Author: Rita Golden Gelman
 Illustrator: Jack Kent
 Reading/Interest Level: 2nd-4th grade
 Description of setting/synopsis: Minnie wants Freddie to play with him, but Freddie's too busy- eating spaghetti! Time and time again, Minnie keeps being denied. Every single day. Until Freddie is so full of spaghetti that he decides to play with Minnie....only this time, Minnie is now too busy for Freddie because- now he's eating spaghetti!
 Main Characters: Freddie, Minnie
 Genre: Humor
 Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students construct their own spaghetti recipe. What would they add? Be as specific as possible and have to explain their choices.
 Points: 1

Author: Lilian Moore
Illustrator: Gioia Flammenghi
Reading/Interest Level: 3rd-5th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: Mother Raccoon tells Little Raccoon to go hunt the lake for crayfish. On his way to the lake, he passes by a porcupine, skunk and a rabbit. All of which tell him NOT to go to the lake. Why? Because "IT" is there. The Little Raccoon tells them he is not scared of "IT", so he goes to the lake and sees for himself. "IT" was the reflection in the water. So Little Raccoon grabs all the crayfish he can and takes it back to his mother, in which they both begin feasting.
Main Characters: Mother Raccoon, Little Raccoon, Old Porcupine, Big Skunk, Fat Rabbit, "IT"
Genre: Children's
Two ways to utilize in class: Do a Q/A. How could Little Raccoon have handled things differently? Ask the students if there has been a time in their lives that they could have reacted or done something opposite of what was done.
Points: 1

Author: Illa Podendorf
Illustrator: Pauline Adams
Reading/Interest Level: Children's/Science
Description of setting/synopsis: The book, in chapters, compares adult animals vs baby animals. This includes dogs, chickens, ducks, turtles, alligators, etc. It even introduces humans into the equation as well; going from babies to adults.
Main Characters: All animals
Genre: Non-Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Definitely use this as a learning tool for the lifecycle lesson plans. We could also sing "Old McDonald had a farm" to introduce sounds associated with the proper animal.
Points: 2

Author: David M. Schwartz
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Reading/Interest Level: 5th-6th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: The book highlights how much a million, billion and trillion is. It uses kids, goldfish and stars to explain thoroughly.
Main Characters: (there are none)
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Can use a graph to show how much a million/billion/trillion is; can also have the students label what each one is.
Points: 1

Author: Kimberly & James Dean
Illustrator: James Dean
Reading/Interest Level: Pre-k to 2nd grade
Description of setting/synopsis: Pete is excited to go to the parade with his friends. They are all dressed up in nice, scary costumes. Pete is so happy that he was able to spend time with his friends on Halloween day.
Main Characters: Pete, Callie, Alligator, Emma, Squirrel, Gus, Marty and Grumpy Toad
Genre: Humor, Children's
Two ways to utilize in class: I would read this on Halloween day. It would be a fun way to have my students show me their Halloween costumes/spirit.
Points: 1

Author: Trevor Romain
Illustrator: Trevor Romain
Reading/Interest Level: Young Adults
Description of setting/synopsis: This book has valuable lessons incorporated into each page. It also has great content that will help instill life lessons and life advice to those who choose to read it.
Main Characters: N/A
Genre: ?
Two ways to utilize in class: I would use this book to help my students in all aspects of their lives. Also, I would take advantage of the poems displayed in this book and have my students dissect 1-2 poems and write a short essay of the poem(s) and their meaning.
Points: 2

Author: Rebecca Stead
Illustrator: Mary Kate McDevitt
Reading/Interest Level: ages 8-12
Description of setting/synopsis: When Georges and his parents move into a new apartment, he and his dad see a sign that states there is a Spy Club meeting going on that day. When Georges shows up, he is greeted by Candy. A few minutes later, Safer walks in. Afterwards, they all become close and Safer tells Georges that there is a mysterious man, by the name of "X", who always brings out heavy looking suitcases from his apartment door. Both Safer and Georges are on a quest to find out what exactly is in the said suitcases. At the end of the story, it is revealed that there really is no "mysterious X" because Safer was playing a game all along; Georges had no idea and was upset that Safer lied this whole time. At the end, they forgive one another and become great friends.
Main Characters: Georges, Safer, Candy, X
Genre: Spy Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Could do a Q and A. Go over what could have been done differently.
Points: 2

