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Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: World of Eric Carle

Date: March 23rd, 1994.

# of Pages: 26 Pages

Visual Elements: This is an animated picture book that uses bright colors and collages. It has an interactive component with flipping to see what the caterpillar ate.

Grade Level: Preschool - Third Grade

Genre: Fiction pop-up book

Themes: Metamorphosis, Hunger

Setting: Outside

Summary: The caterpillar hatches an egg and is so hungry. Each day he eats more and more than the last. Although he keeps on eating he never gets full. One day he eats a variety of foods and then his tummy hurts. He finds his way to a tree and eats a leaf. He then makes a cocoon to sleep in. When he wakes up he turns into a beautiful colorful butterfly.

Personal Response: I love this book because it emphasizes the life cycle of a caterpillar and shows that it goes from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Having the interactive piece to the book keeps children engaged. It was a great book and I loved reading it to the little kids at the Children's Center.

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Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Harper Collins UK and Penguin USA

Date: June 27, 2013

# of Pages: 40 Pages

Visual Elements: This is a picture book that uses different colored crayons to tell the story.

Grade Level: First - Third Grade

Genre: Picture book, Fiction

Themes: Asks questions about social norms, conflict, point of view

Setting: Duncan’s class

Summary: This book is about a boy named Duncan and his crayon book. The crayons decide to go on strike and write a letter to Duncan about how they are going to quit. In the letter, they say why they are the best crayon and how he should use that specific color. In the end, Duncan draws a beautiful picture with all the colors in his crayon box.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was very funny in some parts of the book it even made me laugh. This book helps children understand the concept of point of view and inclusion. It is important to always include everyone just like the different color crayons. I loved reading this book to the little boy I babysat.

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Author: Marcus Pfister

Illustrator: Marcus Pfister

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date: 1992

# of Pages: 12

Visual Elements: Picture book, realistic cartoon, paint, colors

Grade Level: K - 2nd

Genre: picture book, fiction

Theme: Friendship and Happiness

Setting: Sea

Summary: This book is about a fish with shiny scales. All the fish in the sea admire him and want him to share his scales. The rainbow fish is very upset and doesn’t want to share his beautiful scares. He eventually finds joy in sharing his scales and making new friends.

Personal Response: I loved reading this book when I was a child so it was fun to reread it. I love all the colors in the book and that it teaches a great lesson for children. It teaches kids the importance of sharing with others.

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Author: E.B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Publisher: Harper & Brothers
Date: October 15, 1952
# of Pages: 192 Pages
Visual Elements: symbolism, foreshadowing,
Grade Level: 4th and 5th grade
Genre: Novel, Fiction
Themes: Friendship, coming of age
Setting: Farm

Summary: This chapter book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friend Charlotte, the spider. When Fern’s father is going to kill the pig’s new litter she is devasted so Charlotte starts writing messages on her web to try and persuade him not to kill Wilbur. People come from all over to see these messages at the fair and eventually, her father decides not to slaughter Wilbur anymore.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this Newbery Medal Award book. I haven’t read this book since I was in 5th grade so I enjoyed reading it again. I loved how it teaches kids the story of friendship and coming of age.

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Author: Alice Hemming

Illustrator: Nicola Slater

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Date: September 1, 2022

# of Pages: 32 Pages

Visual Elements: picture book

Grade Level: Preschool - Third

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Friendship, coming of age

Setting: Outside

Summary: This is a funny book that teaches children about autumn and how leaves change color and fall. The squirrel wakes up and notices a leaf missing from the tree. He thinks someone stole his leaf but then finds out it is the wind and leaves fall in autumn.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book on epic. I thought this book was super funny but also showed how to adapt to change. It was a great book because it talked about leaves changing in different seasons. This is a great book to read in the fall in your classroom.

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Sakamoto's Swim Club - How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory

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Sakamoto's Swim Club - How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory

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Author: Julie Abery

Illustrator: Chris Sasaki

Publisher: Kids Can Press, Limited

Date: May 4, 2021

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: bright colors, painting,

Grade Level: Preschool - 3rd Grade

Genre: poetry, rhyme, true story

Themes: Hard work, determination

Setting: Outside

Summary: Children of Maui Sugar plantation workers were told to not swim in the irrigation ditch. A science teacher, Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He coached the children on how to swim and build endurance. They made a swim club which eventually led to an Olympic gold medal.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book because I grew up swimming. I was on the swim and water polo teams. I can definitely understand why this book was considered a Notable Book for a Global Society because it told this true story in a beautiful way through poetry. It teaches children that hard work and determination pay off.

