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Book: First Day Jitters

Author: Julia Danneberg

Illustrator: Judy Love

Publication: February 1, 2000

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Grade level: Kindergarten-3rd

Genre: Realistic fiction

Theme: It’s okay to be scared

# of Pages: 32 pages

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book follows little Sarah as she is anxious and scared for her first day of school. Nerves surround her and she doesn’t know what to expect. When she gets to Mrs. Barton’s class, she is reminded that everyone gets first day jitters and that it is okay!

Personal Response: I think this is a great book for the first day of school to read to students to remind them that everyone in some way is feeling similar and that it is okay to be scared but that everything is going to be okay.

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Book: I Am

Author: Zondervan

Illustrator: Judi Abbot

Publication: September 3, 2019

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Grade level: Kindergarten-2nd

Genre: Positive Affirmations

Theme: Being kind to yourself

# of Pages: 20 pages

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: This book talks about being kind to yourself and lists off positive affirmations. This book reminds children of all the good things about themselves and the good that they bring to this world. It talks about the good in everyone, whether they can see it or not. It has great animal illustrations for kids to enjoy.

Personal Response: I think this book is great and that kids need to be encouraged more often and reminded of how valued they are. I think all the animal pictures in this book will really add to kids liking it as well.

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Book: Clifford’s Good Deeds

Author: Norman Bridwell

Illustrator: Norman Bridwell

Publication: September 1, 2007

Publisher: Scholastic Books

Grade level: kindergarten

Genre: Humorous fiction

Theme: The good of helping others

# of Pages: 32 pages

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: Clifford is a big red dog that goes all around the town trying to help people. But everytime he tries to help it seems to be making things worse. He decides to give up and head home. On his way home, he rescues two children from a burning house and then puts out the fire. He is a hero!

Personal Response: I think this is a super cute book and always loved anything related to Clifford. I think this has a great message about the good in helping others, even when it doesn’t always go the way you planned.

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Book: Biscuit

Author: Alyssa Capucilli

Illustrator: Pat Schories

Publication: January 24, 2006

Publisher: HarperCollins

Grade level: Kindergarten

Genre: Realistic fiction

Theme: Challenges of bedtime

# of Pages: 32 pages

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: This is a super cute book about a little puppy named Biscuit as he gets ready for bed. He does not want to go to bed and tries to do whatever he can to slow down the process. He keeps wanting more and more things!

Personal Response: I think this is a very cute and simple book that would be good for very beginner readers to first hear the story read to them many times and eventually practice reading it on their own.

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Book: Nate the Great

Author: Marjorie Sharmat

Illustrator: Marc Simont

Publication: April 15, 1977

Publisher: Yearling

Grade level: 1st-4th

Genre: Mystery

Theme: Solving mysteries with your best friends

# of Pages: 80 pages

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book is about Nate, a young boy who solves mysteries with his dog and friends. They work together to solve whatever situation they are in. This book is a part of a fun series full of all different kinds of mysteries and fun suspense stories.

Personal Response: I enjoyed this book. I think this series in general would be perfect for kids who like mystery or are curious about things. It lets your imagination run as you try to figure out what happened.

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Book: Amelia Bedelia

Author: Peggy Parish

Publication: January 1, 2007

Publisher: Barnes & Nobles Books

Grade level: Kindergarten-1st

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The mishaps of misunderstanding

# of Pages: 40 pages

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book follows along with housekeeper Amelia Bedelia. She does everything she is asked to do by the family, but she takes everything they say literally which leads to some misunderstandings. This is a funny and lighthearted book and helps you see the joy even in mistakes.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book. I think it is fun and would be a good message to kids that they shouldn’t take absolutely everything they hear literally.

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Book: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Author: Bernard Waber

Publication: September 20, 2022

Publisher: Clarion Books

Grade level: Preschool-3rd

Genre: Children’s Book

Theme: Friendship

# of Pages: 48

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: Lyle is a friendly alligator that lives in the city. He is loved by many people and loves them back! His neighbor doesn’t like him and he tries to do everything he can to win them over but it all seems to make it worse. In the end, Lyle is able to show how great he is through his charm and perseverance.

