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Alphabet City             Reading Level: PreK-2nd grade

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Alphabet City             Reading Level: PreK-2nd grade

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Alphabet City by Stephen Johnson is a beautifully illustrated book that incorporates many creative techniques to teach children the alphabet. I feel that this book is a perfect example of creativity due to the fact that it incorporates the letters of the alphabet into our every day world. For example, the letter “E” was shown in this book through an illustration of a street light. In addition to the creativity depicted in this book, you can also find realism. Realism is evident in this book due to the fact that the illustrations look so realistic, but after a more thorough examination, you can see that they are actually simply drawings that use water color pastels. I personally think that this book is intended for kindergarteners in order to associate nouns with specific letters in the alphabet. I would use this book to give my child a fun, creative way to start learning the alphabet. I feel that the fun shapes in this book are very captivating, and it would instantly catch children’s eyes drawing their attention to each individual letter presented. Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 due to the creativity, realism and beautifully illustrated watercolor pictures.
Tennessee Standards:
K.FFL.PWR.3.a Demonstrate knowledge of one-to-one letter sound correspondence by producing the most frequent sound for each consonant.

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Charlotte's Web              Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade

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Charlotte's Web              Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade

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Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White has positively impacted many generations of readers due to its ability to be so relatable to all ages. In the book Charlotte’s Web, the runt of the litter, a pig named Wilbur, is given a chance at life rather than being killed. Throughout this story, readers get to see the beautiful friendship of Wilbur and Charlotte, his barn spider friend, blossom into an indescribable bond. One of the many themes that this book presents is the theme that friendship is the greatest gift you can give to an individual. We see this theme present in Charlotte and Wilbur’s extraordinary bond to one another. Although this book is inconsistent with providing illustrations, the personification given to Wilbur and Charlotte compensates for the lack of pictures. In addition, the vocabulary present in this book is advanced, challenging the reader to acquire more knowledge pertaining to vocabulary. I would rank this book 5 out of 5-stars due to the word choice, and the story-line that demonstrates what true friendship really is.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.VA.7a Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom                  Reading Level: PreK-K

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom                  Reading Level: PreK-K

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin helps readers by not only assisting them in learning their alphabet, but also by helping them fluently read when they are older. For example, the entire book goes through the alphabet twice which will help the children remember these letters through memorization. In addition, by using rhyming phrases and words it helps the readers enunciate each word which will gradually help them become more fluent readers as they mentally grow. This book uses a collage style by demonstrating the artistic element, shape. By overlapping these shapes together, a collage is produced. In addition to this, the colors in this book are anything but dull. Bright, vibrant colors fill these pages, captivating the readers’ attention solely. The cover of the book is completely filled with eye-catching colors, making this book stand out. The colorful illustrations in this book make it attention grabbing, but the ever-present personification additionally makes this book amazing. For example, the author of this book gives human like characteristics such as crying and speaking to the letters climbing up the coconut tree. As a result of the style, medium and educational learning in this book, I feel that it deserves a five-star rating.
Tennessee Standards:
K.FFL.PWR.3.e Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the letters that differ.

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Frog and Toad Together           Reading Level: K-2nd grade

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Frog and Toad Together           Reading Level: K-2nd grade

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Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel was one of my favorite children’s books growing up, so it was a real treat to get to go back and read this book again. I recall as a child absolutely loving the fact that a frog and a toad could talk to one another, so I could let my imagination wander. As an adult reading this, I now understand that this characteristic of the book that I was so fond of is known as personification. This book is also a great reading tool for children because it introduces them to new vocabulary such as “willpower”. The illustrations in this book are detailed, yet dull colors are consistent. I feel that this book makes a great read for children because it not only allows them to use their imagination to its fullest extent, but it also gives a valid example of what a true friendship looks like. Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 due to the literary devices present.
Tennessee Standards:
K.FFL.PWR.3.c Read common high-frequency words by sight.

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Millions of Cats               Reading Level: K-5th grade

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Millions of Cats               Reading Level: K-5th grade

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Despite the absence of color in this book, I feel that the author, Wanda Gág, incorporates numerous details into Millions of Cats that truly grabs the readers’ attention and pulls them into the story. The detailed illustrations provide evident imagery throughout the book. In addition to this, the subtle humorous tone of this book keeps the readers engaged. For example, the readers will more than likely find it funny that the old man wanted to bring home billions and trillions of cats. Additionally, the quarreling of the cats which demonstrates personification is also a humorous aspect of this book. The message to be received from this story also makes this book so extravagant. I feel that the author is trying to get the point across that being the prettiest doesn’t get you that far in life, but being humble and internally beautiful does. This is an important message for children to hear so that they give everyone a chance in life, despite their appearance. I feel that this book should receive a 4 out of 5-star rating due to the humorous tone, evident literary devices, and the overall lesson to be learned.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PWR.3.h Read grade-level decodable text with purpose and understanding.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar             Reading Level: K-1st grade

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar             Reading Level: K-1st grade

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a book that teaches readers a variety of things. For example, this book teaches basic things such as eating healthy, and counting. Furthermore, this book teaches children how to count by visualizing how much the caterpillar ate each day. This book also teaches readers how to eat healthy by showing the caterpillar eating fruits, and then feeling sick after eating unhealthy, carb-infested food. For older readers, this book teaches them about the process of metamorphosis. The drawings in this book also contribute to the readers’ learning. Through the illustrations in this book, we see components of style. For example, personification is evident when the the caterpillar has a face in this book, and also suffers from a stomachache. The pictures in this book are very textured and vibrantly colored. These bright colors help the readers better see the transformation of metamorphosis which promotes universal learning. I feel that this book deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating for the variety of educational components.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PWR.3.h Read grade-level decodable text with purpose and understanding.