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Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Date: March 6, 2018

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: Picture book, realistic cartoon, paint, colors

Grade Level: Pre-K - First

Genre: realistic fiction/poetry

Theme: Inclusion, Diversity, Empowerment

Setting: Inside

Summary: This book is about a girl who recognizes it is okay to be different and that is enough. It teaches others that everyone has a purpose in life.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book and think it is a great reminder for children to understand that they are valued and have a person. It is okay to be different and it is important to teach that at such a young age.

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Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date: August 28th, 2018

# of Pages: 32 Pages

Visual Elements: painting, watercolor, vibrant colors

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction

Themes: Differences should be accepted. sense of belonging

Setting: School Classroom

Summary: This story explains the differences each person has and sometimes when you go to a new place it feels as if you don’t belong. It’s the differences that make us unique. Rigoberto thought he was the only one that was different but found out he and Angelina had a lot in common.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book because I also could relate to not belonging somewhere. Coming to Boise State not knowing anyone it took me a while before I fit in and felt like I belonged. This feeling changed once I found some friends and my interest. This story helps students learn that you matter and it’s okay to be different. The book talks about different identities and shows children that it is important to embrace yourself.

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Author: James Marshall

Illustrator: Fritz Weaver

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: June 1, 1996

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements:

Grade Level: Preschool - 2nd Grade

Genre: Fiction, Children’s

Themes: Hard work pays off

Setting: Outside

Summary: In “The Three Little Pigs” tells the story of three pigs and their houses. Each pig builds a house made out of different materials. The Big Bad Wolf blows down the two pigs' houses made of straw and sticks. However, the last pig made a house of bricks. The pig was unable to blow it down and that pig ate the wolf up when he went down the chimney.

Personal response: I haven’t read this book since I was a child so I enjoyed reading it again. This is a classic that every child should read.

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Author: John Scieszka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: March 1, 1996.

# of Pages:  32 Pages.

Visual Elements: cartoons, painting, warm and dark colors, fairytale feel with the fun vibrant colors

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Listening, do not believe something just because it is popular.

Setting: Fictional Land

Summary: The wolf goes to his neighbor, a pig with a house built out of straw, for a cup of sugar. Because the wolf is sick he sneezes and blows the house down. He then sees a pig after he blows the house down and eats it up. He goes to his other neighbor, the pig with the stick house, and sneezes again. He blows down that house and eats up that pig. When he finally makes his way to the third pig’s brick house he gets upset that the pig was talking mean about granny. It causes a big scene and the cops were called. The reporter framed the wolf into being the Big Bad Wolf. All he wanted was a cup of sugar.

Personal Response: This is a fun story to read to children to help them learn about different perspectives. I never heard it from the wolf’s perspective so I thought it was interesting. It is important to hear every side of the story before you believe something. This is a good paired book to teach differing perspectives.

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Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Date: January 1, 1996
# of Pages: 16
Visual Elements: Picture book, ink, watercolor, abstract/impressionistic
Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Setting: Snowy outside

Summary: Peter goes out to play on a snowy day. He makes footprints in the snow and finds a stick to hit a tree. He makes a snowman and snow angels. He goes home and takes a bath. When he went to bed he dreamed that the snow was gone. He woke up in the morning and there was still snow. He played outside again.

Response to Book: This book is very cute. It won an award for being the first picture book with an African American protagonist and earned a Caldecott Medal. I love how simple this book is but I wish there was more of a story and message.

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Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Molly Idle

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: 2021

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: bright colors, colored pencil artwork, shading, classic animation

Grade Level: Preschool - 3rd Grade

Genre: fiction, bedtime story

Themes: Friendship

Setting: Outside

Summary: Clyde wishes for a star before bedtime. It is a secret. When he was going to bed that same star he wished for climbed into his window. The same star wished as hard as she could but her wish was a secret too. The star showed up in his bedroom and the two became friends. Both their wish was to have a friend. It wasn’t a secret anymore.

Personal Response: I loved how this book teaches kids to reach for the stars. It is about friendship and has a happy ending. This is a great book to read at bedtime for kids.

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Author: Gary Robinson

Illustrator: Gary Robinson

Publisher: 7th Generation, Native Voices Books

Date: April 27, 2021

# of Pages: 40 pages

Visual Elements: This hardcover picture book has real pictures with bright colors, shading, and with digital art.

Grade Level: 4th grade to 7th grade

Genre: Encouragement

Themes: Self-confidence, positivity, diversity

Setting: None

Summary: Jayla knows to ignore the voices that tell her she isn’t good enough or different from others. She talks about not listening to others' voices and instead listening to your voice instead. She shares her advice and that it is okay to be different.

Personal Response: It was a very good book that had a great message. Often time people are so hard on themselves (even I included) that you forget that you need to be kind to themselves. The main topic of this book helps children learn to love themselves for who they are and it is okay to be different. The author does a great job at catering to young audiences and gives steps you can do to stop the negative talk.

