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Title: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Publisher: Harper & Row

Grade Level: 2nd-3rd

Date: October 6 1964

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Selflessness

Summary: Since he was a little boy the tree has always given the boy anything he could need or want. The tree gives the boy shade, apples, and love. As he grows up he takes and takes from the tree, until only the stump is left.

Personal Response: This is a great book for kids to learn about selflessness. One could even teach about selfishness from the boys perspective too. There are many lessons to be learned from this book, which is why I am fond of it.

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Title: Runaway Pumpkins

Author: Teresa Bateman

Illustrator: Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Grade Level: 1st-3rd

Date: 2018

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Teamwork / Problem Solving

Summary: A farmer is growing pumpkins in his fields. Once harvest season comes around all of his pumpkins disappear leading into a humorous journey of him and his friends tracking the pumpkins down.

Personal Response: This book is great because it shows the use of working as a team and problem solving. By adding in humor aspects helps kids look at teamwork as something that can be fun.

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Title: Kindness is my Super Power

Author: Alicia Ortego

Illustrator: Alicia Ortego

Publisher: Independently published

Date: July 27th 2020

Grade Level: Pre K-1st

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Kindness

Summary: The main character goes about his life, where he figures out how random acts of kindness can have a positive impact on others around him.

Personal Response: This book is a great way to show younger readers that being kind can have a huge impact on others. It also shows that there are numerous ways to show kindness.

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Title: Love You Forever

Author: Robert Munsch

Illustrator: Sheila McGraw

Publisher: Firefly Books

Date: October 1st 1986

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Love

Summary: This book is about a mother and her son. As the boy grows up he experiences challenges that he must face and work his way through. His mother, no matter the challenge, expresses that she will always love him and be there for him no matter what.

Personal Response: When I was little, I remember my mom reading me this book. Afterward I would always express to her that I loved her. This book is a great way to show younger kids that no matter what they are going through, their family will always be there for them because they love them. It is a great reminder of everyone makes mistakes but love will never go away.

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Title: Don't Eat Bees

Author: Devorah Petty

Illustrator: M. Boldt

Publisher: Double Day Books for Young Readers

Grade Level: Pre K - 2nd

Date: May 31st 2022

Genre: Humor

Theme: Curiosity

Summary: The dog encounters bees for the first time. He learns after many times that bees are not food and are good for the environment. He then understands that bees should not be eaten, but respected for all they do for our ecosystem

Personal Response: I personally love this book for students. Not only does it have humor and adventure, but a great lesson about our ecosystem. It is both educational and fun!

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Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: World Publishing Company

Grade Level: K-1st

Date: June 3rd 1969

Genre: Picture Book / Children's Literature

Theme: Growth / Transformation

Summary: The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great children's book that teaches about growth and transformation. After weeks of eating through anything in sight, the caterpillar forms a cocoon around himself, too soon transform into a beautiful butterfly.

Personal Response: I think this book is great for younger children to read because they can learn about growth. What they might need to fuel their bodies, and the reminder that change is okay and healthy.

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Title: My Head Has A Bellyache

Author: Chris Harris

Illustrator: Andrea Tsurumi

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Grade Level: ages 10-12

Date: September 1st 2004

Genre: Poetry

Theme: Childhood/ Imagination

Summary: Incorporating rhymes while storytelling lets the readers engage and connect with the story. While imagining outlandish scenarios such as a stomach ache in the head, helps kids think of creative ways to express what they are feeling.

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Title: Charlotte's Web

Author: E.B White

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: October 15 1952

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Friendship / Love

Summary: A pig, Wilbur, becomes friends with a spider, Charlotte. Charlotte creates a plan to help save Wilbur from his death. Throughout this process they become close friends, with help from other animals around the farm.

Personal Response: This book is perfect for students to understand that anyone can be friends. Friendship isn't based on what you look like or your hobbies, but the person you are and your morals. I personally loved this book when I was younger.

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Title: Magic Treehouse #1 Dinosaurs Before Dark

Author: Mary Pope Osborn

Illustrator: Salvatore Murdocca

Publisher: Random House

Grade Levels: 2nd-3rd

Date: July 28 1992

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Adventure

Summary: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a treehouse full of books. They open a book about dinosaurs and are magically transported into that world. Their adventure begins there.

Personal Response: I have always loved the magic treehouse books. This one in particular since it is full of imagination. Definitely recommend these for a first chapter book.

