Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1988

# of pages: 240

Grade level: 3rd-6th

Genre: Fantasy and comedy

Theme/topic: standing up to injustices, intelligence, and self-empowerment

Synopsis: Matilda, a brilliant young girl, uses her extraordinary abilities to stand up to her neglectful parents and the cruel headmistress at her school.

Personal response: I love this book because it empowers young girls and teaches them to advocate for themselves even when facing challenges.

Illustrator: R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: 2012

Grade Level: 4–7

# of Pages: 320

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Kindness, acceptance, bullying

Synopsis: Auggie Pullman is a young boy who was born with facial deformities. Auggie's personal story as he attends school for the first time and deals with the real world.

Personal Response: This story is great because it shows how a young child is determined to fit in with his peers despite his appearance. I hate watching others being mistreated based on something they have no control over. This book reminds me always to be kind to others and love one another.

Number of Pages: 192
Genre: Fiction
Theme/Topic: Friendship, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Life and Death

Brief Synopsis: This book is about a pig named Wilbur and his friend Charlotte, a wise spider. Wilbur faces the challenge of being killed, and Charlotte creates messages on her web to help save him. This story shows life on a farm and how Wilbur and Charlotte become friends.

Personal Response: I've read this book multiple times, and I love how it teaches young children about selflessness and how we can develop strong bonds with others. Charlotte performs a great act of kindness to help her friend Wilbur. This reminds me how powerful love and friendship are and how small or big things can make a big difference in someone's life.

Book Title: Forever Cousins

Author: Laurel Goodluck

Illustrator: Jonathan Nelson

Publication: 10/18/2022

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Family, Friendship, Change, Cultural Identity, Cultural Celebration

Number of Pages: 32

Plot Summary: Forever Cousins follows two best friends, Kara and Amanda. Kara's family moves from the city to the reservation, and the two cousins worry about their friendship because they don't see each other as often. Eventually, a family reunion takes place, and both girls feel nervous about reconnecting. As they engage in various cultural traditions, their bond is rekindled, and they grow even closer.

Personal Response: This book illustrates the strength of relationships with family and friends, even when facing long distances. When I moved to college, I struggled to keep in touch with my best friends. When it was time to go home for Thanksgiving, I felt both excited and anxious about seeing them all again. However, I realized my anxiety was unfounded when I reunited with my friends. I appreciated how this book demonstrated that friendships can overcome significant challenges like change and distance. 

Publisher & Date: Roaring Book Press / 2019

# Number of Pages: 48

Grade Level: Preschool and Up

Genre: Non-Fiction, Picture Book

Themes: Family, Culture, Tradition 

Brief Synopsis: Each verse was poetic, and the importance of fry bread represents culture, history, tradition, and resilience. Each page focused on a different aspect of the bread and how it brings people together. 

Personal Response: This book is excellent because it shares Native American traditions and cultural history through food. In my own family, food was a central part of family gatherings and a way for us to pass down traditions through the years. It is very similar to the story Fry Bread. This story shows how food can have a specific meaning, such as cultural Identity. This has opened my eyes and made me realize what special foods my family has come from and who we are.

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Date: 1998

Grade Level: K-3

Number of Pages: 32

Genre: Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Self-acceptance, identity, conformity

Synopsis: This book is about a girl named Camilla Cream and how she tries to fit in with everyone else. Camilla loves lima beans, but when she gets embarrassed about loving lima beans, she develops a case of stripes. The stripes disappear as she learns to accept her love for lima beans and be herself.

Personal Response: This book is great for young children as it teaches them to embrace individuality and accept how everyone is different and unique in their own way.

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: 2013

Grade Level: PreK–2nd grade

Number of Pages: 36 pages

Genre: Picture book, Humor

Theme/Topic: Creativity, Self-expression, Problem-solving

Synopsis: The story is about a boy named Duncan who gets a box of crayons. Each crayon writes a letter to Duncan, sharing how it feels about how it’s been used. Some crayons feel overworked, while others feel ignored. Duncan reads the letters and comes up with a solution to make all the crayons happy.

Personal Responses: This book shows different emotions and teaches young children about personalities in a fun, creative way. The lesson about valuing everyone’s contribution is important for kids. It made me think about how we all have different strengths and ways to share ourselves.

