Illustrator- Penelope Dullaghan

Copyright Date- 2017

Summary- Ruthie, a young Jewish Cuban immigrates to New York. As soon as she starts to feel comfortable in her new life, she gets into a car accident that puts her in a body cast. She has to be strong, learns much about friendships and the power of art.

Uses- This book can be used for character analysis. Ruthie is a character with many traits that students can explore, along with her transformation throughout the story. Theme and plot analysis can also be taught.

Age- 10 and up

Award- Pura Belpre Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Joe Cepeda

Copyright Date- 2000

Summary- Esperanza grows up in Mexico, and her family is well off there. There life is great, living on, and owning a large ranch. However, one day, her father is murdered. Her family moves to the United States, during the Great Depression, where they become migrant farmers. This life is very different from the life Esperanza knew in Mexico. Esperanza has to learn how to adapt and to lean on her family for support.

Uses- Esperanza Rising could be used to teach the importance of setting. Students can research The Great Depression and discuss how this story might be different if it was set in a different time period. Students may also analyze the character of Esperanza and even compare/contrast some of her traits to their own.

Age- 10 and up

Award- Pura Belpre Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Pedro Martin

Copyright Date- 2023

Summary- Pedro lives in the United States and does not have many ties with his culture in Mexico. His family travels to Mexico to bring back their Abuelito with them. Pedro is not happy about this change because his house is already too crowded. After getting to know his grandfather better, he learns about his grandfather’s role in the Mexican Revolution. They share many adventures together as they travel. Through this experience, Pedro does a great deal of growing up.

Uses- Mexikid can be used to teach character transformation by describing how Pedro changed throughout the story. Many different themes can also be taught such as; family dynamics and biculturalism. This would also be a good book to begin a unit on learning about history in Mexico.

Age- 12+

Award- Newberry Honor

Rate- 5

Author- Doreen Rappaport

Illustrator- Bryan Collier

Copyright Date- 2001

Summary- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a biography. However, the biography uses Martin Luther King Jr’s own words to tell the story of his life. The biography highlights his early childhood, adult life which focuses on him being a minister and Civil Rights leader. The biography also expresses his belief of love conquering hate.

Uses- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can be used to teach about the Civil Rights Movement. It can also be used to teach a lesson on inclusion, kindness, and how we should treat everyone in our classroom/lives.

Age- 3-5 years

Awards- Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Eric Velasquez

Copyright Date- 2015

Summary- New Shoes is set in the 1950’s during the time of Jim Crow. The main character Ella Mae comes from a family that cannot afford new shoes. She always has to get her cousins hand-me downs. However, one day, the shoes are too small for her and Ella Mae is so excited to get her very own new shoes. However, Ella Mae realizes she is treated differently when the worker makes her size her feet by drawing her foot on a piece of paper instead of trying the shoes on. Ella Mae realizes this is wrong and decides to do something. Ella Mae and her cousin do any chores they can to buy old shoes. They wash and shine the shoes and open their own shoe store for everyone in the neighborhood.

Uses- New Shoes can be used to teach students about segregation and how to make everyone feel included. It can also be used as an opener to a writing prompt. After reading the story, students can write about a challenge they have faced and how they can solve the challenge.

Age- 6-8

Award- Jane Adams Children’s Book Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Ellen Raskin

Copyright Date- 1962

Summary- In A Wrinkle in Time, there is a main character named Meg Murry. Meg’s father is a scientist and he has been taken by “IT.” Meg, along with her brother and a friend travel to another world named Camazotz. They find help from three ladies to help bring Meg’s father back.

Uses- A Wrinkle in Time would be used to teach about antagonist and protagonist along with the themes of good conquering evil. You could also use it to teach the elements of plot.

Age- 8-12

Award- Newbery Medal, Sequayah Book Award, Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- n/a

Copyright Date- 2017

Summary- Refugee is three separate stories of three young adults that have to flee their homeland. Josef, is a young Jewish boy. His story takes place in the 1930’s during the Holocaust. There is Isabel. Her story takes place during the 1940’s. Her family is having to flee Cuba during the Cuban Revolution. Last, there is Mahmoud. His story takes place in 2015 during the Syrian Civil War. All three characters face many hardships to try and escape to safety. Some are successful and some are not.

Uses- Refugee can be used to teach about how setting affects the events of a story. It can be used to compare and contrast characters. Students can also make connections to the text and write about hardships they have had, how they have overcome difficulties, or the importance of family.

