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“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story'' by Kevin Noble

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“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story'' by Kevin Noble

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Summary- This book's story connects fry bread to Native American culture, mostly through its illustrations. The illustrations of the book depict a community coming together, through the making of fry bread. When the characters of the book embrace their culture’s tradition of making fry bread, they see a union of friends and family and are able to watch a community form.

Importance- This story is important to children's literature because it not only shows the importance of community, but the importance of embracing culture. This is important in helping children learn how to create a community and find a sense of belonging.

Theme- This story follows the theme of family/belonging because it shows how little things, like a simple tradition, can bring together a community. There is so much joy that is shared when the community comes together, which shows how important these connections are.

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Summary- This book is about a well-known witch, Strega Nona, who hires a man named Big Anthony to help around the house and property. As part of the deal, Big Anthony lives in her house and is fed by her. Strega Nona emphasizes her one rule which is to never touch her pasta pot. Big Anthony ends up breaking this one rule and uses the pasta pot when Strega Nona is out of town. After showing off the pot to the whole town, Anthony goes to make it stop, but unfortunately, he did not do the spell properly. Strega Nona walks into the pot overflowing. To punish Big Anthony, Strega Nona has him eat all the pasta.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because it teaches children a valuable lesson of being aware of their actions and being cautious of their action's consequences. I feel like many children act without thinking, so this is an important lesson for them to learn.

Theme- This story relates to the idea that there are consequences to our actions because Anthony faces a huge consequence. Anthony ignores instruction and breaks Strega Nona's one rule, causing him to be punished for his actions.

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“Sylvester and the Magic Pebble” by William Steig

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“Sylvester and the Magic Pebble” by William Steig

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Summary- This book is about a donkey, named Sylvester, that finds a magic pebble, which grants any wish you make. Sylvester came up with many wishes when suddenly he ran into a lion. Scared, Sylvester wishes he were a rock, and then turns into one. The story shows the emotions Sylvester and his parents face during the months Sylvester is missing. This story is filled with many emotions and hopelessness from both Sylvester and his parents.

Importance- This book teaches the important lesson of being "careful about what you wish for". As a child, I remember all the times I wished for something I didn't genuinely want. Many kids experience this and can learn from this lesson.

Theme- This story relates to the idea that there are consequences for your actions because Sylvester takes advantage of his magic pebble and ends up facing the consequence of turning into a rock.

*Top 5

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“If You Take Away the Otter'' by Susannah Buhrman-Deever

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“If You Take Away the Otter'' by Susannah Buhrman-Deever

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Summary- This book is about the hunting of sea otters. The story shows that when sea otters are killed, sea urchins, which the otters eat, will populate rapidly, and destroy kelp forests, killing off other species. By the time laws were put in place, the sea otter population was able to revive, and everything went back to normal.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because it teaches readers about how heavily our actions impact our ecosystem. Protecting our ecosystem is extremely important and many children don't understand how one little action can impact a whole entire ecosystem.

Theme- This story relates to the idea of all actions having consequences because it shows how the actions of humans can negatively affect our ecosystem.

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“Last Stop on Market Street” written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

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“Last Stop on Market Street” written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

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Summary- In this book, a little boy named CJ and his grandma run a series of errands after going to church. Within these different trips, CJ encounters a range of people; his grandma teaches him to acknowledge what they are going through and to help those in need. His grandma also teaches him to appreciate what he has and to embrace them.

Importance- This story is important to children's literature because it shows children the different things people may be going through. This is important because children who are privileged don't really get the chance to get an inside look at other people's lives, but this book gives them the opportunity to.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of belonging because it heavily revolves around community. CJ meets a range of people and gets to know them well. This community helps build a sense of belonging for all those involved.

