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Published: 2015

Read:  3/3/2017

Review:   The story is about Red, a blue crayon who mistakenly has a red label. His teacher tries to convince him to draw strawberries, but they show up blue. He tries on a red scarf, but it just does not match. His mother suggests he mixes with other colors, but the results are not what he expects. No matter how hard Red tries, his efforts just keep coming out blue. His other crayon friends try to help him reinvent himself, but no matter what they do, Red is still a blue crayon. After much self-doubt and denial, Red makes a new friend, a Berry-colored crayon, who asks him to complete his drawing by adding a blue ocean for his boat. Red gives it a go, and suddenly, he finds his true self and discovers what his other art-supply friends knew all along. The rest of his crayon friends are impressed with his new style, and Red comes to embrace his true identity.

I like this book, because of its clever message about embracing who we are.

Age/Audience: Pre-K - Kindergarten.  This story would appeal to readers who are struggling with feeling different in a crowd of their peers.

Teaching Points:  This book would work great to teach about aspects of special education in inclusion/mainstream settings, because it helps to remind everyone that all students are capable and competent, and it merely depends on what we are asking them to do.

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I Don't Want To Be A Frog by Devorah Petty

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I Don't Want To Be A Frog by Devorah Petty

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Published:  2015

Read:  4/10/2017

Review:  In this story, two frogs are having a conversation.  The smaller of the frogs announces that he doesn't want to be a frog; he'd prefer to be a cat, pig, rabbit, or owl. The larger frog has a counterargument for each choice. Finally, a large wolf interjects that he would eat anything except for frogs for the very reasons that the small frog dislikes himself - that frogs are too wet, slimy, and bug-eating - and the story ends with a much more content frog.

I like this story, because it humorously addresses why it is important to embrace and values oneself.

Age/Audience:  PreK - 2.  This story would appeal to students who struggle with positive self image.

Teaching Points:  Sadly, not every child wants to be who they already are.  Therefore, this story would be great to teach about embracing individual uniqueness and differences without desiring to be someone else but rather lovingly accepting who we really are.

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Diana's White House Garden by Elisa Carbone

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Diana's White House Garden by Elisa Carbone

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Published:  2016

Read:  4/15/2017

Review:  Halsted, the daughter of one of Franklin Roosevelt's close advisors, lived at the White House during World War II. Without other children around, she spends most of her time with Fala, the Roosevelts' dog. After her playful activities get her in trouble with the White House staff, it is decided that a good way to direct Diana's energy would be for her to take care of a Victory Garden on the lawn. The 10-year-old becomes part of a publicity plan to encourage people all over the country to help the war effort by growing their own food.

I like this book, because it gives a wonderful peak into the life of child growing up at the White House during WWII, and it brings the the importance of the Victory Gardens to a child's level.

Age/Audience:  Grades K-3. This book would appeal to students who have a interest in gardening.

Teaching Points:  This book would be great to teach the importance of Victory Gardens in WWII and about civilians' important contributions to the war efforts at home.

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Published:  2015

Read:  3/31/2017

Review:  A mouse feels small and insecure and determines that what he needs to do is learn how to roar like a lion. He knows he has to act brave when he approaches a lion to learn how. In a hilarious turn of events, the lion is actually afraid of mice. The mouse comforts the lion, and they become friends.

I like this book, because it is a lovely story that teaches that no matter what you look like, everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Age/Audience:  PreK-2. This book would appeal to students who like fun, bold illustrations and who need encouragement to face their fears.

Teaching Points:  This book can be used to teach aspects of rhyme and rhyming words, because the story is told in poetic stanzas.  It can also be used to teach about how people can become unlikely friends.

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The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

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The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

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Published:  2016

Read:  2/25/2017

Review:  This book tells the story of a depressed town's transformation with the help of a nocturnal gardener. The book begins on Grimloch Lane, a street where every head hangs down and an orphan boy, William, is down in the dumps. A dapper elderly man with a green leaf shining in his pocket passes him, and the magic begins. Every night, a new fantastical topiary appears in a tree on Grimloch Lane, to the neighborhood's delight. People begin playing outside, drawing, playing the tuba, and looking up in wonder: it's an urban planner's delight. William gets to tag along one night, and as the season changes, the work of creating community-revitalizing topiaries is passed to him.

My favorite part of this book is the illustrations.  They are alive with color and detail, and great for lighting a spark to the imagination.

Age/Audience:  PreK-2.  This book will appeal to students who have an interest in artistic expression.

Teaching Points: The pictures at the end of the book are very different from the ones at the beginning of the book. This makes it great to teach about the comparison and contrast of these pictures and what techniques the artist uses to create the mood at the beginning and end of the book.  Also, this book is ultimately about how joy can come again after great sadness and can be used to teach  about the lasting effects that art can make on a soul and a community.