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Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: David Lasky (Colorist)

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: September 2nd, 2014.

# of pages: 248

Visual Elements: Hardcopy Graphic novel. The illustrations are what make the story come to life.

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

Genre: Non-Fiction Biography

Themes: Acceptance, friendship, and Difference

Setting: Roanoke, Virginia

Summary: This book is about Cece, a bunny who gets meningitis which leads to her deafness. Cece struggles to fit in at school because she has a hearing device. It is hard for her to make friends because other people look different than her. When Cece becomes friends with Laura, who was very mean. She introduces Cece as her “deaf friend”. Cece comes up with “El Deafo” to be her alter ego. It is her superhero that helps her escape the world and be herself. Cece learns to become confident in herself despite the differences she has.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading the graphic novel El Deafo. I loved how the author Cece Bell wrote this book about her personal experiences growing up as deaf.  I like how this book teaches children to embrace their differences because we are all unique.

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Author: Michael Hall

Illustrator: Michael Hall

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Date: February 3, 2015

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: cartoon, picture book, colored crayon drawings, and cut paper.

Grade Level: Kindergarten - Second Grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Diversity, identity, and labels don’t define us
Setting: Crayon Box

Summary: A red crayon struggles with his identity because he is supposed to be red but only can color in blue. All the other crayon colors make fun of him and say he is broken. He makes a friend with purple and realizes that he is not red he is blue all along.

Response to Book: I read this book to a little boy I babysat. I love how this book helps children understand diversity and that we are all unique and different just like the crayons.

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Author: Breann Rumsch

Illustrator: Mark Mallman

Publisher: Cantata Learning

Date: 2019

# of Pages: 22

Visual Elements: cartoon, picture book, has an interactive music component where you can scan a QR code to listen to the songs

Grade Level: Kindergarten - Third Grade

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Teamwork

Setting: Soccer field

Summary: This book teaches kids what teamwork is and what it may look like to play soccer. It talks about rules and having fun.

Response to Book: I loved this book because it is so important to teach kids what teamwork is and what it looks like. This would be a great book to read to a soccer team when they are starting the season.

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Author: Jasmine Warga

Illustrator: Jasmine Warga

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins Publishers

Date: May 28, 2019

# of Pages: 352

Visual Elements: Poetry Chapter book, (no illustrations other than the cover)

Grade Level: Fourth-Sixth grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Empathy, Bravery, Resilience

Setting: Syria/America

Summary: Jude moves from Syria with her mom to America. There is a war surrounding them in Syria so they move to be safe. Jude’s mother is pregnant and they all move in with their Uncle. Jude’s brother and father stay behind. It is a big adjustment moving to a new place and Jude struggles to make friends. She writes to her friend back in Syria but has a hard time making a friend with Sarah, her cousin she is staying with. She finally finds her place in America and has a part in the school play. Her baby sister is born and she sees her brother and dad are safe.

Response to Book: I really enjoyed this book because it made me think of how hard people have it. It is really sad that she left her dad and brother behind but I was happy to see that she got to see them in the end. The book talks about belonging and how as Jude stays in America she finds her place. It was interesting to read about the Arabic words in this book. It had a glossary page that showed the meanings.

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Author: Kwame Alexander

Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Date: Mar 5, 2019

# of Pages: 237

Visual Elements: Novel

Grade Level: 5th - 8th grade

Genre: Fiction

Themes: friendship, family, relationship, loss

Setting: North Carolina

Summary: This book is about Josh Bell. He has an identical twin brother named Jordan (JB). They both love basketball but Josh is more invested in the sport. He wants to follow his father and become a basketball legend, and an NBA star. He doesn’t play basketball to be popular, he does it because it is his passion. When JB gets a girlfriend, Josh gets lonely. This causes sibling rivalry and a lot of fighting and tension. Their father gets sick and this puts a lot of stress on the boy's relationship. Their father ends up dying and after this, the brothers mend their relationship. They will always have each other no matter what.

Personal Responses: I enjoyed this book because I love sports. I liked how this talks about having a relationship with your sibling. I have siblings so I loved the message this book showed. I also liked how there were poems throughout the novel. It was fun to write my own poem about one of the characters.

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Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal - A Worldwide Cinderella

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Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal - A Worldwide Cinderella

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Author: Paul Fleischman

Illustrator: Julie Paschkis

Publisher: Henry Holt Company

Date: September 4, 2007

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: bright colors, variety of colors, colored pencil art, detailed

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 4th grade

Genre: Fiction, folklore

Themes: kindness, hard work, determination

Setting: Around the world

Summary: This story talks about a worldwide Cinderella. Whether her name is Asphalt, Sootface, Cendrillon, or Cindrella she is all over the world. This story has been passed down through generations and it discusses the differences in each culture. Each girl introduces a new place in the world from Iraq, Russia, Iran, India, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Germany, Appalachia, Laos, Japan, Indonesia, China, France, the West Indies, and Poland. All the girls around the world show differences in their clothing, food, etc. The story all blends together to embrace differences.

