Author: Jaqueline Woodson

Lexile Level: AD490L

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: The story is narrated by Clover, who lives on the side of town that is segregated from the white side where Annie lives. Clover's mother forbids her from crossing the fence. One summer, the girls start communicating and eventually sit on the fence together, finding common ground despite the racial division.

Favorite Part: The story contains a beautiful metaphor and some amazing, thought provoking illustrations to showcase how this young friendship blooms. It is perfect for elementary students but could also captivate younger audiences as well. The illustrations are my favorite part of the book.

Author: Aesop Fable adapted by Janet stevens

AR level: 3.3

Summary:

In " The Tortoise and the Hare", the fast but overconfident hare mocks the slow tortoise and challenges him to a race. The hare speeds ahead but stops to rest, assuming he has plenty of time to win because he is faster than the tortoise. Meanwhile, the steady tortoise keeps moving and eventually wins the race, showing that perseverance and consistency can overcome arrogance and speed.

Favorite part: I like the part where the hare was drinking lemonade with the bear talking a break and the tortoise passes by the window. I thought it was kind of funny.

Author: Drew Daywalt

AR Level: 3.8

Duncan went to class one day, ready to color. But once he had gotten there, there was a pile of letters from his crayons. These letters included their opinions on Duncan's use of them, etc.

My favorite part is when the yellow crayon and the orange crayon were fighting over who should be the sun.

Author: James Marshall

AR Level: 2.4

Summary: This book contains five stories in the life of the hippo friends George and Martha. The five stories are titled "The Tightrope," "The Diary," "The Icky Story," "The Big Scare," and "The Amusement Park.".

My Favorite Part: The ending where Martha scares George in the Tunnel of Love

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

AR Level: 1.8

Summary: Goodnight Moon is a calming book about a bunny saying goodnight to calming things in its room before going to bed.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is looking for the little mouse that's hidden differently on each page.

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: The book is about an old lady who is walking home and certain objects keep appearing to follow her home. She is not afraid of anything so these things do not bother her. She makes it home and all the objects end up making a scarecrow!

Favorite Part: My favorite part is the interactions in the book. For example, the shoes saying "clomp, clomp".

AR level-2.1

Summary-Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Archie Preston, is a short rhyming story that teaches children to appreciate everyday blessings and people. It shows how everyone from gardeners to firefighters has something to be thankful for, encouraging gratitude and kindness.

Author: Jennifer Frank & David Ezra Stein

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: This story is about Emma Worm and follows her as she tells all of her friends how her and her family are getting their family photo taken. Emma becomes more and more upset upon realizing that worms don’t have many of the features that photos focus on, however, her photos with her family lifted her spirit in the end and she accepted who she was.

Favorite part: My favorite part of this story is when the photographer doesn’t recognize the Worm family because they show up with wigs and fake teeth to be like everyone else. As the worms take off each item of costume, the photographer begins to recognize them all, and I feel like this was a good point to be yourself because others may not recognize you if you pretend to be something you are not.

Author: Andrea Wang

AR Level: 3.7

Summary: The story follows a young girl and her family. They are driving down the street and come across watercress on the side of the road. The whole family hops out of the car to excitedly collect the watercress, and they take it home that night to eat for dinner. The young girl is not excited about the watercress, but in response, her mom tell her a story about their family in China. She then tries the watercress and has a new level of respect for her family's heritage.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is when the mom tells a story about her family in China. The illustrations do an excellent job displaying the hardship that her mother went through as a child. In the book, the main character learns about her mother's past, and it makes her more appreciative of her heritage and privileges now. I believe that this book could do the same thing for the students who read it as well.

Author: Peggy Archer

Lexile Level: 500

AR LeveL: 2.9

Summary: A little pilgrim searches for the perfect turkey for the Thanksgiving feast, but he has second thoughts about it and does not have confidence that they will find one, so he tries to convince the big pilgrim to give up on their hunt. However, there was one "lucky" turkey that ran away and hid in the process.

Best Part: My favorite part is when the pilgrims decide to be kind and generous to the turkey.

Author-Victoria Kann

AR level-2.7

Summary:Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann is a fun, colorful story about a little girl who loves pink so much that she eats too many pink cupcakes and turns completely pink! At first, she thinks it’s amazing, but soon learns that too much of a good thing can cause trouble. It’s a playful reminder to enjoy things in moderation with lots of sparkle and imagination!

Judith Viorst

AR Level- .5

This book is about a little boy performing in the talent show not being nervous until the day of. When he gets on stage two boys bood but he was okay with it because everyone else clapped.

My favorite part was when everyone started clapping for him at the end of the book giving him the confidence he needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9a3go7iXLg

Author: Julia Mills

AR Level: 4.6

Summary: Robinson the raccoon loves to collect objects. Then he meets a snail named Rosie, who introduces him to so many new things. Rosie teaches Robinson that he does not have to collect physical objects to be happy, but he can collect memories instead.

My favorite part: When Robinson tells Rosie he wants to collect more "Not things"

Author: Naseem Hrab

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: How to Party Like a Snail is about a snail who loves quiet celebrations but feels left out when parties get too loud, so he creates his own calm “SHHHelebration” and discovers that it’s okay to celebrate in his own way.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Stump tells Snail that he doesn’t really like loud parties either and suggests that maybe Snail’s “SHHHelebration” just needs a friend to make it fun.

Author: Debi Gliori

AR Level: 2.1

Summary: This story is about Mr. Wolf and his birthday, which he spends doing his daily activities like napping, bathing, and checking the mail and the other neighbors in town keep pestering him by asking the time. Mr. Wolf spends all day alone, but, at the end of the story, he walks into his house to find everyone there to surprise him with a birthday party!

Favorite part: My favorite part of the book is how the three little pigs and red riding hood are characters of the story. It was funny to see the three little pigs bothering Mr. Wolf, considering the ending of the other stories with the Big Bad Wolf.

Author: Joe Troiano

AR Level: 3.3

Summary: This book is about a square pumpkin on a farm who does not believe he has a family for thanksgiving and he is sad about it. The different fruits and vegetables that are growing on the farm all invite him to stay with them and he does not. Then Spookley runs away and then the whole farm saves him when he is lost and he realizes that it is ok to be different and that they are all his family. 

Favorite Parts: My favorite part of this book is when all the different tell each other through the grapevine that Spookley needs help and it all rhymes and flows

Author: James Dean

Lexile Level: AD220L

AR Level: 1.7

Summary: Pete the Cat joins five pumpkins sitting on a gate as they celebrate Halloween night. Each pumpkin has something to say one talks about it getting late, another talks about there being witches in the air, and so on. Pete keeps things cool and calm as the pumpkins roll away and everyone enjoys the spooky night. The story ends with Pete reminding everyone to have a happy Halloween.

Favorite part: My Favorite is when Pete is rolls out with all the Five little pumpkins in the end just to say Happy Halloween. I think this is a great book to keep kindergarteners engaged.

AR level:3.2

The Elf on the Shelf by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell is a fun Christmas story about a magical scout elf who visits children’s homes to watch their behavior and report back to Santa each night. Every morning, the elf returns and hides in a new spot, making it a playful holiday tradition full of excitement, surprise, and Christmas magic!

Author: Shel Silverstein

AR Level: 2.6

Summary: The giving tree is about a tree that gives everything it has to a boy from when he is a child all the way until he is fully grown. Ultimately leaving the tree as nothing but a stump, but the tree still finds happiness in giving the boy what he needs even though it is everything it has.

Favorite Part: The story is a beautiful representation of a symbolic message of giving, gratitude, and not taking things for granted. This is a very important message for kids to learn from a young age. It is perfect for k-2 and also for 3-5 to get a more deeper meaning of the theme of the book.

Author: Charles M. Schulz

AR LEVEL: 3.6

Summary: Charlie Brown Christmas is about Charlie Brown and his friends finding out the true meaning of Christmas by participating in a play.

My Favorite Part: I loved how they learned the true meaning of Christmas and celebrated with friends.

Author: Fran Manushkin

Lexile Level: 530L

Ar Level: 2.4

Summary: This story is about a girl named Katie who is nervous about being a flower girl in her aunt's wedding. She then starts to think about all the things that could go wrong but, with the support of her friends she gets through it.

Favorite part: My favorite part of this book was seeing Katie conquer her fear and walk down the aisle with the help of her best friend.

Author: Bill Martin

AR Level or Lexile Level: Unknown

Summary: This book is about the history of Uncle Sam. This book talks about government but in a fun way. This book also shows kids what American stands for.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when it says "don't always agree, but that's how it is in a great big family" I think this page does a great job of showing kids that we do not always have to agree but we still need to be nice to others because we are all a team.

Author: Todd Shuster with Maya Soetoro-ng

AR Level: 5.2

Summary: This book is about people who live in the mountains and people who live in a valley, who do not get along. A drought comes one year, and when both are in need they still refuse to help each other and the next when a flood comes they forget their differences and find peace.

Favorite Part: In the end when the mountain people and the valley people sat with each other around the campfire.

A link to the book being read aloud or an image of the text

John Burningham & Helen Oxenbury

AR- 2.5 Lexile- 480

The book is about a mom telling her son he is getting a sibling and he pictures all the things he can be.

My favorite part was at the end of the book when he told his grandfather that he was going to love the baby no matter what he is because it will be his baby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNX5VItjcCo

Author: Rosemary Wells

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: Max and his sister Ruby go to the store to buy Max some new pants, but things don’t go as planned. Max gets distracted by a cool green dragon shirt and ends up making a mess with ice cream while Ruby is busy shopping. Even though the shirt gets dirty, they have to buy it anyway.

Favorite Part: When Max gets ice cream all over the dragon shirt. It’s funny and shows how his curiosity and stubbornness accidentally help him get what he wants in the end.

Author: Denia Lewis Hester

AR Level: 3.8

Summary: This story follows Grandma Lena and her massive turnip she grew in her garden. Her family helped her remove it from the ground and Grandma Lena made a bunch of turnip stew and fed everyone in the town with it at the end of the story.

Favorite part: My favorite part of the story was when Baby Pearl called the turnip a big potato and that that was the text on the last page. I also thought it was funny that the dog was a character that helped pull the turnip out just like all the other humans.

Author: Max Lucado

AR Level: 3.0

Summary: This story follows a young Wemmick, the small wooden people in the story, named Punchinello. All throughout the story, Punchinello is walking around trying to get stars for doing something good and avoiding getting dots for doing something bad. However, no matter what he does, it never feels good enough. One day he meets a girl who does not have dots or stars, and she says that they do not stick on her because she goes to spend time with the woodcarver each day. Punchinello decided to go see the woodcarver himself, and sure enough, the stickers begin to fall off.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is the message that comes when Punchinello goes to see the woodcarver. The woodcarver says that the stickers do not stick if you believe that someone else's love for you matters more than the stickers other people give you. I think this is a beautiful message for all students about remembering where your identity is found.