Age- 11 and up

Award- National Jewish Book Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Trudy White

Copyright Date- 2005

Summary- The Book Thief take place in Nazi Germany. The main character, Liesel Meminger, as had to deal with the hardship of her parents being taken away by the Nazis due to their beliefs. She was sent to live with a foster family. Her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, and Liesel has to learn how to cope with the cruel way they are made to live under the Nazi rule. To try and cope, she steals books to read. Reading is how she escapes from what is going on in the world around her.

Uses- The Book Thief can be used to study Nazi Germany and WWII. You can also use the book for character development with the main character, Liesel. Students may also study the different types of figurative language used in the book.

Age- 13 and up

Award- National Jewish Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Rate- 5

Author- Karen Hesse

Illustrator- Daniel Mullins

Copyright Date- 1997

Summary- Out of the Dust is written in free verse poetry. It is a series of short poems. It takes place in the Oklahoma Panhandle during the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression. The main character, Billy Jo Kelby, faces many hardships. Not only is this a time when crops are failing and the economy is at an all time low, but she also loses her mother and unborn sibling in a fire. She herself was also burned. Billy Jo finds learns to play the piano and uses this to find peace.

Uses- Out of the Dust can be used to study the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression. This novel can also be compared to others such as The Book Thief. Students can compare and contrast how the characters found ways to overcome their obstacles. It can also be used to teach point of view. The story is told from first-person perspective.

Age- 9 and up

Award- Newbery Medal Book

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Lois Lowry

Copyright Date- 1989

Summary- Number the Stars takes place in Denmark in 1943. During this time, the Nazi Germans were taking over Denmark. The Jews were forewarned by a rabbi that the Jewish houses were going to be raided and the Jews would be relocated. The main character, Annemarie Johansen and her family, find themselves having to be braver than they ever thought to help rescue their dear friends the Rosens. The Johansens help the Rosens and others escape to Sweden.

Uses- Number the Stars can be used to teach about the Holocaust and WWII. It can be used to teach theme, plot, and character analysis.

Age- 9 and up

Award- John Newbery Medal, National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature

Rate- 5

Illustrator- n/a

Copyright Date- 1999

Summary- Bud is the main character. He is an African American orphan that is growing up in Flint Michigan during the Great Depression. Bud runs away from his foster home in hopes of finding his father. Bud ends up finding Herman E. Calloway who he believes is his father. Calloway is the leader of a jazz band. It is later Calloway discovered that Calloway is his grandfather. Initially, his grandfather rejects him, but other members of the band allow him to stay with them. One member of the band even teaches him to play the saxophone. Bud deals not only with his grandfather rejecting him, but also racism. Over time, Bud and his grandfather build a relationship.

Uses- This story can be used to teach about The Great Depression and the racism that occurred during this time period. Lessons on acceptance, kindness, and equality can be taught. It can also be used to teach the themes of family and overcoming hardships.

Age- 9 and up

Award- Newbery Medal

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Vrind Zaveri

Copyright Date- 2021

Summary- Red, White, and Whole is not a single poem, but a novel written in verse. The main character, Reha, is an Indian-American. She struggles with her identity of keeping her Indian traditions and the ways her American friends live. When her mom is diagnosed with leukemia, she realizes how important family is and her perspective changes on trying to “fit in” and keeping true to her heritage.

Uses- Red, White, and Whole can be used to teach a lesson on empathy with a class. It can also be used to teach different themes such as: loss, grief, and how to navigate being part of multiple cultures.

Age- 8-12

Award- Newbery Honor Award Winner

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Bagram Ibatoulline

Copyright Date- 1993

Summary- The Giver is supposed to be a utopian society where everyone believes in sameness. The people in this society are given pills to stop any feelings/urges. No one, but the receiver has any memories of past events. Everyone is assigned roles and do not question what their role entails. Jonas, the main character, becomes the new receiver. Jonas is faced with many facts about his society that he realizes are wrong, such as releasing young children due to being a twin or not making progress that the society thinks they should. He and the Giver realize that the society needs to have feelings and memories. Jonas and the Giver devise a plan to help Jonas escape to elsewhere. When he escapes, this allows previous memories to be shared back with the community.

Uses- The Giver can be used to teach about utopian and dystopian societies, transformation of characters, theme such as good versus bad, and the importance of individual choice.

