Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: 1986

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Theme: Courage and overcoming fear

Summary: A little old lady is taking a walk through the woods when she begins to come across scary objects. These objects include shoes, pants, shirt, gloves, and a pumpkin head. She gets a little nervous but she uses her creativity to come up with a solution.

Personal Connection: There have been many times in my life where I have been scared but I have learned to face my fears and find solutions to help with these things. We all have moments of bravery in our life just like the little old lady.

Curriculum Connection: This book is a great resource to read to kids who are scared for something such as a test. Reading this to them will help them to confront these fears and find ways to help with them.

Publisher: Random House

Date: 1960

Pages: 63

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Books or Poetry

Theme: Imagination as well as diversity

Summary: This books is an exploration throughout many different creatures that have lots of different traits that are unique. You can see colorful fish as well as other things that are imaginative. There is a deep dive into diversity through the playful rhymes and the bright pictures.

Personal Connection: This book reminds me of how much I would use my imagination when I was little. Just like the book I loved to explore and think of new and unique things. I find in my life that this book really helps me to remember that everyone is different but everyone is important.

Curriculum Connection: This book is a great resource to help kids understanding rhyming and poetry. Younger kids can use it for counting or to work on their colors. Older kids can use it to discuss diversity.

Publisher: Random House

Date: 1960

Pages: 62

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Poetry or Children's Picture Book

Theme: Open-mindedness or Acceptance

Summary: In this book there is a character names Sam-I-Am and this character continuously tries to get another character to eat this plate of green eggs and ham. The other character continuously refuses but that doesn't stop Sam-I-Am from offering it to the other character again and again. Each time he offers it to him its in a different setting or with a different companion. Finally, the other character decided to try the food and he found that he really liked it.

Personal Connection: In my life I can be very hesitant to try new things and this is why I can relate so well to this book. It takes a lot of persistence and time to get me to try something new but often times when I do I find that I really enjoy it. This book reminds me that its ok to try new things.

Curriculum Connection: This book is a great resource to help teach students rhymes and repetition. It can help students to discuss how trying new things can impact their lives and help them think about trying new things in a fun way.

Publisher: Random House

Date: 1990

Pages: 56

Grade Level: Pre K-3rd

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Journey as well as Self-Discovery

Summary: This book takes a character through many different adventures where he has successful adventures as well as many challenges. The main character has to go through many obstacles to finally get to the end of the story.

Personal Connection: I can relate to this book because this is how I feel starting new chapters or doing new things. It can be hard when obstacles get in the way but we have to remember that they are only making us better and stronger.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great resource to help students with goal setting and thinking about their own personal growth. It could also help students with narrative structure and being able to look at characters and their development. This can also be a great resource with creative writing.

Publisher: Little Tiger Press

Date: 2015

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Fairy Tale

Theme: Hard Work or Resilience

Summary: In this story there are three pigs and they each build a house. One builds it out of straw, another out of sticks, and the third out of bricks. When the wolf comes along he destroyed the house made out of straw and sticks very easily. When he gets to the third house made of bricks he can't blow it down. This shows us that hard work pays off.

Personal Connection: I can relate to this story because the harder I work the better the end result will be. If I slack off and only do part of the work then the end result won't be as good and this is an important lesson to remember.

Curriculum Connection: This story is great to help students with sequencing or cause and affect. It can inspire kids and help them to think about hard work and dedication.

Publisher: Firefly Books

Date: 1986

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre K-3rd

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Theme: Family bonds and unconditional love

Summary: This story is about a mom that reads a special lullaby when she rocks her son to sleep. The son slowly grows and the mother always sings this lullaby to him no matter what. Then one day when the mom gets really old the son carries her and sings her this same lullaby.

Personal Connection: I can relate with this story because my mom has done some things like this and it has brought our bond so much closer. Not only can I relate to this with my mom but also as I have become a mom and I want my daughter to always no how much I love her.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great resource to look at family relationships and emotions. It can help spark discussions about how fast time can go as well as the growing up process.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: 2019

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre K-2nd

Genre: Humor/ Children's Picture Books

Theme: Importance of Communication and imagination

Summary: This book is about silly things that can arise when their are imaginative scenarios. There are lots of whimsical explanations throughout such as my head has a bellyache. It shows how much childhood thinking can be and how creative it is.

Personal Connection: I can relate to this story because I feel like I use my imagination a lot. I like to think outside of the box and I enjoy coming up with creative ways to share my ideas and my thinking.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great resource for language and creativity. It can help with imaginative thinking and helps students to think about the ways they are feeling and how to describe these things.

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: 2012

Pages: 320

Grade Level: 4th-8th

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Theme: Kindness and Acceptance

Summary: This story is about a boy named Auggie Pullman. He has a facial difference and he is getting ready to go to school for the very first name. Throughout the book there are multiple difference perspectives being shown. These include his perspective on everything, his classmates perspectives, and it shows his families perspectives. Auggie faces a lot of bullying and he has to try to navigate through that and teach people how important it is to be kind to those around you.