Illustrator: Dennis L. Johnson

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Date: 2017

Grade Level: PreK–1st grade

Number of Pages: 32 Pages

Genre: Picture book, Transportation

Theme/Topic: Transportation, Problem-solving, Teamwork

Synopsis: This story is about a blue truck driving down a busy road, honking its horn and meeting other vehicles. When the truck faces a problem, it needs help from the other vehicles to get the job done, showing how teamwork is important.

Personal Response: This book is great for introducing repetitive text and onomatopoeic. As onomatopoeic words are super engaging and fun for a class, read aloud. This book is great for introducing teamwork to young children as well.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1963

Grade Level: PreK–3rd grade

Number of Pages: 48 pages

Genre: Picture book, Fantasy

Theme/Topic: Imagination, Emotion, Self-discovery

Synopsis: This story is about Max, a boy in a wolf suit who is sent to his room for mischief. He imagines visiting a forest of wild creatures who make him their king. After his adventure, Max comes home to find his supper, showing that he’s back where he feels safe.

Personal Response: This book explores the conflict between wanting to be independent and needing love. The pictures are bright and beautiful, and the story evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

This book is important as it teaches about the Great Depression while having positive themes throughout the story. This book would also be great in the classroom as it could teach young students how to write a letter or personal narratives.

The visual representation shows the important themes throughout the story.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: January 17th, 2012

Pages: 307

Grades: 3-6

Genre. themes, & topics: Animal fantasy, science fiction, captivity, freedom, unexpected friendship, and loyalty.

Summary: This story is about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a mall. He spends his time drawing, watching TV, and reflecting on his life. One day, a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, and Ivan helps her escape. In the end, Ivan and Ruby both end up in the zoo.

Personal responses: Reading this story has made me think about different times when I have felt powerless or stuck. I've felt like I couldn't change anything. But just like Ivan, I've learned that small actions can make a significant impact. Ivan's actions made me understand that we find the strength to do something we didn't think we could. I loved how Ivan wanted to protect Ruby and keep her safe. This also shows Ivans's character development throughout the story.

Ivan's Journey Map: My map starts off with Ivan being taken by humans at a young age in the wild. Next, Ivan lives in a small cage in a shopping mall for 27 years. Following this, Ruby is brought to the mall located near Ivan. Next, Ivan starts painting to communicate with humans. Then, Ivan starts to ask his friend Julia to help Ruby escape. Lastly, Ivan is placed in a zoo where he can start to live somewhat like a normal gorilla.

Author/illustrator: Jerry Craft

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 2019

Grade Level: 4th-8th grade

Genre: Graphic Novel, realistic fiction

Themes/topics: Identity, race, friendship, belonging, microaggressions, self-expression

Brief Synopsis: This book is about a 12-year-old boy named Jordan Banks who loves to draw and is being sent to Riverside Academy, a private school with few black students.

Personal response: I really enjoyed reading this book, the New Kid, because it felt real and relatable for kids going through this same situation. In this book, you get to hear about Jordan's story of what its like to be the new kid while also dealing with other factors such as race and identity. His love for drawing helps him express himself, which is really cool and inspiring. This book also made me realize how students of color experience school differently.

Author: Shirin Yim Bridges

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Number of Pages: 36

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Publication Date: 2002

Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Gender equality, perseverance, education, family traditions

Plot summary: This book takes place in early 20th-century China and is about a girl named Ruby, who was born into a wealthy family where gender roles are in place. In her family, the boys are encouraged to pursue education, whereas girls are expected to prepare for marriage. Ruby is not interested in following the path of girls in her family. She enjoys learning and wishes to attend a university. With Ruby's determination to learn and her grandfather's support, she attended university.

Personal response: Ruby's Wish is an inspiring story as she continues to follow her dreams despite all odds. Ruby's determination to challenge gender expectations is motivating, especially during the time period. I loved the illustrations as they helped the story flow and be more powerful. I love that this story is true and based on the author's grandmother. This achievement probably encouraged other girls in her town and family to continue with their dreams and never give up.

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Date: 2007

Grade Level: PreK–3rd Grade

Number of Pages: 32

Genre: Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Architecture, creativity, perseverance, problem-solving

Plot summary: This story is about a boy named Iggy who loves to build things. Iggy started building this from a young age and uses everyday objects. His second-grade teacher, Miss Greer, dislikes Iggy's passion for architecture and vocalizes that with him and how he should focus on school. When the class is on a field trip, they get stuck on an island, and Iggy saves the day by using his architectural skills.