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Illustrator: Tim O'Brien
Reading/Interest Level: 4th-7th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: Audra loses her parents due to book smuggling (which is revealed a little later) and now Audra must face challenges on her own. She meets Lukas and Milda, who help guide her along the way and offer their assistance when it comes to book smuggling. Audra is scared at first, but gradually grows strength and determination to complete the quest of book smuggling. A lot of Russian forces try to eliminate Lithuania and its history (& books), but Audra perseveres and continues on. At last, she is reunited with her parents and eventually-- books are allowed in Lithuania. There is no need for book smuggling anymore.
Main Characters: Audra, Lukas, Milda, Lina, Henri, Ben and Officer Rusakov
Genre: Historical Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: I would use this book to bring insight into the importance of books. Also, I would have my students do research into book smuggling and see where else this happened and what other methods were used. 
Points: 2

Author: Kwame Alexander
 Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
 Reading/Interest Level: 5th-9th grade
 Description of setting/synopsis: Both Josh and Jordan are basketball all-stars. Everything is going good, until Jordan gets a girlfriend. "Miss Sweet Tea" starts taking up all his time and soon after, Josh is left by himself. Then at a basketball game, Josh accidentally hurts his brother, JB, and then the communication between both really goes south. After some time has passed, things are not going well for their father. Towards the end, the dad ends up passing away.
 Main Characters: Josh, Jordan (JB), Dad, Mom and "Miss Sweet Tea"
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Have my students write about a time in their life when they experienced loss? Then have them explain how they overcame it. Could be used as a classroom bonding activity.
 Points: 2

Author: Kate DiCamillo
 Illustrator: Twentieth Century Fox
 Reading/Interest Level: young adults
 Description of setting/synopsis: India Opal grows up without knowing who her mother is or why she left. Therefore, it is only India and her father, Preacher. One summer day when he asks her to go to the convenience store for macaroni and cheese, white rice and tomatoes, India stumbles upon a dog. A dog that was wandering inside the Winn-Dixie convenience store and was not being claimed by anybody. When of the worker’s threatened to call the pound, India said it was her dog. After that incident, the rest became history. He now belonged to her. Initially, the father was hesitant to allow the dog in their home, but soon fell in love with Winn-Dixie the same way India Opal had. As the story progresses, Winn-Dixie becomes her unconditional companion; possibly to fill the empty void that had been left by her mother. India becomes more willing to start friendships with Amanda, Dunlap and Stevie. Towards the end, India Opal and Gloria Dump decide to throw a party. A party that will hopefully reunite everyone and allow for more friendships to blossom. As the party progresses in the story, Winn-Dixie goes missing. After many minutes of searching, India and Preacher decide to stop. There was no hope that he would be found. That is until, he appears from under Gloria Dump’s chair. Then, they all begin to sing the night away and all was good. 
Main Characters: India Opal, Winn-Dixie, Preacher
Genre: Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: For a happy-ending story. To see if my students have encountered a situation similar to India? If so, how?
Points: 2

Author: Rose Rossner
 Illustrator: Vanessa Matte
 Reading/Interest Level: any grade level
 Description of setting/synopsis: Each page has different puns that include pictures to go along with.
 Main Characters: Donuts, fruits, cheese
 Genre: Juvenile Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Possibly use it before staar testing to provide motivation to the students. Or use it after to reward them for all their hard work; bring donuts.
 Points: 1

Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
 Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
 Reading/Interest Level: Preschool-3rd
 Description of setting/synopsis: An exclamation mark that wants to stand out from all the others. Includes endless possibilities. It is a story about fitting in and standing out, with the help of others, to find your way.
 Main Characters: An exclamation mark
 Genre: fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Illustrate your own exclamation mark and exclaim to the world your special talent, favorite activity, or the way you plan to make your mark. Have students draw/illustrate something that they are excited about and would want to use an exclamation mark to describe.
 Points: 1

