That tossed the dog that worried the cat

That killed the rat that ate the cheese
That lay in the house that Jack built."

To personalize my library, I have included things that interest me. I added a STEM column because of my interest in science. I have an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and my interest in science began at a young age, in school! Having a wide range of non-fiction expository texts can support math and science curricula in school, boost critical thinking skills, and introduce the amazing and exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math. Science themed books can also be found in my collections of poetry, biographies, and narrative picture books. I am especially fond of books that have young girls as the main character of science themed books. Go girls in STEM!

I included books about mindfulness, peace, and yoga. I practice yoga everyday and I think kids of all ages can learn something about being present and calm. I have learned how to handle negative emotions and how to breathe when I get anxious and stressed. I would like to include some of these ideas and practices in my classroom. 

Caldecott Medal- awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children

Pura Belpré Award- presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards- given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.

The NCTE Orbis Pictus Award® - awarded annually by the National Council of Teachers of English to one American book that promotes and recognizes excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children.

Stonewall Book Awards- presented to English language books that have exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.

Sunshine State Young Readers Awards- books are selected for their wide appeal, literary value, varied genres, curriculum connections, and/or multicultural representation.

Sibert Medal- The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book

Descriptions for each medal provided by the American Library Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Florida Association for Media in Education!

Series books are the best because at the end of one book, you get to pick up another book with the same characters going on new and exciting adventures. You can immerse yourself in a fictional world for longer and really feel connected to the characters of a story. From emergent series to young adult novels, there are a wide range of series books. These days, emergent readers are loving the Pigeon series, early fluent readers are still loving the classic Magic Treehouse books, and the Harry Potter series continues to captivate readers’ attention.