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Author: Maribeth Boelts

Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones

Publisher: Candlewick

Date: June 9, 2009

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

Theme: Fitting in and belonging

Summary: Jeremy sees all of the kids at his school wearing black shoes with white stripes and wants a pair of his own. His grandma says they can't afford new shoes because he needs new boots. He decides to look at a thrift store and ends up finding a pair that are too small for him. He pretends like they fit him, but he couldn't wear them to school because they were too tight. At school he noticed that an Antonio's shoes were taped and falling apart. He decides to give his new pair of shoes to Antonio.

Personal Response: I loved this book. It has a great message about not comparing yourself to others. School can be hard because students instantly become caught up in comparison. It can be difficult when you see kids who can afford things you can't. My favorite stories are the ones when the main character gives up something that's valuable to them. I love what this story teaches kids.

Curricular Connections: The subject that this story reminds me of is PE. The story is primarily about shoes. When Jeremy noticed that Antonio's shoes were falling apart, he realized it would be difficult to participate. Shoes are a critical part of PE. If your shoes aren't in good condition, it can cause foot pain or possible injuries.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Amber Ren

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: March 5, 2019

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Everything happens for a reason, connections, music

Summary: A series of events leads a girl to finding her passion for music. Her uncle got sick and was unable to attend an orchestra concert with his wife. She took his place and immediately fell in love with the music. Her experience listening to Franz inspires her to create her own music and perform it for the world.

Personal Response:  I thought the book was interesting and unique. It was a perfect example of all the little coincidences and events that happen every day that bring people together. Music is something that connects people. Something as simple as attending a concert can lead people to their true passions. It made me reflect on my life and the experiences I have had that led me to discovering my passions. I was in an Orchestra throughout middle school and high school. I loved the feeling of playing in the group because I was a part of something bigger than myself. I could relate to the main character as she was describing her feelings about music.

Curricular Connections: I would connect this book to English or Music. An activity I would have students do is choose a song that inspires or moves them. Once they have their song selected, they would answer writing prompts about why that particular song is meaningful to them. They could play parts of the song for the class and share their experiences with their classmates.

Source: YouTube

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Author and Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: November 13, 1963

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

Theme: Imagination, mischief

Summary: Max has a creative imagination and has been misbehaving at home. His mom sends him to his room. When he gets there his room transforms into a forest. He sails on a boat and ends up where the wild things are. After interacting with them, they name Max their king. He quickly realizes that he wanted to be home and returns back. When he gets back everything is the way he left it, and his supper was waiting for him.

Personal Response: I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school. I think it is a great children's book because it encourages imagination and creativity. I love that it's an older book that still captures the interests of students. A strength of this book is engaging illustrations that bring the entire story together. It makes it easy to understand and visualize what is happening.

Curricular Connections: I would connect this book to Art. I would have each student come up with their own rendition of where they think the wild things would live. They can paint, draw, or build a setting and incorporate any details they want to add.

Source: Epic, Audiobook

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Author: James Marshall

Illustrator: James Marshall

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap

Date: October 23, 2000

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Fantasy

Theme: Patience, Slow and steady wins the race

Summary: The three pig siblings decided to leave home. One pig decided to make his house out of straw, one decided to make his house out of sticks, and one decided to build his house out of bricks. The wolf knocked on the first two pigs' houses and asked to be let in. When they refused, her blew their house down and ate them. When the wolf approached the third pig's house, he couldn't get in because the house was too sturdy. He came up with plans to get the pig out of the house, but the pig was smarter than he was. In the end, the wolf went down the chimney into a pot of boiling water and the third little pig ate the wolf.

Personal Response: I thought this story was interesting because some of the details were different from the story I grew up hearing. I think this rendition didn't have as strong as a message as their original story I grew up with, but I think there's still something for kids to learn from them. Having patience and not rushing through projects will always be better in the long run. It reminded me of the saying slow and steady wins the race. Overall, I thought it was a good children's book.

Curricular Connections: I think this book could connect to science. You can have the students build a house out of different materials and shake them once they are finished. The students can compare their design to their peers and see which one would survive the wolf.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Jon Scieszka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: March 1, 1996

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Fantasy, Satire

Theme: Understanding perspective

Summary: This book is from the perspective of the wolf. He said he was making a cake for his grandma's birthday and wanted to borrow a cup of sugar, so he went to the pig's house. When he got to each of the pig's house, they were scared of him and died. He didn't want them to go to waste, so he ate them. They didn't understand that all he wanted was a cup of sugar, so everyone else came up with the story of the big bad wolf.

Personal Response: I thought this book was very interesting. I had never heard of the story being told from the wolf's perspective. I thought it had a good message about not jumping to conclusions about people. Understanding different perspectives is important to make sure you get the entire story.

Curricular Connections: This book would relate to English. An activity I would have students do is complete a Venn Diagram about the wolf's perspective compared to the pigs. After they finished their charts, they would have a debate about whether or not the wolf is a villain.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: Cece Bell

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: September 2, 2014

Number of Pages: 248

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Graphic Novel

Theme: Belonging, Differences are superpowers

Summary: Cece lost her hearing at 4 years old after getting meningitis. None of the other students her age had to wear hearing aids, so she became self-conscious about them. She was always worried about what people would think about her phonic ear. Her teachers in school would wear a microphone to help her hear them. She learned that she could hear them even when they went to the bathroom. She found out that this was her superpower, and she learned to accept it. When she shared her superpower with her peers, they thought it was cool and included her.

Personal Response: I thought this was a great children's book. School can be intimidating for students who feel like they don't fit in with the other students. This is why creating a safe classroom environment is so crucial. I loved how Cece learned to love her phonic ear at the end of the book. I loved the overall moral that differences are superpowers. When students read this book, they can connect to the character, and they are able to see themselves in Cece's experiences.

