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By: Art Spiegelman
Genre: Graphic Novel
Review: This book puts an "imaginative" swing on the whole story of the Holocaust. The mice are represented as the Jews, and the cats as the Nazis. This book shows the intense cruelty the Jews endured during World War II.
Age/Audience: Grades 6-8 This could be good for students who are interested in war stories, WWII, and the holocaust.
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust, Tolerance & Acceptance discussions, Europe, Jewish Experience
Date Read: 3/2/17

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Gettysburg: The Graphic Novel (Graphic Novels 4/5)

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Gettysburg: The Graphic Novel (Graphic Novels 4/5)

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By: C.M. Butzer
Genre: Graphic Novel
Review: This is a great graphic novel that is an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. a very brief overview. This is super easy way to get kids who aren't very motivated in your history class to learn important information/concepts in a fun way! This graphic novel includes images that really depict the horror that was the Battle of Gettysburg.
Age/Audience: Grades 4-6 This could interest students who are interested in history or learning history with fun pictures.
Teaching points: Civil War, Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln, America during the Civil War
Date read: 3/3/17

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By: Fanny Britt
Illustrated By: Isabelle Arsenault
Genre: Graphic Novels
Review: This graphic novel has amazing illustrations. I am so very impressed with Isabelle Arsenault's illustrations. It is a beautiful story following a French girl in Montreal, Helene, struggling with finding her place and dealing with "mean girls". All whilst comparing her life to the book she is reading, Jane Eyre. It is a simply wonderful, meaningful read for any young adolescent girl (or boy) who feels like they don't belong.
Age/Audience: Grades 6-10 This could be a good book for girls who are going through the many phases of middle school/early high school, dealing with bullies, feeling like an outcast, finding "where you belong", etc. This could also be good for students interested in Jane Eyre and beautiful "artsy" illustrations.
Teaching points: Discussions about "where you belong", bullies, friendship, etc. Jane Eyre, literature groups/circles, illustrations, comparing twists on classic novels
1/20/17

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Titanic Disaster!: Nicholas Flux and the Sinking of the Great Ship (Graphic Novels 2/5)

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Titanic Disaster!: Nicholas Flux and the Sinking of the Great Ship (Graphic Novels 2/5)

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By: Nel Yomtov
Genre: Graphic Novel
Review: This graphic novel is one of many Nicholas Flux adventures. He takes the reader on a graphic adventure through real historical events or time periods in history! This graphic novel takes the reader through the night of the sinking of the Titanic (as if you were there!) with real information throughout.
Age/Audience: Grades 2-5 This could be good for students interested in historical events. The sinking of the Titanic specifically is very interesting to many students.
Teaching points: Titanic, Speech bubbles, Dialogue
Date read: 3/16/17

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Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust (Graphic Novels 1/5)

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Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust (Graphic Novels 1/5)

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By: Loic Dauvillier
Genre: Graphic Novel
Review: This is a book that teaches a very sensitive subject in an easy to understand way. This is from a child's perspective and allows kids to put themselves in the character, Dounia's shoes. Her father even simplifies the Jewish star for her to call it a "Sheriff's badge". I think it's a great book for children to be introduced to the horror of what the Holocaust was without glossing over the subject or being too hard to understand.
Age/Audience: Grades 2-5
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust
Date read: 1/24/17

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(The Illuminated Adventures of) Flora & Ulysses (Upper 10/10) *Newbery*

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(The Illuminated Adventures of) Flora & Ulysses (Upper 10/10) *Newbery*

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By: Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Fiction
Review: This book is wonderful! Unique characters, humor, lots of crazy vocabulary words, and some graphics! This story is full of hope and joy!
Age/Audience: Grades 3-8
Teaching points: Blended Families, Divorce, Magic, Supernatural, Kindness, Courage, Superheroes
Date read: 4/4/17

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A Series of Unfortunate Events (Series) (Upper 9/10)

