CTU Librarians Share Their 2021 Favorites by Ms. Garcia https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians Share your favorite books and feel free give yourself credit for your post. Comment on others posts if you have lessons, activities or ideas for a book they suggested. Enjoy! en-us 2022-01-07 17:31:05 UTC 2023-01-24 17:46:34 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png Someone Builds The Dream (recommended by Brenda) brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1980939227 Everyone always talks about architects, scientists, engineers and other people that dream up solutions but this book talks about the people that builds those dreams- welders, construction workers, brick layers, gardeners, etc.  Excellent read aloud and great for those PreK-2 lessons on community workers. Match with STEAM activities or the Questioneer books by Andrea Beaty]]> 2022-01-07 17:48:41 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1980939227 The Gilded Ones (recommended by Nora) nswiltse https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981023644 FANTASTIC new fantasy. We follow Deka, who lives in a sexist and bigoted society. She decides to fight back. Great for those who loved Children of Blood and Bone! Usually for 6th and up.]]> 2022-01-07 18:45:48 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981023644 I, Witness; Accused: My Story of Injustice nswiltse https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981028299 Adama Bah writes about her illegal arrest after 9/11 based on a false "tip" to law enforcement. Excellent short book with a lower reading level but a mature and honest account. Perfect for most 5th and up, excellent for low reader high school students. Follow this new series!]]> 2022-01-07 18:48:57 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981028299 Bodies Are Cool (recommended by Brenda) brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981034499 Body positivity is all the rage in this book. Filled with friendly, every day scenes and bright and energetic words that will have you chanting "My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! Bodies are cool!" Recommended for all ages. Great for units on identity. ]]> 2022-01-07 18:53:13 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981034499 Starfish by Lisa Fipps nswiltse https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981034959 You'll fall in love with Ellie! She's dealing with self-doubt fueled by cruel family members and classmates. She's strong, but her weight makes her feel like she should take up less room. Her conclusion? She's gonna be a starfish. Claim your space, girl! Short novel in verse enjoyed by 4th and up. Keep the Kleenex close.]]> 2022-01-07 18:53:33 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981034959 Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest by Phoebe Wahl codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981040915 Large illustrations perfect for read alouds. Beautiful collection of four stories that celebrate the four seasons, nature, and life. This text is a great springboard for nature journals and collections once weather is better]]> 2022-01-07 18:57:46 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981040915 This Very Tree (recommended by Brenda brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981042284 IF you have been looking for a 9/11 story that you can read aloud to all ages this is the book for you! This book tells the story of a tree that survived 9/11 and was planted in the Bronx to heal and regrow. Great story about resilience. The information page in the back is filled with facts and color pictures of the World Trade Center, and other relevant images. ]]> 2022-01-07 18:58:46 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981042284 Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981042486 2022-01-07 18:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981042486 Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Corita Kent by Matthew Burgess codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981044108 Biography of Corita Kent's remarkable life as a nun, educator, designer, artist, and activist. Vibrant illustrations. 2021 NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for children’s nonfiction.]]> 2022-01-07 19:00:06 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981044108 Firekeeper's Daughter (recommended by Katherine) kahlousek https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981048723 Firekeeper's Daughter is a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:03:24 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981048723 Moose's Book Bus by Inga Moore (Esme) codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981048856 2022-01-07 19:03:31 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981048856 From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement by Paula Yoo (recommended by Connie) clamon https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981050260 This book reminds me of Hartfield's A Few Red Drops: an engaging narrative, with lots of historical context, great references and a really important afterword about current events in light of covid. Also, perfect for our new IL mandate to teach Asian American history. I think that it could go 7-8 due to content and length, but definitely high school.]]> 2022-01-07 19:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981050260 How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981050450 2022-01-07 19:04:34 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981050450 Between Perfect & Real by Ray Stoeve (Nelson) https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981051450 2022-01-07 19:05:15 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981051450 You Matter by Christian Robinson https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981054664 2022-01-07 19:07:35 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981054664 Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981055523 2022-01-07 19:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981055523 What Will These Hands Make? by Nikki McClure emily1345 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981057373 2022-01-07 19:09:38 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981057373 Little Thieves by Margaret Owen maalbarran2 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981059742 2022-01-07 19:11:22 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981059742 When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller maalbarran2 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981061571 2022-01-07 19:12:43 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981061571 Dagger Hill- Thoughtful, Creepy and Engrossing Sci-Fi. Very Stranger Things Vibe. pricekristen87 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981063960 2022-01-07 19:14:30 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981063960 The Teacher's March: How Selma's Teachers Changed History by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981064083 This is a fall 2020 book but I discovered it in 2021 and can't wait to share it!]]> 2022-01-07 19:14:35 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981064083 Outside, Inside (recommended by Leslie) brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981066696 Set in the very beginning stages of COVID. Focuses on coming together as a society. Sweet and endearing to read at the beginning of the school year (or now, again).]]> 2022-01-07 19:16:39 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981066696 Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña maalbarran2 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981067265 2022-01-07 19:17:07 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981067265 Keeping The City Going (recommended by Leslie) brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981069378 This picture book from dynamic author/illustrator Brian Floca celebrates and highlights the many essential workers who helped keep our cities going during the COVID shutdown.

