https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g Erin Morden ED-LLC 346 en-us 2022-01-11 00:11:43 UTC 2025-12-14 23:43:29 UTC hello@padlet.com erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2004438199 Author: Latashia M Perry

Illustrator: Bea Jackson

Publisher: G Publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: November 15, 2016 - 24 pages 

Visual Elements: This is a hardcover picture book where the welcoming illustrations connect beloved food to the color of people's skin. 

Grade Level: Pre K-3rd

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: acceptance, celebration, friendship

Setting: No particular setting 

Response to the book: 

This story is about how everybody has a different skin color. It describes how skin color can come in various shades and they explain this by connecting yummy food like peanut butter, Carmel, and Oreos to different skin tones. This would be an excellent story to use in a classroom to celebrate and embrace our own and each other's differences. 

]]> 2022-01-21 06:24:19 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2004438199 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2004527352 Author: J. J. Austrian 

Illustrator: Mike Curato 

Publisher: HarperCollins 

Date/ Number of Pages: January 5, 2016 - 32 pages 

Visual Elements: Hardcover picture book with 

Grade Level: Pre K-3rd 

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Marriage, love, traditions 

Setting: marrietal ceremony 

 

Response to the book: 

This is about two worms who are pursuing a marriage. It’s a cute story to introduce students to the concept of marriage, without keying in on gender and societal norms. This book raised awareness of marriage and how this ceremony of love does not have to be “normal” or traditional in any sense. It broadens children's understanding of what a marrietal ceremony can be and look like. 

]]> 2022-01-21 07:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2004527352 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2016496215 Author: Javaka Steptoe 

Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe 

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 

Date/ Number of Pages: October 25, 2016 - 40 pages

Visual Elements: Hardcover picture book with some of Jean-Michels Basquiat’s art style 

Grade Level: 1-5

Genre: Biography

Themes:  Pursuit of passion through the highs and lows

Setting: His childhood home is the setting for most of the book

Response to the book:  This is a biography picture book that focuses on Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life and his artwork journey. In the book, the author pinpoints certain traumatic events that shaped him and his artwork as a whole. It shows that even though he was struggling in many different ways, he confided in art and found fame because he didn’t give up on his passion. I really loved this book because it shows the reader that even through struggles you can find success. I also thought it was powerful how the author focused on Jean-Michel Basquiat’s culture, family dynamics, and his mothers mental health. I don’t see this a lot in children's books and it introduces some new topics that are not frequently discussed or mentioned to young students. 

]]> 2022-01-27 18:14:00 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2016496215 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2017315006 Author: Michael Garland

Illustrator: Michael Garland

Publisher: Tilbury House

Date/ Number of Pages: January 30, 2018 - 35 pages

Visual Elements: Online picture book that had collage like artwork

Grade Level: K-1

Genre: Nonfiction 

Themes: Flowers are important to the ecosystem 

Setting: The environment 

Curricular connection: Science 

Response to the book: This beautifully illustrated picture book talks about which animals feed off of certain flowers. It shows the importance of flowers and how they benefit the environment. This expands the students' understanding of flowers and their overall purpose. Explaining to students that flowers are not just created to look and smell pretty, can help squash this misconception. 

]]> 2022-01-28 05:25:56 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2017315006 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052283983 Title: We’re Going on a Goon Hunt

Written By: Michael Rex 

Illustrator: Michael Rex 

Publisher: August 18, 2020

Number of Pages: 40 

Grade Level: Pre-K - 1

Genre: Children's literature, fiction

Theme: Overcoming obstacles can be fun and scary 

Topic: Going on a goon hunt 

Artistic Media: Illustrations

Media or artistic styles: Digital drawings to make​​ the characters and the scenery
 

Summary and response: This story is about a bunch of children who go on a quest to find different creatures. They go to multiple places where they find goons that either scare them or excite them. After going to these places they go to bed, where they end their journey of hunting for goons. 

