• Scholastic Inc

• 1999

• 32 pages

• Grade Level: Preschool - third grade

• Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

• Themes: Behavior, Rules, School life

• Topics: Following rules, school experiences, understanding consequences

• Artistic Media: painting with bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors

• Summary: In the book, we follow along with a young boy named David as he navigates through his day in school. As we continue with him throughout his day, we learn that he is constantly in trouble for breaking the rules of his space. For example when he disrupts class, speaks when it is not his turn, or when he makes a mess in the cafeteria. Throughout his challenges, David eventually learns the importance of following rules and being respectful to those around him. His efforts to follow the rules are recognized with a gold star to highlight his behavioral growth.

• Personal connection: This book reminds me of when I was very young (preschool) and began understanding the importance of rules and boundaries in the classroom. I struggled with understanding why rules were important to listen to but I eventually learned it is to keep us safe, help everyone get along, and learn together. Just like David, I realized that following rules made school a better place for everyone.

• Curricular connections: social studies, math, art

• Source: public library

- Themes/Topics:

• Perseverance and resilience

• Family dynamics

• Healing and survival

• Nature and self-discovery

• Community and kindness

- Summary:
Echo Mountain follows Ellie, a young girl who, along with her family, is forced to leave their town life and live in the rugged mountains during the Great Depression. Through Ellie's journey of survival and healing in the harsh but beautiful natural world, she learns resilience and discovers her own strength. Her path intertwines with others in need, and as she faces challenges, Ellie grows in empathy and maturity, finding solace in the mountain.

- Personal Connections:
I found Ellie's perseverance moving, especially her bravery and growth in such difficult circumstances. Her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing her strength as a 12-year-old facing tough realities. This story resonated with me on an emotional level and provided insight into facing hardship.

- Curricular Connections:
Echo Mountain is useful for discussions on historical settings and survival themes, and it could prompt student reflections on overcoming personal challenges. It fits well in lessons on empathy, family dynamics, and self-reliance, sparking analysis on character growth and resilience.

Summary: Flat Stanley tells the humorous story of Stanley Lambchop, a boy who is flattened to half an inch thick when a bulletin board falls on him. Despite his flatness, Stanley adapts to his new form, embarking on unique adventures like sliding under doors, being mailed in an envelope, and stopping a museum robbery. His experiences teach him and those around him the value of creativity, resilience, and individuality.

Personal Connections:
I loved how Stanley turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for fun and growth. It reminds me of moments in my own life where I had to think creatively to overcome unexpected obstacles.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Art

Summary: Rules follows 12-year-old Catherine, who struggles to balance her desire for a "normal" life with the responsibilities of being a sibling to her younger brother, David, who has autism. Catherine creates a list of rules to help David navigate social situations, but her perspective changes when she befriends Jason, a non-verbal boy who uses a communication device. Through her relationships, Catherine learns about acceptance, compassion, and the importance of embracing differences.

Personal Connections: I found Catherine's journey relatable, especially her struggle with understanding and supporting family while navigating her own identity. The themes of acceptance and friendship resonated deeply with me.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Art

Summary: In this heartwarming story, Mona, a tiny orphaned mouse, stumbles upon the Heartwood Hotel, a grand woodland inn hidden in the forest. Though shy and uncertain, Mona finds herself welcomed into the cozy world of Heartwood, where animals of all kinds seek shelter and safety. As she adapts to her new home, Mona learns the importance of kindness, hard work, and bravery, especially when the hotel faces unexpected dangers.

Personal Connections: I connected to Mona's search for belonging, as it reminded me of times when I’ve found new communities and friendships in unexpected places. The themes of courage and kindness were also inspiring.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

Summary: In the small town where the Herdmans live, Halloween is usually filled with chaos thanks to the notorious Herdman kids, known for their outrageous pranks and troublemaking. This year, the town council decided to cancel Halloween altogether. However, things take a surprising turn when the Herdmans plan an unofficial celebration, and the town learns unexpected lessons about community, fun, and the spirit of the holiday.

Personal Connections: I enjoyed the comedic chaos caused by the Herdmans and how the story reminded me of times when traditions were reimagined in creative ways. It also made me think about how communities come together in unexpected situations.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Creative writing

Summary: Jennifer "Cam" Jansen, nicknamed for her photographic memory, uses her sharp observation skills to solve mysteries. In this first installment of the series, Cam and her friend Eric find themselves investigating a diamond robbery at the mall. With quick thinking and her remarkable memory, Cam pieces together clues to catch the thief, teaching readers the value of persistence and critical thinking.

