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Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Story Teller Pura Belpre

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Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Story Teller Pura Belpre

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Author: Anika Denise
Illustrator: Paola Escobar
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: January 15, 2019
# of pages: 40
Genre: Biography, Children's Literature
Grade level: PreK- 3rd
Curricular connection- Storytelling from a different perspective, and in a way that teaches children about different cultures.
The story is a biography about Pura Belpre and her idea to tell stories that portray her heritage. Stories that she heard as a little girl, and her mission to write books that other children in the community could identify with. She told stories beyond text, with different techniques like puppet shows that involved the community.

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Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Published: June 18, 2016
# of pages: 40
Grade level: 1st-2nd
Genre: Fiction- Children Literature
Curricular connection: What it takes to build a school, what needs to be added to the environment to make a school inclusive to all children. Looking at a new journey as a first day of school from a different perspective.
The story is about the first day of school, looking at the first day from the building's perspective. The school demonstrates the same fears as the children when it is their first day of school.

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Author: Annette Bay Pimentel

Illustrated: Magaly Morales

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Published: September 7, 2021

# of pages: 40

Genre: Non-Fiction/ Biography

Grade level: PreK-3rd

Curricular connection: Learning about the art of storytelling that goes beyond print. Cultural stories and influences that enrich a storytelling experience.

The story is a biography of Pura Belpre, and how she became a well known librarian, storyteller, and writer. When she came to the U.S. she realized that she did not identify with the literature from her local library, and she wanted children to listen to the stories that she was exposed to as a child. She wanted children to imagine, wonder, and explore a world beyond castles and princesses.

Activity: Give children the opportunity to tell their own stories to their peers during story time.

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Author: Shoshana Chaim

Illustrated: Lori Joy Smith

Publisher: Greystone Kids

Published: April 13, 2021

# of pages: 48

Genre: Fiction

Grade level: PreK- 1st grade

This story incorporates techniques and strategies that young children can use to self regulate, and to help them cope when faced with stressful/anxious moments. The story uses simple techniques, and language that a young child can understand. The use of different animals to explain the breathing techniques enriches the sensory experience when children can make connections to past experiences.

Curricular connection: Social/ emotional learning, understanding emotions, self-regulation, and coping strategies.

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Author: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Published: January 1, 2007
# of pages: 32
Genre: Picture book
Grade level: Prek- Kindergarten
Curricular connection: Positive social emotional learning through the power of new found friendships.
The story is about two friends that meet for the first time. One of the children asks the other if he wants to be his friend in single word phrases that express how they each feel with the interesting and unique first interaction.

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Author: Rex Ogle
Publisher: Norton Young Readers
Published: September 6, 2022
# of pages: 208
Genre: Non-Fiction biography
Grade level: 8th
Curricular connection: Cultural and language barriers that result in racist actions and remarks. The impact of childhood trauma, and the need for a nurturing and caring environment that can change a young persons life.
The story is about a little boy who with the care and love of his grandma grows up to be a resilient young man. Faced with trauma from parental neglect early on, and societal racism, Rex learns life lessons, finds true love, support and respect from his grandmother.

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Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: May 1, 2002
# of pages: 262
Genre: Novel, historical fiction
Grade level: 6-7th grade
Awards: Pura Belpre Award for Writing, Jane Addams Children's Book Awards for Book for Older Children
Curricular connection: The gender role struggles of a machismo culture, envy, tragedy and greed.
Esperanza rising is a story of a wealthy family who lived in Mexico, but due to the greed of the owners brother the family lost everything and had to migrate to the United States to work in an agricultural labor camp.

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Author: Tim Tingle
Illustrator: Jeanne Rorex Bridges
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Published: April 1, 2008
# of pages: 40
Genre: Historical fiction
Grade level: 2nd-7th grade
Curricular connection: The age of slavery, and the bond across culture and customs between two diverse groups.
The story is about the special bond, and caring relationship between two adolescents who live on opposite sides of a river. On one side of the river there was a Native American tribe, and on the other a plantation with African American slaves, whos only opportunity to be free was crossing the river.