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Title: The One and Only Ivan

Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: Patricia Castelao

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: January 17 2012

Grade Level: 5th-8th

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Friendship / Freedom

Summary: Ivan is a gorilla who has lived in captivity his whole life. Once an elephant is introduced to the story, he changes his perspective and plans an escape for a better life for both of them.

Personal Response: This book was one of my favorite chapter books in the 5th grade. It is such a cute and sweet story about changing perspective because of friendship.

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Title: The Bright Side

Author: Chad Otis

Illustrator: Chad Otis

Publisher: Rocky Pond Books

Grade Level: 4-8 years old

Date: February 21st 2023

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Optimism

Summary: This is a great children's book since it encourages optimism and resilience. The boy of the story encounters many side quests and challenges, but through these challenges, he continues to look at the positive aspects that come out of each lesson. This book can be a reminder that even in dark times there is always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what situation you are in, there is always something positive that can come out of it.

Personal Response: This book is a great read since the main theme is optimism and positivity. It is a great reminder for students to remain positive even in dark times.

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Title: Out of My Mind

Author: Sharon M Draper

Illustrator: Sharon M Draper

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Grade Level: 5th-8th

Date: March 2010

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Disabilities, Determination

Summary: This book is a novel that about an 11 year old girl that has cerebral palsy. She is unable to speak and struggles with some motor skills, but above all else she has an exceptional memory. Her disability makes it hard for her to make connections with her peers, but that does not stop her from being driven and perceptive.

Personal Response: I am a para sub and work with kids who have disabilities. There was this one little boy with autism, and had trouble communicating his emotions. I saw how other students treated him, and I knew that they just didn't understand his way of trying to make friends. This story reminded me of his since the girl in the story kept working towards her goals and aspirations. It can be a great reminder for students that even if people around them are different, that doesn't mean they have to be treated differently.

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Title: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publisher: Harper and Row

Grade Level: 1st-3rd

Date: 1985

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Cause and Effect

Summary: The book is fairly repetitive with the mouse asking for something more anytime he receives an item from the boy. This helps show cause and effect, which is the main theme of the book. Every action that is taken, has some sort of consequence that goes along with it. This can be good or bad, but it helps get the point across that everything can have repercussions.

Personal Response: This book expresses cause and effect and how that may have an impact. Younger students can amply this to any scenario in their lives, whether it be school related, social, or family.

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Title: Enemy Pie

Author: Derek Munson

Illustrator: Tara Calahan King

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Grade Level: 1st-3rd

Date: September 1st 2000

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Overcoming Differences

Summary: The dad in the story helps his son realize that he simply had not put in any effort to try to be Jeremy's friend. Once the son makes a friendship connection with Jeremy, he does not want him to eat the pie. In the end, he realizes 'enemy pie' was all a trick for him to get to know his neighbor.

Personal Response: This book is great for students to read since it is about overcoming differences and stubbornness.

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Title: El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: David Lasky

Publisher: Abrams Fanfare

Grade Level: 3rd-10th

Date: September 2 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel

Theme: Overcoming Challenges

Summary: This novel is about Bell, the author and her story as a little girl in school. She is deaf and had to wear hearing aids to school. This novel is about her overcoming challenges and insecurities, only to realize her insecurities are what helped her make new friends.

Personal Response: In life there are so many challenges one has to overcome. Some are more difficult than others. This book is a great reminder for students that materialistic things should not have to be worried about. There are other things people worry about that aren't clothes and shoes.

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Title: Stone Soup

Author: Jon J Muth

Illustrator: Jon J Muth

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Grade Level: 1st-4th

Date: 2003

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Community

Summary: A traveler arrives at a village where the villagers do not want to share their food with him. So he begins to make 'stone soup'. The villagers became intrigued and started to provide all sorts of ingredients. At the end, there is a huge fest, where everyone eats the soup.

Personal Response: The biggest lesson of this book is seeing the benefits of coming together as one and working as a team. This is great for enhancing teamwork and helping others, even when you might not know them.

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Title: The Eyes and The Impossible

Author: Dave Eggers

Illustrator: Shawn Harris

Publisher: McSweeneys Publishing

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Date: May 9th 2023

Genre: Adventure Fiction

Theme: Friendship, Survival, Adventure

Summary: This book is about a young boy named Tilly who embarks on an adventure with his loyal unique friends. Tilly learns important life lessons along his journey.

