"Mi Papá es un Agricola/My Father the Farmworker" is a dual-language book with one page of the story in each language. This not only exposes students to different languages but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. This book can be a resource to help students understand the unique experiences that some students experience.

This story centers around a young girl named Angelina on her first day of school. In the beginning, she feels self-conscious as other students share the amazing things and places they traveled throughout the summer. Angelina spent her summer babysitting her younger sister and reading books. She feels self-conscious about her identity. Throughout the book, others share their experiences of feeling different, and it encourages a sense of community in those who are different.

I enjoyed reading this story. It would be an excellent story for my future students to read on the first day of school. Many students feel anxious on the first day of school because they may be different from others around them. However, this story appreciates differences among people because that makes them who they are.  I have felt moments where I didn't belong, whether in school, extracurricular activities, friends, or family. It's isolating, but knowing other people have similar feelings is validating. This book teaches us to recognize that everyone's identity is essential, even if someone's identity is very different than yours. 

Book Title: One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish

Author: Dr. Seuss

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Publication Date: 3/12/1960

Publisher: Random House children's book

Grade Level: K-1

Genre: Children's literature

Themes: humor, fantasy fiction, diversity

Number of Pages: 72

Summary: Red Fish Blue Fish on the diversity of different kinds of fish and people from various places. This book also focuses on adventure while two kids( Jay and Kay) travel, meeting new types.

Personal connect: I remember the book engaging because of the colorful patterns. This book also helped me learn how to read with rhythm and common order patterns.

"There is so much imagination, " Spencer from Good reads. There is imagination and creativity on each page, and it makes students engaged.

Show students the Idaho kids' vote website, have them vote, and read aloud the previously awarded books.

Title: Amelia Bedelia

Author: Peggy Parish

Illustrator: Fritz Siebel

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: December 26, 2012 (originally published in 1963)

Grade Level: K–3 (Ages 4–8)

Genre: Children's Fiction, Early Reader, Humor

Themes/Topics: Literal Thinking, Humor, Following Directions, Mistakes & Learning

Summary:

Amelia Bedelia is a funny story about a quirky housemaid named Amelia Bedelia, who takes everything literally. Set in a wealthy household, Amelia is hired to complete a list of chores while the homeowners are away. However, due to her literal interpretation of language, she hilariously misinterprets each task. Instead of "dressing the chicken," she puts clothes on it, and instead of "dusting the furniture," she covers it in dust.This classic early reader book is filled with wordplay, making it a fun and educational read that encourages young readers to think about language and its multiple meanings.

I remember reading the Amelia Bedelia series when I was young. This book was the first time I actually understood that some words have multiple meanings and should be interpreted based on the context. This book would be beneficial in the classroom when introducing multiple means of words.

Author: Andrew Clements

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 1, 1996

Grade Level: 3rd – 7th Grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes/Topics: Creativity and Innovation, Power of Words, Language and Communication

"Frindle" by Andrew Clements is a charming story about a fifth grader named Nick Allen, who is known for his creativity and love of playing pranks. When he decides he wants to challenge the authority of his language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger, he invents a new word for a pen—calling it a "frindle." What starts as a simple prank quickly gains popularity among his classmates, spreading throughout the school and eventually beyond. As the word catches on, Nick finds himself at the center of a linguistic revolution, facing both support and resistance from various adults, especially Mrs. Granger. The story explores themes of creativity, the power of words, and the ways in which language evolves. Through Nick's journey, readers learn about the importance of individuality and standing up for one's ideas.I remember going to school and hearing someone call a Pen a Frindle. Curious, I asked what they were talking about—all they said was, "Read Frindle." With that, I went home, found the audiobook, and listened to it all in one night, just so I could go to school the next day and talk to my friends about it.

Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: Patricia Castelao

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 17, 2012

Grade Level: 3–7 (Ages 8–12)

Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Animal Fiction

Themes/Topics: Friendship, Freedom, Animal Rights, Hope, Perseverance

Summary:

The One and Only Ivan is a heartwarming novel inspired by the true story of a silverback gorilla named Ivan, who lived in captivity for 27 years. Ivan, the main character, resides in the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, where he has spent most of his life in a glass enclosure. He passes his time watching television, painting, and spending time with his friends—an elderly elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob. Ivan's world changes when a young elephant named Ruby arrives. Witnessing the harsh treatment Ruby endures, Ivan makes a promise to Stella to protect Ruby and find a way to give her a better life.

This book is told from Ivan’s unique perspective, the novel explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of friendship. The story is written in short, poetic chapters, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.

I remember reading "The One and Only Ivan" in 4th grade. I started with a hard copy of the book and enjoyed it; however, my comprehension of the story was low. After reading, I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the physical book. This changed my reading experience significantly. My story comprehension improved drastically, and I finally understood it fully. Since then, I have enjoyed books the most when I listened to the audiobook while following along with the text.