Reviewer: Reagan Stalling

Author: Anna Dewdney

AR Level: 2.0

Summary:

Mama llama is going out and having a babysitter come watch llama llama because Grandma isn't able to come stay. Llama llama is nervous and worried the babysitter won't know what he normally does without Mama llama. Llama llama decides he won't be nice, he will be bad. The babysitter comes and llama llama already knows this person from the ice cream store. Llama llama is so happy because he brought some ice cream samples. Llama llama and babysitter Molly had the best time while Mama llama was gone. Llama llama is happy when Mama llama gets home but does not want Molly the babysitter to leave.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is how Llama llama was nervous before the babysitter came but they ended up having the best time. Llama llama was able to overcome his fears and enjoy the evening without Mama llama.

Author: Maurice Sendak

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: A little boy named Max was sent to bed without his supper. His room grows into a forest, and he sailed away to the land of the wild things, and he becomes their king.

Favorite part: my favorite part of this story is when Max comes back from the land of the wild things to find his supper in his room, and it was still hot.

Author: Steve Haskamp

AR Level: 1.6

Summary: This book explores the five monkeys jumping on the bed and the consequences each monkey faces for doing so. The book counts down from five monkeys to no monkeys.

Favorite Part: At the end, when there are no more monkeys left, but they have all moved to jumping on the couch.

Author: Travis Jonker

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: A little girl named Ibb lives in a small town where a large castle stands in the middle. No one in the city has been inside or knows what lies inside the castle. One day, Ibb gets invited into the castle and discovers all of the wonderful things inside, along with the kind soldier who runs the castle. Then she invites the whole town to enjoy the castle too!

Favorite Part: When Ibb walks into the castle for the first time and sees all the "monsters".

Author: Bruce Hale

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: Clark is a shark who is very happy and enthusiastic about every part of school, and his fellow sea-creature classmates are getting tired of him knocking them down or accidentally sniffing their lunch too hard. Clark learns to keep cool by the end of the story, and helps a new classmate that also has the same issue adjust to the school environment

Favorite part: My favorite part of the story was the rhymes that Clark taught himself to keep himself accountable. I feel like this strategy works in real life too and I thought it was a nice inclusion in the story.

Author: Dan Marvin

AR Level: 2.2

Summary: This book is about dinosaurs and having all different types of hair styles and colors. They talk about how if dinosaurs had hair there would be a lot of drama and how it would affect many different things in the world. They would also have fights and if they did not have hair they would probably still be on earth.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the story is when they are talking about all the different types of hairstyles and then the introduce the biggest/most popular one of them all and it is big bangs and they spin it off the big bang

No AR level

Summary: This is a book about the ABC's so it is aimed for younger children mainly 0-3. The book goes through the alphabet and gives examples like "Bb is for Boo! giving everyone a fright!" this makes it fun for the young children and the holiday!

My favorite part: when the book says "Mm is for the magic that's hanging in the air."

Author: Minh Lê and Gus Gordon

AR Level: unknown

Summary: The Perfect Seat is about a dad moose and child moose searching for the perfect place to sit and read together, trying many spots until they finally find that the best seat is the one where they can cuddle up and read together.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when they try to read on the slide, but it’s too slippery and they both slide down.

Author: Sam Mcbratney

AR level: 2.8

Summary: During a bedtime game, every time Little Nutbrown Hare demonstrates how much he loves his father, Big Nutbrown Hare gently shows him that the love is returned even more.

Favorite part: I like when there were comparing bodies and then saying "but I still love you" because it represents accepting/loving people for who they truly are.

Laura Purdue Salas

Lexile- 540

This book is about how every person is different and that is not a bad thing but a good thing. It talks about how people can share their differences to learn about one another.

My favorite part of this book is when the author said that we need to share from within to others because that is what makes us so special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsvkZLhjT9U

Author: Dr. Seuss

AR Level: 1.5

Summary: Sam-I-am is trying to convince another person to eat green eggs and ham, and it requires a lot of effort.

Favorite part: my favorite part is when the person finally eats the green eggs and ham and likes it.

Author: Bakari Sellers

AR Level: 2.4

Summary: This book is about and African American father who is showing his children why they should celebrate their heritage, and that it is something to be proud of.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book has to be the illustrations. They are so detailed and really add to the story. A link to the book being read aloud or an image of the text

Author: Rosie Adams

AR LEVEL: Unknown

Summary: Christmas Kitten is a book about how people and imaginary objects prepare for Santa to arrive and what happens once Santa leaves.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is that this book is a touch-and-feel book.

Author: Matthew Paul Turner

AR Level: unknown

Summary: This story is about the feeling of a child growing up and experiencing the world. It shows parents praying over their children, while they grow up and go out in the world.

My favorite part: I love how wholesome this book is. I love how it is shown from a parents standpoint as their child goes out in the world and how they pray for every little thing.

AR level-2.8

summary-God Gave Us Love by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a sweet story where Little Cub learns from Grandpa that God wants us to love everyone family, friends, and even those who annoy us because God is love and He shows us how to share it.

Author: Eric Carle

AR Level: 2.9

Summary: The Caterpillar is eating his way through life until he coons and transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

Favorite Part: When the Caterpillar becomes a big, colorful butterfly.

Author: Maurice Sendak

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: Max gets in trouble at home for being mischievous, so his mom sends him to his room. His imagination turns his room into a wild forest, and he sails to an island full of “Wild Things” who make him their king. Even though being king is fun, Max gets lonely and decides to go back home.

Favorite Part: When Max becomes king of the Wild Things. It’s exciting and fun to see him in charge, and it shows how wild and imaginative he can be, even if it’s just in his own world.

Author: Drew Daywalt

AR Level: 3.8

Summary: This book is about a young boy named Duncan whose crayons have decided to go on strike one day and left him letters of their specific complaints and concerns. Each crayons having different personal reasons for why they are quitting. Leaving Duncan having to be creative in how to get his crayons back to work. In the end what he comes up with is a beautiful picture that made all of them happy.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is in the end when Duncan comes up with a way to get the crayons to color for him again. The way he got creative with all their complaints and made a big picture that showed things do not have to always be done the same way. I also loved the illustrations in this book.

Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Lexile level: 80L to 230L

AR Level: 1.2

Summary: Biscuit the puppy goes on a camping trip with his owner. He discovers new things like a butterfly and frog, but then a storm starts brewing. Thus, Biscuit finds a good camping spot away from the rain.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book is all of the sound effects / onomatopoeia used in the book because it is found to sound out.

Author: Bill Martin Jr & Eric Carle

AR Level: 2.1

Summary: Each of the animals describe the sounds of the animal they hear on the next page. At the end, the zookeeper hears the children, all of which are dressed up as the animals on the previous pages.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was the description of the sounds the animals were making (braying, bellowing, snarling). A great way to teach kids new words!

Author: Melanie Conklin

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: This book goes through a full day of a little girl that wants everything she can't have. For example, a line at the pool, mama to come home, and your legs to grow to ride a new "big kid" bike. While emphasizing each second that drags on, and questioning why is can't be now, you slow down to see the little things like a new friend in line, how special hugs are, or how beautiful the world is while waiting. The end of the book shows how waiting makes the moment even more special because its finally here.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is emphasizing the little things and the moments in between waiting. This is a good skill for children to learn early on and a great book to teach that concept to students.

Author: Peter Bently

AR Level: 2.8

Summary: Octopus Shocktopus is about a giant octopus that lands on a family’s house, and at first everyone is shocked, but soon they have tons of fun together.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when they decorated the house and the octopus with Christmas lights

Author- Tony DiTerlizzi

AR level-2.6

Summary-Ted by Tony DiTerlizzi is a playful story about a boy and his big, imaginary friend Ted, who brings fun, creativity, and a bit of chaos to his everyday life. Together they build, paint, and imagine wild adventures showing how imagination can make ordinary days extraordinary!

Author: Shel Silverstein

AR Level: 2.6

Summary: "The Giving Tree" is about a a boy and a tree that share a friendship. The tree only wants the boy to be happy, so she gives everything up for him and he always returns to her.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when the boy grows old and returns to the tree, looking for rest. The tree explains that she has nothing left to give, and he responds with a request for a quiet, peaceful place.

Olivia Abtahi

Lexile- 530

This book is about how this little girl has to be not only a child but an interpreter. She has two big, important jobs.

My favorite part of this book is when her parents finally realize the pressure she has on her and realizes that it is time for her to be a kid with one job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbbqUcmm5nQ

Author: Jory John & Pete Oswald

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: This story is about a bean watching his friends from the same pod become the ‘cool’ beans that everyone wanted to be like. The bean struggles with his confidence, but the cool beans make small gestures to be kind and help him out, and he eventually realizes that being kind is better than being cool.

Favorite part: My favorite part of the story was the bean helping other ‘uncool’ beans at the end of the story. It shows how full circle the realization was for the uncool bean and how quickly he put the same kindness he was shown forward to others.

Author: Marcus Pfister

AR Level: 3.3

Summary: The most beautiful fish in the ocean, the rainbow fish, covered with glittery scales, is not well liked by the other fish in the ocean. He seeks the advice of a wise octopus, who tells him to give them away even though they were his prized possession.

Favorite Part: my favorite part is when the rainbow fish got more and more delighted as he gave more scales away, and at the end the other fish finally invited him to play.

Author: Lucille Colandro

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: This book is a silly children's thanksgiving themed book that is about an old lady who swallows a bunch of things after swallowing a turkey.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is all the rhyming that goes on throughout the story. A great way to have students learn rhyming in a fun way.

Lexile Level: AD610L

Summary: The book is about a little pearl who's home is crushed by trash in the ocean. She's trying to find a new home and ends up finding a friend!

Favorite part: The illustrations of this book are amazing!

Author: Eric Carle

AR LEVEL: 2.9

Summary: The caterpillar goes through its circle of life while eating different foods.

Favorite Part: In the end, the caterpillar turns into a butterfly.

Author: Stan & Jan Berenstain

AR Level: 3.6

Summary: The Berenstain Bear family is getting ready for Christmas, excited to start decorating their tree. In an attempt to find the perfect tree, they get lost and come home empty handed ... but then see that the animals around them decorated their house as the Christmas tree!

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book was the very beginning when their traditions are being explained. I loved reading the descriptions and hearing the rhyming pattern.

Author: Michael Rosen

AR Level: 1.3

Summary: A family goes on an adventure to find a bear, traveling through grass, a river, mud, and a forest. They have fun chanting rhymes for each obstacle, but when they finally find a bear in a cave, they get scared and run back home, safe and sound.

Favorite Part: When the family finally finds the bear and I like how they have to run back home, showing that adventures can be fun but also a little wild.

Author: Eric Carle

Lexile Level: AD460L

AR Level: 2.9

Summary: The story is about how a caterpillar hatches from an egg as he eats his way through many foods. He ends up eating fruits throughout the week and on Saturday he gets a stomachache from all the junk food he ate. The next day he ate a leaf and felt better. He wasn’t hungry anymore and he built a cocoon around him. He then became a butterfly.

Favorite part: My favorite part is when the caterpillar pushes his way out of the cocoon and he turns into a beautiful butterfly.

Author: Eric Carle

AR Level: 1.5

Summary: Brown Bear uses his sense of vision to see different animals; the point of view changes from animal to animal.

Favorite Part: The purple cat, because it is silly to have a purple cat!

Vern Kousky

This book is about a sad bear and it goes through things that might be making him sad. His friend notices that he is sad so he makes his best efforts to make him happy again.

My favorite part of this book is when his friend says that even if he is sad it's okay and he will always be there for him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X65b24FEVA

Author: Sarah Frances Hardy 

AR Level: 2.1

Summary: In this book, Izzie hates pink as much as her sister, Rose, loves it. So when Rose plans an all-pink birthday party with the guests dressed in fairy costumes, Izzie decides to give her own alternative party in the attic, where the guests will be monsters, spiders, ghosts, and the pet cat.

Favorite Parts: My favorite part of the book is when they are fighting over the magic wand and the cat gets turned into a big pink dragon 

Reviewer: Rachel Rutledge

Author: Karen Wallace

Lexile level: 480L

AR Level: 2.1-2.5

Summary: This book goes through all the stages in which a butterfly develops, from when it is a tiny egg, metamorphosis, and when it hatches and leaves.

Favorite part: My favorite part of this book is the pictures because they are real life pictures, not animated, so it is easier to identify each picture with real life.

Author: Deborah Underwood

AR Level: 1.7

Summary: This book is about a man who kept a very tidy house and in the beginning did not like animals at all. But gradually throughout the book he befriends different animals throughout by them showing up at his door. The origin of the story is a spin off of the story Old Macdonald.

Favorite Part: I loved that through out the story it showed a very funny way of the man felt about these animals and how it changed throughout. This story is perfect for grabbing the attention of younger children and keeping them interested until the end. I also loved it being a spin off of the story we all know of Old Macdonald.

Lexile Level: AD720L

Summary: The turkey has to get ready for a November Ball, but she doesn't know what she's going to wear so she goes through outfits. She doesn't want to go as herself, but her friends tell her they just want her to be herself!

Favorite Part: A worksheet is included and I think that is a great idea!

Author: Michelle Adams

AR level: n/a

Summary: a little sparrow joyfully shares the story of Jesus’ resurrection and the true meaning of Easter. Through rhyme and gentle imagery, the book celebrates hope, new life, and God’s love.

Favorite part: When the sparrow is telling all the animals what he seen and everyone is so amazed.

Name: I'm New Here

Author: Anne Sibley O'Brien

AR Level or Lexile Level: Unknown

Summary: This book is about three immigrant students who go to school in America. In the book the students have hard time fitting in and learning the new language.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was at the end of the book they say they have found their place and they fit in. The students start to feel included and understand the new ways we do things in America.

Author: Pat Brisson

AR Level: 4.1

Summary: Annabelle Applegate loves to tap dance all around Fiddlers Creek. She wears out spots around town with her tap dancing.

Favorite part: When she tap dances with the rattlesnakes in the creek.

Author: Renee Kurilla

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: This book goes through a full school day acknowledging all the things that could go wrong to make a day bad. Next, the book teaches you how to deal with these emotions by taking a deep breathe, and making the day better with friends. Overall, this book emphasizes that everyone has bad days but its how you deal with the bad days that matters the most.

Favorite Part: Teaching students that it is okay to have a bad day but you can still turn it around into a good day. The word play and pictures keep students engaged because they sometimes feel the same way and can relate to the characters.

Author: Audrey Penn

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: This book is about a raccoon that is nervous for his first day of school. His mom kisses his hand to reassure him that he is never alone and is always loved.

My favorite part: my favorite part is when Chester says good-bye to his mom and goes into school all by himself. I love the picture on this page that they use for this scene.

Author: Jane O'Connor

AR Level: 2.0

Summary: In this book, Fancy Nancy is trying to show her family that a small dog is the best dog for them. After a few events, the family ends up walking into the shelter and finding a dog that is perfect for them.

Favorite Part: One of my favorite parts isn't an actual part of the plot, but rather the illustrations. They are so detailed and colorful, they are pleasing to look at.

Author: Watty Piper

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: A train carrying cars full of toys and food for good boys and girls to eat broke down on a track. They asked various trains for help, and all had an excuse as to why they couldn't, except for the little engine. The little engine had never been over a big hill before, but saw the desperation in the situation, and tried anyway.

Favorite Part: my favorite part is when the Little Blue Engine was encouraging itself going up the hill even when it was hard, saying, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

Author: Aaron Reynolds

AR Level: 2.3

Summary: Jasper Rabbit loves eating carrots from Crackenhopper Field, but he starts to think the carrots are following him everywhere. He gets scared and tries to stop them, only to find out that the carrots were just trying to protect themselves.

Favorite Part: When Jasper realizes the carrots were just trying to protect themselves. It’s funny and surprising, and I like how it turns something scary into a clever twist.

Author: Dr. Seuss

AR LEVEL: 3.3

Summary: Oh, the Places You'll Go is a book that encourages readers to embrace their own journey in life, to take advantage of the opportunities presented, and to have confidence and enjoy it all.

Favorite Part: This book reminds me that even though you might feel like you don't have your life together or know what you're supposed to be doing, that's the beauty of life!

Author: Patricia McCormick & Mevan Babakar

AR Level: Not Found

Summary: A family is forced to move out of their home and go from country to country in search of a better life. As they move the daughter, Mevan, feels more and more alone until one day she is gifted a bike from a man who lives in their neighborhood; after she is gifted the bike her feeling of loneliness fades and she becomes happy.

Favorite Part: When she is gifted the bike, and how excited she became afterward.

Author: David Soman 

AR Level: 2.7

Summary:  In this story, Lulu, also known as Ladybug Girl, goes to the park excited to play. When she meets her friend Sam, they want to play together but can’t agree on what to do. Lulu becomes Ladybug Girl, and Sam becomes Bumblebee Boy. Together, they use their imagination to fight imaginary monsters, rescue playgrounds, and protect the park. By the end, they realize that playing together and combining their ideas is more fun than arguing, and they become a great superhero team and friends.

Favorite Parts: My favorite part of the story is when they decide to become Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy and when other friends join them and they become the bug squad

Author: Maryann Cusimano and Satomi Ichikawa

AR Level: 1.8

Summary: This book explores the parent-child relationship and the special bond that exists between parents and their children.

Favorite part: "I am your praying hands, you are my saying grace."

Author: Bill Martin Jr/ Eric Carle

AR level: 1.5

Summary: In this book, children see a variety of animals, each one a different color.

Favorite part: I like how the teacher is looking when they ask her what does she see.

Lexile Level: not found

Summary: Blob is a shapeshifter who can turn into anything. When someone asks Blob, "What are You?", Blob is unsure. Blob sets out on an adventure and tries to find who Blob is. In the end he realizes that Blob is fine with being, "Just Blob".

Favorite Part: My favorite part is that this book shows children that they are fine just the way they are and they don't need to change.

Author: Jarvis

AR Level: 2.50

Summary: A little boy and his grandad travel to Pebble Beach often to explore and have fun together. At the end of each day at the beach, they both pick a pebble that they like and then paint on it about the stuff they did that day. The pebbles still sit on the beach and remind them of fond memories.

My Favorite Part: When the grandad said the boat called the "Jolly Dancer" was named after him ,and he would wiggle his knees in a silly way.

Reviewer: Rachel Rutledge

Author: Vicky Shiefman

Lexile level: AD300L

AR level: 2.3

Summary: It explains different body parts, asking questions such as "Who has flip-flop feet?" for students to answer the question out loud.

Favorite part: The page where it says all of the silly "adjectives" together to describe a child is so cute.

Author: Dolly Parton

Lexile Level: N/A

AR Level: 2.9

Summary: it is a children’s book that teaches kids to understand and express their emotions by associating them to colors. Such as feeling green when they get jealous.

Favorite part: my favorite part was when the book encourage children to be a rainbow and express their feelings.

Name: I Face the Wind

Author: Vicki Cobb

AR Level or Lexile Level: 3.0

Summary: This book is about wind and talks about wind and what it is. This is an informational but also entertaining book that describes how wind works.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when the girl in the book says that you can't see the force of wind, but you can feel it. She also provides many examples that we might see wind in life.

Author: Sam McBratney

AR Level: 3.0

Summary: The mommy & daddy bear tell each of the baby bears that they are the most perfect in the whole world. When the baby bears start to question them, the parents explain that there is nothing, no difference, that can make them anything other than perfect.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when the mommy and daddy bear are explaining to the baby bears that no difference makes them different from anyone else. A great lesson to teach children and to build confidence!

Author: Robert McCloskey

AR Level: 4.1

Summary: Sal goes blueberry picking with her mother on Blueberry Hill. While she’s distracted, she accidentally wanders into another mother’s basket, and a baby bear wanders into hers, but in the end, everyone is safely reunited.

Favorite Part: When Sal accidentally wanders into the bear’s basket. I like how it shows curiosity can lead to harmless adventures.

Author: Joyce Hesselberth

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: Beatrice does not want to go in for bedtime when her mother calls for her. She loves being in the magical outdoors and exploring the deep blue sky, soft wind and birds, and of course, the tall, green trees. Beatrice emphasizes different parts of a tree throughout the story and hopes to become one so she can stay out in nature all night long.

Favorite Part: The use of Beatrice's imagination of becoming a tree and interacting with animals that use trees is encouraging for students to explore different thinking pathways and use creativity.

Author: Ambassador Andrew Young

AR Level: 4.2

Summary: This book follows the main character, a little boy named Andrew, as he lives in a racially charged New Orleans, LA shortly before WW2. The tensions are high throughout the novel, and the little boy wonders what he can do about it. His father inspires him by taking him to watch Jesse Owens win four gold medals at the Olympics.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book was how Andrew felt inspired by Jesse Owens. Seeing someone who looks like him winning all those races at the Olympics gave him a boost of self confidence in a time where most of society looked down on him. I love the way that students can relate to famous people and characters in stories for inspiration and self confidence.

Author: Mercer Mayer

AR level: 2.0

Summary: Little Critter plays at all sorts of things while his father tries to get him ready for bed.

Favorite part: When the mice was riding on top of the train.

Author: Laekan Zea Kemp

AR Level: unknown

Summary: A small family who depends on their crops are going through a drought, and it is beginning to worry them about what the future may hold for their family's land. So, as the story progresses the little girl starts wishing and hoping that this drought will end and save her family.

Favorite Part: The connection between the father and his little girl is so heart warming, so that has to be my favorite part.

Author: Drew Daywalt

AR Level: 3.8

Summary: The Day the Crayons Quit is about a box of crayons who each write letters to their owner, Duncan, complaining about how they’re used, some too much, some not enough.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was the letter from the black crayons. He didn't want to be used just to draw the outline of things he wanted to be used to draw full pictures like all the other crayons

Author: Carrie Finison

Lexile Level: AD500L

AR level: 2.4-3.5

Summary: A team of pig construction workers set out to build a new road to the Hamshire County Fair before the fair begins. Rosie the chief falls asleep just before the fair begins, so the rest of the team has to work together to get the road finished on time.

Favorite part: My favorite part of the story is the humour, the fun pictures, and how silly Rosie's character is.

Author: A.N. Kang

AR Level:

Summary: There was a very fluffy cat called Papillon, who was so fluffy that he could easily float away. His owner, Miss Tilly, would try and weigh him down with food and cool outfits, but Papillon did not like wearing them. One day, Papillon followed a new friend outside and got lost. HE got scared and wanted to go home, so his new friend helped him.

May Favorite Part: The ending when Miss Tilly made a hat for Papillon's friend to sit on his head.

Name: The Rooster Who Set Out to See the World

Author: Eric Carle

AR Level or Lexile Level: 3.3

Summary: This book is about a rooster who goes on a journey to explore the world. Throughout the story different animals come along with him on his journey.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is at the end of the story when the rooster decides that there is no place like home.

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

AR Level: 3.1

Summary: This book is a fun children's book encouraging children to find their voices. This is shown through a rooster who embarks through a village trying to get their mayor overthrown.

My favorite part: my favorite part about the book was all the colorful illustrations. Every page is filled with color and creative pictures. A great way to grab children's attention.

Author: Lana Button

AR Level: 2.8

Summary: Willow's class has picture day tomorrow but she is struggling with her smile. She went home and studied and practiced for the big day. The next day, Willows class was bubbly and excited, but one little girl forgot it was picture day. Willow offered a ribbon out of her hair. Willow was happy, until it was time to line up for pictures, her smile disappeared. Willow was given the job of helping the photographer. It was then time for her own picture. Willows friends were being silly behind the camera and she was forced to smile big for her picture.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story was how Willow was helping her fellow students smile for their pictures, and they did the same for her. It showed true friendship and allowed Willow to find her true self.

Author: Norman Bridwell

AR Level: 2.4

Summary: In this story, Clifford is too big for all the games and races that are going on in his town's big parade so he is just around when the bridge in his town breaks then he is able to save the day 

Favorite Parts: My favorite part of this story is when Clifford gets under the bridge and saves the day 

Author: Flavia Z. Drago

Lexile Level: AD550L

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: Gustavo is a little ghost who is very shy to make friends. He loves playing his violin and he wrote a letter for all his peers to hear him play. All he wanted was to make friends and in the end he did.

Favorite part: My Favorite part was when Gustavo was waiting for everyone to show up and see him play. He was surprised by all the people who came.

Author: Ree Drummond

AR Level: 2.2

Summary: Charlie the Ranch Dog is a basset hound who proudly believes he runs the ranch by helping with chores like fixing fences, gardening, and rounding up cows. Even though he takes plenty of naps and eats lots of snacks all day.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when Charlie was talking about how he is a fishing expert and the illustration was him laying in the water with a frog on his head and fish jumping out of the water behind him

Author: Sarah Hovorka

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: This book is about a young boy who loves to give hugs, and the many different hugs he can give. Some may like big hugs, little hugs, or no hugs at all, but they still feel the love no matter how big or small they are.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book is the ending quote “What we all like is to find a way to show our love everyday.” This quote really sums up what the book is about and how it is important to show your love to others.

Author: John Steptoe

AR Level: 4.3

Summary: This book tells the story of two beautiful African daughters, Manyara and Nyasha. Manyara is incredibly jealous of her sister because her sister is kind and beloved by everyone. So when the king declares that he would like to marry one of the two daughters, Manyara hurried to the palace and was rude to everyone she passed along the way. However, when Nyasha heads to the palace the next morning, she goes out of her way to care for those around her. Once both sisters have arrived at the palace, Nyasha is rewarded for her kindness and soon after becomes queen.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is the contrast between the two sisters and how they treat those around them. It truly reveals how your kindness reflects on others and can make a difference. I also really loved the illustrations. They were incredibly detailed and beautifully displayed the story's setting and culture.

Name: You Are (Not) Small

Author: Anna Kang

AR Level or Lexile Level: 60L

Summary: This book is about two creatures who can't decide who is big and who is small until another creature comes along who is way bigger. This book explores the meaning of big and small.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book is when the huge creature comes and settles the debate then both of the creatures decide they are hungry and go eat together and forget the whole debate to begin with.

Author: Marcie Colleen

AR Level: Unknown (maybe new book?)

Summary: Happy Friendsgiving is a book that shows the whole true meaning of the holiday Thanksgiving. This is shown through the friendships with all different kinds of people with different family traditions. It also gives a look at the people who have to work on these holidays and how we should be thankful!

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book would have to be how it takes a look at mean diverse people groups. It is so inclusive and will be perfect to read for a classroom that will have many different kids with different backgrounds and families.

Author: Cynthia Erivo

AR Level: not listed but recommended for K-2nd Grade

Summary: A young girl named Ebere tries to go to sleep, and every time she falls asleep she dreams of rocket ships. Her dreaming grows until she is the captain of a red rocket ship that will take her anywhere she wants to travel. Her mom encourages this dreaming and reminds Ebere that she should keep having big dreams throughout her whole life.

Favorite Part: Throughout the story Ebere's dreams continue to grow. They start out small, but by the end of the book, her dreams have grown. I love how this book encourages children to keep dreaming and not to put a limit on their dreams. I think especially for young children, this book is excellent as it encourages them to use their imagination. I also really love how colorful the images are.

Author: Jean Reagan

AR Level: 460L (unknown)

Summary: This book helps show all the different ways we can be thankful for someone or something. From big moments like going to the parade with your grandpa, or a little moment like sharing a snack. This book shows that we can say thank you and be grateful all the time even when we do not realize.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is that this book shows readers that there are so many things to be grateful for. Not only big things, but also the small everyday situations that we are used to. This is so important for all of us, and especially younger kids to realize and learn!

Author: Erin Eitter Kono

Lexile Level: unknown

AR Level: 1.6

Summary: the book is about a creative little bird named Caterina who decides to open a lemonade stand to earn money for a scooter. She works hard to make her stand perfect as she decorates it beautifully and makes delicious lemonade. However, when everyone starts to sell lemonade too, Caterina learns that being successful isn’t just about looks or perfection. it’s about standing out as she provides a “ways to stand out” list in the end.

Favorite part: My favorite part was when Caterina decided to make her lemonade stand unique. I think it shows a great example for kids to be different.

Author: Janell Cannon

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: Stellaluna is a story about a baby fruit bat who gets separated from her mother and is raised by a family of birds. While living with them, she tries to fit in by behaving like a bird, despite feeling different from what she naturally does as a bat. In the end, she reunites with her mother and learns that being different is okay, and that families and friendships can come in many forms.

Favorite Thing: My favorite part of this book is how it highlights how diversity doesn't stop friendship but instead it can foster something much better and we can learn to appreciate the things that make each and everyone of us different!

Author: Drew Daywalt

AR: 1.8

Summary: In this story, the crayons talk about what they are thankful for, and they are all thankful for many different things. The things that they are grateful for are what color they are. Overall, they are just grateful for each other and having each other by their sides. My favorite part was how grateful they are for each other and they just love each other in the end.

Author: Janell Cannon

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: Stellaluna is about a baby fruit bat who becomes separated from her mother and is raised by a family of birds. She tries to act like a bird but soon discovers that being different is okay. She eventually reunites with her mother and learns to embrace and celebrate who she is.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is how it emphasizes that diversity doesn't have to prevent friendships. I love that this book shows students that differences are what make individuals unique and they can elevate friendships to a much higher level.

Eva Mendes

3.3

Follows along a young girl named Desi who struggles with anxiety. Her brain “bullies” her and makes her worry about things such as monsters under the bed. Her mom helps her use positive affirmations and calming techniques so that Desi can sleep well. 

I like the quote “Thoughts are like clouds, blow away the ones you don’t like, and ride on the ones you do.”

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller

AR level: 2.2

Tanisha spills grape juice on her dress in class, and is embarrassed when her classmates laugh at the mess it made. One friend wants to be kind to Tanisha but is not sure how to be kind to her, coming up with ideas how to make her feel better.

My favorite part was when the reader realized that what one person thought was kind could be interpreted differently to someone else. Kindness looks different in many ways!

Author: Bill Withers

AR Level: 2.5

 Lovely Day is a children’s picture book based on Bill Withers’s famous song. It follows a brother and sister who, despite small setbacks, always find a way to bring joy to their day and to each other. My favorite part is that this book is completely Bill Withers’s lyrics and I love the message it tells. 

Author: Jeanne Willis

AR Level: 3.0

Summary: A feisty young rhino says, "I'm In Charge!" and disrupts the Savannah with his selfish behavior. His actions serve as a valuable lesson in sharing.

My Favorite Part: I like the ending when he said he learned his lesson and decided to be a good rhino.

Author Julia Donaldson

AR Level: 3.7

A witch is riding on her broom. She makes room for several animals that want to ride with her. The animals thank her by saving her from a dragon.

My favorite part was when the dog got on the broom because dogs are my favorite.

Author: Stephanie Calmenson

AR Level: 0.5

Summary: This story is about Harry, the long-haired dachshund. He meets a little boy and teaches him what to do when he sees a dog. He teaches him how to ask politely to pet the dogs. He also shows how to stay away from other dogs that may not want to be petted. Overall, Harry teaches the ins and out of how to pet a person's dog. My favorite part was meeting the long-haired dachshund, harry. I have always wanted one, and I was excited to hear this story.

AR Level or Lexile Level: 2

Summary: Olivia and her brother Ian ran all over the house searching for their grandmother's time capsule. Olivia was inspired by her grandmother's capsule and she decided that she wanted to make her own, spending the rest of the day finiding items to place inside.

Favorite Part: My favorite moment from the book was when they both added a picture of each other into their capsules becasue that it what both of them were missing.

Author: Daniel Postgate

AR Level: 3.6

Bill the dog loves smelly things, like muddy ponds and rubbish bins. One day, his folks go to the beach and leave him with Great Aunt Bleach. She cleans the house from tip to toe, and Bill is the last thing left to be cleaned. My favorite part of the book was Bill trying to run away from Great Aunt Bleach and getting tricked with the steak attached to a fishing rod.

Author: Tom Toro

AR Level: Unknown since it was just released

Summary: The crocodile wants to make friends, but all of the other animals are scared because he is a crocodile. Once they realize that the crocodile will not bite and that he likes to have fun, the other animals accept him.

Favorite Part: I really like when the animals become friends with the crocodile because it teaches children to never judge someone from the outside.

Author: Saadia Faruqi

AR Level: 3.1

Summary: Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who is always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Yasmin takes inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination; she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination does not get too big.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book is when Yasmin accidentally rips her mother's kameez, and she and her Nani use their creativity to fix it. They transform Yasmin's pajamas into a fashion show for her parents.

Author: Ty Chapman

AR Level: Unknown

• When police kill a black man in her city, Sarah and her dad join the community to protest. On this sad and scary day, Sarah learns the true meaning of community and what it means to keep one another safe.

• My favorite part of the book is at the end when the butterfly Sarah saved had gotten better and flew away.

Author: Kathy Wolff

AR Level: 3.5

Summary: All We Need is a book where you see that the only things you need is what the world provides for you. Once we have everything we need such as air, water, food, and family the only thing left we need to do is share.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is that all we need is a home. In the text it says "a place to feel safe, a place we feel known..." I liked that part because feeling safe and being around people who support you is very important for a child.

Author: Seth Meyers

AR level: 3.5

Summary: This book follows the story of a bear and a rabbit. The bear is scared of everything in the outside world. The rabbit, though, is a very adventurous animal who likes to live on the edge. The bear returns home, but has to be brave to save his rabbit friend. The book is a reminder for kids to be brave even when it is scary. My favorite part is when the bear faces his fears to save his friend.

Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff is about a little mouse whose request for a cookie leads to a funny chain of more and more demands. In the end, his final request brings the story full circle—right back to wanting another cookie.

My favorite part: When he decides that he needs a haircut and does it him self.

Read

Author: Shel Silverstein

AR Level: 2.6

Summary: The book is about a boy who would go to a tree every day; he would eat its apples, swing from its branches, or slide down its trunk. As the boy grew older, he asked for more and more from the tree until the tree had nothing left to give but a place to sit.

Favorite part: The end of the book, when the tree is happy just to give the boy a place to sit.

Author: Lebron James

AR level: 1.9

Motivating reminders how there are no limits in your goals and dreams. Different ways to say that we are more than what other people define us as.

My favorite part was connecting different careers to each other, more often than not you can only be one or the other, this book shows how much you can do!

Author: Susan Meissner

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: This book is about the many different ways that children travel to see their grandparents during the winter holidays. Some travel by train or car, while others travel by plane or subway. This book gives light to the many different cultures and ways of traveling to see loved ones!

My favorite part: I love the part about taking the subway. I never thought about children in big cities having to travel by subway, but to them it is so normal!

Author: Eric Carle

AR Level: 3.7

Summary: A House for Hermit Crab follows a hermit crab who outgrows his shell and must find a new home. As he decorates his shell with sea creatures and plants, he learns about friendship, change, and building a sense of belonging in a new place.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is how the Hermit Crab shows bravery when searching for his new home and how he makes light of the situation (ie. decorating his shell). This really reminds me of students who might be going to a new school and are afraid, this book can really encourage and empower them to push through their fears and enjoy their experience!

Summary: A young Asian girl observes that her eyes look different from her peers, but as she sees that they match the eyes of her mother, grandmother, and little sister, she embraces her heritage and unique beauty. My favorite part is when the girl realizes her eyes “kiss in the corners” and tells how they “glow like warm tea” and “crinkle into crescent moons.”

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: Three children from other countries (Somalia, Spain, and Korea) struggle to adjust to their new home and school in the United States.

My favorite part of the story is when the main characters start to make friends at school.

Author: Lucille Colandro

AR Level: 2.8

Summary: This book is a funny story about an old lady who eats school supplies like books, a ruler, and a pencil to get ready for the first day of school. In the end, everything she eats helps her make a surprise for the class!

Favorite Part: My favorite Part of the book was when the surprise came at the end. It was fun to see what all things she swallowed were for.

Kevin Henkes

3.3

Follows the story of a mouse named Chrysanthemum who loves her name until the first day of school. Students poke fun at how long her name is and how she is named after a flower. Until Mrs. Twinkle the music teacher reveals her name is Delphinium, then all the students want flower names. 

I like the quote “Chrysanthemum loved the way her name looked when it was written with ink on an envelope. She loved the way it looked when it was write with icing on her birthday cake. And she loved the way it looked when she wrote it herself with her fat orange crayon.”

Author: Young VO

AR Level: 1.8

Summary: The experience of an outsider child named Dat, who came from another country. He doesn't speak English, and he feels isolated in school because he doesn't know what his peers are saying. In the end, he meets someone who helps him understand the language, and then he feels included.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Dat feels included at the end because he starts to understand English.

Author: James Dean

AR Level: 1.2

Summary: Pete the cat is hungry at lunchtime and wants to eat a sandwich, but never gets satisfied with what he puts on the sandwich. He keeps adding to this sandwich and later realizes he has too much to eat, so he invites his friends over to help him finish it.

My Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Pete is thinking about what to do while staring at his big lunch, and then calls everyone he knows to help him eat.

Author: David McKee

AR Level: 2.5  

Summary: Elmer was a colorful elephant who did not like that he was not the same color as all of his other elephant friends. Therefore, he went and found berries that were the same color as a "normal" elephant and coated himself in them. He went back to his elephant friends and decided that maybe he did enjoy being different than all the others. When a rainstorm came and washed the berries off him, he got his coloring back. His elephant friends were so glad that he was back to his colorful self that they decided every year on that day, they would make themselves colorful too.

Favorite Part: I liked it when the rain came and the water washed the berries off, so he could be himself again.

Author: Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

AR: 2.9

Children in a school are trying to catch a turkey. Somehow, the turkey manages to escape all of their crazy traps. The turkey ended up becoming the mascot for the school.

My favorite part was when the kids started throwing food at the turkey.

Author: Mem Fox

AR Level: 3.2

Summary: This book talks about how there are people just like us all over the world. Even though they have a different skin color, have a different house, go to a different school, etc we are all still the same.

Favorite Part: I really like how this book stresses that we all have to same heart and feel the same feelings. If we can see past our differences, we will really know that we are all the same.

Author: Valerie Bolling

AR/Lexile Level: N/A

A group of 9 kids come together to have a musical block party! My favorite part of the book is when everyone is enjoying music and snacks!

Author: Nick Bruel

AR Level: 0.5

Summary: This book is about a kitty who doesn't like to go to bed. She wants to play, sing, and run. But her mom tells her that if she gets ready for bed, she will hear a story. Overall she ends up getting ready for bed and hearing a story. My favorite part was the cat bouncing off the walls because thats how I was growing up.

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Lexile Level 410L

Summary: 

The main character, Millie, moves to a new school in a big city, and she misses the garden where her family used to grow food. With the help of her classmates and teacher, they built a garden on the roof of their school. 

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book is when they are waiting for the garden to start sprouting, and Millie’s teacher says, “Good things take time.”.

Author: Francie Dolan

Lexile Level: 340L

Summary: Meeting Mimi is a book about a new student named Mimi who has a disability. Although she has a disability, the other students welcome her into their classroom with open arms.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was at the end of the story when Mimi feels included and accepted into her new class. She tells a joke, and everyone laughs along with her.

Author: Jill Esbaum

AR Level: 2.6

Nadine is a confident cow who says she’s not afraid of anything. When her friends dare her to explore the dark woods, she agrees, even though she’s secretly scared. At first, she enjoys the adventure, but when night comes, she gets lost and frightened. My favorite part was when Nadine got lost in the dark woods and accidentally fell into the pond, but her friends thought she was brave and had rescued them. I liked this part because it was funny and showed that even when you’re scared, you can still be brave.

Author: Audrey Penn

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: The Kissing Hand is about a young raccoon named Chester who is nervous about starting school. His mother comforts him by giving him a special “kissing hand,” reminding him that her love is always with him even when they’re apart.

Favorite Part: I love that this book is so comforting for students. Not only does it validate their feelings, it gives the students a sweet way to cope with their big feelings!

AR Level or Lexile Level: 3.3

Summary: This story is about George, a monkey, who escapes the zoo and keeps winding up preforming different jobs. He got in trouble a lot but always wound up back on his feet, even ending his job career as an actor.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when George was a window cleaner and kept looking in people's windows to see what was going on.

Author: Doreen Cronin

AR Level: 2.3

Summary: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin is about cows on a farm who find a typewriter and start typing notes to their farmer, demanding better living conditions like electric blankets. When the farmer refuses, the cows go on strike, teaching a clever lesson about communication and negotiation.

My favorite part: My favorite part was how the duck was in the middle of everything going on.

Author: Josh Bledsoe

AR Level: 2.8

After her playdate is canceled, a young girl and her dad have a fun day tackling their to-do lists together. My favorite part of the book was her getting to spend time and have fun with her dad!

Author: Harry Allard

AR: 2.7

Miss Nelson's class is know for their bad behavior. One day she does not show up, but Miss Swamp comes to straighten things out.

My favorite part was when Miss Nelson came back, and the children were so happy.

Author: Lori Degman

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Summary: This is a fun book that celebrates the joy of reading. In this book children are displayed reading in various places and all about various things. My favorite part of this book is that it highlights all the different ways that reading can be incorporated into our lives and it shows that reading can take you anywhere.

Author: Julie Downing

AR/Lexile Level: Grade 2

Summary: This book gives light to the many lives of people in the city during the night. It shows that not all people work during the day, but people like nurses, actors, and janitors often keep the city alive at night.

My favorite part: I love the part where the book says "some people turn night into day." Then it shows a movie set with actors and actresses.

Author: Alice Blumenthal McGinty

AR Level: Unknown

• Rabbi Ruben loves his synagogue, but it has many flaws that he would like to fix up to make it seem more like a happy home. When Rabbi Ruben tries to fix up his synagogue it only makes things worse, but thankfully his whole congregation came together to remind him what really makes a place feel like a happy home.

• What I really like about this book is that the author uses Hebrew terms in the story.

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller

AR level: ages 4-8

Summary: It is hard to be brave some days. Sometimes we are asked to do things that we are scared to do and we feel lonely and like no one understands. But, when we are brave we are saying I can do anything as long as I put my eyes to it. We stand up for ourselves when we are brave.

My favorite part is the quote that says "You can make your courage so big it brightens your heart, fills your fingers, and flows to your toes."

Author: Rhonda Gowler Greene

AR Level: 3.9

Summary: The Very First Thanksgiving Day tells the story of when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share food and give thanks.

My Favorite Part: My favorite part was when everyone sat down together to eat and give thanks, it felt warm and peaceful.

Summary: On her first day of school, younger sister Faizah watches her older sister Asiya wear her hijab for the first time a vibrant blue hijab like the “ocean waving to the sky” and together they navigate others’ reactions with strength and pride.

My favorite part is when Faizah reflects on her sister’s hijab being “like the sky on a sunny day... special and regular” and sees how Asiya calmly responds to hurtful words rather than letting them define her. I love how the story shows inner strength, identity, and sisterly love.

Lexile Level: AD240L

Summary: Kids are brimming with big emotions! This helpful picture book shows them how to navigate their feelings by talking things through and seeing the situation from different points of view.

My favorite part of the book is when all the characters come together to build a tire swing while up lifting each other to do so.

Author: Mellissa Sweet

AR Level: 3.1

Summary: A little girl named Carmine who loves to dilly dally stops to paint a picture on the way to her grandmothers house one day. While she was painting her dog, Rufus, meets a wolf and tells the wolf how to get to her Granny’s house accidentally. This leaves the story with many twists and turns and how Carmine finally saves her Granny.

My favorite part: The ending when Carmine finally makes it home to Granny and they enjoy some alphabet soup together.

Link: https://youtu.be/l0FyH03ln-w?feature=shared

Author: Donna Jo Napoli and Naoko Stoop

AR Level: Unknown because it is also written in Japanese

Summary: This book is about two girls becoming friends even though they speak different languages.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is the girls becoming best friends despite their differences of languages.

Author: Ross Burach

AR Level: 1.3

A giraffe keeps getting mistaken for a chair. My favorite part of the book is when the giraffe gets squashed by the hippo.

Author- Every Cake Has a Story

Author-Christina Tosi or Milk Bar

Lexile level- 500L

Summary- In Every Cake has a Story, the main character, Sammi is used to having everything the same boring way, only knowing how to make chocolate or vanilla cake. After dreaming of difference and color she woke up in a word full of color and with a new full cookbook under her pillow.

My favorite part- My favorite part of thus book is how there is a cake recipe on the last page, this lets the children reading get to feel included and get to try new things with their family and friends.

Author: Alison Formento

AR Level: 3.9

Summary: This book is about a class going on a field trip to Busy Bee Farm. As the children listen, they learn how bees work to produce honey and make food and flowers grow.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is at the end of the book when the farmer asks a student what they learned. The student learned how to listen and why bees are important.

Author: Dr. Seuss

AR Level: 3.3

Summary: This book explores all the places in life you will encounter, from the highs and lows to the in-betweens. The book reminds the reader that, regardless of where you are in life, you should still keep going.

Favorite part: My favorite part of the book is when the boy is on his way up to see great sights, and of course the ending of the book.

Author: Marcus Pfister

AR Level: 3.3

Summary: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is about a beautiful fish with shiny scales who learns that sharing his special scales with others makes him truly happy. The story teaches the importance of kindness, generosity, and finding joy in giving.

My favorite part: My favorite part of the book was at the end. He did not have to share his scales, but he did.

Author: Joanna Ho

AR level: no level listed but ages 4-8

This story prioritizes the importance and meaning behind everybody's name, and how it is important to say your name right. Each name has a meaning behind it and brings a sense of identity.

My favorite part was how it included names that I as the teacher needed to practice to say, because no matter how difficult a students name is, it is equally as important.

Author: Gaia Cornwall

AR Level: 2.3 

Summary: Jabari wanted to jump off the diving board, but he was scared to. After a few climbs back down the ladder, he decided that it was finally time, and he was going to jump.

Favorite Part: I liked it when he finally got the courage to jump!

Faith Kazmi

Unknown

Follows the story of a mom and daughter sending a box of goods to their family in the Philippines. Mama recalls memories from when she lived in the Philippines. Her daughter gets super excited about all the fun things they want to send to their family. 

I like the quote “I dream of dipping my toes in the warm tropical waters, tasting sweet and crunchy pili nut candy, and sipping on the delicious tart calamansi juice, just like Mama once did.”

Author: Eric Carle

AR Level: 2.9

Summary: The Very Hungry Caterpillar hatches from his egg and starts to seek some food. He started to eat some food throughout the week, and on Saturday, he ate a lot of unhealthy food, which led him to a stomachache. So he ate through a leaf and felt much better and grew to be a big, strong caterpillar.

My Favorite Part: The ending is when the caterpillar becomes a butterfly after being a big caterpillar.

Author: Chitra Soundar

AR Level: 0.5

Summary: In the book, they celebrate Holi Hai, which is the beginning of Spring. Gauri gets upset when her family chooses the color red instead of yellow. She learns that love for her family and spending time is more important than not getting her way about the color she wanted.

Favorite part: My favorite part is when Gauri realizes that the love for her family is more important than anger.

Author: James Marshall

AR Level: 2.8

When Spud and Joe get behind the wheel of Principal Lamar J. Spurgel's prized sports car, things soon get out of control. My favorite part of the book is when Spud and Joe get away with taking the Principal's car.

Author: Alicia Ortego

AR: 2.7

Lucas learns that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in other people's lives. Readers discover that being kind is the best superpower.

My favorite part was when Lucas learned that being kind was cool, so he was kind all the time.

Author: Marc Brown

AR Level: 0.5

Summary: Arthur and his class wrote a letter to the president on how to make America great. Arthur WON the competition and had to read his letter to the president. He had to memorize it, and he was super nervous. He gave his speech, and he said everyone needs to work together. My favorite part of this book was Arthur winning the competition and going to D.C.

Author: Wendi Silvano 

AR Level: 2.3

Summary: The main character, Turkey, dresses up as all the different animals in the barnyard so he won’t be eaten on Thanksgiving. All of his costumes are unsuccessful, so Turkey has to improvise on a different type of costume...

Favorite Part: The end where Turkey dresses up as a pizza man to disguise himself from being eaten on Thanksgiving.

Author: Chris Raschka
AR Level or Lexile Level: AR Level 0.3
Summary: This simple story uses just a few words and expressive pictures to show how two boys meet and become friends, proving that friendship can start with just a few words.
Favorite Part: My favorite part is when the boys finally say “Yo!” and “Yes!” to each other and become friends. It's a short book, but really powerful!

Author: Ellie Peterson

Summary: School is not just a building. Everywhere we go, we are able to learn new things or learn more about something we already knew. We are always expanding our knowledge whether we know it or not. My favorite part is when it says school can be with mom and dad. Parents have so much influence and it is important for parents to be teaching life lessons to their kids.

Author-Mo Williams

AR Level:1.6

Summary:Trixie and her dad travel to the laundry mat. Whole traveling to the laundry mat, Trixie brings her stuffed rabbit. Trixie then loses her stuffed rabbit. So Trixie, her mom, and her dad travel back to the laundry mat where she finds her stuffed rabbit. In which her first words were "Knuffle Bunny!"

Favorite part: My favorite part is when Trixie said her first words, which was "Knuffle Bunny."

Favorite part:

Author: Jenn Bailey

AR level: 2.4

Summary: This book is about a little boy named Henry who is on the autism spectrum and wants to make a friend. When making friends things can go wrong, but Henry keeps searching until he finds the friend for him. My favorite part of this book is when Henry meets Katie, and they are able to fully understand each other.

Author: Catherine Vase

AR Level: 2.3

Summary: The Penguin Who Wanted to Fly by Catherine Vase is about a penguin named Flip-Flop who really wants to fly, tries many funny ways, and then finds out he can swim like flying under water.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when Flip-Flop fell into the water and discovered swimming felt like flying, it was surprising and happy.

Author: Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson

AR/Lexile Level: 4-8 years

Summary: This book follows a little girl making mochi with her grandmother. It details the history of her family and how they came over from Japan long ago. This book highlights how food can be a big part of culture.

My favorite part: I like the part where it talks about her great grandfather coming over from Japan. It really shed light on me that food can influence people so much.

Author: Raakhee Mirchandani

AR level: 3.9

Devi loves Diwali time, as she takes us through the events and rituals of her religion. Explaining different culture expectations and holidays.

My favorite part was how at the end so many different people were celebrating Diwali.

Author: R.J. Palacio

AR Level 1.5

Summary:

Auggie is an ordinary kid who does ordinary kid things. However, he does not look ordinary, which is not easy, especially when it comes to school. This book shows that it is okay to be different and that all kids are “wonders”. 

Favorite Part: 

My favorite part is when Auggie puts on his and his dog Daisy’s space helmets, and they blast off into the clouds.  

AR Level: 4.4

Summary: This book is about book about a young Asian boy who feels sad after noticing that his eyes look different from his classmates’. With guidance from his father, grandfather, and brother, he learns to see the beauty, strength, and history carried in his eyes. The story celebrates cultural pride, family heritage, and the importance of self-acceptance.

My favorite part is the father and grandfather helping the main character to feel comfortable about himself.

Author: Anna Dewdney

AR Level: 2.0

Summary: Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney is about Llama Llama feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday preparations and excitement. In the end, he learns that the best part of the holidays is spending time and sharing love with his mama.

My favorite part: My favorite part is that as a family, they are setting up the Christmas decorations around the house. My family still does this, and it's my favorite part of the holiday.

Shay Youngblood

Unknown

It follows the story of a girl whose biological mother works a lot, and is sometimes gone for days at a time. Luckily she has seven “Big Mamas” she spends her time with. They all take good care of her and show that raising a kid takes a village.

I like the quote “I love all of my mamas and all our houses, and we all agree, there is no better feeling than when Mama’s home.”

Author: Alice Dalgliesh

AR Level: 4.1

A family of pilgrims is struggling to survive in their new home. Finally, they had a huge harvest and were able to have a big feast to give thanks.

My favorite part was the end when they all were happy.

Author: Trudy Ludwig

AR Level: 2.8

Summary: No one wanted to be friends with Brian, also known as the Invisible Boy. He sat and played by himself, and everyone ignored him. A new student joined the class and decided to be friends with Brian, and suddenly, he had friends.

Favorite Part: When Brian was able to join the group and make friends with the boys.

Author: Donna Barba Higuera

AR Level: 2.3

Summary: This story is dual language! It is written mostly in English, but has some Spanish too. Starting the story off with meeting Ramón, who is very nervous to start a new school. He discovers El Cucuy, a monster who lives in his cactus plant and is also scared of living in a new environment. The two navigate friendship as they face similar anxiety, finding comfort and courage together.

Favorite part: When Ramón and El Cucuy are going back and forth with how scary each other are, but how it makes them individually more strong and braver. That moment between the characters sets the tone and ends the story on a good note.

Author: Crescent Dragonwagon

AR Level: 3.8

In this gentle bedtime ABC book, a mother tries to get her little one to go to sleep by reminding him that all kinds of animals are getting sleepy too. My favorite part is the alliteration for each letter of the alphabet. For example, how “Yak yawns, and Zebra just Zzzzzzzzzzs.” It’s fun to say and it takes the bedtime routine on amusical journey through the animal world.

Author: Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah

AR Level: Unkown

• In Ghana, when a baby is born the extended family prepares for a whole week to welcome the new baby at a celebration called an outdooring. Andani can't wait to meet her new baby cousin but struggles waiting patiently as she gets to perform the most important job of all: being the first to greet the little one by name.

• My favorite part is at the end of the book when we finally learn the new baby's name.

Author: Barney Saltzberg

AR Level: Can't find AR or Lexile level

Summary: A child who is angry and needs time to process feelings instead of being comforted right away. It validates anger and shows that it's okay to take time alone to cool off.

My favorite part is at the end, when the child realizes they need to calm down and smile, and then becomes okay.

Author: Gina & Mercer Mayer

AR Level: 2.7

Summary: A Very Special Critter is about Alex, a new student, who uses a wheelchair. The other students are unsure what to think at first, but realize Alex is a great friend and capable classmate.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this story is when Alex uses his wheelchair to create a winning race car for the Halloween party.

Author: Margaret Wise Brown AR Level or Lexile Level: AR Level 1.8

Summary: A gentle bedtime story where a little bunny says goodnight to everything in his room and the world around him. Favorite Part: My favorite part is when the bunny says goodnight to the moon. It feels calm and cozy.

AR Level: 4.3

Summary: A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents.

My favorite part of this book was when the dad took his daughter fishing.

AR Level or Lexile Level: 560L.

Summary: This story is about chickens who were tired of eating their chicken feed and decided to learn how to cook real food. They made things like salsa and guacamole, until they ran out of spicy supplies and had to make crepes.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book was when all the animals had a fiesta in the barn. All the animals were dressed up and dancing.

Author: David Soman and Jackey Davis

AR Level: 2.9

Summary: Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis is about a little girl named Lulu who feels bored until she puts on her ladybug costume and uses her imagination to have adventures outside. She discovers that she can be brave, creative, and have fun all on her own.

My Favorite part: My favorite part of Ladybug Girl is when Lulu realizes she doesn’t need anyone else to have fun—she can use her imagination to turn ordinary things, like rocks and puddles, into exciting adventures. It shows how creativity and confidence can make any day special! What about you—do you have a favorite part?

Author: Traditional Folktale (no one true author)

AR Level: 2.2

Summary: Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the story about a curious girl who enters a family of bears’ home while they are away and uses their things. When the bears return and find her there, Goldilocks is taught the importance of respect, boundaries, and making responsible choices.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is this story teaches the students about the importance of respect and responsibility yet in a fun and lighthearted manner!

Author: Baptiste and Miranda Paul

AR/Lexile Level: 4-8 years

Summary: This book describes the many different things that can be peaceful in our lives. It sheds light for children on how to treat others as well.

My favorite part: I love the part where it talks about pronouncing your friends name correctly is peace. Names hold a lot of power and mean a lot to people.

Author: Margery Williams

AR Level: 4.7

Summary: A stuffed toy rabbit, over time, turned into a real rabbit because of the boy's love for him, the rabbit got his dream to come true.

My favorite part: At the end, when the fairy dropped the rabbit off in the woods for the other rabbits to teach him how to act like a rabbit, he hopped for the first time.

Author: Jory John

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: The book is about Humble Pie, who is partnered with his friend Jake the Cake, who steals the spotlight. The humble Pie learns to speak up for himself and shares the spotlight equally with Jake the Cake.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when the humble pie stood up for himself and Jake understood, and they worked together.

Author: Kevin Henkes

AR level: 3.3

Summary: At school, all of Chrysanthemum's classmates would laugh at her long name, especially the fact that it was based off of a flower. Because of her classmates, Chrysanthemum looses all confidence in her name, until her music teacher suggests what she will name her soon to be due baby.

My favorite part: When Chrysanthemum finds here name absolutely perfect and prances off happily.

Author: Chris Raschka
AR Level or Lexile Level: AR Level 0.7
Summary: This wordless picture book tells the story of a little dog named Daisy who loves her red ball, loses it, and then finds happiness again with a new one.
Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Daisy gets a new ball and feels happy again.

Author: Lisa Mantchev

AR Level: 2.0

Summary: The little boy has a pet elephant. It is hard to take care of at times, but the book stresses the importance of friendship and being there for each other no matter what.

Favorite Part: I love the part when the little boy helps the elephant over the cracks. Friends are always willing to help others out.

Author-Eric Carle

AR Level-2.9

Summary-The very hungry caterpillar eats his favorite breakfast. As he eats his breakfast he counts along as he eats.

Favorite part-My favorite part of the book is when the hungry caterpillar tells his favorite breakfast treat

Author- Ryan T. Higgins 

AR Level. 1.9 

Summary- This book is about Norman, a porcupine whose best friend is Mildred, who is a tree. Norman thought he was losing his best friend to another tree and came up with a plan to remove this new tree from the ground. When he realized that things weren't going to be the same between him and Mildred since he removed the other tree he created a plan to get this new tree back. Once the new tree, Norman, and Mildred were all back together the three of them then became best friends. This showed that there was no need to be jealous and there was enough room for everyone. 

My favorite part- My favorite part of this story was when Norman, Mildred, and the new tree all came together and became friends. I liked this part because it will show children that they should include everyone because they might like someone they never thought they wouldve. 

Author: Veera Hiranandani

AR level: 4.7-5.3

Reflecting on the own authors life, this story follows how lucky she is to have parents of two different ethnicities. Pointing out all of the joy that comes with unconditional love beyond diversity.

My favorite part was when the main character realized by looking at a butterfly that like butterflies, no two families are the same. And each have their own unique traits to be proud of.

Author: Sarah S. Brannen

AR Level: unknown

Summary: The bear doesn't know how to untie his shoes. He asks for help, and no one helps until the end. My favorite part of this story was how the birds helped him untie his shoes.

Author: Selina Alko

AR level: 3.8

• Holiday time at Sadies's house is extra special. It means golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree, candy canes hanging on eight menorah branches, voices uniting singing carols about Maccabees and the manger, and Latkes on the mantel awaiting Santa's arrival.

• My favorite part of this book is the way the little girl describes each tradition her family celebrates.

Kat Zhang

2.8

It follows the story of a little girl named Amy Wi who is celebrating Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. She makes her own paper lantern but drops and breaks it. She fixes it using fun tape and drawings which makes it even more special for the celebration. 

I like the quote “Lanterns glow everywhere. Strings of them shine above the streets. Bunches of them blaze from the stalls…It's a sea of color and light.”

Author: Vashti Harrison

AR Level: 1.7

Summary: Big is about a young girl who goes on a journey to self-love after the word "big" shifts from a term of praise to a hurtful criticism.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of this book is at the end of the story when the little girl finds her own strength and accepts herself, learning to take up space in a way that feels right to her.

Author: Mary J. Blige

AR Level: 1.9

Summary: A young girl grows tired of hearing the words ‘no’ and ‘can’t.’ Her journey shows how she transforms doubt into determination, inspiring children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams no matter what.

My favorite part: My favorite part is when Mary chases her dreams and puts down the doubt of others around her.

Author: Queen Rania and Kelly DiPucchio

AR Level: 3.0

Summary: Salma and Lily were best friends who did everything together. Salma brought a hummus and pita sandwich to school every day, and Lily brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which each thought the other's sandwich was gross. They expressed that one day, and it turned into an uproar in the lunchroom. The next day, they each tried each other's sandwich and ended up liking both.

Favorite Part: I liked when they tried each other's sandwich at the end.

Author: Kevin Henkes

AR Level: 3.0

Summary: Chrysanthemum is confident in herself heading to school, until some of her classmates start making fun of her name.

Favorite Part: When the music teacher makes Chrysanthemum feel welcomed in class. After she did this all of the other students wanted a unique name.

Author: Diana Murray

AR/Lexile Level: This book is about a young child helping their mom work from home. It demonstrates how change can be good, and doesn't always have to be scary.

My favorite part: I love the part where the child is decorating their moms business cards. It shows the child's creativity.

Author: Anna Dewdney

AR Level: 2.0

Baby Llama gets tucked into bed by Mama Llama, who then goes downstairs to do chores. As the minutes pass, Baby Llama begins to worry: Why hasn’t she come back? He makes “llama drama” out of his separation anxiety. Mama Llama returns, reassures him, and reminds him that she’s always nearby, even if she’s not right there. Her love calms him, and he finally drifts off to sleep. My favorite part is when Baby Llama’s calls and cries get bigger and more dramatic It feels so real and funny, but it also shows how much he cares about his mama. Then, when she comes back and reassures him, it’s really comforting and sweet.

No AR Level

Summary: This book celebrates how everything in the world is connected. Through whimsical art and simple text, it shows how people, nature, and even the smallest things are part of one big, shared universe. The story encourages readers to appreciate unity, empathy, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

My favorite part of this book was toward the end where all the characters are sitting around the dinner table having a meal.

Author: Zach Manbeck

Reading level: ages 4-8

Summary: This book gives students some great advice about how to find the way in the world. while reminding them that right now we are exactly where we need to be. Some of the advice they give is that we need to be our own kind of brave, explore, take your time, keep going, and that it's ok to fall down. My favorite part of this book is that it shows us how important it is to pause and notice the little things.

AR Level or Lexile Level: 580L

Summary: This story is about 3 sister guinea pigs who grow up, move out, and build thier own houses to live in. They have to work together to outsmart the fox who wants to eat them as his dinner.

Favorite Part: My favorite part was when the clever guinea pigs gave the fox a balloon, instead of their tails, and they saved themselves from being his dinner.

Author: Deborah Underwood
AR Level or Lexile Level: AR Level 2.9
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book reminds us that even when we’re inside, nature is always around us in the light, the sounds, and the things we use every day.
Favorite Part: My favorite part is when the girl goes back outside and feels the sun and breeze again. It shows how peaceful nature can be.

Author: Jo Witek

AR level: unknown

Summary: The book is about a child who explores a full range of emotions. The book teaches that it is okay to feel feelings no matter how big or small.

My Favorite Part: I like the part of the book when the child sees something scary. I think the illustrations on that page are fun.

Author: Patty Lovell

Summary : This book is about Molly Lou whose mom tells her to speak up for what's right, and at school she stands up to a bully and helps a friend.

My favorite Part: My favorite part was when Molly Lou walked up to the bully and told her to stop, it showed courage and friendship.

Author: Mem Fox

AR Level: 3.2

Summary: No matter where you are from, what you do, or what you look like, you are special and important.

Favorite Part: I liked the whole book, because it was about including everyone.

Author: Tara Lazar

AR Level: 3.1

Summary: Letter I chases others letters around the city to find the missing clocks. In the end Z is found and I can finally sleep.

My favorite part: At the end of the book I says “I’m known for catching the Z’s” and there’s a photo of I asleep. I thought this was humours.

Link: https://youtu.be/cU1TOeSMOgY?feature=shared

Author: Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

AR Level: 2.4

Summary: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fun story about the letters of the alphabet. The letters race to the top of a coconut tree, creating a fun and sing-songy story about learning letters. When the tree becomes too crowded, all the letters tumble down, showing the excitement and challenges of learning and exclusion in a fun way.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is how the book highlights exclusion with the letter "O" and shows students they can persevere through challenges and show bravery and courage just as the letter "O" did!

Author: Lisa Brown

AR Level: 2.4

• Going to the hospital can be strange. Sometimes things hurt, sometimes you feel scared, and sometimes you even feel lonely. But doctors, nurses, and other patients you meet along the way can help you feel better.

• My favorite part of the book was when the little girl got a sticker for being brave because when I was younger I always remember getting a sticker when I would visit the doctor.

Author: Frank Murphy and Alice Lee

AR Level: 2.6

Summary: This story is about how family is a place where we feel loved and brave, and how each family is unique. This book celebrates all of the different families that exist.

Favorite Part: My favorite quote from the book is "A family like yours might be different from a family like theirs. But all families have histories. And Stories."

Author-Eric Carle

AR Level-2.9

Summary-A tiny caterpillar hatches from a egg. The caterpillar begins to eat in which then it becomes bigger.Then finally at the last stage the tiny caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly.

Favorite part-My favorite part is when the tiny caterpillar finally comes a beautiful butterfly after seeing it transform.

Author: Bob Raczka

Summary: This book is about telling your story and listening to others. We all come from different places and backgrounds and this books reminds us the importance of each one of our stories. My favorite part is when we are compared to a construction site. Always under construction. Always learning. Always growing.

Author: Gary Golio

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: This children's picture book is about Roy DeCarava (photographer) in 1940s Harlem. He is a world-famous photographer, and we get to read about how he feels, what he sees, and how he just captures the beauty of life.

Favorite part: Middle of the book, "Beauty is not in the camera, Beauty is in the person." I love how they add that line in the middle of the book after each picture being taken, "Snap."

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

AR Level: 1.8

Summary: A small bunny is going to bed for the night. The book says goodnight to all of the objects and even the smallest creatures in the room, before everything goes dark.

My favorite part: When the book gradually gets darker, like the bunny is drifting off to sleep.

Author: Leslie Kimmelman

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: This story is about a red hen who wants to make matzah for passover, her friends won't help, but in the end she forgives them and they all join in.

My Favorite Part: My favorite part was when the non-helping friends finally gets to come inside and help clean up, it felt fair and fun.

Author: Anna Llenas

AR Level: 2.1

Summary: The Color Monster is about a fuzzy monster whose emotions are all mixed up, so he cannot tell how he feels. A little girl helps separate his feelings, which helps the monster learn to understand his feelings better.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when each emotion is represented by a color and sorted into a jar. Yellow is for happy, blue is for sad, red is for angry, black is for fear, and green is for calm.

Author- Eugene Trivizas and Helen Oxenbury 

AR Level- 4.6 

Summary- In this book the three little wolves build different types of houses which are all destroyed by the big bad big. He persistently was ruining all the wolves' houses until the wolves came up with an idea. The wolves build their last house out of flowers and when the big bad pig tries to blow it down he inhales the flowers. This ends up leaving the big bad pig as a kind pig who was now friends with the wolves. 

Favorite Part- My favorite part of this story was when the big bad pig turned kind. I liked this part because he was then playing with the wolves, drinking tea and eating strawberries with them. 

Lexile/AR Level: Unknown

Summary:

This book addresses Gumbo and how it reflects the cultural history of the African Diaspora. The book walks the reader through this history through Rose and her father, and their time making gumbo together.  

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Rose and her family are all dancing and celebrating in the kitchen together. 

Author: Mary Ann Hoberman

AR Level: 3.1

Summary: Two best friends spend the day together playing and jumping, and having fun, so all sorts of things around the neighborhood.

My Favorite Part: When the elephant stays with Mary Mack and doesn't get taken back to the zoo, and now Mary Mack has purple buttons.

Author: Julia Denos

AR level: 2.5

Summary: This book is about a boy who take an evening walk through his neighborhood and looks into the windows of the homes around him. Looking into each window gives him a glimpse of the lives of the people around him. My favorite part of this book is the illustrations that highlight these people who live near each other, but all live different lives.

Author-Eric Carle

AR Level-2.9

Summary-The very hungry caterpillar gives clues throughout the story to guess the certain animal.Then eventually revealing the animal after the clues

Favorite part-My favorite part is when the very hungry caterpillar is when it described the snail in the book to give a clue

AR Level: 2.0

This book features a crocodile on snare drum, a bear on bass, and a weasel on banjo who form a lively music band in the woods. From spring through fall they play to an eager animal audience, but when winter arrives the woodland critters go to sleep. The band takes their show into town, performing until they grow tired, and eventually return to the woods to rest. My favorite parts are the onomatopoeias (“Snap! Poom‑poom! Jingle‑Jangle!”) that brings the music to life.

AR Level or Lexile Level: 0.5

Summary: In the book, Redd and Bloo fight over the very special green book that is perfection. They have to put their disagreements aside and work together when Bookworm walks away with the green book.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Bookworm sneaks in while they are fighting and slips away with the book.

Author: Chris Van Allsburg

Summary: The book tells the story of a young boy who begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. The boy boards a magical train to the North Pole, where Santa himself gifts him his first Christmas gift.

Favorite Part: When the boy rings the bell, he was gifted by Santa, and no one can hear its ring. Only those who believe can.

Author: Kristine A. Lombardi

AR Level: 2.4-3.2

Summary: A mother and her daughter each night share their wishes for the world and talk about the kindness they wish to receive. Its a story of rhyming and how community service is special to others.

My favorite part: At the end the mother and daughter give tips to make the world a better place.

Link: https://youtu.be/IiNVE3F26mM?feature=shared

Author: Bianca Pozzi

AR level: ages 4-8

Summary: This book highlights our emotions and how we can face them. A little girl is feeling gray but then she meets a dog and together they find a way to smile in the rain. My favorite part about this book is that it can help kids to understand their emotions and to say that it is okay to tell someone what you are feeling.

Author: Maurice Sendak

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: A boy is sent to his room for getting into trouble. He starts to imagine monsters and being on an island with all these creatures and later becomes their king. He comes back to his room and reality and finds a hot bowl of food on his table.

My Favorite Part: When the boy comes back to his room and finds dinner on his table, and it is still hot.

Author: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

AR Level: 2.5

Summary: This book takes place post the civil war and is about a young African American girl who years to go to school and get an education just like her brothers. My favorite part of this book was when her parents told her that she can go to school with there brothers and we were able to see her journey to school and the excitement she felt when she got there.

Author-Eric Carle

AR Level-2.9

Summary-The very tiny caterpillar enjoys eating snacks as he is tiny.Then he begins grow bigger, bigger, and bigger. Eating snacks everyday until he becomes a butterfly.

Favorite part-My favorite part is when the very tiny hungry caterpillar eats both of the apples and then eats a purple popsicle after that.

Author: Adam Wallace

AR level: 2.9

Summary: This book tells the story of a turkey who must perform in his school's Thanksgiving play. The turkey has terrible stage fright and tries to run away from the school, while all the students try to trap him.

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book is when the turkey realizes he likes to be on stage and becomes confident.

Author: Natasha Yim

AR level: 3.2

Summary: Goldy Luck's mother asks Goldy to visit the Chans household for better fortune in the Chinese New Year. Goldy visits and ends up eating all of their rice porridge, dropping their turnip cakes, and breaking a chair while the Chans are not home. The Chans decide Goldy can repay them by helping them make more Turnip Cakes.

My favorite part: The fact that the recipe from the story is listed on the last page of the book!

Author: Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete

AR: Level 2.8

Summary: The story is told from the viewpoint of Callie, the twin sister of Charlie, a boy with autism. Callie shared how Charlie is similar to her in some ways, but his brain works differently. She helps readers see his challenges, his strengths, and the many different ways he shows love.

Favorite part: The ending of my book is such a heartfelt moment between the twins, Callie and Charlie. Callie expresses how Charlie isn't defined by autism and how blessed she is to be Charlie's sister. This was such a touching moment in the book and I was nearly in tears.

Marzieh Abbas 

Lexile/AR Level Unknown 

Summary: 

This book dives into the different characteristics of henna and also shows that henna is so much more than just painted patterns. The book shows how henna carries a person's identity.

Favorite Part: The last page, when it says “Henna is identity,” and the little girl shows her henna on her hands.  

Author: Marianne Richmond

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: This book is about celebrating individuality and helps build self-confidence by encouraging readers to embrace their unique qualities and characteristics.

Favorite Part: At the end of the book the last quote is very uplifting. It is " On the day you were born, the world grew by one life with big purpose and much to be done. Look in the mirror. Love who you see. Stand Tall. Smile Big. Shout, Hooray for Me!"

Author- Jory John and Benji Davies 

AR Level- 1.6

Summary- In this book the main character, a bear, is so excited to spend his day relaxing alone until the duck from next door comes over. The duck is very persistent trying to spend time with the bear and finally the bear caves in. The bear still doesn't have a good day because he loves being alone but he realizes that the duck is his best friend and he loves him already. 

Favorite part- My favorite part of the story was when the bear told the duck he was his best friend and basically family. Even though the bear and the duck are best friends they still like completely different things. 

Author: Christian Trimmer

AR Level: 3.4

Summary: A little girl decides to save a sea star after a storm and do a goodwill. Her community begins a chain of good acts inspired by her.

My favorite part: When the old man took his grandson to rescue a dog from the shelter because he was inspired by the little girl.

Link: https://youtu.be/Fv8PGyxOYmU?feature=shared

Author: Toni & Slade Morrison

AR Level: 1.5

Summary: A young bunny narrator lists all kinds of mean people from big to small, obvious to subtle, and ultimately learns how to rise above meanness with optimism and kindness.

Favorite part: The moment when the bunnt stands up and decides not to let mean people ruin his joy/life.

Author: Margaret O'Hair

AR Level: 3.2

Summary: This book is a message from Sofia Sanchez, who has down syndrome, but she doesn't let that stop her from becoming successful. She wants to share her message of perseverance and bravery with kids everywhere. The book inspires children to dream big and overcome obstacles that stand in their way.

Favorite part: At the end of the book, it shows all of Sofia's accomplishments and all the things she has overcome.

James and Lucy Catchpole

AR Level 2.3

Summary: 

Joe has a disability, and people always see him as “Amazing Joe”, but Joe just wants to be Joe. This book addresses that children with disabilities can usually do the same things that any other kid does.

Favorite Part: My favorite part is when Joe finally gets to be “Just Joe” and play soccer with some new friends.   

Author: Ted Dewan

AR level: 3.3

Summary: Following a baseball theme, in the story a big scary Troll tries to gobble up the little goat brother while he is off grazing by himself. The little goat offers his bigger brothers up as food so he does not get eaten, until the biggest goat is able to get rid of the mean troll altogether.

My favorite part: When Big Billy Goat Gruff got revenge on the troll, head butting the troll far away, and the three goats were able to spend the rest of their days nibbling away together.

Author: Yuki Kaneko

AR Level: 1.3

Summary: A story that is told by a little boy, he loves to play and celebrate childhood. He loves the natural world/the winter and his mother.

My favorite part: When the mother and son drink hot chocolate together on a cold winters day.

Link: https://youtu.be/dIYkDvM4DXc?feature=shared

Author: Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergland

AR Level: Unknown

Summary: Edie is having a very hard day, and at school, she feels misunderstood and alone, so she imagines herself turning into different animals to cope with her feelings until she finally allows herself to be vulnerable and real.

Favorite Part: I love Edie's imagination throughout the whole story. My favorite moment would have to be when she turned into a squid and wraps her tentacles around classmates' ship. This also represents how she expresses things she can't always say.

Author: Jessie Oliveros

AR Level: 2.8

Summary: This book is about a little boy who has a lot of balloons. They are where he keeps his memories. His Grandpa has a lot of balloons that hold many great stories. James loves to hear them all, but when Grandpa's balloons start drifting away, James wants to catch them, but he can't. Now, James has to share all his stories to share his balloons with his Grandpa.

favorite part: At the end of the book James is ready to share his new stories with his grandpa.

Summary: In a quiet village where singing is banned, a brave rooster refuses to stop crowing. His courage inspires others to stand up for their voices and freedom. 

My favorite part: My favorite part is when the rooster keeps singing proudly even after the mayor takes away his perch, his food, and even his family– showing that courage and hope can’t be silenced.

Storyline Online – The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

Summary: Carla makes unusual sandwiches that her classmates think are weird. She proudly teaches them that being different makes you special. 

My favorite part: My favorite part is when Carla proudly shares her sandwich at the picnic and surprises everyone with how delicious it is, showing that staying true to yourself is better than trying to fit in.

Storyline Online – Carla’s Sandwich

Summary: This story shows how pollution harms the ocean and its creatures. It reminds readers that everyone can help protect the Earth by cleaning up and making better choices. 

My favorite part: My favorite part is when the book shifts from showing the harm caused by pollution to showing children and families helping clean up the ocean, proving that even small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet.

Storyline Online – The Mess That We Made

Summary: A magician shows children that books hold the power to make their dreams come true. His magic inspires them to read and believe in themselves. 

My favorite part: My favorite part is when the children each pull their own special book from the magician’s hat and realize that their dreams– whether to become an artist, doctor, or explorer– can begin with reading. It’s a powerful reminder of how stories can spark imagination and shape our futures.

Storyline Online – The Magician’s Hat

Summary: Chester Raccoon feels scared about starting school, so his mother kisses his hand to remind him of her love. The story helps children face new experiences with comfort and courage. 

My favorite part: My favorite part is when Chester presses his hand to his cheek after his mother kisses it, realizing that her love will always be with him no matter where he goes. It’s a moment that shows how love gives us strength when we’re afraid.

Storyline Online – The Kissing Hand