New Reads for 2019/2020 by Tammy Gruer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases en-us 2019-09-18 21:28:01 UTC 2025-06-16 05:58:53 UTC hello@padlet.com INCULDE tsgruer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/386275525
  • Age range recommendation
  • Summary
  • Connection/Recommendation for how it can be used.
    • ]]>     2019-09-18 22:36:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/386275525     Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall- Emma https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/386276426
  • Age range- Pre-K to5th
  • Summary- This is the story of a man that begins his new job as a lighthouse keeper on a tiny island. Do you think that life in a lighthouse could be exciting? Well, it can! This book chronicles the daily activities that the lightkeepers goes through which include some thrilling and suspenseful times including his wife and child. This is an exciting and informative book that you are sure to enjoy.
  • Connection- This book would be great to use with a debate about technology and if it is good or bad. It could be used to make predictions in the younger aged students.

    • ]]>     2019-09-18 22:40:05 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/386276426     History Smashers: Pearl Harbor https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177017 Margaret Cuthbertson

    Written By: Kate Messner Illustrated By: Dylan Meconis Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (November 10, 2020)
    Ages: Grades 4-8th
    Description
    Ready to uncover hidden truths about Pearl Harbor? This is the perfect non-fiction graphic novel to help readers smash the stories behind this famous moment in history. 

    Evaluation 
    Do you have a reluctant reader or history buff? This book is great for them. Reading this book is fast paced and fun due to the variety of types of pages (sidebar, graphic panels, facts pages, biographies) Messner uses to share information about Pearl Harbor. Messner and Meconis also varied the images in the book to include both graphics and actual photographs. 

    Usage
    This book would be great to use if your class was learning more about World War II and specifically Pearl Harbor. Students could compare what they learn from this Non-Fiction Graphic Novel with what they learn from articles online.


    ]]>     2021-02-22 23:46:59 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177017     Lift https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177633 Words by Minh Lê, Art by Dan Santat

    Age range:     4-8

    Summary:     Lift is about Iris, a little girl who loves to push the elevator buttons every day with her family...until one day her parents let her baby brother push the buttons...and then again the next day...and again the next... Iris is upset but then she finds her very own elevator button in the trash. She tapes it to the wall next to her bedroom door so that she can push the button all she wants...but something strange and magical happens. Will Iris share her special, secret, magical elevator button or keep it to herself?

    Recommendation:     This book would be great to introduce graphic novels to young readers. The story progresses more like a graphic novel but the book still feels very much like a picture book. It would also be fun to use as a read-aloud as there is still enough dialogue and written story to do so. 

    (Recommendation by Madeline Moore)]]>     2021-02-22 23:47:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177633     Pinkalicious ~ Eggstraodinary Easter by Victoria Kann https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177731 Age Range: 4-8

    Summary: When Pinkalicious wakes up on Easter morning, she finds a note from Edgar Easter Bunny that sends the Pinkerton family on an eggsciting Easter scavenger hunt! 

    Connection: Reader Comprehension ]]>     2021-02-22 23:47:23 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177731     The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics - Susan Hood and Christiane Engel https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177762 This book introduces children to environmental issues related to plastic. The book is fully illustrated, and features poems, additional scientific information in text box asides, and inspiring stories about young activists who have raised national awareness about plastic and made a difference in their communities.

    This book is artistically excellent and scientifically sound, and it also acknowledges the important, positive roles that plastic has played in our world, such as in hospitals or in the lives of disabled people. This sets this book apart from books that only addresses problems with plastic. I appreciate the fuller perspective that this book offers, and the pages at the end include a timeline of plastic, ideas about alternatives to single-use plastic items, and additional notes related to science, the different poetic forms that appear throughout the book, and links to news and inspirational stories.

    This book is appropriate for early elementary students and older, and even though the picture book format may make the book seem childish to older readers, this could be useful for middle schoolers as well, as they develop greater awareness of environmental issues. The book is a rich informational source by itself, and can be a powerful addition to science and social study units. It can also help facilitate discussions about how kids can make a difference in their communities.]]>     2021-02-22 23:47:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229177762     "The Great Eggscape!" by Jory John jhwschaefer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178058 Grades K-2
    Shel the egg loves spending time on his own but when his other "cart-mates" done come home on time he gets worried. He decides to go find them but then they discover one egg is missing. Can these friends one egg short of a dozen come together to find where Meg went? 