I chose to represent Ivan journey through a story map showing the journey that Ivan and Ruby had to home which was the zoo instead of the mall

Author: R.J. Palacio

Illustrator: R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: February 14, 2012

Grade Level: 3rd – 7th Grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes/Topics: Kindness and Empathy, Acceptance and Inclusion, Bullying, Friendship, Family, Courage and Resilience

Summary: "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio tells the story of August Pullman, a young boy with a facial difference who is about to attend a mainstream school for the first time. The novel explores kindness, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. Through August's perspective and the perspectives of those around him—including his family, friends, and classmates—readers witness his challenges and triumphs as he navigates social hurdles and strives to fit in. The book emphasizes the power of empathy and encourages readers to choose kindness in their interactions with others. Ultimately, "Wonder" highlights the beauty of individuality and the impact of compassion on people's lives.

When I wrote my Padlet entry about the book We Are All Wonders, I knew I had to add a chapter book entry to this novel. My mom originally read it aloud to me, and after finishing, I decided to read it independently. Despite my challenges with reading chapter books, I was able to fly through it because 1. I was familiar with the story, 2. I loved it, and 3. I related to Auggie. I want this book in my future classroom, whether to read aloud or have students read it independently. It was a vital chapter book in my reading journey, and I want it to have just as much impact on my students.

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Illustrator: (Cover design by Christopher Stengel)

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: March 9, 2010

Grade Level: 4th – 8th Grade

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes/Topics: Disability Awareness, Perseverance, Acceptance and Inclusion, Communication, Friendship, Overcoming Challenges

Summary: lody Brooks, an intelligent and determined girl with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak or walk. Despite her challenges, Melody possesses a brilliant mind and a keen understanding of the world around her. She battles others' perceptions and seeks to find her voice. This story showcases Melody's journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment.

I was deeply inspired after reading this book and took the term "disability" with new meaning. Previously, the word had a negative connotation in my mind, suggesting that someone was unable to do something. After reading this book in 4th grade, I was able to see that disabilities allow others to experience something unique while overcoming challenges. This book inspired me to be a "peer mentor" in the life skills class for students with disabilities. I was able to have a positive impact on students in this class and learned to see them not as less than, but as equal, ultimately gaining long-lasting friendships.

This book follows a young boy named Auggie who has a facial abnormality. It teaches that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter how they look. The book encourages kids (and adults) to look beyond appearances and appreciate the uniqueness in everyone.

I recall reading the novel Wonder at least 6 times, either independently or read by my mom; it was my all-time favorite book for 3 years. I resonated with feeling different than others and related to Auggie. This book allowed me to see mirrors and windows. It was a mirror into my own life and feeling similar to Auggie's, but also a window to see a life/world entirely different from mine. This book can be taught alongside lessons about acceptance and empathy in the classroom.

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: World Publishing Company (original), later published by Philomel Books

Publication Date: June 3, 1969

Grade Level: Preschool – 2nd Grade

Genre: Children’s Fiction / Picture Book

Themes/Topics: Growth and Transformation, Days of the Week, Nature and Life Cycles

Summary:

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle tells the story of a tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and begins eating various foods weekly. Each day, the caterpillar devours increasing amounts of different items, including fruits and sweets, which leads to a tummy ache. Eventually, the caterpillar builds a cocoon around itself and transforms, emerging as a beautiful butterfly. The story highlights themes of growth, change, and the natural lifecycle, engaging young readers with its colorful illustrations and rhythmic storytelling. This book would be beneficial for a science lesson on life cycles and how a caterpillar can transform into a butterfly.I loved reading this book as a kid and admiring the engaging illustrations alongside the text.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki,  book has universal themes of hope and resilience which are presented through a Japanese American interment camp during World War II. The story follows a young boy, whose community builds a baseball field to cope with the harsh conditions and maintain their spirits. The author connects these universal themes to the historical period by showing how baseball provided a sense of normalcy and empowerment for Japanese Americans facing injustice and prejudice. The story shows how baseball helped the boy gain resilience even though facing extremely difficult experiences. The integration of real historical context with the fictional story gives a sense of how sports and shared activities can build resilience and solidarity.

I chose to represent this book with an illustration of a baseball and baseball bat behind the backdrop of a fence which represents the interment camp. I wrote the universal themes in the baseball and a short plot summary in the baseball bat.

The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe. They travel through space and time to rescue Meg’s father, a scientist trapped on the dark planet. They are helped by mysterious beings: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. The children journey across different dimensions and fight against the evil force called IT. The novel discusses themes of love, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.

When I first read A Wrinkle in Time in 4th grade, I found it hard to follow the story because my reading skills weren't strong enough. However, when I read it again in 7th grade, I understood it better. I enjoyed the adventure, appreciated the characters, and recognized the deeper themes in the book.

I enjoyed making a heart map for Suzy and think it would be a great activity for students to do with any character from a book they read. This activity allows for a deeper look into the individual character and what makes them who they are. Students would also benefit from creating a heart map about themselves. This could serve as a brainstorming tool for writing and help them reflect on the different elements that shape their identity.

How does Suzy grow throughout the novel?

What elements of Suzy/the story do you most relate to? How do you see yourself in Suzy?

Themes/Topics: Native American Culture, Family, Food Traditions, Identity, History, Community, Heritage

Summary:Fry Bread is a rich, poetic picture book that explores the history and significance of fry bread in Native American culture. Each page begins with “Fry bread is…” and follows with a thoughtful description whether it’s about shape, sound, place, or nation. This story is a beautiful exploration of identity and shared experience.

