The book highlights themes of self-acceptance, cultural identity, and the importance of understanding and respecting diversity.

Read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGCuOEoEXSc

I chose "The Name Jar" because it teaches children valuable lessons about self-acceptance, cultural diversity, and empathy. It is important to make sure we teach children their value as unique individuals, and that we should embrace who we are and not conform for the sake of acceptance. We need to accept unique identities and cultural differences to be inclusive and compassionate of others.

"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother, Nana, on their weekly bus ride through the city. As CJ questions why they don't have certain luxuries, Nana teaches him to see the beauty and joy in their surroundings. Their journey ends at a soup kitchen where they volunteer, highlighting the value of service and gratitude. The story emphasizes themes of community, social awareness, and finding happiness in everyday life.

Watch/Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Rau8rrelU

I picked this book because it teaches students gratitude and to be thankful for the things we have, rather than what we do not. We get to experience urban/city life and the beauty that surrounds us every day, sometimes we never notice it. I would like to believe the end of the book we can be grateful and show how rewarding helping others can be.

"We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom is a vibrant picture book that celebrates the fight to protect water and the environment. It follows a young Indigenous girl who becomes a water protector, inspired by her community’s deep connection to nature and their sacred duty to safeguard the earth’s water resources. Through powerful, lyrical text and striking illustrations, the book conveys the importance of environmental stewardship and respecting natural resources. The story serves as both a tribute to Indigenous traditions and a call to action for protecting the planet for future generations.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yLtBjVG0No

I loved the book, I liked hearing it read. I believe that students will enjoy this book. The book provides an authentic representation of Indigenous culture and values, particularly regarding the sacredness of water and environmental stewardship. Students will get to discover the diverse views and cultural practices of Indigenous people, empowerment and activism, and become aware of the environment. Often times, students are unaware of anything outside of their own backyard/community.

National Book Award winner

NAACP Image Award winner (in the category of Outstanding Literary Work for Youth/Teens)

Coretta Scott King Author Award winner

Newbery Honor winner

Jacqueline Woodson, one of today’s most celebrated authors, recounts her childhood in a collection of mesmerizing verse. Growing up between South Carolina and New York, Woodson felt a sense of belonging in both places while navigating the challenges of being African American in the 1960s and 1970s, amid the legacy of Jim Crow and the rise of the Civil Rights movement. Through poems, she offers a powerful glimpse into her childhood as she searches for her place in the world.

I chose this book because it has a unique way of telling the story, and the use of poetry. I believe that students need to see that we can write about our experiences in many ways, and story-telling is an important and powerful tool. Not only is this story/book giving students a personal perspective of historical events, but it also helps us with the importance of identity, resilience, the significance of community/family, and cultural appreciation.

"Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life" by Ashley Bryan is a powerful and evocative exploration of the lives of eleven individuals who were enslaved. This poignant book combines historical research with poetic imagination, presenting the personal stories and dreams of these enslaved people as they might have envisioned them.

Bryan's work brings to light the humanity and individuality of those who were dehumanized by slavery, crafting narratives that highlight their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Each chapter focuses on a different individual, offering readers a glimpse into their lives through a mix of historical facts and imaginative storytelling.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHIdYVkXsA0

I was drawn to this book because it offers poetry and a new way of telling a story. It is unique, and even though it isn't 100 present factual, it is based on historical facts but reimagined. I think this book has a lot to offer students. We get to see perspectives other than that of history books. Students will learn empathy, hope, and resiliency, and get to see/read an artistic interpretation of history.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6rf9bxDK1o

l was drawn to this book because it is an interesting story. The story helps students understand the African American experience and the harsh realities of slavery, fostering empathy and awareness of the struggles faced by different cultural groups. It is a courageous act of someone pursuing freedom, it hits home that freedom is important. What does it mean? It gives us a deeper dive into culture, history, and what it means to be human. (basic rights)

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl4sIkZz2gk

I think this book is important because it is a simple read, but

it shares an indigenous story and oral traditions. The book helps preserve and pass on cultural heritage and traditional narratives to new generations. which is important. It introduces readers to indigenous storytelling techniques, themes, and worldviews, promoting appreciation and respect for diverse cultural expressions and perspectives.

I think this helps when we look at folklore and traditions across the world, sometimes we can see similarities.

This story is about Joe, who grew up in Sierra Leone and it follows his journey as he moves to another country, the United States. The story offers a powerful exploration of themes related to immigration, resilience, and self-empowerment, and it follows Joe's various challenges. Joe ultimately finds strength and inspiration in his abilities and the support of his community.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDCzsBOnKI0

I chose this book because it highlights the struggles and triumphs of immigrants, shedding light on their determination to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. We often talk about the American Dream, and I think it is important for students to see how hard work, determination, and resilience can help you achieve your dreams. I would like to believe that students could be empathetic and realize what it is like for someone coming to another country. The challenges they face.

Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue" by Julius Lester is a poignant and powerful account of the largest slave auction in American history, which took place in 1859. Told through a series of dialogues and monologues, the novel gives voice to multiple perspectives, including those of enslaved individuals, slave owners, and abolitionists.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vp_pogSM_U

I chose this book because it is important for students/readers to gain different experiences/perspectives of what slavery was like and how people viewed it. I like the slave narratives/stories from the Library of Congress, but they may be too advanced for earlier elementary. I think the stories are very descriptive and capture the reader. Student's will realize that not everyone haas the same experience or remembers things the same, text books do not always give the most accurate representation.

"Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti" by Gerald McDermott is a vibrant retelling of a traditional Ashanti folktale about Anansi, a clever and mischievous spider who is known for his clever tricks. Through the story we see many different scenarios that Anansi will become involved with. Will he be triumphant always?