    This book would be great to read before a class project where students would be working together. It talks about the importance of making friends and working with others to not only accomplish a task but to also just have fun. A great book to promote collaboration among students.

    Reviewed by: Jessica Schaefer

    ]]>     2021-02-22 23:47:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178058     Stay Healthy with Sesame Street : Understanding Coronavirus klwidner https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178108 Katherine Widner

    Age level: 0 - 5

    Summary: Elmo, with the help of all his friends, teaches children all about the coronavirus. The gang of Sesame Street work together to teach readers about what coronavirus is, what it looks like, and why so many adults have been talking about it recently. With the help of familiar and friendly faces like Big Bird, Zoe, Ernie, Super Grover, the Count, Abby Cadabby, Julia, the Grouch, Snuffy, Cookie Monster, and Rosita, children can learn more about the ongoing epidemic in the U.S. in a safe, positive way. 

    Recommendation: This book is perfect for young readers who may not know or understand exactly what coronavirus is and why they hear about it all the time. This book is soothing and calming, and uses the familiar faces from Sesame Street to teach children some of the most important advice surrounding health and hygiene. 

    ]]>     2021-02-22 23:47:37 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178108     Katara and The Pirate's Silver https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178939 2021-02-22 23:48:09 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229178939 Welcome Flower Child: The Magic of Your Birth Flower aefonvil https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179303 Ashton Fonville

    Welcome Flower Child: The Magic of Your Birth Flower written and illustrated by Brigette Barrager

    For grades Pre-K-2nd.

    Told in a lyrical format, Welcome Flower Child: The Magic of Your Birth Flower helps children find the blossom of their birth month and the special meaning their particular flower signifies. Beautiful illustrations and a poem are dedicated to each month.  

    Parents can read to their children ahead of their birthday, or before a friend's birthday for fun!  It can additionally be used to teach the plant life cycle or as part of a poetry unit.  ]]>     2021-02-22 23:48:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179303     Ancestor Approved Intertribal Stories for Kids dlherron https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179570 Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith, with other contributors  

    Age
    This book would be best for upper elementary and early middle schoolers. 

    Summary
    Ancestor Approved is a collection of short stories and poems that share the perspectives of a variety of Native Americans in the United States and Canada. The purpose of this book is to share the importance of community and the connection that young native people have with the ancestry. 

    Usage
    This book could be shared with older students during November, Native American Heritage Month. Since this is a collection, a teacher could share one story or poem each day to show the differences and similarities between tribes. ]]>     2021-02-22 23:48:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179570     Bunheads by Misty Copeland tnkadlac1 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179732 by Misty Copeland
    Illustrated by: Setor Fiadzigbey, Grades 2-5
    Written by premier ballerina and author Misty Copeland.  Based on her own early experiences in ballet.
    It's a story of a young Misty, who discovers her love of dance, but she's never danced ballet before.  It is actually her first class.  She is excited and nervous and she learns from her fellow bunheads.  She makes wonderful friends who encourage her to do her very best. 

    Great read to encourage students to have courage to try something new.

    ]]>     2021-02-22 23:48:39 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229179732     All The Way To The Top by Annette Bay Pimentel rsturbev https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180305 Grade: k -5

    Jennifer knows something needs to change. How does she go about changing the world for kids who are just like her? Jennifer fights hard to make life fair for people with disabilities. Read the true story of Jennifer's fight for change.  

    This is a great book to teach students about the struggles that people with disabilities have gone and currently go through. It also teaches students about the challenges of earning social justice while teaching the rewards of fighting for what is right. ]]>     2021-02-22 23:48:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180305     Katara and the Pirate's Silver s_bryson https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180737 Grade level: 3rd-6th grade
    Summary- When the gaang is attacked by the Fire Nation, Katara gets separated from the group and has to fend for herself until she can find them again. While searching for her friends, Katara has to ally herself with a group of pirates to avoid being captured by the Fire Nation soldiers that are still chasing them. 
    Recommendation: This book could be used for reluctant readers who might be enticed by the comic book format or the already familiar characters. 
    ]]>     2021-02-22 23:49:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180737     When Stars are Scattered https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180937 Alondra Ruiz:

    Grade Level: 4-8
    A graphic novel about two brothers living at a refugee camp. The older brother, Omar gets a chance to get an education. However, he has to decide to go to school, or stay and look after his non- verbal younger brother. 