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 “Love, Violet” by Charlotte Sullivan Wild

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 “Love, Violet” by Charlotte Sullivan Wild

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Summary- This book was about a girl named Violet who had a crush on Mira. Violet was very timid around Mira and usually would go into hiding. Valentine's day was coming up and Violet put together a special Valentine for Mira. Once it was time to exchange Valentines in class, Violet freaked out and ran. At the end of the story, Mira finally gets the Valentine from Violet, and she gives Violet something as well.

Importance- I think this book is important to children's literature because it provides a different relationship, outside of the typical boy and girl. I think it is good for students to be exposed to diverse types of relationships and to learn that love can come in all forms.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of courage because Violet builds the courage to give Mira her Valentine. Once Violet finally gives Mira her Valentine, she is automatically rewarded and relieved.

*Top 5

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Summary- This book is about a girl named Melody, who has cerebral palsy, and lacks the ability to move and talk. Melody is extremely intelligent and has a photographic memory. Throughout the book, Melody faces many mean people who doubt her in both school and life. Melody proves herself to peers and teachers by getting on the Whiz Kids team. Despite this major accomplishment, Melody still felt a lack of acceptance and constantly felt left out. Towards the end of the book, Melody’s team advances to finals, due to her help, but leaves without her. Melody is hurt but she overcomes these emotions and goes to school, being the bigger person.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because it is eye opening for all the struggles people go through, in real life, due to their disabilities

Theme- This book relates to the theme of perseverance because Melody contributes to prove herself, even as people doubt her.

*Top 5

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Summary- This story is about a girl named Madeline, who lives in a home with eleven other girls. Out of all the girls, Madeline is the bravest. One night, she wakes up in pain and ends up needing her appendix removed. All the girls at the home visit Madeline and get jealous of her gifts and her cool scar. Towards the end of the book, all the girls wake up at night saying they needed their appendix out too, just like Madeline.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because it helps show other children how to turn a scary event into a good one.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of courage because the main character, Madeline, is courageous in her every day and turns any bad instance into a positive one.

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“Trombone Shorty”, written by Troy Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier

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“Trombone Shorty”, written by Troy Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier

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Summary- This book is about a boy named Troy, who goes by the nickname, "Trombone Shorty,” who lives in a town filled with a huge love of music. Troy is obsessed with his brother's music and would pretend that he was playing music. One day, Troy finds an old trombone and takes advantage of it, by learning how to play. Troy becomes good at the trombone and gets his nickname. The story continues and follows Troy’s journey and progress with the trombone.

Importance- This story is important to children's literature because it shows that if you take advantage of something little, you can gain great outcomes.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of appreciating the trivial things of life because Troy gains a huge appreciation for an old, rusty trombone, that others would view as trash.

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“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo

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“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo

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Summary- This story is about a China rabbit, named Edward, who lives with a girl named Adeline. Adeline’s grandmother tells a story about a beautiful princess who's turned into an ugly warthog because she refused to love someone, hinting at Edward. As the story goes on, Edward switches between different people/families, struggling to love someone. Like the story Adeline’s grandmother told, Edward kept facing unfortunate events due to his inability to love. Eventually, Edward slowly opens up to loving people and gains more of an appreciation for his current person, as well as his past.

Importance- This story is important to children's literature because it teaches readers how great of a thing love can be if you simply accept it.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of appreciating love because Edward learns how to, and his life improves.

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“The One & Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate

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“The One & Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate

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Summary- This book is about a gorilla named Ivan, who is a part of the circus life. Ivan is the only gorilla in the group and has a few other animal friends. One of the friends dies and Ivan is given the task of watching over the new baby elephant, Ruby. The book covers the journey Ivan goes on, protecting Ruby and getting out of the circus.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because it helps children understand the importance/impact of friendship. This book also brings awareness to the cruelty that may be found in circuses/zoos.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of friendship because friendship is what helped Ivan make it out of the zoo and survive the loss of his friend.

