Publisher: Alfred A Knopf

Date: February 14, 2012

Pages: 310

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Family, kindness

Summary: In the book Wonder, Auggie is a young boy who was born with facial abnormalities. We follow his journey through his 5th grade year at a new school, and the friendships and not-so friendships that come with that. His family help him through some hard times with bullies and we learn from Auggie that kindness is so important.

Personal response:

I really love this book and think it is so important for elementary students to hear. I think being able to understand Auggie's perspective on life is so inspiring and can spread more kindness in the world. This book gives readers such an emotional rollercoaster explaining Auggie's life through the good times and the bad.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: August 20, 1998

Pages: 233

Ages: 5th grade and above

Genre: Adventure fiction

Theme: friendship, choices

Summary: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake in Texas after being accused of stealing a pair of shoes that he did not actually steal. Wrong place at the wrong time. At this camp the boys dig holes all day to "build character" but there is a much deeper history behind all of this. Stanley builds relationships with the boys at camp and the mysteries of the story become revealed.

Personal response:

This book and movie are seriously one of my favorites ever. I think the mystery in this novel is so exciting and keeps readers very engaged. I remember reading this book for the first time when I was younger and being so awe struck with how amazing and mysterious the story line was. Cliff hangers left and right really kept the whole class very into the text.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Date: 1989

Pages: 160

Ages: 9 and up

Genre: Historical fiction

Theme: sacrifice, bravery

Summary: In this book, Annemarie Johansen lives in Copenhagen Denmark during Nazi occupation. The story is about her and her best friend Ellen who is Jewish. Ellen is faced with challenges here and she pretends to be one of the Johansen's daughters when she is faced with a home search by the Nazi's. This story helps students understand how intense the situation of Nazi occupation was and how people had to hide away like Ellen did, and fight to survive.

Personal response:

This is a heart wrenching story but is so amazing to read. It is an older book but such a great historical fiction piece. When reading this, you feel so attached to the characters that it makes it that much more difficult to see the hardships they face.

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 1998

Pages: 32

Ages: 2-3rd grade

Genre: fiction, humor

Theme: Confidence, being true to yourself

Summary: Camilla Cream is a young girl who loves lima beans. She stops eating them though because she wants to fit in, but then wakes up covered in stripes! More patterns start to arise and an old lady gives her lima beans that could cure her. She eats them because she just wants to be herself and she is cured! This is a great story for students to understand the importance if being yourself!

Personal response:

I have always enjoyed the story and especially the pictures. The art in this book keeps students engaged and is a great representation of the message.

Publisher: Pajama Press

Date: 2022

Pages: 32

Ages: 5-8

Genres: Cultural, books about books

Theme: The gift of education

Summary: This story takes place in the middle east and is about a young girl and her mother and how they drive a library bus to refugee camps in Afghanistan. It paints a picture on how in many parts of the world not everyone gets an education, and has to fight for the right to learn. It is important for students to hear stories like these to understand how lucky they are to get an education!

Personal response:

This book was a very interesting story and I love reading 'books about books'. I also have not read as much literature as I would like about middle eastern stories, so this is expanding my knowledge on that culture and part of the world.

Publisher: 7th generation

Date: 2021

Pages: 40

Genre: nonfiction

Theme: self love, positivity

Summary: Jayla Rose shares the importance of being there for yourself and loving yourself. This story also talks about finding best friends that lift you up, not bring you down.

Personal response:

I thought this story was awesome to hear especially with Jayla Rose reading it to us. She sounded so passionate and it made me inspired to continue finding people that lift me up.

Publisher: Crown Publishers

Date: 1991

Pages: 32

Ages: 6-8 years

Genre: Fiction, picture book

Theme: Dreaming, freedom

Summary: Cassie is a young girl from Harlem who dreams of flying over the city and claiming buildings as her own. She dreams of freedom to go wherever she wishes and then one night the stars lift her up over the city and this happens.

Personal response:

I thought this book was a very entertaining read as it touches on the concept so many dream about, the freedom to fly and go wherever you dream. I also thought the illustrations added a lot to the story.

Publisher: Macmillan Publishers

Date: 2000

Pages: 32

Ages: 4-8 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Culture, music

Summary:

In this story, we see Harlem through the magic of a young boys eyes. He explains life in a different perspective, and sees so much beauty in his home, and explains it to readers through a variety of literary devices.

Personal response:

I thought this was a beautiful book, and it was refreshing hearing the imagination of a child describing a city. I love the part where he talks about the barber shop and how all of the old timers go there to catch up.