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Author: Haruo Yamashita
Illustrator: Kazuo Iwamura
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Published: July 1, 2011
# of pages: 32
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK- Kindergarten
Curricular connection: New experiences like the first day of school can be scary for children and challenging for parents. The importance of reassuring children that a new experience can be a safe and positive one.
The story is about 7 little mice and their hesitance to show up for their first day of school. Their mother comes up with a creative idea of building a railroad through the forest and pretend they ride a train to get to school. Throughout their journey other mice families join them to get to school as well.

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Author: Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: August 27, 2019
# of pages: 40
Genre: Non-fiction biography
Grade level: PreK-3rd grade
Curricular connection: The universal power of music, and its meaningful connections across any environment.
The story of a Venezuelan family who is forced to migrate to the United States due to the violence in their home country. She was a very talented young girl who had a special and magical talent to write music and play the piano. The challenges of migrating to a new country not knowing anyone nor the language. Teresa Carreno was invited to play the piano for President Lincoln and his family.

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Author: Alex Gino
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: May 17, 2022
# of pages: 208
Genre: Novel, Fiction
Grade level: 3rd-7th grade
Curricular connection: The struggles of being accepted when identifying under a different gender. Diversity tolerance, acceptance, respect, and support.
The story about a 4th grade boy who identifies as a female named Melissa, and the trauma's behind other's reactions with her gender identification. At the beginning her support system seemed weak, but towards the end of the story she was accepted by those who cared for her and had a strong support system with her best friend, her teachers, and family.

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Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: August 25, 2015
# of pages: 52
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK- K
Artistic media:
Curricular connection: Change is challenging, but can have positive outcomes. Accepting ourselves for who we are and cultivating positive relationships with others.
A house ghost and the rejection from the family that moves into his house. He decides to become a roaming ghost in the city where he meets his new friend. She thinks he is an imaginary friend, but when he saves her family from a thief she discovers that he is a ghost. She is thankful, and wants to keep their friendship.

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Author: J.R. Krause
Illustrator: J.R. Krause
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Published: January 22, 2019
# of pages: 32
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK-2nd grade
Artistic media: Surrealistic
Curricular connection: It is okay to be fearful, but fear cannot take control. Understanding the "why" behind our fears, and looking at it from a different perspective. Also, how two words may sound the same, but are not spelled the same nor mean the same thing.
The story is about a boy who fears the night, and a dragon who fears a night. Through the power of friendship both characters are able to help each other cope with their fears.

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Author: Peter Brown
Illustrator: Peter Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown
Published: September 3, 2013
# of pages: 48
Genre: Fiction
Artistic media: Abstract illustrations, dark green and brown tones.
Awards: Golden Kite Award for picture book  illustration
Grade level: PreK-3rd grade
Curricular connection: The importance of being yourself, and standing up for what we believe in.
The story is about a tiger who figures there is more to life than being a well put together proper tiger. He decided to change things around in his life and ventured out to be his true self. Although he did figure out he missed his old town and friends and decided to go back, but stayed true to himself.

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Author: Stephen Briseno
Illustrator: Magdalena Mora
Publisher: Random House Studio
Published: June 28, 2022
# of pages: 40
Genre: Fiction picture book
Grade level: PreK- 3rd grade
Artistic media: Expressionist, simple images
Pura Belpre Honorary winner
Curricular connection:
The importance of not loosing hope even when faced with challenges, and struggles. Demonstrating kindness towards others, and the idea of unity. A deep connection to humanity, and empathy.
The story about a little girl and her mother who decide to seek Asylum in the United States. Once they reach the border they are told by officials that they would have to add their names to the list of the notebook keeper and wait their turn to be called. The notebook keeper shares her story and tells them not to loose hope. Once the notebook keeper is called, she passes the notebook on to the little girl and her mother to help others add their names to the list and help them through the challenge of not loosing hope.
Activity: Having a classroom notebook where children can practice adding their names when taking turns during activities.

