# data[].attributes.headline
21. Math Curse by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith

# data[].attributes.subject
21. Math Curse by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith

# data[].attributes.body
"You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem." For some this may seem like a simple statement but for one young girl that statement turns into her life! The narrator has been affected by a curse that makes her everyday life turn into math equations. Some vary from her eating cereal for breakfast; how many quarts in a gallon?, how many pints in a quart?, and how many yards in a neighborhood? I enjoyed how relatable and fun this book was. It made me slightly enjoy math for the time that I was reading it. To get over the curse the young girl figures out that she can easily solve everyday problems and she doesn't want to give up. I can see myself using this book to not only to put some fun into a math lesson but also to show my students that if you try and try again at something you can overcome the problem!
Genre: children's literature, children's math literature book
Author website: http://www.jsworldwide.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzjqvkAPTXA

# data[].attributes.body
This heart-warming and slightly heart-wrenching book is one that all people of all ages have loved. The story shows themes of admiration, perseverance, and most important of all, friendship. Through this story we get insight into a life of a little girl's unconditional love, a pig finding true friendship, and a spider's resourcefulness. This book made me cry on numerous occasions as a child and as a young adult when I reread it. This book could easily be used to teach the topic of friendship and honestly the topic of death as well. I would definitely ask my students their opinions and get the floor opened up for discussion on the themes in this book.
The genres of this book is; children's literature, fantasy & fiction.
Author's website: https://ebwhitestyle.weebly.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IiFRsNUfC8

# data[].attributes.body
This book is a timeless and fun story that many children grow to love and read! Out of all tweleve small girls living in a boarding school, Madeline is portrayed as a fearless, spunky little girl. Although having to get her appendix taken out she toughs through it and remains the happy-go-lucky child she is. As a child I loved the rhyme and rhythm in this book and now I can see how this can introduce lots of different life themes to children. Such as envy because of the other eleven girls who cried out in "pain" after Madeline returned from her surgery.
The genre of this book: children's literature
Author's website: http://www.madeline.com/author.html
Youtube Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDKi80XpXlo

# data[].attributes.body
Through this cute and adorable story we get insight into a little boy, Peter, enjoying a cold and snowy day.  From the simple illustrations of Peter having fun in the snow, to the numerous uses of  onomatopoeia to add to the story. This can easily be relatable to children who may grow up or have grown up in a placed where lots of snow falls. When the weather outside starts to get chilly or maybe even during the holidays I could read this to my students to set the tone or mood of that day. I also thought about making "snow" with my students since the majority of the story is focused around that.
Genre: fiction, picture book
Author's website: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/ezras-life/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92zPv-TsBkk

# data[].attributes.headline
4. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

# data[].attributes.subject
4. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

# data[].attributes.body
This book was honestly so much fun to read! From the call and respond way of reading to the cute drawings throughout. This book raises many real life themes that children can easily relate to. All ranging from learning morals and responsibility to persuasion, AKA, very important lessons children face and learn early on in childhood. As the story progresses the pigeon continues to try and persuade the person to let him drive that bus! Ultimately he still doesn't get to drive the bus but I can easily see how this book could be used to teach a lesson during class time. Children can be the person responding "NO!" throughout the book and explain why exactly why they are replying no to the pigeon. A discussion of what their own parents say no to can definitely be put into play.
Genre: children's literature, picture book
Author's website/twitter : http://www.mowillems.com/
https://twitter.com/The_Pigeon?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorYoutube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esa5WVybEsA

# data[].attributes.body
This biography was my absolute favorite to read. I already knew a good bit about Malala Yousafzai but reading this book that she wrote herself was eyeopening. During her younger years Malala wished for simple things that every child would think of; to sleep an extra hour in the morning, keep her siblings out of her room and to get rid of the smell of trash from her house. But as she grew older she started wishing for bigger things. Malala started noticing things in her world and wanted to correct those things. This biography of her life is a great way to introduce children to a lot of real life events that have and are happening in the world. I believe children should be introduced to worldly problems early on and this book does an amazing job at that. I could definitely see myself using this book during the times when we are talking about famous historical people.
"I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many girls"-MALALA YOUSAFZAI
Genre: Auto-biography,
Author website: https://www.malala.org/malalas-story
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWKYalbPLRY

# data[].attributes.headline
6. What Was Your Dream, Dr. King?: And Other Questions about Martin Luther King Jr. by Mary Kay Carson

# data[].attributes.subject
6. What Was Your Dream, Dr. King?: And Other Questions about Martin Luther King Jr. by Mary Kay Carson

# data[].attributes.body
We all know the famous Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and how his movements made a huge impact in history. The main reason why I love this biography so much is because it answers many of the questions young children would have about this iconic man. I really liked how the questions in the book were ones that children would ask. So they are easily relatable. Not only would they answer the question at hand but elaborate on it as well. From the pictures depicting real life situations that many black people faced. This book would raise lots of questions for young readers but that is a perfect way for them to know about our history and how it shaped the world we live in today.
Genre: biography
Author website: http://www.marykaycarson.com/
Youtube recording: there isn't one available but I think this video correlates with it greatly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALQeX7IFBcg

# data[].attributes.headline
7. Who Was Dr. Seuss? by Janet B. Pascal

# data[].attributes.subject
7. Who Was Dr. Seuss? by Janet B. Pascal

# data[].attributes.body
Who was Dr. Seuss?! That question may seem silly because everyone know who Dr. Seuss is, the man who made The Cat In the Hat! While many children and adults love reading books by this famous man not many know much of anything about him. This biography goes into many details of young Theodor
Seuss Geisel and how he became the iconic Dr. Seuss. There are a lot of biography books like this by Janet B. Pascal and they often tend to be the same format. So this book wasn't too interesting to me on that side of the spectrum. I would definitely use this book during a lesson plan about Dr. Seuss. Many elementary schools do a week long Dr. Seuss theme and this would be a great book to include in it. This could introduce the students to the author of many books that they love to read.
Genre: biography
Author website: she does not have one
Youtube recording: there is not one

# data[].attributes.headline
8. The Youngest Marcher; The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levison 

# data[].attributes.subject
8. The Youngest Marcher; The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levison 

# data[].attributes.body
Yet another biography book about an amazing, brave, fearless person. Not only was this person African American but she was a girl, a NINE year old girl. This biography about Audrey Faye Hendricks is one for everyone to read and enjoy. This was a very true and heartbreaking story of a young brave girl wanting to stand up for what is right. She knew she had to bring about a change in the world and wasn't going to stop for anyone not even her momma. From the illustrations to the words on the pages this book can easily relate to all ages. I can definitely see myself using this book during Black History month to introduce someone not many children know about. "What a difference the Children's March has made in this nation."- Audrey Faye Hendricks
Genre: Biography, children's non-fiction literature
Author website: https://cynthialevinson.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8X_7aO_7Us

# data[].attributes.headline
9. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren 

# data[].attributes.subject
9. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren 

# data[].attributes.body
This story is of a young girl name Pippi Longstocking. She has no parents and has a wild and crazy personality. Through this story we get many different tales of Pippi's life and how she handles tough and crazy situations. From police officers and teachers who want to put her in a children's home to a couple of burglars, Pippi always has a solution. Through the book Pippi has two neighborhood children who admire her witty, a little wild, and free-spirited ways. I could very much see myself using this book as a fun way to get my students involved in different discussions. I did have one idea about having different situations that Pippi might face and have my students come up with solutions to them.
Genre: children's literature, children's picture book
Author website: http://www.astridlindgren.com/en
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISxnRGNKJCs

# data[].attributes.headline
10. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

# data[].attributes.subject
10. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

# data[].attributes.body
There aren't many people in this world who haven't seen the movie adaptation of this book. However, there are many people who are missing out on a lot of surprises by not reading the book. Through this classic story we get insight of this wonderful, scary, and amazing journey of a little girl named Dorothy. Through the book not only Dorthy but also her friends, the scarecrow, tin man, and the lion, go on a quest to seek different needs. Along the way they encounter many hardships and quite scary ones as well. However, from these problems they always find a way to overcome them. From this story I can easily see how the lesson of  perseverance and self-reliance can be taught.
Genre: Fantasy fiction, Children's literature
Author website: https://www.biography.com/people/frank-baum-9202328
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYIaUmnGLj4

# data[].attributes.body
The story of Peter Pan is a timeless and fun one. This tale begins with a family of three children; Wendy, John, and Michael, their Nana (who is a dog) and their parents. From watching the different adaptations of the movies I always thought the adults had no idea what Neverland was but that isn't the case in the book. Mrs. Darling, the mother, already knows about Neverland and even knows about the mysterious boy Peter. But since she is an adult she chooses to keep that information to herself. One night as the parents are out and Nana is tied up, Peter swoops in through the window. Wendy and Peter introduce themselves and Peter explains that he has been coming often to hear her mother tell stories. When Wendy tells him the end of Cinderella he starts to fly off to tell the others but Wendy wants him to stay. Peter insists that she and her brothers come back with him to Neverland. Soon enough Peter is blowing fairy dust on the children and off they are to Neverland. As the story progresses the children face all sorts of different adventures. Towards the middle to end Wendy tells a story of three children who fly off to Neverland but return home to their mother and father. Peter doesn't like this story at all and gets upset however, Wendy suggests that they all come back to London and live with them. In the end, Wendy, her brothers, and the lost boys go back to London where they all grow up. Wendy gets married and has a child but Peter wants to take her back to Neverland. Since Wendy is too big, Peter takes her daughter and this continues through the generations. Peter Pan is a story of children and childhood. Through this we get insight into how fun and adventures play a big role not only during childhood but well into adulthood. We see themes of fairness, motherhood, innocence and heartlessness. I can see myself using this book maybe not so much to go into deep detail but to discuss about why Peter "chose" to never grow up.
Genre: children fantasy
Author website: https://www.britannica.com/biography/J-M-Barrie
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=litQG_VDQHg

# data[].attributes.headline
12. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein 

# data[].attributes.subject
12. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein 

# data[].attributes.body
This loving yet heartbreaking story is one about a boy and his relationship with a tree. When the boy is little he visits the tree all the time. Playing with its limbs, eating its apples and just living a carefree life. However, as the boy grows he begins to becomes selfish and wants more things from the tree. When the boy wants money, the tree tells him to take her apples and sell them. When the boy needs shelter for his family, the tree tells him to cut off her branches and make make shelter for them. This continues until the tree is nothing but a stump. The man is now very old and just wants a place to rest. The tree is still happy that she can be of use to the man. This story can easily be interpreted as a mothers unconditional love for her child. hen teaching this to young children I can see myself bring up the topic of giving. I would have them tell me times when they gave up something and how it made them and the other person feel.
Genre: picture book
Author website: http://www.shelsilverstein.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5y-ZQv1JaY

# data[].attributes.body
I absolutely adore reading this book. Ever since I was little, I wished Matilda and I were best friends. From this story we learn about the life of a very intelligent, curious, book-loving young girl. Matilda being a five year old child is far beyond her years, academic wise. Although she lives with a family that doesn't support her love for reading whatsoever, she doesn't let it stop her at all. Once Matilda starts school she falls in absolute love with it...well only for a second. You would think she would be in environment where people embrace her intelligence but sadly, that is not the case. The principal of the school, Trunchbull, absolutely hates children and anything to do with them, which is very much ironic. She even says "My idea of a perfect school, Miss Honey, is one that has no children in it at all." (Dahl, 159) A good portion of the book is how terrible the Trunchbull treats the students until one day Matilda discovers that she has powers! She uses this new, amazing discovery to get revenge on the Trunchbull and this soon has her running for the hills. Matilda ends up living with Miss Honey and it's honestly a happily ever after ending. I could see myself reading this to my students to teach them the importance of reading and kindness. Not only that but as well as how important it is to know your own intelligence. Although Matilda was a fictional character, she could very much be real in the real world.
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Children's Literature
Author website: https://www.roalddahl.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3HKWCsDuTY