Personal Connection: I can connect to this story because I might not have a facial difference but I have gone through points in my life where I didn't feel like I fit in. They were incredibly difficult and people were very mean. I had to learn to get through these things and it has made me realize the importance of kindness and accepting everyone.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great resource to helps students understand empathy and diversity in schools. Showing kids how important it is to be kind can help them to treat everyone this way and help make sure everyone feels kindness.

Publisher: Random House

Date: 2003

Pages: 112

Grade Level: 1st-3rd

Genre: Children's Chapter Books

Theme: Friendship and growing up

Summary: Junie B. Jones is in kindergarten and she has just starting losing her front teeth. She is really worried about how her friends are going to look at her when she has a toothless smile. She has many humorous experiences and how she tries to adjust to this change with her smile. Finally in the end she was able to embrace it and her friends were very supportive.

Personal Connection: I feel connected to Junie B. Jones because it has been awhile since I lost my front teeth but I have gone through experiences where my appearance has changed and I really worry about what others are going to think and I find it takes me awhile to accept it.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great story to help someone understand friendships and how we can change as we are growing up. It can helps students with their creative writing skills and help them learn how to share their experiences.

Publisher: Random House

Date: 2002

Pages: 96

Grade Level: 2nd-4th

Genre: Children's Fantasy or Adventure

Theme: Adventure and History

Summary: In this story Jack and Annie travel in their magical treehouse back in time. They go back to when there were dinosaurs and they meet a turtle. Through this turtle and this adventure they learn about the prehistoric world. They have to go through challenges and lessons to gain a deeper understanding and travel back home.

Personal Connection: I have always been really interested in history and learning more about different time periods. These stories allow me to look back in time and look at different events or things that have taken place.

Curriculum Connection: This good could be great to help introduce students to different time periods and dinosaurs in particular. It can help them to get excited to look at history and be excited to study more about these things.

Publisher: Originally by George M. Hill Company

Date: 1900

Pages: 240

Grade Level: 3-5

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Theme: Courage, bravery, belonging, self-discovery, friendship, and we can see themes of loyalty throughout this story

Summary: This story is about a girl names Dorothy that is swept up by a tornado and ends up in Oz which is a magical land. Trying to get home she follows the road and meets the Wizard of Oz. She then finds the scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the cowardly lion that are all trying to get something from Oz. They all face challenges and they learn many lessons.

Personal Connections: When I started my journey in motherhood I had to go through a time of self-discovery and really learning who I was as a person. This book really helped me to realize that we are not alone and that every goes through something similar in their life.

Curriculum Connections: Students could look at the journey across the land of Oz and they could map out where Dorothy traveled. This could help all students to better understand the concept of geography and its an exciting project to help them see how far Dorothy went.

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Date: 2020

Pages: 368

Grade Level: 6-9

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery

Theme: Mental Health, Self-discovery, Family, Friends, Relationships,

Summary: Simon is a high school student that got assigned a school project that involves a character whose name is Sorta. This is when his world begins to change. He begins to struggle with his insecurities. He has to figure out how to navigate family dynamics. The story helps us to look at his journey and how words can influence someone's self identity and it talks about acceptance. Within his journey he learns a lot about personal growth. 

Personal Connections: I lost my brother 4 years ago to a drunk driver and I feel like this story is really good for those of us that have lost loved ones. It helps us to really understand that we are not alone in this and that people understand and struggle in the same way that we do.

Curriculum Connection: This book is a really good book to help introduce mental health awareness and things we can do to help cope with mental health problems. This could really help younger students before they start to have mental health struggles and can help them understand that they are not alone.

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Date: 2020

Pages: 304

Grade Level: 6-9

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Theme: Identity, Self-discovery, Family dynamics, Growth

Summary: This story is about a young girl who is 13. Her name is Eve and she is facing many challenges in her life. One of her biggest struggles is her appearance. She is very self-conscious because of a dental condition that she has. This makes it so she has become very withdrawn and insecure. Another challenge she is facing is family tension. Her mom has a very big focus in her health and appearance and it has caused a lot of tension. Throughout the story we can see her start to confront her fears and she learns how to navigate changes within herself and within her family. She learns how to deal with the pressures that are put on her and she learns self-acceptance.

Personal Connections: I have struggles with my appearance throughout my journey in school and I feel like this story is such a great example of how we can deal with these struggles and it helps us to understand that each person around us is dealing with similar things. We are never alone.

Curriculum Connection: This story is a great example of character development. Having the children look at and study the way that Eve grows throughout it both internally as well as externally will help them to better understand the way people develop.

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Date: 2020

Pages: 32

Grade Level: 2-5

Genre: Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Book

Theme: Overcoming challenges, Gender Equality, Breaking Barriers, Sports, and Perseverance

Summary: This story is about Bobbi Gibb who was the first woman that ran in the Boston Marathon. She ran in 1966 and during this time women weren't officially supposed to be in the race. She decided to run the race in secret and this story tells us about her courage as well as her determination. It also shows us how she overcame challenges and gender equality to help break barriers. 

Personal Connections: I think this story is such a great example for young kids who are interested in sports especially running. I think it helps them to fins inspiration in her determination and it helps them to better understand that they can do hard things.

