Published on March 8, 2022

This short book takes the reader on an adventure of an indoor cat whose name is Olivia. She mostly stayed in her home but now has decided to venture out into the world. She can do anything she wants without fear. Being brave and adventurous.

This is a short book to read with younger students; they are filled with pictures and colors. I like that the message behind this was being brave and taking chances. There were multiple encounters that Olivia faced, but she overcame those challenges.

Curricular connections: I would say during silent reading with students. Maybe even share reading in Pre-K/Kindergarten classes.

Sources: Epic

Published on January 1, 1967, by Robert Newman.

This book focuses on the bond between two brothers and the idea of being different. In this book, Joey and Mark have moved to a new town. Joey was different than everyone else. He thinks and acts differently. Mark, knowing this, is more protective over Joey, fearing that others' judgment would affect Joey.

I chose this book because when first looking at the cover, I thought it was interesting and wanted to give it a try. I like the story, and this book has a meaning behind it: acceptance of others, their differences, and identity. Joey was carefree and didn't care what others thought of him; he was able to express himself freely. Whereas Mark, he sees the super powers Joey has and was afraid that the people in the new town will look at Joey weirdly because of his behavior.

Curricular Connections: Perhaps English class.

Sources: Epic

Published on August 1, 2022. Written by Marzieh A. Ali and illustrated by Lala Stellune.

This short book is about Nadia and Nadir going to the beach and hanging out with their friends. While playing, they noticed how there was many trash being left on the beach. One scenario that was introduced in this book was when a seagull was hurt because there were plastic wraps around its legs. The parents of Nadia and Nadir's friends called someone to come and release the piece of plastic for the seagull. The topic of humans littering and bringing harm to the surrounding environment was the meaning behind this book. When reading this book, Nadia and Nadir and their friends have brought up some good points, for example, the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I like this book because it gives readers, especially younger children, a good perspective of littering. The message the author wants to put out to the readers is clear: we should not litter and harm our environment. There are ways that individuals can take action to improve the environment, besides remembering not to litter and recycling plastics, paper utensils, etc.

Curricular connections: English class, maybe science, it does talk about the recycling of things, the difference between non-biodegradable materials and biodegradable materials.

Source: Epic

Written by Maggie Pearson and Dan Chernett, this book was published on May 12, 2015.

This book is about three boys running away from their homes, wanting to be pirates. They spend their day hanging around an island and on their ship. One day, a true pirate arrived, named Bonnie-Anne. She shows the truth about being pirates.

This book tells readers about forming friendships with each other and working together to get to safety when a shipwreck happens.

Curricular connections: elementary class reading. Both individual and shared reading work well.

Source: Epic

Written by Fran Manushkin and illustrated by Tammie Lyon. Published on January 1, 2010.

This book is about Katie and her willingness to help around the house. She asked both of her parents if she could help them do the work, and they both declined, not needing the help. Katie then decided to go into the kitchen because she likes to cook. She made spaghetti for her mom and cookies for her dad. She left the food there so her mom could turn on the stove and oven once she was home. Katie called her friend after she had finished to tell them about how she had made dinner. Her friend shared with Katie that they were reading a ghost story. This made Katie scared, and she wondered if there was a ghost in her house. She then wore her mom's jacket to feel bigger and her dad's cap to feel braver. Katie's mom then found her hiding in the closet and asked if she had made the mess in the house, to which Katie said yes. In the end, they ate dinner and cleaned the mess in the kitchen.

I enjoyed reading this book. It's a short, light-hearted book about a young girl wanting to help her parents around the house. Katie understood that there were certain things she could not do and waited for her mom to come back home to ask for help.

Written by Lisa Bullard, this book was published in August 2021.

This book is about a little girl named Makayla. She's about to become a big sister and was told that 'things were going to be different'. Knowing this, Makayla went around her neighborhood, to each family, to see what made these families special. On her journey, she sees how each family is different, but they still all love one another.

I enjoyed reading this book because it shows how family can be chosen. Each family is different from one another, but they all love each other.

I think introducing this book to younger readers will help them understand the different family dynamics that exist. It helps them see how and why certain things are different.

Source: Epic

Written by Gina Bellisario, this book was published in 2014.