Personal Response: This was a super cute and charming book! It seems very similar to a movie I saw this summer and I am wondering if the movie is based off of the book.

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Book: The Little’s

Author: John Peterson

Illustrator: Roberta Carter Clark

Publication: January 1, 1993

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks

Grade level: 2nd-5th

Genre: General Fiction

Theme: Courage

# of Pages: 80 pages

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: The Little’s live in the walls of the Bigg’s house but the Biggs’ go on vacation. A crazy and messy family comes to stay and make a mess out of the house! The Little’s must do what they can to restore peace and cleanness in the house.

Personal Response: Very fun idea for a book, had never heard of it before but I think kids with their imaginations would really enjoy a fun book like this!

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Book: I’m Going to Give You A Bear Hug!

Author: Caroline B. Cooney

Illustrator: Tim Warnes

Publication: December 27, 2016

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Grade level: Preschool-3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Children’s Storytime

Theme: All different kinds of hugs

# of Pages: 30 pages

Artistic Media: animated pictures

Summary: This book talks about all different kinds of ways to give hugs and how fun it can be! It features all different kinds of ways that kids love to snuggle with the ones they love.

Personal Response: Super cute book that I loved growing up. Perfect for winding kids down for bedtime or relaxing them.

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Book: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publication: October 1, 2018

Publisher: Walker Books

Grade level: Kindergarten-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Responsibility and persuasion

# of Pages: 40

Summary: This book is about a pigeon that really wants to drive the bus. It tries to use any tactics it can to get the bus drivers' opinion to change. The book shows the consequences of disobeying the bus driver's request and letting the pigeon drive the bus.

Personal Response: I think this was a cute book that is a humorous and engaging story. I think it also teaches important lessons of listening when you should, and not taking on way more than you are capable of.

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Book: The Wide-Mouthed Frog

Author: Keith Faulkner

Illustrator: Jonathan Lambert

Publication: March 1, 1996

Publisher: Dial Books

Grade level: Kindergarten

Genre: Pop up picture book

Theme: Learning about others

# of Pages: 16

Artistic Media: pop up drawings

Summary: This book follows along a wide mouth frog who is going around asking other animals questions about them and what they eat. He is curious to learn more about others. He learns from an alligator that he eats frogs. The book is a pop up and has colorful illustrations that show the frogs wide mouth and other animals features.

Personal Response: I think this was a fun book to read. I loved the pop ups and bright colors and I think that it makes the book fun and interactive for young readers.

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Book: How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: Mark Teague

Publication: 2000

Publisher: Scholastic

Grade level: Pre-k-3rd

Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Bedtime

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: digital media

Summary: This book talks about different ways that dinosaurs go to bed and goes through all different kinds of fun and entertaining ways. It shares all different kinds of bad ways dinosaurs go to bed. But the book ends with sharing that dinosaurs go to bed in a kind way and their bedtime routine consists of kisses, hearing stories, and saying goodnight.

Personal Response: I think this book is fun and would get kids' imaginations spinning. It also is a good example to share with kids when discussing their own bedtime routine.

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Book: The Frog and Toad Collection

Author: Arnold Lobel

Illustrator: Arnold Lobel

Publication: 1971

Publisher: Harper & Row

Grade level: Preschool-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship

# of Pages: 64

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book follows the story of two friends with very different personalities that are a toad and a frog. It shows how each character would handle a situation based on their personalities and shows how different friends can be.

Personal Response: I think this book is great for kids to show them that you can be friends with all different types of personalities. It might not always be perfect, but you can learn that you and your friends don’t always need to feel the same about things and deal with situations the same way.

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Book: Green Eggs and Ham

Author: Dr. Suess

Illustrator: Dr. Suess

Publication: August 12, 1960

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Grade level: Kindergarten-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Being open to trying new things

# of Pages: 72

Artistic Media: Drawing

Summary: This book is about a picky eater that insists he does not want to try green eggs and ham. No matter what he is told, he keeps saying no. Finally, at the end of the book he tries the green eggs and ham and realizes he likes them!

