Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: February 14, 2012

# of pages: 330

Grade Level 3-7

Genre: Children's literature, fiction

Themes: Being yourself, empathy, self-image, bullying, friendship

Summary: This book is about a young boy with a facial deformity and his time at school for the first time. He forms friendships with classmates who learn to see him for the what he is on the inside rather than the outside. He faces bullying from some of his classmates, and learns how to work through it and encourage kindness. He learns valuable lessons and the true meaning of friendship, which inspires those around him to embrace their own differences.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Date: First published in 1982

# of pages: 224

Grade level: 3-6

Genre: Children's literature, fantasy

Themes: friendship, courage, imagination, good vs evil

Summary: A young orphan girl is kidnapped from her bed one night by a giant. She discovers that this giant is not like the other giants who like to each children. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) catches dreams and distributes them to sleeping children. Him and the young girl work together to stop the other giants. Through bravery and friendship, they overcome adversity and prove that small individuals can make differences.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: 2011

# of pages: 228

Grade Level: 5+

Genre: Children's literature, historical fiction, poetry

Themes: Immigration, self-identity, family, community, loss

Summary: Ha is a young girl who lived in Saigon for the final days of the Vietnam War. She is forced to leave her home and find a new life in America. The book explains her losses, challenges, cultural differences, prejudice, and language barriers. Readers are able to capture her resilience, immigrant experience, and what she does in the face of adversity

Publisher: there's a variety, some include Penguin Classics and HarperCollins

Date: original in 1812

# of pages: depends on edition

Grade level: suitable for almost all

Genre: Fairy tale, folklore, children's literature

Themes: Transformation, trust, love, appearance vs reality

Summary: A princess accidentally drops her golden ball into a pond. A frog emerges and offers to get the ball for her, but only is she will let him eat from her plate, drink from her cup, and sleep on her pillow. The princess agrees, but does not plan to keep her promises. She ends up letting the frog eat from her plate, drink from her cup, and sleep on her pillow. The frog transforms into a prince. He had been cursed, and the princess's kindness breaks the curse. They get married and return to his kingdom together.

Publisher: various publishers

Date: original in 1812

# of pages: vary depending on the edition

Grade level: 1-5

Genre: fairy tale

Themes: consequence, honesty, family

Summary: Tells the story of a poor miller who boasts to the kind that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The king demands that he sees the girl. The girl despairs until a little man appears and offers to spin the straw into gold if she will give him her necklace. The king demands more gold, so the girl is forced to make more deals with the little man, eventually promising her first born child. When the child is born, the little man will claim the child unless the girl can guess his name. She discovers his name is Rumpelstiltskin and saves her child.

Publisher: in public domain

Date: specific date is unknown

# of pages: depends on edition

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Fables

Themes: dishonesty, trustworthiness, integrity

Summary: A young shepherd boy is tasked to watch over a flock of sheep. When he is bored, he repeatedly cries out that a wolf is attacking the sheep, causing all of the villagers to run over to him. Each time they arrive, they find no wolf. Eventually, a wolf does appear and when the boy cries out for help, the villagers do not come and the wolf attacks the sheep. The story teaches a valuable lesson.

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Date: September 19, 2017

# of pages: 32

Grade level: Pre-k - 3

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: self-worth, diversity, positivity

Summary: This book emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance. The book encourages readers to embrace their differences. It empowers readers to believe in themselves and to treat everyone with kindness. It is a book that celebrates diversity and acceptance.

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Date: September 1, 2004

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-K -2

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: self-confidence, self-love, individuality, positivity

Summary: Through playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the book follows a young girl who declares her love for herself and for everything that makes her who she is. It encourages children to appreciate and celebrate who they are and what makes them unique.

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: July 10, 2018

# of pages: 44

Grade Level: Pre-k - 3

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: Diversity, inclusivity, acceptance, friendship, community

Summary: The book portrays a school where children from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities come together and support each other. Regardless of their religion, differences, traditions, or appearance, all students are welcomed and expressed. The book emphasizes kindness and understanding, inspiring acceptance, inclusion, and unity.

Illustrator: Chris Rashchka

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: April 1, 2005

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: Pre-k -3

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: imagination, family

Summary: This story celebrates a bond between a young girl and her grandparents. There is a special window in her grandparents house where she can greet visitors, say goodbye to guests who are leaving, and watch the outside world. Through her interactions, the joy of spending time with family, childhood imagination, and the beauty of seemingly ordinary moments are captured.

Publisher: Starscape

Date: August 29, 2017

# of pages: 256

Grade Level: 3-7

Genre: Fiction, Humor

Themes: Freedom of speech, literature, censorship, community

Summary: This book tells the story of a fourth grader who loves to read. When her favorite book is banned from her school library, she decides to take a stand. She and her classmates create a secret library where the banned books are shared. She navigates through standing up to authority figures and defending her rights. It teaches lessons about the importance of literature and standing up for what you believe in.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: September 1, 1998

# of pages: 105

Grade Level: 3-7

Genre: Fiction, humor

Themes: creativity, language, friendship

Summary: This story follows Nick who is a fifth-grader and wants to create a new word to replace a different one. The word spreads across the school and he is confronted by his teachers and other authority figures. This book shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in, creativity, and language.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: January 17, 2012

# of pages: 320

Grade Level: 3-7

Genre: fiction

Themes: friendship, compassion, identity

Summary: This is a heartwarming story about a gorilla living in captivity in a mall. When an elephant joins, Ivan grows very close with her. Readers learn about themes such as freedom and companionship as they work together to escape from the mall.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1963

# of pages: 48

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: childrens fantasy picture book

Themes: imagination, adventure, friendship

Summary: this is a classic childrens story about a kid named Max who goes on a magical journey to an island that is run by wild animals. Max becomes the king of these animals, teaching lessons of imagination, friendship, and adventure

Publisher: Viking Press

Date: 1968

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: childrens picture book

Themes: friendship, acceptance, self-identity

Summary: This book is about a teddy bear named Corduroy who lives in a store. He longs for a friend and a home, and is excited when a young girl names Lisa buys him. This story explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and kindness.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: October 7, 1964

# of pages: 64

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: childrens picture book

Themes: sacrifice, friendship, love

Summary: This is a tale about the friendship between a boy and a tree. As the boy gets older, he relys on the tree for shelter, food, and material. The tree gives everything it has to the boy.

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date: August 28, 2018

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: children's picture book

Themes: diversity, acceptance, empathy

Summary: this picture book is more of a lyrical text with illustrations that follow different characters who feel like outsiders because of their differences. As they share their stories with each other, they realize the beauty in embracing their uniqueness. This book celebrates diversity and courage.

Illustrator: Patrice Barton

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: October 8, 2013

# of pages: 40

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: children's picture book

Themes: inclusion, friendship, empathy

Summary: This book tells the story of a quiet boy named Brian who feels invisible at school. When a new student comes to the school and befriends Brian, he feels seen for the first time. This book promotes empathy, kindness, and the power of friendship.

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

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

Date: January 8, 2015

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: children's picture book

Themes: empathy, community, kindness

Summary: This story follows a young boy named CJ who rides the bus with his grandmother. Despite his complaints about how they don't have a car, his grandmother encourages him to find the beauty in the world around them. Through this, they find the richness of their community and the importance of gratitude.

Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: October 27, 2015

# of pages: 32

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Children's picture book

Themes: friendship, inclusion, empathy

Summary: This picture books celebrates diversity, friendship, and inclusion following a young boy and his pet elephant. They are excluded from their neighborhood club because of the no elephants policy. So, he creates his own club where all pets are welcome. This book shows the importance of kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Date: 1969

# of pages: 26

Grade: preschool-2

Genre: fiction

Themes: transformation, growth, nature

Summary: The book follows a journey of a hungry caterpillar before turning into a beautiful butterfly

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1947

# of pages: 32

Grade: preschool-1

Genre: bedtime story

Themes: routine, nighttime, comfort

Summary: A little bunny who says goodnight to everything around him before he goes to bed

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: 2013

# of pages: 40

Grade: preschool-3

Genre: humor

Themes: creativity, friendship, individuality

Summary: Duncan's crayons decide they have had enough and express their grievances through funny letters, creating a colorful adventure.

Publisher: Dial Books

Date: 2012

# of pages: 40

Grade: preschool-2

Genre: humor

Themes: friendship, food, celebration

Summary: A young boy learns about how much the dragons love tacos, but salsa is their kryptonite.

Publisher: Orchard Books

Date: 1999

# of pages: 32

Grade: preschool-2

Genre: fiction

Themes: acceptance, self-esteem, diversity

Summary: Gerald the giraffe learns that with encouragement and the belief in himself, he can dance to his own rhythm.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Date: 2008

# of pages: 36

Grade: preschool-2

Genre: fiction

Themes: optimism, friendship, self-acceptance

Summary: Mr. Fish goes on a journey and discovers the power of happiness and positivity, transforming his pout into a smile.

Publisher: Dial Books

Date: 2014

# of pages: 48

Grade: preschool-3

Genre: humor

Themes: creativity, language, imagination

Summary: This silly and surprising book proves that even books with no pictures can be fun to read

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2010

# of pages: 40

Grade: preschool-2

Genre: humor

Themes: bedtime, storytelling

Summary:the Little Chicken cannot help but interrupt bedtime stories with her own imaginative endings

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 2003

# of pages: 56

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fantasy

Themes: imagination, family, bravery

Summary: Lucy hears noises coming from the inside of her walls, and discovers that there are wolves living in them. Her family does not believe her, so she goes on an adventure to confront the wolves.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2017

# of pages: 32

Grade: 3-6

Genre: realistic fiction

Themes: courage, bravery, perseverance

Summary: Jabari feels scared when he reaches the top of the diving board at the pool. With encouragement from his father, he takes a leap of faith, overcoming his fear and facing challenges.

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: 1999

# of pages: 32

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fantasy

Themes: friendship, imagination, courage

Summary: A clever mouse outwits forest creatures, the main one being the fearsome Gruffalo

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2011

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: humor

Themes: friendship, honesty, problem-solving

Summary: A bear searches for his lost hat. Readers experience twists and turns as the mystery unfolds

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: 2013

# of pages: 56

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fiction

Themes: identity, acceptance

Summary: An exclamation mark goes on a journey to embrace his uniqueness and find who is is in a world full of periods.

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Date: 2018

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: humor

Themes: friendship, kindness, acceptance

Summary: Penelope Rex learns the importance of kindness, respect, and acceptance, after realizing that her classmates are not for eating

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: 2004

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: humor

Themes: sharing, perspective

Summary: The pigeon finds a hot dog and cannot wait to eat it. When a duckling shows up, sharing becomes a funny negotiation

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Date: 2015

# of pages: 32

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fiction

Themes: mindfulness, yoga, awareness

Summary: A young girl discovers yoga to calm her mind, find inner peace, and strengthen her body

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: 2013

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fiction

Themes: friendship, acceptance, inclusion, empathy

Summary: Brian, an invisible boy, finds a friend who sees him for who he really is. This book highlights the importance of inclusion and kindness in building real, meaningful relationships

Publisher: Sumon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: 2012

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: horror, humor

Themes: imagination, bravery, friendship

Summary: Jasper Rabbit loves carrots It turns into a spooky adventure when he is convinced that carrots are following him

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Date: 1989

# of pages: 32

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fiction

Themes: fairness, perspective

Summary: This retelling of the classic fairy tale shows the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf, challenging readers to consider different viewpoints

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Date: 2017

# of pages: 40

Grade: 1-4

Genre: fiction

Themes: perseverance, bravery

Summary: Humpty Dumpty overcomes his fear of heights as he picks himself up after his great fall. This is an inspiring book about resilience and courage

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1952

# of pages: 192

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: friendship, love, kindness

Summary: The friendship between a pig and spider form unexpectedly as they navigate life on a farm and learn about the importance of love and selflessness.

Publisher: Puffin Books

Date: 1988

# of pages:240

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: intelligence, family, bravery

Summary: Matilda is a smart girl with terrible parents. Through intelligence, wit, and a but of magic, she finds ways to overcome challenges in her life.

Publisher: HaperCollins

Date: 1911

# of pages: 288

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: healing, friendship, nature

Summary: Orphan Mary discovers a hidden garden where she finds healing and restoration

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Date: 1998

# of pages: 233

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: friendship, justice, fate

Summary: Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake, where him and other boys have to dig holes everyday. As he unravels the curse that haunts his family, he discovers the purpose of the camp

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Date: 1960

# of pages: 176

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: friendship, adventure

Summary: A cricket from Connecticut finds himself lost in the big city of New York. He makes new friends on his journey and discovers the joy of music

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: 1977

# of pages: 192

Grade: 3-6

Genre: realistic fiction

Themes: friendship, grief, imagination

Summary: Jess and Leslie create a magical kingdom in the woods, where they are queen and king. Tragedy strikes, forcing Jess to navigate the harsh realities of friendship and loss

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Date: 1961

# of pages: 160

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fantasy

Themes: friendship, adventure, imagination

Summary: After James' parents are eaten by a rhinoceros, he is sent to live with his cruel aunts. Here, he discovers a giant peach in the backyard. With the help of magical insects, he embarks on an adventure inside the peach, making friends along the way

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2000

# of pages: 288

Grade: 3-6

Genre: realistic fiction

Themes: friendship, acceptance, family

Summary: Opal finds a dog who she names Winn-Dixie. This dog helps her make new friends and heal old wounds.

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Date: 2007

# of pages: 192

Grade: 3-6

Genre: realistic fiction

Themes: friendship, sibling rivalry, entrepreneurship

Summary: Evan and Jessie go head-to-head in a lemonade selling competition. This competition tests their friendship and teaches them valuable lessons of cooperation.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2006

# of pages: 228

Grade: 3-6

Genre: fiction

Themes: loss, love, redemption

Summary: Edward is a self-centered rabbit. He embarks on a journey to discover who he is and the true meaning and importance of love and empathy