Lucas and his dad were packing a school lunch. His dad offers a tuna sandwich, which Lucas dislikes. Lucas and his dad went to the supermarket to get some groceries. He decided to pick out some food for this school lunch as well. Lucas' dad mentioned to pick out healthy foods. Lucas mentioned how eating well will keep him healthy and that good foods give the body the energy it needs. When they were picking out a snack, Lucas wanted cookies, but his dad mentioned how eating too much sugar can take away our energy and instead raisins are a healthier alternative option.

I like this book because Lucas' dad has explained to him why healthy foods are a better option. Explaining the benefits made Lucas understand that healthy food choices are better for him.

Curricular connections: I'd say any class is good to present this book, since it contains useful information.

Source: Epic

Published in 2019. Written by Katherena Vermette and Illustrated by Julie Flett.

This book is about a little girl and her mother picking berries in the forest. While playing, the little girl gets lost. She encounters a grey wolf who helps guide her back to her mother by letting the little girl use her strength and be independent when lost.

I like this book because the wolf in this story wasn't the villain, rather it was a support system for this little girl. This wolf helps the little to use and connect to her inner thinking and connect to the forest and nature in order to return home to her mother.

this can be a good addition to a classroom because it shows the power of independence and courage. The little girl shows her braveness in finding her way back home without an adult's help. She relies on herself and believes in herself.

Written by Beverly Clearly

This book follows the story of 2 siblings. The older sister, named Beezus, is constantly annoyed and frustrated by her little sister, Ramona, actions and behavior. From drawing in the library books to causing arguments, Beezus soon realizes that this is all a part of siblings' connections and growing up together.

I chose this book because I have seen a movie interpretation of it before but never read the book. This was a good opportunity for me to read it. I like how close to home this story has offered its readers. While reading I can connect and reflect on a lot of interactions that have happened between the two siblings. The author did a good job of portraying what it is like growing up with siblings. At the end of the day, through the frustration Beezus has felt, she understands that it is natural and learns how to love Ramona more. Understanding and sister bonding are the majority themes of this book.

Written by Wiley Blevins and pictures by Jim Paillot

This book is about Ick and Crud, a pair of best friends living in the same house with their owner, Bob. In this book, Bob took both Crud and Ick to the vet. In the beginning, Bob sets out a crate for both dogs and lures them in with a bone. Crud knows it's a trap and advises his friend, Cruck not to go in. Cruck can't help but go into the crate because he wants that bone, seeing Crud go in, Ick also went in, wanting to keep his friend company. They both arrived at the vet and are waiting for their shot. Both were scared but they got through it by being there with each other.

I like this book because it shows readers the relationships between friends and supports. Crud and Ick, both is afraid of being at the vet's office but they support one another by being there for each other.

Written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. Published on May 3, 2016

This book is about Ada and her hometown, Cateura, Paraguay, which was built around a landfill. Ada's dream was to play the violin, when a music teacher started a class near her home, there weren't enough instruments for all the children in the town, so they recycled materials and turned them into playable violins, cellos, and other instruments. There Ada's music journey started by taking lessons and practicing her violin skills.

This book highlights the importance of hope and resilience. Ada's family, and among other families in the town, grew up in poverty. They did not have much. Ada and the people use their love for music to bring the communities together.

Written by Lauren Rubenstein and illustrated by Shelly Henhenberger.

This book has vibrant color visuals for reading. It asked readers to identify their feelings based on certain things, like, stepping on stones with barefoot, does it hurt? Or are the feelings as bright as the sun? It has questions that let readers wonder and be curious about their feelings. Some have rhymes which makes it fun to read to a younger audience.

I like this book because it offers an opportunity for readers to explore their feelings and emotions. It also provides different items and examples that connect to the questions they are asking. Aside from the context, this book has a colorful visuals that will get readers attentions.

Written by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

This book tells readers about multiple scientists who've collected treasures, things they found interesting and liked from their surroundings. It started at a young age, these scientist are curious about their environment around them. This encourages them to become scientists when they are older.

I like this book because it opens the curious minds of children. How the scientist younger self was curious, they take on things that they found unique and continued to study them as they got older.

A fiction book written by Jenni Desmond and published in 2012.