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A Series of Unfortunate Events (Series) (Upper 9/10)

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By: Lemony Snicket
Genre: Fiction
Review: It's hard to write a good review for this series, because I just love it so much! This series started my love for reading at a young age, and keeps me interested as it has become a Netflix series! This series is full of unique characters. The Baudelaire children are so brave and strong, and I think a lot of children could relate with them as they go through their own struggles and tragedies.
Age/Audience: Grades 3-6
Teaching points: Narrative Writing, Struggles, Hope, Character Development
Date read: 3/9/17

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The War That Saved My Life (Upper 8/10) *Newbery*

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The War That Saved My Life (Upper 8/10) *Newbery*

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By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Genre: Historical Drama
Review: This is an AMAZING story. I would love to read this aloud to any future 4th or 5th graders I may teach. I think it is a wonderful book to teach children compassion, real WWII facts, dealing with disabilities, kindness, and the impact war causes on our world and our people. I could never explain in words how this book has stayed with me since I finished it.
Age/Audience: Grades 5-8
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust, Abuse, Living with illness/disability, Siblings, Foster Care
Date read: 2/15/17

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By: Elie Wiesel
Genre: Non-Fiction
Review: This is another WWII book that moved me. As hard as these stories are to read....they need to be told. Our students and children need to know this DID happen, and novels like this can be a form of education in a raw, real, and emotional way.
Age/Audience: Grades 9-12
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust, Survival, Grief
Date read: 4/15/17

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Lily's Crossing (Upper 6/10) *Newbery Honor*

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Lily's Crossing (Upper 6/10) *Newbery Honor*

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By: Patricia Reilly Giff
Genre: Fiction
Review: This book was a Newbery winner and a WWII book, I just had to read it...this is a historical fiction book that takes place in the summer of 1944, during World War II. This is a short book, so it could be an option for a read aloud in 4th or 5th grade.The characters were described well, warm, and easily relatable. Lily goes through the hardships of war, and finds joy in between.
Age/Audience: Grades 4-6
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust, Survival, Grief
Date read: 1/14/17

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By: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a book I believe every teacher and student should read! I'm sure everyone can relate to or knows someone who can relate to this story in a deep way. This is a touching story, and really opens your eyes to the struggle of being a kid who has an "issue".  This book is very similar to Wonder, in my opinion.
Age/Audience: Grades 6-8
Teaching points: Middle School/Dyslexia/Challenges
Date read: 2/20/17

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By: Lois Lowry
Genre: YA Fiction
Review: This is a classic! I had to read this in high school when I was too busy with friends to care, and when I re-read it as an adult...wow! I loved this book. This isn't necessarily a "feel-good" book, but you do end it feeling like you can see things in a way you didn't before. Without feeling sad...you may never know how it feels to be happy.
Age/Audience: 12+ Grade 7
Teaching points: Middle School/Dyslexia/Challenges
Date read: 4/17/17

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Upper 3/10)

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Upper 3/10)

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By: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Fiction
Review: This book is extremely relatable for many high schooler or past high schoolers. Everyone knows, knew, or was that "wallflower" in school. Nothing seems to go right for you, madness in your mind, craziness in your family... this story is beautiful. Friendship, family, struggles, love, that teenage feeling of "I'M INVINCIBLE!" I highlighted a lot of favorite quotes throughout this book, but my all time favorite(s) are..."we accept the love we think we deserve" and "and in that moment, I swear we were infinite" *Loved the movie adaptation of this, too
Age/Audience: Grades 9-12
Teaching points: Adolescent Issues/Relationships/High School/Friendship
Date read: 1/19/17

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Upper 2/10) *Caldecott*

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Upper 2/10) *Caldecott*

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By: Brian Selznick
Genre: Fiction
Review: I read this book in one night! I could not put it down and absolutely loved the characters and the way the graphics enhanced the story. The story is filled with detail that lures you in and makes you wonder. There is a touch of magic, a touch of loss, grief, determination, friendship, and film.
Age/Audience: Grades 3-8
Teaching points: Creativity, Film, Friendship, Loss
Date read: 1/30/17