Personal Response: I love this book because I am a very picky eater myself and I think it is a great reminder that you first have to try something in order to form your opinion on it. It would be a great book for kids, as many kids are picky eaters as well.

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Book: The Day the Crayons Quit

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publication: 2013

Publisher: Philomel Books

Grade level: Preschool-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: New ways of thinking

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book follows a little boy named Duncan and his box of crayons. The crayons decide to go on strike because they do not like their treatment. Duncan has to figure out how to solve this and get his crayons to work again.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book and a super fun and engaging idea. I feel this would be a book that would really interest students and be fun and imaginative for them. This book also has a nice message about treating other people and things with respect.

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Book: Madeline

Author: Ludwig Bemelmans

Illustrator: Ludwig Bemelmans

Publication: 1967

Publisher: The Viking Press

Grade level: 1st-4th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growing up

# of Pages: 64

Artistic Media: drawing

Summary: This is a super cute book about all these little girls that live at an orphanage in Paris. There is a little girl named Madeline who lives there. She is sick and needs to get her appendix out. The little girls visit her, and Madeline gets better.

Personal Response: I always loved this story growing up. I think it’s a cute story and the pictures really add to the story.

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Book: The Dot

Author: Peter H. Reynolds

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Publication: September 15, 2003

Publisher: Candlewick

Grade level: Kindergarten-4th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Pushing through

# of Pages: 32

Artistic Media: Drawings

Summary: This book is about a little girl that does not like art because she feels that she is not good enough at it. Her teacher encourages her to just try and that she can do it. This encourages her to try and it helps her journey of art and she becomes super creative.

Personal Response: I have never been good at art growing up, but as I go into teaching I will need to remember to not speak like that to students, since it could make them feel negative about their own work. Anyone should be able to enjoy art.

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Book: The Snowy Day

Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats

Publication: 1962

Publisher: Viking Press

Grade level: Kindergarten-1st

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Adventure

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: Drawing

Summary: This book follows a little boy Peter that wakes up and discovers that his whole town is filled with snow! He is so excited and goes all around enjoying it doing all kinds of snow activities.

Personal Response: As someone who loves snow I think this is a super cute book and represents well how exciting it is for kids when it snows. I think this could especially be a great book if you were teaching someone where it snows frequently.

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Book: Corduroy Bear

Author: Don Freeman

Illustrator: Don Freeman

Publication: 1968

Publisher: Viking Press

Grade level: kindergarten-1st

Genre: Fiction

Theme: how far love takes you

# of Pages: 32

Artistic Media: drawing

Summary: This is an adorable book that follows the journey of Corduroy, a small stuffed bear that lives in a store and waits for the day someone will take him home. A little girl wants him, but he is missing a button. Corduroy wants to find his button so that someone will take him home.

Personal Response: This is one of my favorite books of all time. Growing up my parents read it to me all the time, I think that it is a comfort book for many people and highlights that people can find comfort in all sorts of things.

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Book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Author: Beatrix Potter

Narrator: Ryan Auto

Publication: January 27, 2023

Publisher: LibraryCall Storytime

Grade level: Preschool-2nd

Genre: Children’s literature

Theme: the consequences of misbehaving

Length: 5 minute listen

Summary: This is a great story that highlights what can go wrong when you do something you aren’t supposed to. Peter rabbit likes to go into Mr. McGregor’s garden to steal food and is chased by him. He loves to misbehave and cause mischief.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book and it was fun listening to it read aloud as an audiobook. It makes you eager to hear what is going to happen next. I feel this would be a great book to share with a class.

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Book: No, David

Author: David Shannon

Illustrator: David Shannon

Publication: September 1, 1998

Publisher: Scholastic

Grade level: Kindergarten-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: accidents happen

# of Pages: 32

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: This book follows the story of David, a young boy who makes mistakes. He is frequently told no, over and over again. At the end of the book, David is told that no matter what he is always loved and that will never change.

Personal Response: I always found this to be a fun book to read growing up. I think that it is a great reminder that you can make mistakes, and your love isn’t going to be taken away.