Personal connect: I really enjoyed reading this book and felt connect to my own family heritage. My grandparents both immigrated from Germany when they were young. Every time I saw them as a kid we always had an amazing spread of German food. I can image this story in the content of the german food my grandparent made before they past away and it make it that much more special of a story to read.

Page Number: 32

Themes/Topics: Individuality, Self-Acceptance, Identity, Courage, Humor

Summary:
Camilla Cream eat too many lima beans, and she suddenly breaks out in a colorful case of stripes, no one can figure out what’s wrong. Doctors, specialists, and even experts can’t cure her. It’s not until Camilla learns to embrace who she truly is that the strange symptoms disappear. A Bad Case of Stripes is a humorous and visually engaging story that encourages children to be true to themselves and not to hide what makes them unique.

Personal connection: I love the book's undertones of self-acceptance, and I appreciate how it encourages people to embrace who they are and not be ashamed of it. I wish I had read this book when I was younger because I would have related to it and enjoyed it.

Themes/Topics:, Deafness & Disability, Identity and Self-Acceptance, Friendship, Inclusion and Empathy, Empowerment

Summary:
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir in which author and illustrator Cece Bell shares her childhood experiences growing up deaf. After losing her hearing at a young age due to illness, Cece must navigate school, friendships, and fitting in while while adjusting to a bulky hearing aid called the Phonic Ear. While the device makes her feel different, it also gives her a superpower: she can hear her teacher wherever she goes! Cece imagines herself as a superhero named “El Deafo,” turning her challenges into a source of strength.

Personal connection: I love that El Deafo invites readers to see disability not as a limitation but as a unique and powerful part of identity. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 1st grade and was treated differently than others in my classes because of it. I always had to pull out for groups or receive special one-on-one support, which made me feel self-conscious. As I have gotten older, I have tried to adopt a similar outlook to Cece Bell regarding her disability, turning it into a superpower. I am no longer ashamed and recognize that my experiences make me special and unique.

Page Number: 32

Themes/Topics:Gender Equality, Chinese Culture & Traditions, Perseverance, Family Support, Empowerment

Summary:
Ruby's Wish is an inspiring story based on the true experiences of the author’s grandmother. Set in old China, it follows a young girl named Ruby who is bright, curious, and determined to receive an education just like her male cousins. In a time and culture where girls were expected to focus on marriage instead of school, Ruby dares to dream differently. With persistence and courage, she earns the respect of her family and eventually receives a rare opportunity for a girl of her time a chance to attend university.

Personal Connections:

My sister's name is Ruby, so any book we found that had the name Ruby in it, we had to have! I remember loving this book when I was young and feeling inspired by Ruby in the story, but also by my sister Ruby. Ruby always did things differently than those around her, and I saw such a similarity between my sister and the Ruby in the book. We still have this book, and I will definitely be reading it to my future kids or keeping it in my classroom.

Page Number: 256

Themes/Topics: Censorship & Intellectual Freedom, Advocacy & Student Voice, Book Banning, Courage & Empowerment, School & Community, Friendship

Summary:
In Ban This Book, fourth grader Amy Anne Ollinger is shocked when her favorite book is suddenly removed from the school library because one parent complains. When more books start disappearing, Amy Anne quietly fights back—by starting a secret banned books library in her locker. As more students join her cause, Amy finds her voice and learns how powerful standing up for what you believe in can be. This book explores the importance of access to books, the dangers of censorship, and the idea that even kids can be activists.

Personal connection:

I chose to listen to this book in audiobook format, which made it much more engaging. I listened to all four hours of the book in one sitting. This is such a powerful book on finding your voice and standing up for what you believe. Also, it provides great exposure for young students to understand what book banning is and how it might affect them. Overall, I would read this again to my future students, especially if books are being banned in our school library.

Themes/Topics: Self-Esteem & Identity, Bullying & Peer Pressure, Individuality & Acceptance, Names & Personal Significance,Empathy & Kindness

Summary:
Chrysanthemum the story of a young mouse named Chrysanthemum who adores her unique name until she starts school. Her classmates tease her for having a name that's long and floral, causing her to feel embarrassed and question her identity. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle her music teacher, shares that she too has a flower-inspired name. Mrs. Twinkle's support helps Chrysanthemum regain her confidence, and eventually, her classmates come to appreciate her name as well. In the end Mrs. Twinkle naming her newborn daughter Chrysanthemum, celebrating the beauty of individuality. ​

Personal connection:
I loved reading this book when I was younger, especially the celebration of individualism. I related to it in a similar yet different way because of my middle name, Roe. Many of my classmates in elementary school had "normal" middle names like Lily, Marie, and Grace, and they would point out how weird my middle name was. This book helped me embrace my middle name just like Chrysanthemum did. My middle name is my mom's maiden name before she got married, making it extra special to me. I am no longer ashamed but proud to have it as my middle name.