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By: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a wonderful book that every one of all ages should read. It really makes you think about how you treat others and what kind of person you are every day. It is a great way to get a perspective from someone who lives their life with a disability or challenge we cannot understand. I think this book promotes...KINDNESS!
Age/Audience: Grades 3-8
Teaching points: Adolescent Issues, Friendship, Confidence, Middle School, Disease
Date read: 1/27/17

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Magic Puppy: School of Mischief (Early Readers 4/5)

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Magic Puppy: School of Mischief (Early Readers 4/5)

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By: Sue Bentley
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a book for animal, magic, and adventure lovers. There are super cute pictures in the story, and it is easily adored by children! This is a very simple plot for early readers to understand easily, and find a love for reading.
Age/Audience: Grades 2-4
Teaching points: Narrative Writing, Simple Moments Writing, Illustrations
Date read: 3/14/17

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The Sasquatch Escape (The Imaginary Veterinary: Book 1) (Early Readers 3/5)

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The Sasquatch Escape (The Imaginary Veterinary: Book 1) (Early Readers 3/5)

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By: Suzanne Selfors
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a book about a boy who travels to a new place and meets a girl! They go on adventures together and discover many secrets, mysteries, and thrills along the way. This book will keep early readers wanting more. Keep the entire series in your classroom for your readers who have trouble finding what they "like", as this is an easy book to read and not want to put it down! This story has a little bit of everything in it.
Age/Audience: Grades 1-4
Teaching points: Narrative Writing, Character Development, Opinion Piece, Team Work, Collaboration
Date read: 4/11/17

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By: Sara Pennypacker
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a book about a little fox named Pax who was rescued by a boy. The boy has to leave the fox when his father enlists and goes away. Pax and the boy have independent adventures trying desperately to get back to each other. This story is sad, happy, sweet, and a little bit of everything. I love the beautiful friendship the fox and the boy have.
Age/Audience: Grades 3-5
Teaching points: Friendship, Character Development, Compare and Contrast, Narrative Writing
Date read: 3/22/17

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By: Annie Barrows
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a book series about two girls who are complete opposites. They find friendship and have many, many adventures together. Their friendship is so cute, and they work well together! They make a lot of inventions and solve mysteries. This is a series boys AND girls would love. Don't let the two girls on the cover make you think this is just a "girl" book. I have known someone who has read this aloud to their classroom, and the students begged for another Ivy + Bean book.
Age/Audience: Grades 3-5
Teaching points: Friendship, Inventions, Writing, Character Development, Compare and Contrast
Date read: 1/14/17

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Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh (Non-Fiction picture book 15/15) 

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Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh (Non-Fiction picture book 15/15) 

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By: Sally M. Walker
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is a wonderful non-fiction book that tells the true story of Harry Colebourn and his bear during WWI. While reading this you get real facts, pictures, and information about what it was like being a soldier during WWI. This is great book to get children interested in reading a non-fiction picture book as most children are familiar with Winnie-the-Pooh!
Age/Audience: Grades 3-8
Teaching points: WWI, Writing non-fiction "stories", Research practice
Date read: 2/22/17

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Freedom In Congo Square (Non-Fiction picture book 14/15)

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Freedom In Congo Square (Non-Fiction picture book 14/15)

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By: Carole Boston Weatherford
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This book introduces the sensitive topic of slavery to young learners. I love the simplicity of this book with rhyming and amazing pictures! Your students will hear a perspective from a slave about what it was like to be forced to work so hard all day long and experience a little freedom in Congo Square!
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Slavery, slave life in 19th century New Orleans, freedom from slavery
Date read: 2/22/17

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Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France (Non-Fiction picture book 13/15)

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Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France (Non-Fiction picture book 13/15)