Publisher: Disney Publishing Group

Date: 4/1/2007

Pages: 64

Ages: 3-6 years

Genre: Fiction, humor

Theme: Courage, friendship

Summary: In this story, piggie wants to fly. Gerald tells piggie not to, and Gerald is a lot more serious than piggie. They are best friends though. Piggie eventually flys with the help of another friend.

Personal response:

I think this is a simple book that is great for very young students to engage in a picture book with a good message on friendship and encouragement.

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers group

Date: 7/12/2022

Pages: 40

Ages: kinder-1st

Genre: Realistic fiction

Theme: Self confidence, culture

Summary: In this story, Mirha is excited for school, but then when no one can pronounce her name correctly she is upset inside. She talks to her mom about wanting to change her name, but her mom reminds her how special her name is to her. She decides to not change it and lets students at school know from now on how to actually pronounce it. This makes her feel better and she becomes happier at school with herself and with her friends.

Personal response:

I think this book is an amazing story that is reminding students how special each of their individual backgrounds are. I loved reading this and would love to include this in my class library one day.

Drawing: In my drawing, I decided to draw handcuffs first to represent how slavery makes one feel trapped, then the book that Henry traveled in to become free, and then Henry as a free man celebrating.

I think the activity of a visual representation can be helpful for students because it often times gets them to think about the deeper meaning or message behind the story.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: Janurary 17, 2012

Pages: 336

Ages: 8-10 years

Genre: Fiction, children's literature

Theme: friendship, compassion

Summary: In this chapter book Ivan was taken from his wildlife environment and lives in a cage in the mall along side Stella, an elderly elephant. Ivan begins developing a love of art, after Julia, the mall janitors daughter gives him some art supplies to use. Ruby a baby elephant joins the mall and Stella dies a very sad death. Ivans art begins to develop and draws a large crowd, but then protests arise. The animals are taken from the mall and to a zoo, to live a new life in a new setting. Throughout the story, the animals realize how their life has been so impacted of humans taking them from their homes and using them for entertainment.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book and think that it does a very good job showing the bond and friendship between the animals. The story line and plot is very engaging, and I just fell in love with the characters.

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Inc

Date: 1964

Pages: 192

Ages: 6-9 years

Genre: Fantasy fiction, fairy tale, children's literature

Theme: greed, kindness, hope

Summary:

In this classic chapter book, Charlie is a young boy who does not come from a family with much money. He always stays true to himself though and is humble and kind. He is chosen to go to Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory alongside 4 other children and grandpa Joe accompanies him. With the other children's chaos throughout the day, Charlie's virtue gets him to the real prize, the whole chocolate factory from Mr. Wonka.

Personal response:

This has always been one of my favorite stories, and still is to this day! I think it is so entertaining, magical, an escape from reality, and the characters are very funny. The moral of the story though is what stands out to me the most. Since Charlie is the most humble and kind young boy on the trip to the factory, he gets the reward in the end, and his kindness and honesty does not go unnoticed.

Publisher: Candlewick

Date: February 14, 2006

Pages: 228

Ages: 7 and up

Genre: Adventure fiction

Theme: self discovery, kindness, compassion

Summary:

In this tear jerking chapter book, a china rabbit named Edward Tulane, goes on a journey of love, loss, and hope. He begins as he was made for a young girl named Abilene. He encounters a journey across the sea, being picked up by a hobo, loves ill Sarah Ruth, and then sits on the shelf of a shop after he was broken. Within his journey he develops a deep love and feelings for those that he helps, and readers get very attached.

Personal response:

Absolutely one of the most memorable books and most emotional books I have read in a while. This story is like no other, and the characters will have students so engaged. I especially love the style of writing that this book has and it makes it special.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: January 1, 1993

Pages: 48

Ages: 5-9 years

Genre: Fairy tale

Theme: determination, love

Summary: This story follows the lines of the traditional Cinderella story but adds in the Korean culture. Pear Blossom is a young girl who's mother died and her father remarried a woman who has a stepdaughter. They are not kind and make Pear Blossom work. Pear Blossom lost a shoe at a festival and a magistrate sees her and and states he wants to marry her.

Personal response:

This book is a very interesting story and incorporates lots of beautiful illustrations and it was interesting to learn more about the Korean culture. This would be a great book to have in a classroom.

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Date: April 6, 2020

Pages: 40

Ages: 4-8 years

Genre: Biography, children's literature

Theme: kindness, community

Summary: This story takes us through Mister Rogers life and talks about how he wanted to create something positive for families on TV. He wanted to build a loving and diverse community in his 'neighborhood'.

Personal response:

I thought this was a fun and interesting read, since this show was one I remember watching as a kid. I think it came out during a time where people needed to be reminded of the importance of acceptance and community.