Personal Response: I enjoyed this story and seeing the differences in each culture in the “Cinderella” story. I loved how she used different colors to differentiate each culture. She also uses cultural images that help show what that culture believes in. I liked how it discussed the differences yet showed that the differences are what bind us together.

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Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Date: October 7, 1964

# of Pages: 64

Visual Elements: bright colors, drawing in colored pencil, picture book

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 4th grade

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Symbolism, Love unconditionally

Setting: Outside

Summary: This is a form of traditional literature. It won the New York Times outstanding book award. The book is about an apple tree and a little boy. They become friends and the tree is very giving. The boy grows up with the tree throughout his life. As the boy gets older so does the tree. The tree keeps giving to the little boy without getting anything in return.

Response to Book: I read this book when I was little but forgot about the storyline so I enjoyed reading it again. I love how this book talks about friendship and being there for one another. It is a simple story with a generous tree.

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Author: Charlotte Gunnufson

Illustrator: Kevan J. Atteberry

Publisher: Two Lions

Date: September 3, 2013

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: cartoon, read-aloud, colored pencil, dark tone colors

Grade Level: Preschool - Second Grade

Genre: Poetry, Songs, Verse, Fiction, Humor

Themes: Friends, Seasons

Setting: Fictional Land

Summary: This book is about a skeleton who is dancing his way to a Halloween party. He keeps on tripping over things are falling. He gets back up and keeps on going. There are a bunch of different Halloween creatures.

Response to Book: I read this book because Halloween is coming up. I love how this book is fun and not scary. I love how there is a lot of rhyming “bones scatter, what a clatter”. The rhyming makes this book fun to read and say out loud. It is a funny book and I enjoyed it.

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Starfish

Author: Lisa Fipps

Illustrator: None

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date: Mar 09, 2021

# of Pages: 256

Visual Elements: Novel, Hardcover

Grade Level: 5th - 8th grade

Genre: Fiction

Themes: friendship, sisterhood, swimming, summer, and self-acceptance
Setting: Texas

Summary: This book is about Ellie, a girl who is bullied for her weight. She is fat-shamed for wearing a whale swimsuit and making a big splash in the pool. She avoids eating in public, doesn’t move so her fat jiggles, and tries to not make waves in the pool. Ellie ends up finding her happy place in the pool because she can get away from others and feel weightless. She learns to love herself for who she is and not for what other people say.

Personal Responses: I enjoyed this book because it is something different than I have ever read before. I love how it teaches young teenagers to learn to be accepting of their bodies and love themselves for who they are. Many young children struggle with body image so I think this a great book for middle schoolers to read.

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Author: Suzanne Collins

Illustrator: Tim O’Brian

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: September 14, 2008

# of Pages: 384

Visual Elements: hardcover

Grade Level: 6th - 12th grade

Genre: Science Fiction, novel

Themes: Power, determination, effects of war, survival, appearances
Setting: Panem

Summary: The capitol holds 122 districts and selects a boy and girl from each tribute to compete in the Hunger Games. They all fight until only one remains. Katniss Everdeen from district 12 and Peeta Mallark from district 11 are selected. They train for the games, portray an image for everyone to watch and mentor with Haymitch. Throughout the games Katniss and Peeta go through a difficult process. They get hurt, run out of food, and struggle to stay alive. Katniss and Peeta escaped and won the games.

Response to Book: I loved reading this book. Ever since I was younger I was always addicted to the Hunger Games Series. They are fun books to read and I love how they keep you at the edge of your seat. I enjoyed reading this book again and it made me want to read the whole series.

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Author: Shirley Climo

Illustrator: Ruth Heller

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: 1992

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: novel, bright colors, visuals that represent the culture, colored pencil

Grade Level: Preschool - Third grade

Genre: Fairy tales, folk tales, fables

Themes: Don’t let people discourage you, bad might lead to good, love

Setting: Egypt

Summary: Rhodopis is a sold as a slave. She has blone hair, blue eyes, and light skin. She was often called “Rosy Rhodopis” because of her rosy red cheeks. The servants teased her and were very mean. She befriended animals and would dance with them. Her master noticed and ordered her slippers so she would sparkle when she danced. The servants were jealous and ordered her ridiculous tasks. The great falcon took the slipper to the Pharoah. The Pharaoh searched for who the slipper belonged to and it was Rhodophis.

Personal Response: I was surprised that the Egyptian Cinderella made Rhodopis a slave, and the step-sisters in this story were servants. I think reading the different cultures version of Cinderella is great for students to see how diverse cultures are. It also shows how this is a form of traditional literature that is passed down throughout the world.