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Published:  2016

Read:  2/18/2017

Review:  Liam almost gets his freckles scorched off when he opens the mailbox at the end of his driveway and meets Sizzlefritz for the first time. Once the dragon's flames die down, readers see Liam has a toothy smile because he's finally gotten something in the mail. In his thank you letter, he writes, "You are the best mailbox ever!" Once Liam learns the secret to receiving mail, he is bombarded with surprises like a funny bone that tells jokes, a whale stamped "air whale," and a wearable red mustache. In the process of finding homes for all his mail, he learns that he enjoys sending things more than receiving them.

I like this book, because it appeals to young children's fascination for receiving mail.

Age/Audience:  Grades PreK - 2.  This book will appeal to students who like the idea of getting their own mail.  Because of the author's wordplay and visual jokes, this imaginative fantasy takes a child’s wish seriously and then humorously explores it to extreme fulfillment.

Teaching Points:  After getting so many amazing things in the mail, Liam realizes that an even better option is to share his wonderful mail with friends and other kids eager to get something exciting in the mail.  This makes this story good to teach about the benefits of sharing.  Also, the illustrations have a postcard look and postal stampings, which makes it great to teach about aspects of the letter writing process which is quickly becoming a dying art.

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Published:  2014

Read:  2/10/2017

Review:  Elmore Green's life as an only child is sheer bliss. He has his own room, and no one ever changes the channel or messes with his toys. Of course, "Elmore Green's parents thought he was simply the funniest, cleverest, most adorable person they had ever seen." However, all of that changes when his baby brother is born. Elmore goes from feeling displaced to angry to just wanting to be alone until the one night when he learns to truly appreciate what a gift his younger brother truly is.

I like this book, because the large font flows in curves on some pages and is choppy on others, working well with the illustrations to convey the older boy's feelings.

Age/Audience:  PreK-2.  The childlike perspective and simple illustrations will make this story a favorite for any reader who has ever been faced with a new sibling or has had to learn to share

Teaching Points:  Elmore refers to his little brother as 'it' or 'the small person', until he finally learns to call him Albert.  This makes it a good book to teach about the value that each member holds within a family.

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Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy  and Theresa Howell 

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Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy  and Theresa Howell 

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Published:  2016

Read:  4/14/2017

Review:  In a town that is dismal and austere, Mira offers her neighbor her joy—art. After Mira hands out some of her paintings, a muralist takes notice of her work. Eventually Mira, the muralist, and the diverse community come together to make their town a beautiful work of art.

I like this book, because it shows how art can impact the quality of life.

Age/Audience:  PreK-2.  This book would appeal to artistic students or students who can appreciate the value of art in contributing creative energy and a cheery tone.

Teaching Points: This book could be a great introduction to get students thinking about a community service project that would impact the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

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Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner

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Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner

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Published:  2015

Read:  4/14/2017

Review:  Cornelius Washington is a dynamic street sweeper in New Orleans. This working man, also known as Marvelous Cornelius, can be seen doing fun tricks and flips while sweeping the streets of the Quarter. When Hurricane Katrina hits the city, Cornelius is overwhelmed by the cleanup, but volunteers come from everywhere to help. He soon finds his fun spirit again and begins cleaning again in the aftermath of the great storm.

I like this book, because it a great story of resilience in the face of adversity.

Age/Audience: Grades K-2.  This book would appeal to students who have personal ties or interest in New Orleans, because it addresses recent New Orleans history.

Teaching Points:  This book can be used to teach about the spirit of people in a community before and after natural disasters.  This book is also filled with figurative language like alliteration and repetition and could be used to teach these concepts.

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Granddaddy's Turn:  A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

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Granddaddy's Turn:  A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

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Published:  2015

Read:  4/1/2017

Review:  Granddaddy is wearing his suit, and Michael has agreed to put on a tie. Michael thinks they might be going to the county fair, but Granddaddy tells him that their destination is even better. African Americans have been granted the right to vote, and Granddaddy is going to the polls for the first time. Michael snaps a picture of his grandfather beaming with pride as he holds his first ballot, but the pair's happiness is short-lived.  After Granddaddy is forced to admit that he can't read, a deputy sends him away. Granddaddy leaves in silent tears as Michael vows to vote for him someday. The narrative shifts to the years ahead as Michael grows and waits; when his own turn to vote finally comes, he brings his grandfather's picture along.

I like this book, because the style of writing evokes stories told in the oral tradition as used in many non-American cultures.  I also like the image that comes towards the end of the book, of a college-age Michael, immersed in school work, who glances back at the old photo of his grandfather that adorns his study space.