Author background: Michael Rex has written over thirty children's books. His books are meant to entertain but also connect to children's emotions when encountering different things or events. Some children in the story were excited and some were scared, which showed that we are all allowed to deal with things differently. I would love to ask the author why he chose to write about goons and his reasoning behind it. 

]]> 2022-02-17 02:46:04 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052283983 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052287325 Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Illustrator: Ebony Glenn

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Salaam Reads

Date/ Number of Pages: April 3, 2018 - 40 pages

Visual Elements: Hardcover picture book 

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Cultural clothes 

Setting: No particular setting

Response to the book: This is a story about a young child wearing her cultural clothing, a khimar, because her mother does. This shows how culture is passed down and can be celebrated. It also talked about how she wears it because of her religion. I think that this story can be a great way to provide representation in the classroom and also let students see a glimpse into how the khimar is part of someone's culture. 

]]> 2022-02-17 02:48:36 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052287325 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052338425 Author: Cece Bell

Illustrator: Cece Bell and David Lasky

Publisher: Amulet Books

Date/ Number of Pages: September 2, 2014 - 248 pages

Visual Elements: Comic strip 

Grade Level: 3rd-8th

Genre: Graphic novel

Themes: friendship, acceptance, supporting others

Setting: Many different settings 

Response to the book: El Deafo is a great example of introducing disabilities to students in a fun and playful way through comics. This style of format helps bring a topic that can be hard to address, much easier for students to understand. I also think that there are some very powerful themes in this novel like friendship and acceptance. Overall this book is presented in a fun way, and has an amazing message to go along with it. I would definitely encourage students to read this book and could see this in my classroom in the future. 

]]> 2022-02-17 03:29:18 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052338425 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052374637
Author: Megan McDonald 

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date/ Number of Pages: 2002 - 160 pages

Visual Elements: Black and white drawings 

Grade Level: 1- 4

Genre: Fiction

Themes: saving the environment, endangered species, recycling 

Setting: school and home 

Response to the book: This is a fun story that dives into the beginning knowledge of the environment and how to take steps into persevering it. This would be a very light read where students will get helpful insights that they can use to apply to their life in and outside of school. I remember reading this book as a child, and I remember loving it. So I think that other students would have similar reactions to it.

]]> 2022-02-17 03:56:14 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052374637 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052426484 Author: Rukhusanna Guidroz           

Illustrator: Fahmida Azim   

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2021 - 416 pages 

Visual Elements: Painting

Grade Level: 4 - 5 

Genre: verse 

Themes: Family, belonging, culture

Setting: Bangladesh 

Summary/Response: Samira is a refugee who went through very hard times fleeing her home country. She now lives in Bangladesh where she is part of a surf club. Through this club, she finds sisterhood and belonging which gives her strength. This is a very empowering book about refugee life and starting over in a new country. I would recommend this book for all ages! 

]]> 2022-02-17 04:41:00 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052426484 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052446561 Author: Charles Smith 

Illustrator: Shane Evans 

Publisher: Roaring Brook 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2015 - 56 pages

Visual Elements: Digital 

Grade Level: 4 - 8

Genre: Non-fiction

Themes: Black History 

Setting: nothing particular 

Response to the book: This book is about 28 days where African Americans took a stance in history. They wanted to stand up for what they believed in and thought was right, and these moments became monumental events that are still reflected and admired today. It is a great informational book for all students. 

]]> 2022-02-17 04:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2052446561 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2055799099
Author: Kwame Alexander 

Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile

Publisher: Harpercollins Publishers 

Date/ Number of Pages: March 5, 2019 - 256 pages

Visual Elements: digital cover art 

Grade Level: 3 - 8

Genre: verse/fiction 

Themes: Basketball, overcoming obstacles, Family 

Setting: Basketball court for the most part

Response to the book: I really loved this story and I like how it was presented. We got narrative descriptions of the different family members and plays on the court which I really enjoyed. We also got to see how family problems happen and how they dealt with these issues. I think that this story shows realistic family issues and how characters handled these situations differently which could be beneficial for students to read. 