Age- 12 and up

Award- John Newbery Award

Rate- 5

Author- Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator- Henri Sorensen

Copyright Date- 200

Summary- “The Yellow Star- The Legend of King Christian X” is set in Denmark during WWII. The Nazis came into Copenhagen and started taking over the town. The Nazis started making all of the Jews wear a yellow star. King Christian X knew his country was too small to fight the Nazis, but he also knew he had to do something to help his Jewish friends. King Christian X came up with a plan for his tailor to make yellow stars for everyone in Copenhagen. When the Nazis went to take the Jews, they would not know who was Jewish and who was not.

Uses- This story can be used to teach theme and character analysis. The book can also be used to introduce a writing prompt. The students can write about a problem they have or had and how they could solve the problem.

Age- 8-12

Award- Christopher Award for Young People

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Dave Mckean

Copyright Date- 2002

Summary- Coraline is a young girl who has moved to a new place with her parents. When she gets to this new place she is very bored, and her parents don’t seem to pay her any attention. Coraline doesn’t feel as if her parents understand her. Coraline finds an alternate world where there is a mother and father that look just like hers. However, they play games with her, let her eat what she wants, and dress the way she wants. Everything seems perfect in the “other world” until Coraline starts to see the truth with the Other Mother and Other Father. In the end Coraline realizes that her real family is perfect the way they are.

Uses- Coraline can be used to teach literary devices such as: symbolism, foreshadowing, and character development. It can also be used to teach the importance of family, dangers of superficial perfection, and how to be courageous in the midst of danger.

Age- 8 and up

Award- Hugo Award for Best Novella and Nebula Award for Best Novella

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Jim Kay

Copyright Date- 1997

Summary- Harry Potter is an 11-year-old boy that finds out he is a wizard. He has lived with his aunt and uncle since he was born and thought his parents died in a car crash. On his 11^th birthday he finds out the truth about his parents and how he is destined to be a famous wizard. Harry attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he meets many friends and makes some enemies. Harry has to save the sorcerer’s stone from getting in the hands of Voldemort. If Voldemort gets the stone, he will have his powers returned.

Uses- This novel can be used to teach many themes such as: friendship, courage, and the importance of family. It can also be used to teach literary elements such as: plot, character development, and how to use vivid language when writing.

Age- 8 and up

Award- Nestle Smarties Book Prize for 9 to 11 years and Notable Children’s Books

Rate- 10 😊

Illustrator- Shel Silverstein

Copyright Date- 1974

Summary- Where the Sidewalk Ends is a collection of children’s poems. These poems take children and adults into an imaginative world where anything is possible.

Uses- You can use the poems to teach different poetic elements. Poems can be used to teach rhyming, rhyme scheme, imagery, figurative language, meter, what line breaks and stanzas are, and different types of poetry. There are humorous, free verse and narrative poems, along with other types of poems presented in this collection.

Age- 6 and up

Award- New York Times Outstanding Book Award, ALA Notable Book, and Grammy Award for Best Book Recording for Children

Rate- 10 😊

Illustrator-Christopher Bing

Copyright Date- 1888

Summary- “Casey at the Bat” is a ballad that tells the story of the Mudville Nine losing a baseball game. The poem uses stanzas that rhyme and have a rhythm to tell the story. This can also be considered a narrative poem.

Uses- “Casey at the Bat” can be used when teaching different types of poetry, what rhyme and rhythm are. It can also be used to teach figurative language and character analysis.

Age- 7-12

Award- Caldecott Honor and Notable Children’s Book List

Rate- 5

Illustrator-Eric Beddows

Copyright Date- 1988

Summary- “A Joyful Noise” is a collection of poems that is meant to be read with two voices. Each poem focuses on the sounds and lives of different insects. The poems explore the world of the insects.

Uses- “A Joyful Noise” can be used to teach two-voice poetry. This would be a great collection of poems for students to read with a partner. The poems can be used to teach repetition, contrasting ideas, and voice. These poems would also be a good “hook” when teaching many different topics in science.

Age- 8-13

Award- Newbery Medal

Rate- 5

Illustrator-Molly Mendoza

Copyright Date- 2023

Summary- “Jovita Wore Pants” takes place in 1926 during the Cristero War. This was over religion. It was between the Catholic church and the Mexican government. Jovita Valdeovinos was passionate about the cause of the war. However, during this time, women were not allowed to fight. So, she cut her hair and dressed as a man in order to fight alongside her father and brothers.