Curricular Connections: This book can connect to English. There are a lot of obstacles that can occur in the classroom when there are communication barriers. In the classroom, you could lead an activity about celebrating differences. You could do a lip-reading activity where students have to guess what people are saying or play a game of telephone. These activities will help students gain perspective about how difficult it could be for some students to learn.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: John Patrick Green

Illustrator: John Patrick Green

Publisher: First Second

Date: May 10, 2016

Number of Pages: 96

Grade Level: Pre-K- 1st

Genre: Graphic Novel

Theme: Finding your purpose, our differences make us stronger

Summary: The hippopotamus lives in a run-down zoo and isn't happy. His friend the red panda left to work with the humans and gives a report every season to the hippo. After hearing about the adventures the red panda has had outside of the zoo, the hippo decides he wants to leave to. In order to leave he'd have to become the hippopotamister. After many failed job attempts, he ends up back at the zoo. He discovers that all of his failures in the human world can help improve the zoo. He then finds his true place at the zoo.

Personal Connection: I thought this was a cute children's book. It has a good message about finding where you belong and what skills suit you. It also gives a message of everyone has their own unique talents. Our differences make us stronger and bring us together. I thought it is a great interactive story for kids to explore.

Curricular Connection: I think this book would relate to theatre. The hippo tried several jobs throughout the book. It would be a fun activity to have students role-play and research different occupations. They would have to come up with a scenario and decide how they would approach the situation. It might be a great learning opportunity for students.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Herman Parish

Illustrator: Lynne Avril

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Date: October 20, 2015

Number of Pages: 160

Grade Level: 1-5

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Embracing change, learning new things

Summary: Amelia Bedelia's aunt got her tap shoes and took her to a dance lesson. Amelia wasn't sure if she liked dance or if she wanted to continue to take the class. However, she continued to go each week and learn about new styles of dance. She developed relationships with her classmates and embraced their differences. Guest teachers came from different backgrounds. When her dance teacher gets injured, the class decides to hold a recital.

Personal Response: Reading this book was very nostalgic for me because I grew up reading these books. I love how engaging the book was with pictures included throughout the book. I think it is a great book for students to read who are looking for a fun and engaging book.

Curricular Connections: I think this book would relate to music. A big part of the book is learning different styles of dance. You could research the different styles of music and see how the music would relate to different dances. Students can pick their favorite song and create a dance that goes with the song.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Anne Mazer

Illustrator: Anne Mazer

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks

Date: December 1, 2001

Number of Pages: 128

Grade Level: 4th-7th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Words are powerful, kindness always wins

Summary: Abby Hayes loves writing and is excited to find out that her class is going to have a newspaper. She was disappointed when she learned that she was randomly selected to write the advice column. She didn't think she was good at giving people advice, and there were many failed attempts at helping people find the answers they needed. She learned the powers of words when she realized that saying the wrong thing can cause others harm. After talking with a friend, she realizes that being kind and writing uplifting things in her column is the best way to use her gift of writing.

Personal Connection: This series was another one I used to read when I was in school. I loved the message of using words wisely and wanting to uplift others. It can be easy to be disappointed when things don't go your way, but you should keep going anyway. When you keep going despite setbacks, you allow yourself to grow. I think this is a great way for students to start reading chapter books that are engaging and have a good message.

Curricular Connections: I would connect this book to English. The main subject of the book is revolved around a newspaper. If my class read this book, I would do an activity where we would create our own class newspaper. Each person can have their own column with things they are in charge of. I think this is a great way to connect the book with the importance of learning writing skills.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Ursula Jones

Illustrator: Sarah Gibb

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Date: September 1, 2014

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K- 2nd

Genre: Fantasy, Traditional Literature

Theme: Don't give up on the things that matter most

Summary: The book focuses on the journey of a princess who is looking for her kingdom.  She is beautiful and kind and everyone seems to get along with her. She visits every kingdom she passes. After leaving one of the visits, she read that there was a coronation happening and she headed back. The new king and a few other princes proposed and offered their kingdoms. She left and decided to keep looking. She ended up crossing paths from a jester from one of the kingdoms. They ended up choosing each other and continued to explore their new kingdom.

Personal Response: I thought this book took a unique approach to the typical fairytale plot. There were common themes that connected to classic princess stories, but most of the time the princesses already have a kingdom. I think it is a great children's book that will engage students.

Curricular Connection: I think this book relates to Social Studies. The story focuses on the princess finding her kingdom and where she belongs. You can have the students do a family tree or look into their own history to find out fun facts about their ancestors or family members. Students can then share their projects with the class.

Source: Audiobook

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Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India

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Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India

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Author: Lila Mehta

Illustrator: Youshan Tang

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Date: April 29, 2014

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K & up

Genre: Fairytale, Fantasy

Theme: Don’t lose hope, kindness always wins

Summary: Cinduri’s parents died which led her to live with her stepmother and stepsister who treat her poorly. She has to do all the household chores and cook the food. One day she came across a snake by the lake who noticed her struggles and offered to be her godfather. When news of the prince visiting the village came, she wanted to go, but her stepmother didn’t allow it. With the help of her godfather, she was able to make it, but she had to leave by midnight. As she was leaving, she lost one of her anklets. The prince took it and began his search for the woman he would marry. When he came to Cinduri’s house she was able to sneak in and try on her anklet. Cinduri married the prince and left her stepmother.

Personal Response: I loved reading this book. I thought it was interesting to see the original Cinderella story retold by another culture. I loved being able to compare the two. I think this is a great way to incorporate culturally responsive teaching. You could use this story as an example and find other cultural retellings for other books as well.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The main idea of the book has to do with your desires. As a connection to the book, you can have students write about a wish or a dream they have. They can illustrate their writing if they'd like. If they feel comfortable, they can share with the class.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Rafe Martin

Illustrator: David Shannon

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: April 13, 1998

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: 3rd and up

Genre: Fairytale, Fantasy, Fiction

Theme: Beauty is within

Summary: The rough-face girl has two sisters who force her to sit by the fire and keep it going, which has caused her face, skin, and hair to burn overtime. Everyone called her ugly. Her sisters put on nice beads and clothes and went to marry the invisible man, but when his sister asked them to describe what he looks like, they failed the test. The rough-face girl later asked her father for beads and a buckskin dress so she can marry the invisible man, but there was nothing left for her. She made do with what she had and went to see the man. She answered every question correctly and proved that she was worthy to marry the invisible man. They dressed her in nice clothes and told her to bathe in the lake. When she entered, her skin was healed. In the end, she married the invisible man.