Personal Response: This book is a great read for students since it shows the value of friendships and imagination. It allows readers to understand that it is okay to find beauty in the unexpected.

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Title: After The Fall

Author: Dan Santat

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Grade Level: K-2nd

Date: 2017

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Overcoming Obstacles

Summary: This book is the story about after Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall. He learns how to overcome his fears and becomes resilient. While he struggles with trauma from the fall, he slowly gains back his confidence.

Personal Response: This is a great read for younger students to teach them if they fall to get back up! Metaphorically and physically.

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Title: Bear Came Along

Author: Richard T Morris

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

Grade Level: K-3rd

Date: June 1st 2019

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Relationships

Summary: The bear comes along a group of animals on the stream. They were very unexpected of his presence, but the bear encourages them to tag along on his adventure.

Personal Response: This book is a great read for younger students since they can see that relationships can be formed with anyone. Even if they don't look alike, or might not have a lot in common, you can always find similarities.

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Title: Those Shoes

Author: Maribeth Boelts

Publisher: Candle Wick Press

Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones

Grade Level: 2nd -4th

Date: 2007

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship

Summary: Jeremey really wants a pair of popular new shoes that all the kids In his school have. He meets another classmate who wants the shoes. His journey to find the shoes leads him to make a tough decision.

Personal Response: This is a great story to show how important it is to be kind and empathetic. Understanding the difference between a need and a want is an important life lesson, which this book touches on.

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Title: The Talk

Author: Alicia D. Williams

Illustrator: Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Grade Level: Preschool - 3rd

Date: October 18, 2022

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Family and Identity

Summary: This book is extremely powerful and has a great message. The book addresses how most Black parents have to have a conversation with their children about safety and how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.

Personal Response: This book is a great read and very powerful. It is meant to open up conversations about systemic racism and the challenges of growing up Black in America. I highly recommend this book.

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Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine 

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Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine 

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Title: Homeland

Author: Hannah Moushabeck

Illustrator: Reem Madooh

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Grade Level: K-3rd

Date: 2023

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Belonging, Identity, Heritage

Summary: This book talks about how someone's home can be both where they live and where they come from. This can be location, family members, and cultural traditions.

Personal Response: I think this book was a great read, and could be fairly beneficial in a classroom setting. Students might not know that multiple places and people can be called 'home'. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Title: Manatee Summer

Author: Evan Griffith

Illustrator: Evan Griffith

Publisher: Manatees R Us

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: June 28th, 2022

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Environmental Conservation

Summary: The book is about a young boy named Jesse who is spending the summer in Florida with his family. He finds himself learning about the importance of nature and how he himself can impact that.

Personal Response: This book is a great read for students since it helps them realize that nature is very important. The boy's journey in this book involves him taking action towards protecting endangered Manatees. Students will finish this book with a different mindset on the impacts humans can have on nature.

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Title: Pax

Author: Sara PennyPacker

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: February 2nd, 2015

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Love, Loyalty

Summary: This book is about a little boy named Peter and his pet fox named Pax. Peter must move away and leave Pax behind, releasing him into the wild. Peter soon realizes that he needs to be with Pax and embarks on a journey to reconnect with him.

Personal Response: This book is so sweet and special. It can show students what loyalty and love is all about. It is sentimental and heartwarming. A great read to remind students why relationships are so important.

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Title: The Goldfish Boy

Author: Lisa Thompson

Illustrator: Mike Lowery

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: January 5th, 2017

Genre: Mystery

Theme: Overcoming Person Struggles

Summary: This story Is about a little boy facing his anxiety and stepping out of his comfort zone in order to find a missing girl from his neighborhood. The book involves a great mystery and life lessons.

Personal Response: This book is a great read for students who may be struggling with stepping out of their comfort zone because of their anxiety.

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Title: Odder

Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: Charles Santoso

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Grade Level: 4th-6th

Date: September 20th, 2022

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self Discovery, Loss

Summary: This book is about a young sea otter who deals with the loss of her mother at an early age. She struggles with grief, but must navigate and find the positive in things. She is relocated where she makes a special connection with one of her caretakers.

Personal Response: This book is extremely heartwarming and shows the path of grieving and growing. Students would love this book since it is playful, but also teaches a great lesson on how to self navigate when you are feeling at your lowest.