Curriculum Connection: After completing this reading an activity that you can do is race track. Have the students identify a goal that they want to accomplish or a challenge that they want to try and overcome and have them right that at the finish line. Have them create a race track to that finish line in which they identify things they can do to help them reach this goal. This helps them to think about the effort that they need to put in to be able to overcome challenges and it helps them think about all of the work Bobbi put in.

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: 2019

Pages: 40

Grade Level: Ages 4-7 (Preschool to early Elementary)

Genre: Picture Book, Humor, Children's Fiction

Theme: Facing Fears and anxiety, new experiences, growth, friendship

Summary: This story follows a pigeon who is very reluctant to go to school. The pigeon talks about being scared to be away from home and the story has many other funny reasons for the pigeon not wanting to go. In the end the pigeon realizes its not so bad.

Personal Connections: This story is great for little kids who are nervous to go to school. This relates to my life because my daughter is going to be starting school in the next couple of years and she might be nervous like the pigeon. This is a great story to help with some of that worry and stress.

Curriculum Connection: After reading this story you could have the children draw their own pigeon. After drawing it you can help them to write down things they are worried about with school. This helps the kids to really think about the things that makes them nervous and then you can talk about it as a group or one on one.

Publisher: Geoffrey Bles (Original UK publisher)

Date: 1950

Pages: 208

Grade Level: 4-6

Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure

Theme: Good vs. Evil, Sacrifice, Redemption, Growth, Hope

Summary: This story takes place during World War ll. 4 Siblings are sent to the countryside in a large house. While staying at this house the youngest sibling found a wardrobe. They discovered that it leads to Narnia which is a magical land. When she gets to Narnia she meets a faun whos name is Mr. Tumnus. She discovered that the White Which rules Narnia and she cast a spell that caused an eternal winter. The four children adventure through Narnia and discover many people and animals. They help to defeat the which and they bring spring back to Narnia.

Personal Connections: I can connect with this story because of how much my siblings and I have a relationship like the ones in the story. We do a lot of things together and we try out new things at the same time and I feel like this has really drawn us closer.

Curriculum Connection: After reading this story you could open up a classroom discussion and introduce the themes that we saw like sacrifice, courage, and redemption. Give all students a chance to share experiences or ideas that have around these themes. This helps all students to better understand the whole idea of each of these topics.

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1962

Pages: 32 Pages

Grade Level: Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Childhood Exploration, Solitude, Reflection, Independence

Summary: This story is about a young boy names Peter. One day Peter wakes up and he sees that it had snowed overnight. He gets excited and goes outside to explore. He makes footprints, slides on some ice, and tries to make a snowman. Finally its time for him to head home and he while he falls asleep he thinks about the adventures that he can have tomorrow.

Personal Connections: I can relate to his excitement for snow. I have a two year old daughter and we love to sled and make a snowman. Watching his experiences reminds me so much of the ones my daughter and I have.

Curriculum Connection: The book takes places in a diverse neighborhood. After reading you can have a class discussion and let kids talk about community life, and how different people can have different types of experiences depending on the season.

Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date: 1989

Pages: 40

Grade Level: Preschool to 1st Grade

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Alphabet, Learning, Growth, Progress

Summary: This story is all about letters racing to the top of a coconut tree. It goes through each letter one by one and they take turns climbing up the tree. It's exciting to watch all of the letters trying to fit up in the coconut tree. Once each letter has climbed to the top the tree is unable to hold all of them and they fall down.

Personal Connections: This story is such a fun and exciting story to help teach the alphabet. I read this story to my daughter at least once a week and it has been such a fun way to help teach her the letters.

Curriculum Connection: Help students to draw their own coconut tree. Once they have finished drawing give them the chance to write all of the letters on the tree in whichever they want. This helps them to work on their ABC's in a fun and exciting way.

Publisher: Harper and Row (now HarperCollins)

Date: 1974

Pages: 168

Grade Level: 2-6

Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature

Theme: Imagination, Creativity, Life Lessons, Exploration, Adventure

Summary: This book is a collection of poems as well as illustrations. The poems contain humor and they are whimsical and fun. There is a wide range of topics and we can see creativity and exploration.

Personal Connections: I love these poems. The creativity and humor helps you really connect and understand the themes that are being portrayed. It has helped me with personal reflection and exploring deeper.

Curriculum Connection: After reading these poems you can give students the chance to pair up and write their own. Help them to really understand poetry, rhyme schemes, and rhythm. Help them to know that this is an assignment that is fun and not to take it to serious.

Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co.

Date: 1885

Pages: 100

Grade Level: 2-6

Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature

Theme: Childhood, Innocence, Imagination, Nature, Growth

Summary: This is a collection of poetry that covers a wide range of topics. WE can see many different experiences as well as imagination of children. We can see everyday experiences of children as well as fantasy and whimsical experiences.

Personal Connections: I remember my childhood and how curious I was. The whimsical poems really show how much imagination children have and how curious they are.

Curriculum Connection: After reading you can have the children each pick a poem and give them a chance to draw a picture for that poem. This allows kids to really think about the things that poem says and break down each piece to study it. It helps the kids to stay engaged and excited.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Date: 2011

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Poetry, Picture Book

Theme: Nature, Birdwatching, Seasons, Observation, Discovery

Summary: This book is a collection of poems that looks more into birds and birdwatching. There is imaginative language and throughout each poem it spotlights a different bird. The poems have sensory details and this really brings the objects to life making it very engaging.