This book is about two cats called Red and Blue. The two cats did not have a good relationship in the beginning. Whenever they saw each other, conflict would occur: fights, arguments, and chasing each other. Both red and blue cats want to be like the other. Red cat wants to be smart like blue cat. And the blue cat wants to be bouncy and fast like the red cat. They try everything to be like the other, eating the colored foods, wearing the colored clothing, and even painting themselves with paint. In the end, they realize being the other cat doesn't seem right to them. They decided to be their selves and to teach the other cat how to be like them. In the end, red and blue cats are both friends, who are teaching each other how to do things like them.

I like this book because the author did a good job of explaining how being someone who is not you will feel like something's missing and would not work out. When we want to be like someone, instead of changing completely to be like them, we can ask them to help us learn what we want to.

Source : Epic

I'd say this is good to present during a classroom activity for younger students.

Written by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Simon Shin

This book is about a little boy named Niko. He loves to see the world from a different point of view. Niko draws abstract art from the feelings he saw throughout his day. Drawing emotions and feelings in swirls and circles, including the colors that represent these feelings. Like how the warmth from the sun on his face, painting included the colors of the sun, yellow, red, and orange. Niko's family and friends often don't understand his drawings, they don't see the vision that Niko has painted, which makes him feel sad and unheard. Later in the story, he met a friend named Iris. She's another person who enjoys art like Niko and was able to see the message behind Niko's painting.

I like this book because it shows readers different perspectives of emotions and feelings through abstract art. In another way, it also shows how passionate Niko was towards his art. When his family and friends didn't see the meaning of what he painted, it made him feel sad, but he continued to paint this art. With this book, there were lots of colorful schemes and pictures in this book. The words and sentences are curved, not in a traditional pattern, which makes it interesting and fun to read.

I think this book would be good to introduce to students who are learning about emotions and feelings. It can show them the different emotions Niko saw and how he had interpreted them in his way. It can also be presented in an art lesson, to see Niko's painting and his ways of viewing things through abstract art.

Source: Epic.

Written by Daniel Cleary and illustrated by Kanako Usui

This book is about two cats and their friend, Fred, the plant. At first, the gray cat was confused and annoyed that Fred the plant was considered a friend when it's a plant. When the orange cat went to get water, Fred and the gray cat bonded. The gray cat helps Fred stand up straight when the sun makes it wilt. After fetching it water, the gray cat decided he was going to take Fred back to his home to see Daisy, a plant that he had.

From the colorful images to the comic-like reading, I like this book because it shows readers the fun and satisfaction these two cats feel when making an unexpected friend.

I think this book is a short, fun read for students. This can be read in small groups to help students' reading fluency or as a whole group during reading time.

Source : Epic

Written by Christ Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiakd-Fenton

This book is a memoir based on Margaret Pokiak, an Inuit girl from the Arctic, who is determined to go to a residential school to learn how to read. Despite her parents' refusal and warnings, Margaret enrolled in a Catholic school far from her home, wanting to be able to learn how to read and write like the others. Soon, when attending school, she discovers the harsh reality, strict rules, and emotional and physical mistreatment from the people in the school. One nun in particular has forced Margaret to wear red stockings that were too big on her legs, making the other students call her 'Fatty Legs'. Despite being bullied for her identity, Margaret remains strong and brave when standing up to the Ravens. In the end, when Margaret leaves the school, she is stronger and more determined to have learned to read and retain her cultural identity.

This book is different from what I've read so far. This memoir, based on a true story, has shown readers the important role of Margaret Pokiak. Her courage and resilience in wanting to stay in school despite the mistreatment she received while being there. Despite the bullying and being mistreated, Margaret found a way to resist and stand up for herself. Refusing to be humiliated or silenced about her Inuit identity. She never forgets who she is.

Curricular connections: I think this book is best to introduce in any areas of reading, it could be introduced during english lecture as an independent reading.

Source: Epic

Written by Alison Hughes and illustrated by Helen Flook.

This book is about Beatrice and her family, who have just finished moving into a new neighborhood. Beatrice likes her things to be perfect and organized. She found it annoying that the movers who were helping her family wore shoes inside the house, making the floor dirty. She also found how annoying her sister was when her room was unorganized and messy. When moving in, Beatrice has already unpacked and organized everything in her room to perfection, unlike her family, who still have boxes lying around, things on the floor, and all over the house. Soon, Beatrice found out that since her parents had to go to work, they did not have the time to organize everything right away. She also learned that different families are also messy and unorganized like her owns. At the end of the book, Beatrice was no longer bothered by the mess in her house, she noticed that her little, messy, not-so-organized family was just perfect.