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Book: Thank You Mr. Falker

Author: Patricia Polacco

Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Publication: May 4, 1998

Publisher: Philomel Books

Grade level: Kindergarten-5th

Genre: nonfiction

Theme: Pushing through

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: drawing

Summary: This book is about Trisha and the challenges she faces in school and because of her peers. She is struggling with learning but her teacher Mr. Falker believes in her and supports her. She turns a new leaf in her learning all because of someone believing in her.

Personal Response: I absolutely love this book! I think the ending is just perfect the way that you realize it is the author. It has a great message about believing in yourself and how every student learns differently and needs different levels of support.

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Book: Llama llama Red Pajama

Author: Anna Dewdney

Illustrator: Anna Dewdney

Publication: 2005

Publisher: Viking

Grade level: Kindergarten-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growing up

# of Pages: 34

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: This book is a rhyming book that follows the baby llama as he is nervous for bedtime. He worries when his mom goes downstairs and continues calling her back up. It is a very animated book.

Personal Response: I think this book is cute and is very relatable to many kids who also do not like bedtime.

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Book: The Bad Seed

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Publication: August 29, 2017

Publisher: HarperCollins

Grade level: 5th-7th

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Changing for the better

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: drawings

Summary: This book follows a little seed that is upset after falling off of a sunflower seed. He becomes angry and acts out in life and with his bad attitude. He then decides he wants to change, and become a “good” seed.

Personal Response: I think this was a nice book and has a good message about not letting the bad that you go through make you into a bad person. You can always change yourself for the better.

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Book: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Author: Laura Numeroff

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publication: 1985

Publisher: HarperCollins

Grade level: kindergarten

Genre: fiction

Theme: Cause and effect

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: fun drawings and colors

Summary: A kid gives a mouse a cookie and it leads the mouse to wanting more and more. Different things lead the mouse to wanting something else. It circles back around to the mouse wanting a cookie again.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book, very fun and has good messages. It would be a book I would want in my classroom.

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Book: Stuart Little

Author: E.B. White

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Publication: September 1, 2020

Publisher: Harper & Row

Grade level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Realistic Fantasy

Theme: Acceptance and believing in yourself

# of Pages: 131 pages

Artistic Media: Pencil, pen, and ink were used to create the drawings. Sometimes watercolor or washes were added for shading and texture.

Summary: This story follows Stuart Little, a mouse-like boy. Stuart was born to a family in New York City. He befriends a bird named Margalo and they have many adventures and crazy times around the city! This book dives into friendship and finding and accepting yourself.

Personal Response: I loved reading this book! I had loved the movie growing up so I knew I had to read the book. I think that the book has such a great message about finding yourself and being true to yourself. You don’t have to be what people expect in order to be great.

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Book: Ramona Quimby

Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers

Author: Beverly Cleary

Publication: March 17, 2020

Publisher: Harper Collins

Grade level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Realistic fiction

Theme: The challenges of live

# of Pages: 208 pages

Artistic Media: Black and white illustrators that are drawn with pen and ink. The drawings capture the humor and emotions of Ramona and her family.

Summary: This book is about Ramona, a young girl in third grade who is navigating the challenges of life. This book follows her emotions as she deals with a mean kid at school, her dad going back to school, and so much more. The book is entertaining and always has something going on.

Personal Response: I enjoyed this book. I had never heard of it before, but I feel that it’s a book that a lot of students would be able to relate to and connect with the characters. It highlights many emotions that students go through.

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Book: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Author: Brian Selznick

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Publication: January 30, 2017

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Grade level: 4th-6th

Genre: Mystery/Fantasy

Theme: Never stop dreaming

# of Pages: 533 pages

Artistic Media: Some sections of the book are told only through drawings, so the art is used to tell the story.

Summary: This book follows Hugo, an orphan as he works to build mechanics. His uncle is missing and he has to take over changing the clocks in the train station. He uses his fathers journals to try to discover a hidden message. Hugo builds friendships along the way and discovers new things.

Personal Response: I loved this book. Although it is long in length, the pictures really help to tell the story which I think could be very beneficial for students who have a harder time with reading.