Science Standards:
2.LS.1 Use simple graphical representations to show that species have unique and diverse life cycles.

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Where the Wild Things Are                    Reading Level: K-3

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Where the Wild Things Are                    Reading Level: K-3

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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a book that demonstrates creativity exquisitely. Where the Wild Things Are showed creativity through Max’s crazy imagination while still teaching the young reader an important lesson about the concept of creativity. This book used the main character, Max, to set an example for other readers by teaching them to learn how to use imagination through creative thinking. By doing this, this will be beneficial to children’s educational learning in their future school years. For example, children can use creativity in studying techniques, educational games, classroom activities, and creative writing. The images in this book demonstrate “wild things” with sharp teeth, furry hair, and tall, strong bodies which further encourages children’s imagination. Additionally, the author uses personification when describing the “wild things” by giving these creatures the human characteristic of talking. As a result of all of these components, I feel that this book deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PWR.3.e Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into
syllables.

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Owl Moon                     Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade

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Owl Moon                     Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade

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Owl Moon by Jane Yolen demonstrates a very calming tone throughout the entire book, making this book a perfect read right before nap time. Not only is the overall tone of the book calming, but the illustrations also portray a very mellow medium. The neutral colors, watercolor painting, soft edges, and vivid details in this book make the book easier to read and follow along with. In this book, the literary device "onomatopoeia" is present throughout the book, creating a realistic depiction of what this father and daughter are experiencing. I feel that this book should be for middle to late elementary aged children due to the fact that it is longer than most picture books, and it has more difficult words. I feel that this book deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating due to the wonderful illustrations ever-present throughout this book, as well as the advanced literary devices.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.F.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

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One Crazy Summer          Reading Level: 3rd-8th grade

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One Crazy Summer          Reading Level: 3rd-8th grade

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One Crazy Summer written by Rita Williams-Garcia is a book that beautifully demonstrates the importance of equality through a child-appropriate story about the Black Panthers. Three sisters, Delphine, Fern and Vonetta, get the chance to spend a summer with their runaway mother. Frightened, the three girls had no idea what to expect. However, little did they know, their summer was destined for adventure and new experiences. The three sisters spent their summer at a Black Panther summer camp, while their mother invested her own time in the Black Panther’s work to fight for equality. These three sisters leave their summer break feeling more knowledgeable about their mother’s fight for the Black Panthers, and the Black Panthers motives and objectives. Rita Williams-Garcia does a phenomenal job of taking this serious topic and making it child appropriate for all children looking to gain a better understanding on equality. This book presents not only a historical component, but also a beautiful story line that is certain to catch the readers’ attention. Furthermore, this book provides complex vocabulary that will enhance the child’s ability to posses a wider range of words. As a result of this, I would give this book a 5 out of 5-star rating.
Tennessee Standards:
4.FL.PWR.3.a Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication
patterns, and morphology (roots and affixes) to accurately read unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.

Social Studies Standards:
5.24 ( C, E, H, P, T, TCA) Analyze the key people and events of the Civil Rights Movement, including:
 Martin Luther King Jr. and non-violent protests
 Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks
 Brown v. Board of Education and Thurgood Marshall
 Freedom Riders and Diane Nash

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Seven Blind Mice            Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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Seven Blind Mice            Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young does a brilliant job of displaying multiple literary devices to help the readers better comprehend the book. For example, personification is present in the mice when they speak to one another. Additionally, we can see similes present when the white mouse uses “as” when making a comparison. This book also uses colors to capture the readers’ attention and draw them into the book. The black back ground in this book makes the colorful mice standout, putting the attention on them. The materials used to draw the elephants skin and the mice’s fur looks incredibly realistic and textured. By doing this, the illustrator helps the reader better visualize the main idea and point of the book. Out of all of the children’s books I have read, I dislike the storyline of this one most. However, because of the different components of style and textured illustrations, I feel that this book deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PWR.3.b Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.

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Olivia                      Reading Level: 1st-2nd grade

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Olivia                      Reading Level: 1st-2nd grade

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Olivia, by Ian Falconer tells the story of a pig named Olivia, and everything her life entails. I would use this book to relate to life experiences, and how one can work on their individual character development skills. Without graphics in this book, readers would not be able to identify the true meaning of the text. The images in this book are exquisite, and they captive the mind.  This book would make an excellent book for a classroom library for beginning readers. I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 for the lack of theme.
Tennessee Standards:
K.FFL.PWR.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding isolated words and in connected text.