Personal Connections: I admired Cam's cleverness and ability to stay calm under pressure, which reminded me of solving puzzles or mysteries in my own life. Her teamwork with Eric also highlighted the importance of collaboration.

Curricular Connections: Language arts, Critical thinking, Social-emotional learning

Summary: In this festive installment, Nate the Great and his dog, Sludge, are on the case to find Fang's missing Christmas mail. Fang, their neighbor Rosamond’s cat, is expecting a special holiday package, but it’s gone missing. Nate uses his signature detective skills and love for solving mysteries to unravel the clues, teaching readers about persistence, teamwork, and the joy of giving during the holiday season.

Personal Connections: I enjoyed how Nate stayed dedicated to the mystery while embracing the holiday spirit. It reminded me of the fun and surprises that come with celebrating holidays and helping others.

Curricular Connections: Language arts, Social-Emotional learning, Art

Summary: Ranger, a lovable golden retriever trained in search-and-rescue, accidentally activates a time-travel device and is transported to the 1850s. He lands in the middle of the Oregon Trail, where he befriends a pioneer family struggling to make the treacherous journey west. As Ranger assists in overcoming challenges like illness, river crossings, and dangerous weather, he helps the family persevere, demonstrating courage, loyalty, and the value of teamwork.

Personal Connections: I loved Ranger's loyalty and bravery, which reminded me of the special bonds we have with pets. The historical setting also made me appreciate the struggles and determination of pioneers.

Curricular Connections: Social Studies, Language arts, STEM

Summary: El Deafo is a humorous and heartfelt graphic novel based on Cece Bell's own experiences growing up with hearing loss. After contracting meningitis as a child, Cece adjusts to wearing a bulky hearing aid and struggles to navigate friendships and social situations. She imagines herself as "El Deafo," a superhero with her hearing aid as her special power. Through her journey, Cece learns to embrace her differences, advocate for herself, and form meaningful connections with others.

Personal Connections: Cece's story resonated with me as a reminder of how important it is to embrace what makes us unique. Her courage in overcoming challenges and building friendships was inspiring.

Curricular Connections: SEL, Languagege arts, Health

Summary: Smile tells the story of Raina, a middle schooler who navigates the challenges of growing up after a mishap results in major dental drama. From braces to embarrassing headgear, she faces insecurities while juggling friendships, crushes, and personal growth. Through humor and heartfelt moments, Raina discovers resilience and learns to embrace her unique journey to self-acceptance.

Personal Connections: Raina's struggles with self-confidence and friendships during middle school reminded me of my own experiences in those formative years. Her perseverance and humor in difficult situations were uplifting.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, SEL, Health

Summary: Sisters is a humorous and heartfelt graphic memoir exploring the ups and downs of Raina’s relationship with her younger sister, Amara. Set against the backdrop of a family road trip, the story flashes back to pivotal moments in their sibling dynamic, revealing their conflicts, shared experiences, and evolving bond. By the end of the trip, Raina and Amara find common ground, showing how family relationships can be challenging yet ultimately rewarding.

Personal Connections: I connected deeply with the depiction of sibling relationships—the arguments, frustrations, and love all felt very real. It reminded me of growing up with my own sibling and learning to appreciate our differences.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, SEL, Art

Summary: Kristy Thomas comes up with a brilliant idea to form the Baby-Sitters Club, a group of friends who provide babysitting services. Alongside her friends Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey, Kristy navigates the challenges of starting a business, handling family dynamics, and building strong friendships. This story introduces the club’s beginnings, showing the girls’ resourcefulness and their ability to work together.

Personal Connections: Kristy’s leadership and problem-solving reminded me of times I worked on group projects and learned the value of teamwork. The friendship dynamics also felt relatable and heartwarming.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, SEL

Summary: This beloved classic introduces young readers to a variety of animals and colors in a rhythmic, repetitive text. Each page features a new animal and asks, “What do you see?” This predictable pattern encourages engagement and helps children learn colors, animal names, and sequencing. Eric Carle's vibrant illustrations bring the text to life, captivating young audiences.

Personal Connections: I loved how this book’s rhythm and repetition made it so engaging for young children. It reminds me of my childhood! Reading it feels like a fun, interactive game, and the colorful illustrations are always a hit with kids.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Science, Art

Summary: In this charming rhyming story, Little Llama feels anxious and lonely after being tucked into bed. When Mama Llama doesn’t immediately return, Little Llama's imagination runs wild, leading to a tantrum. Mama Llama reassures him with love and patience, teaching an important lesson about trust and waiting. The book’s gentle humor and relatable themes make it a comforting bedtime favorite.