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Title: The Grand Hotel of Feelings

Author: Lidia Brankovic

Illustrator: Lidia Brankovic

Publisher: Cicada Books

Grade Level: K-3rd

Date: August 2nd, 2023

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Emotional Intelligence

Summary: The Hotel is the most grand of them all, including various rooms that have their own feelings attached to said room. Guests can visit these specific rooms to cope with their feelings. The main character goes in each room and learns how to understand and cope with that certain emotion.

Personal Response: Once I have my own classroom this book will definitely be in my room. This book is a great read for students since it teaches them how to deal with and understand certain emotions.

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Title: The Buddy Bench

Author: Patty Brozo

Illustrator: Mike Deas

Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers

Grade Level: K-2nd

Date: August 6th, 2019

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship, Kindness

Summary: An introverted girl struggles to find friends to play with at recess. She discovers a bench called the buddy bench. Students can go sit on this bench when they are looking for someone to play with, or if they are feeling lonely. Another student notices her sitting on the bench and invites her to play. This actions changes the little girls entire school experience.

Personal Response: This book is a great reminder for students to always be kind to their fellow classmates. You never know what is going on in someone else's life, so no matter what always be kind, and invite them to play!

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Title: Roof Toppers

Author: Katherine Rundell

Illustrator: Katherine Rundell

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: February 26th, 2013

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Adventure, Mystery

Summary: An orphan girl Is determined to find her birth mother. On her journey she meets the roof toppers, people who live above the city away from everyone else. She discovers many clues along the way about her mothers whereabouts, and with the help of the roof toppers, she has a high possibility of finding her.

Personal Response: This book is a great read with lessons of love, loss, and personal growth. Students will read this book and end with a heartwarming experiencing. This book could teach students on what belonging really means, and how strangers can turn into great friendships.

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Title: What A Waste

Author: Jess French

Illustrator: Jess French

Publisher: DK Children

Grade Level: 1st-4th

Date: April 2nd 2019

Genre: Nonfiction

Theme: Pollution, Waste

Summary: The author takes the reader on a journey explaining how waste can have impacts on the environment. She expresses the importance of recycling and taking care of the environment.

Personal Response: This is a great read, especially since it emphasizes the importance of taking care of the environment. Students don't understand the negative effects that humans can have on our planet. This book is a great way to explain that to them.

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Title: They Think That I Don't Listen

Author: D Stewart

Illustrator: D Stewart

Publisher: Independent

Grade Level: 2nd-4th

Date: January 16th, 2024

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Understanding, Disabilities

Summary: This book is about a young boy who has a hearing impairment, making it difficult for him to hear certain things. This makes the other students around him think that he doesn't pay attention or listen, when he really does. This makes the little boy feel left out and lonely.

Personal Response: This book is a great way to show students that everyone is different, but that doesn't mean they should be treated differently. Everyone faces struggles in their life, some different than others. But in the end, everyone should be included and treated with respect. This is a great book to teach students that lesson.

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Title: Where The Wild Things Are

Author: Maurice Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: HarperCollins

Grade Level: K-3rd

Date: April 9th, 1963

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Theme: Imagination, Adventure

Summary: A little boy named Max embarks on a journey through his imagination. Suddenly his room turns into a magical forest with wild creatures called, the wild things. Through his adventures Max realizes that nothing will ever be home like his family.

Personal Response: This is a great read for students the realize how to appreciate what they have. Even when your parents take away a toy, or put you in time out, they are doing that out of care. No matter how angry or upset you get over something silly at home, it will always be the place you belong.

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Title: Stellaluna

Author: Jannell Cannon

Illustrator: Jannell Cannon

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Grade Level: Pre-K -3rd

Date: April 3rd, 1993

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Identity

Summary: The book is about a young bat who loses her mother. She is taken in by a family of birds where she learns to adapt. Stellaluna is learning how to live like her adopted family, but she struggles. She soon finds her way, and learns various things about herself along the way.

Personal Response: This is a great read for students since it is teaching a lesson while telling a fun heartwarming story. This story is about self acceptance and self growth. Learning new things and adapting to them, even if it is outside of your comfort zone.

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Title: Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See

Author: Bill Martin Jr

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Grade Level: PreK-1st

Date: 1967

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Early Learning

Summary: This book the brown bear discovers many animal friends, colors, shapes, and sizes. The animals are all asked what they see and they say the next animal. The pattern goes on throughout the book.

