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Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Publication Date: 2019

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Humor, Self-Improvement

Themes: Perfectionism, Self-acceptance, Humor

Plot Summary: A good egg in a carton of bad eggs tries to be perfect but eventually learns it’s okay to not always be perfect.

Personal Response: A fun, charming story that teaches kids the importance of being themselves and not trying to be perfect all the time.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

Publication Date: 2018

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Inspirational

Themes: Self-love, Confidence, Diversity

Plot Summary: This empowering book encourages young children to embrace who they are, with a focus on self-acceptance and the value of differences.

Personal Response: A beautifully written and illustrated book that promotes confidence and kindness.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Matt de la Peña

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publication Date: 2015

Grade Level: PreK–3

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Community, Diversity, Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

Plot Summary: CJ and his grandmother take a bus ride across town, where CJ learns to see beauty in the world around him and the people they encounter.

Personal Response: A heartfelt story with vibrant illustrations that teach lessons about community and perspective.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Mark Twain

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 1876

Grade Level: 4–6

Genre: Classic, Adventure

Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Childhood

Plot Summary: Tom Sawyer embarks on adventures, including treasure hunts and mischief, along the Mississippi River.

Personal Response: A timeless classic about the joys and challenges of childhood.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Jeanne DuPrau

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 2003

Grade Level: 4–6

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

Themes: Survival, Problem Solving, Hope

Plot Summary: Two children, Lina and Doon, work together to uncover the secret of their dying underground city.

Personal Response: An engaging and thought-provoking story about survival and hope.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 1962

Grade Level: 4–6

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Themes: Good vs. Evil, Family, Courage

Plot Summary: Meg Murry and her friends travel through space and time to rescue her father and fight an evil force.

Personal Response: A classic tale that blends science fiction and adventure with timeless themes of love and courage.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)

Illustrator: Brett Helquist

Publication Date: 1999

Grade Level: 4–6

Genre: Mystery, Dark Humor

Themes: Tragedy, Family, Resilience

Plot Summary: The Baudelaire orphans try to outwit their evil guardian, Count Olaf, while uncovering dark secrets.

Personal Response: Darkly funny and thrilling, perfect for readers who enjoy quirky mysteries.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Cressida Cowell

Illustrator: Cressida Cowell

Publication Date: 2003

Grade Level: 3–5

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Themes: Courage, Friendship, Adventure

Plot Summary: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III must train a dragon in a world where dragons are a threat.

Personal Response: A fun, adventurous series with memorable characters.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Judy Blume

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 1970s

Grade Level: 3–5

Genre: Humor

Themes: Family, Sibling Relationships

Plot Summary: Follows the misadventures of Peter Hatcher and his mischievous younger brother, Fudge.

Personal Response: Hilarious, relatable family drama with lovable characters.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Rick Riordan

Illustrator: John Rocco

Publication Date: 2005

Grade Level: 4–7

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology

Themes: Friendship, Courage, Greek Mythology

Plot Summary: Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on quests with his friends to stop ancient prophecies from coming true.

Personal Response: A fun series that mixes Greek mythology with modern-day adventures.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Percy Jackson & the Olympians (series)

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Author: B.B. Alston

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 2021

Grade Level: 4–6

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

Themes: Magic, Friendship, Courage

Plot Summary: Amari joins a secret organization for magical children and unravels the mystery of her brother’s disappearance.

Personal Response: A thrilling and fast-paced adventure that blends magic with mystery.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Astrid Lindgren

Illustrator: Ingrid Vang Nyman

Publication Date: 1945

Grade Level: 3–5

Genre: Classic, Humor

Themes: Individuality, Fun, Adventure

Plot Summary: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, strong, and free-spirited girl who has amazing adventures with her friends.

Personal Response: Pippi is a lovable character who teaches kids to embrace their uniqueness.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner

Illustrator: Hodges Soileau

Publication Date: 1924

Grade Level: 2–4

Genre: Mystery, Adventure

Themes: Family, Mystery, Problem Solving

Plot Summary: Four orphaned children create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar while solving mysteries.

Personal Response: A fun, classic series that introduces kids to mystery and adventure.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Jeanne Birdsall

Illustrator: Susan Blumenberg

Publication Date: 2005

Grade Level: 3–6

Genre: Family, Adventure

Themes: Family, Friendship, Adventure

Plot Summary: Four sisters have a memorable summer full of adventures and mishaps at a beautiful estate.

Personal Response: A charming and heartwarming series with lovable characters.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Kenneth Grahame

Illustrator: E.H. Shepard

Publication Date: 1908

Grade Level: 2–4

Genre: Classic, Adventure

Themes: Friendship, Adventure, Nature

Plot Summary: Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad have exciting adventures along the riverbank.