Personal responses: This book is fun and allows kids to have a crazy imagination. This book also taught me how it's important to be creative and not take that away from kids. This book shows how it's okay to stay true to yourself, even when others don't understand. The illustrations are bright and colorful.

Author: Ken Mochizuki

Illustrator: Dom Lee

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Publication Date: 1993

Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme/Topic: WWII, Japanese-American internment, resilience, baseball

Plot summary: This book is about a young Japanese-American boy who was sent to an internment camp with his family during world war ll. Life is tough for Chiz, and he struggles with unfair treatment. The camp director starts a baseball team, so Chiz and his friends play the game. Baseball is a way for Chiz and everyone placed inside the camp to find some happiness.

Personal Response: This book shows how one small little thing can bring hope during tough times. This story teaches about the unfair treatment Japanese Americans face, but they continue to stay strong. This story it great as it teaches about history and resilience.

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 2020

Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Genre: Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Behavior, kindness, self-awareness, personal growth

Plot summary: This book is about a little seed who believes that he is bad because of his poor decision. Throughout this story, the seed starts to understand that he can change for the better and make good decisions.

Personal response: This book is great because it teaches kids about the importance of learning from mistakes and making good decisions. The bad seed shows a powerful message about growth and change.

Author: Geronimo Stilton (pseudonym for Elisabetta Dami)

Illustrator: Various illustrators (the book is part of a series with different artists contributing)

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Publication Date: 2004

Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

Number of Pages: 128 pages

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Humor

Theme/Topic: Adventure, courage, mystery-solving, teamwork

Plot summary: Geronimo Stilton, a mouse who is a journalist, is invited to Egypt to investigate a mysterious pyramid. He starts to uncover clues that lead to a legend about a cursed cheese. He faces many challenges and creepy creatures.

Personal response: I enjoyed reading this series when I was younger, as I loved the adventure and humor. I loved how every book was different and had a new storyline. This book always kept me intrigued as I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Author/Illustrator: David Shannon

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Publication Date: 1998

Grade Level: PreK–2nd grade

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Genre: Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Behavior, consequences, learning right from wrong, self-control

Plot summary: This book is about a mischievous boy named David who always gets into trouble. David's mother says no throughout the story as David misbehaves, but David continues to not listen to his mother. His mother shows that she still loves him even based on his behavior.

Personal response: This book is great for younger children as it teaches about the consequences of their actions and how you should listen to the adults in the room. I was not the best listener as a kid, and my mom read this to me to help me understand that I am still loved, but I need to start behaving better.

Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 1985

Grade Level: PreK–2nd grade

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Genre: Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Cause and effect, responsibility, generosity

Plot summary: This book is about a boy who gives a mouse a cookie. The mouse continues to ask for more things until it's a never-ending cycle. Each new action leads to another, this shows how one small event can create a big chain of events.

Personal response: I enjoyed this book as a young child, and as a babysitter, I am constantly reading this book to the kids I watch. I love watching the kid's reactions when reading, and they always have great reactions to this book.

Author: Emma Bland Smith

Illustrator: Susan Reagan 

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, Picture book, Informational STEM

Grade Level: 2nd-4th Grade (8-10 year olds)

Themes: women in history, culinary science, perseverance, American history, problem solving

Pages: 48

Publication Date: November 8th, 2022

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Summary: This book tells the story of Fannie Farmer, a determined woman who changed cooking forever. Fannie survived a sickness that left her temporarily disabled after discovering a passion for food and science. She wrote the first widely used cookbook with standardized measurements, which allowed Americans to understand recipes and improve their cooking. This biography shows how Fanny's love for precision and flavor makes cooking more accessible, reliable, and scientific. 

Activity: One activity you could use for this book is measuring. This will teach students why standardized measurements matter in cooking. Students can practice measuring with standard and nonstandard tools to see the difference firsthand. Students can also practice converting measurements and reinforce fractions in a hands-on way. 

Illustrator: Caitlin Gale

Publisher: Starscape

Publication Date: 08/29/2017

Grade Level: 3rd-7th

# of pages: 234 pages

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes/Topics: Censorship, empowerment, friendship, courage/self-confidence, the power of books

Plot summary: Amy Anne Ollinger is a shy fourth grader who loves reading. When her favorite book is banned from the school library, she secretly starts a "Banned Books Locker Library" to share the books removed from the library with other students. As more books are being questioned about whether they will stay or get banned, Amy finds her voice and fights for the right to read.