Personal Response: This book is great for early learning with younger students. It teaches students to color recognition, repetition, and predicting. I think this book is a great starter when it comes to younger readers.

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Title: Hello Universe

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly

Illustrator: Isabel Roxas

Publisher: Green Willow Books

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: March 14th, 2017

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship

Summary: Through this story, a little boy is trapped inside of a well. The other characters have to learn to work together in order to find him and help him out. Lessons are learned of the importance of friendship, working together, and trusting in others, even if you don't quite know them.

Personal Response: This is a great book to teach students the importance of team work and friendship. The book brings together a group of kids that might not be the typical friend group. Each kid is fairly different from the other, but they all put their skills together and work together to find the boy in the well.

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Title: The Lemonade War

Author: Jacqueline Davies

Illustrator: Jaqueline Davies

Publisher: HarperCollins and Blackstone

Grade Level: 3rd-5th

Date: 2007

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Family

Summary: Evan finds out that his younger sister is going to be moved up a grade, into his classroom. He doesn't like the idea of his younger sister having the same friends as him, and potentially becoming more popular than he is. They have a competition to see who is the best, but what they did not know was that this competition will teach them a bigger lesson about their relationship.

Personal Response: This book is a great read, especially if students have siblings. At a young age having a sibling can be difficult. There can be fighting, jealousy, and overall not agreeing on certain things. This books teaches a lesson that above all else, a siblings relationship with each other is more important than any competition.

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Title: Wish

Author: Barbara O'Connor

Illustrator: Mathew Cordell

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, Giroux

Grade Level: 4th-7th

Date: August 29th, 2017

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Hope, Relationships

Summary: Charlie, a young girl moves to a small town to live with her aunt and uncle. She experiences feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and overall sadness. Along her journey of trying to feel at home, she runs into some unexpected things and people.

Personal Response: This book can show students that there is always something to look forward to, even if they are going through hard times. It is a reminder to keep your head up, and look at the relationships around you to help boost your mood.

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Title: Beyond The Bright Sea

Author: Lauren Wolk

Illustrator: Lauren Wolk

Publisher: Dutton Books

Grade Level: 5th-6th

Date: May 2nd, 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Identity, Self Growth

Summary: Crow is a little girl who was abandoned at a young age. She lives on an island where a man took her in and raised her. Grown up, she is curious about the world beyond the island. She embarks on a journey to neighboring islands and beyond. While on this journey, she discovers more about herself than she realized.

Personal Response: This book stood out to me because I feel like it could relate to a lot of students. Many kids have abandonment issues, and can find it hard to talk about them, or come to terms with their reality. This story is great since it shows Crow overcoming her issues and growing through them. Her journey taught her various things about herself that she did not know before.

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Title: Collaboration Station

Author: Shannon Olsen

Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

Publisher: Independent

Grade Level: 2nd-4th

Date: January 1st, 2024

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Teamwork

Summary: This book is all about working as a team and using every students individual skills. Throughout the book the students discover that collaborating is all about listening to everyones ideas, and respecting everyones opinions. By the end of the book the students complete their project, but the main take away was that teamwork is an important skill to have!

Personal Response: This book is awesome to read to students so they can see the benefits of working with one another. There are various lessons that this book teaches since it allows students to create scenarios of how they would work in a group setting. Not only does it help with classroom group work, but outside of the classroom too.

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Title: Stay Wild My Child

Author: Mandy Archer

Illustrator: Shane Crampton

Publisher: Tielmour Press

Grade Level: PreK-1st

Date: December 1st, 2019

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Individuality

Summary: This book encourages students to interact and explore the nature around them. It tells students that it is always okay to explore and embrace their curiosity about things around them.

Personal Response: This book is a great read for younger students. It is a reminder to them to always allow their curiosity to seep through! It shows them how to be independent while also embracing who they are.

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Title: A Walk In The Words

Author: Hudson Talbott

Illustrator: Hudson Talbott

Publisher: Nancy Paulson Books

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: September 14th, 2021

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Imagination

Summary: The little boy takes a walk in the woods where different words guide him through. Though he struggled at first with reading certain words, he discovers that words can unlock many parts of the mind.