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Author: Shirley Climo

Illustrator: Ruth Heller

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: 1993

# of Pages: 48

Visual Elements: novel, bright colors, visuals that represent the culture

Grade Level: Preschool - Third grade

Genre: Fairy tales, folk tales, fables

Themes: Love, sorrow, joy, “mistreatment”, determination

Setting: Korea

Summary: Pear Blossom had long black hair. Her mother died and he took a widow for his wife.

Omoni, the new “mother” wasn’t motherly. She was the opposite and very mean. Peony the step sister was also very mean. Pear Blossom was working as their servant doing all the chores. Her father never noticed. The animals helped Pear Blossom with all her work. The village had a festival (instead of a ball) She had a straw sandal that floated away. The magistrate watched this happen and went after the sandal.He searched for her so he could return the sandal he magistrate married Pear Blossom

Personal Response: I loved reading this book and comparing it to the other books about Cinderella. I thought it was interesting that in in the Korean story they used a straw sandal instead of a glass slipper. It was a great book to teach students about different cultures.

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Author: Sarah Stewart

Illustrator: David Small

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: Agust 30, 1997

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: novel, bright colors, detailed images,

Grade Level: Kindergarten - Third grade

Genre: fiction, picture book

Themes: family, strength, determination, point of view, and time.

Setting: City

Summary: This book takes during the Great Depression in the 1930s, and follows Lydia Grace as she moves in with her Uncle in the city. She helps him with his business. The story uses point of view because it is told through Lydia’s perspective using letters. She writes back and forth to her family with updates on what she is doing. Despite what is going on in the world, she remains positive and continues to do what she loves, which is gardening.

Personal ResponseI enjoyed reading this book. I love how Lydia Grace was able to incorporate her love for gardening while she lived with her Uncle. It shows that when you are passionate with something you shouldn’t stop.

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Author: Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: Patricia Castelao

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 2012

# of Pages: 336

Visual Elements: hardcover,

Grade Level: 5th - 8th grade

Genre: novel, biographical fiction

Themes: friendship, compassion for animals, helping others, determination, promises

Setting: Zoo

Summary: This book is about a gorilla named Ivan who he sent to live in captivity. He meets friends along the way including Stella, an elephant, and Bob a dog. Ivan makes artwork and sells it. Ruby, the new baby elephant is brought to the Mall. Stella becomes sick and she asks Ivan to take care of Ruby. Ivan agrees and tries to find a way out.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book and I loved how it was told through Ivan’s perspective. I liked how Ivan is able to overcome he struggles and be gone. I also like how this book teaches about hope and friendship. I enjoyed seeing the friendship between Ivan, Stella, and Bob. Now that I read this book I am interested in watching the movie.

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Author: Jerry Craft

Illustrator: Jerry Craft

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: February 5, 2015

# of Pages: 259

Visual Elements: Hardcover, graphic novel, bright colors, cartoon drawings

Grade Level: 5th - 8th grade

Genre: Graphic novel, fiction

Themes: racial prejudice, friendship, bullying, new situations, and confidence

Setting: School

Summary: Jordan Banks loves to draw cartoons. His parents send him to a private school instead of the art school of his dreams. He is a new kid and one of the only kids of color. Jordan has a hard time fitting in and meets a bully. He overcomes the bully and makes friends. He finally finds his confidence in himself.

Personal Response:  I enjoyed reading this book and could connect to the story and Jordan Banks. When I first went to high school I was very new and didn’t know anyone. It was challenging at first but then I was able to find my friends and fit in. I enjoyed how this book teaches children about finding their confidence and staying strong in difficult times.

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Author: Alan Gratz

Illustrator: N/A

Publisher: Starscape

Date: August 29, 2017

# of Pages: 256

Visual Elements: Chapter book, no pictures

Grade Level: 3rd - 7th grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Fighting for censorship, Determination, Family

Setting: School

Summary:  This book is about Amy Anne Ollinger who loves books. One day she went to the library and discovered that her favorite book was banned. She was so upset and started her own secret library from her locker. She got caught and fought her way to fight censorship.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was interesting to read a book about someone who is so passionate about banning books and how to put a stop to it. It shows when you are dedicated to something you can make a difference to bring about change. This book promotes reading and I loved how Amy Anne told her story.

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The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge

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The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge

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Author: Joanna Cole
Illustrator: Bruce Degen
Publisher: Scholastic
Date: March 1, 2010
# of Pages: 40
Visual Elements: This is an animated picture book that uses bright colors and text boxes for when the students talk
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th grade
Genre: Informational picture book
Themes: Climate change
Setting: Outside, classroom

Summary: Ms.Frizzle’s class gets a lesson on global warming for their school play. They travel to the Artic to see the ice melt, view the effects of climate change, and take rides on the sunbeams. The sunbeams landed gently and warmed the soil. They learned about the greenhouse effect by riding the sunbeams.