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Book: Yours Sincerely, Giraffe

Author: Megumi Iwasa

Illustrator: Jun Takabatake

Publication: March 1, 2017

Publisher: Gecko Press

Grade level: Kindergarten-3rd

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Theme: Finding love in unexpected friendships

# of Pages: 104

Artistic Media: Pen and ink illustrations

Summary: This book follows the journey of two unlikely pen pals, a giraffe and penguin. They send letters back and forth to each other, getting to learn more about each other and build a great friendship.

Personal Response: I loved this book! I thought it was super cute and a fun story. I love the message it has about how friendship doesn’t need to be limited and you can be friends with people however they look or wherever they are from.

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Book: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Author: Dr. Suess

Publication: March 12, 1960

Publisher: RH Children’s Books

Grade level: Kindergarten-2nd

Genre: Poetry

Theme: The joy of exploration and discovery

# of Pages: 63 pages

Artistic Media: Many bright colors!

Summary: This book uses fun rhymes and characters to teach children about all different kinds of things to explore. It follows the characters Jay and Kay and the amazing characters they have as friends and pets.

Personal Response: I think this would be a great book for the younger classrooms because of the fun nature of the book and how it can be a fun read aloud. I also think it teaches a good lesson about being free.

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Book: Green Eggs and Ham

Author: Dr. Suess

Published: August 12, 1960

Number of Pages: 62 pages

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3rd

Genre: fiction

Theme: Adventure and exploration

Artistic Media: the drawings are hand drawn and make the book engaging to get through

Summary: This story follows the characters as Sam-I-Am trys to get his friend to try eating green eggs. He tries all different methods to encourage his friend, but no matter his effort, his friend keeps refusing. Finally, the friend gives in and tries the eggs. The friend ends up loving the eggs!

Personal Response: As a picky eater myself I feel this book is a great reminder of how important it is to try new things and be more open minded. This goes for anything in life that you should be willing to give things and people a chance before making your mind set on something negative. This is definitely a book I want in my future classroom because I think in it’s own silly way it has good messages for kids.

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Book: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Published: January 1, 1964

Number of Pages: 66

Grade Level: Preschool-3rd grade.

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Theme: Giving to others

Artistic Media: The drawings are done in black and white sketches. It is likely that Silverstein used pen and ink.

Summary: This book follows the journey of a tree and a boy who are “best friends”. Growing up the boy sits with the tree and eats its apples. As the boy grows up, he continues to want more and more from the tree. The tree continues to give him what he wants until it has nothing left to give. This book highlights the importance of not getting too greedy and about giving.

Personal Response: I always loved this book growing up! It is absolutely a book I would want to include in my classroom because I think it has important messages. I feel that it highlights how great it can feel to give to others and how that is good but that you have to find a balance and cannot fully pour your entire heart into something or someone in a healthy way.

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Book: Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator:

Published: Random House January 2, 1990

Number of Pages: 48

Grade Level: Kindergarten-1st

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Looking forward to what’s ahead

Artistic Media: Lots of fun vibrant pages

Summary: This book follows a character's journey as they go all around seeing new places and going through all different challenges and emotions. It follows along all of the ups and downs and is a great example of how life will constantly change.

Personal Response: I personally loved reading this book. I grew up reading all different types of Dr. Seuss books and love how creative they are. I think that this book does a great job highlighting how life is always evolving, and how exciting the future can be.

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Book: The Rainbow Fish

Author: Marcus Phister

Illustrator: Marcus Phister

Published: January 1, 1992

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Kindergarten-2nd

Genre: Fiction

Theme: The power of sharing

Artistic Media: Scales and paintings

Summary: This book follows the journey of the most beautiful fish in the sea. He isn’t kind to the other fish and doesn’t have any friends. He decides he wants to change and starts sharing his pretty colorful scales with the other fish. He soon gets rid of all of his scales but makes friends and feels great. The fish learns the importance of sharing.

Personal Response: I personally love this book! It was one of my favorites growing up and I loved getting to read it again. I think that this book does a great job of highlighting the importance of sharing and how important it is to be kind and how much more important inside beauty is than outside.