    I think this would be a great book to read with students. It gives an insight look into refugee life in non-complex way.]]>     2021-02-22 23:49:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229180937     Straw https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229182795 Margaret Cuthbertson

    Written By: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
    Illustrated By: Scott Magoon
    Publisher:     Hyperion (Feb 2020)
    Grade: K-5

    Description: Straw is always rushed to be the FIRST one done until the day he got a BRAIN FREEZE that knocks him off his feet. He learned from a good friend that there is a time and a place to rushing, but for the most part we need to learn to slow down so that we can enjoy the world around us.
    Evaluation:     This is the final book in Rosenthal's Spoon series. This book is PUNNY and teaches a lesson.
    Usage:     I would use this as a read aloud for a social and emotional lesson on self-control. The book is relatable to children and adults. ]]>     2021-02-22 23:50:29 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229182795     Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg jdfreeman https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229189618 Ages 4-8

    The story of Pete Buttigieg who went on to become the first openly gay man to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. 

    I would read this book to students, regardless if they identified as LGBTQIA+ or not, because it showcases a person who overcame diversities he faced for being true to himself and ended up achieving success. ]]>     2021-02-22 23:54:50 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229189618     Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg sarahmhaile https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229399859 Sarah Haile

    Book written by Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

    Age Range: 3rd - 5th grades

    Summary: As a young girl, Ruth's mother taught her to be independent and hold firm to what she believed. Ruth worked hard and went to law school, but many people looked down on her because she was a woman, a mother and a Jew. These experiences led her to explore laws that treated men and women differently. Ruth went on to live a remarkable life and leave a lasting legacy for women (and men) in the United States.

    Recommendation: A little bit lengthier for a picturebook, so best used with older elementary or broken up into smaller sections for younger kids. A wonderful portrait of a remarkable woman. A great discussion starter on why women and men are often treated differently and what students believe should be done to move further towards equality.]]>     2021-02-23 01:49:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229399859     Heroes Wear Masks Elmo's Super Adventure smkauder https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229427223 Susan Kauder
    Ages 0-5
    Summary - This sweet book follows Elmo as he gets ready for school and talks with his Mom about the Covid precautions he needs to follow. Acknowledging his anxiety at going to school, Elmo reminds himself to breath slowly to help calm his nerves. Elmo has a fun day at school but does what he needs to keep himself and everyone around him safe.

    Recommendations - This is a wonderful book for any young child going to school, preschool, or daycare to see a friend, Elmo, going through the same steps of wearing a mask, washing their hands, and being careful not to get to close to their friends. For any child who loves Sesame Street, this book should help them feel better about what going to school will be like.


    ]]>     2021-02-23 02:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1229427223     Fighting Words by Andrea Beach marymasoncoggins https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1231764036 Mary Coggins

    Age range: Upper level readers, 4th-7th grade

    Summary: This story is about two sisters, Della and Suki, who are forced to deal with serious issues like addiction and abuse as the adults in their lives have failed them. After their mother is sent to jail for drug addiction, the sisters live with a man they're not related to who sexually abuses both of them. The girls, only 10 and 16 years old, escape and tell their story to a friend to protect themselves. After Della and Suki are placed in a foster home, they have to grapple with their experiences and what it means to share their stories.

    Recommendations: Because of its sensitive content, this may not be the best book for a school curriculum, but it would definitely work well in a children's support group or therapy setting, an individual read or a shared read with a parent/mentor, or in any specialized setting where students are able to ask questions and even share experiences. This is definitely an important book and I think the subject matter is something that children do need to be confronted with or be allowed to deal with, but a general classroom setting might lose some of the gravity of the material. ]]>     2021-02-23 14:57:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1231764036     I Choose to Calm My Anger hrwrench https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1248820460 Heather Wrench

    Book written by Elizabeth Estrada

    Age Range: 1 year - 8 years

    Summery: In this story Jackson becomes angry and has no idea on how and why he can not calm down. He tries several different ways of calming down and coping with his anger. This is also a rhyming book so little ones can remember it better and practice controlling their anger. 

    Recommendation: This is a great book to read for a parent or teacher to read to a child when they get angry. It helps show to children that everyone can get upset and angry but it also ways one can calm down. Therapists  could also use this book to help explain anger. 

    ]]>     2021-02-27 22:27:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/NewReleases/wish/1248820460