Personal Response: I thought this was an interesting book. I loved how unique it was compared to the traditional Cinderella story. You could see the connections, but it also had its own message. I loved being able to learn about some of the beliefs and traditions of the Native American culture. I think this is a great book to include in the classroom library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to Social Studies and English. The book retells a classic American fairytale. Students can look into their culture and traditions. When they have enough foundation to build on, they can choose a fairytale or story and rewrite it. Their story would be another cultural retelling of classic well-known stories.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Kate Albus

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Date: February 2, 2021

Number of Pages: 320

Grade Level: 4th-7th

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Resilience, Finding Family

Summary: William, Edmund, and Anna are siblings who just lost their grandmother. While she wasn't very caring, she was the only family they had left after losing their parents at a young age. With no one left to take care of them, their solicitor suggested they evacuate with the other children escaping London because of the war and possible German invasion. Their goal was to find a loving family that would let them stay with them forever, but they were not to reveal their actual situation until they were all sure about the person. After several rough home placements, they found their escape through books. They became close with the librarian Mrs. Muller, who had been outcasted by the rest of the town because her husband was German. In the end, they learned to value of sticking together no matter what and they were able to find a safe and loving home.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I think it has great messages and the author does a great job of conveying the emotions of the story. I felt like I was in the story witnessing everything myself. It conveys the historical trials in a realistic manner and brings awareness to actual conflicts faced by families during World War II. I would definitely recommend this book to both students and teachers.

Curricular Connection: This book relates to social studies. Since this book is based on a significant historical event, it gets students thinking deeper about what life was like during that time period. For the activity, I would have students do a project on World War II. They could choose one aspect or idea to research. For example, some could be lifestyle, economy, living conditions, hygiene, income, or soldier life. Ideally everyone would have a different topic, and they could present their findings with the class once they are done.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Maripat Perkins

Illustrator: Molly Idle

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Date: March 1, 2015

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: 1-2

Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Embracing change, sibling rivalry, sharing

Summary: Red has loved playing with her stuffed dog Rusty since she was little. They went on many adventures and turned their house into the wild west. When Red gets a baby brother, she isn't thrilled. He cries and messes with her things. After Rusty goes missing, she finds him sleeping with Slim. She lassos him back but gets in trouble with her deputy and sheriff parents. She later receives a gift from her aunt and discovers that it is a stuffed cat. She comes up with a plan to get Rusty back by swapping stuffed animals. After that, her and Rusty were back to their normal adventures.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book because I was able to make connections to my own life. The main plot of the story follows a big sister’s adjustment to her new baby brother. She is not very fond of him because he ruins her things and cries a lot. As I was reading it caused me to think about my own experiences with adjusting to siblings and how the older siblings tend to manipulate the younger ones so they can get their way. It is a lighthearted story that engages the reader. This would be one that I’d put in my classroom.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The main character has a creative imagination and uses analogies of the wild west in her daily life. For the connection, you can have students write a creative writing piece about one of their interests. They will have to take an everyday scenario and reframe it into an imaginative piece.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Sarah Everett

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: June 27, 2023

Number of Pages: 336

Grade Level: 3-7

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Racism, Being Remembered, Family

Summary: Kemi's life as she knows it is put to the test when news that an asteroid is going to hit near them. Kemi is afraid that their family won't be remembered, so she begins to put together a time capsule with everyone's most treasured mementos. Kemi loves statistics and researches the probability of any task that might occur. During hard times she learns to hold on tight to her family and rely on them to get through the grief and loss.

Personal Response: I thought this was a great book! There is so much symbolism throughout the book that makes you think deeper about your own experiences as well as the world around you. It was engaging to read and addressed real-world issues. I think it covers heavier topics than you would normally see in children’s literature, but it provides an opportunity for readers to learn about the world around them. The reader is able to connect to the characters on a deeper level and witness the world through their perspective.

Curricular Connections: I think this book relates to Math. The main character Kemi loves finding the probability of different circumstances. As an activity, you can provide students with various scenarios that students would need to find the probability of them occurring. An example could be rolling a specific number on a die or picking a specific color of skittle from a bag.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Illustrator: Mark Pett

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Date: October 1, 2011

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Everyone makes mistakes

Summary: Beatrice has never made a mistake in her life. Everyone around her started calling her the girl who never made mistakes because of her track record. After an almost mistake at school, Beatrice feels the pressure of maintaining her streak of no mistakes. While performing an act in front of the school, something goes wrong in her act. She learns to laugh it off and find the joy in making mistakes.

Personal Response: I think this book has a great message for students. Students put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect that they end up missing the joy of learning. There are lessons to learn from mistakes and they don't always have to be a negative thing. I would definitely put this book in my classroom library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. I would have the students do a free write about a time where they made a mistake. After describing the scenario, they will explain the lessons they learned from that experience. Once they have finished, they can share their responses with the class. This creates unity in the class and can make students feel safe if they make a mistake.

Source: Public Library

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There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow

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There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow

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Author: Lucille Colandro

Illustrator: Jared Lee

Publisher: Scholastic Inc

Date: December 1, 2003

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K- 3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Resourcefulness

Summary: The lady is cold and kept swallowing random items to help warm her up. She swallowed a scarf, sticks, a pipe, and other items. After she swallowed the items, she wasn't sure what to do, so she hiccupped and out came a snowman.

Personal Response: This book reminded me of similar stories I read as a kid. I think it was engaging for kids and makes them laugh because it is silly. I think this is a great book to read when encouraging students be creative and think outside the box.

Curricular Connection: I would connect to science. In this activity students would need to use random items and find some way to put them all together. They can be creative and come up with their own unique design. When their design is finished, they can do a gallery walk.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date: July 7, 2020

Number of Pages: 112

Grade Level: 1st-4th

Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Adventure, Overcoming Fears

Summary: Jack and Annie go on an adventure to an Incan Empire. When they arrive, they find a farmer who lost their baby llama. Jack and Annie go on an adventure to retrieve the stolen llama and return it to the farmer. Their journey is dangerous and caused them to climb to the top of Machu Picchu. They successfully return the stolen llama and long to return home.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I think it is very creative and engaging for people of all ages to read. I love how it sparks imagination from the students and gets them thinking about the world and history on a deeper level.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to History. Students can research the Incan Empire and find similarities and differences between the actual events and what happened in the book.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Renee Watson

Illustrator: Nina Mata

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Date: April 28, 2020

Number of Pages: 192

Grade Level: Pre-K - 1st

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature

Theme: Finding the joy in everyday situations

Summary: Ryan is a girl with a boy's name. She didn't understand why she had that name, but her parents told her it was because it meant king. They encouraged her to be a leader no matter what situation she found herself in. When news that her family was moving, she had mixed feelings about leaving her home. When she got to her new house, she was disappointed because it wasn't new. She began to call it her new old house. She had to experience a new school, an Easter program, and talent show with bumps along the way. However, she learns to make the best out of what she was given and find a little sunshine.