# data[].attributes.headline
14. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 

# data[].attributes.subject
14. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 

# data[].attributes.body
The classic story of Charlie and Chocolate Factory is one that all children fall in love with. A chance to go to a huge factory that is filled with nothing but sweets on top of sweets! Who wouldn't want that opportunity? Well that's just how this story begins. We are introduced firstly to Charlie Bucket's very, very poor family. Charlie's dad finds out that Wily Wonka's Chocolate Factory will be open again for only 5 random, lucky children who find his golden tickets. Of course other "fortunate" children find the first four but low in behold, Charlie does end up finding the last golden ticket. Throughout the story each child ends up into some type of mischievous trouble and is ultimately taken from the factory. In the end, Charlie is the last child there and Mr. Wonka tells him he has won! But what exactly did he win? THE WHOLE ENTIRE CHOCOLATE FACTORY! Charlie's whole family is taken into the factory where they will live there forever. Through reading this book I can see how I would use this book to teach the importance of good deeds. I could ask my students how the other children's actions got them kicked out of the factory.
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Fairy Tale
Author Website: https://www.roalddahl.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fRZad7Y0D4

# data[].attributes.body
Through this twisted and extraordinary we get insight into a wild adventure of Caroline Jones. Her family just moved into this flat that has lots of hidden secrets. One day she discovers this small door in her house that leads to a whole different world! It's almost the same as hers however this one is filled with more excitement and "happiness" compared to her boring life. Coraline found this new world a lot more interesting than her old one and loved going there. However, in order for her to stay there her other mother said she must exchange her eyes for black buttons. Coraline was most definitely not here for that idea so she left...only to find out that her parents are gone. She goes on to try and defeat her other mother and save her parents. I really liked how this story shows themes of bravery, fear, and making important decisions. I could definitely see myself using this book to teach these lessons to my students. I could also open up a discussion and ask for their input on what they would do if they were in Coraline's shoes.
Genre: Dark fantasy
Author's Website: http://www.neilgaiman.com/
Youtube Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bghlhgKnm0

# data[].attributes.headline
16. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

# data[].attributes.subject
16. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

# data[].attributes.body
Through this beautiful and heartwarming tale we get a story of a no-name-man and a prince. The narrator is an adult and a kind of a lonely one. He doesn't like the fact that the world he lives in is dull and uninteresting. One day the narrator has a crash in the middle of the Sahara desert. He meets the little prince and finds out that they are just alike! The little prince is from far, far away planet where the only other life form is a flower, that he doesn't like quite much. The prince share his adventures and stories of places he has traveled to and the people he has spoken to. Soon enough the narrator shares his story about living and growing through life. Although the little prince didn't like the flower he realizes that he actually has a deep love for her. All of this came from the wise tales and advice that he got from a fox and the narrator. Soon the little prince wants to return home but first he has to get bit by a poisonous snake. Six years later the narrator still searches for the prince and even tells his readers to keep a look out for the prince. I really loved reading this book it gave me goosebumps at some parts. I had to reread some chapters just to throughly understand the theme of it. I saw this book as one that my future special needs students probably wouldn't read. I can still see myself using this book to explain the importance of love, care and friendship! I would have my students write down things that make their friends special.
Author website: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antoine-de-Saint-ExuperyYoutube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWQo_AAHDUA