Personal Response: This book is important for kids as it teaches them about what is happening in the real world and how kids need to stand up for their beliefs.

Curricular Connections: This book would be a good lesson about argumentative writing, as it connects to language arts and will help students understand freedom of speech.

Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: 09/03/2019

Grade Level: PreK-3rd

# of pages: 32 pages

Genre: Picture book, informational, inspirational

Themes/Topics: Disabilities, inclusion, diversity, self-acceptance, empathy, community

Plot summary: This story follows a group of children who are working together to plant a community garden. While reading, you learn that each child has a different disability/challenge. This book teaches how everyone is unique and different in their own way.

Personal Response: This book was really good, and I enjoyed reading it. I like how this book introduces each child's condition in an honest but respectful way that is easy for younger children to understand. I also liked how this book normalizes conversation around disabilities and differences, which is important for young children to understand.

Curricular Connections: You can create a social-emotional learning lesson about kindness, respect, inclusion, and properly asking questions without being rude.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4sGcaA6bFk

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 09/20/1989

Grade Level: PreK-2nd

# of pages: 32 pages

Genre: Fairy tales, folk tales, humor

Themes/Topic: Hard work, consequence, problem-solving, traditional tales, perseverance

Plot Summary: In this book, the three pigs are siblings who each build a house out of straw, sticks, and bricks. When the big bad wolf comes along, he blows down the house of straw and sticks. Both of the pigs in those houses run to their brother pigs' house, which is made of bricks. The wolf tries to blow down the house of brick but fails. The wolf goes down the chimney into a boiling pot of hot water, which cooks the wolf.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book, and it has a different ending about the pigs. I've always read where the pigs end up being eaten by the wolf, but now the roles are reversed. I also like how this book shows that you have to try things multiple ways before you will succeed, and this relates to the pigs' houses.

Curricular Connections: This story would be great in a language arts lesson as it helps students understand story sequencing and identify character traits. This book can be used to help students retell and explore story structure.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F-22Y6Wg60

Illustrator: Daniel Miyares

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Grade Level: PreK–3rd

# of Pages: 40 pages

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Picture Book, Poetry

Themes/Topics: Generations, nature, patience, family roots, growth, trees, Black joy

Plot Summary: This book is about Nell, a young girl who plants a pecan tree. It shows how one small action grows bigger over time. The tree provides shade and a place to play. As the tree grows, you start to see how it becomes part of family traditions, childhood joy, and connection to the land. This story includes lyrical language and beautiful pictures.

Personal Response: I think this book is great for young children to read, as it shows the importance of small actions. This is great as it teaches young children that their actions or what they do has an impact on the people around them.

Curricular Connections: This book would be a great lesson in introducing the life cycle of plants and trees for students falling under the science category.

Author/Illustrator: Cece Bell

Publisher: Amulet Books

Date: 2014

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 233

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir

Theme/Topic: Disability, friendship, self-acceptance

Synopsis: The story is about a girl named Cece Bell, a young girl who became deaf at a very young age. Cece has to wear a Phonic Ear hearing aid, which gives her superhero powers.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this inspiring and engaging story by Cece Bell. Many themes stood out in El Deafo. A young girl with hearing loss shows these themes of belonging, identity, and self-acceptance. She turns her struggles into a superpower. I loved how she embraced her differences and encouraged others to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth.

Curricular Connections: This story connects to health awareness and the multiple disabilities that children learn about in school.

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: 1963

Grade Level: PreK–1

Genre: Alphabet / Concept Book, Children's Fiction

Theme/Topic: Alphabet, phonemic awareness, rhyming, early literacy

Number of Pages: 63

Plot Summary: This playful and creative alphabet book teaches and introduces each letter from A to Z. Each letter is included in a short, funny phrase or sentence.

Personal Response: I think that this book is great for young children as it teaches and introduces letters, sounds, and the ABCs. This book is a great way for children to be engaged, as it is funny and silly. I grew up reading this book and found it helpful in the beginning stage of learning.

Curricular Connections: This can be used in language arts by teaching and having students recognize the alphabet, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary development.