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Book: The Thing About Jellyfish

Author: Ali Benjamin

Illustrator: Terry and Eric Fan

Published: September 22, 2015

Number of Pages: 352

Grade Level: 10-12 year olds

Genre: Children’s Novel

Theme: Grief

Artistic Media: Drawing

Summary: This book follows the journey of a girl named Suzy who’s best friend died in a drowning accident. Suzy refuses to believe that it was possible, and feels something else must have happened. This book follows her journey through grief and coming to terms with her best friend's death.

Personal Response: I think this book does a good job of highlighting some ways grief may affect someone. Grief is different for everyone and that is an important lesson to be able to teach kids so that they are able to understand. I would recommend this book to others.

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Book: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Author: Verna Aardema

Illustrator: Leo and Diana Dillon

Date: January 1, 1975

Genre: Folktales

Grade Level: Ages 5-7

Number of Pages: 32

Theme: The importance of not telling lies

Summary: This book talks about all different types of animals interacting with each other. There was a misunderstanding between the animals about what had happened. The owl's son died and the mother owl would not wake the sun so that the day would start. Everyone is blaming each other, saying someone did something wrong to cause concern which lead to the death. The iguana states that the mosquito said such a bad lie in his ear that he couldn’t bear to listen anymore. The mosquito was found to be guilty and from then on had to buzz.

Personal Response: This book was very cute and fun to follow. It talks about a wide variety of animals which would make the story interesting for many children. It also was easy to follow along with and see multiple perspectives to the story. I like how you know why an animal did what it did, but the other animals do not so you are seeing them wonder what happened. What I liked about this book was that it shows kids the importance of telling the truth before it becomes a problem. I was also able to learn more about West African culture through the books' writing and illustrations.

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Book: New Kid

Author: Jerry Craft

Illustrator: Jerry Craft

Published: Quill Tree Books, February 5, 2019.

Number of Pages: 256 pages

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Graphic Novel

Theme: Finding yourself

Artistic Media: This book had all different kinds of pictures and drawings all over the pages. Since it is a graphic novel, the story involves pictures and word bubbles to tell the story. It makes it very engaging to read.

Summary: This book followed the story of a boy named Jordan as he starts his journey at a new school. He deals with being in a whole new place, surrounded by all new people. He deals with being stereotyped and struggles to find himself and figure out his identity. He works to discover who he is and decide how he wants to live his life.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book. It does a great job of relating to students who struggle with figuring out their identity and who they want to be. It also does a great job of portraying how negative stereotypes are and how important it is to not be that way.

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Book: Baseball Saved Us

Author:  Ken Mochizuki

Illustrator: Dom Lee

Published: March 1, 1993

Number of Pages: 32

Grade Level: Kindergarten-3rd grade

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Finding happiness in the toughest of times

Artistic Media: The illustrations showed out some of what was happening in the book and allowed you to be able to better understand and picture the scenes playing out. The illustrations were made through applying beeswax on paper and then scratching out the images then adding oil paint for color.

Summary: This book followed along the journey of a boy nicknamed Shorty and his dad as they dealt with life living in an internment camp. They decided to start playing baseball to lift up morale and bring everyone together. Shorty hits a home run to win for the team and everyone celebrates. When they get out of the internment camp Shorty once again is dealing with bullying from peers and continues to play baseball. He once again hits a home run and his whole team celebrates him.

Personal Response: I think that this book has a great message of showing the importance of finding the good no matter how bad of a situation you are in. They were put in a situation where it would be near impossible to find any happiness and instead they found ways to bring joy to their lives and those around them. Overall, I thought this book had a lot of nice messages and encouragement in it.

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Book: The One and Only Ivan

Author: Katherine Applegate

Published: Scholastic (January 1, 2015)

Number of Pages: 319 pages

Grade Level: ages 8-10

Genre: young adult/realistic fiction

Theme: believing in the future being better

Summary: This book follows the story of Ivan the gorilla and is narrated by him. It follows along his journey of being moved around, being held captive, highlights the friendships that he forms with other animals, and eventually him getting the freedom that he deserves. It shines light into animals being held in captivity and the negative effects.

Personal Response: I love this book and how it is narrated from the point of view of an animal. I feel like that is not seen normally and books and that it really adds to the story. I grew up loving this story and really enjoyed getting the chance to read it again.