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Author: Sandra Nickel
Illustrator: Il Sung Na
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Published: September 6, 2022
# of pages: 32
Genre: Picture book
Grade level: PreK-2nd grade
Artistic media: Expressionist, use of gray, orange and brown acrylic color scheme.
Curricular connection: We are all unique, and yet similar in various ways. We are capable and willing to belong across all settings through inclusivity.
This is a story of a bear who sees his new unexpected friendship as a challenge, but his friend fish helps bear understand that they are not all that different and can enjoy the same things just in different ways. Bear learns to see the world from the fish's perspective, and understands that they can be good friends after all.
Activity: Cutting and pasting a bear next to a fish and measuring each. Understanding big and small.

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Read 91 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. At the carnival, Bear wants a teddy bear. And not just any teddy bear―she wants the biggest…

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Author: Surishtha Sehgal andKabir Sehgal
Illustrator: Wazza Pink
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Published: January 4, 2022

# of pages: 32
Genre: Poetry, Nursery Rhyme
Grade level: PreK- 3rd grade
Artistic media: Cartoon, watercolors
Curricular connections: Picture book that incorporates a secondary language to represent the classical Mother Goose Nursery rhymes. Words within the rhymes are adapted to the cultural Indian vocabulary. Illustrations are also a representation of the Indian culture.

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Author: Renee Watson
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: September 20, 2022
# of pages: 48
Genre: Biography, Non-Fiction
Grade level: Pre-K to 3rd grade
Artistic media: Realistic, vibrant colored illustrations
Curricular connections: The story of a resilient child who faces discrimination, segregation, childhood trauma, and family separation. The story of a little girl who finds emotional healing through the power of poetry, and writing. A child who loses and regains her voice understanding that, "sometimes bad things happen, sometimes darkness comes"

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Author: Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: April 6, 2021
# of pages: 192
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: 3rd-7th grade
Artistic media: Pencil in text images
Curricular connections: The idea of coping with difficult situations, and the importance of having a strong support system. Billy is an eight year old with a great imagination, and thinks that because of his birthday wish his neighbor has passed away.

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Author: Naaz Khan
Illustrator: Merce Lopez
Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Published: November 9, 2021
# of pages: 40
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: Pre-K to 3rd grade
Artistic media: Expressionist, bright vivid colors
Curricular connections: Encourages children to think beyond what is possible with what seems impossible. Looking at a problem from a different perspective. The story is about finding ways to make room where there seems to not be enough space for one more. The idea of making the impossible possible with some adjustments.

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Author: David Bowles
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Published: November 27, 2018

# of pages: 122
Genre: Poetry, Fiction
Grade level: 6th-8th grade
2019 Pura Belpré Honor Book
2019 Walter Dean Myers Honor Book for Outstanding Children's Literature
2019 Claudia Lewis Award for Excellence in Poetry
Artistic media: Sonnet, and free verse poetry
Curricular connections: Poetry of a young Mexican American who is faced with the challenge of two different cultural identities. His experiences as a first generation Mexican born in the United States, who is identified as "Guero" due to his pale complexion which is different from the rest of his family.

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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 Brook Press
Published: October 22, 2019
# of pages: 48
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: Pre-K, 1st grade
Winner of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal
A 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Winner
Artistic media: Cultural style picture book that utilizes warm tone colors.
Curricular connections: Teaches cultural values, and the similarities and differences within family settings. The importance of creating meaningful and memorable memories from childhood to adulthood.