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Each Little Bird that Sings     Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade

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Each Little Bird that Sings     Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade

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In this morbid book, the author, Deborah Wiles highlights death in a child appropriate way. This book is unique due to the fact that it strays from the trend of vibrant, happy children's books, and discusses the concept of death. I believe that for many students can relate to this text if they have endured a hardship. In my classroom, I could utilize this book to teacher character analysis, plot, style, tone, theme and symbols. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because of the realistic components it contains.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.VA.7b Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in-word meanings.

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The One and Only Ivan          Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade

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The One and Only Ivan          Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade

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The One and Only Ivan, by  Katherine Applegate, is an exemplary book that intertwines literary elements with life experiences. The vocabulary introduces students to bigger more complex words while guiding most of the reading through cite words. Socially, this book places an emphasis on feelings of loneliness, friendship, joy, etc. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 due to the overlapping literary components, and exemplary vocabulary.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.VA.7a Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases
based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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Number the Stars                  Reading Level: 4th-8th grade

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Number the Stars                  Reading Level: 4th-8th grade

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In fourth grade, I was assigned this book for a book project, and I instantly dreaded reading it when I found out it pertained to history. However, once I gave this book a chance, I forever felt differently about history. I was invested in chain of events leading up to the Holocaust from that day forward. Since Lois Lowry, the author, designed the little girl in this book to fall under the same age category as the readers, it makes the book more relatable. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because of the historic relevance, and the excellent vocabulary ever-present.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.F.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

Social Studies Standards:
5.21 (C, G, H, P) Analyze the significance of the Holocaust and its impact on the U.S.

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Mr. Monkey Visits a School    Reading Level: K-1st grade

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Mr. Monkey Visits a School    Reading Level: K-1st grade

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Mr. Monkey Visits a School, written  by Jeff Mack uses repetition, and graphics to tell the story of Mr. Monkey preforming a new trick he learned. I was thoroughly impressed with this book due to the presence of imagery, personification, and onomatopoeia. In addition, this book provides readers with in-depth illustrations that assist the reader in deciphering the main idea of the story. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 due to the graphics.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PWR.3.f Read words with inflectional endings.

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Touching Spirit Bear          Reading Level: 5th-9th grade

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Touching Spirit Bear          Reading Level: 5th-9th grade

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In the fifth grade, I read this book and I was absolutely obsessed with the suspense it gave me. I had not truthfully ever enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. This book is about a defiant high schooler who is known to be a trouble maker. After beating up a student at his school, he gets sent to a remote Alaskan Island to abide in the Native American tradition of Circle Justice. Ben Mikaelson, the author, filled this book with complex vocabulary, and an insight to cultural differences. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 due to the cultural components, and the vocabulary.
Tennessee Standards:
5.FL.PWR.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding
isolated words and in connected text.

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The Rainbow Fish               Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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The Rainbow Fish               Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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This book, written by Marcus Pfister, could be implemented in my future classroom through character building. This book tells a beautiful story that reveals components of giving, and friendship. In addition to the meaning behind the book, the graphics in this book are extravagant. They provide the reader with detailed illustrations that make the read more enjoyable. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 due to the lack of complex vocabulary present.
Tennessee Standards:
K.FFL.PWR.3.d Decode regularly spelled CVC words.

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Green Eggs and Ham            Reading Level: K-2nd grade

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Green Eggs and Ham            Reading Level: K-2nd grade

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This book, written by Dr. Seuss is an outstanding book that promotes phonemic awareness and decoding words throughout the story. In this book particularly the - am coding is emphasized through rhyming and repetition. To further elaborate, words such as "ham", "I am", etc. repetitively appear throughout this story. This book is great to help learning readers to differentiate between words, and sounds. This book also contains rhyming words, giving it a poetic feel. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because of the phonemic awareness, rhyming and repetition.
Tennessee Standards:
1.FL.PA.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day                               Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day                               Reading Level: K-3rd grade

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This book, written by Judith Viorst, tells a tale of a boy named Alexander, and a series of unfortunate events he encounters throughout his day. This book contains repetition, an interesting storyline to follow, and a realistic perspective that everyone has a rough day at times. I really enjoyed reading this book as I grew up because I found that as a child, I could relate to it. As a future educator, this book contains complex vocabulary that uses a variety of adjectives. I feel that this book should receive a 5 out of 5 due to the apparent literary devices that enhance students' literacy skills.
Tennessee Standards:
2.FL.PWR.3.e Identify words with inconsistent but common spelling-sound correspondences.

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The Giving Tree                   Reading Level: K-3

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The Giving Tree                   Reading Level: K-3

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This book tells a tenderhearted story about a boy and a giving tree, and the friendship they have. Shel Silverstein, the author of this book, incorporates a hint of sadness. Furthermore, the tree continues to give all it has to a boy who does not reciprocate this action of giving. The overall story of this book is to teach children that it is better to give than to receive. I would use this book in my future classroom library prior to the holiday season to stress the importance of giving to my students, regardless of how small or big the giving is. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because of the overall life lesson this book provided.
Tennessee Standards:
2.FL.PWR.3.g Decode grade-level texts with purpose and understanding.

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