]]> 2022-02-18 19:07:00 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2055799099 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2065873527 Author: Thelma Godin

Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Read by: Oprah Winfrey

Date/ Number of Pages: 2014 - 40 pages

Visual Elements: Digital artwork 

Grade Level: 2-3

Genre: Fiction/audiobook 

Themes: family, community, competition

Setting: 139th street and Miz Adeline’s birthday party 

Response to the book: This is a charming story about staying young at heart and community. Everyone showed up for Miz Adeline’s birthday party and Kameeka’s mother does her absolute best to make it perfect. It just shows how much everyone cared for each other in their community and how they support each other in big moments. I think that this book would be great for students to read but it contains some great themes and messages. 

]]> 2022-02-25 05:57:11 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2065873527 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2077251996 Author: Thomas King 

Illustrator: Natasha Donovan 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Date/ Number of Pages: 192

Visual Elements: Digital graphics

Grade Level: 2-6

Genre: Graphic novel - fiction but based on the authors experience

Themes: Identity, justice, belonging, culture

Setting: US border

Response to the book: The author uses satire to portray the message of this story. It's about claiming citizenship but also connecting to identity and culture. It’s a topic that I haven’t read before and so I think that this would be a good introductory book into topics like this or that are similar. 

]]> 2022-03-04 04:03:37 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2077251996 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2089844456
Author: Roald Dahl 

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date/ Number of Pages: 1966 - 40 pages

Visual Elements: pencil drawn sketches 

Grade Level: 1-4

Genre: fantasy 

Themes: compassion, consideration

Setting: Gregg’s farm

Response to the book: This is about a girl who has magic powers that come from her finger. She lives with this family who hunts for fun and she does not like that, so she uses her powers to try and stop this. I think that this story is fun with some good messages. The illustrations seem so authentic because they are hand drawn with pencil which was my favorite part about reading this novel. 

]]> 2022-03-11 05:21:24 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2089844456 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101205667 Author: Christine Day 

Illustrator: Unknown 

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date/ Number of Pages: 2019 - 272 pages 

Visual Elements: Painted cover art 

Grade Level: 4-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: mental health, finding identity

Setting: The Pacific Northwest

Response to the book: I really loved this story and the message it presented. Maisie, the main character, put some of her identity into her ballet and when that was taken away, she started to go through a downward spiral. Her friendships, her schooling, and her mental health was deteriorating because of her ACL injury. I have been in Maisie's position where my sports were the biggest part of my life, and when I was injured my self-worth went down. It was nice to see this represented in a book because I have never read anything like it. 

]]> 2022-03-18 02:51:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101205667 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101219438 Author: Jen Wang

Illustrator: Jen Wang

Publisher: First Second Books

Date/ Number of Pages: February 13, 2018 - 288 pages

Visual Elements: Graphic novel 

Grade Level: 6-9

Genre: Fantasy 

Themes: Acceptance, self-expression

Setting: Paris

Response to the book: I really enjoyed this graphic novel and its overall message. I have never read a story like this one before, and I think that this would be a great start for students in this topic of dressing however makes you happy. The prince covers his face at the beginning of the novel but then is uncovered at a point and is not met with judgment, but with acceptance. I think that this is very powerful because you could have students who are facing this internal struggle just as the prince was, and having this book available could be a stepping stone into personal expression.