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By: Mara Rockliff
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is a FUN science book with amazing illustrations! This is an engaging read to introduce or support a lesson on the scientific method or Ben Franklin. The book puts the scientific method to use, explaining how Ben used it with Dr. Mesmer during the story. With real facts and useful scientific information....this story is a MUST READ for all grade levels!
Age/Audience: Grades 2-6
Teaching points: American Revolution, Science, Ben Franklin, Scientific Method, Electricity, The Placebo Effect, Hypnosis
Date read: 2/22/17

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Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass (Non-Fiction picture book 12/15)

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Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass (Non-Fiction picture book 12/15)

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By: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is great book to teach children about slavery and what it was like for slaves during this time period. It is relatable for them in the sense that it is about a child their age at the beginning. The book gives children a chance to think about how incredibly different their life would have been if they would have been alive during this time. This book also shows the importance of knowing words and being able to read to truly be free. I know Frederick Douglass is part of the 3rd grade curriculum, therefore this could be a great book to introduce slavery in 1st or 2nd grade.
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: Slavery, Abolition, Frederick Douglass
Date read: 2/22/17

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Locomotive (Non-Fiction picture book 11/15) 

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Locomotive (Non-Fiction picture book 11/15) 

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By: Brian Floca
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This book is well done, and clearly well researched! This is perfect for anyone interested in history or how things work. You can use this to teach about the Industrial Revolution, and what it may have felt/smelled/looked like to travel across the country by train during this time! The images and descriptions are beautiful, and I felt like I was on the train.
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: Industrial Revolution, Gilded Age, Trains
Date read: 2/21/17

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The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos (Non-Fiction picture book 10/15)

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The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos (Non-Fiction picture book 10/15)

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By: Deborah Heiligman
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is a great book to introduce numbers and mathematical signs in any grade. The book has numbers, infinity signs, percentages, prime numbers, etc. This is relatable for a lot of kids as it is about a boy who couldn't sit still in school and didn't want to be there. This boy LOVES numbers, and this book can be helpful for children who struggle in other areas in school, but have a strength in math!
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: Math, Numbers, Prime Numbers, Introducing math centers, etc.
Date read: 2/21/17

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Welcome to Molly's World 1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection) (Non-Fiction picture book 9/15)

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Welcome to Molly's World 1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection) (Non-Fiction picture book 9/15)

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By: Catherine Gourley
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This book is AMAZING to give children (or adults) an in-depth look into life during WWII. There are wonderful pictures, captions, and real life stories. It's hard to put this down without learning something new about WWII in a fun way! If boys can get past the 'American Girls' aspect of the book, it is an incredible non-fiction book for anyone.
Age/Audience: Grades 2-8
Teaching Points: WWII, Holocaust, America during the war
Date read: 2/21/17

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Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln (Big Words) (Nonfiction picture book 8/15)

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Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln (Big Words) (Nonfiction picture book 8/15)

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By: Doreen Rappaport
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is a very informative book with expressive, amazing illustrations to carry you through the life of Abe. The art mixed perfectly with Abe's real words, and told the details of his life and the many things that went on during this time.
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: Presidents, Honesty, Slavery, Abraham Lincoln, Leadership, Character Traits
Date read: 3/13/17

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What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! (Nonfiction picture book 7/15)

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What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! (Nonfiction picture book 7/15)

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By: Barbara Kerley
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is a fun book about Theodore Roosevelt's daughter Alice. The pictures are fun and engaging and it gives you a personal look into the life of a president's daughter. There are important facts about Theodore Roosevelt's presidency within the story, and it could open up a writing assignment of "What would you do if you were Theodore and had a daughter like Alice?" or "What would your life be like if you were the president's son/daughter?"
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: Theodore Roosevelt, Presidents, Narrative writing
Date read: 3/13/17

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On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein (Nonfiction picture book 6/15)

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On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein (Nonfiction picture book 6/15)