Personal Response: I thought this book was relatable for all ages. I don't think anything ever goes exactly how we planned them to go. The most important thing is how we react to those unexpected turns. I think that this book does a great job of teaching students to find the joy of everyday.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. In the book, Ryan has to recite a poem about what Easter means to her. We would connect this to the book by having students write their own poems about what matters to them. Once they have finished them, they can recite them for the class.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Alicia D. Williams

Illustrator: Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Publisher: Atheneum/ Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Date: October 18, 2022

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K -3rd

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Prejudice, Racism

Summary: Jay enjoys reaching different milestones as he grows up. He wants to be grown drive and hang out with his friends. However, as he grows up, he receives more warnings from his family. He can't hang out in big groups of people, he has to be careful if he ever gets pulled over by police, and he has to be more mindful about his actions in public. He learns that the world isn't as friendly as his friends and family are.

Personal Response: I thought this book was very well written. It helped shed light on real world issues while keeping it kid friendly. This is a great way to raise awareness about prejudice and racism without it becoming too heavy or dark for younger kids. It helped me expand my own thinking and gain perspective about what others have to go through.

Curricular Connection: I would relate this book to history. I would have the students do a family history project. During the project they will research their ancestors or culture and create a slideshow presentation to share with the class. Not only will this help students learn about their backgrounds, but it will also create a unifying experience for the class as a whole.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Tami Charles

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: October 6, 2020

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K- 3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Belonging, you matter

Summary: The book follows the journey of kids as they grow up. It reminds them that no matter what stage of life they are in that they still matter. Even when people may be rude and cause you to feel out of place, that doesn't change your worth. No matter what happens in life, you still matter.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I loved how relatable it is for children. It allows them to see themselves through the lyrical words. It also helps them recognize that even when they are going through hard times or people are being unkind, their worth doesn't change. There are always people out there who you matter to and who are always looking out for you.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. I would have the students write about a time when they didn't feel like they mattered, but someone helped them see that they do. They could also choose to write about a time when they helped someone feel like they mattered. These experiences are probably going to be personal, so they don't have to share them with the class. It's just meant to help them connect with the book.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Linda Sue Park

Illustrator: Robert Sae-Heng

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: March 16. 2021

Number of Pages: 72

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Poetry, Realistic Fiction

Theme: The best things in life aren't things, finding value in everyday things

Summary: The book is set in a classroom. The teacher asks the students to come up with one thing they’d save if their house caught on fire. She explained that their family and pets would be safe, so they’d have to choose something else. The students then individually choose the item that’s most important to them and why they would save it. It is a multi-perspective and voiced story because there isn’t one singular person that is telling the story. By the end of the book, the teacher ends up changing her idea of what she would save after listening to some of the more sentimental answers.

Personal Response:  I thought this poetry book was very interesting. I love stories that emphasize perspective and that everyone has their own things that are important to them. Each of the students in the book had different items with different reasons about why they would save that over all of their other possessions. Several of the kids mentioned that they would save their family if they weren’t already saved. I think it is important for everyone to realize that things are just things. The most important thing in life is family and personal connections.

Curricular Connections: I think this book could relate to Art. The students all choose something that is important to them that they want to save. You could have them draw or create a model of the object they would choose to save from a fire. They can incorporate their model in their class presentation. This can help the students connect to their peers better.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Date: September 20, 2016

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: 1st-4th

Genre: Fantasy, Myth, Fiction

Theme: Perseverance, Finding true love

Summary: Izta is the daughter of the emperor who has many suitors that offer her an abundance of wealth. However, she turned them all down because it wasn't what she wanted. One day she was approached by Popoca. He said he watched her and wanted to marry her even though he didn't have anything to offer her. She fell in love and decided that he was the one she would marry. Her father said he would only give them his blessing if Popoca defeated the Jaguar Claw. After it seemed like Popoca would win, the Claw sent a messenger to the princess to tell her Popoca died. She drank a potion to ease her pain but never woke up. Popoca took her into the cold to wake her up, but she never did. He stayed by her side forever. Two volcanoes formed in Mexico City. Their names were Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute. I loved the cultural references throughout the book. It was very creative and innovative. It reminded me of similar themes to Romeo and Juliet. I loved how the ending tied the story into the two volcanoes. The whole story was very engaging to read.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to Geography. The book is inspired by volcanoes, so that will be the focus of the lessons. As a class, we will research volcanoes by looking into how they form, what they look like, and what happens when they erupt. After the students have enough background information, they will choose a volcano anywhere in the world and do more research. They will find interesting facts or key details about the volcano and create a presentation. When they have completed their work, they will present their findings to the class.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Annie Barrows

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: August 24, 2011

Number of Pages: 140

Grade Level: 1st-5th

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Making the world a better place, imagination

Summary: Ivy and Bean's school is having a science fair. Their class is focusing on global warming and ways to reduce its effect. Ivy and Bean decide that they need to come up with a way to solve global warming, so they begin experimenting. They tried throwing ice cubes into the sky and crushing rice. In the end, they learned that the best way to help spread awareness is to get people to fall in love with nature.

Personal Response: I thought this was a great book. I loved that it applied real world issues in a creative way. The school setting can give the reader something to relate to. This book is very engaging, and it encourages students to think outside the box.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. The main plot is centered around a science fair. As an activity to coordinate with the book, students can create their own science project. They can make a poster, model, or slideshow presentation. Their topics will be determined by whatever scientific concept is currently being taught. It is a great way to encourage students to think about books on a deeper level.