]]> 2022-03-18 03:01:35 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101219438 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101231776 Author: Ken Mochizuki

Illustrator: Dom Lee

Publisher: Lee & Low

Date/ Number of Pages: March 1993

Visual Elements: 

Grade Level: k - 3

Genre: Historical fiction

Themes: overcoming obstacles, dignity, self-respect

Setting: Japanese internment camp

Response to the book: I really liked this story especially because it sheds some light on what it was like for Japanese Americans during WW11. I was recently exposed to these internment camps and how they affected US citizens this year. I knew they happened but I didn’t really learn about them in high school. I recently learned about these camps on a deeper level through the novel, We are not Free, by Traci Chee. I highly encourage this read, but I think that Baseball Saved Us can be an introductory picture book that can be used to bring up this tough topic for young kids. I also think that this should be utilized in the classroom so students are aware of this American history that is often overlooked and not talked about enough. 

]]> 2022-03-18 03:10:20 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101231776 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101253988
Author: Ed Young 

Illustrator: Ed Young

Publisher: Philomel

Date/ Number of Pages: November 1989 - 32 pages

Visual Elements: Watercolor 

Grade Level: 1-3

Genre: Folklore / Folktales 

Themes: good vs bad, resilience 

Setting: China

Response to the book: This story is very similar to Red-Riding Hood but it is set in China. In the story, the mother leaves her three daughters home to visit their grandmother (Po Po). When she leaves, a wolf comes to the house and pretends to be the grandmother. This doesn’t continue for long because the eldest daughter figures out the wolf’s identity. The daughters then tempt the wolf with gingko nuts in a tall tree and lift the wolf up in a basket. They get very close to the top and then release the basket where the wolf falls and bumps his head and breaks his heart. I think that this could be a great story to introduce what folktales are. I could also do a compare and contrast activity using the folktales, Lon Po Po and Red-Riding Hood. 

]]> 2022-03-18 03:27:57 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2101253988 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2102656782 Author: Faith Ringgold

Illustrator: Faith Ringgold

Publisher: Aladdin

Date/ Number of Pages: 1999 - 32 pages

Visual Elements: Oil paintings 

Grade Level: 3

Genre: biographical 

Themes: educational, resilience

Setting: Bus

Response to the book: This is a story within a story about Rosa Parks. A young girl gets on a bus and then is told the story about Rosa Parks life. It goes through her story of her growing up, wedding, arrest, and how her actions shaped the civil rights movement. I think that this story is a clever way to introduce this historical event and also someone who has made such an impact. The illustrations are very fun and cute as well and would be a great addition to a classroom.

]]> 2022-03-19 01:43:22 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2102656782 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2102665317 Author: Paul Christelis 

Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli

Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2018 - 32 pages 

Visual Elements: digital drawings 

Grade Level: K - 3

Genre: fiction

Themes: educational

Setting: track meet

Response to the book: This is an educational book about emotions and how to identify them. It shows how people can have different emotions dealing with the same situation. Every emotion is not good or bad because there are reasons for each of them and all are valid. I think that this book is a great way to introduce emotions and a stepping stone to learning how to manage them in an appropriate manner. 

]]> 2022-03-19 02:00:26 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2102665317 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2126163899 Author: Shel Silverstein 

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein 

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date/ Number of Pages: 1964 - 64 pages

Visual Elements: pencil sketches 

Grade Level: 1-3

Genre: poetry 

Themes: sacrifice, greed, gratefulness 

Setting: outside

Response to the book: I grew up reading this book and it has always been one of my favorites. I really loved the themes that it portrays and I think the message is crucial for young children growing up. It helps one reflect on how they are receiving things that are just handed to them and if they are only taking and not giving back. I am already planning on providing this book in my classroom!

]]> 2022-04-02 01:20:53 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2126163899 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2143187770 Author: Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler, Mellisa Sweet

Illustrator: Mellisa Sweet

Publisher: Random House Children’s Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2021 - 41 pages 

Visual Elements: Watercolors 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Biography 

Themes: celebrating differences, determination, family

Setting: nothing particular 

Response to the book: I really enjoyed this book and the message that it portrays throughout. Celebrating differences is so important and that is exactly what happened for Judith Scott later in her life. Her disability didn’t stop her from being creative and expressing herself through her artwork. Her art was put in museums and was admired by many. I love that her sister was so supportive and I think that this can be a main takeaway for a lot of students. They can reflect on how the sister was there for Judith and was her best friend their whole lives. 