]]> 2022-01-07 19:18:50 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981069378 Obsessed by Allison Britz emily1345 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981070456 2022-01-07 19:19:38 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981070456 Sunny Days Inside and Other Stores by Caroline Anderson https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981071082 Takes place in 2020 durin the pandemic; each chapter a different apartment in one building

]]> 2022-01-07 19:20:07 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981071082 Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981071827 Perfect Covid-times read-aloud! An original introduction to the scientific method. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:20:42 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981071827 Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981072097 2022-01-07 19:20:54 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981072097 Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes crmayer1564 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981072179 2022-01-07 19:20:57 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981072179 Except Antarctica https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981073343 Narrator keeps getting interrupted & frustrated by animals determined to get to Antarctica. Fiction meets non-fiction :) Great for fans of Maxwell Eaton's "The Truth About" series.]]> 2022-01-07 19:21:50 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981073343 Zero Fade by Chris L Terry emily1345 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981074632 Recommended age range: Grades 6-12]]> 2022-01-07 19:22:47 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981074632 Nacho's Nachos: The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel and Oliver Dominguez codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981075233 2022-01-07 19:23:14 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981075233 The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene Yelchin codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981077238 2022-01-07 19:24:39 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981077238 How It All Vegan by Tanya Barnard emily1345 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981078325 Vegan Cookbook. Hands-on maker connection. Recommended for high school ]]> 2022-01-07 19:25:23 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981078325 (Moth) Me by Amber McBride ecarter32 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981079450 This debut YA novel written in prose is both a coming-of-age and a ghost story. It’s haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable. I’m definitely ordering it for my high school library! ]]> 2022-01-07 19:26:15 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981079450 To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer maalbarran2 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981079925 The audiobook captures the epistolary format of the novel and is performed by a full voice acting cast.]]> 2022-01-07 19:26:31 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981079925 Apple (Skin to the Core) by Eric Gansworth clamon https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981085484 fabulous read! recommended for YA and adults]]> 2022-01-07 19:30:23 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981085484 Knight Owl by Christopher Denise codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981087392 2022-01-07 19:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981087392 One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite ehcarter27 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981091886 "The Hate U Give meets Get Out in this honest and powerful exploration of prejudice in the stunning novel from sister-writer duo Maika and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine." -From Goodreads. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:34:30 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981091886 Stuntboy in the Meantime https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981092675 A wonderful middle grade hybrid (text and graphic images) tells the story of Portico Reeves, aka Stuntboy, who is coping with parents who are separating and a bully in his apartment building AND his anxiety challenges (his "frets"). A lot of fun, but also moving, don't miss this book by the amazing Jason Reynolds and the gifted Raul the Third.