Author: Diane Adams
 Illustrator: Claire Keane
 Reading/Interest Level: Pre-K through 3rd grade
 Description of setting/synopsis: A girl and her duckling share a tender, funny year as they grow together, care for eachother and learn that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight.
 Main Characters: A girl and her duckling
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Have students make a mural poster about things they love. They can draw and cut out their own illustration and make a label that says "Love is....". Also, have a worksheet with a rubber duck and students can write a sentence about how they show love to someone or something in their life, then color ducks and display them in class.
 Points: 1

Author: Patrice Karst
 Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
 Reading/Interest Level: Pre-K through 3rd
 Description of setting/synopsis: 
 Main Characters: Liza, Jeremy, mom and invisible string
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Read aloud and stop every few pages to point out the illustrations and talk about how the children might be feeling. Also, make paper dolls and have the students identify their main support people and encourage children to decorate the dolls and match the person they represent. 
Points: 1

Author: Lane Smith
 Illustrator: Lane Smith
 Reading/Interest Level: Grades 1-5
 Description of setting/synopsis: It's a Book is about a monkey who loves to read. On the other hand, the donkey prefers technology. They both utilize each other to collaborate towards the end.
 Main Characters: monkey and a donkey
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Ask my students if they have something they love that's different, compared to what their friends love. Then have them compare each other's views.
 Points: 1

Author: Judith Viorst
 Illustrator: Ray Cruz
 Reading/Interest Level: 5-9 years old
 Description of setting/synopsis: From sun up to sun down, Alexander is having a rough day. He knows every single day will be a bad day, including when he finds gum in his hair. Along with countless other bad moments.
 Main Characters: Alexander
 Genre: Picture book, Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: I would use this book to show my students it's okay to "wake up on the wrong side of the bed." All that matters is you look at things in a positive perspective and have the "I can" attitude.
 Points: 1

Author: Harris J
Illustrator: Ward Jenkins
Reading/Interest Level: 2nd-4th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: A young boy who goes around and spreads love, peace and happiness. He also tells everyone to enjoy life and live with a smile on their face.
Main Characters: A young boy (who is unnamed).
Genre: Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Have my students write what they are thankful for. Also, could be used before a major test to provide motivation and help them overcome their problems.
Points: 1

Author: Joan Damico, Karen Eich Drummond
Illustrator: N/A
Reading/Interest Level: young adults
Description of setting/synopsis: A cookbook that has over 50 fun activities and great recipes for children to learn how to cook and be more mindful of what they put into their bodies.
Main Characters: N/A
Genre: Non-fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: For a home economic classroom, I would choose 1-2 recipes to have students make; to understand the importance of what you put into your body greatly affects many things. Also, I would have students come up with their own "healthy" recipes.
Points: 2

Author: Maureen Forrester
Illustrator: Frances Tyrrell
Reading/Interest Level: 2nd-5th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: A book containing numerous carols from around the world. Including: The First Nowell, Joy to the World, Patapan, etc.
Main Characters: N/A
Genre: Non-fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: To become familiar with the different cultures. Also, to make class more exciting, have the students come up with their very own songs!
Points: 2

Author: Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberley
Illustrator: Rebecca, Ed Emberley
Reading/Interest Level: 1st-3rd grade
Description of setting/synopsis: A monster who swallows various insects/animals in hopes that they will somehow all eat each other. Towards the end, the monster lets out a big burp and at last- they are all gone.
Main Characters: Monster and all the ingested things
Genre: Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Have my students work on their detail skills and make them write their own short story. Also, have students tell me what figurative language is being used in this story to broaden their knowledge.
Points: 1

Author: Parry Gripp
Illustrator: Julide Dengel
Reading/Interest Level: Any children who are animal lovers.
Description of setting/synopsis: A lengthy chapter/picture book that has various animals and songs about them. It also includes fun facts as well.
Main Characters: All animals- dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, bunnies, etc.
Genre: Non-fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students pick out their 2 favorite animals and write a 1 page summary over comparing the two. I would also have them research an animal that was not listed and provide some fun, interesting facts about them.
Points: 2