]]> 2022-04-14 01:00:19 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2143187770 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2143232157 Author: Dr. Jillian Roberts

Illustrator: Jane Heinrichs

Publisher: Orca Book Publisher

Date/ Number of Pages: February 19, 2019 - 32 pages

Visual Elements: Digital pictures and drawings 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Informational 

Themes: internet safety, early conversations, online awareness, digital citizenship, online bullying 

Setting: nothing particular 

Response to the book: I think that this could be a great introductory book for young students who are starting to spend more time online. Providing students with information about online safety is very beneficial especially because it is so prevalent in today’s society. I think that this could be utilized in a health lesson or it could be just a great informative read. 

]]> 2022-04-14 01:37:26 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2143232157 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2151376088 Author: Adam Ciccio

Illustrator: Emmanuel Volant 

Publisher: Clavis Publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2021 - 28 pages

Visual Elements: Watercolors 

Grade Level: k-4

Genre: Fiction

Themes: Bullying, standing up for others, being kind to everyone

Setting: school

Response to the book: I used this book in a health lesson in one of my other classes. I taught the students about bullying and they responded really well to this book. It is really engaging and short and so I would highly recommend this in a classroom. This book teaches about how it only takes one person to stop a bully and change how someone is perceived. It also encourages to treat everybody with kindness even if they aren’t initially kind to you.  

]]> 2022-04-21 03:15:49 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2151376088 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153021427 Author: Kevin Henkes 

Illustrator: Kevin Henkes 

Publisher: Greenwillow Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: September 16, 1991 - 32 pages

Visual Elements: Hand drawn

Grade Level: k-4

Genre: Fiction

Themes: self-esteem, acceptance, bullying 

Setting: school

Response to the book: This story is about a girl who is named Chrysanthemum and she gets made fun of for her name. She talks to her parents about being made fun of and her teacher talks to her about it. Her teacher and her parents help her get through the teasing and she finally regains her love for her name. I think that this story is a great book for students to see how they can reach out to adults for help if they are getting bullied.

]]> 2022-04-22 03:15:00 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153021427 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153046363 Author: Onjali Q. Raúf

Illustrator: Pippa Curnick 

Publisher: Gale, A Cengage Company 

Date/ Number of Pages: April 1, 2020 - 355 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital cover 

Grade Level: 3-5

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: acceptance, friendship, diversity

Setting: School 

Response to the book: I think that students would respond really well to this novel. The book is very relevant to today’s society and I think that it contains a great message for students who are not aware of refugees in this country. I like how this story talks about how friendships can be made even if the individuals are different and come from different backgrounds. 

]]> 2022-04-22 03:38:09 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153046363 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153056886 Author: Catherine Bruton 

Illustrator: Catherine Bruton 

Publisher: Nosy Crow 

Date/ Number of Pages: April 25, 2019 - 272 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital cover art 

Grade Level: 4-5

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Refugees, friendship kindness 

Setting: Manchester 

Response to the book: This is an intense story about a refugee family seeking asylum in Manchester. In the family, there is an eleven year old girl who is a very talented ballet dancer. Her name is Aya and the dance studio becomes sort of like a home to her in Britain. Even though the country is unfamiliar to her, she finds her place in ballet. I loved this story and I highly recommend it. I think that it brings awareness to the struggles of fleeing a country and becoming a refugee.

]]> 2022-04-22 03:49:26 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153056886 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153983062 Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers 

Date/ Number of Pages: August 29, 2017 - 35 pages 

Visual Elements: Watercolors 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Behavior change, turning over a new leaf, don’t judge people based off past behaviors

Setting: Nothing particular 

Response to the book: This story is very cute and would be great for young children who are struggling with behavioral problems. I like how the message is about how people can change and not about how bad behavior makes you a bad person. I think that is a super important lesson for students to learn and can implement a change in how students act and perceive others. 