Personal Response: This book is a great one to read to students who struggle with reading, or lack the motivation when it comes to books and reading. I know that when I was a younger student I did not like to read. But this book definetly helps open up the mind to the idea that words and books can help with others things other than just plain old reading.

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Title: The Color Monster

Author: Anna Llenas

Illustrator: Anna Llenas

Publisher: Hatchet Book Group

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: October 2012

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Dealing with emotions

Summary: The color monster Is very emotional, but does not know how to control them or what they mean. A little girl tries to help him understand his emotions by relating them to colors. Red is anger, Blue is sadness and so on. The color monster learns so many new skills that help him control his emotions.

Personal Response: This book is perfect to help students understand that whatever emotion they are feeling, that is okay. When you are younger dealing with emotions can be hard and scary. This book is a great reminder on how to deal and express those emotions or ask for help.

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Title: The Circles Around Us

Author: Brad Montague

Illustrator: Kristi Montague

Publisher: Dial Books

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: 2021

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Relationships

Summary: Montague emphasizes the importance of relationships in our lives and how they form circles around us. Each circle is a layer of different parts of our lives, which form who we are as a person.

Personal Response: This book is a great read since it is a lesson to students about how relationships impact who we are as people.

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Title: The Bad Seed

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Publisher: HarperCollins

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: August 29th 2017

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growth

Summary: The bad seed is told from the perspective of the seed itself. He gets himself into trouble most of the time, but at one point he realizes it doesn't have to be that way.

Personal Response: This book reflects on ones behavior and how they have the power of the choices that they make. This is why this book is perfect for younger readers. At a young age it can be hard to control emotions and sometimes behavior. This book can show students that they have control over their own behaviors.

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Title: The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be

Author: Joanna Gaines

Illustrator: Julianna Swaney

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

Grade Level: 1st-2nd

Date: November 10th 2020

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self Love

Summary: Gaines's whole message in this book is to be who you truly are. If you are trying to change who you are as a person, it will come off wrong, and take a toll on yourself.

Personal Response: This book has a great message for students since it can be hard growing up feeling comfortable being yourself. Trying to fit in at a young age can be hard, especially in today's society. This book is a reminder to be confident in who you are.

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Title: I Like This You Like That

Author: Linda Ashman

Illustrator: Eve Coy

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed

Grade Level: K-1st

Date: 2022

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship

Summary: Two friends who are complete opposites figure out ways to still continue their friendship and accept each others differences.

Personal Response: Children have a hard time making friends when they know that they don't particularly get along. This book helps students understand that having differences is okay. Even if someone likes different things than you, doesn't mean you can't be friends.

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Title: Seekers Of The Wild Realm

Author: Alexandra Ott

Illustrator: Alexandra Ott

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Grade Level: 4th-7th

Date: July 7th 2020

Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Adventure

Summary: Ziva spends her whole life wanting to become a seeker. Seekers are the ones that protect the wild realm, a magical world that exists among side the human realm.

Personal Response: This book is full of adventure, friendship, and connections to the world around you. It is a fun read and can teach students the importance of perseverance.

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Title: Knight Owl

Author: Chris Van Dusen

Illustrator: Christopher Denise

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: March 15, 2022

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self Discovery

Summary: The Owl strives to become a knight, despite his size, he ignores everyones doubt, and wants to accomplish his goal of becoming a knight.

Personal Response: This book helps students believe that they can do whatever they want to do no matter what anyone else says. Perseverance is the key when trying to accomplish anything in life.

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Title: The Light Within You

Author: Namita Moolani Mehra

Illustrator: Kamala M Nair

Publisher: Two Lions

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: September 26th, 2023

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self Love

Summary: Everyone has a light within them that shows their potential, gifts, and positive qualities.

Personal Response: This is a great read for students and their self esteem. Everyone has gifts and special talents, they just need to realize it!

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Title: The Very Brave Lion

Author: Wendy Ravenhill

Illustrator: Cece Biscoe

Publisher: Jellycat

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

Date: NA

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Bravery

Summary: The little lion is set to go on a journey In order to face his fears. On his journey he realizes that fear itself is not the issue, but facing the fear is. He understands that he must face his fears and move past them.

Personal Response: This is a great book to show students that being scared of something is okay. But what they have to understand is they must be brave enough to face that fear. Bravery is a hard thing to do, but when done you will feel accomplished and proud.