Personal Response: I love the Magic School Bus series so I was especially excited to read this book. I love how this book teaches children about the concept of climate change in a fun way. I also liked the illustrations in the book. I learned new things when reading this book so I found it very informative.

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Author: Traci N. Todd

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publisher: G.P Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Date: September 28, 2021

# of Pages: 56

Visual Elements: hardcover, bright colors, paint strokes

Grade Level: Preschool - Third Grade

Genre: Biography

Themes: Racism, acceptance, passion

Setting: Inside

Summary: This biography book tells the story of Eunice Waymon who grew up and became Nina Simone. She became a singer and beat all the odds to be successful. She used her voice to protest for the Civil Rights Movement and fight in inequality and discrimination.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this biography book because I have never heard of Nina Simone before. I love how she was able to use her passion of music to fight for inequality and discrimination. This is a great lesson to teach students to never stop what you are passionate about even in challenging times.

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

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Author: Christina Soontornvat

Illustrator: Karen Minot

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: October 13, 2020

# of Pages: 280

Visual Elements: hardcover chapter book

Grade Level: 3rd -7th grade

Genre: Nonfiction

Themes: Determination, perseverance, teamwork

Setting: Outside

Summary: This book tells the story of soccer players of the Wild Boars team and their coach explore a cave after practice. They plan to only be in the cave for a hour but it ends up raining and they get trapped in. The water caused a flood to block their way out. They were able to escape and all work together.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the journey of the boys and their Coach in escaping the cave. I loved how this book talks about a different culture and it is told in a very informative and easy way to understand. I loved this book and it was a very quick read!

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Author: R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: February 14, 2022

# Pages: 320

Visual Elements: hardcover novel

Grade Level: 3rd - 7th grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Kindness, identity, coming of age, disability

Setting: School

Summary: This is about a  boy named August, who was born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a public school until the fifth grade. It goes through the challenges of having a disability and trying to fit in. He faces school for the first time and deals with bullying. He learns to be confidence in himself and makes friends.

Personal Response: I have read this book and even seen the movie. I love how this book teaches students to be accepting of others despite their differences. This book inspires others to be kind no matter what people look like. I love this message and think it is great to include in your classroom.

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Author: Zietlow Miller

Illustrator: Jen Hill

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Date: February 6, 2018

# of Pages: 36

Visual Elements: Hardopy picture book, simple childlike illustrations

Grade Level: Pre K-1st

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Kindness, caring for others

Setting: School

Summary: Tanisha spills her grape juice in the lunch room and everyone laughs at her. A little girl watches and feels bad people were not showing kindness. The little girl learns that kindness means many things. A small act of kindness can make a long way and impact others.

Personal Response: This is a great story to read  in your classroom as a reminder to be kind. It is important to look out for others and treat people with kindness. It is important for kids to have a lesson on this because it is something they should always do.

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Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers

Date: October 12th, 1957

# of pages: 64 pages.

Visual Elements: cartoon like pictures, bright colors, hardover book

Grade Level: K-4th

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Anger, transformation, community, Christmas

Setting: Fictional Land Who Ville

Summary: This is a story about how the grinch lives alone in his mountain cave and hates Christmas. He comes up with a plan to ruin Christmas. He dresses up as Santa and goes to every house in Who Ville and steals their presents and decorations. He realizes that Christmas isn't about the presents but it is about spending time together. He gives everyone their presents back and joins them for Christmas.

Personal Response: I love this Christmas story and I watch the movie every year. It is a wonderful story that teaches students that Christmas isn’t just about toys and the presents. I love how this book has lots of rhymes and fun illustrations. I think this book should be read in the classrooms every Christmas season!

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Author: Phillip C. Stead

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Date: May 25, 2010

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: picture book,water and colored pencil

Grade Level: Pre-K - First

Genre: Fable
Themes: Helping others
Setting: Amos House

Summary:

Amos works at the zoo and takes care of all the morning. He woke up one morning and was sick. All thee animals worried about him and went to his house to take care of them.

Personal Response: I read this book to the boys I babysit and I think it is such a cute story. I love how it teaches the lesson to take care of others and be kind. I also loved the illustrations in the book

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Author: Becky Davies

Illustrator: Jennie Poh

Publisher: Tiger Tales

Date: March 10, 2020

# of Pages: 32

Visual Elements: Picture book, collage, watercolor, expressionistic

Grade Level: Pre-K - Second

Genre: Fable

Theme: Taking care of our environment

Setting: Ocean

Summary: A turtle is born and goes to the sea. She loves the ocean and all the different colors. She didn’t feel lonely because the ocean was so big. She made the journey back to the beach where she was born. The colors faded and things looked different. She got trapped under a net and was rescued. She was returned back to the ocean.