Uses- This story can be used in social studies to introduce the Cristero War or to discuss how religion has always been the center of different debates throughout history. After reading, students can also be given an essay topic of how it is important to always stand for what you believe in.

Age- 6-9

Award- Caldecott Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Judith St. George

Copyright Date- 1982

Summary- The “Brooklyn Bridge” describes the construction of the bridge that occurred in 1883. It was the longest suspension bridge at the time. The book discusses how the bridge was made, the engineering challenges and the dangerous work conditions.

Uses- My school is a PBL school. This book can be used as a hook before a PBL project where the students construct a bridge. The students can write an essay describing how their bridge was made (procedural text), and] how the bridge fits a community’s needs.

Age- 9-12

Award- Golden Award for Nonfiction

Rate- 4

Illustrator-Erika Meza

Copyright Date- 2021

Summary- “My Two Border Towns” is about a boy and his dad that frequent the US-Mexico border. On the Mexico side, there are people waiting there wanting to seek asylum. The boy and his dad take needed supplies to these people. The book focuses on the traditions and culture in both towns.

Uses- This book can be used to teach theme. Students can focus on the themes of empathy and responsibility.

Age- 4 and up

Award- Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator-Yuyi Morales

Copyright Date- 2018

Summary- “Dreamers” is a true story told by Yuyi Morales. She tells her story of coming to the United States from Mexico with her son. She tells about the hardships of being in a place where she didn’t know the language and didn’t feel as if she fit in. She tells how she found a library and it was this library that helped her learn English from the books she read.

Uses- “Dreamers” can be used when teaching point of view. It is told from 1^st person point of view. Students can also make connections to the book. Yuyi tells about the relationship between her and her young son. The students can make a connection with on of their family members.

Age- 3-8

Award- Pura Belpre Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Ed Young

Copyright Date- 1989

Summary- “Lon Po Po” is a Chinese retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood.” In “Lon Po Po” there are three sisters that are left home alone. A wolf tries to get into their house, but the girls are too smart to allow this. They work together to come up with a plan to trap the wolf.

Uses- This book can be used to teach problem/solution and character analysis. It can also be used as a “hook” before students write an essay about the importance of working together or always being aware of your surroundings.

Age- 4-8

Award- Caldecott Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator-Tomie de Paola

Copyright Date- 1975

Summary- “Strega Nona” is set in Calabria Italy. Strega Nona is a wise grandmother who is a traditional healer and witch doctor. Since she is getting older, she asks a boy named Big Anthony to help her with chores around the house. As he is at her house, he watches her make her magical pasta. He thinks he can make it too, but he fails to notice that she blows three kisses into the pot when she is finished. One day, Strega Nona is gone, and Anthony tries to show the town that he can make the pasta. He fails to add the three kisses and the pasta won’t stop flowing. He almost covers the entire city until Strega Nona returns and saves the day.

Uses- Strega Nona can be used to teach cause and effect, sequencing, and character development.

Age- 2-7

Award- Caldecott Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator- Tomie de Paola

Copyright Date- 2002

Summary- “Adelita” is a Mexican version of Cinderella. Adelita’s father passes away and she is treated horribly by her stepmother and sisters. Adelita gets help from a maid named Esperanza. Esperanza helps her get ready for a feast. At the feast, Adelita, meets Javier. Javier falls in love with her, but he doesn’t know who she is. Luckily, Adelita leaves behind a rebozo (shawl), and this helps Javier to find the love of his life.

Uses- This book can be used to teach about different Mexican traditions, about their clothing, language, and customs. It can also be used to teach many themes such as: overcoming adversity, kindness, and the importance of love.

Age- 5-8

Award- Caldecott Award

Rate- 5

Author- Robert D. San Souci

Illustrator- Jerry Pinkey

Copyright Date- 1989

Summary- There are two sister, Blanche and Rose. Blanche is a selfless, kind, and generous young girl. Rose is greedy and demanding. Blanche comes across a mysterious old woman in the woods. The woman gives her magical eggs for being such a good person. The eggs give Blanche wealth and useful items. Rose tries to trick the woman in giving her the magical eggs too. However, the eggs do the opposite for Rose.