Page Number: 56

Themes/Topics: Life’s Journey, Growth Mindset, Resilience & Perseverance, Choices & Independence, Motivation & Encouragement

Summary:
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is a picture book by Dr. Seuss that encourages readers of all ages to dream big, face challenges, and embrace the journey of life. With whimsical rhymes and imaginative illustrations, the book follows a traveler setting off on life’s unpredictable path, navigating highs, lows, waiting places, and triumphant moments. Through its playful tone and uplifting message, Dr. Seuss offers wisdom about resilience, courage, and self-belief.

Personal Connection:

I loved reading his book as a kid and didn't realize the significance of the message until much later in life. Rereading it today was such a special experience and a huge motivation for what’s to come, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed about the unknowns of my future.

Page Number: 32

Themes/Topics: Folklore,Responsibility, Consequences of Disobedience, Wisdom vs. Foolishness

Summary:
Strega Nona is a classic folk tale set in a small Italian village, where an old and wise woman named Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) helps the townspeople with her magical remedies. When she hires a helper named Big Anthony, she warns him never to touch her magic pasta pot. But Big Anthony is curious and when Strega Nona is away, he uses the pot to impress the townspeople. Things go hilariously wrong when he can’t stop the pasta from overflowing and flooding the town! Only Strega Nona knows the secret to stop the magic.

Personal Connection:

This book taught me integrity—to do the right thing even when no one is watching. When I was younger, I often thought of this book when I found myself in situations where I could either do what I wanted or choose to do the right thing.

Author: Heather L. Montgomery

Illustrator: Maribel Lechuga

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Publication date: September 14, 2021
Grade level Level: Grades K–4 (5–9 years)

Genre: Children’s Nonfiction / Informational Picture Book
Pages: 48
Themes/topics: nature, science, discovery, biographies, STEM

Summary: Heather Montgomery highlights how simple moments of curiosity like picking up a snail shell or collecting leaves can grow into lifelong passions and even world-changing discoveries. She teaches young readers that they are similar to some of the greatest scientist if they are curious about science and nature.

Personal connection: I know that I would have valued reading this book as a kid. I would always go on hikes for the sole purpose of collecting treasures. My mom would call hikes "treasure hunts" to make them more interesting for me. I would always try to find the coolest rocks I could discover and collected them. Knowing that scientists also did the same would inspire me to engage more with science.

Author: Matthew A. Cherry

Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

Publisher: Kokila (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers)

Publication Date: May 14, 2019

Grade Level: K to 4th Grade

Genre: Realistic fiction

Themes: Self-confidence, perseverance, embracing natural hair

Summary: Hair Love is a heartwarming story about Zuri, a young girl with beautiful, natural curly hair. Zuri wants her hair styled just right way by her dad. Through patience, love, and determination, they work together to create the perfect hairstyle. The book celebrates the beauty of natural hair, the importance of self-love, and the special bond between fathers and daughters.

I got the change to visit my aunt who is a 1st grade teacher in a title 1 school with a large African American population. The day I visited my aunt read this to her class. All the students really resonated with the book. The next day my aunt said way more students had their hair down/natural and styled how they like!

Author: Kathleen Krull

Illustrator: David Diaz

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Genre:Biography, nonfiction

Pages: 44

Themes/topics: Disability and Resilience, Determination, African American women in sports

Summary: At age 5, Wilma got polio, which paralyzed her left leg. Despite this, she showed resilience by moving on one foot and going to many appointments to relearn how to walk. She practiced enough to get braces that allowed her to go to school. Wilma walked for the first time down the aisle of her church, showing her determination.She then started playing basketball and led her team to the Tennessee state championships. Although they lost, a coach noticed her talent and offered her a scholarship to Tennessee State University.

Eight years after getting her braces, Wilma competed in the Olympics in Rome and won a gold medal in the 100-meter dash. She continued to run, winning the 200-meter dash and completing the 400-meter relay, where she was the first to finish. Despite many challenges, she remained resilient and positive, becoming the fastest woman in the world.

Personal Connection: This was the first book I choose for my thematic tex set on resilience. An inspiring book about a very inspiring women.

Personal connection: Our next-door neighbor's house burned down, and it was devastating because they lost almost all of their belongings and their home. Our neighborhood came together to support them through donations of furniture and money to aid in the rebuilding of their beloved home. Now, five years later, they are living in the new and improved house, and they were able to do so because they stayed resilient and maintained a positive outlook on the situation.

Summary: Jabari was determined to jump off the diving board after completing his swimming lessons. As he climbed up, he felt a wave of fear wash over him when he realized just how high it was. He thought about postponing his jump until tomorrow, but his dad encouraged him to take a deep breath and give it a try. With a little more confidence, Jabari took a moment to focus, feeling the excitement mix with his fear. He made the jump and conquered his fear.

Personal Connection: This story can translate to so many different elements of life. Taking the jump off the diving board is like saying yes to something that is scary and unknown. Sometime you just have to take a deep breath and take a chance.

Summary: This empowering picture book highlights thirteen trailblazing women who overcame obstacles and stood up for what they believed in. Their stories of courage, determination, and resilience inspire young readers to persist in the face of adversity.

Personal Connection: Even though this book is target for younger kids, this book I think is for all ages. It give a short summary of amazing things women have done, perfect read for men not just women.

Author: Daniel Nayeri

Publisher: Levine Querido

Publication Date: August 25, 2020

Page Count: 368 pages

Grade Level: 5th – 8th Grade

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Autobiographical Novel

Themes/topics: Immigration and Refugee Experience, Identity and Cultural Heritage, Family and Resilience, Faith and Belief Systems, Bullying and Acceptance

Summary: Everything Sad is Untrue is an inspiring true story written by Daniel Nayeri. It is a semi-autobiographical novel that blends memoir, storytelling, and myth. The narrative is told from the perspective of a young Iranian refugee named Khosrou, who now goes by Daniel, as he recounts his life story to his middle school classmates in Oklahoma.

Personal Connection: I really enjoyed this book and listened to the nearly 8-hour audiobook in under 24 hours. I was inspired by Daniel's bravery and resilience as he shares his life experiences. This book reminded me of some of the students I help through the Nation United program, which consists of immigrant students in middle school, specifically at South Junior High and Hillside Junior High, who participate on a soccer team. Each student in this program has a unique and colorful journey of how they came to America. I know some of the students' stories, while others remain a mystery to me. Daniel’s story encouraged me to interact with everyone at Nation United and to treat all students with kindness and respect. These students bring valuable perspectives to my future classroom by sharing their stories. I would love to recommend this book to many of the refugee students I interact with on a bi-weekly basis. I think many of them would relate and feel understood on a level that some of their peers may not.

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 3, 2013

Page Count: 32 pages

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade

Genre: Children's picture books

Themes/topics: Perseverance, creativity, embracing failure, engineering, self-confidence

Summary: Rosie loves inventing, but after a failed creation, she feels discouraged. Then a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!). She learns that you only fail when you quit. She showcased resilience and determination by continuing to make inventions.

Personal connection: I love how this book incorporates Rosie the Riverter. This allows teachers who read this in the class to also acknowledge her and the roll she played in history.

Summary: When Jules is making a sandcastle on the beach, the ocean keeps washing it away. When the ocean takes her bucket, she gets discouraged because she can't make a sandcastle without a bucket. However, her sister encourages her to build a sandcastle without one. She practices resiliency by making a bigger and better sandcastle! Regardless, the ocean splashes it away. Jules is still proud of her creation and is determined to keep making sandcastles despite the ocean washing them away.

Personal connection: When I was younger we used to make Gigantic sand creation with all my aunts uncle and cousins. We would spend the whole day crafting something amazing. The next day we would come down to the beach, Iw as alway so sad to see it all gone away my the ocean. My family would reframe it and say how lucky are we that we GET to have a blank slate and try again and make it even better. In this book she also chooses to reframe the narrative of the ocean in a similar way.

Genre: Children Picture book

Themes/topics: Cultural Identity and Pride, Self-Acceptance and Confidence, the importance of names.

Summary: The name Jar centers around a young girl who moves from Korea to America named Unhei. She is nervous that her new classmates will not be able to pronounce her name. To avoid embarrassment she decided she will choose a name from the name jar. Throughout the story, she realized that her name is the only one that truly fits her. She embraces her unique identity and the significance of her name.

Personal connection: I would love to read this to my class in the first couple of weeks of school, especially when discussing how our names reflect our identities. Names are so important, and regardless of whether a name looks "hard to pronounce" or "unusual," it's essential that everyone respects one another by saying each other's names correctly.

Author: Laurie Ann Thompson

Illustrator: Sean Qualls

Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books (an imprint of Random House Children's Books)

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Page Count: 40 pages

Grade Level: Preschool – 4th

Genre: Biography, Nonfiction

Themes/topics: Overcoming adversity, Disability and ability, Perseverance and determination

Summary: Emmanuel was born with just one leg, yet he refuses to let his disability shape his identity. He demonstrates incredible resilience by biking across the country to promote a message of ability and inclusion. His inspiring story motivates readers to overcome their limitations.

Personal connection: Reading this in my future class would be great! I would have students create their own stories about a hurdle they had to overcome and turn it into a 6-panel story or comic. Having students reflect on their experiences adds depth to their characters and teaches them to persevere during difficult times because they know they have done it before. I would hang these up in the classroom all year. When a student is struggling, they can refer to their picture as a reminder of how they were resilient and practiced determination.

Author & Illustrator: Tom Percival

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Page Count: 32 pages

Grade Level: Preschool- 3rd grade

Genre: Children picture book

Themes/topics: Resilience, coping with change, emotional intelligence, perseverance, self-confidence

Summary: Tilda got very discouraged when her world turned upside down; however, a ladybird stuck on its back inspired her. Despite its struggle, the ladybird kept trying until it finally flew away. This resilience motivated Tilda to return to the activities she loved, like spending time with her friends. Now, whenever her world felt topsy-turvy, she reminded herself to try her best and keep on trying.

Personal Connection: This book is great for addressing change. Sometimes in the midst of change, nothing feels right and normal, but it's important to do one thing at a time to find a new normal. This is a book I would read if I were a kindergarten teacher on the first day. Many students are very scared because it is such a big change for them. Teaching students to embrace the change will be very valuable for the year ahead and set everyone off with the right attitude.

Author: Malala Yousafzai

Illustrator: Kerascoët

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (U.S.)

Publication Date: October 17, 2017

Page Count: 48 pages

Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd Grade

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Autobiography

Themes: Activism, Courage, Social Justice, Education, Empowerment

Summary: The book begins with Malala as a young child wishes for a magic pencil to erase and fix problems;. As she get older she wishes for larger problem to be solved like peace and equity for all. She learns that even though she doesn't have a magic pencil to fix things her voice and action create change as well. This encourages everyone to speak up for what they believe using their voice and also mirroring that with their actions.

Personal connection: I read I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World and absolutely loved it. Such in inspiring women and story, when I saw that they was a children's book she wrote I knew I had to read it. Also a great book, which i will definitely be reading to my students regardless of what age students I teach because the message is so great.

Authors: Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Illustrator: Catherine Stock

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: June 2009

Page Count: 36 pages

Grade Level: 1st – 5th Grade

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Realistic Fiction

Themes/topics: Refugee experience, cultural identity, resilience, self-expression, belonging

Summary: My Name Is Sangoel is a book about an eight-year-old boy named Sangoel, a refugee from Sudan who relocates to the United States with his mother and sister. In America, he finds that no one can pronounce his name correctly, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. His name is deeply important to him, and he desires to have people pronounce it correctly. Throughout the story, he finds a creative way for his classmates to pronounce his name.

Personal reflection: This book reminds me of the story The Name Jar. It highlights how important names are to our identity. As a teacher, I will prioritize pronouncing everyone's name correctly, regardless of whether it's an unfamiliar name to me. I want others to pronounce my name correctly, so I should show them the same respect by saying their names right.

Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A .Bobo

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Publication date: March 6, 2018

Page Number:32

Grade level: Kindergarden- 3rd grade

Genre: Realistic fiction

Theme/topics: Love, acceptance, self appreciation, diversity, equity and inclusion, compassion for others and self.

Summary: The girl in the book shows resilience and strength when feeling different from those around her. Throughout the book, she learns to appreciate herself just the way she is, saying, "I am enough."

Personal connection: I wish I had read and understood this books lesson at a much earlier age. This would be great to teach when talking about inclusion and diversity. Specific when talking about appreciating others differences from not just similarities.

Author: Chris Harris

Illustrator: Andrea Tsurumi

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Page Count: 192 pages

Genre: Childrens poetry

Themes/topic: Humorous, silly, poetry

Summary: This book is a collection of silly goofy poems with great illustrations from Andrea Tsurumi that enhances the quality and engagement of the poems. This book will make you laugh out loud.

Personal connection: This book reminds me a lot of Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, which I loved as a child. This would be great to integrate into a poetry lesson but also as a brain break throughout other lesson you can read just one poem to change the mood of the class. This could also be done at the end of the day if there is extra time before dismissal.

Author: Nicola Kent 

Illustrator: Nicola Kent 

Publisher: Little Tiger Press Group

Publication Date: May 16, 2023

Page count: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

Genre: Informational, nonfiction

Themes/topics: Measurements (height weight, age etc), self awareness and identity.

Summary: This book goes through concept of measurement through the lens of self discovery. The young girl explores different ways to measure herself, height, weight, age, time, and more. this book uses simple math vocabulary to make it simple for young readers.

Personal connection: This book is so great because it make measuring more personal and a chance for students to gain information about themselves. I would use tis book when talking about math specifically when they measure themselves. This would be a great starting point for the lessons on measurement and would spark curiosity of what other things that they students could measure, for example size of their hand or foot.

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication date: June 27, 2013

Page count: 30

Grade Level: Kindergarden- 3rd grade

Genre: Children's fiction

Themes/topics: Self-expression and creativity, emotions and communication, problem-solving and compromise

Summary: A boy named Duncan opens up his crayons box and finds that each color crayons had written him a letter. Each page of the book is a different crayons letter about being upset/overworked/underappreciated. Duncan reads all the letters and realizes he hasn't been fair to his crayons. At the end, he draws a creative picture using all the crayons in new and imaginative ways, making them all happy.

Personal connection: This book would be a great resource for a writing lesson focused on letter writing. Students could explore the format of letters and the components they include. They can write their own letters and then use crayons to draw a unique picture to accompany the letter.

Summary: Julián Is a Mermaid tells the story of a young boy named Julián who sees three women dressed as mermaids on the subway. When he gets home he uses household items to transform himself into a mermaid. His abuela see him and celebrates his self expression. His abuela and him go to a local parade where everyone is dressed up as mermaids.

Personal connection: This story would be great to integrate into the classroom, especially for students who may feel self-conscious about what they wear and how they present themselves. It highlights the idea that individuality is a powerful form of self-expression. Students could create their own pictures or written stories with the title "NAME is a _____. After completing this activity, they can admire the work of their classmates by giving compliments and identifying what they appreciate about each person's creation. Students can then share why they chose a particular thing or animal and how they see themselves in that choice.