Response to Book: This is a great book to teach students about the environment and pollution. I like how it teaches to take care of our world and clean up trash to protect the animals.

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Author: Marie Lamba

Illustrator: Alea Marley

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: 2019

# of Pages: 36

Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book. The illustrations are very childlike but very gentle and whimsical.

Grade Level: Pre K-3rd

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Finding the  beauty in everything

Setting: Not specified

Summary: Two friends go out on a snowy day. One friend says that the day is so gray but the other friend seess all the colors she sees. The friend keeps on saying all the negatives she sees. Towards the end of the book the girl that sees the negatives is able to find the beautify on a gray day.

Personal Response: I loved that this book teaches students to see the beauty in all things. I think that introducing positivity into your classroom is always an important lessons for students to learn. I would love to put this in my classroom one day.

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Author: Ged Adamson

Illustrator: Ged Adamson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: June 22, 2021

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: Picture book, watercolor, colored pencil, cartoon, impressionistic

Grade Level: Pre-K - Second

Genre: fable/realistic fiction

Theme: Friendship

Setting: Outside

Summary: Maude moves into the city with her mom. She feels lonely and needs someone to play with so she drew Scribbly. Scribbly the dog is her imaginary friend who went everywhere with her. Maude’s mom took her to get a real dog.

Response to Book: I think this is a cute book but it doesn’t have any personal value. I don’t think it teaches a lesson and think it is a great book for beginning readers.

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Author: Heather Avis

Illustrator: Sarah Mensinga

Publisher: Waterbrook

Date: June 29, 2021

# of Pages: 40

Visual Elements: picture book, realistic cartoon, digital painting

Grade Level: Pre-K - Second

Genre: realistic fiction

Theme: being different is beautiful

Setting: outside

Summary: This book is about Macy and how she has down syndrome. It talks about all the things that make her unique and beautiful She has a spark inside of her that inspires others.

Personal Response: I love this book because it shows us to accept the differences in others. I like how it teaches children that being different is beautiful. There aren’t many books about down syndrome so I like how this book talks about it. Different is a great thing to be!

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Author: B.G. Hennessy

Illustrator: Jody Wheeler

Publisher: Viking Books For Young Readers

Date: October 17th, 2017

# of pages: 34

Visual Elements: cartoonlike images done with color pencil, hardcover book

Grade Level: Pre K- Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Patience, Hope, Christmas

Setting: Department Store

Summary: Corduroy is a brown bear living in a department store with one wish for Christmas. His wish is for someone to take him home. Children come in and out of the store but no one ever takes him. He goes to Santa and tells him but before he can say anything he gets taken back to the shelf. Then a little girl comes into the store and finds Corduroy, the exact bear she wanted. Corduroy gets his wish.

Personal Response: I love this Christmas story. It teaches the lesson of patience and how sometimes your wishes take time. This is a great book to read during Christmas time in my classroom.

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Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publisher: Random House, The Living Books Company

Date: March 12, 1960

# of pages: 62

Visual Elements: Cartoon-like drawings with colored pencil, hardcover copy

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Third Grade

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Differences, Rhyming

Setting: Earth

Summary: This story is about Jay and Kay and the world. There are sights, characters, games to play, and words to say. The story goes through meeting many creatures and people on their adventure.

Personal Response: I love this book and it is so fun to read aloud. It has a lot of rhyming so I think this would be great for a rhyming lesson or teaching children how to read. I love how it is simple and funny.

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Author: Kyo Maclear

Illustrator: Chris Turnham

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: September 27, 2016

# of pages: 40

Visual Elements: cartoon pictures, animated picture book, bright colors

Grade Level: Preschool - Third grade

Genre: picture book, fiction

Themes: Wish, Friendship, Coming Together

Setting: Outside

Summary: Charles wanted to find a wish tree. He went on a search to find the wish tree with his brother Boggan. They went to the forest and kept looking but did not find the wish tree. They got tired of looking and when he woke it was snowing. Charles wrote his wish on a piece of paper and tied it to the wish tree. Charles and Boggan celebrated with the animals with a night feast.

Personal Response: I loved this book because it was so cute! I liked the illustrations and how it inspires children to wish for things. I also like how you could read this book during the holiday season because you could relate it to wishes for Christmas.

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Author: Ali Benjamin

Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers

Date: September 22, 2015

# of Pages: 352

Visual Elements:

Grade Level: 5th grade and up

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Friendship, grief, and loss

Setting: South Grove, Massachusetts

Summary: Suzzy’s best friend dies in a drowning accident. She has a hard time coping with her death and believes that her death was not an accident. She thinks it was caused by a jellyfish sting. She comes up with ideas to prove that her friend’s death was caused by a jellyfish.