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv4WiXKyJuA

I liked this book because it is important as a representation of folktales/storytelling. (Ashanti) The story of Anansi imparts important lessons about cleverness, resourcefulness, and the consequences of one's actions, making it a useful tool for teaching values and critical thinking. It is interesting to see how different cultures have different stories/beliefs.

"Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation" by Duncan Tonatiuh recounts the true story of Sylvia Mendez, a young Mexican American girl, and her family's battle to end school segregation in California. When Sylvia is denied entry to a "whites-only" school, her parents, Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, take legal action against the discriminatory practice.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAg34W4bfxQ

I chose this book because it offers another look at civil rights, and highlights a different group, "Mexican Americans". I think that it is important ti look at history and the histroy of education. We often look at education as the catalyst/doorway to empower individuals. It is important for students to understand this, and the courage it takes to stand up for systemic injustice.

"Stone Soup" by Marcia Brown is a classic folk tale about a clever traveler who arrives in a village where the inhabitants are unwilling to share their food. To teach them a lesson about generosity and community, the traveler starts a pot of "stone soup" by claiming that he can make a delicious soup from just a stone. As he adds ingredients suggested by the villagers—such as vegetables, meat, and spices—the soup becomes a hearty and delicious meal. Through this collaborative effort, the villagers learn the value of sharing and working together, and they end up enjoying a feast that they would not have had otherwise. The story emphasizes themes of community, cooperation, and the benefits of sharing resources.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZdhZdmvsuk

I chose this book because it is an interesting story, and it has many themes that are beneficial for young readers. The main take-away for me was the idea that cooperation and sharing resources can lead to better outcomes for everyone, and you can achieve more than just individually. I also like the idea of being resourceful.

"The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales" by Virginia Hamilton is a collection of traditional African American folktales and legends. The book brings together a selection of stories passed down through generations, featuring magical and supernatural elements that reflect the cultural heritage and history of African Americans.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPjlpAPdNzY

I enjoyed the read aloud of this story and the unique story that it told. Not only did the story have accurate information, but gives a depiction of their experiences. I think the illustrations add to the storytelling. Most importantly it gives readers a glance at another type/style of stroytelling.

It is a book that came from a poem that Joy had wrote, the poem that explores themes of memory, identity, and connection to the natural world. The poem serves as a meditation on the power of remembering and honoring one's heritage and the profound relationship between personal identity and the broader fabric of existence.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltt9axKm2cA

I liked hearing the author talk about her book, and I appreciated the descritions of the book. It is beautiful. It makes readers mindful and to think about their existence, who they are, and how they came to be. This book helps us to understand and connect to our ancestory and nature, that we are all apart of each other - past, present, and future.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48C882cF4sQ&list=PLaVwUrODfvda6JxMNoJtheXg1Uku3a41w

I chose this book because I enjoyed the way the story was told. This book has a lot to offer across the board. Why? This book can cross over from ELA to History, and it teaches us/students very important lessons. We learn that there is more to history than what is written upon pages in a book and there is always more than one side of a story. When Jimmy visited these places, I think it is important to remember that we connect ourselves on another level in nature, we are standing where someone else stood in the past. I think this book has very strong themes, and that we can all learn that we are all connected to the past through our ancestors whom can teach us more than we know about ourselves.

"Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story" by Kevin Noble Maillard celebrates the cultural significance of fry bread within Native American communities. The text is poetic, and it explores the book history, diversity, and traditions associated with fry bread, highlighting its role in family gatherings, celebrations, and as a symbol of resilience and survival. An interesting read.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6qE1FdpBho&t=87s

I choset he book because it gives a unique way of telling the story. We see the making/recipe for fry bread, but it explains what it means/represents. I like that the illustrations give us many different characters (all look different). That we can learn to appreciate other cultures. My mom is part Native American and she makes fry bread when we eat soup/stew. My husband had never had any, but I always loved it growing up. I think that sometimes it gives food a different taste and appreciation when you learn about its orgins or story of how it came to be.

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes" by Duncan Tonatiuh is a retelling of a traditional Mexican folktale. The story is set in ancient Mexico and revolves around the legend of two volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. According to the tale, Popocatépetl, a warrior, and Iztaccíhuatl, a princess, are deeply in love. However, their love is tested and their love story is transformed into the majestic volcanoes that still stand today, symbolizing their eternal bond.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ddk1AEjeak

I liked this book because it gives insight into the cultural stories and traditions of indigenous peoples in Mexico. Including this book in the curriculum exposes students to different cultural narratives and perspectives, promoting a more inclusive and global understanding of literature. When studying folktales it is important to include many different stories from many different cultures.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5Y_xGfDZb0

I chose this book as one of my top choices because it offers relatable characters and it gives a historical and cultural perspective that is important for young readers. I have been in a classroom where a colleague uses this book as one of her units. I remember the kids taking turns walking with a bucket of water in the hall, so they could get a sense of how heavy a bucket of water can be. I think this book can give students a new perspective on other youth lives.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnbkBkA7cDg

I chose this book because it has similar themes as "The Name Jar", but for a little bit older audience. I think that students/readers are given an opportunity to wear the shoes of someone else, and begin to understand that we are all different and unique, we shouldn't lose ourselves to gain friendship or acceptance. Students will understand that immigrating and starting over in a new country or new place is different that just switching schools. Themes include: resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles, empathy/acceptance, and cultural identities.

Read Aloud : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBf2Dpzu4bI

I chose this book because Frederick Douglas is an important person in history. This book would be good in History curriculum. Douglass’s story shows us him overcoming adversity and becoming a powerful advocate for justice and equality serves as an inspiring example of resilience and leadership for students. The book encourages discussions about freedom, equality, and social justice, and fosters critical thinking. This book gives us key points to discuss.