Uses- This book can be used to compare and contrast characters. It can also be used to teach the lesson that kindness is always rewarded.

Age- 4-8

Award- Coretta Scott King Book Illustration Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator-David Shannon

Copyright Date- 1992

Summary- “The Rough Face Girl” is a Native American Folklore. It is a retelling of Cinderella. The Rough Face girl has her face scared due to the ill treatment of her stepsisters, where they make her tend a fire. There is a powerful, invisible being that is searching for a wife. Only the Rough Face Girl can see him. They end up falling in love and he transforms her face to match her inner beauty.  

Uses- This book can be used to compare and contrast with the story of Cinderella. Students can compare and contrast the characters, how the characters overcame adversity, and the themes of both stories.

Age- 4-8

Award- Patricia Gallagher Children’s Choice Picture Book Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator-R.J. Palacio

Copyright Date- 2021

Summary- Auggie is a young boy with a facial deformity. He has been homeschooled his entire life, but his parents decide to enroll him in a private school once he enters Middle School. Auggie makes friends with a boy named Jack. However, Julian, the class bully turns other kids against Jack and Auggie. One day Auggie is attacked in the woods by an older group of kids. Eventually, Julian’s friends turn against him and support Auggie and his friend Jack.

Uses- Wonder can be used to analyze characters. You can also use context clues to identify unfamiliar vocabulary throughout the book. Symbolism can also be focused on. Students can explain the symbolism of certain items such as: Auggie’s helmet and the mask he wears.

Age- 8-12

Award-  Junior Young Reader’s Choice Award

Rate- 5

Illustrator-

Copyright Date- 2002

Summary- Zinkoff is the main character and the story is told from his point of view. Zinkoff is considered a loser by his classmates. He is labeled as stupid and clumsy due to his poor performance in school and athletics. Zinkoff always keeps a positive attitude and finds the joy in simple things. He also has a supportive family to help him deal with the bullies. One day, there is a severe snowstorm and Zinkoff risks his own life to go search for a young girl that is missing in the storm. He is then viewed as a hero by his classmates.

Uses- Loser is told from first person point of view. Students can choose a chapter and retell the chapter from a different characters point of view. This story can also be used to teach the elements of plot.

Age- 8-12

Award- Newberry Medal

Rate- 5

Author- Jacqueline Woodson Illustrator-E.B. Lewis Copyright Date- 2012 Summary- A girl named Maya has moved to a new town and is the new girl at school. She tries to make friends with a girl named Chloe and her friends, but they do not accept her. Maya ends up moving again. Chloe’s teacher teaches a lesson on the importance of being kind, and Chloe wishes she had the opportunity to apologize. She realize what she did was wrong to Maya.

Uses- Students can compare and contrast Maya and Chloe. Students can write about how they can make a new student feel welcome. The themes of kindness and acceptance can also be focused on.

Age- 6-10 Award- Jane Addams Peace

Award Rate- 5

Illustrator-Donna Diamond

Copyright Date- 1977

Summary- Leslie Burke is a new kid in town and is having difficulty making new friends because she is perceived as being different from the other kids. She finds a friendship with Jess Aarons who lives by her. Jess and Leslie use their imagination to build their own world, which they call Terabithia. One day, Jess makes the decision to go to an art gallery with his teacher and doesn’t invite Leslie even though he knows she would like it. That day it is raining non-stop and Leslie still decides to go to Terabithia by herself. She ends up drowning in the waters. Jess has to learn to deal with the death of his best friend and feeling guilty for not being with her.

Uses- Bridge to Terabithia can be used to teach the elements of plot. It can also be used to explore character emotions. Students can make connections to the book. They can make connections to loss, friendship, or being creative.

Age- 9-12

Award- John Newbery Medal

Rate- 5

Illustrator-Donna Diamond

Copyright Date- 1977

Summary- Opal has had to move to a new town with her father that is a preacher. Opal is having a hard time making new friends in the town. One day, she comes across a stray dog in the local grocery story. She claims the dog is hers and names the dog Winn Dixie. Opal and Winn Dixie become best friends and together they make many new friends in the town.

Uses- Because of Winn Dixie can be used to teach what foreshadowing is. Students can use clues from the chapters to foreshadow what will happen next. There is also figurative language throughout the book. Students can identify the figurative language and state the purpose of the figurative language.

Age- 8-10

Award- John Newbery Medal

Rate- 5