What happens when these two teenagers meet at school?  Will their beginning friendship be able to survive discovering their full identity?

A gripping book with a touch of romance, some language, teen drinking, a side look into sexual orientation, and an honest attempt to look at the emotions both would feel in their unique situations.  

When encountering Zack’s mother’s attitude about defending the shooter, I was reminded of To Kill A Mockingbird with the villain being mental illness instead of racism.

by Claire Vanderpool 

 

This historical fiction novel set in the 1930s shares the story of Abilene Tucker and the summer she spends in a sleepy Kansas town called Manifest. Abilene’s father sends her there while he is away working, though she soon realizes he may not intend to come back for her.  As she gets to know some of the people from her father’s past, she uncovers a mystery from his childhood. From Abilene’s time, we are transported to the years just prior to and including World War I. In a town full of curious characters, Abilene begins uncovering the town’s unique history and how it all relates to her father’s sudden abandonment of her. Shrouded in secrecy, Abilene works hard at digging up the past to make sense of the present. 

I listened to this book on Audible and thoroughly enjoyed it. The way the author portrays this setting was so authentic and engaging, making it a truly pleasant read.  This novel touched on so many critical points in history and really brought them to life through some solid characters. This book would be a great choice for a wide range of young adult readers, either in groups or for a fun Summer reading recommendation. 

Check out the Audible version for an excellent narrator! 

By:Verla Kay

Illustrated by: Larry Day

Set during the Civil War time period.  Young boys as young as 9 years were called to the lines to tap out rhythms on their drums to tell the soldiers where the enemy were, or to tell them what they needed to do.  Verla writes her text in rhyming text.  You can almost hear the words tapped out on the drum of the young soldier.  The story flows from pre-war, war-time and then the aftermath.  

The text has all the elements of Civil War vocabulary.  When used in conjunction with other lessons about the Civil War, students will build and deepen their background knowledge about the Civil War.  It can be used as a read aloud introduction or as a culminating text used to review learned concepts.  One interesting fact about the Civil War that is not always mentioned is the use of Hot Air Balloons used to determine the location of the enemy lines.  Keeping to the theme of Wonders Units “Long Ago and Now” in what ways has reconnaissance changed in the last 150 years.  The Authors Note provides the reader with insights to facts that are rarely shared in textbooks.  The story is told from the point of view of the Confederates.  Many children's books of this period are told from the Union's point of view as they are the winning side.

Students can be encouraged to look online for more about young boys participating in the Civil War.

This historical fiction and children's literature picture book was published in 1993. The author is Eliza Bartone and illustrator Ted Lewin. Peppe The Lamplighter won a Caldecott medal for its distinguished pictures and work. 

This story describes a young boy named Peppe and his quest to earn a living as a lamplighter to help his family. He is so eager to earn his father's respect but being a lamplighter was not the job his father ever wanted for him. With his mama dead, his father unable to work as he is very ill and seven sisters at home, Peppe takes his fathers place as a lamplighter. His father wanted more for his son in America and did not wish this upon him.The story takes place in little Italy in New York City, where during this time street lights were lit by hand. Peppa finally earns his fathers respect and approval.

The author brings a little slice of American history and the Immigrant experience in this story of this young boy working to support his family. The illustrator has created so many different moods with his water colored work and the illustrator uses very detailed pictures of the streets, characters faces, and the authenticity of the time period. This is a very sentimental story about a  poor boy who cares for his family. 

This book can be used to teach retail and summarizing, making inferences, making connections, and can be used during guided reading for grades 1st through 3rd. I think that the strong vocabulary would build a lot of background knowledge or my grade level. Some of the vocabulary included in this text is streetlamp, Twilight, sawdust, Butcher, and embroider. Along with these words I would have children try to make connections with Peppe The Lamplighter. Some possible questions may include” Peppe became disappointed in himself, did you ever feel that way?,  Peppe's father was disappointed about the Pepps’s job. Can you think of a time when your parents felt disappointed about something you did?,  Peppe's little sister helps him. Think about other stories about a brother and sister, what are some things a brother and sister might do together?”. There are so many great lessons that can be taught with this text. I highly recommend checking it out and help students learn some of the same lessons in life as Peppe did. 

Author: Barbara Sandri, Francesci Giubbilini

Illustrator: Camilla Pintonato

Chickenology is not your everyday, typical book about farm animals. In this book, you will discover many fascinating and insightful photos and information about chickens!  Young readers will be captivated by the variety of chickens with different origins, breeds, and feather patterns that all dive deep into chicken anatomy and evolution.
Recently published in 2021, you will learn the basics of chicken care with this playful tone and very Charming illustrations by Camila Pintonato.
I really enjoyed reading and viewing this children's book. I feel like this is not only for children but also for adults that can offer a wealth of information about chickens. Living in a small town of Elko, I feel like this book would appeal to many readers aging 5 years to 10 years old who are raising chickens with their families or maybe have a few at home. This books gravitated towards me because I raise chickens and I actually learned a lot about them from this book.
I could see myself using this book in class with my kindergartners when we talk about farm animals. There could be a focus on the different sizes and colors of eggs, what chickens are made of, how chickens and humans have been connected for thousands of years. You could teach readers about the world origins of chicken breeds.
For example, did you know there are about 300 different types of chickens in the world?