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Summary- This story is about a boy named Auggie, who was born with a deformed face. Auggie’s parents sheltered him for most of his life and had him homeschooled, up until middle school. The plot follows Auggie’s story of rejection, hate, and bullying from society due to his deformities. As you follow along, you will see how both the views society has and Auggie himself has on his looks change and impact him.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because many children seem too judgmental of others, especially for their looks. Reading this book can show them the emotions others go through when they are bullied, which can teach the readers to be careful of how they act around/to others.

Theme- The theme of this book relates to friendship/belonging because it revolves around Auggie's journey of creating friends and finding his spot in school/life.

*Top 5

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Summary- This story is about a family who stumbles upon a stray dog. The two kids of the family beg their parents for the dog, but they say no. As the week goes on, the whole family cannot stop thinking about the dog. As the week ends, the parents finally cave and leave food out for the dog. The dog returns but quickly scurries away, as it's chased by the local dog catcher. The story ends with the kids working together to save the dog from the dog catcher.

Importance- This story is important to children's literature because it shows how strong of a connection families can have. It also shows readers not to give up and to persevere to achieve their goals.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of family/belonging because the whole story revolves around family. This family feels like this dog has a place in their family and finds a way to take in the dog.

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“The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night” by Peter Spier

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“The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night” by Peter Spier

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Summary- The story was about a fox who went to town to find food for his family. The fox tries to get food before he is caught. The fox puts in the effort to retrieve food for his family, which is eventually paid off when he returns home with the food and gets the best meal yet, which brings joy to his family.

Importance- This book is important to the world of children's literature because it includes detailed pictures, which clearly follow along with the story. This is important because it allows beginner readers to understand what's going on and understand the text.

Theme- This story follows the theme of perseverance because the fox continues over and over to retrieve food for his family, without giving up.

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Summary- This story is about a few kids visiting their grandpa and seeing how he used to spend his time before TV's were a huge thing. The grandpa put on a huge performance for the kids, where he sang, danced, and did magic tricks.

Importance- This book is important to children's literature because today, many children are absorbed in their screens, and tend to forget that there is a life outside of them.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of appreciating the little things in life because it shows how much joy is brought to the children through their grandpa's performances.

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“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

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“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

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Summary- This book is about a kid named Max, who has a wild imagination. In the beginning of the story, Max causes a ton of mischief, causing his mom to send him to bed without dinner. The moment Max gets into his room, he imagines himself going to a whole other place, which is where the “wild things” are. He meets the wild things and declares himself king. He has his fun until he soon turns homesick and decides to return home. Once he returns home, he finds his warm dinner sitting waiting for him and he feels loved again.

Importance- This book teaches readers a valuable lesson about appreciating their loved ones. Many children tend to get mad over the littlest things and will act out because of them; this book shows the impacts of these actions.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of appreciating love because Max starts off the story resenting his mother but ends up realizing how much he misses her and her love, once it's gone.

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“Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan

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“Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan

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Summary- This book is about a girl named Willow who struggles with finding people that understand her and make her feel welcomed and appreciated. Willow is a gifted child, who has a challenging time forming connections with her peers. She is often viewed as “odd” and is belittled by most of her classmates. Throughout the book, Willow deals with several hardships but creates several friends and companions, who give her a sense of belonging.

Importance- This book allows children to get an inside view of how their actions impact and make others feel. Many children tend to be judgmental of others, so this book is a good eye-opener.

Theme- This story relates to the theme of friendship/belonging because it is what helps Willow survive through all her hardships.

*Top 5

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“The Knight at Dawn” by Mary Pope Osborne

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“The Knight at Dawn” by Mary Pope Osborne

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Summary- This book is about two siblings, Jack, and Annie, who find a magic treehouse that has books inside, in which they can travel through. In this story, the children travel to the Middle Ages and explore a castle and its surrounding land. During the kids’ adventure, they run into several conflicts, which they have to solve.

Importance- Allows an escape from reality for the children reading the book and allows children to use their imagination. This is one of those books that are fun and can help engage children into the world of reading.

Theme- This story relates to courage/perseverance because the kids must persevere through the many conflicts, they face to get out of the book they're traveling through.