Themes/Topics: Native American culture, Nature and animals freedom, belonging, identity and transformation

Summary: The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is a beautifully illustrated Native American tale about a young girl who feels a deep connection to horses. One day, during a storm, she and her tribe’s horses run far away, eventually joining a herd of wild horses. She feels truly at home among them and chooses to stay. Her people eventually find her, but when given the chance, she returns to the wild horses. Over time, she is seen less and less, until the tribe believes she has become one of them. The story honors the bond between humans and nature, and is both a spiritual and cultural tribute to Indigenous traditions.

Personal connection: Integrating legends and folktales into everyday book read-alouds is a great opportunity to learn about another culture. This would also be a great book to read when doing a history lesson on the Native Americans who were here before we colonized. As a teacher, I can emphasize how important storytelling was/is to the Native American tribes.

Themes/Topics:Gratitude and perspective, community and service, socioeconomic diversity

Summary: Last Stop on Market Street is about CJ and his Nana as they travel across the city by bus after church. Along the ride, CJ questions why they live without a car, in a less affluent neighborhood. Nana gently opens his eyes to the richness of the world around them, showing him the beauty in people, community, and giving. Their final destination is a soup kitchen, where they volunteer, leaving readers with a message of service and gratitude.

Personal Connection: This would be an excellent social-emotional learning (SEL) lesson activity. Students could discuss different perspectives and share what they are grateful for. This activity would help shift their focus away from material possessions, like toys and other items, to what truly matters, such as safety, family, love, and learning.

While this lesson can be adapted for any grade, it would be particularly impactful for 3rd graders, as they often begin to compare themselves to their peers and place value on social status. This tendency continues to grow as they enter middle school. By encouraging students at a young age to explore the many meaningful things they value, they can gain a deeper appreciation for experiences that others might not have or recognize.

Themes/Topics: Parent-child relationships, curiosity and independence, animal in natural habituate

Summary: Blueberries for Sal is a classic about a little girl named Sal and her mother who go to Blueberry Hill to pick blueberries for winter. At the same time, a mother bear and her cub are also picking berries on the other side of the hill. Through a mix-up, Sal ends up following the mother bear, and the bear cub ends up following Sal’s mother. At the end of the story sal and her mother make it back together and appreciate each other even more.

Personal connection: This book was a favorite in my house when I was very young. We had a trail from our house that was about half a mile to a meadow where we could become fully immersed in many animal's daily habits and see them throughout the seasons. I think this lesson can be integrated in many ways, but one particular focus for science could dive into how animals hibernate for the winter, comparing how bears prepare for winter versus how sal and her mother does. You could also use this book as a jumping-off point for a math lesson, where students could count by putting blueberries (pom-pom balls) in a bucket and adding or subtracting the amount in the bucket.

Themes/Topics: Animals and habitats, seasonal changes. problem-solving and consequences, sequence and repetition

Summary: The Mitten is a retelling of a Ukrainian folktale about a boy named Nicki who loses one of his white mittens in the snow. As the story unfolds, various woodland animals including a mole, rabbit, owl, badger, fox, and finally a bear. climb into the cozy mitten to keep warm. The mitten stretches to accommodate all of them until Nicki discovers that his glove has become a new home for many animals.

Personal connection: I used this book for a reading lesson in LLC 343 tutoring while focusing on comprehension with our client. We practiced the 5-finger retell: setting, characters, problem, sequence of events, and solutions. The book has a clear pattern and sequence of events that works great for retelling and checking for comprehension.

Themes/Topics: The power of words, humor and silliness, reading engagement, language play, imagination

Summary: The Book with No Pictures flips the script on traditional picture books by featuring only text and no illustrations. This book is filled with silliness and can be read in various ways, altering the story experience each time.

Personal connection: THIS IS SUCH A FUN BOOK! I plan to read this book in every class I teach, especially in the classroom where I’ll do my internship and student teaching. I absolutely love reading aloud, especially when it’s something super silly and fun. This book is a perfect opportunity for that! It helps students loosen up and see my more playful side. A great follow-up lesson would be for students to create their own books without pictures and then perform a reader's theater. This would allow them to practice reading aloud while focusing on expression and prosody.

Themes/Topics: Imagination, creativity, humor, wordplay and rhyme

Summary: "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a collection of whimsical, humorous, and thoughtful poems. The delightful black-and-white illustrations complement the poems, which vary from silly and fantastical to thoughtful and insightful. The playful language showcases subtle messages about responsibility, dreams, and the human experience.

Personal Connection: I had this book as a kid and absolutely loved reading it. It opened my eyes to poetry as something fun and not just serious and proper, which I previously thought. I participated in reader's theater in multiple classes and always chose a poem from this collection. I still remember every word of the poem "Holiday," which I recited in 4th grade. This book would be fantastic for introducing students to wordplay and figurative language. They could become figurative language investigators, trying to find various examples of different literary devices throughout the book or focusing on one special poem. It's an excellent mentor text for teaching kids how to write poetry, giving them guidance as they craft their own poems.

Themes/Topics:, STEM and space exploration, civil rights and racial segregation, women in history and science, perseverance and overcoming obstacles, teamwork and contribution

Summary: Hidden Figures tells the true story of four African American women Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden. These women worked as mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. Despite facing racism and gender discrimination, these brilliant women made groundbreaking contributions to aerospace engineering and space travel. This story celebrates the women’s intelligence, determination, and impact on science and society.