# data[].attributes.body
I found this book extremely interesting to read not only because of the narrators point of view but from how Helen Frost wrote the lines in the book. Frost wrote in poem verses all throughout the book and it made it an easy and cool way to read. Now getting to the emotional story we get insight into two young boys from very different cultural backgrounds. One being a member of the Miami tribe and one being a son of Anglo-Saxon traders. Although these boys are very different they come together to play and be friends. But when rough times strike with the war, their friendship is challenged and hard times come crashing down on both. I really enjoyed how the author told this great story from both young boys. I can see a teacher or myself using this book to teach the War of 1812 as well as the importance of friendship and how it can greatly impact a person's life.
Genre: historical fiction, children's literature
Author Website: http://www.helenfrost.net/section.php?section=bio
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PywBI4TZ6Sc

# data[].attributes.body
The story of Sugar is such a great and relatable one for people of all ages. This story is set during the Reconstruction era which not many children's books are written in. Ironically our main character's name is Sugar...she actually hates everything about it. Being a ten year old, parentless, AND semi-free black girl doesn't sound to promising. But through this story Sugar makes the best of it. Although Sugar's situation is tough she still finds time to make friends with people all around her, including Chinese immigrants and a plantation owner's son. I could easily tell how young readers today can relate to Sugar and her tales throughout this book. A simple lesson plan for this could be a discussion about the Reconstruction era, freed slaved after emancipation and maybe how Sugar was able to make friends and survive through her hard times.
Genre: historical fiction
Author website: http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/meet-jewell/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEeTEgc0thw

# data[].attributes.headline
20. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

# data[].attributes.subject
20. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

# data[].attributes.body
In this realistic and touching story we get insight into a tale about a young boy named Bud. Bud Caldwell went through so much throughout this story that young children his age nowadays may even go through. If being a ten year old black boy wasn't hard enough, try being poor and not having a family on top of that. I could really go on and on about the harsh trials Bud goes through but its not about the trails themselves but how he overcame them. Bud was a pretty brave young boy considering all that he went through. I can seriously see myself or any other teacher using this book to talk about The Great Depression, racism, and the important lesson of perseverance. I could open up questions about what times in the book did Bud seem the most brave and how did he handle those situations.
Genre: Children's historical fiction literature
Author website:  http://www.nobodybutcurtis.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpwgmTWyqmE

# data[].attributes.body
In this heart wrenching story of a young girl and her family we get insight into how her life turned upside down. Esperanza was living a lavish life until tragedy strikes her home. Soon she and her mother have to move to California and start a completely different life than what she was living. Through this book Esperanza experiences events  that help her grow as a young lady. I throughly enjoyed reading this book because it showed the dramatic change of life. "Do not every be afraid to start over" (253, Ryan) This quote really sums up the overall theme of the book. I can see myself using this book to teach the importance of life. I could open up a discussion for my students to relate Esperanza's life to their own. What are some trials that they have faced in life and how they overcame them.
Genre: historical fiction
Author website: http://www.pammunozryan.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed7ZT_45A4A

# data[].attributes.headline
22. Chicka Chicka 123 by Bill Martin JR. & Michael Sampson

# data[].attributes.subject
22. Chicka Chicka 123 by Bill Martin JR. & Michael Sampson

# data[].attributes.body
In this fun, educational book numbers are taking over an apple tree to get to the top. Chicka chicka 123 teaches children how to count to 100 and place value. As the book is counting on, the number 0 doesn't have a place. After the 20s the counting goes up to 10s and soon the number 0 has a place on top of the tree with the number 0 to form 100! With the rhyming and fun colors, I can see myself getting my students to repeat the "chicka chicka 1,2,3...will there be a place for me?"
Genre: picture book, children's math literature
Author website: http://billmartinjr.com/bill_martin
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPf5Rr1SGi4

# data[].attributes.body
Game time was such a cute and fun book to read! This book is set during an important championship soccer game and throughout the book we are reminded of how many days in a week, hours are in a day, how many minutes in a hour, and so on and so forth! The book puts a great emphasis on telling time and knowing how to do that. The cute illustrations made it even more exciting to read. I can easily see this book being used, of course, to teach children how to tell time and how they can relate telling time to real life situations!
Genre: children's math content book
Author Website: http://www.stuartjmurphy.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d94r3WKex8