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Author: Cece Bell
Illustrator: Cece Bell and David Lasky
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: September 2, 2014
# of pages: 248
Genre: Graphic Novel
Grade level: 3rd -7th grade
Newbery Honor Book, Eisner Award winner, #1 New York Times bestseller
Artistic media: A graphic novel with bold colors, added borders to drawings, and lettering.
Curricular connections:
A heartwarming story that represents the struggles of a person who is heard of hearing. The ways in which typical people treat and interact on a day to day basis with a person who has a disability. Understanding that a person with a disability is capable of and can be independent, just in a different way.

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Author: Antoinette Portis
Illustrator: Antoinette Portis
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Published: June 21, 2022
# of pages: 40
Genre: Science & Nature- Non-Fiction
Grade level: PreK & Kindergarten
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book, A CALIBA Golden Poppy Award Finalist, A New York Public Library, Best Book of the Year, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Artistic media: Simple text, and bold colored drawings.
Curricular connections: The story has simple text representation of the seeding process. The life cycle of a plant, and what it needs to grow. An invitation that spark's young children's interest in nature, and its wonders.

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Author: Christopher Denise
Illustrator: Christopher Denise
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Published: March 15, 2022
# of pages: 48
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK-3rd grade
Artistic media: Simple, clear images with deep color tones.
Curricular connections:
A little owl who decides he want to be a knight, and faces many challenges in the process. He believes that in order to be a knight he must be brave, clever, and have many friends, but finds out that the job is more than just demonstrating bravery and strength. It is truly about believing in ourselves, and that we are capable of becoming whatever we choose to be. Also, getting to know and understand others perspectives, likes and dislikes, and finding things in common in the process.

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Author: Julie Flett
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Publisher: Greystone Kids
Publication date: May 25, 2021
# of pages: 48
A best children's book of the year: New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK- 2nd grade
Artistic media: Simple, pastel illustrations that depict the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Curricular connections: A connection between humans and nature. Meaningful, and playful outdoor interactions. Simple words that allow the reader to connect to a variety of animal sounds.

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Author: Debora Pearson
Illustrator: Shrija Jain
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: October 5, 2021
# of pages: 40 pages
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: PreK- 3rd grade
Artistic media: Simple images with warm pastel colors. Large and small print to express the language barrier of a young girl who moves to a new country.
Curricular connections: Great story about the challenges families face when migrating to a new country, and the language barriers that children experience when they are "the new kid" at school. At the end she finds a friend and feels a sense of belonging within her new community.

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Author: Aya Khalil
Illustrator: Anait Semirdzhyan
Publisher: Tilbury House
Published date: February 18, 2020
# of pages: 36
2021 Arab American Children's book award winner. Children's Africana Book Award (CABA) 2021 Honor Book NCSS 2021
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: 1st- 5th grade
Artistic media: Simple images with soft tertiary colors.
Curricular connections: Embracing diversity, and the importance of inclusion within the school setting.
The story is about a family that migrates to the United States from Egypt, and the similarities and differences between both cultures. Creating a sense of belonging and unity.

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Author: Richard T. Morris
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: June 4, 2019
# of pages: 40
Genre: Adventure, fiction picture book

Grade level: Prek-1st grade
Artistic media: Simple, colorful pictures
Curricular connections: This is a great story about friendship, and how along the way we can meet the unexpected and still be able have positive meaningful interactions. Helping children understand that meeting new people comes with some challenges, but it does not mean that we should shy away from our curious minds.

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Author: Christian Robinson
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young  Readers
Date: 06/02/2020
# of pages: 40
Named best book of the year  by Barnes & Noble, The New York Times/New York Public Library, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: Preschool- 3rd grade
Artistic media: Colorful illustrations
Curricular connections: Emotional learning
The story brings forth awareness on the understanding that we all matter no matter how big or small. Sometimes we loose ourselves to everyday routines, and forget that we are all an important and meaningful part of something bigger. I believe that this story is useful for my teaching because of the simplicity of the text. The illustrations provide an opportunity to have meaningful conversations as it includes images that children are familiar with.

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You Matter book. Read 50 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. They All Saw a Cat meets The Important Book in this sensitive and impact...