Source: Public Library

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Author & Illustrators: Stan and Jan Berenstain

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date: September 12, 1983

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K -2nd

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

Theme: There are more important things than money

Summary: Brother and Sister Bear are great at spending money but aren't good at saving it. Their mom wants to set them up with an allowance to teach them positive spending habits, but their dad doesn't agree. The siblings adjust their thinking by finding ways to make money. They took people of tours, sold flowers, and maps. Their dad realized that they were becoming greedy and wasn't pleased. However, when the kids gave him their money to help him out, he realized that he had misjudged them.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute and a great way to teach kids about money and spending habits. It is engaging and fun to read. I would definitely include this book in my classroom library. Money is an important concept for students to learn about. This is a great way to incorporate different subjects in one lesson.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to Math. The book is all about money, so you could teach students the value of each coin and dollar bill. After they understand what each one is worth, you can give them word problems related to money that they have to solve. These could be addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division depending on grade level.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: August 18, 2015

Number of Pages: 48

Grade Level: Pre-K- 3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Responsibility, pride in ownership

Summary: Duncan begins receiving postcards from his crayons that he left behind. They explain to him their grievances and ask him to bring them home. As Duncan reads their cards, he realizes their importance and brings them home. When they come back, he builds them a new home so each of them will have a place.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute. It is a great way to teach kids about being responsible for their belongings and taking care of their school supplies. It is engaging and unique. It is a great example for students to read because it teaches them that you can be creative when it comes to writing format.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to art. Students can do an art project using crayons. They can explain what each color reminds them of and why they chose to include that color in their drawing. After students have completed their drawing, they will do a gallery walk.

Source: Public Library

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Author: Jane O'Connor

Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: April 23, 2013

Number of Pages: 144

Grade Level: 1st-5th

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Solving problems, discovering the unknown

Summary: Nancy loves solving mysteries. She is inspired by Nancy Drew and all of her adventures. After her class brought mementos to share with each other, one of them went missing. Nancy decided that she was going to be the one to find her teacher's missing marble. She begins her investigation by looking for evidence rather than speculation. She has help along the way and she strives to crack the case.

Personal Response: I loved this book. The story flows as you read it, and it is engaging to the reader. I think this is a great book to encourage students to use their imagination and think outside the box. It touches on respect within the classroom. It has a lot to teach the reader if they read it critically.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students will write a short story about solving a mystery. They can either write it based on past experience, or they can make it up. They can choose whether or not to include illustrations. Once they have finished their stories, we will read them as a class during story time.

Source: Public Library

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Author & Illustrator: Arnold Lobel

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: February 18, 2003

Number of Pages: 64

Grade Level: Pre-K -3rd

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Theme: Friendship, Overcoming challenges

Summary: Frog and Toad experience different challenges together throughout the book. They support each other no matter what happens. When they have disagreements, they apologize. Whether it's writing a letter to a friend who has never gotten one, helping them find a lost button, waking them up, or going for a swim. They are always there to lift each other up.

Personal Response: I thought this was a good book. It has a lot of valuable lessons to teach kids. It is engaging to read and helps teach real world issues. The story about the letter and the button teaches valuable communication skills. They show the importance of being respectful and being there for people when they need help.

Curricular Connections: I would connect this book to English. In one of the chapters, Frog writes Toad a letter. Toad had never received a letter was sad because of it. The students will write a letter to a friend or family member and tell them why they matter to them. This is a great way for students to learn letter writing skills while coordinating with the book.

Source: Public Library

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Author & Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: January 1, 1964

Number of Pages: 64

Grade Level: 2nd-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Appreciating what you have, don't be greedy

Summary: A young boy would visit a tree often and the tree was very happy. She enjoyed it when the boy would climb and swing on her branches. As the boy grew, the boy came around less. The tree was sad and lonely. One day they boy came back, but he didn't want to play with the tree. He wanted money so he took the apples from the tree to sell. Each time he came back, the boy took more and more from the tree. In the end there was nothing left to give the boy, but she still had a trunk for him to sit on.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I thought it was a great book that had an important overarching message. It is easy to read and is engaging for the students. The students can learn from the boy about appreciating what you have. The book made you think deeper about the world on a deeper level. You can make connections between the book message and what we can take away from the story.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students will write a story based on an important lesson they have learned in life. This book teaches a specific lesson, so students can come up with their own. This will make the book experience more meaningful for the students. After they have written about their lesson, they will share their stories with the class.

Source: Audiobook

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Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: April 1, 2003

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K- K

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Persuasion, Chasing your dreams

Summary: When the bus driver goes on break, he says don't let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon wants to take advantage of his absence and get behind the wheel. He makes a case about why he should be able to drive. After his many arguments, he still wasn't allowed to drive.

Personal Response: I thought this book was okay. I was expecting more plot based on the title, but there wasn't any action. I don't think this is a book that I would include in my classroom library. I want to include books with strong messages that are engaging. I don't think this book had a strong message. It is a good example of incorporating different designs to text.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students will have to write an argumentative essay about why they should be able to do something they aren't allowed to. This could be something like drive a car, stay up late, or stay home from school. They can choose what they want to write about, but it has to be something that isn't allowed for them. This will help them think deeper about the book.

Source: Audiobook

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Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date: October 12, 2004

Number of Pages: 64

Grade Level: K-4th

Genre: Children's Fiction

Theme: Being true to your word, responsibility

Summary: When a bird decides she needs a break from sitting on her egg, she asks Horton to help her. He sits on the egg no matter what happens. The longer he sat on the nest, the more attention he received. One day a group of men snuck behind him to kill him, but they decided to send him to the circus instead. When the bird comes back to get her baby, Horton doesn't want to give it back. The bird starts to hatch and turned out to be an elephant bird.

Personal Response: I thought this book was very creative. I had read previous Dr. Seuss books before, but not this one. I love how it evokes a sense of imagination and creativity from the reader. It helps show them how to think outside the box and come up with an original story. I think this would be a good example of developing a unique story.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. The students will research the life cycle of a bird from when they are in an egg to when they hatch. They will make a diagram for each stage. They will research similarities and differences between different kinds of birds. When they have finished, they will write a short book about life cycles.