Believe it or not -- this is also a FABULOUS audio book. 
~Lies Garner]]> 2022-01-07 19:35:05 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981092675 I AM A STORY alaynbecker https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981096286 This is a great story to encourage telling stories in many formats.  ]]> 2022-01-07 19:38:05 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981096286 It Fell from the Sky by the Fan Brothers codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981098899 2022-01-07 19:40:12 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981098899 Punching the Air pricekristen87 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981099095 2022-01-07 19:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981099095 The Year We Learned To Fly by Jacqueline Woodson brendolaga https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981100806 Companion book to On The Day You Begin. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981100806 The Girl from the Seaby Molly Knox Ostertag ehcarter27 https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981102603 "From the author of The Witch Boy trilogy comes a graphic novel about family, romance, and first love." -Goodreads

Awesome LGBTQ representation! Good for 7th grade & up.]]> 2022-01-07 19:43:05 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981102603 Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro codelluiuc https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981109369 The sequel, SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING MICE, is new this year, but this first one is such a great winter read-aloud. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:47:03 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981109369 Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor mskendallteacher https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981110256 My students enjoyed hearing about 12 different differences including diabetes, asthma, wheelchairs, blindness, deafness, dyslexia, autism, stuttering, Tourette's, ADHD, food allergies, and Down syndrome. During the discussion some tried to diagnose themselves and others disclosed their own diagnoses. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:47:50 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981110256 Finding Langston Trilogy https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981110720 The second in a trilogy, this middle grade novel is a must for those who read Finding Langston, and also works as a stand alone for readers who are interested in the Great Migration.  Lymon definitely has a temper -- but Lymon also has a lot of anger, and reading this book helps appreciate where those came from.
The audio book is a good choice!
~Lies Garner

]]> 2022-01-07 19:48:11 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981110720 Chunky (recommended by Katherine) kahlousek https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981122880 Graphic Novel - Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, The New Kid, and Starfish 

"Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working-class Mexican Jewish family." (Goodreads)]]> 2022-01-07 19:58:07 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981122880 William Still and His Freedom Stories the Father of the Underground Railroad by Don Tate marciachicago https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981133349 This book is a biography that shares Williams, perseverance, determination, and courage in collecting records and stories that preserves the history of the Underground Railroad.  William Still collected the stories of thousands of Freedom Seekers who had traveled North. that were used to reunite many families. ]]> 2022-01-07 20:07:19 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981133349 Fearless Food: Allergy-Free Recipes for Kids (recommended by Kelly) nswiltse https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981136572 Each recipe is color-coded to show which allergies it is safe for. Kids love browsing and finding recipes! Geared for ages 9+.]]> 2022-01-07 20:10:01 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981136572 Dovey Undaunted by Tonya Bolden https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981138715 2021 biography of Dovey Roundtree Johnson. a pioneering American lawyer and Civil Rights leader who was part of the first cohort of women and African American women recruited to the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during the 2nd World War. The importance of community and networking as well as a strong supportive family come through powerfully in this biography.]]> 2022-01-07 20:11:58 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981138715 Smart Cookie (Recommended by Leslie) kahlousek https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981150684 Be a smart cookie and don't miss this book! This is the fifth picture book in the ever popular Food Group series from Jory John and Pete Oswald.

"This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?"

]]> 2022-01-07 20:22:57 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981150684 Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981161573 Yusuf, a 2nd generation Pakistani-American , is excited to start middle school in his small Texas town. His family are established shopkeepers who have lived n this town for over 20 years. On the first day of middle school, Yusuf finds the first of several anti-Islamic notes in his locker which he finds unsettling. As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, hostility from a small sector of the community increases, threatening the sense of well being he and his family have enjoyed. Yusuf has been given the journal that his uncle kept when he was 12 years old and include his uncles experiences on 9/11 and its aftermath. An accessible, well written book that explores then and now for kids of Islamic identity and how a town stepping up for their positive values can counteract the hate of a few. Accessible for 4th - 8th.]]> 2022-01-07 20:34:25 UTC https://padlet.com/brendolaga/CTULibrarians/wish/1981161573