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Publication Date: 04/17/1961

Grade Level: 3rd–7th grade

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Chapter Book

Theme/Topic: Friendship, courage, loss, imagination, overcoming adversity

Number of Pages: 146 pages

Plot Summary: This story is about a boy named James who lived with his cruel aunts after his parents were killed. One day, James was given a magical green crystal by an old man who told him to plant it near a peach tree. The next day, there is a giant peach next to the tree. James's curiosity got the best of him as he decided to enter the peach. In the peach, there are a few insects: a grasshopper, a ladybug, a centipede, a worm, and others. James stays with the insects and faces many different challenges together.

Personal response: I love this book. I grew up reading it and watching the movie. It is great because it teaches you how to find joy in difficult times. I like how it shows James' journey of finding true friends who care about him.

Curricular connections: This book would be a great lesson about character development as it shows James from the beginning to the end, and his growth.

Illustrator: Denise Brunkus

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 07/28/1992

Grade Level: 1st–3rd grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Chapter Book

Theme/Topic: School experiences, humor, independence, fear of new situations

Number of Pages: 80 pages

Plot summary: This book is about Junie B. Jones, a kindergartener with big feelings and strong opinions. This is her first day of school, and she does not want to ride the school bus because it's smelly and stupid. So she comes up with a plan not to ride the bus. She ends up hiding out in the school after hours. Finally, she is found and brought home safely.

Personal Response: This book is great for younger children to read, as they can relate to her experience. It also shows children's emotions about starting school, showing how it's not as scary as it seems, and how her actions are not always okay.

Curricular Connections: This book connects to social-emotional learning of how to manage your emotions. You can teach children how to talk to an adult if they feel a certain way.

Illustrator: Sal Murdocca

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 1992

Grade Level: 1st–4th grade

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Chapter Book

Theme/Topic: Time travel, dinosaurs, curiosity, problem-solving, imagination

Number of Pages: 68 pages

Plot summary: This book is about siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a mysterious tree house in the woods near their home. Inside the treehouse are books with powers, such as transporting the siblings through time. When Jack opens a book about dinosaurs, the tree house spins, and then they appear in that time zone. The siblings explore the world of dinosaurs while also having to figure out how to get back home.

Personal Response: Growing up, I loved reading these books, as they were creative and included fantasy and real-world facts about dinosaurs. I loved the series as each book focused on a different topic.

Curricular Connections: I think that this book can be used to teach science and focus on dinosaurs, what they eat, and how they became extinct.

Illustrator: Lorraine Nam

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (an imprint of HarperCollins)

Publication Date: 2019

Grade Level: 1st–5th grade

Genre: Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Space exploration, curiosity, science, perseverance, dreaming big

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Plot summary: This book tells the life story of Neil deGrasse Tyson, a curious boy from the Bronx who fell in love with the stars. His passion for astronomy started when he visited a planetarium. Shows how he would stargaze at the top of roofs to become one of the most famous astrophysicists in the world.

Personal Response: I enjoyed reading this book and found it educational and motivational for young students. The pictures are great. I also think that this book would be great to introduce biographies to students.

Curricular Connections: This book could be a great lesson introducing astronomy and planets into the classroom.

Publisher: Kane Miller

Publication Date: March 1, 2024

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade (ages 4–8)

Genre: Informational Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Measurement, human body, self-awareness, STEM, individuality

Number of Pages: 32 pages​

Plot Summary: This book is engaging and playful for a younger audience. This book is about a young girl and introduces the concepts of measurements. The young girl is trying to find all the ways you can be measured. She uses relatable and imaginative comparisons to measure the human body.

Personal response: I enjoyed reading this book because it is educational and creative, keeping me engaged. It is a fun way to introduce measuring, as it shows many ways to measure the human body.

Curricular Connections: This book is great for introducing the measurement units for math. Allows young children to use any materials to understand measurements,

Publisher: Clarion Books (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Publication Date: March 15, 1989

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade (ages 3–7)

Genre: Picture Book, Nursery Rhyme, Humor

Theme/Topic: Counting, bedtime routine, consequences, family dynamics

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: This book is a classic nursery rhyme about five little monkeys with a lot of energy. The five monkeys need to go to bed, but instead decide to jump on the bed. The mother has warned her five children not to jump on the bed, but they don't listen, and all five monkeys fall off and bump their heads.

Personal Response: This book is a classic, and I always enjoy reading it to children when I am nannying and have to put them to bed. It teaches a valuable lesson about listening to your parents or adults. Kids love to join in when reading this to them, as it's catchy and funny.

Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Publication Date: 2018

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade (ages 4–8)

Genre: Picture Book, Contemporary Fiction

Themes/Topics: Diversity, Inclusion, Community, Belonging, Kindness

Number of Pages: 44 pages

Plot Summary: This book follows a group of children through their school day. The students do different activities where they are always accepted and included. One of the lines, "all are welcome here," is repeated throughout the book to show the overall message regardless of the students' background or culture.

Personal Response: This book is great because it teaches young children to be inclusive and to include everyone. It also shows that everyone is different and unique in their own way, which will teach children to be less judgmental and accepting.

Illustrator: Fritz Siebel

Publisher: Harper & Row (now HarperCollins)

Publication Date: 1963

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3rd grade

Genre: Humorous Fiction, Early Reader

Themes/Topics: Literal vs. Figurative Language, Miscommunication, Humor, Domestic Life

Number of Pages: 32 pages​

Plot Summary: This book is about Amelia Bedelia, who is starting her first day as a housemaid for Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. They create a list of chores for her to complete. As she completes each chore, she does the literal action, such as dusting, sprinkling dusting powder on the furniture, and so on, with the rest of the chores. Even though she did not do the chores correctly, she won over the Rogers by making them a lemon meringue pie.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book and has a great lesson for younger students. This book shows a literal interpretation of what they think. Like younger children, when we give instructions, we have to go in depth and ensure they understand what to do before sending them off. This is a great way to teach idioms and explore figurative language.

Illustrator: Mark Teague

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd grade

Reading Age: 3 – 5 years

Genre: Humorous Fiction, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: School behavior, Routines, Manners, Humor

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Plot Summary: In this book, you will explore the school day through dinosaurs as they attend school along with their human classmates. The book starts by asking questions about bad behaviors to show what dinosaurs might do, but then it shows how they make good choices instead.

Personal Reflection: I feel like this book is really engaging for a younger audience. It can be a great way to set classroom rules and norms. I want to use this in my future classroom, as I think it is a great book to start the school year in a funny but engaging way.

Illustrator: Rafael López

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Publication Date: August 28, 2018

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3rd grade

Reading Age: 5 – 8 years

Genre: Picture Book, Contemporary Fiction

Themes/Topics: Diversity, Inclusion, Self-Expression, Empathy, Courage

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: In this book, you acknowledge several children who feel different from their peers because of their appearances, language, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. Angelina, the main character, feels out of place because her entire summer, she did not have any crazy adventures like her classmates did. Instead, she spent her summer at home with her sister reading books. Rigoberto is a boy who moved from Venezuela to the school, and his classmates laugh at him because of his accent, while another girl feels uncomfortable and out of place when her peers ask her what her lunch is. Even though Angelina did not have a crazy summer. She ends up telling her peers, understanding that she had connections and similarities with others.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book to read in the classroom, as it can help all students understand the feeling of being different. I find this book important because it reminds me not to judge, listen to others' experiences, and to have an open mind.

Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

Publisher: Kokila

Publication Date: May 14, 2019

Grade Level: PreK–3rd grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Family, self-love, natural hair, father-daughter relationship, confidence

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about a girl named Zuri. She is a young girl with beautiful, naturally curly hair. Normally, Zuri‘s mother does her hair, but today her dad had to fill in and help out. Zuri‘s dad wanted to make sure her hair was perfect, so Zuri‘s dad kept trying to make sure it was the perfect hairstyle. This shows how much he cares and loves his daughter and is willing to do it again to get it right. This shows the special bond a daughter and dad can have.

Personal Response: I love this book, and I think it has a great message for students overall. This book shows that dads can also help in a situation that might be intimidating. This is also a great reminder to embrace yourself and learn to love your appearance.

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: 1982

Grade Level: 1st – 4th grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Family, hard work, saving money, recovery after loss, hope, community support

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother who are saving coins to buy a comfortable chair. After they lost everything in a house fire, they have been saving up and working hard to rebuild their lives. The message is having a soft, beautiful chair for the mother to rest after a long day of work.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book as it shows hard work through teamwork, love, and community. I could never imagine losing everything I’ve worked so hard to get. This is a great way to show students how they should not take things for granted and appreciate everything they have in their lives.