Personal Connections: I can connect with this story because I love spending time outside. My daughter enjoys this as well and she is very fascinated by birds so we really enjoy watching them and learning more.

Curriculum Connection: Have students draw a couple of their favorite birds then go around and take turns sharing. This gives students a chance to really think about the things that interests them. It also gives them a chance to share their artwork and discuss it.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 2000

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Poetry, Picture Book

Theme: The power of books, self-discovery, expression

Summary: This is a book full of a collection of poetry. The poems portray books in different ways. The poems help to show the excitement that stories bring to readers. The illustrations help bring the poems to life by incorporating bright pictures.

Personal Connections: I can connect with these poems because I love books. I love the adventures that we feel like we are apart of and I love how each book gives us a new experience. These poems really help us to understand how much books can change our lives.

Curriculum Connection: After reading this story you can have the children pick their favorite poem and draw a new illustration that fits what the poem is discussing. This will help the children to gain a love for the illustrations throughout books and understand how much they help bring things to life.

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Date: 1952

Pages: 192

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Children's fiction, animal fiction

Theme: friendship, life and death, courage, sacrifice, growth, and the power of words

Summary: This story is about Wilbur who is a young pig. In this story this pig is saved by Charlotte who is a clever spider. Wilbur is sold to a farm that plans on sending him to be slaughtered and this clever spider keeps that from happening. With Charlotte's spider web she writes messages like "some pig" and this causes a lot of attention. This helps save Wilbur from being slaughtered and in the end Charlotte dies but her legacy never does.

Personal Connections: I think many people can relate to this story when they really need help and someone is there to help them. Many times I have needed my mom to help me with things whether they be big or small and she has always been there. Charlotte reminds me of my mom by constantly being there to help.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great story that can help children get excited to learn more about the biology of spiders and how life cycles work. After reading you can begin a discussion and let kids share their ideas and thoughts about spiders and the life cycles of animals. After you can explain to them how these work.

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1988

Pages: 240

Grade Level: 4-6

Genre: Children's fiction, fantasy

Theme: the power of knowledge, overcoming adversity, importance of kindness, growth

Summary: A young girl grows up in a family that mistreats her and neglects her. This young girl is Matilda Wormwood. She is incredibly gifted but her parents don't pay attention and her school headmistress is cruel and mean. Throughout these struggles and challenges she discovered she has telekinetic powers and she used this to help bring justice to those around her.

Personal Connections: I feel like this book really helps those that are misunderstood and go through struggles. It helps us to truly understand that we aren't alone that there are similar people around us.

Curriculum Connection: This book could be really great for a social studies project. It would give the students a chance to look at the different themes like bulling or family dynamics and it can help them discuss how these things can affect people.

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Date: 1924

Pages: 150

Grade Level: 3-5

Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Children's fiction

Theme: Importance of family and friends, self-reliance, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Summary: The boxcar children is about a set of siblings that are orphans. There are four of them and they are determined to live on their own. They ran away from the grandfather because he was very cruel and they found a boxcar to turn into a home. They are very resourceful and they navigate through all of the challenges together.

Personal Connections: In a way I feel like I can resonate with these siblings because moving out is something that is extremely difficult. There are many challenges and its important to stick together to get through these.

Curriculum Connection: This story is great for an activity on critical thinking and teamwork. Create a couple small obstacles for the students like putting a couple of boxes down. Have them get in partners and one has to have their eyes closed while the other leads them. This will show them how important it is to work together and stay strong.

Publisher: Scholastic Graphix

Date: 2010

Pages: 213

Grade Level: 4-8

Genre: Graphic novel, realistic fiction, memoir

Theme: Friendship, personal growth, overcoming challenges, importance of resilience

Summary: This graphic novel tells the story of Raina Telgemeier during her time in middle school. This was a very challenging period in her life. The first one we see is when her front teeth got knocked out due to an accident. Due to this happening Raina had to go through lots of dental procedures and other surgeries that really made her feel alone. This makes it difficult on her friendship as well as her self-image. She learns how to fins strength to navigate these situations.

Personal Connections: I can really resonate with this book because I have gone through phases in my life where I feel alone and I feel like I have no one. These things can make it so difficult on relationships and its so hard to navigate. This story helps us know that we aren't alone and there are others out there feeling the same way.

Curriculum Connection: This story is great for health education. Teaching kids the importance of dental care as well as there health and giving them things they can do to help with these challenges is going to help keep them from becoming overwhelmed and scared.

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: 1969

Pages: 26

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Theme: Growth, transformation, heathy eating habits, and it walks us through the cycle of life of an animal

Summary: This story is all about a caterpillar that's very hungry. Throughout the book this caterpillar eats many different foods and the meals keep getting bigger each time. Once the caterpillar ate to much he got full and we watch how this caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon. After a little while the caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly.

Personal Connections: Many people can relate to this very hungry caterpillar because sometimes we just can't get full. We are hungry and we just keep eating but eventually we reach a point where we get full and don't want anymore.

Curriculum Connection: This book is perfect for science to help the kids look at the concept of life cycles like the butterfly. Having the kids draw each step in the life cycle will really help them to understand it.