Age/Audience:  Grades 1-3. This book would appeal to students who deeply value multi-generational connectedness, specifically a relationship with a grandfather.

Teaching Points:  This book can be used to introduce students to the civil rights movement and the historical context of the passing of the Voting Rights Act.

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Published:  2016

Read: 2/10/2017

Review:  It's not easy getting your Lion Diploma," says the human protagonist of this book.  The nameless lead character must master seven lessons to get his degree and is taught by an expert in the field—a lion. Each step highlights the essential characteristics of a ferocious feline, such as speed, agility, the loudest roar, and the ability to pounce. Most of the boy's attempts end with less than satisfactory results, except for his last lesson, looking out for friends, which is the most important lesson of all.

I like this book, because it is comical yet engaging.  Also, the story leads the reader on a fun journey of character development that neatly turns the conversation from the cowardice of bullies to what it means to be lionhearted.

Age/Audience:  Grades PreK - 2. This book would appeal to students who like lions and perceived lion characteristics.

Teaching Points:  This story can be used to start the conversation about bullying with young readers.  It can also be used to teach the ideas that bravery can’t always be taught, and sometimes you find your courage only when you need it most.

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Caldecott Medal Winner

Published: 1962

Read: 3/4/2017

Review:   This is the story about a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night.  The little boy celebrates the snow-draped city with a day of adventures--experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.

I like this book, because awakening to a winter wonderland is an ageless, ever-magical experience. I also like that the illustrations are strikingly beautiful in their understated color and composition.

Age/Audience: PreK - 2.  This book would appeal to any student who still has a sense of wonder about the snow.

Teaching Points:  In a city like Atlanta, where students do not experience much snowfall, this would be a great story to teach about what a snowy day looks like, because the author provides insight on the little boy's adventures throughout the day.

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Published:  2013

Read:  2/25/2017

Review:  This book tells the story of a young boy who decides one day that he's too old for picture books. After all, every picture book he's ever read has led him astray. He read Harold and the Purple Crayon and then got into trouble for drawing on the walls. He had a bad day and went to bed believing that the monsters from Where the Wild Things Are would come and spirit him away in the night. He awakened the next morning to find himself snuggled into his same old bed in his same old room. One day, he even found some green ham in the refrigerator and decided to give it a try. After all, Sam I Am found out that it was really good, right? Only, unlike Green Eggs and Ham, the green ham made him throw up.  However, he soon learns just how invaluable imagination is, realizes that he actually loves his books, and vows to keep them all.

I like this book, because it both pokes fun at and celebrates many of the classics of children s literature.

Age/Audience:  K-2.  This book would be a great attention grabber for students who claim to hate reading or that they are too old for "baby" books.

Teaching Points:  Since this book uses humor to reference many other books, it can be used to introduce these books to young readers as a way to expand their reading interest.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

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Published:  1969

Read:  3/11/2017

Review:  A small caterpillar emerges from an egg and begins eating everything in sight. Finally, it is no longer hungry and no longer small. The big, fat caterpillar builds a cocoon around himself and finally emerges as a beautiful butterfly.

I like this book, because it is unique in that it actually has the holes eaten by the caterpillar. It is also illustrated with tissue-paper collages that are very colorful and detailed.

Age/Audience:  PreK-3.  This book would be interesting for students who are interested in how/why caterpillars become butterflies.

Teaching Points: This book could be used to teach math content. Students could count out the foods that the hungry caterpillar eats each weekday.  This could be extended by asking students questions like, How many things does he eat on Saturday? How many more things did he eat on Saturday than he ate on Friday?  This could also be used to support science content about the life cycle of the butterfly.

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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

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Newberry Medal Winner

Published:  2015

Read:  2/3/2017

Review:  A little boy and his grandmother take a bus after church.  Along the way, the grandmother helps the boy to appreciate the unexpected beauty in the city, especially in the people.  The bus ride includes a conversation with a blind man and an impromptu concert by a man with a guitar. When they arrive at their destination, they follow a disabled man and a homeless man down the street until they reach the soup kitchen where the little boy and his grandmother do their weekly volunteer shift serving the meal.I like this book, because the little boy goes from complaining to noticing beauty and appreciating people.

I like this book because it is a great story to start deeper discussions about finding beauty in unexpected places.

Age/Audience:  Grades PreK-5.  This book would be interesting for students who live in the city.  The context and images in the book really bring the city to life and address issues in city life that often go unmentioned.

Teaching Points:  This book is a wonderful starting point for discussions about attitude and values. It's also a great choice to be used for units on community, beauty, gratitude, and materialism.