Source: Audiobook

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Author & Illustrator: Christopher Denise

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Date: October 15, 2024

Number of Pages: 48

Grade Level: Pre-K -2nd

Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Celebrating Differences

Summary: Early Bird wants to be a Knight of the night. He asks the knight if he can train him to be a knight. Due to different sleep schedules, the owl would be sleeping while the bird was awake. The bird was very noisy when the owl was trying to sleep. The owl soon became frustrated because of the amount of noise. The bird ends up leaving. The owl goes after the bird and ends up applauding him for his bravery.

Personal Response: I thought this book was very unique. I liked the different dynamic between the two contrasting personalities. It would be a good example to use when teaching students about contrast.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to History. As an activity we will learn about knights during the Medieval time period. The students will look for requirements to be a knight and what their role was.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Brandon Sanderson

Illustrator: Kazu Kibuishi

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Date: September 24, 2024

Number of Pages: 48

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Finding the joy in everyday life

Summary: A boy is sitting in a chair. Even though he is doing simple tasks like looking at birds or the sky. It sounds like a typical day, but he ends up experiencing a new world as he sits. Among the adventures, he even decides to do his homework. After coming back from his adventure, he concludes that sitting in a chair is boring.

Personal Response: I thought this book was very creative. I love how the words and pictures contrast each other. The words make it seem like the boy isn't doing anything. However, the images contain vivid colors that depict an entirely different story. I think this is a great resource both in and out of the classroom. I love how a simple book can be very complex if you think deeper.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students will write a simple book or story about a typical day for them. They will then use pictures and vivid colors to paint a different picture. They can either use it to shift the mood of the text or enhance certain details. After everyone has finished their stories, they will share them with the class.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Beverly Cleary

Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: March 17, 2020

Number of Pages: 240

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Be yourself, embracing change, coming of age

Summary: Ramona Quimby is starting Kindergarten. After watching her older sister Beatrice reach the milestone before her, she is ready for her turn. She faces many different experiences as she starts school. She learns that school is fun and that her teacher likes her. She also learns that it is easy to get into trouble even if that's not the attention. Between snoring during nap time, pulling a classmate's curls, or getting stuck in the mud she is ready to face the consequences head on.

Personal Response: I thought this was a good book. I think this is a book that is very relatable for students because it takes place at school. Ramona is spirited and creative. She focuses more on having fun and using her imagination than thinking literally. It is a great example to students that it is okay to be different from everyone else. Our differences are what makes us unique.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to PE. The students are going to play a game of tag. They can take turns being the chaser and can play different versions of tag. This will be a good connection to Ramona chasing after Davie. It is a classic school game that will help students become engaged in the book on a deeper level.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Reese Witherspoon

Illustrator: Xindi Yan

Publisher: Flamingo Books

Date: October 4, 2022

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K -2nd

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Working together, celebrating creativity

Summary: Betty is always on the move. She tends to get distracted and has a hard time focusing on one task at a time. Before a play date with her friend, she decides to give her dog a bath. She continued to remember other things she was supposed to be doing and kept making a bigger mess. As her friend came to her house, she was embarrassed at the mess she had made. She was surprised when her friend was excited about it. Her friend told her that they should start a dog washing business. They worked together and made their goal happen.

Personal Response: I loved this book. You don't find very many books that embrace the childlike instincts with creativity. I loved watching how Betty and her friend were able to take an accidental mess and turn it into something meaningful to them. It is a great way to teach students about starting businesses or embracing chaos from time to time.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to math. Students are going to create a business of their choose. They are going to be given a budget, and they will have to map out the amount of supplies they can purchase within the budget. They can do research to find accurate information about real businesses. This coordinates with the business that Betty and Mae started.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Alice Hemming

Illustrator: Nicola Slater

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Date: September 3, 2024

Number of Pages: 35

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Trying new things

Summary: Squirrel has never experienced snow before. His friend bird is making sure that he experiences everything that snow has to offer. Between throwing snowballs, making snow squirrels, and spending time in the snow, Squirrel begins to fall in love with the snow. When he woke up the next morning after playing in the snow the previous day, he discovered that someone had stolen the snow. He is convinced that it was the snow squirrel that took it away.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute. I love how the squirrel is able to embrace the new experiences and go into it with an open mind. Because of his willingness to step out of his comfort zone, he was able to find a love for the snow. I think this is a fun book for students to read during the winter. It would be a great way to encourage students to make connections about their own experiences with snow.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. Students can do research about snow. They can learn how it forms, where it occurs, and what the pros and cons are. As they find information, they can either create a poster or slideshow presentation. When their projects are done, the class will either do a gallery walk for the posters or the students will present their slideshows.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: June 27, 2013

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Embracing creativity, responsibility

Summary: Duncan receives a series of letters from his crayons saying that they quit. Each letter expresses grievances from the crayons that explain why they quit. Some crayons are used too much or too little. Others can't agree on what color the sun should be. However, all of them can agree that they want Duncan to make a change with his coloring habits. Duncan determines a way to make each crayon feel valued by drawing a picture.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I love the originality behind the plot. The layout of the story is written in a different format than books typically are. This provides an opportunity for teachers to encourage their students to not be afraid to step out of the box. This is a book that I would have in my future library. I think this is a great children's book that is engaging to the reader.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this story to Art. The students are going to create a drawing using crayons to represent each color of the crayon. Each crayon in the box needs to be used in the drawing. The students will do a gallery walk when each drawing is completed.

Source: Audiobook

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Author & Illustrator: Crockett Johnson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: September 29, 2015

Number of Pages: 64

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Embracing imagination, finding your way home

Summary: Harold decides to go on a walk with his purple crayon. As he walks, he draws different landscapes and structures. From houses, to windows, dragons, to water Harold begins to make his way back home. He discovers that he is lost and can't remember how to get home. However, he soon remembers that he could see the moon from his window, so he used his crayon to draw his bedroom. He was home again.

Personal Response: I liked this book. It was unique and I haven't read anything like it. I think the most important part about children's literature is being different from the rest. Readers should be able to read a variety of books that are just as captivating and engaging as the rest. I think this is a great example of being creative during writing and thinking outside the box.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to Art. Students are going to draw their own landscape or setting that would be meaningful to them. They can include anything they want, even if it isn't completely realistic. This will help encourage students to be creative and to use their imagination. After they have finished, the class will do a gallery walk. This will help them establish a connection to Harold after reading the book.

