

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When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry

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When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry

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By: Molly Bang
1999.

2000 Caldecott Honor Medal
2000 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

Date Read: 9/4/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
A little girl finds a way  to deal with her anger.
What I like most about this is how her explosive feelings were brought out so vividly with the illustrations. It will help children know that sometimes we get angry but it is important to find a positive way to deal with feelings of anger or frustration.

Audience:
This book is great for elementary level children.

Teaching point:
This will be a great book to show how illustrations provide context clues for characters feelings, and the theme and main idea.

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By: Verna Aardema
Illustrated by: Leo and Dianne Dillon
1975.

1976 Caldecott Medal Winner

Date Read: 9/3/2016
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
West African folktale retold and presented with wonderful illustrations.
Truly one of my favorite reads. I love how this story has the reader guessing about what is going to happen next.

Audience:
This book is great for preschool and elementary students. It will be appealing to children that like animals.

Teaching point:
This would  be a great book to use for building the skill of retelling.

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Finding Winnie: The true story of the world's most famous bear

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Finding Winnie: The true story of the world's most famous bear

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By: Lindsay Mattick
2015.

2016 Caldecott Medal Winner

Date Read: 9/12/2016
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Review:
A mom (the author) tells her son a bedtime story about the origins of Winnie the Pooh and how their family is a part of the history.

What I liked most about this book is the history given about a well known series. I never knew Winnie the Pooh was based on a true story.

Audience:
This is a book for all ages. It presents a piece of history in a simple, and charming way. Early readers may need some assistance reading this book as it is a bit lengthy.

Teaching Point:
This may be a great book to read at the end of an author study of A.A. Milne. It may also be used as an example of historical fiction.

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By: Matt De La Pena
Illustrated by: Christian Robinson
2015.

2016 Newbery Medal Winner
2016 Caldecott Honor
2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator honor

Date Read: 9/1/16
Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Review:
A boy gets answers to life's questions while he and his grandma take a ride on a city bus.
What I like the most about this book are the illustrations and the real life connections that are made.

Audience:
Although geared towards a young audience, this book is an interesting read for all ages. I was captivated by the illustrations.

This would provide a great teaching point for cultural awareness.

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By Ezra Jack Keats
1962.

1963 Caldecott Medal Winner

Date read: 9/1/16
Genre: Fiction Picture book

Review:
This is a lovely, easy to read picture is about a little boy goes on an adeventure after he discovered it snowed overnight.
What I like the most about this book are the illustrations. I also appreciate that the main character is African-American. I also love the urban vibe of the setting.

Audience:
This book would be interesting to kids in preschool and young elementary grades. Early readers would also benefit from it.

I would share this book with my class in the cold weather months when teaching about seasons.