Personal Connections: I loved how the story captures common bedtime struggles between parents and children. It reminded me of the universal need for reassurance and patience when dealing with big emotions.

Curricular Connections: SEL, Language Arts, Health

Summary: This vibrant and playful book introduces the alphabet in a fun and engaging way. The letters race up the coconut tree, but as the tree gets crowded, they all come crashing down. With its catchy rhyme, rhythm, and colorful illustrations, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom captivates young readers while helping them learn their ABCs.

Personal Connections: I’ve always loved how this book’s rhythm makes it so fun to read aloud. The energetic text and bold visuals are perfect for engaging young learners and building excitement around the alphabet.

Curricular Connections: Language arts, Music, Art

Summary: A Light in the Attic is a collection of quirky, imaginative, and often humorous poems paired with Shel Silverstein's signature line-drawn illustrations. The poems explore a wide range of topics, from the silly to the thought-provoking, and encourage readers to see the world in a creative and unique way. It remains a beloved classic for its playful tone and ability to spark curiosity and laughter.

Personal Connections: This book reminds me of the joy and freedom that comes from letting your imagination run wild. Silverstein's poems always inspired me to think outside the box and find humor in everyday life.

Curricular Connections: Language arts, creative writing, art

Summary: This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. Through the metaphor of building and flying hot air balloons, Joanna Gaines encourages readers to embrace their talents, respect others' differences, and recognize the beauty in working together. The story inspires young readers to appreciate who they are and how they contribute to the world.

Personal Connections: The message of celebrating individuality resonated deeply with me, as it reflects the importance of being true to yourself while appreciating others' unique contributions. It’s a lesson I’ve often carried into my work with children.

Curricular Connections: SEL, Art, Language Arts

Summary: This heartwarming book portrays a day at a diverse and inclusive school where children of all backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated. Through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, the story shows how kindness, acceptance, and togetherness create a supportive environment where everyone belongs. It emphasizes that no matter what someone looks like, wears, or where they come from, they are welcome.

Personal Connections: The story’s celebration of diversity reminded me of how powerful it is when a community embraces inclusivity. It’s an uplifting message I value in both personal and educational settings.

Curricular Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Art

Summary: In this humorous story, Farmer Brown’s cows discover an old typewriter in the barn and begin typing demands, asking for electric blankets. When Farmer Brown refuses, the cows go on strike, and soon the hens join in. The story showcases a playful tale of negotiation, communication, and standing up for one’s needs in a lighthearted, engaging way.

Personal Connections: I enjoyed the cleverness of the cows and their ability to communicate their needs in such an unexpected way. It made me think about how creativity can solve problems in amusing ways.

Curricular Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Math

Summary: This sweet story follows Dino Duckling, who looks very different from his duck siblings but is loved just as much by his adoptive family. As Dino grows, his size and strength sometimes set him apart, but his family’s unconditional love teaches the importance of belonging and acceptance. The book is a heartwarming take on celebrating differences and embracing love in all its forms.

Personal Connections: I found this story touching, as it beautifully portrays how love and family transcend appearances. It reminded me of the value of acceptance in diverse family dynamics.

Curricular Connections: SEL, Science, Art

Summary: When Amy Anne’s favorite book is banned from her school library, she starts a secret library in her locker to lend out the books that have been challenged or banned. As more titles disappear from the shelves, Amy Anne finds her voice and leads her friends in a fight to stand up for intellectual freedom. This humorous yet inspiring story empowers readers to think critically about censorship and the value of books.

Personal Connections: I connected with Amy Anne’s love for books and her determination to fight for what she believes in. The story reminded me of the importance of standing up for freedom of expression and the joy of discovering diverse stories.

Curricular Connections: Social Studies, Language arts, debate/drama

Summary: This inspiring novel tells the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference, as he navigates the challenges of starting middle school. Told from multiple perspectives, Wonder explores how Auggie’s journey impacts his family, friends, and classmates, emphasizing the importance of kindness and empathy in fostering understanding and acceptance.

Personal Connections: Auggie’s story was deeply moving and reminded me of the importance of treating others with compassion and respect. The book’s message about choosing kindness resonated with my own experiences of seeing people grow through empathy.

Curricular Connections: SEL, Language arts, art

Summary: Set during World War II, this touching novel follows three orphaned siblings—William, Edmund, and Anna—as they are evacuated from London to the English countryside. While searching for a new home and family, they find solace and hope in books, making an unexpected connection with a kind librarian. This heartwarming story is about the power of love, resilience, and finding where you truly belong.

Personal Connections: The siblings' bond and their love for books reminded me of the role stories can play in providing comfort and hope during difficult times. Their perseverance and courage were both inspiring and relatable.

Curricular Connections: History, Language Arts, Social Studies

Summary: Max, a mischievous boy dressed in a wolf suit, is sent to bed without supper after causing trouble. He escapes to a fantastical world where he becomes king of the Wild Things, but he eventually longs for the comfort of home. This timeless story explores the balance between imagination and reality, highlighting the unconditional love of family.

Personal Connections: Max’s journey reminded me of how important it is to have a safe place to return to, no matter how far we wander. The book captures the universal feeling of wanting freedom but also the security of home.

Curricular Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Language Arts, Art

Summary: Rodeo Red loves her stuffed hound dog, Rusty, but when her baby brother Sideswiping Slim claims Rusty for himself, Red is determined to get her best friend back. Using quick thinking and creativity, Red learns the importance of compromise and problem-solving while navigating the ups and downs of sibling relationships. The playful Western-themed narration adds humor and charm to this engaging story.

Personal Connections: Red’s experience with her sibling reminded me of moments when I had to navigate sharing and compromise with my younger sister. The story brought a lighthearted perspective to sibling rivalries.

Curricular Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Language Arts, Drama

Summary: This beautifully illustrated biography tells the story of Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan piano prodigy who fled her homeland during a time of unrest and found herself in the United States during the Civil War. Despite the turmoil, her talent brought her to the White House, where she played for President Abraham Lincoln. Through her music, Teresa brought hope and joy during a time of great despair, demonstrating the healing power of art.

Personal Connections: Teresa’s ability to bring light and hope through her music resonated with my belief in the transformative power of the arts. Her story inspired me to consider how talent and creativity can make a meaningful impact even during challenging times.

Curricular Connections: History, Music, Biography writing

Summary: This beloved classic follows the journey of a young protagonist as they navigate the ups and downs of life. With whimsical illustrations and rhyming text, Dr. Seuss explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the unpredictability of the future. The book inspires readers of all ages to embrace life's challenges and seize new opportunities.

Personal Connections: The book’s message about facing challenges and striving toward personal goals resonated with my own experiences of overcoming obstacles. It reminded me of how important it is to maintain a positive outlook even when faced with uncertainty.

Curricular Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Language Arts

Summary: This clever and thought-provoking story can be read two ways: forward and backward. Read one way, it appears to tell a story of exclusion, where a group of seals refuses to share their rock with others. Read in reverse, the same text conveys a welcoming message about sharing and inclusion. The dual narrative invites readers to explore the importance of perspective and fosters discussions about kindness and empathy.

Personal Connections: The book’s creative structure reminded me of how perspective can completely change how we see a situation. It emphasized the importance of open-mindedness and inclusion in all areas of life.

Curricular Connections: Social studies, language arts, art

Summary: This classic story follows a mouse who, after being given a cookie, embarks on a series of requests that lead to more and more items. Each action leads to another, creating a humorous chain of events that shows the unpredictability of giving and the playful nature of cause and effect. The charming illustrations and rhythmic text make it a favorite for young readers.

Personal Connections: The book reminded me of times when a simple favor or gesture turned into something much bigger than expected. It’s a fun reflection on how small actions can spiral into much more than we anticipate.

Curricular Connections: Cause and Effect, Language Arts, Art

Summary: The Story of Simone Biles introduces young readers to the inspiring journey of Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. The book highlights her early life, struggles, triumphs, and her journey to Olympic gold. With an emphasis on determination, hard work, and resilience, this biography inspires children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.

Personal Connections: Simone’s story resonated with me because it shows how important it is to never give up, no matter how tough things get. Her perseverance through challenges is a reminder that achieving big dreams takes dedication and hard work.

Curricular Connections: Social Studies, Reading/Language Arts, Physical Education

Summary: The Rainbow Fish is a beautifully illustrated story about a stunning fish with shimmering scales who is initially proud of his appearance and reluctant to share his beauty with others. As the fish learns the joy of sharing, he gives away his precious scales, discovering that true happiness comes from giving and forming meaningful connections with others. The story emphasizes the importance of friendship and the value of selflessness.

Personal Connections: This book reminded me of the importance of kindness and sharing with others, especially when we might feel possessive of something we love. The message of finding joy in giving resonated with me, as I’ve experienced the happiness that comes from making others happy.

Curricular Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Art, Language Arts