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Date: 1996

Pages: 44

Grade Level: 1-3

Genre: Science fiction, children's educational

Theme: the human body, discovery, teamwork, health, and hygiene

Summary: Ms. Frizzle a school teacher that likes to take her class on wild adventures in their school bus that's magical. This book features the human body. We can see them explore the organs, circulatory system, digestive system, and the respiratory system. As they do this we learn how each part works and the kids in her class are faced with different challenges.

Personal Connections: I can connect with this book because I feel like my experience learning the human body was wild like their adventures. I love learning how these things work and function.

Curriculum Connection: This book is the perfect way to introduce the human body to your children and help them to learn how the organs work to help ensure we are healthy.

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Date: 2000

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 1st

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Bedtime routines, manners, imagination, humor

Summary: This is a rhyming story that tells us about how different dinosaurs behave at bedtime. The dinosaurs are mischievous and have playful behaviors. Things like stomping or roaring. Eventually the dinosaurs say goodnight in a peaceful way with help from their parents.

Personal Connections: I can relate to this story because my daughter doesn't want to go to sleep either. She has a habit of being a little bit mischievous at night just like the dinosaurs.

Curriculum Connection: This story is a fun way to introduce the different types of dinosaurs to kids. Have them draw each type and then discuss specific things about each dinosaur.

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Date: 2014

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Book, motivational

Theme: perseverance, creativity, self-expression

Summary: This story is all about a young girl. She decides she wants to create the most magnificent thing. She starts projects with her dog but he each one is less than perfect and she gets frustrated. She learns from the mistakes and keeps trying eventually making something that is really wonderful.

Personal Connections: I have worked on projects many times that don't turn out how I want and it can be really frustrated. Just like this young girl its important not to give up but to learn from the mistakes.

Curriculum Connection: Creating an art project is a fun way to keep these kids engaged. Give them different materials and a chance to create their own project to show them that it doesn't always turn out how we want but not to give up.

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Date: 2014

Pages: 40

Grade Level: 2nd to 5th

Genre: Nonfiction, biographical picture book

Theme: the power of words, inspiration, discovery, self-expression, and communication

Summary: This story is about Peter Mark Roget who invented the famous Roget's Thesaurus. The book shows how much he was interested in words throughout childhood and how much he loved language. This love and interest led him to create the Thesaurus to help people change the way they think about words. There are lots of vibrant illustrations and its a very engaging text.

Personal Connections: I can relate with this story because I think words are something that are extremely important. Using the right words in different situations is something that I feel has a lot of power.

Curriculum Connection: Giving the students a chance to complete a creative writing assignment will help to keep them excited. Give them a chance to experiment with finding different words and create a short story using these words. This is a fun way to help them explore and look at the different words.

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: 2017

Pages: 304

Grade Level: 2nd-5th

Genre: Children's Fiction

Theme: friendship, self confidence, overcoming challenges, diversity, and inclusion

Summary: This story is about a girl named Edie who wants to be amazing at something. She is wonderful and quirky but she faces a lot of challenges within school and just in life in general. She tackles each challenge with courage. The story shows how much of a desire she has to make a difference and shows how many lessons she learns.

Personal Connections: I have gone through lots of challenges throughout my life so far and I can really connect with Edie because each of these challenges has taught me something new and helped me to become a better person.

Curriculum Connection: Have the students draw a self portrait. After they finish have them write around there self portrait things that make them amazing. This will help students to feel empathy for everyone and help them see that everyone is amazing in their own ways.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Date: 1995

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K to 3rd

Genre: Nonfiction, educational, animal science

Theme: animal adaptations, and a big theme is comparing and contrasting animal and each of their abilities

Summary: This story is all about the largest, fastest, and strongest animals. There are lots of facts that showcase each animal. It helps to encourage us to compare and contrast these animals.

Personal Connections: I feel like I can relate to this story because I compare and contrast my own abilities to these animals. I feel like this helps a lot with self reflection.

Curriculum Connection: This is a great story for science. Having the children look at and discuss each of the animals will better help them to understand each one and how they compare to each other. This will also help with engagement and keeping the kids excited to learn.

Publisher: Holiday House

Date: 1984

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2nd

Genre: nonfiction, educational, science

Theme: the life cycle of plants, growth, observation, environmental awareness

Summary: This book walks us through how a plant grows from a seed. We start with the seed planting, then germination, sprouting, and then eventual it grows into a mature plant. The language is very clear and lots of illustrations.

Personal Connections: I can relate to this story because I have planted many seeds throughout my life and watching each phase while they grow is something that is so fascinating and fun.

Curriculum Connection: This is a perfect science activity. Read the story and then help the kids draw each step in the life cycle of a plant. This will help them to be excited about plants.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2014

Pages: 96

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Early chapter book, adventure, fantasy

Theme: bravery, courage, friendship, adventure, breaking stereotypes

Summary: This story is about a princess named Magnolia. This princess leads a double life. She wears fancy dresses during the day but she's a princess in black at night. She fights monsters and she helps keep the kingdom safe. This story is about her adventures while living two lives.

Personal Connections: I feel like I can relate to her by balancing different aspects in my life. Trying to be a cheerleader, a mom, a student, and work full time is something that can be really difficult but everything is manageable.