Publisher: Philomel & Harper Collins

Date: 2007

Pages: 32

Ages: K- 2ng grade

Genre: fiction

Theme: friendship, adventure

Summary:

In this short read, a sweet story about a boy who finds an unexpected friend in a space martian is told. The illustrations are also very entertaining in this story and I think young readers would really enjoy this.

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: 2/1/ 2000

Pages: 32

Ages: K-3rd grade

Genre: fiction

Theme: Being brave, everyone gets nervous

Summary:

This story is told about someone experiencing first day jitters. Through the story we see the main characters father trying to wake her, getting her lunch, and driving her to school, and the audience assumes it is a new student... but at the end we see that it is a new teachers first day.

Personal response:

I have always loved this book, and this it as an amazing plot line for students to see that even their teachers get nervous sometimes. Lots of students can be anxious about the first week of school, so this would be a great book to read during those first couple of days!

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: September 6, 2022

Pages: 32

Ages: 4-8 years

Genre: fiction, animals

Theme: confidence

Summary: In this amazing story about self confidence and being yourself, Dave is a bear who feels he lives in his brothers shadow. He never feels confident that he can do anything good enough, but then one day, he discovers what he really likes to do, which is make bright and creative clothing! Once he accepts being himself and does what he loves he is very happy and proud to share his clothes and art with everyone.

Personal response:

I think this story is amazing and a NEED in my classroom one day. It is a wonderful book for mental-emotional learning as it is a perfect representation of finding happiness once you do what you love and not worry about comparing yourself to others.

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: 2001

Pages: 32

Ages: K-3rd

Genre: Comedy

Theme: Dancing, finding yourself

Summary:

In this book, Gerald is a giraffe who doesn't think he is good at dancing. He is very sad, but then he meets a cricket who helps him find his own groove. He begins to dance and goes and shows everyone how amazing he really is at dancing now that he has found his own music.

Personal Response:

This book is one of my favorites, because I love the theme of dancing along with finding your own individual tune. I think this is very important for students to learn for their mental emotional health, that each person has their differences and things that they are good at, just like Gerald did, we all just have to find our own groove.

Publisher: Viking Children's Books

Date: 1989

Pages: 32

Ages: Grades 2-4

Genre: Comedy, fairy tale

Summary:

In this story, the big bad wolf, who has been in jail for the unfortunate events that happened with the three little pigs, gets to tell his side of the story. He claims it was all a misunderstanding and wants to clear his name. He wanted to borrow some ingredients from the pigs and a big sneeze was the end of it all.

Personal Response:

I thought this was a funny story, and students are likely familiar with the original, so this one has a funny twist! It is engaging and is accompanied by awesome illustrations.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date: 2004

Pages: 40

Ages: Grades 2-3

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Hard work, leadership

Summary: In this story we see duck run for many different types of leadership in different elections. He begins by running for president of the farm and ends by running for president of the USA! We see all of the tasks and hard work that duck put into these elections and how he was able to run against other candidates.

Personal Response:

I think this story would be a great resource for teaching elementary students about how elections work and it is a very goofy story that students would enjoy. The topic of politics and elections can be overwhelming for many young students but I think this story makes it very easy and simplified to follow.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Date: 1975

Pages: 30

Ages: K-1st grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Friendship, individuality

Summary:

In this story, a chameleon has sad emotions towards the fact that he does not have his own color like other animals. He finds his own identity and learns to love his colors.

Personal response: I think this story is great for younger elementary students and teaches them about embracing your personal identity.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: November 2, 2021

Pages: 40

Ages: 4-7 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self confidence

Summary: A cookie struggles in her teachers class with certain academic areas and begins to doubt herself. She finds a passion in using creativity in poetry and understands all of the different ways each individual can be intelligent.

Personal Response: I think this is a super cute book and is great for mental emotional learning. The pictures are engaging and it is silly while also teaching an important message.

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Date: September 6, 2016

Pages: 40

Ages: 3-6 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Emotions, self understanding

Summary: In this story, we see how several different superheroes handle big emotions. They explain to the reader how even though they have so many feelings, they do not let their feelings get the best of them. They give students an understanding of how to be in touch with their emotions and not let them get the best of them.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this story and think this is such an important topic for students to spend time thinking about. At all ages students are learning and feeling all sorts of new emotions and feelings, and this book is a wonderful tool to help students feel like they are in control of their emotions.

Publisher: Dragonfly Books

Date: 1963

Pages: 32

Ages: 2-6 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Overcoming fears, teamwork

Summary: In this story, a school of fish are scared of getting eaten by the bigger animals and have fears about the wide ocean. One day, a brave fish comes along and shows the others how by being brave and working together they can do anything and don't need to be scared!