I like this book because it shows readers the different family dynamics, how some are similar to one another. That eventhough Beatrice to have things where they are supposed to be, she soon realized that not everything has to be perfect in her family.

Curricular connections: I think this book is good for independent reading during some downtime in the class. It has familiar words that younger students can read without struggling.

Source: Epic.

Written by James M. Foley and illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez

This book is about Baxter and Danny and their friends in the forest. One day, a group of blue jays starts coming into their forest, making loud screeching noises, which Baxter and Danny found loud and obnoxious. When they asked the group of blue jays to stop, the jays replied with mean names and refused to stop. They continued with their name-calling to all the animals while making their screeching sounds. Danny and Baxter felt sad that they were being called names and tried to help other animals feel better. When they learned the song from Queen Beth the bee, they went around and sang together with everyone, which lifted up the spirits and resulted in all the animals sticking together and becoming friends. Soon they all sang the song to the group of blue jays, and so together, as one big group of friends, these animals were able to drive the blue jays away from their forest.

3. I like this book because not only are the visuals vibrant and adorable to readers, but it also provides great information about how and what bullying is. That it's never good to bully and how sticking together can help solve the problem, in other words, drive the bullies away.

4. I think this book is good to present to younger audiences when teaching them about bullying.

Source: Epic.

Written by Bree Galbraith and illustrated by Lynn Scurfield.

This book is about Finn, who woke up in the middle of the night with an idea. Finn shares the idea at school with his friends; soon they come together to 'find the pieces' to put these ideas together. When Otis said Finn's idea was different and not like his, Finn felt confused and cold. Finn's idea started to fade until he realized that if he asked his friends to share their ideas, then they would have one big idea coming together. As this idea grew, Otis's idea started to shrink, and when Otis contributed his ideas with everyone else, these ideas became bigger and more colorful.

3. I like this book because it lets readers know that when we have ideas, if we don't share them in a way, then these ideas won't be big. They won't change the world unless we share them with others.

4. Source: Epic

Written by Katy Duffield and illustrated by Karl West.

This is a short chapter book about Ava Kane and her swim team. At first, Alonso, another teammate on Ava's team, was scared to go in the water and start swimming. Ava wanted to help her friend overcome this fear, so she came up with the idea of swimming like a blobfish. This gets Alonso to want to swim in the water and follow Ava's lead when acting like a blobfish to stay afloat.

This book shows the idea of friendship and coming up with ideas to help one another. This book shows readers the idea of teamwork and friendship, and how finding ideas can help an individual overcome their fear.

This book is good to present to a younger audience during a whole-group reading. When reading, we can pause and ask students questions to get them thinking.

Source: Epic

Written by Abby Walters and illustrated by Nina De Polonia.

This book is about a little girl who is growing up. She tells the reader her daily routine. She woke up, get ready and eat cereal for breakfast. She walk to school with her friends. She can find her classroom, plays soccer with friends, paint with a paintbrush, and read a story to her littler sister.

This book is a short and sweet read about a girl experiencing her day. I like how the illustrator has painted the pictures in this book. It have simple to read words for younger audience.

I think this book is best to be read to kindergarten or early first-grade students as it has good information about growing up. We can ask students questions as we read the story to get them engaged.

Source: Epic.

Written by Erin Gunti and illustrated by Esteli Meza.

This story is about a little girl and her mom, who are seeking a place to stay at a nearby shelter. The little girl was confused as to why they were at this place. She found it nothing like home, too many people, small rooms, and a bed not like hers. Her mom was able to see the confusion and questioning this little had when entering the shelter. She put up a growth mindset and ideas to help her daughter settle into the shelter. She said this shelter looks like a palace, the dining hall, which is filled with people, is a banquet hall, and the small bed is a rocket ship that they get to take into space. The little girl and her mom use their imagination to settle into the place and to find comfort.

I like this book because the author has shown how positive and loving the mother is. Despite a hard time, she put up a growth mindset, coming up with ideas to help her daughter feel comfortable in a new setting, far away from home.

This book is good to present to students who are learning why people stay in places that aren't typically a house. Like a shelter. This book provides basic information about what a shelter looks like and what it is.

Source: Epic.