Author: Kathi Appelt
Illustrator: Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer
Reading/Interest Level: 5th-6th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: The book is about women who used to be book carriers. One of the most innovative programs that was created under Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency was called the "Pack Horse Library Project of Eastern Kentucky".
Main Characters: Women aka "Pack Horse Librarians."
Genre: Non-fiction, Historical
Two ways to utilize in class: To provide students with the knowledge of why books are so important in our world/culture. To show that reading books is a luxury; some countries still do not allow book-reading. Also, I could have my students come up with a few ways that they would have obtained books back in the day.
Points: 2

Author: Max Brallier
Illustrator: Jim Stoten
Reading/Interest Level: Any
Description of setting/synopsis: This book has more than a hundred different facts. Ranging from dinosaurs, to food, to even the hair on our head! Very fun and interesting read for all ages!
Main Characters: N/A
Genre: Non-Fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students read this book and list 10 interesting facts that they learned. Then I would have them make a story out of it.
Points: 2

Author: Vic Parker
Illustrator: Jo Cowan
Reading/Interest Level: 5th grade and below
Description of setting/synopsis: This book contains numerous Bible stories for children of all ages. It speaks about Joseph's crazy dreams, how he became ruler of Egypt and also talks about twin brothers Jacob and Esau.
Main Characters: Joseph, Esau, Jacob, Isaac, Sarah, Abraham
Genre: Non-fiction, Religion
Two ways to utilize in class: I would use this for my students who are maybe wanting to grow more in their faith. I would encourage them to read this. Also, I would have them list out a few excerpts from the book and explain what it means to them.
Points: 2

Author: Vic Parker
Illustrator: Jo Cowan
Reading/Interest Level: Young adults
Description of setting/synopsis: This book speaks about Jesus returning to Heaven, Miracles and Persecution, John's vision in Heaven, etc.
Main Characters: Jesus, Thomas, Saul, John.
Genre: Non-fiction, religion
Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students read this (if willing) to become more understanding of Heaven and Jesus. Also, I would use this book to demonstrate to them that they are never alone.
Points: 2

Author: Libby Jackson
Illustrator: Numerous
Reading/Interest Level: Any ages
Description of setting/synopsis: It discusses women who have changed the world of space exploration and dives deep into what made them want to pursue this particular career-field.
Main Characters: Women from hundreds of years ago to women now.
Genre: Non-fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my female students read this book to allow them to see that women can do the same jobs as men. Also, I would have my students do some research into one particular female figure and how they have made an impact regarding space/space exploration.
Points: 2

Author: Mark Shulman, James Buckley Jr.
Illustrator: Bill Madrid
Reading/Interest Level: 3rd through 6th grade
Description of setting/synopsis: This fun books talks about a lot of different facts that most people wouldn't know about. It ranges from animals, to bruises, to plants and cars. Very informational and a fun way to learn about different things.
Main Characters: N/A
Genre: Non-fiction
Two ways to utilize in class: Have my students find out 3-5 interesting facts. Then have them come up with a short, detailed description of what they have found.
Points: 2

Author: Denise Kiernan
 Illustrator: Jamey Christoph
 Reading/Interest Level: 1st through 4th grade
 Description of setting/synopsis: Thanks to a lady by the name of Sarah Josepha Hale, we have a "Thanksgiving" day to partake in. After writing to president Abraham Lincoln in 1863, he granted her wish of having everyone across the globe to celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day: November 26th. Great book of history context regarding Thanksgiving.
 Main Characters: Sarah Josepha Hale
 Genre: Fiction, Historical
 Two ways to utilize in class: Possibly before Thanksgiving, I would read this to my students so that they are well aware of where and how this holiday started. I would then have them list out what they are thankful for and why.
 Points: 2

Author: Roald Dahl
 Illustrator: Quentin Blake
 Reading/Interest Level: 5th grade and below
 Description of setting/synopsis: Matilda is a young, smart girl who loves reading books. Although her parents are no good to her, they do end up helping her out- by enrolling her in school. Soon after, Matilda is put into Ms. Honey's classroom. Ms. Honey is a very sweet, kind and caring motherly figure in Matilda's life. After overcoming man obstacles and due to Matilda's parents and their negligence, she ends up being adopted by Ms. Honey towards the end and (I believe) lives happily ever after.
 Main Characters: Matilda, Ms. Honey, 
 Ms. Trenchbull, her parents/brother
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students read this book to highlight the importance of how being persistent can get you to where you want to be. How the love of reading might take you somewhere you never thought you would be.
 Points: 2