]]> 2022-04-22 18:24:22 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153983062 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153994909 Author: Louis Sachar 

Illustrator: Monique Aimee 

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date/ Number of Pages: August 20, 1998 - 272 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital cover art 

Grade Level: 3-5 

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Justice, freedom, integrity 

Setting: Texas 

Response to the book: I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school, so it was really fun to read this again. This is a beloved story and I think that this would engage multiple types of readers. I would highly recommend this book to be in classrooms and be a book to lean towards if you have students who are not that interested in reading. 

]]> 2022-04-22 18:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2153994909 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154010016 Author: Kristin Levine 

Illustrator: unknown 

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group 

Date/ Number of Pages: January 10, 2013 - 320 pages 

Visual Elements: cover art

Grade Level: 5-6

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Themes: Racial discrimination, justice, friendship, family

Setting: Arkansas

Response to the book: This is a powerful story about two girls becoming friends even though society found it unfit. This affected their social lives and how people perceived their families. When I first read this story when I was younger, I was moved by the bravery the girls had and their unwillingness to give up their friendship to save their reputation. I think that this is an impactful read and I will encourage my future students to pick this book up. 

]]> 2022-04-22 18:48:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154010016 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154017487 Author: Helen H. Wu

Illustrator: Julie Jarema 

Publisher: 1517 Media

Date/ Number of Pages: April 19, 2022 - 40 pages 

Visual Elements: Paintwork 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Patience, culture, family 

Setting: Kitchen 

Response to the book: This is a very cute story about a grandma and her grandchild cooking tofu. The grandmother teaches her grandchild that it takes patience to cook tofu. She also teaches her how to make this dish which is a part of their culture. I love how culture and patience is intertwined in this story and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. 

]]> 2022-04-22 18:56:02 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154017487 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154029547 Author: Shawn deLoache, Columbia Quigley 

Illustrator: Marcelo Ferreira, Áthlia Fabbio

Publisher: Jumo Health 

Date/ Number of Pages: unknown - 18 pages 

Visual Elements: Graphic book  

Grade Level: 2-6

Genre: Informational comic book 

Themes: Sickle cell disease and how it happens and how it is treated

Setting: The human body 

Response to the book: I didn’t know they made comic books about diseases in the human body. I found this really interesting and I learned a lot of new information about the disease. I really like how it is formatted in the comic strip way because I think that students would gravitate to this more than just reading straight facts. This is a very specific read so I don’t know if I would encourage this to all students, but if it fits a lesson I would use it to teach. 

]]> 2022-04-22 19:08:11 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154029547 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154189374 Author: Laura Numeroff 

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers 

Date/ Number of Pages: January 10, 1997 - 

Visual Elements: Colored pencil drawings 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: demanding

Setting: kitchen 

Response to the book: This is a classic, but I am not sure if I would want to have this in my classroom. I feel like the message could get lost for younger students. I think its a cute story but I think there are so many more books that have stronger, long-lasting messages. 

]]> 2022-04-22 22:48:19 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154189374 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154193394 Author: Diwa Tharan Sanders 

Illustrator: Nerina Canzi 

Publisher: Lantana Publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: April 1, 2018 - 32 pages 

Visual Elements: Paintwork and airbrushing 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Mindfulness, inner peace, finding yourself through self-reflection

Setting: Outside in greenery 

Response to the book: I have not read any books about mindfulness and I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It talked heavily about heart songs and how that can bring magic to you and the people around you. I think that mindfulness is a complicated thing to comprehend so I think the book did the best they could to explain what it is to young children. 