Curriculum Connection: After reading give the students a chance to design their own superhero. Have them identify things that make that person a superhero. This can help them to explore the book closely and problem solve.

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: 1999

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Book, rhyming

Theme: self-acceptance, confidence, embracing others, overcoming obstacles

Summary: This story is all about a giraffe that wants to go to the jungle dance and dance like all of the other animals there. The other animals are mean and mock him because he is so tall and can't move as smoothly. He begins to doubt himself but with the help of a little tiny cricket he learns that he has his own unique way to dance.

Personal Connections: So many people go through the same struggles as this little giraffe. A lot of people are made fun of and feel like they don't belong but its important to remember that everyone has their own unique traits that help to make them amazing even though sometimes its hard to remember that.

Curriculum Connection: After reading this story you could have each of the students stand up and get in a circle. Go around and give each student a chance to do their own silly dance move and let everyone know how important each of them are in the classroom and everyday life.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: 2001

Pages: 40

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Nonfiction, historical, biography

Theme: Process of scientific discovery, paleontology, overcoming challenges

Summary: This story is all about a pioneering English scientist name Waterhouse Hawkins. He created life size models of dinosaurs and received a lot of skepticism and ridicule. His dream was to reconstruct these figures by looking at research and the fossils. It helps us to see is creative process and challenges.

Personal Connections: I feel like I can connect to this story because I love to create new things based on research that I do. I find projects very fascinating and I feel like he did to.

Curriculum Connection: Provide the children with materials to make their own dinosaur. Help them create them and bring them to life and it will help them see how much time and work it takes to think about each of the details that are involved.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: 1995

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Nonfiction, historical, biography

Theme: courage, bravery, racism

Summary: This story tells us about Ruby Bridges. She was a young African girl who was only 6 and she was the first black child that integrated an all white public school. This happened in New Orleans. She faced hate and bullying and so much but she overcame all of them and stood up for what was right.

Personal Connections: I feel like many kids can connect with her bravery. We might not have gone through the same things but lots of children face hate and bullying and they have to be strong and courageous to get through it.

Curriculum Connection: Have the students share what they are scared of. Tell them it took a lot of bravery to tell everyone what you are scared of. Ruby had to face adults and children who were very mean but she had so much bravery that we need to remember that.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1985

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Cause and effect, loops, humor

Summary: This story is all about a little mouse that wants or needs something and then once the little mouse gets it then he remembers something else that he wants or needs. It has lots of repetition and its a humorous story for children.

Personal Connections: I love this story because I feel like I am always forgetting something and every time I remember then there's something else. It is very repetitious and the book shows that.

Curriculum Connection: Have the students get a piece of paper and give them a couple of minutes to write creatively. Tell them they are pretending to be the mouse and have them write "If you give me.... chances are I will...." Give them a chance to be silly and fun.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: 2008

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: Overcoming negativity, self-awareness, positivity

Summary: This story is all about a fish that is very gloomy and thinks that he is supposed to spread "bluh" everywhere that he goes. He comes across other sea animals that try to cheer him up but nothing works. Finally, a special kiss changes things and his outlook switches.

Personal Connections: This book resonates with me and everyone who feels sad or even misunderstood. Sometimes it just takes one small thing to change our entire outlook.

Curriculum Connections: Have the children draw their own version of the Pout-Pout fish. This well help them to look at emotions through their drawing.

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Date: 2018

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Memoir, Non-fiction

Theme: Immigration, and the importance of community

Summary: This story tells us about the author and their experience moving to the United States. She felt lost and uncertain, but with the help of literature, you can help bridge the knowledge as well as the connections.

Personal Connections: This can resonate with anyone who has experienced moving. Going to a new place and trying to make friends can be really scary and hard, but it's important to remember you aren't the only one.

Curriculum Connections: This story is great for a social studies lesson. It helps the children understand immigration and the challenges that these people face. It also shows them how important it is that all of these people make a community.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: 2019

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd

Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, Inspirational

Theme: Self-love, and acceptance

Summary: This story is about a young girl who struggles with the color of her skin. She wants to be accepted, but she feels different from all of the people that she is around. She goes on a magical journey where she learns the importance of identity.

Personal Connections: Everyone feels different from those around them at some point in time. I can resonate with this because I felt so alone and different when I was pregnant. I loved it, and I loved my baby. I just didn't feel like anyone accepted me. It's important to remember that you are not alone.

Curriculum Connections: Children could draw themselves and the things that make them unique from others. Then have a discussion about these things and help them to know that they are all important.

Publisher: Time for Kids Books

Date: 2018

Pages: 160

Grade Level: 2nd-5th

Genre: Non-fiction, Educational

Theme: curiosity, exploration, and knowledge

Summary: The big has a bunch of questions that a lot of children typically ask and it answers them. There are many different topics and lots of fun facts. You can learn about science, history, and nature.

Personal Connections: I tend to be a very curious person and I love that this can help children that are the same way and want to learn. It has so many answers for each child and can help them with a variety of topics.

Curriculum Connections: This book is great for STEM learning. It can help children to have a chance to explore scientific concepts as well as technological concepts to help them better understand in these types of classrooms.