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: 1981

Grade Level: K–2nd grade

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Moving to a new home, change, feelings, family, adjusting to new situations

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: In this book, the bear family packs up all their belongings, leaves their old home in the mountains, and then moves to a treehouse in the countryside. Brother Bear is not excited to move as he is nervous about leaving his friends and all of the familiar places behind. It does take time, but brother Bear starts to adjust to his new home and becomes excited to make new friends in Bear Country.

Personal Response: I think this is a great book because it shows that change can be hard and uncomfortable in the beginning. Even when moving to a new state to go to college, I was scared in the beginning, but it was worth it in the end because of all the new friends and experiences I made. So being open-minded is important, as you can make new experiences.

Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster)

Publication Date: 1989

Grade Level: Pre-K–2nd grade

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Adventure, Cumulative Tale

Themes/Topics: Exploration, family, courage, repetition, rhythm, nature

Number of Pages: 36 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about a family that sets out to go on a fun and imaginative adventure to find a bear. Along the way, they have to travel through obstacles like tall grass, a river, thick mud, a forest, a snowstorm, and a dark cave. Each one of these obstacles is described with repetitive language and sound effects. They were all scared once they finally reached the bear in the cave and raced back home, retracing each obstacle they faced on the way to the bear cave. Once they got home, they all decided they wouldn’t go on a bear hunt again.

Personal Response: I love this book as I learned about it from the song and acting out each movement when I was younger. Finally, I read the book in elementary school and was obsessed with it as it is creative and engaging.

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 2015

Grade Level: K–3rd grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Gratitude, community, diversity, empathy, perspective, urban life

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about a young boy named CJ who is riding the city bus after church with his grandmother. As they are riding the bus to the last stop on Market Street, CJ questions his Nana why they don’t have a car of their own and why others have things they don’t have. Nana simply shows him the beauty in the surroundings. When they arrived at their destination, it is shown that they are volunteering at a soup kitchen.

Personal response: I think this is a great book with a strong message. I love how the grandmother in the book shows that even though they do not have everything, they should be grateful for what they do have and appreciate the small things.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Publication Date: 1964

Grade Level: K–5th grade

Genre: Fiction, Fable, Allegory, Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Love, selflessness, generosity, sacrifice, nature, growing up

Number of Pages: 64 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about the relationship between a boy and a tree in the beginning. The boy is a kid who plays in the tree, eats the apples, and rests in the shade. Still, as the boy becomes older and older, he visits the tree less and when he does visit the tree, he asked for things. as the tree gives the boy what he wants, the tree is left as a stump in the end the boy is now an older man who visits the tree for a place to sit and the tree is happy to give and provide still.

Personal Response: I grew up reading this book, and rereading it has made my heart happy. As I’m reading it, I can understand how this is a way that someone shows love without expecting anything in return. This reminds me of my parents and how they will do anything for me because they love me and want what’s best for me. This is a great reminder of how I need to be more appreciative, show that to them, and start giving more to them.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: May 14, 2024

Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd Grade (Ages 4–8)

Genre: Picture Book, Realistic Fiction

Themes/Topics: Family, dreams, resilience, intergenerational love, poverty, hope

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Plot summary: Miguelito lives with his grandfather, Abuelito, in Oaxaca, a beach town. Each morning, they both wake up early to sell cold coconuts and handmade macrame dreamcatchers to people headed to the beach. Migueltio saves every coin he earns and hopes to buy a plane ticket to reunite with his parents. Abuelito can find joy in the present, where Miguelito dreams of a brighter future.

Personal Response: When reading this book, I really liked how both people had dreams despite being different. They wanted to help each other reach their dreams. My family has always helped me reach my goals and dreams, and continues to support me through my journey of getting a degree.

Illustrator: Cambria Evans

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: March 5, 2013

Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd Grade (Ages 4–8)

Genre: Picture Book, Fantasy

Themes/Topics: Imagination, Empowerment, Adventure, Mother-Daughter Bond

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Plot Summary: This book is about a girl who, during the day, is ordinary, but at night, she becomes a princess in a magical realm. In her dreamworld, she goes on many daring adventures filled with excitement, as well as becoming a hero in her dreams. She also shows that a princess does not need a gown.

Personal response: I enjoyed reading this book because I was not a child who loved to dress up or play with Barbies; instead, I liked to play with my brother’s toys, which were considered boy toys. I like how the story challenges stereotypes and shows kids can play with anything.

Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (original, 1993)

Publication Date: April 3, 1993

Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd Grade (Ages 4–8)

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Fiction

Themes/Topics: Identity, Acceptance, Friendship, Diversity, Belonging

Number of Pages: 48 pages ​

Plot Summary: This book is about a fruit bat named Stellaluna who is separated from her mother when an owl attacks. She lands in a bird's nest and is adopted by the bird family. To fit in, she has to adapt to bird behaviors even though she still feels left out. Later, she runs into other bats and reunites with her mother.

Personal Reflection: This book is a great story because it teaches you to embrace your identity while still respecting others. I love this book personally because it has a great message. I remember reading it in elementary school and understanding that everyone is unique in their own way.

Illustrator: T.S. Spookytooth

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Publication Date: January 1, 2016

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4th Grade (Ages 5–9)

Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book, Science

Themes/Topics: Comparative Anatomy, Animal Adaptations, Teeth, Mammals

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Plot Summary: This book explores teeth across the animal Kingdom. It engages the reader by using a question-and-answer format. The book compares human teeth to those of many different mammals. It has creative questions and then reveals the answers with in-depth illustrations and explanations. It also teaches you about non-mammals' teeth, noting that fish, amphibians, and reptiles typically have only one type of tooth.

Personal response: This is a great book to introduce to little kids; it is educational and entertaining. Personally, I love these types of books as I get very fascinated by the comparisons and the fun facts you learn while reading

Publisher: NorthSouth Books

Publication Date: 1992

Grade Level: Preschool – 2nd Grade (Ages 3–6)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Fiction

Themes/Topics: Sharing, Friendship, Vanity, Happiness, Community

Number of Pages: 32 pages ​

Plot Summary: He is proud of his beauty and refuses to share his scales when a small blue fish asks for one. This book is about a fish that has shimmering, multicolored scales. He is proud of his beauty and refuses to share his scales when a small blue fish asks for one. Once this happened, all the other fish avoided the rainbow fish, leaving him feeling alone. The rainbow fish seeks advice from the octopus, who suggests sharing his skills. At first, the rainbow fish was unsure of this idea. But once he started sharing his scales, he realized how much joy it brought to the other fish, which also gave him new friendships.

Personal Response: This book teaches the valuable lesson that sharing is caring. Even when it’s sometimes hard to share something you really care about or something that is yours in the end, it can make someone else happy. My mom would read this book to me and my siblings when we struggled to share, and I want to continue reading it in my future classroom.

Illustrator: Bruce Degen

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

Genre: Children's Nonfiction / Science

Themes/Topics: Climate change, greenhouse gases, environmental stewardship, renewable energy

Number of Pages: 48 pages

Plot Summary: In this book, Miss Frizzle takes her students on a science adventure to learn about global warming and climate change. The class travels around the world shrinking to see carbon dioxide molecules, visiting ice caps, and exploring wind and solar energy. As they do this, they learn what causes climate change and its effects. They also find out how they can help protect the planet.

Personal Response: When reading this book, I had a really fun time, as I grew up watching the show and reading the books. This book is a great way to introduce children to the important topic of climate change. This book is definitely for upper elementary school or middle school students, and I think you could teach this in a fun, hands-on activity.

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 3, 2013

Pages: 32

Age Range: 5–8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten–3rd Grade

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, STEM, Inspirational

Themes: Perseverance, Creativity, Engineering, Growth Mindset

Plot Summary: This book is about a young girl named Rosie Revere who wants to become an engineer. During the day, Rosie keeps to herself and is quiet, but her imagination goes wild at night as she creates inventions. After she fails at one of her creations, she feels discouraged, but that changes when she sees her great-great-aunt Rose, who encourages Rosie to embrace failure and see it as a lesson on how to do better the next time. 
Personal response: I read this book this semester when I was tutoring a kid. We read a lot of Andrea's books because most of them had a powerful message. I loved the message in this book, as it teaches you never to give up and embrace failure, as it teaches you to grow.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: 2020

Grade Level: Preschool – 2nd grade

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

Theme/Topic: Perseverance, sibling relationships, nature

Number of Pages: 48

Plot Summary: Jules wants to build the best Sandcastle ever, but each time she builds it, the ocean washes it away, and she has to restart. Jules starts to get really frustrated, but she does not give up. She keeps trying, and she learns from her failures along the way. She does find joy with her sister by her side, helping.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book and can relate to it. I have watched it happen to many of the kids I nanny. Usually, when this happens, I try to find a solution to help them and encourage them to keep trying.