Author: Roald Dahl
 Illustrator: Quentin Blake
 Reading/Interest Level: 4th-6th grade
 Description of setting/synopsis: Mr. Wonka, who owns the biggest chocolate factory in the world, is attempting to find someone to take over his factory. So he puts 5 golden tickets in candy bars in hopes that one of those individuals will be the next heir to his chocolate throne. Towards the end, Charlie Bucket is the lucky one who overcomes all obstacles and ends up being the lucky winner. Going from poverty to owning the biggest chocolate factory in the world- what a new life he has been given!
 Main Characters: Mr. Wonka, Charlie, Grandpa Joe
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: Maybe on a "fun, laid-back" type of school day, I would read this to my students. Once we were finished reading it, I would let them watch the movie version of it. Afterwards, I would have them compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the novel and the movie version.
 Points: 2

Author: Josep Sucarrats
 Illustrator: Miranda Sofroniou
 Reading/Interest Level: Any ages, those interested in learning how food markets have evolved
 Description of setting/synopsis: This book is lengthy, but very informational. It speaks about different cultures and how they receive food to bring to markets and even to place on their kitchen tables. It also talks about how food markets have started, how us people pay for it and so much more. Very informative and has a lot of interesting information things that are discussed within the book.
 Main Characters: N/A
 Genre: Non-fiction, Historical
 Two ways to utilize in class: The first part I would do is have my students create a T chart. On one side, write what they know about food markets and then on the other side, have them write out what they learned after reading this book. Secondly, I would have them pick out their favorite food and research its history- where did it come from, how far back does it go, what culture is it part of, etc. To encourage better writing skils.
 Points: 2

Author: Neil Gaiman
 Illustrator: Dave McKean
 Reading/Interest Level: Those that love different "worlds." Also, a great spooky book for those that like adventure and anticipation.
 Description of setting/synopsis: Coraline, who is somewhat neglected by her parents (due to them always working), discovers a small, hidden door in her new house. She eventually goes into that small door and discovers a whole other world where everything seems better! Better mom, dad, better friend Wybie and a talking cat! When Coraline dives too deep into the "other world", she soon realizes she made a mistake- in order for her to stay, she has to sew buttons into her eyes. She also discovers that her "other mother" is not really all that "good. Some would say a fraud. Towards the end of the novel, Coraline locks up the small door and vows to never open it again. Then, her life goes back to normal.
 Main Characters: Coraline, Beldam, cat, Mr. Bobinsky, Wybie
 Genre: Fantasy Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: I would have my students do a compare and contrast essay, describing the differences and similarities between the novel and the movie. I would also have them draw and label what their "other world" would look like if they were the author of this book. To have them be descriptive and use great imagery.
 Points: 2

Author: David Shannon
 Illustrator: David Shannon
 Reading/Interest Level: Young Adults
 Description of setting/synopsis: Trying to "fit in" and be cool, Camilla Cream does NOT dare let any of her classmates in on the fact that she enjoys eating lima beans. One day, she wakes up and looks at herself in the mirror- realizing that she is covered in stripes! As she is seen by numerous medical professionals, none of them can provide her with a solution. That is until, the strawberry lady tells her to eat lima beans. Once she does just that, her stripes are now gone. At the end of the story, Camilla decides that she will no longer cover up the fact that she does enjoy eating lima beans.
 Main Characters: Camilla Cream
 Genre: Fiction
 Two ways to utilize in class: I would use this book to show my students its okay to be different. That it is okay to like things that others may not. This story showcases that judgment should not be passed on to others just because they have different interests.
 Points: 1

Author: Kyle Idleman
 Illustrator: N/A
 Reading/Interest Level: Religious seekers
 Description of setting/synopsis: This book helps Christians come to the realization of whether they are a fan or follower of Jesus. This particular book will challenge individuals to re-evaluate their relationship with Christ.
 Main Characters: N/A
 Genre: Christian Literature
 Two ways to utilize in class: If a student is possibly at a standstill with their faith, I would have them read this book. Then I would have them write down a few sentences of what stood out to them in the book and why.
 Points: 2