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Date: 2014

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Kindergarten to 3rd

Genre: Non-fiction, Educational, Science

Theme: adaptations, animal behavior, curiosity

Summary: This book focuses on animal adaptations and animal teeth. There are situations that are imaginative and it helps kids to think about what they would do if they had teeth like that animal. It walks kids through how the animal's teeth are good for their diet, and it's a playful approach to teaching kids.

Personal Connections: Having a natural curiosity is something that a lot of people have. Having these books help me to have fun while learning and they help so many other people to as well.

Curriculum Connections: Have the students draw as self portrait but have them pick a pair of teeth from one of the animals and draw them on themselves. This is a fun way to help the kids visualize what it would look like if they had them.

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Date: 2020

Pages: 256

Grade Level: 4th-8th

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir, Non-fiction

Theme: Resilience, hope, family, survival

Summary: This is a story about Omar Mohammad and the experience he had as a refugee. He grew up in Kenya after they fled from the War that happened in Somalia and got separated from their dad. His brother has special needs and they want to find a way out of the camp.

Personal Connections: I love stories about people's life and the things they went through. I love learning about history and really trying to understand the way people have grown up, so I really loved this story.

Curriculum Connections: This story is perfect for a social studies lesson. It gives students a real-life example of what people went through. after reading have an open discussion where people can ask questions and share their ideas to really understand these things.

Publisher: Alison Green Books

Date: 1999

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Rhyming Story, Fantasy

Theme: Bravery, cleverness, and the power of using one's wits

Summary: This story is all about a tiny mouse that gets past many predators because he came up with the Gruffalo. The mouse tells all of the animals that want to eat him about this Gruffalo that's super scary. Eventually, he came face to face with this animal that was made up.

Personal Connections: I love reading this because the underdog wins against things so much bigger. I really feel like this is a good story to help children realize they can do more than what they think.

Curriculum Connections: After reading this story, give children the chance to draw their own made-up animal. Ask them questions about this animal to really help them better understand.

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Date: 2001

Pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Rhyming Story, Fantasy

Theme: Friendship, teamwork, sharing, and kindness

Summary: This story is about a witch and her cat. They take flight on the witch's broomstick, and they find animals along the way that want a ride. As more get a ride, it gets overcrowded, and they come across a fearsome dragon. They finally outsmart the dragon and escape.

Personal Connections: I feel like I can resonate with this book because sometimes we come across challenges in life, and we have to face them head-on. We have to find ways to work around the challenge as well as ways to solve it just like the witch and animals.

Curriculum Connections: This book has a lot of rhyming in it that makes it the perfect practice for phonemic awareness. It helps students begin to explore rhyming in a fun and exciting way.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: 1962

Pages: 211

Grade Level: 5th to 8th

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

Theme: The battle between good and evil, the power of love

Summary: Two siblings and their friend have to travel through time as well as space to find IT. This is the evil force that they need to save their father from. They face many challenges and lots of different worlds. They learn about good as well as evil and they have to confront fears to save their father.

Personal Connections: This book is great for those interested in space. I love learning about the planets and exploring more and this book helps make this learning fun and exciting so I really enjoyed it.

Curriculum Connections: This is a great way for kids to explore space, travel, and time. Give them a chance to draw the things they are hearing and talk about these things in a discussion after reading.

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: 1997

Pages: 309

Grade Level: 4th to 8th

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age

Theme: Friendship, courage, identity

Summary: Harry is a young boy who learns he is a wizard. He is accepted into Hogwarts and has to learn the world of magic. He makes friends and slowly learns that he is famous. He has to go through my challenges and they have to confront many people.

Personal Connections: He always felt like an outside in the normal world and I feel like this is something that a lot of people struggle with. Often times I don't feel like I fit in and this book can help people feel like they aren't alone

Curriculum Connections: Give the students a variety of materials and let them create their own magic wand. Show them that everyone is different, but they all work the same.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1963

Pages: 48

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd

Genre: Picture Book, Fantasy, Adventure

Theme: imagination, emotions, love

Summary: A boy is sent to his room for not listening, and once he arrives there, he begins to use his imagination to think about a fantastical land with different creatures. They crown Max as the king but he soon feels lonely and wants to be home. He returns home with supper waiting.

Personal Connections: I always have a very vivid imagination, and I feel like this story is the perfect one for kids like me. It helps them feel like they are really in the story and its exciting.

Curriculum Connections: Let students draw their own remix of a wild animal and have them share out with the class. Talk about what these things eat and how they sleep and let them discuss it with one another.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2022

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: friendship, coping with change, loss

Summary: A young child is trying to understand and cope with the absence of Henry their friend. The child thinks about their memories and their bond and this has helped get the young child through this difficult time.

Personal Connections: I lost my brother 4 years ago and it wasn't easy. This story reminds me to really think about the memories and the good times to know that he's never far away.

Curriculum Connections: This can connect to literature and language arts because the students can look at the themes and discuss how these are portrayed throughout the story.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 2022

Pages: 288

Grade Level: 4-7

Genre: Fiction, contemporary

Theme: Courage, friendship, family

Summary: This is about a young girl that lived in Norther California in a coastal town. A wildfire begins to come towards their town and this young girl has to face tough choices and lots of fears. She deals with personal struggles like with her father and hers relationship and she forms unexpected friendships.