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Book: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Published: February 14, 2012

Number of Pages: 100

Age: 9-11 year olds

Genre: Fiction, young adult

Theme: Celebrate your differences

Summary: This book follows the journey of a young boy who grows up looking differently than other kids. It follows his journey transitioning into a school and making friends and also having challenges along the way. It shows how he has challenges with feeling normal and making new friends and dealing with bullies along the way. It goes on to show the amazing friendships and memories he makes.

Personal Response: I absolutely recommend this book. It conveys emotions so well and is definitely a little more advanced than some other books. I remember reading this book altogether as a class and I think that was a great way to go about it. It does a great job of showcasing how great life can be when you put yourself out there and also are kind to those around you who may be different than you.

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Book: The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark

Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Illustrator: Sal Murdocca

Published: July 28, 1992

Number of Pages: 80

Grade Level: 2nd-4th

Genre: Fantasy, Children’s, Fiction

Theme: Working together to solve problems

Artistic Media: Super fun images and really lets your mind be creative

Summary: This book follows two siblings who go into their tree house and end up in a dinosaur world. They have to work together to get out of this world and back into their tree house before time is up and they are stuck there forever.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book especially for children with very creative imaginations. I loved these books growing up because it allows you to think of yourself in a whole new world and experience. This series of books are definitely books I want to include in my future books.

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Book: Mufaso’s Beautiful Daughters

Author: John Steptoe

Illustrator: John Steptoe

Published: September 11, 2000.

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Grade Level: 3-9 years old

Genre: Cinderella

Theme: The Benefit of Choosing Kindness

Summary: Two daughters learn that the prince is looking for a wife. One daughter is rude on her journey and does not help anyone that she passes. The other daughter is kind to everyone on her journey and it pays off. It turns out that the prince was pretending to be all of the people and animals that she passed along the way. Because of her kindness, they ended up together.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the twist of the Cinderella story. I also like the message it highlighted of being kind no matter who someone is. It shows in the end, kindness wins. This would definitely be a book I would want to read in my classroom.

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Title: El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: Cece Bell and David Lasky

Date: September 2, 2014

Published: Amulet Books

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Celebrating being different

Grades: 3rd-6th

Number of Pages: 248

Artistic Media: colorful pictures that show the characters emotions

Summary: El Deafo highlights the struggles and challenges of being deaf and what you experience on a daily basis. It shows the character learning to navigate the world without hearing, and depicts how she feels about everything. It shows her growth, her lows, and everyday experiences.

Personal Response: I think El Deafo was very well written and would be great to share with your classroom to teach inclusively and teach students about deafness. A connection I had to this book was from when I took American Sign Language in high school. My teacher was deaf, but he could lip read really well which was helpful in us being able to communicate with him when we were first starting off the class and didn’t know any sign language at all. I think the way it was written made you connect emotionally with the character and feel like you personally were following along with her journey with adapting to being deaf. This book does a great job at highlighting struggles deaf people go through and can help you to be more understanding.

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Book: Goodnight Moon

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrator: Clement Hurd

Published: September 3, 1947

Number of Pages: 36

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Theme: Rhyming poem

Artistic Media: fun drawings all over

Summary: This book is about a little bunny getting ready for bed and saying goodnight to everything around it. It says goodnight to all these different objects, and it says goodnight to the moon. It is a good winding down for bed story.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book that is fun for all ages. I love the rhyming aspect of the book. I think this book reminds you of what it is like to be young and going to bed.

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Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Published: June 3, 1969

Grade Level: Preschool-1st grade

Genre: Children's picture book

Theme: The beauty in growing up

Artistic Media: Super colorful, fun colors that go all around the page. Makes the book super engaging to look at.

Summary: This book follows the journey of a caterpillar as it becomes a butterfly. The caterpillar eats and eats and slowly begins to change. It shows the stages it goes through and how beautiful it becomes at the end.

Personal Response: I think this is a great children’s book and fun to read at any age. I loved this book so much growing up and it will definitely be a book I want to include in my future classroom in some kind of way.