Personal connection: This book would be great for a cross-content curriculum lesson, for example, history (civil rights movement and color discrimination), science (gravity), and math (trajectory and complex equations). This book is a must-read for my classroom because it touches on so many topics and can be integrated into many different content areas.

Themes/Topics: Unconditional love, selflessness, giving and taking, nature and human relationships and gratitude

Summary: The Giving Tree is a timeless story about the relationship between a boy and a tree. As the boy grows older, he continually returns to the tree in search of things he wants apples to sell, branches to build a house, and a trunk to make a boat. The tree gives everything she has out of love until she is only a stump, which the now-old man uses to rest. The book is simple in text but deep in meaning, inviting discussions about giving, relationships, and what it means to be happy.

Personal connection: Rereading this again after a long time made me cry. As I have grown older, I have seen this book in a different light than I did when I was younger. I would actually suggest this book for a lesson with older kids, for example, 8th grade. They could deep dive into the meaning of the story and how it connects to their lives and the world. Students could practice reflective writing about this story.

Themes/Topics: Perspective and point of view, critical thinking, truth vs. storytelling, bias

Summary:This story is a unique twist on the classic tale of the three little pigs, narrated from the Wolf’s perspective. It explores his viewpoint regarding the events with the three little pigs. This engaging story encourages readers to think critically about perspective and the nature of truth in storytelling.

Personal connection: If I were to read this book in my classroom, I would integrate it into a writing lesson focused on voice. This would be a fantastic opportunity for students to practice writing with different voices, such as creating a two-voice poem or writing about a challenging conflict from the perspective of the other person involved. This could also be a great mentor text for students to examine as they write their over twist on a classic story from a different perspective, for example the witches perspective instead of the princess in a fairytale.

Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: August 1, 2000

Page Count: 262 pages

Genre: Historical fiction

Grade level: 4th-8th grade

Themes/Topics: Immigration and migrant labor, Social class and injustice, Family and resilience, Identity and coming of age, Hope and perseverance

Summary: Esperanza Rising is about a girl named Esperanza growing up a ranch in Mexico during the 1930s. Her life is turned upside down and her and her mother have to flee to California. There they become migrant workers during the Great Depression. Faced with poverty, discrimination, and harsh working conditions, Esperanza must learn to adapt and rebuild her life from the ground up. Through hardship and heartache, she discovers the true meaning of strength, family, and hope.

Personal connection: My sister read this book in 4th grade and I remember her really enjoying it; however a the time I was not at that level of reading. I told myself that I would read it as soon as a could. For years this book has sat gathering dust on the book shelf and I never read it, until now! I cant believe it took me this long to read it. I think this book would be great in an middle school english class to read and get to dive into all the different messages and themes of the story. This would be great whole class literature circle after the class finishes the book. There is so many different parts that could lead to quality discussion.

Author: Roald Dahl

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Publication Date: 1982

Page Count: 224 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Children's literature

Grade level: 3rd grade-6th grade

Themes/topics: Good vs evil, friendship, imagination, loyalty

Summary: This book follows a girl names sophie who one night is taken by a giant. However this giant isn't a mean giant, BFG is short for the Big Friend Giant. The BFG collects good dreams and delivers them to kids. He is unlike other giants that each humans he befriends them and wants the best for them. This story follows the BFG and Sophie's journey as they try stop the evil giants.

Personal connection: This book is such a sweet story so close to my heart. This was a favorite of mine growing up my mom would read it to me before I could read. Finally I learned how to read it independently and would read it over and over again. This book would be good to integrate into a literature unit looking into good vs evil narrative which is in so many stories. Students can do a lot with the content of this book and make it into projects/presentations.

1. Ruby’s Wish

2. Mi Papá Es Un Agrícola / My Father, the Farm Worker

3. We’re all wonders

4. The day you begin

5. Amilia Bedila (I can read)

6. The very hungry caterpillar

7. Baseball saved us

8. One fish two fish red fish blue fish

9. Fry Bread: A native american family story

10. A bad case of stripes

11. Chrysanthemum

12. Oh the Places you'll Go!

13. What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures

14. Strega Nona

15. Hair love 

16. Wilma Unlimited - How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman

17. A Chair for My Mother 

18. Jabari Jumps

19. She Persisted: 13 American Women who changed the world

20. Rosie Revere, Engineer 

21. Jules VS. The Ocean 

22. The Name Jar

23. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah 

24. Tilda Tries Again

25. Malala Magic pencil

26. My name is Sangoel 

27. I am enough

28. My head has a belly ache and other nonsense

29. Measuring me!

30. The day the crayons quit

31. Julián Is A Mermaid

32. The girl who loved wild horse

33. Last stop on market street

34. Blueberries for sal

35. The mitten 

36. The book with no pictures 

37. Where the sidewalk ends

38. Hidden Figures

39. The giving tree

40. The true story of 3 little pigs

Chapter books

1. Frindle 

2. The one and only Ivan 

3. Wonder 

4. Out of my mind

5. A wrinkle in time 

6. El defo 

7. Ban this book 

8. Everything sad is untrue (a true story)

9. Esperanza rising 

10. The BFG