Personal Response: This book is a great representation of what bravery looks like for young students and I think would be a wonderful addition to any library.

Publisher: Waterbrook

Date: June 29, 2021

Pages: 40

Ages: 3-7 years

Genre: realistic fiction

Theme: kindness, acceptance, differences

Summary: Macy is a girl who embraces differences, yet not everyone is as accepting as her. She has been pushed away and told she doesn't fit the mold, but she knows her differences are special. She helps readers learn this and and reminds everyone they are special.

Personal Response: I really like this story for teaching acceptance and Macy is a wonderful representation of spreading positivity.

Publisher: Two Lions

Date: January 5, 2012

Pages: 32

Ages: 3-6 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Decision making

Summary: In this book, we see what the world would look like if everyone did not follow the rules and made careless decisions. Through humor, this book helps students understand the circumstances of things like like littering and interrupting others when talking.

Personal Response: I think this book is a good reminder for students on the importance of rule following and why rules are there. Sometimes it can be easy for students to forget this.

Publisher: Bucket Fillers

Date: October 1, 2015

Pages: 32

Ages: K-4th grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: kindness

Summary: This story explains to children the idea of filling others buckets, and how that makes your own bucket feel full too!

Personal response: I love the idea of teaching students about filling others buckets and not dipping out. I think this is a great representation of kindness.

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: June 27, 2013

Pages: 40

Ages: K-3rd grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Perspective

Summary: In this book Duncan opens his crayon box to find letters from his crayons, but no crayons! They express their complaints they have and what they want changed. Duncan ends up creating a picture in which he uses all of the crayons in new and unique ways.

Personal response: This is one of my favorite books and is so genius! It really makes you think about this situation and how it models situations in real life.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: May 1, 2012

Pages: 320

Ages: 5-6th grade

Genre: Young adult fiction

Theme: The power of communication

Summary: In this powerful story, the main character Melody is a girl who lives with the challenge of communicating due to cerebral palsy. She is very smart but cannot communicate is and this is very difficult as she is stuck inside her head.

Personal response: This story is an emotion filled text that makes readers feel so connected to the characters. I think for older readers, it is an important story for them as it goes deeper into what students with learning disabilities may feel like in their day to day lives.

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Date: 1967

Pages: 224

Ages: 7-9th grade

Genre: Young adult, coming of age

Theme: Friendship, growing up

Summary: In this novel, Ponyboy is part of a gang called the Greasers and he starts getting into trouble when conflict arises between a rival gang.

Personal response: This is such a great story about friendship and coming of age. I remember reading this story in middle school myself and I remember being so engaged and loving all of the characters.

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: 1993

Pages: 240

Ages: 7-9th grade

Genre: Dystopian Fiction

Theme: memories, pain & pleasure

Summary: This is a crazy, dystopian story about a society where everyone is assigned to their lives and have no memory, except for the giver. Jonas is assigned to become the giver of memory and here he begins to understand the darkness and chaos of this society. This book is an exciting one that keeps readers on their toes.

Personal response: I really enjoyed this story and I think books about dystopian societies are so interesting.

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: Febuary 8, 2010

Pages: 192

Ages: 3-7th grade

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Strength

Summary: A girl named Karana lives on an island off of California, based on a true story, and she has spent 18 years alone. She has to deal with the wild dogs that killed her brother and the plain fact of survival on the island, alone.

Personal response: This book is an amazing and inspiring read, and could teach young readers so much about growing up and learning to be independent.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: August 11, 2020

Pages: 40

Ages: K-3rd grade

Genre: fiction

Theme: Sticking with your goals

Summary: LeBron James reminds students to follow their dreams in this amazing picture book on all that one must do to achieve their dreams.

Personal Response: One of my absolute favorite books and I am getting it for a friend as a graduation gift! Such a good reminder of all that we go through to reach our dreams and what we must keep doing!

Publisher: Flamingo Books

Date: December 9, 2020

Pages: 32

Ages: K-2nd grade

Theme: Children's Self Esteem

Summary: In this book we see the story of a young boy who is feeling some anxiety towards going to school. He worries he may not know things, but then he realizes all that he is lucky to have. He flips his day right side up and knows he is smart, blessed, and can do anything.

Personal Response: I love this picture book for boosting students self esteem, and it can especially be useful when students are having some anxiety and nerves about coming to school.

Date: October 17, 2023

Pages: 36

Ages: 4-8 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growth mindset

Summary: In this story, a girl named Millie continues to face challenges and make mistakes. She uses her determination to realize its ok to make mistakes, and she will not quit!