Personal Connections: I have never experienced a natural disaster but I have had a fire come really close to our house. It causes a lot of anxiety and stress and it can be really difficult trying to navigate these struggles.

Curriculum Connections: This can connect to literature and language arts because the novel is a great one for children to look deeper at. They can look at the narrative structure, character development, and the story themes to better understand these things.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: 2023

Pages: 304

Grade Level: 8-12

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Theme: Identity, Family, Loss, Healing, Resilience

Summary: Dealing with the loss of her mother Mena has to navigate through grief and emotional struggles. With personal and family struggles this book helps us look at Mena while she does some self-discover and realizes the importance of family bons while healing.

Personal Connections: When I lost my brother it was really difficult on my family. We had lots of struggles and hard time but through it all our family bond grew stronger. I feel like I can relate with the way Mena feels and the struggles she faces.

Curriculum Connections: This can connect with health because its important that teachers find ways to help students understand coping mechanism and help them understand that mental health is important. This is a great way to start that conversation.

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House

Date: March 24, 2020

Pages: 40

Grade Level: 2-5

Genre: Nonfiction, biography

Theme: overcoming challenges, perseverance, deafness, music

Summary: This story is all about Evelyn Glennie. Evelyn became s very big musician as she was a deaf percussionist. She learned how to feel the vibrations from the music in her body and this allowed her to go on and become a percussionist.

Personal Connections: This is such a heartwarming story. It shows that no matter what you can do anything you set your mind to. She overcame the struggles and the challenges and she worked how to do what she loved. Very inspiring and inspirational book.

Curriculum Connection: This book is a great story to help teach kids how important empathy is as well as inclusion. Teaching them that everyone belongs will better help those around them to feel like they fit in.

Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd.

Date: 2020

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Picture Book

Theme: City Life, sensory exploration, diversity

Summary: Through this story we get to look from a child's perspective at a city. WE get to look at sights, sounds, and feelings of urban life. The illustrations really bring this city to life.

Personal Connections: This is a great story to really reflect on the different places that people live. Some live in the country while others live in bustling city's but it's important to think about these different lifestyles.

Curriculum Connection: This book can be connected to social studies because you can allow the students to really think about the different characteristics of places to live.

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Date: 2020

Pages: 400

Grade Level: 9th and up

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Mental Health

Theme: mental health, love, self-acceptance, family dynamics

Summary: This story is about A Chinese-American teen whos name is Jocelyn. She struggles with anxiety and depression. The story walks us through her life and how she is determined to save her families business. In the process she meet Willis who has his own challenges. They learn how to navigate the struggles and challenges.

Personal Connections: This story is perfect for other teens who have dealt with similar struggles like anxiety and depression. Finding someone to help get you through is one of the most important things as this keeps you from feeling alone.

Curriculum Connections: This is great for psychology. It gives students a chance to look at mental health struggles like anxiety and depression and how they see these things throughout literature.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 2020

Pages: 368

Grade Level: 5th-8th

Genre: Historical fiction, middle grades

Theme: Deaf culture, community, frienship

Summary: The island of Martha's Vineyard is a community that has many people who are deaf. Mary Lambert lives on this island in 1805. Her father becomes injured and this causes their family to need to leave the culture she was used to. She has to face challenges and struggles and try to navigate this new life.

Personal Connections: This story is great for family that has children or adults who use sign language to understand. It's important that we interact with these families so we better know what the needs of the children are and to help them feel like they are not alone.

Curriculum Connection This connects closely to social studies because we are looking into the history of this town and how the culture helps to shape and identify each town.

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Date: 2020

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3rd

Genre: Children's Picture Books, nonfiction

Theme: overcoming challenges, self-acceptance, empathy

Summary: The story look at a young boy and it goes along with him as he struggles with speaking and having a stutter. The boy finds the natural world very fascinating.

Personal Connections: Readers that have gone through similar speech impediments can relate directly and better understand what it's like to wear glasses.

Curriculum Connections: This book is great to get kids thinking about empathy and the importance of self-acceptance

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books

Date: 2019

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K-2

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Theme: friendship, social inclusion

Summary: Henry has autism and he has a difficult time making friends. He has a difficult time with change and being in a social environment can be really hard on him. He looks at other children and eventually he was able to make a friend.

Personal Connections: This story is perfect for someone trying to make a friend and have someone to be with.

Curriculum Connections: This book is for teaching kids the importance of empathy, understanding, and this will hopefully help kids to better understand others.

Publisher: Blink

Date: 2020

Pages: 368

Grade Level: Young adult

Genre: young adult fiction, contemporary

Theme: communication, deaf culture, relationships

Summary: Maya begins going to a new high school and has a hard time with a student that can hear because she is deaf. They develop a friendship and they push each other to communicate and they eventually build a meaningful connection.

Personal Connections: This story is great for everyone that is making a new friend. I find that difficult to do but I love how much I can watch others make friends.

Curriculum Connections: This could be great in an English class for the high schoolers. It gives them a chance to look at and discuss communication, and understanding and help everyone to feel like they belong.