]]> 2022-04-22 22:56:39 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154193394 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154197396 Author: Gillies Tibo 

Illustrator: Manon Gauthier 

Publisher: Pajama press

Date/ Number of Pages: November 18, 2016 

Visual Elements: Hand drawn pictures 

Grade Level: k-1

Genre: Poetry 

Themes: Poems 

Setting: Nothing particular 

Response to the book: I loved the artwork in this book. I think that it was so obscure at times and very authentic. I would love to read more stories with the same illustrator. This story is a very basic overview about what poetry is and what it can look like. I think that I could absolutely use this book in a lesson and when teaching. 

]]> 2022-04-22 23:02:32 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154197396 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154223617 Author: Francesca Sanna 

Illustrator: Francesca Sanna 

Publisher: Flying Eye Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2018 - 37 pages 

Visual Elements: Graphic design 

Grade Level: k-1

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: fear and how to deal with it, bravery

Setting: Nothing particular 

Response to the book: I think that this book could be really great for very young children. I would use this book when teaching about emotions and how to deal with them. This could also be used for refugee students and used to help them get through the same struggles as the main character. 

]]> 2022-04-22 23:47:01 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154223617 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154226808
Author: Ian Doescher 

Illustrator: Tim Budgen 

Publisher: Quirks Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2021 - 124 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital drawings 

Grade Level: 1-4 

Genre: Poetry 

Themes: Imagination, creativity, Star Wars 

Setting: Nothing particular 

Response to the book: This story would really engage students who are into Star Wars. I think that it could be useful to get students into poetry through your interest levels. I would recommend this book if you know that your students are interested in Star Wars. 

]]> 2022-04-22 23:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154226808 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154229998 Author: Philip Bunting 

Illustrator: Philip Bunting 

Publisher: Happy Yak 

Date/ Number of Pages: 

Visual Elements: Digital drawings 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Informational 

Themes: Animals 

Setting: Nothing particular 

Response to the book: I like this book because it shows how every animal is useful on this Earth. It also has lots of facts but also describes them. It gives students a chance to explore different types of animals, but also see their purpose. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:01:08 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154229998 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154237639 Author: Raphaële Frier 

Illustrator: Aurélia Fronty

Publisher: Charlesbridge publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2015 - 35 pages

Visual Elements: Paintwork 

Grade Level: 2-5

Genre: Biography 

Themes: Her life and her activism 

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: I think everyone should know who Malala is and so I would absolutely strive to have this in my classroom. It is a beautiful story and her life is something that should be shared with everyone. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:16:14 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154237639 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154240659 Author: Dave Whamond 

Illustrator: Dave Whamond 

Publisher: Owl Kids Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: August 2017 - 33 pages 

Visual Elements: Watercolors 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Curiosity, expressing yourself

Setting: School 

Response to the book: This is a cute book about a kid named Oddrey. She is very unique and different from her other classmates. But she is not afraid to express herself and show everyone her true self. I liked this book and I think students would as well. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:22:52 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154240659 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154242865 Author: Joanne Mattern 

Illustrator: Joanne Mattern 

Publisher: Cherry Lake Publishing 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2014 - 25 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital photos 

Grade Level: k-1

Genre: Informational 

Themes: soccer 

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: This is an informational book about soccer and some of the history behind it, how the game is played, and the overall rules. I wouldn’t keep this book in my classroom because of how it is designed for a specific reader, but I think that a student would like it if they wanted to learn more about soccer. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:27:34 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154242865 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154247774 Author: Jenna Mueller 

Illustrator: Roxanne Rainville 

Publisher: Disney 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2020 - 48 pages

Visual Elements: Graphic novel 

Grade Level: k-4

Genre: fairy tale 

Themes: Kindness is important, good fortune 

Setting: house, ball

Response to the book: This is a classic fairy tale and I know kids love it. I grew up on this story, but I love how this is formatted as a graphic novel. I think that this would be well accepted by young students.  