Source: Audiobook

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Author & Illustrator: Christy Mandin

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: July 2, 2024

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Embracing differences, don't be afraid to stand out

Summary: Millie moved into a new house in a neighborhood where everyone had the same garden. After her mom gives her seeds from their old house, Millie decides to plant a garden of her own. The people in the town didn't like the garden Millie created, and they called it a poison garden. Eventually the town saw the joys of being unique and planted some of Millie's flowers in their gardens as well.

Personal Response: I thought this book was interesting. The book had a great central theme of not being afraid to stand out or be different. I think it is a great book to make connections to. It has a unique storyline that is engaging to the reader. This would be a book that I would include in my classroom library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. As part of the lesson, we will look into the life cycle of a plant. We will look into what is required for a plant to grow and survive. After we have done our research, each student will grow their own plant for the class garden. They will be responsible for watering it each day. As the plant grows, they will draw what they see on a growth tracker. The students can take their plants home once their plants have finished growing.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Bess Kalb

Illustrator: Erin Kraan

Publisher: Random House Studio

Date: January 2, 2024

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Be yourself, Discovering self confidence

Summary: Buffalo Fluffalo stomps around acting tough as he is approached by different animals. They ask if he wants to hang out with them. Each time an animal approaches them he pushes them away and tells them to leave him alone. After a rainstorm washes away his fluff, he is left with his small stature. He was acting big to make himself feel better and was embarrassed about his size. The other animals embrace him and help his become more confident.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I think it is very relatable for people of all ages. It can be hard to be confident in yourself when you are comparing yourself to others or setting unattainable standards for yourself. I love that the animals he pushed away were the ones to help lift him up at the end. This is definitely a book that I would include in my future classroom library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. We can do a lesson about buffalos. Students will get into groups and do a research project about buffalos. They can research where they live, what they eat, or what they look like. They can create a slideshow presentation that will be presented for the class once it is complete. It will help them gain a greater understanding of the main character in the book.

Source: Audiobook

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Author: Malcolm Mitchell

Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: February 27, 2018

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Chase your dreams, books are powerful

Summary: A magician visits a school and tells the students how he initially found magic in books. They inspired him to be a magician. He asked a student what she wanted to be when she grew up and she said a dentist. When she reached in the hat, she found a book about teeth and dentistry. Another student took a turn and said football. He pulled out a book about football. A skeptical student didn't think it was real, so he told the magician that he wanted to be a dog. When he reached into the hat, he pulled out a bunch of books about space. He had wanted to be an astronaut. The kids learned the magic of books and chasing your dreams.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I love how the author utilized the magician to teach the students about the power of books. I've read books that have made me feel like I was somewhere else. This is what books should do. Students should have a desire to read. I love that it encourages reading while making it personal. In order for students to want to read, they have to be interested in the topic. This is a book I would include in my library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. I would use this as an opportunity to learn about what's important for the students. They are going to write a paper about what they want to be when they grow up. We will take a trip to the library and the students will use books about their future career to do their research. Once everyone has finished their papers, they will take turns sharing them to the class.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Bruce Hale

Illustrator: Guy Francis

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: June 25, 2013

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: There's a time and a place for everything

Summary: Clark is a shark who is excited to come to school. He loves playing on the playground, being rowdy at recess, and eating during lunch. Overtime the students didn't want to play with him because he was too rough. He ate their lunches, rushed through the classroom, and was too rough when playing with them. Clark's teacher told him to stay cool. He tried to stay cool, but every time he got excited, he forgot. He learned that if he made rhymes that he could remember to calm himself down. When a new student comes, Clark notices that he seems reserved. He played as rowdy as he could with the Squid, and they had lots of fun. He then taught his new friend that there is a time and a place for everything.

Personal Response: I think this book is great for kids. It can be hard to think about your actions before you act on them when you are excited. This is a great learning opportunity about waiting for the right time to act certain ways in the classroom. I think this is a book that people can relate to. It is engaging and fun to read. This is one that I would have in my library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. Students will write about a time where they learned that there is a time and a place for everything. This could be about learning to use your inside voice, not running in the hallways at school, or something else that comes to mind for them. By coming up with their own experience, they are able to relate to the book on a deeper level. When they are finished, they will share them with the class.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author & Illustrator: Demi

Publisher: Square Fish

Date: September 15, 1996

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K +

Genre: Children's fiction, parable

Theme: Honesty leads to the best rewards

Summary: An Emperor needed to choose an heir. He decided to give each child in the kingdom a seed to grow. He gave them all a year to show the best flower they could grow. Whoever had the best would succeed the emperor. Ping was excited to show the emperor what he could do. However, as he tended to his plants daily, he failed to see progress. As the day came to bring the seed to the emperor, he was left with nothing but an empty pot. He decided to go anyway. Everyone else had big, beautiful plants to show and he had nothing. When he approached the Emperor, he was applauded for his honesty. The emperor had given defective seeds to see who would be honest. Everyone else had switched their seeds. Ping would become the heir to the throne.

Personal Response: I loved this book! I think it has a great overarching lesson to teach kids. I love how it showed Ping's internal struggle with being embarrassed that his seed didn't grow. Even though he had nothing, he still went to the emperor. His honesty was rewarded, and he wasn't afraid to be honest. I will definitely be including this in my library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. The students will each plant their own seed and tend to it daily. They will draw the plants progress on a paper and study what plants need to grow. They can do additional research about the life cycle of a plant. This is a great way to touch on the main theme of the story.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Jodi Moore

Illustrator: Howard McWilliam

Publisher: Flashlight Press

Date: July 3, 2023

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Children's fiction, fantasy

Theme: Embracing imagination

Summary: A boy is at the beach and decides to build a sandcastle. A dragon moves into his castle and the boy is excited. He thought that no one would destroy his castle if a dragon lived there. The boy and dragon start playing with each other, but the dragon causes mischief. The boy's parents got mad at the boy for making messes. When he told them it was the dragon and wasn't him, they didn't believe him. The boy decides that it is time for the dragon to go home.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute. I loved how the book encourages students to use their imagination. The boy is creative and finds the joy in everyday adventures. This is a great book to encourage kids to have fun and make the most of every moment. This is a book I would include in my library. It is very engaging and exciting to read.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students will write a short story about their own dragon adventure. They are going to describe what activities they do during the day and what consequences if any occur. This will help them find themselves in the book and think deeper about the events in the story. After they have finished their books, they will read them to the class.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Pamela Tuck

Illustrator: Eric Velasquez

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Date: September 4, 2018

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: 2nd-7th

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Racism, words matter but actions matter more

Summary: Mason is excited to help his father write letters during the Civil Rights Movement. One day, his dad came home with a typewriter from the group as a thank you to all the work Mason has done for them. He is excited about learning how to type. Mason soon learns that he is going to be going to a new school, but he is nervous because it is an all-white school. The staff and students didn't treat him with much respect. Mason does well in his typing class and applies for a position to help in the library. The teacher is impressed with his typing abilities. Mason competes in a typing contest to determine who will represent their school in the county tournament. Mason wins and ends up winning the county tournament as well. However, the response wasn't as friendly as he had hoped.