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Book: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Author: Jon Scieszka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Published: October 1, 1989

Number of Pages: 32

Age Level: 3-7 years old

Genre: Picture Books

Theme: The importance of hearing different sides of stories

Artistic Media: fun drawings, and vibrant colors

Summary: The story The True Story of the Three Little Pigs talks from the perspective of the wolf about how the incidents happen. It depicts what happens in the classic story, The Three Little Pigs, but from the wolf's perspective and it changes the narrative of all of the events. The wolf goes to all the pigs houses wanting to make a treat for his grandma but is unsuccessful in getting their help, and it ends with him eating them.

Personal Response: I think that this book did a great job of taking a classic story and adding so much more to it. It gave another perspective and it was fun and creative. I think it also would be a good book to read to children to teach them that stories are different based on who’s telling the story and it’s important to use your own knowledge and feelings to determine what you believe to be true.

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Book: What A Wonderful Word

Author: Nicola Edwards

Illustration by: Lusia Uribe

Genre: non-fiction

Grade: 10-12

Theme: Every language is beautiful.

Release Date: January 2018

Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers

Length: 58 Pages

Artistic Media: very colorful, creative, pictures, and full of beauty

Summary: This book dives into how to view words from all different kinds of languages and how each one is different and beautiful. It shows all different types of people and languages. It allows you to learn new words and the translations of words.

Type of Literature: Global

Personal Response: I think this was a great book because it highlights the importance that every language is its own and that every one is beautiful in its own way. I think it would be a great book for helping kids understand that there really are so many different languages out there and so many different people who you can learn and grow from.

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Book: Be Your Own Best Friend Forever

Author: Gary Robinson

Illustrator: Gary Robinson

Publisher:

Date: April 27, 2021

Number of Pages: 40

Age Level: 9-12 years old

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: The importance of self love

Artistic Media: bright illustrations, follows the journey of the girl

Summary: This book shows a girl struggling to love herself. She goes on a journey of learning the importance of self love and being there for herself. She learns that the most important person she can care about is herself. This book shows the struggles of daily life and the journey to loving yourself.

Personal Response: I feel that everyone can connect with this book because throughout your life you are going to be treated in not kind ways, or hear things you don’t like. I think that this book is a quality piece of children’s literature because it teaches children an important lesson. You cannot rely on others for your own happiness. It discusses that you shouldn’t let people treat you wrong which is important for children to really grasp.

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Book: We Believe in You

Author: Beth Ferry

Illustrated By: Molly Idle

Publisher: Roaring Brook press

Date: October 27, 2020

Length: 32 pages

For Ages: 3-6 year old

Theme: How beneficial believing in yourself is.

Artistic Media: Picture book, cartoon drawing. The artistic media that was used was that it was a picture book that had cartoon drawings. The pictures make it bright and vibrant and more engaging to follow along with.

Summary: This was a heartful book that dived into inspiring others through your beliefs. It describes the importance of letting kids have their beliefs and ideas and be able to share them. It talked about different beliefs people may have and about being in support of that. It was an engaging book to listen to and was made to be a fun listen.

Personal Response: I think that the connection students could make with this book is the importance of believing in yourself and your beliefs. I feel it would be a very beneficial book to share in the classroom because of the important message that it shares.

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Book: Room for Everyone

Author: Naaz Khan

Illustrations: Mercè López

Publication: November 9, 2021

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Grade level: 1st - 3rd

Genre: Poetry

Theme: Include everybody, everyone is welcome

# of Pages: 40

Artistic Media: Very colorful and fun pictures that depict the characters joining their journey and makes it fun to follow along.

Summary: This book is about a boy who is headed to the beach with his dad. On their way there, they continue driving and seeing people who are carrying an item and need a ride. The dad continues to offer everyone a ride and the kid keeps worrying about their being enough room. The dad continues to assure that there's room for everyone. They make their way to the beach, and a whole collection of people, animals, all sorts of objects unload at the beach and enjoy their day.

Personal Response: I think this book was fun and easy to read. I think it would be a great book to include when teaching students about the importance of being inclusive and how beneficial it can be to be open to all people.