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By: Jennifer Berne
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: I love the illustrations in this book and the way the book is written with questions and wonderings of Albert! The book is very engaging with different colored fonts, dialogue, pictures, etc. This is a great story to get kids thinking, wondering, asking questions, inferring, researching...The book ends with "Albert left us many big questions. Questions that scientists are working on today. Questions that someday YOU may answer...by wondering, thinking, and imagining." Would love to use this book to introduce science during the first week of school or encourage the idea of "no stupid questions!" LOVE!
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Atoms, Motion, Science, Albert Einstein, Character Traits
Date read: 3/13/17

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Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Nonfiction picture book 5/15)

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Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Nonfiction picture book 5/15)

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By: Brian Floca
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: I love books by Brian Floca. This story has amazing illustrations, very poetic writing, captures you from beginning to end! While you read this you will be engaged and learn A LOT about the flight of Apollo 11. This would be great for younger and older readers. This book helps young readers to understand just how absolutely amazing it was that we made it to the moon!
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Space, Moon, Astronauts, Careers, Character Traits, Narrative Writing, Opinion Piece
Date read: 3/13/17

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The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever (Nonfiction picture book 4/15)

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The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever (Nonfiction picture book 4/15)

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By: H. Joseph Hopkins
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This is about an activist named Kate Sessions who became the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in Science. She began working in San Diego where there were almost no trees, and inspired an incredible movement! San Diego needed trees! Now, when you go to San Diego, you can thank Kate! Lovely illustrations, amazing story.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Stay strong in the face of adversity, Talents, Courage, Never Giving Up, Character Traits
Date read: 3/13/17

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Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller (Nonfiction picture book 3/15)

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Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller (Nonfiction picture book 3/15)

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By: Doreen Rappaport
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This book tells the inspiring story of Helen Keller. A biography with wonderful pictures to help young readers follow the journey of her life. This book tells her story well, and leaves readers understanding just how incredible she was.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Courage, Bravery, Education, Disabilities, Character Traits
Date read: 3/14/17

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Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 (Nonfiction picture book 2/15)

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Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 (Nonfiction picture book 2/15)

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By: Michelle Markel
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This book tells the story of a girl named Clara who arrives in America and does not know English. She was surprised that women did not get to experience education as they should and had to go to work instead. She wanted to stand up for her rights and the rights of all women! This is an inspiring story about her fight to be treated right and get the education/life all women deserve. Very powerful.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching points: Courage, Bravery, Education, Character Traits, Worker Strikes, Mistreatment, Immigration, Women's Rights
Date read: 4/4/17

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Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla (Non-Fiction picture book 1/15)

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Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla (Non-Fiction picture book 1/15)

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By: Katherine Applegate
Genre: Non-Fiction picture book
Review: This a book about a gorilla who was captured and held at a shopping mall for entertainment. Zoo Atlanta eventually rescued the gorilla where he lived out the rest of his years. This is a touching and moving story, especially for fellow Atlanta natives who may have met him!
Age/Audience: Grades Pre-K-2
Teaching points: Changes, Loneliness, Monkeys, Moving, Animal rights, Treating animals with respect
Date read: 4/4/17

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The Day the Crayons Quit (Picture book 15/15)

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The Day the Crayons Quit (Picture book 15/15)

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By: Drew Daywalt

Genre: Fiction
Review: This is the story of a boy named Duncan who opens his crayon box and finds letters from his crayons...they quit! The letters from the crayons are SO clever, funny, and hilarious! Every child I have read this to absolutely loves this book. Very unique and engaging!
Age/Audience: K-5
Teaching points: Narrative Writing, Friendly Letters, Opinion Pieces, Illustrations, Character Traits, Friendship, Creativity, Art
Date read: 4/4/17