Personal Response: I love how this book discusses grief and how it can affect people at a young age. I read this book so fast because it was good I couldn’t put it down. I love realistic fiction books because I feel like I can relate to the characters more.

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Author: Louis Sachar

Illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: August 20, 1998

# of pages: 272

Visual Elements: Chapter book, Audiobook

Grade Level: 6th-8th grade

Genre: adventure fiction, novel

Themes: Friendship, fate and destiny, Power, justice

Setting: Texas

Summary: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a boot camp in Texas after being falsely accused of stealing shoes. At camp, Stanley and the other campers are assigned to dig holes each day. Stanley runs away to find his friend Zero. He comes back to camp where he finds that he was proven innocent and can leave the camp. Stanley and Zero leave the camp and remain friends.

Personal Response: I remember reading this book when I was younger so it was fun to listen to it as an audiobook. Stanley has been put through so much but it is good to see that he was able to make friends in a difficult situation. I think this is a great book for middle schoolers to read.

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Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: World of Eric Carle

Date: October 5, 2006

# of Pages: 24

Visual Elements: Animated Picture book, Cartoon, collage

Grade Level: Pre-1st grade

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Themes: Nature processes, animals

Setting: Farm

Summary: The spider was spinning her threat. The horse, cow, sheep, and other animals asked if she wanted to do something but she was so busy spinning her web. She was so busy she didn’t reply to them. She fell asleep from the busy day.

Response to Book: This is a very cute animated picture book. It is great for young readers and how different animals are involved. It teaches children how spiders make their webs and it takes a lot of time.

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What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet

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What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet

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Author: Jess French

Illustrator: Jess French

Publisher: DK Children

Date: April 2, 2019

# of pages: 72

Visual Elements: hardcover, bright colors, animated pictures, cartoon images

Grade Level: 1st - 4th grade

Genre: Informational book, non-fiction book

Themes: protecting our planet, recycling

Setting: Earth

Summary: This informational book is about recycling and everything about our environment. It teaches about plastics in our oceans and how small changes to your life can make a huge impact. It gives tips on how you can take better care of our world.

Personal Response: I love this book because it is so important to teach children at a young age to take care of our environment. It teaches them about how our actions affect our Earth so it is important to recycle, pick up trash, and go green.

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The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

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The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

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Author: Anna Llenas

Illustrator: Anna Llenas

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: September 4, 2018

# of pages: 40

Visual Elements: Bright colors, colored pencil

Grade Level: Preschool - Third Grade

Genre: Popup book, Fiction

Themes: Emotions

Setting: Fictional

Summary: The color monster woke up feeling confused and he doesn’t know why. The little girl tells him to separate each emotion into a jar. She goes over each emotion including happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm. The color monster puts each emotion in the jar. The color monster feels full of love at the end of the book.

Personal Response: I love how this book teaches children about emotions. Learning about the emotions, their colors, and how they make you feel are a great lesson to teach kids. I think this book is great to read to students to let them know that we all face different kinds of emotions.

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Author: Witney Stewart

Illustrator: Nancy Harrison

Publisher: Penguin Workshop

Date: April 16, 2009

# of pages: 112

Visual Elements:

Grade Level: 3rd-7th grade

Genre: Biography

Themes: Informational, Facts

Setting: Disneyland

Summary: This is a biography book about Walt Disney. It goes into detail about his  life from birth to growing up on a farm, to making one of the most successful theme parks. He is famous for Disneyland Parks today.

Personal Response: I love this book and how it gives students to learn a little history about someone. This informational book gives facts and details about Walt Disney’s life. This is great for students to learn the history about someone. I enjoyed reading it and learning more about Walt Disney.

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Author: Jenny Han

Illustrator: None

Publisher: Simon And Schuster Books

Date: April 6, 2010

# of pages: 304

Visual Elements: hardcover, chapter book

Grade Level: 7th- 9th grade

Genre: Fiction, trilogy, romance

Themes: Friendship, Family, Love, teenage struggles

Setting: Cousins Beach

Summary: Every summer Belly reunites with her friends, Jeremiah and Congrad at their house in Cousins Beach. Belly’s mom is friends with the brothers mom, Susannah so they go on a family trip every year. This year Belly finds herself in a love triangle between Jeremiah and Conrad.

Personal Response: I LOVE this book so much! I always love cheesy romance books and especially liked this book. I thought it was very easy to read and it kept me want to keep reading to see what happened in the next book. This book talks about Belly’s struggles as a teenager and I think a lot of young girls could relate to her. Overall, this was a great book and I can’t wait to finish the trilogy.