Personal Response: I loved this book. It sheds light on real world issues that need to be addressed. It is a realistic scenario and helps students understand some of the struggles students had to face during the Civil Rights Movement. It is engaging and captivating throughout the entire book for the reader. I would include this book in my classroom library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to History. Students will study and research the Civil Rights Movement. They will research leaders, major events during the time, what impact it had on the world today, and key facts. This will help them gain a better understanding of what trials Mason was facing throughout the story. They will create posters to keep track of their information. The class will do a gallery walk when they are all finished.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Michelle Lord

Illustrator: Julia Blattman

Publisher: Flashlight Press

Date: August 6, 2024

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Protecting the world around us

Summary: The book explores a group of children on a boat in the ocean looking into the mess of plastics, nets, and trash that has been dumped in the water. They take a look into the impact that these materials are having on the animals. They conclude that in order to save the animals and reduce the pollution in the waters, they need to change their own habits. Simple solutions like recycling and limiting landfill usage is a simple way to have a big impact.

Personal Response: I thought this book was good. It helped explain a real-world issue in a rhythmic way. It makes the story more engaging to read and helps address the solution at the end of the book. It is a great book to introduce topics of pollution or animal life in the sea.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. Students will research the impact that pollution has on the animals living in the ocean. They will create a slideshow presentation about the causes and effects of pollution. They will also include information on how to reduce the amount of pollution in the atmosphere and oceans. After their presentations are complete, they will present their projects to the class.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Seth Meyers

Illustrator: Rob Sayegh Jr.

Publisher: Flamingo Books

Date: March 15, 2022

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: Pre-K -2nd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Facing your fears, bravery

Summary: Bear and Rabbit are friends who like to spend time together. However, Bear is scared easily and has a hard time making other friends. Rabbit encourages him to face his fears one at a time. Things don't always go as planned, but together they learn the importance of conquering your fears and being brave.

Personal Response: I thought this book was cute. I love that the bear was scared, and the rabbit convinced him to be brave. I think we would typically perceive the bear as tough and the rabbit as scared. I love that the characters were switched in that sense. I think this book has a lot of valuable lessons to teach kids. This is one I'd put in my library.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. The students are going to do a free write and tell a story about a time when they were scared. They will explain what they did to overcome their fear and how it helps them now. This will help them make connections between both the characters and events in the story. They will read their stories to the class when they are finished.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Lois Brandt

Illustrator: Vin Vogel

Publisher: Flashlight Press

Date: June 1, 2022

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-4th

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Friendship, treat others with kindness

Summary: Sofia and Maddi are friends who have a lot in common, except their fridges. Sofia's fridge is filled with food, but Maddi's isn't. Sofia finds out that Maddi's family doesn't have enough money for food. Sofia decides to bring Maddi food from her house to make sure she had something to eat. She becomes conflicted about whether to tell her parents and help Maddi's family or keep her promise to Maddi and not tell anyone.

Personal Response: I loved this book! I don't think I have ever read a children's book that talked about poverty. I love that Sofia was the one to show kindness toward Maddi and find ways she can help her friend. It is the perfect example of being kind to others no matter what. It can help students find connections in their own lives or gain a new perspective about some struggles that other people experience.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to Health. Students can do a nutrition project and research what foods people need to eat to stay healthy. They can look into the food groups or anything else that interests them. This will expand on the initial topics of the book and help the students make connections on a deeper level.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: September 3, 2013

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: Children's fiction

Theme: Don't be afraid to fail, chase your dreams

Summary: Rosie dreams of being an engineer and is constantly making new inventions and gadgets. However, she is afraid that they will fail, so she keeps them hidden from everyone. During one of her visits, Rosies aunt Rose finds one of her inventions and encourages her to give it a try. After it fails Rosie loses hope in her abilities. Her aunt convinces her to keep trying and to celebrate her failures.

Personal Response: I loved this book. I loved the lesson it teaches kids about not being afraid to fail. I think it is a natural reaction to want to always succeed, but that isn't realistic. I love the idea that you only fail if you give up. Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to science. The students can develop their own invention idea. They will draw a design and describe all of the benefits and features of their inventions. They will create a presentation about how their design would be used or how it would benefit others. They will present their ideas to the class when it is finished.

Source: Storyline Online

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Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: April 12, 2012

Number of Pages: 40

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Autobiography

Theme: One person can make a big difference in someone's life

Summary: Trishia was talented at painting and drawing, but she struggled with reading and writing. All of her teachers gave up on her because of her dyslexia and struggles. She soon gave up on trying to read because she was sure that it was hopeless. One day Mr. Falker had her stay after school to clean the chalk boards. He had her write letters on the board with the wet sponge. He encouraged her to keep trying and to overcome her disability. Trishia ended up becoming a writer and wrote this book about her own experiences.

Personal Response: I love this book! It is so inspiring to see the change that one teacher can have on a student. It made the story even more meaningful after learning that the author was telling her own story. I love this idea of pushing past your obstacles and celebrating your successes. It was really powerful to make connections between Mr. Falker and the kind of educator I want to be.

Curricular Connection: I would connect this book to English. As a class we will do a lesson on dyslexia and gain a deeper understanding of how students may struggle if they have characteristics of dyslexia. This will make the story more meaningful to read after understanding the extent of the challenges. The students will create a KWL chart about dyslexia throughout the activity.

Source: Storyline Online