# data[].attributes.body
Here we have yet another great and fun book I enjoyed reading! The story of the penny pot tells of a little girl named Jessie who just wants to get her face painted like everyone else. However, Jessie doesn't have enough money to do so! She needs 50 cents but she only has 39. The face painter suggests that she wait to see what people will put in the penny pot. Soon enough Jessie has just enough money to get her face painted like her cute cat friend. Through this story children learn how to count coins using quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies. From reading this book I would react a lesson plan that involves me getting my own pennies and jar and having students come up and place their pennies as we read the book. Then use those pennies to see how much Jessie needed to get her face painted.
Genre: children's math content literature
Author website: http://www.stuartjmurphy.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADBjI21qui4

# data[].attributes.headline
25. Germs Make Me Sick by Melvin Berger 

# data[].attributes.subject
25. Germs Make Me Sick by Melvin Berger 

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed reading this fun and informative book! Through the cute illustrations to the easy to understand facts, any child can learn about germs in under 20 minutes. The book gives numerous examples of how you can catch germs and how they can get inside your body. I really liked how through the illustrations, each character (either a human or animal) said dialogue that sick children would hear. They go on to explain the different types of bacterias and viruses and how our bodies could react to them. I can definitely see myself using this book to introduce the topic of sickness and how important it is to keep ourselves healthy and clean.
Genre: Science children literature
Author website: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/author-visit-kits/teaching-content/melvin-berger-visit-kit/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p1byZR7Zsc

# data[].attributes.headline
26. A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman

# data[].attributes.subject
26. A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman

# data[].attributes.body
This book really does an amazing job at painting a picture of how humongous our world and universe is. Children would love reading this not only because of the colorful and cute drawings but also because of the cool facts about our planet. The author does a great job with using words to catch the readers attention (I.E; enormous and gigantic). The author explains at the end that the use of these outrageous numbers are "sort-of-definitely-ALMOST true" A lesson plan idea could easily be bought about using this book. I could discuss with my students how many stars they think are in the universe and explain to them how huge our world is really. This could also be used to bring up how unique we are and how there may be '2,500,00 cities and towns and villages filled with people" there is only one of them. I think my students would love reading this book because just about all children get excited when they hear crazy, out of this world numbers.
Genre: Science content literature
Author website:  http://sethasfishman.com/childrens-books/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlDNzAMUnqg

# data[].attributes.headline
27. Animals At Night by Anne Jankeliowitch 

# data[].attributes.subject
27. Animals At Night by Anne Jankeliowitch 

# data[].attributes.body
This book does in FACT glow-in-the-dark and it was extremely cool and fun to read. I can honestly say I liked reading this book more than 8 and 11 year old nephews did. Through this insightful story we get a plethora of creatures all from the small insects to the big mammals that are wide awake at night! At the beginning the book gives a little detail into what these type of animals are called that come out at night. From then on we get loads of environments where these creatures live and flourish. Environments like woodlands, beaches, country roads, deserts, etc. We get all of this information through what seems like night vision goggles! The illustrations are what really gets the readers attention and the author and illustrator did an amazing job at that. I can see this book being used during a science lesson on nocturnal animals or animals in general. It would be fun and interactive to turn off the lights in the classroom and have students look on at the glowing creatures throughout this book.
Genre: children's non-fiction literature
Author website: https://www.kidsreads.com/authors/anne-jankeliowitch
Youtube recording: N/A