Personal Response: A delightful and timeless adventure about friendship.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Lynne Cherry

Illustrator: Lynne Cherry

Publication Date: 1990

Grade Level: 1–3

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Nature, Conservation, Animals

Plot Summary: A man falls asleep beneath a giant tree, and the animals of the rainforest explain why it should not be cut down.

Personal Response: A beautiful story that teaches about conservation and environmentalism.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Yangsook Choi

Illustrator: Yangsook Choi

Publication Date: 2001

Grade Level: 1–3

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Identity, Friendship, Acceptance

Plot Summary: A girl from Korea struggles with her name in her new American school, but ultimately embraces it.

Personal Response: A wonderful story about self-identity and cultural acceptance.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Watty Piper

Illustrator: Loren Long (modern edition)

Publication Date: 1930

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Determination, Positivity, Perseverance

Plot Summary: A small blue engine pulls a heavy train over a mountain, saying “I think I can.”

Personal Response: A timeless tale of persistence and self-belief.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Publication Date: 1999

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Self-Confidence, Individuality, Acceptance

Plot Summary: Gerald the giraffe struggles with dancing but learns to embrace his unique style.

Personal Response: A cheerful, uplifting story about accepting yourself.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publication Date: 2004

Grade Level: Pre-K–1

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Sharing, Friendship, Greed

Plot Summary: The pigeon encounters a duckling who wants to share his hot dog, leading to a humorous argument.

Personal Response: Hilarious and perfect for younger readers to explore sharing.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Stan & Jan Berenstain

Illustrator: Stan & Jan Berenstain

Publication Date: 1962

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book, Family

Themes: Family, Lessons, Growing Up

Plot Summary: Follow the Bear family as they navigate everyday challenges with humor and love.

Personal Response: Classic, timeless stories about family and learning life lessons.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publication Date: 2016

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Curiosity, Science, Problem Solving

Plot Summary: Ada is a curious girl who asks big questions and explores the world scientifically.

Personal Response: Inspires young minds to embrace curiosity and scientific thinking.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Trudy Ludwig

Illustrator: Patrice Barton

Publication Date: 2013

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Friendship, Inclusion, Empathy

Plot Summary: A shy boy feels invisible at school, but one new friend helps him find his place.

Personal Response: A wonderful story about kindness and understanding others.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Eric Litwin

Illustrator: James Dean

Publication Date: 2010

Grade Level: Pre-K–1

Genre: Picture Book, Musical

Themes: Positivity, Acceptance, Change

Plot Summary: Pete the Cat loves his new white shoes, but when they get dirty, he learns to go with the flow.

Personal Response: Fun and upbeat; great for teaching resilience.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: John Schoenherr

Publication Date: 1987

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Nature, Patience, Family Bonding

Plot Summary: A father and daughter go owling on a winter night, experiencing the quiet beauty of nature.

Personal Response: A serene and poetic tale that captures a special parent-child moment.

Source:

Wikipedia

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Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Publication Date: March 23, 1999

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book, Fantasy

Themes: Cleverness, Bravery, Imagination

Plot Summary: A clever mouse invents a creature called the Gruffalo to scare off predators, only to encounter the real Gruffalo.

Personal Response: A delightful and witty story with engaging rhymes.

Source:

Wikipedia

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Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Not specified

Publication Date: 2025

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book

Themes: Growth, Family

Plot Summary: A bear and a gosling share a charming tale about growth and family.

Personal Response: Heartwarming story with delightful characters.

Source:

The Guardian

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Author: Judy Schachner

Illustrator: Judy Schachner

Publication Date: 2003

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Picture Book, Humor

Themes: Identity, Imagination, Adventure

Plot Summary: A Siamese cat imagines himself as a sword-fighting Chihuahua.

Personal Response: Energetic and fun; encourages imaginative play.

Source: The Guardian

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Author: Crockett Johnson

Illustrator: Crockett Johnson

Publication Date: 1955

Grade Level: Pre-K–2

Genre: Picture Book, Fantasy

Themes: Creativity, Imagination, Problem-Solving

Plot Summary: Harold uses his purple crayon to draw his own adventurous world.

Personal Response: Inspires creativity; a delightful journey of imagination.

Source:

The Guardian

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Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publication Date: March 12, 1957

Grade Level: K–2

Genre: Early Reader, Rhyming Fiction

Themes: Imagination, Mischief, Responsibility

Plot Summary: A mischievous cat turns a rainy day into chaos for two children, but cleans up before their mother returns.

Personal Response: Fun and engaging; a classic that makes reading enjoyable.

Source:

Wikipedia

​

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Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Illustrator: none

Publication Date: 2000

Grade Level: 4-6

Genre: Historical Fiction

Themes: Perseverance, Immigration, Family

Plot Summary: A wealthy Mexican girl’s life changes drastically when she and her mother move to a U.S. labor camp during the Great Depression.

Personal Response: A beautifully written story about strength and resilience.

Source: Scholastic

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Author: S.E. Hinton

Illustrator: None

Publication Date: 1967

Grade Level: 7-8

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Social Class, Friendship, Identity

Plot Summary: Two rival teen groups, the Socs and the Greasers, struggle with identity, violence, and belonging.

Personal Response: A compelling story about growing up and finding where you belong.

Source: Viking Press

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Author: Roald Dahl

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publication Date: 1988

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Fantasy

Themes: Intelligence, Justice, Courage

Plot Summary: A brilliant young girl with neglectful parents discovers she has telekinetic powers.

Personal Response: An empowering story that evokes emotions towards the characters.

Source: Jonathan Cape

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Author: Maurice Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publication Date: 1963

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Fantasy

Themes: Imagination, Emotions, Adventure

Plot Summary: Max, a mischievous boy, sails to an island of wild creatures who make him their king.

Personal Response: A classic that captures the power of imagination and emotions.

Source: Harper & Row

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Author: Anna Dewdney

Illustrator: Anna Dewdney

Publication Date: 2005

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Bedtime, Patience, Family

Plot Summary: A young llama is anxious when his mother leaves him alone at bedtime.

Personal Response: A relatable bedtime story that helps children deal with separation anxiety.

Source: Viking Books

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Author: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrator: None (Novel)

Publication Date: 2000

Grade Level: 3-5

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Friendship, Family, Overcoming Hardship

Plot Summary: A lonely girl befriends a stray dog named Winn-Dixie, bringing joy to her life and community.

Personal Response: This heartwarming book teaches the power of kindness and connection.

Source: Candlewick Press

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Author: Laura Numeroff

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publication Date: 1985

Grade Level: PreK-1

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Cause and Effect, Fun

Plot Summary: A mouse asks for a cookie, and one thing leads to another in a fun chain of events.

Personal Response: A delightful, repetitive story that’s perfect for young readers.

Source: Harper & Row

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Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Publication Date: 1964

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Selflessness, Generosity, Love

Plot Summary: A tree gives everything it has to a boy throughout his life, showing unconditional love and selflessness.

Personal Response: A heart-wrenching story that evokes emotion

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Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publication Date: 1960

Grade Level: PreK-2

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Trying New Things, Friendship

Plot Summary: Sam-I-Am persuades a grumpy character to try green eggs and ham, teaching him the value of trying new things.

Personal Response: The playful language and the story’s message about being open to new experiences make this one of my favorites.

Source: Random House

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Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Illustrator: Sal Murdocca

Publication Date: 1992

Grade Level: 2-4

Genre: Historical Fiction

Themes: Adventure, History, Learning

Plot Summary: Siblings Jack and Annie travel through time on various adventures, learning about history and solving mysteries along the way.

Personal Response: Fun and educational, these books are a great way to introduce kids to different historical periods.

Source: Random House

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I created a simple journey map with drawings and emojis to represent the key events in Ivan’s journey. This book's powerful message encompasses many themes, such as friendship and kindness, which are great messages for young readers. The book is also excellent for teaching about character development, empathy, and art as a form of expression, which is a relatable topic. The journey map is a great tool for helping students visually track a character’s growth.

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This drawing captures how baseball serves as an escape for the boy during his internment in the camp. The bright baseball represents hope and freedom. Running the bases reflects how sports allow the boy to feel free and alive, even while experiencing hardships.

Connections: This book deeply resonated with me because it portrays how sports, like baseball, can bring hope and escape in even the darkest of times. It made me think about how personal experiences with sports can help individuals get through difficult circumstances.

The boy's discovery of strength and resilience in a simple game of baseball struck me, despite the harsh conditions of the internment camp. It shows how moments of joy and freedom can be found, even in confinement.

Questions: Could this story apply to other forms of escape, like art or music?

Effectiveness: This activity is highly effective in helping students connect visually with the themes of the book. By drawing the baseball field, students can symbolize the core themes of hope, freedom, and resilience. It’s also a great opportunity for them to express their creativity while deeply engaging with the text.

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Author: Lois Lowry

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 1993

Grade Level: 6-9

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction

Themes: Memory, freedom, individuality, control

Plot Summary: In a society where emotions and memories are suppressed, Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories, learning about the truth of the world and the cost of living without pain or choice.

Personal Response: The book is thought-provoking, asking important questions about freedom and the role of memory in our lives.

Curricular Connection: Great for discussing dystopian themes, personal freedom, and the importance of memories.

Source: The Giver on Goodreads

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Author: Natalie Babbitt

Illustrator: N/A

Publication Date: 1975

Grade Level: 4-7

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Theme: Immortality, life and death, choices

Plot Summary: Winnie Foster meets the Tuck family, who are immortal after drinking from a magical spring. She must decide whether to live forever or let nature take its course.

Personal Response: The book’s themes about life, death, and the consequences of immortality are thought-provoking and impactful.

Curricular Connection: This story is great for discussing philosophical questions about life and death, as well as the importance of choices.

Source: Tuck Everlasting on Goodreads

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Author: Katherine Paterson

Illustrator: Donna Diamond (cover art)

Publication Date: 1977

Grade Level: 4-7

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Friendship, loss, imagination, growing up

Plot Summary: Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. When tragedy strikes, Jess must learn how to cope with loss.

Personal Response: This is a deeply emotional story about the power of friendship and the painful process of growing up. It’s a beautiful reminder of how our loved ones shape who we are.

Curricular Connection: Can be used to explore themes of friendship, grief, and the importance of imagination.

Source: Bridge to Terabithia on Goodreads

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Author: L. Frank Baum

Illustrator: W.W. Denslow

Publication Date: 1900

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Themes: Friendship, self-discovery, home

Plot Summary: Dorothy is swept away to the magical land of Oz, where she meets new friends and faces challenges to return home, learning along how what she needs is already within her.

Personal Response: The idea that home and happiness come from within is a powerful message.

Curricular Connection: Great for exploring themes of home, friendship, and self-discovery.

Source: The Wizard of Oz on Goodreads

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Author: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering

Publication Date: 2003

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Themes: Courage, forgiveness, redemption

Plot Summary: Despereaux, a small mouse with big ears, embarks on a daring adventure to rescue a princess, learning about bravery and redemption along the way.

Personal Response: The story of Despereaux is heartwarming, showing how small acts of bravery can lead to great change.

Curricular Connection: This book can help explore themes of courage, redemption, and the importance of doing what’s right.

Source: The Tale of Despereaux on Goodreads

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Author: C.S. Lewis

Illustrator: Pauline Baynes

Publication Date: 1950

Grade Level: 4-7

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Theme: Good vs. evil, bravery, sacrifice, hope

Plot Summary: Four siblings discover a magical world called Narnia, where they must help Aslan, the lion, defeat the White Witch and bring peace to the land.

Personal Response: The world of Narnia is magical, and the themes of bravery and redemption are powerful.

Curricular Connection: A great text for discussing themes of courage, good vs. evil, and the power of choice.

Source: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on Goodreads

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Author: Roald Dahl

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publication Date: 1982

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Themes: Friendship, bravery, standing up for what's right, kindness

Plot Summary: A young orphan named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and helps him stop the other, much bigger and meaner giants from eating children.

Personal Response: The BFG is a mix of humor and fantasy, with an overall message of kindness and courage.

Curricular Connection: Can be used to explore themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of words (the BFG’s funny language).

Source: The BFG on Goodreads

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Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: Cece Bell

Publication Date: 2014

Grade Level: 3-7

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir

Themes: Disability, friendship, self-acceptance, growing up

Plot Summary: Cece Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel follows her experience growing up deaf and using a hearing aid as she navigates friendships and school life.

Personal Response: I appreciate how the book highlights both the challenges and the relatable moments of growing up with a disability.

Curricular Connection: This is great for discussing themes of empathy, diversity, and overcoming challenges.

Source: El Deafo on Goodreads

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Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Publication Date: 1935

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Pioneer life, family, adventure, resilience

Plot Summary: Follows the Ingalls family’s journey and life on the American frontier, showing their challenges and their close-knit family bond.

Personal Response: The sense of adventure and family is strong in this series. It shows insight into life on the prairie, highlighting both hardships and joy.

Curricular Connection: Can be used to explore pioneer history and family dynamics.

Source: Little House on the Prairie on Goodreads

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Author: E.B. White

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Publication Date: 1952

Grade Level: 2-5

Genre: Classic, Animal Fiction

Themes: Friendship, loyalty, life and death, sacrifice

Plot Summary: The story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with Charlotte, a wise and kind spider who saves his life.

Personal Response: This book is timeless and classic. The friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Curricular Connection: Great for discussing themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the natural world.

Source: Charlotte’s Web on Goodreads