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By: Kelly DiPucchio
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is such a sweet book with adorable illustrations. I read this to my 3rd grade class as an intern and did not expect to have such a deep discussion after this book! The kids loved the dogs and all of their fun names, and we got into a talk about how "the grass isn't always greener on the other side". The kids talked about how they have wished they were with a different family at times and then realized their family was where they belonged. LOVED this story.
Age/Audience: Grades: Pre-K-3 This could interest any kids who like to read about animals or dogs, and love cute illustrations! This book is sweet, funny, and simple!
Teaching points: Discussions about different families/cultures, siblings, etc. Narrative writing
Date read: 4/4/17

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By: Patricia Polacco
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is an absolutely beautiful "kid-friendly" story about the Holocaust. This allows modern children to relate to the stories of two children involved in the horror of WWII. I love the kindness of the mother in this book and her willingness to help those who needed it, even if it risks her own life.
Age/Audience: Grades 3-5
Teaching points: WWII, Holocaust, Character Traits, Courage, Values
Date read: 4/5/17

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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (Picture book 12/15) *Academy Award Winning Short Film inspired by this book*

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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (Picture book 12/15) *Academy Award Winning Short Film inspired by this book*

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By: William Joyce
Genre: Fantasy
Review: This is a great book for any book lovers or soon-to-be book lovers! This shows kids and adults that no matter what happens to you, you can always count on a good book to bring you a sense of comfort and escape. This is a good book to introduce your love of books (to your students)! This is a story to be read again and again!
Age/Audience: Grades: Pre-K-5
Teaching points: Students can write their own versions of this book, writing fantasy stories, how illustrations change the mood of a story, writing beginning/middle/end
Date read: 4/5/17

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By: Janell Cannon
Genre: Fiction
Review: I've loved this book since I was a little girl. This a picture book with wonderful illustrations and made for animals lovers of all kinds! This is a story about Stellaluna (a baby bat), and how is separated from her mother after an owl attack. She learns to live with the birds, and just captures your heart! You actually learn a lot about characteristics of bats within this story, too.
Age/Audience: Pre-K-2
Teaching Points: Animals, Bats, Nocturnal Animals, Nature, Friendship, Kindness
4/5/17

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The Caboose Who Got Loose (Picture book 10/15)

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The Caboose Who Got Loose (Picture book 10/15)

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By: Bill Peet
Genre: Fiction
Review: Bill Peet is a very interesting author, and he has written over 30 books! (I had no idea!) I love the rhyming in his books. Dr. Seuss lovers may love Bill Peet! Any child who loves trains will love this sweet story about Katy and her ride on a long train! She wants freedom and gets it when she flies off the track and the rescue team tries to find her. Does Katy end up getting the freedom in nature she desired? Read to find out! Age/Audience: Pre-K-2,
Teaching Points: Confidence, Self-Esteem, Visual Arts, Creativity
Date read: 4/18/2017

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By: Peter H. Reynolds
Genre: Fiction
Review: I loved the simple (but powerful!) illustrations found in this book. There are so many kids I teach who say "I can't", and this is a great story to teach them "they can"! Just because you think you "can't" do something perfectly, does not mean you "can't" do it. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", look outside the box, and inspire creativity within your kids! It's all about the process and the journey, not the "perfect" outcome.
Age/Audience: Pre-K-2,
Teaching Points: Confidence, Self-Esteem, Visual Arts, Creativity
Date read: 4/6/17

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By: Al MacCuish
Genre: Fiction
Review: This book was adorable. I was drawn to the illustrations and the setting at the beginning of the book: Montmartre. This is a lovely story about a city girl who has an adventurous spirit and becomes one with nature over summer break. It's a beautiful tribute to bees (and animals of all kinds) and just how important they are in the circle of life.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5 This could be good for any student who is interested in animals, nature, being adventurous, Paris, or lovely illustrations.
Teaching points: Taking care of our world, respecting nature, saving the bees, journaling what you see in nature
Date read: 4/6/17

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Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China (Picture book 6/15) *Caldecott* 

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Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China (Picture book 6/15) *Caldecott* 

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By: Ed Young
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a great story to use when comparing similar fairy tales from different cultures. This book has beautiful illustrations and is a wonderful adaptation of the classic Little Red Riding Hood.
Age/Audience: Grades Pre-K-2
Teaching points: Comparing fairy tales from different cultures, China, Red Riding Hood
Date read: 4/6/17

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Last Stop On Market Street (Picture book 5/15) *Caldecott*

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Last Stop On Market Street (Picture book 5/15) *Caldecott*

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By: Matt De La Pena
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is a wonderful book set in a diverse city. This can be relatable for students from many city backgrounds, and give other students a different perspective. This story has sweet, child-friendly moments, and a "big message" up for interpretation.
Age/Audience: Grades Pre-K-2
Teaching points: Discussions about volunteering, service, activism, different ways of life, etc. Relationships with grandparents, positive thinking, city life, buses
Date read: 4/7/17

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By: Irene Smalls
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review: This book is absolutely wonderful to read to a diverse group of kids. This story allows children to see the different ways people may speak depending on their culture, and how important it is to be kind. I love how Dana learns to be proper when it is acceptable and when to say "ain't"!
Age/Audience: Grades 2-6
Teaching Points: Character traits, sequence, point of view, illustrations, mood of the story, discussion, segregation, civil rights issues, "street talk", "proper english", cultural differences
Date read: 4/7/17

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By: Jon J Muth
Genre: Fiction
Review: This story is yet another variation of a very old folktale "Stone Soup"! The watercolors and images in this book are beautiful, and this particular retelling is great! As many folktales do, this story has a great message for children and adults! A favorite quote from the book: “To be happy is as simple as making stone soup”
Age/Audience: Pre-K-5
Teaching Points: Cleverness, Cooperation, Kindness, Sharing, Folk/Fairy Tale, Comparing similar stories, Generosity
Date read: 4/9/17

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The Princess in Black (Early Readers 5/5)

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The Princess in Black (Early Readers 5/5)

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By: Shannon Hale
Genre: Fiction
Review: This is not your typical "princess" book, this is a book about a SUPER HERO princess! I think this is a wonderful twist to typical "girl" story, and teaches little girls that they can be super heroes, too! Full of exciting adventures and fun graphics, this is a thrilling series for little ones!
Age/Audience: Grades 1-4 This could be good for kids who are interested in superhero books that have supernatural aspects, princess, princes, etc.
Teaching points: Courage, Bravery, Narrative writing
Date read: 3/18/17

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By: Patricia Polacco
Genre: Fantasy
Review: This book is relatable for kids as Natasha isn't a misbehaved little girl, she just has trouble waiting and being considerate. Her "Babushka" teachers her a lesson on kindness and patience with a doll. I love how kids can relate to this story while there is still an element of fantasy.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching Points: Kindness, patience, character traits, author's craft, theme, writing narratives, inference, dialogue in writing
Date read: 4/9/17

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Doctor De Soto (Picture book 2/15) *Newbery Honor*

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Doctor De Soto (Picture book 2/15) *Newbery Honor*

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By: William Steig
Genre: Comedy and Humor
Review: This story is fun and clever, and will have children engaged in the hilarious imagination of Steig. Doctor De Soto and his wife are too kind to turn down the dental treatment of the sly fox despite their rule! It is so much fun to see what they do to trick the fox.
Age/Audience: Grades K-5
Teaching Points: Question as your read, inference, retell, sequence of events, author's craft, persuasion, vivid verbs, clever ending
Date read: 4/14/17

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By: Mary Hoffman & Caroline Binch
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review: This story is about an adventurous little girl who wants to be Peter Pan in the school play. She is told she cannot because she is black. She does not give up! This is a wonderful story to look at her character, resilience, determination, and hard work.
Age/Audience: Grades 1-5
Teaching points: character traits, discussions, kindness, friendship
Date read: 4/14/17