# data[].attributes.headline
28. It's Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends by Robie H. Harris

# data[].attributes.subject
28. It's Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends by Robie H. Harris

# data[].attributes.body
I absolutely loved reading this very, VERY insightful book. This is the type of book you go for when those interesting questions start to pop up in little ones minds! This book does an amazing and respectful job at answering questions about babies, bodies, and among other things that maybe some parents or teachers don't know how to answer. The two main characters are a bird and a little bee and they make the topic of discussion even more comfortable to talk about. This book is most definitely aimed at making children feel comfortable and knowledgable about their own bodies. Teachers can use this book during a health related discussion. The book even has illustrations of body parts and how important they are. Although some children may still feel a little anxious about it, it wouldn't hurt to open up a discussion about the topic at hand.
Genre: children's non-fiction literature
Author website: http://robieharris.com/?page_id=7
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQzJtsVHulA

# data[].attributes.body
Through this fun and heartwarming story we get a tale of a young girl and her grandmother baking a cake...during a storm! As crazy as that sounds the child's grandmother helps her overcome her fear of thunderstorms by baking a cake. "This is thunder cake baking weather, alright" (4, Polacco) The interesting and unique illustrations and  onomatopoeia really made the book fun to read! As the book progresses on the grandma tells her to count as she collects the ingredients to see how far away the storm is. Even though the little girl was afraid throughout the book she was doing very brave things! Her grandmother reassured her that she is quite brave and she shouldn't be afraid of anything. I really loved how the book can be relatable to children. I would use this book to teach the lesson of bravery and to show how even though she was afraid of thunder she overcame her fears.
Genre: fiction, children's literature
Author website: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
Youtube recording:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhhtKGCsAyY

# data[].attributes.body
I've watched the movie holes just about 32453 times if were being honest here. It was a childhood favorite of mine and the story was so interesting! However, after reading the book it became 1 out of 284,858 cases where the book is better than the movie version. The book had so much more detail and story plot lines that were just as juicy and unique! The main character, being Stanley Yelnats, has had a history of bad luck and not just him but his whole family has had the same problem. But heres the thing the bad luck came from a curse that was put on his family by a one legged gypsy. When Stanley gets sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime he didn't commit he discovers many things about his past and others. Although with the families bad luck Stanley does overcome his challenges and "lifts the curse" from his family name. I can see how this book can be used to teach the lesson of perseverance. Even when times seem tough that if you keep trying and trying you will succeed.
Genre: adventure fiction
Author's website: http://www.louissachar.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kz3WR5x_hE

# data[].attributes.headline
31. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 

# data[].attributes.subject
31. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 

# data[].attributes.body
This book right here is an absolute classic and even though I said 'Holes' was a childhood favorite of mine I think this book tops that one. This book about friendship and imagination and death. Jess and Leslie are the best of young fifth graders that have become the best of friends. They discover a forest and name it Terabithia. As the book goes on soon Leslie passes away from trying to cross the river to their enchanted place. At first Jess doesn't understand it and doesn't want to for the most part. This book was seen as very controversial when it was first published considering it discusses the topic of death and religion. Society is growing more and more each day. I found that this book can and is extremely appropriate for young readers. I can see myself using this book to of course to discuss the problems Jess faces throughout the book.
Genre: Children's literature
Author website:  http://katherinepaterson.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPHiGP8bYJY

# data[].attributes.headline
32. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 

# data[].attributes.subject
32. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 

# data[].attributes.body
"Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”-Albert Einstein
What Aly went through in this book is something that many children go through in real life today. Aly struggled with dyslexia through this book. She acted out and used clever distractions to hide the fact that she couldn't read...or rather than she didn't want to. She was afraid to ask for help because she knew she couldn't cure her "dumbness". I caught myself getting emotional while reading it because there are so many children that go through the same struggles day to day. But all it takes it one person, like Mr. Daniels, to show them how intelligent and unique they are. And that they don't need labels to know who they are. This book is my favorite of these four realistic fiction books because of how relatable it is. I can see myself using this book to let my students know they can speak up whenever they need help and know they they are important. An open discussion would be greatly used during this time.
Genre: fiction, children's literature
Author website: http://www.lyndamullalyhunt.com/
Youtube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvpkwXmCg68