Review:
Miss Nelson’s students took advantage of her kindness by misbehaving and ignoring her instructions. The next day, Miss Nelson is mysteriously absent and is replaced by Miss Viola Swamp, an ugly and mean teacher who overworks the students. When the students reach their peak of exasperation, Miss Nelson appears as quickly as she vanished. The students are happy to see their teacher again, this time with obedient attitudes and curious minds as to where Miss Viola Swamp had disappeared. I enjoyed the lesson taught through this smart and light hearted story. 

Age/Audience:
This book would be interesting to both older and younger kids who are in school. Children who enjoy mystery and humor would enjoy this book!

I could use this book to teach the importance of behaving and appreciating someone while he/she is around

Review:
One day, Duncan stumbled across a stack of letters written to him by each of his crayons. Every letter contained a different complaint against Duncan: Red and Blue worked too hard; Pink and Beige were hardly used; Black was tired of being used only for outlines; Yellow and Orange weren’t on speaking terms. Duncan must find a way to make his crayons happy. I thoroughly enjoyed the graphics in this book, and the unique complaint each crayon had to give. It made me think of the crayons in my coloring box, and made me chuckle of the complaints each color had. It humored me and inspired me to use all my colors!

Age/Audience:

This book would be interesting to kids (younger or older) who are starting school, enjoy art and coloring, love to use their imagination, and are caring to others concerns.

I could use this book to teach kids to not be shy with their colors! Also, just as every color is unique, so is every child in the classroom. Each individual has a unique purpose that makes the class as a whole beautiful. It also teaches to listen to others' complaints and desires! 

Review:
When his school of red fish had been eaten by a large tuna, Swimmy was left on his own to wander the depths of the sea. After running into other sea creatures, Swimmy came to find another school of red fish hiding with the fear of being eaten by other large fish. Swimmy saw the isolation of these fish and wanted to find a way they could freely roam the waters again. With much thinking and ingenuity, Swimmy decided that although he was unique (a different color) he could find a way to work together with the other fish. He encouraged the small red fish to pack themselves tightly and take on the shape of a large fish. His unique color, would allow him to benefit the group by representing the eye of the “fish”. Working together as a group, they were able to fool larger fish, scare them off, and defend themselves from being eaten. I really enjoyed this adorable book and its encouragement towards team work, community, and collaboration. These elements are vital to growth in a classroom, and as a future teacher I appreciate a book that reinforces this concept.

Age/Audience:
This book is great for both older and younger students. It would be especially appealing to children who like underwater adventures and to students who feel lonely and isolated.

Possible Teaching Point:
I could use this book to reinforce that the only way we will be able to learn and go through challenges is if we help each other and work together as a group, despite our differences! It also encourages kids to problem solve ("think, think, think...") when facing obstacles. 

Review:
When the parents leave Judy and Peter home alone, the children quickly find themselves getting bored. A quick run to the park, and they bump into a jungle adventure board game called Jumanji which they quickly take home. With a warning ""Do not begin unless you intend to finish," Peter begins by rolling the dice. The board game comes to life with a lion in the living room. Any dangers encountered in the game then spring to life somewhere in the house. The children hurriedly work to the finish the game, and with the yelling of "JUMANJI," everything goes back to normal in the house. Judy and Peter quickly leave the house and return the game where they had found it in the park. The parents and guests shortly return home. The kids finish their supper, looking out of the window at two boys finding the game of Jumanji and running off with it. I love this book as it brings this board game to life and keeps you engaged on the edge of your seat. The author does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention and leaving you with suspense at the end of the book.

Age/Audience:
Jumanji is a book that would interest students from Kindergarten to about 3rd grade. It would interest children who like board games, animals, jungles, adventures, and stories that keep them on the edge of their seats (thrillers).

Possible Teaching Points:
As this book is written more for fun and adventure, it is important to point out that following instructions is imperative!

 

Strega Nona- “Grandma Witch” – is the source for cures, potions and magic in her little town of Calabria. She hires Big Anthony to take on some of chores around the house, and during his stay he finds her magic pasta pot intriguing. As Strega Nona takes the day away to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony sings the magic verse over the pot. And the never-ending supply of pasta leads to disastrous results. This book is one of my favorite books as I am an avid lover of folktales. This magical book is both exciting and humorous. 

 

This book would be appropriate for children of all ages. It would interest kids who like tales, witches, magic and humor. 

 

It teacher the consequences of not listening to certain warnings that could endanger people’s lives. Also, this book shows the importance of respecting one’s elders as the villagers respect Strega Nona’s wisdom on cures and life.

Review:
This Allegory of the Holocaust was written to show the injustices that occur when no one stands up to speak against it. A forest full of different kinds of animals, is slowly stripped of its life and diversity. When the Terrible things first come for “creatures with feathers on their backs,” all the neighboring animals deny their association. The Terrible Things then take the birds away, and the porcupines nervously begin with “those birds were always noisy anyway.” The squirrels quickly showed their satisfaction by stating, “There’s more room in the trees now,” and when the baby bunny asks why the birds were taken, Big Rabbit responds with, “We mustn’t ask. The Terrible Things don’t need a reason. Just be glad it wasn’t us they wanted.” As Edmund Burke states, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This book emphasizes the importance of speaking up! I loved this book because it allows kids to understand the holocaust and why injustices often occur and aren’t stopped.

 

This book would be appropriate for children of all ages, and adults too! It would be interesting for kids who love animals, and children who are learning about the holocaust.

 

This book can be used to show kids how injustices occur when no one stands up to speak against it. It is our responsibility to speak up against evil!

 

Some Writer: The Story of E.B. White is a biography of the author of the children's classics Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. Having an untroubled childhood, White loved the outdoors, his barn in Maine, and animals. He started as a writer for his school, eventually attended Cornell University, wrote for The New Yorker and other newsletters, and went on to write his own books. He lived a happy life with a devoted marriage, a small family of his own and a successful professional life. I loved this book as reading about E.B White was brought to life with family photos, manuscript pages, and quotes from White himself.

 

This picture book would be appropriate for kids ages 7-10, and would be great for kids who have read White’s books, love and/or aspire to be writers.

 

E.B. White had a passion for writing and began at a very early age. He started by writing poems for his elementary school! You can use this to inspire kids to follow their dreams, even if they are “young.” It is never too early to start!

 

This book is appropriate for all ages, and would interest those who love the city, heights, adventure, and risk!

 

You can use this book to teach the children about 911, and why the towers are no longer there.

Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving is about a “lady editor” who saw the celebration of thanksgiving waning, and saw fit that something aught to be done. “Bold, brave, stubborn and smart” Sarah pulled out her secret weapon – a pen. With 35 years of writing and petitioning, Sarah Hale convinced Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year (1863), declaring it a national holiday. I love this book as it explains the great lengths a woman went to in order for us to celebrate a well-loved holiday. With hints of humor and fantastic pictures, this story comes alive and is an enjoyable read.

 

This book is appropriate for children of all ages. This book would be interesting to girls and children who like history, government, writing and making a difference.

 

This book empowers women and shows the value in being persistent, bold, brave stubborn and smart. It shows kids that writing is crucial in making a difference.

 

 

Review:

The Keeping quilt is a story of a quilt that was passed down from generation to generation. When Patricia’s great grandmother, Anna had first come to America, the only things she had left of home were her dress and babushka. As Anna grew, the clothes no longer fit her, and so her mother took them and collected several other pieces to remind them of home. Together with a group of ladies, the pieces of clothing were sewn into a beautiful quilt. This quilt would follow them into some of the most precious seasons of life. I love this book as it reminds me of my family’s heritage in Romania. This inspirational and heartfelt book of family tradition makes you smile up as you think of your own. I appreciate the idea of the illustrations with the quilt being the only thing in color, making it easy to follow and interpret.

 

This book is appropriate for children of all ages. This book would be interesting to children who are foreign, and children who have intimate families and family traditions.

This book can be used to teach children about other cultures, and the value of celebrating family traditions.

 

Blue Sky White Stars is a patriotic tribute that celebrates the beauty of the American country, flag and people. I love this book as it uses poetry and pairs beautiful pictures with thoughts, verses and symbols. It provokes a sense of pride to be a part of this beautiful country!

 

Age/Audience: 

This book is appropriate for children of all ages. This book would be interesting to children who are learning about or live in the United States. It is also interesting for kids who are learning about the American flag.

This book would be useful in teaching kids about the United States of America, the unity within its diversity and its flag.

 

It takes a village is a book about a diverse group of children and adults working together to create a playground. It unveils the need for our society to work together to become the kind of village that enables children to become smart, able, resilient adults. I love the heartwarming and universal message that a diverse community can come together and make a difference. I also love how the pictures build up off of each other to finish the book with one big playground!

 

 Age/Audience:
This book is appropriate for children of all ages. This book would interest kids who like to work together with others and are learning about America's government.

 

This book helps emphasize to kids that they are our future as a nation. It helps teachers reinforce that by working together, playing together, and living together in harmony we can make a better village, and in turn a better world.

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

 

Review:

If I Had a Little Dream is written from the perspective of a child who appreciates the wonders around her that often times we take for granted. From a house called Love that protects “like a glove,” to a bicycle named Wings to “see so many things,” to younger siblings that the child comforts in, If I Had a Little Dream is a reminder for readers to find wonder and beauty in everyday life. The book ends with a heartfelt picture of the child held by her mother and the following text: “If I had a little dream, I would name it You. You would make life magical, where wishes do come true.” As a mother to a sweet and adventurous one-year-old, I love that the ending emphasizes the significance a child can have on a parent or a teacher through his or her perspective on the wonders of life.

 

Age/Audience:

This book is excellent for budding minds, especially for children with siblings. It teaches children to appreciate their lives and find joy and wonder in everything good around them. The book is also a great reminder for adults to recapture their childlike wonder!

 

Possible Teaching Point:

This book is a great tool to help a child recover the wonder of the blessings around them, especially during a frustrating life challenge or in the midst of tension between the child and a sibling.

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Popular New Book (2017)
(@ColbySharp)

Review:

Escargot is a story about overcoming insecurities and giving something a try before forming a value judgment about it. From the start, Escargot talks a lot about himself, highlighting his sliminess, shyness, and slowness as a way of pointing out his shortcomings before his audience can. His goal is to be liked by the reader and to reach his objective: “A beautiful salad, with croutons and a light vinaigrette.” While he laments that snails are never anyone’s favorite animal, Esargot is unwilling to try carrots in his salad. By the end of the book, however, Escargot reaches his salad, reluctantly tries a carrot (to his delight!), and receives the affection of his audience by instead praising him for the very attributes he wanted to see in himself. Escargot is a great read because it’s important for developing children to see value in themselves and especially in others.

Age/Audience:

This book is appropriate for children of all ages, especially children at the point where friendships can become more meaningful or more hurtful.

Possible Teaching Points:

Escargot is a great book to help children understand not fall victim to the very same failure that they are experiencing. In the case of the book, Escargot believed himself to be of little value because he was misunderstood, yet he himself was unwilling to judge the taste of a carrot fairly by refusing to try one. It also helps children remove the focus from themselves and appreciate others first.

Although this book is more complex in meaning, the illustrations make this book fascinating to kids of all ages. This book would spark the interest of pirating and high-sea adventure fans. The primary ages this book would be made for are kids in Kindergarten to about 4^th grade. 

This book could be used to encourage kids to ask questions about the world around them. It would also help children understand that friendships are often made through adventure and life experiences.

This simple book with beautifully acrylic painted pictures conveys the astonishing facts about the loggerhead sea turtle. This powerful story gives children insight into the life of a loggerhead sea turtle and the difficulties baby turtles face on their journey to the sea. I love the author’s vivid and descriptive language that effectively sets the scene to this beautiful and insightful story. 

 

This book is appropriate for students between the ages of 5-8. It would be interesting to children who love studying science, marine life, animals and specifically turtles!

 

This book can be used in a science lesson to teach about the eco system, but most importantly it can be used to spread awareness of endangered species and the importance of taking care of the environment any way possible. The author intends this book to be eye opening and lend a platform on which teachers can talk about the dangers these animals are facing such as: people eating turtle eggs, building structures on beaches, and polluting the seas. “She hopes this book will show people that sea turtles are precious and deserve more care” (Davies, 2001, 32).

This book is about Nadia Comaneci, the first woman to get a perfect 10 at the Olympics in gymnastics. As a Romanian myself, this book is a personal favorite as it gives me a sense of pride. I loved this book as the author made the gymnast more relatable to young readers! This book depicted Nadia simply as a girl who couldn't sit still – humanizing and normalizing her. The lively pictures accompanied a beautiful story. It made me want to go look up her perfect 10 routine.

 

This book would be appealing to kids who love the Olympics, sports, and especially gymnastics. This would also be appealing to Romanians, as Nadia is a native Romanian. This book would be appropriate for 6-11 year olds.

 

This book could be used to teach fearlessness, strength, determination, practice, overcoming adversity, and tenacity.

 

Moonshot is a book that tells the story of Apollo 11. I loved the detailed photos and poetic language used to convey a very collected and clean image. It also does a great job to show the incredibility of putting men on the moon.

 

This book would be appropriate for children ages 4-10. This book would be interesting to kids who are interested in learning about astronauts, science and space. 

 

This is great to use to teach children about Apollo 11, the great lengths it takes to put men on the moon, and what astronauts face as they are up in space.

Award: Caldecott Medal

 

This book was such a joy to read as it begins with a mother and son in bed for story time. The mother begins to tell the story of Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian who was on his way to tend horses in World War I. On his journey, he followed his heart to rescue a baby bear he would name Winnipeg. After a few months, Harry would take Winnipeg to the London zoo, knowing she would receive better care there. During Winnipeg’s time at the London Zoo, she would meet Christopher Robin who would visit her regularly and enter her pen to play. Christopher’s father recorded his time with Winnipeg and wrote what we know to be the stories of Winnie-the-pooh. The story ends so beautifully with the narrator telling her son that she is the great granddaughter of Henry, and that Winnipeg is part of their family. I loved the unique element of how throughout the book we’re hearing Cole (the son) interject his questions and comments as his mother tells him this story. This makes the story more relevant to children. The unique effect of a story within a story, paired with the charming art made this book one of my favorites.  Lastly, I loved the "album" in the back of the book that showed real photos of Harry, Winnie, Christopher Robin, and the author with her baby Cole. This really brought it to life for me.

 

This book would be appropriate for 6-11 year olds. This book would be interesting to kids who love Winnie the Pooh and want to know its origin. This book would also fascinate kids who like learning about animals and history.

 

This book can be used to teach children about Winnie the Pooh and his origin. However, this book would be great to use to teach kids to follow their heart even when sometimes, it may seem impossible!

Review: I absolutely loved the story of snowflake Bentley as it brought out many emotions. I loved how his parents supported him by buying him the camera that he needed and how other scientists also supported his work. I also love his passion and love for nature and his generous spirit of sharing his work. Reading this book allowed me to have a greater appreciation for Bentley’s work.

 

This book would be interesting to kids who love winter time, snow and especially looking at snowflakes. The appropriate age group is 6-11 years old. 

 

With the support of this book, I could teach the value in finding a passion and coupling it with perseverance and determination, despite what others may think.

Genre: Fantasy Fiction 

 

After their dad dies, Emily and Navin along with their mom decide to make a new beginning as the move into their great-grandpas house. As they explore the strange house, Emily finds an amulet that opens a new world. Finding this amulet proved to be dangerous as a creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. The kids are now on a mission to save their mother from this creature in this underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. As I read this book I really loved the action, the creative world, the interesting characters and the really engaging storyline. The graphics were also fantastic as the colors were so rich, and vivid images made everything feel so alive.

 

I would recommend this book for ages 8 – 17. This book is great for children who love fantasy, sci-fi, entering new worlds and lots of adventure!

This book is primarily for students to recreationally enjoy. You can start a discussion by questioning why it is in the midst of a family tragedy, some people decide its to be best to move to a new location.

 

Baby mouse’s dream is to be queen of the world. This means that she has a Tiara, straight whiskers, no homework, and ice cream for lunch. She quickly realizes that the real queen is Felicia Furrypaws. Baby mouse begins to envy Felicia and does all she can to be her friend, neglecting her best friend Wilson. I love this book because it portrays a young adolescent girl and her very quirky and imaginative thought process. These thoughts are shown in pink, which is great for kids to follow along, especially since baby mouse often gets lost in her thoughts! I love that this book is totally relatable to girls in school, especially when it comes to friendship. This is a great series to get students on!

 

I would recommend this book for girls ages 7-10 years old. This book is great for girls who love friendships, sleep overs, and drama.

As Baby mouse does everything possible to be friends with Felicia, she realizes that Felicia along with her posse are not her true friends at all. She then chooses to be true to herself and her friend. I could use this to teach the same lesson of authenticity to children.

Genre: Nonfiction Graphic Novel

 

Coming from a difficult childhood relationship with my sister, I had a personal connection with this book. As the book focused on Raina and Amara’s difficult relationship, they eventually overcome their differences of personality and interests. I appreciated how the author would use yellow pages to indicate going back in time to explain the origin of Raina’s bitterness towards Amara, and regular white pages to show the present situation. I loved the charm and hints of humor throughout the book. I like seeing the character development as the story progressed, and I love the real photo album at the end of the book that has photos of the author (raina) and her sister (amara) that really bring this story authenticity.

 

I think this book would interest adolescent girls with sisters, who may have relationship issues. It great for kids who love to read about family and drama. This is appropriate for ages 8 – 12.

 

This book is great to teach students the value of caring and loving our siblings despite our differences. When families go through difficult times, it is important to pull in together.

Genre: Fiction Graphic Novel

 

A spin off of Captain Underpants, Dog Man is the first book of a unique series that follows a half dog half man hero! This book is a pretty easy read and is super hilarious. I laughed out loud several times as I read. It has really strong characters and crafty situations that make kids love this book. The child-like art style and intentional grammar mistakes make it seem as if this book had been written by children. 

 

This book is appropriate for ages 7 – 12. This book would interest kids who love books about heroes, friendship, dogs, cats and adventures!

 

This book is great to teach students that heroes come in all shapes and sizes!

Genre: Fiction Graphic Novel

Review:

I love this graphic novel as it is sweet story of a little girl (the author) with a hearing impairment who starts attending a new school. Her Phonic Ear, being a distraction for many, deters her from some friendships, but later proves to be a powerful tool in actually gaining true friendships. All the characters are portrayed as rabbits (with big ears) and are relevant to children. It’s amazing how Cece tackles such a serious topic with humor as she writes of the general troubles and foibles of navigating elementary school and friendship and the specific problems that she encounters due to being different. It's light-hearted and humorous, but at the same time, it's deep and very touching. For these reasons, I love this book.

 

This book is appropriate for ages 7 – 12. This book would interest kids who love reading about friendship, and school, and students who may face hearing difficulties.

 This book is great to teach about children who may face hearing difficulties. It’s also a great book to teach children about their unique qualities and the importance of love and acceptance. 

Review:
Wonder is about August “Auggie” Pullman, a ten year old boy with a facial deformity. After being homeschooled due to a number of surgeries, Auggie begins 6^th grade at a private middle school for the first time. The story is mainly told from Auggie’s perspective and highlights his struggle of being accepted by peers at school. Along the way, however, Auggie makes friends and gradually becomes liked by more and more students for his inward beauty. I was impressed by the author’s ability to write each character to life, despite their differences. I was especially impressed with how credible Auggie was, who seemed both afraid and brave at once throughout the novel.

Age/Audience:
I would recommend this book to all middle schoolers because middle school is a very challenging time for adolescents. It’s particularly helpful to kids and young teens facing relational struggles due to a noticeable disability. This book is appropriate for children ages 8-12 and grade levels 3-7.

Possible Teaching Points:
Wonder teaches children about self-worth and treating all people with respect and dignity regardless of how they look. Individuals with disabilities are still people with emotions, the capacity to love and forgive, and a desire to be accepted by others.