]]> 2022-04-23 00:39:47 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154247774 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154249958 Author: Maxwell Eaton III

Illustrator: Maxwell Eaton III

Publisher: Blue Apple Books 

Date/ Number of Pages: 

Visual Elements: Cartoon artwork 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Compromise, sharing 

Setting: the environment 

Response to the book: I really liked this book because I relate to it! My roommate and I have the same name and we struggled coming up with nicknames so that we could distinguish each other. This is a very cute and lighthearted story that students will really enjoy. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:44:46 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154249958 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154252120 Author: Katy Duffield 

Illustrator: Karl West 

Publisher: Rourke Publication
 

Date/ Number of Pages: August 2020 - 34 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital drawings 

Grade Level: k-9

Genre: Baseball 

Themes: Focusing, friendship 

Setting: Baseball field 

Response to the book: Very basic story about baseball. I thought that there might be a little more to the story with more complex characters, but it was just about a boy who struggled focussing on the task at hand. Wish there was more to the story so I don’t think I would recommend this to others. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:49:57 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154252120 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154254639 Author: Robin Pulver 

Illustrator: Lynn Rowe Reed 

Publisher: Holiday House 

Date/ Number of Pages: March 1, 2004 - 35 pages 

Visual Elements: Paintwork 

Grade Level: k-3

Genre: informational 

Themes: punctuation 

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: Cute story about punctuation and with lots of colorful visuals. I love the artwork and I think that it would engage the students. I think the visuals really make the story because of how informational it is. 

]]> 2022-04-23 00:55:49 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154254639 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154256607 Author: Judy Cox

Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler 

Publisher: Holiday House 

Date/ Number of Pages: 2012 - 33 pages 

Visual Elements: Paintwork and crayons 

Grade Level: k-1 

Genre: fiction 

Themes: Adventures 

Setting: House and outside 

Response to the book: The story is about a mouse who goes through a lot of adventures. I think it is a cute lighthearted story that many would enjoy. 

]]> 2022-04-23 01:00:02 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154256607 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154259137 Author: Judi Barrett 

Illustrator: Ron Barrett 

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

Date/ Number of Pages: August 1978 - 

Visual Elements: Pencil work 

Grade Level: k-3

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Weather, environment, food, community 

Setting: Chewandswallow 

Response to the book: I grew up on this book and I love it everytime I read it. I will absolutely have this in my classroom because of how much I love this book. I think my students will like it as well. 

]]> 2022-04-23 01:05:37 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154259137 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154260968 Author: Bob Raczka 

Illustrator: Simon Shin 

Publisher: Lerner Publishing group 

Date/ Number of Pages: 35 pages 

Visual Elements: digital drawings and colored pencils 

Grade Level: k-3

Genre: fiction 

Themes: feelings

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: I really liked this story and the drawings that go with them. I think that this would be a great book to use to teach students about feelings and how to deal with them. 

]]> 2022-04-23 01:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154260968 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154355933 Author: Susan Verde 

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds 

Publisher: ABRAMS

Date/ Number of Pages: September 8, 2015 

Visual Elements: Watercolor 

Grade Level: k-2

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Yoga, overwhelmed, peace 

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: Very pretty book with lots of watercolors. I really liked how it talked about taking deep breaths because this can be used in a classroom setting. I think that children could take some great habits from this book so I would encourage students to read this. 

]]> 2022-04-23 04:24:11 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154355933 erinmorden https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154366980 Author: DJ Corchin 

Illustrator: DJ Corchin 

Publisher: Sourcebooks eXplore 

Date/ Number of Pages: - 56 pages 

Visual Elements: Digital drawings 

Grade Level: k

Genre: Fiction 

Themes: Anxious 

Setting: Nothing in particular 

Response to the book: Very short story that talks about what anxiety looks like. The sentences were very simple and the message was very simple. I think that this would be a perfect book for kindergartners. 

]]> 2022-04-23 04:36:22 UTC https://padlet.com/erinmorden/209mforaf7up7e9g/wish/2154366980