Personal response: I hope in the future to constantly be reminding my students of growth mindset, and that mistakes are just proof they are trying, so I think this book would be a great resource to help teach this idea.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: 10/1/2000

Pages: 40

Ages: 1-2nd grade

Genre: Childrens Literature

Theme: Adventure

Summary: This story is about a pig named Olivia who loves having adventures and often pushes her parents buttons. The illustrations are captivating and Olivia makes the readers fall in love with her in these series of books.

Personal response: I grew up reading all of these books and loved them all, especially since we have the same name!

Publisher: The Viking Press

Date: 1/1/1967

Pages: 64

Ages: K-2nd grade

Genre: realistic fiction

Theme: Adventure

Summary: This story is an action and adventure packed one following a young girl named Madeline through her crazy adventures at a french boarding school.

Personal response: I loved this story growing up, and I remember always watching the movie with my sisters.

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Date: 1996

Pages: 32

Ages: K-4th grade

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Adventure, school

Summary: Lily loves her purple plastic purse, and all of her possessions that come with it. She brings it to school, but then her teacher takes them away! She draws mean pictures, but then she realizes that her teacher returned her belongings with a sweet note and some treats, she owes her an apology.

Personal response: This is such nan entertaining book and I love the story line. So fun for young readers.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: January 10, 1997

Pages: 40

Ages: K-3rd grade

Genre: Childrens Literature

Theme: Consequences

Summary: This funny picture book tells the story about a mouse who just keeps asking for things, until he gets what he wants! One thing leads to him wanting another.

Personal Response: I loved this series growing up and I always thought the different patterns of things the animals would ask for were so funny.

Publisher: SourceBooks Jabberwoky

Date: 8/1/2017

Pages: 40

Ages: K-2nd grade

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Bravery

Summary: In this book, the author emphasizes how bravery can be shown in so many different ways, and it cheers on everyone trying to be brave!

Personal response: I think this is an awesome story representing strength and is good for children to hear.

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Date: 9/3/1947

Pages: 32

Ages: K-1st grade

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Showing thanks

Summary: This story touches on appreciating all of the little things in life, as we hear a young boy say goodnight to all of the things in his life.

Personal Response: I feel like this story has always had a mysterious feel to it, especially when I read it when I was younger. I think that is due to the colors and all of the illustrations.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: 10/7/1964

Pages: 64

Ages: 2-3rd

Genre: Poem

Theme: Friendship, life

Summary: This is a touching story about a boy and his relationship with an apple tree. Their friendship lasts the boys whole life.

Personal Response: I think this is a beautiful book of poetry that all students should have the opportunity to read.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: December 13, 2005

Pages: 32

Genre: fiction

Theme: Family, self expression

Summary: Fancy Nancy is a girl who loves to accessorize, but her family is quite opposite! She loves giving her family all of the fashion advice.

Personal Response: I loved this series as a kid and think all of the books with Fancy Nancy are so entertaining!

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: September 1, 1998

Pages: 32

Theme: Comedy

Summary: In this story, David writes about all of the stuff his mom would tell him not to do! Accompanied with funny pictures, this book is a favorite of students!

Personal Response: This book is very cool as David actually wrote it when he was a kid himself.

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: October 1, 2000

Pages: 40

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Anti Bullying

A boy moves in to a new house, and becomes the enemy! He makes enemy pie, but he has to spend a whole day playing with the enemy.

Personal Response: I think this is a good book for mental emotional learning and helps students understand the effects of bullying.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: February 1, 2002

Pages: 32

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Anti-Bullying

Summary: Mean Jean was the recess queen and everyone played by her rules, until a new friend came along and showed the recess queen how kindness can be spread instead of meanness.

Personal Response: I think this is a goofy story about an important topic, of anti bullying. I could see myself using this in my future classroom to teach why bullying is not good behavior.

Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues

Date: October 1, 2005

Pages: 32

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Good Behavior

Summary: Louis always interrupts! And this book is all about how he learns to manage his big emotions and words.

It talks about how students can learn to manage their thoughts to restrain from interrupting. Louis begins to see how being interrupted feels when others start interrupting him!

Personal Response: This is another book I think could be very useful especially for young students on handling big emotions!

Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues

Date: August 23, 2020

Pages: 32

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self control, respect

Summary: Louis has the wiggles, a lot! It is becoming difficult for him to control and his mom teaches a dance that will help him get the wiggles out!

Personal Response: I think this is another great book for teaching students about important skills, in the classroom and in life. Julia Cook books always include a little humor also!