Illustrator : Laura Huliska- Beith

Publisher : Scholastic, Inc

Date : February 1, 2022

# of pages : 32

Age Range : 4 - 8 years

Genre : Fiction

Theme : Bullying, conflict resolution

Summary : This book follows the story about a girl named Mean Jean who rules the playgrounds and makes sure nobody gets in her way. Until one day, a new kid joins the school named Katie Sue. Katie Sue did not bother to listen to Mean Jean or follow her rules and this bothered Mean Jean deeply. One day, Katie Sue asked Mean Jean if she wanted to play and Mean Jean said yes with caution. From then on, Jean was very nice on the playground and she made friends with all her classmates!

Personal Response : Overall, I think that this book does a great job of covering the reality of school. I think that it's really important to remember that just because kids are being mean doesn't mean you can't hit them with kindness like Katie Sue did. This can help the children lighten up and create new friendships that can last forever. Stepping out of your comfort zone and using the power of friendliness can really bring a child of out their shell.

Curricular Connections : PE, lunchtime, and snacktime.

Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37caQCFMUo (audiobook)

Illustrator : Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books

Date : August 31, 2021

# of pages : 40

Age Range : 4 - 8 years

Genre : Fiction

Theme : Feelings, validation

Summary : There is a potato, a girl, and a flamingo who are all friends. This potato is worried about everything possible because anything could happen to his friends! In the end, potato realizes that if anything happens his friends will be by his side and it's okay to be worried.

Personal Response : I think this book is good for children who need to understand that having emotions is okay but don't let it get the best of you!

Source : https://debbieohi.com/book/book-im-worried/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw3dO1kpGkg

Illustrator: Mike Deas

Publisher: Tilbury House

Date: August 6, 2019

# of pages: 36

Age Range: 7-10 years

Genre: Friends

Theme: Fiction

Summary: Lots of students at recess have a hard time fitting in but they want to be heard and recognized. All of the students made sure to recognize who was by themselves and why. They all became friends and were so excited! Their teacher made a bench that was for any student who was feeling left out and once someone sat there, other students would make sure they were involved.

Personal Response: I love this book and this concept. I had a bench like this in my elementary school and it worked great. I think that this book is wonderful for every student to read and recognize that if someone is feeling left out recognize and include them!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXD66wzG4Xg

Illustrator: Hoda Hadidi

Publisher: Daybreak Press

Date: September 3, 2016

# of pages: 37

Age Range: 2 - 12 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Stereotypes

Summary: A young girl is inspired by one of her neighbors who plays the drums to let them know that it's time to break the fast and eat. She wants to be like her neighbor but lots of people laugh at her because no girls ever play the drums. This brave girl goes above and beyond and learns to play the drums. She becomes the one to wake neighbors up now and she couldn't be happier.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book because it gives inspiration to young girls. Whatever they put their minds to they can do!

Curricular Connections: Music

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6aB_uL_HBk

Illustrator: David Lasky

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: September 2, 2014

# of pages: 248

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics

Theme: Acceptance, Empowerment

Summary: Cece Bell lost her hearing when she was young and she was given a Phonic Ear which aided her to hear better. This made her feel different and she felt as she didn't fit in with her classmates. Throughout school, she started to imagine herself as 'El Deafo', a superhero who was empowered and could take anything on.

Curricular Connections: School

Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan/Tomi Ungerer

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: January 1, 1964

# of pages: 96 pages

Age Range: 6-8 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Adventure, Picture book, Fantasy

Summary: Stanley, a young boy, had a bulletin board fall on him which made him half an inch thick. He gets rolled up and mailed out like he's mail! He is a hero who shares his adventures as a Flat Stanley!!

Personal Response: I read this book growing up and even had a Flat Stanley of my own that I took with me to Seattle, Washington. I loved the idea of it.

Curricular Connections: Art

Illustrator: Peter Sis

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks

Date: March 1, 2012

# of Pages: 384 pages

Age Range: 9-11 years

Genre: Literary Fiction

Theme: Magical Realism, Adventure, poetry

Summary: A young boy, Neftali, hears a mysterious voice growing up. He gets bullied and made fun of for hearing this voice but it calls to him. He follows it to a magical, wonderous forest where he transforms into his best self and learns so much about himself.

Personal Response: I think this book can be a little difficult to read for the younger kids but it has such a creative imagination side to it that I think lots of students would love. I can envision them putting themselves into Neftali's shoes and riding the adventure with him throughout the book.

Curricular Connections: Imagination, Art, Creativity

Illustrator: Dan Hanna

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Date: June 7, 2022

# of pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 3-6 years

Genre: Picture Book, Fiction

Theme: Anxiety, Overcoming, Bravery

Summary: Willa Whale has many worries on her plate and that's all she can think about. Mr. Fish comes to the rescue and helps relieve Willa Whale of her stresses. They explore the world of worries and understand more about how to deal with it and overcome it.

Personal Response: I think this is a great starter book for children who don't quite know what anxiety is but could show symptoms of it. I think that this is a good explanation of anxiety for children which needs awareness!!

Curricular Connections: School.

Illustrator: Felicia Bond

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: September 30, 1991

# of pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 1-5 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Fun, comedic

Summary: A young host runs into a moose who wants to feel at home no matter what it takes. He will put anything on the muffins and if you run out he will go to the store to get more!

Personal Response: This book is a very good basic book. It is good for young, starting-out readers. I think that it will bring giggles and excitement. I loved this book growing up and will be featuring it in my classroom.

Curricular Connections: Library

Illustrator:

Publisher: World of Eric Carle

Date: March 23, 1994

# of pages: 26 pages

Age Range: 1-3 years

Genre: Fiction, picture book,

Theme: Counting,

Summary: The caterpillar eats throughout the days of the week, increasing the amount every day. Eating fruit every day.

Personal Responses: I like this book and I grew up reading it! If I were to work with the younger children, I would definitely have this book in my classroom library. It's a classic! I also love the illustrations.

Curricular Connections: Math, days of the week

Illustrator: Andrea Tsurumi

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: July 18, 2023

# of pages: 192 pages

Age Range: 6 years and older

Genre: Poetry

Theme: Imagination, Humor, Playfulness

Summary: This series of poems in the book represents the adventures a child has! Lots of twists in these fun poems and great use of wordplay. Any child reading these poems can most likely relate to them because it is told through the perspective of a child which is why I think it's a great book. 

Personal Response: I think this book is a very playful, imaginative story for anyone! The different poems are fun and energetic in a sense. Lots of kids would love these poems and I would certainly have it in my future classroom library. It brings lots of funny, relatable experiences for any kid and also the colors used are lively. 

Author - James Riley

Publisher - Aladdin

Publication Date - September 13, 2011 

Grade Level - 3rd-7th Grade

# of Pages - 432 pages 

Genre - Fairy Tale, Fiction  

Plot Summary - A young boy and a young girl take on a journey to rescue the young girl's kidnapped grandmother. As they go along their journey, they encounter lots of fairy-tale-like adventures. It blends magic with fun and adventure. 

Personal Response - I think that this book has a rich literature style to it. I think that the tones made apparent in the book match the actions taken in this book. The author does a great job of reflecting a narrative style, describing details, and creating a storyline that contains a rich plotline. 

Illustrator: David Shannon

Publisher: Scholastic

Date: May 1, 2004

# of pages: 32

Age Range: 3-7 years old

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Self-Acceptance

Summary: Camilla hides her love for lima beans to fit in, but she breaks out in colorful stripes that change based on others' comments. Despite many failed attempts to cure her, a wise woman tells her to eat lima beans. When Camilla finally embraces her true self and eats them, she returns to normal.

Personal Response: I think that this is a great book on self-acceptance and how embracing your favorite things can be good for you.

Illustrator: Gillian Reid

Publisher: Little Bee Books

Date: June 27, 2023

# of pages: 40

Age Range: 4-8 years

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Self-acceptance, confidence, societal norms, individuality

Summary: A young girl named Molly who feels most comfortable wearing a tuxedo, rather than a dress, for her school picture day. She faces resistance from her mother, who encourages her to wear a more traditional outfit. Molly struggles with societal expectations but ultimately learns the importance of self-expression and staying true to herself.

Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book and I think it spreads a really good message for any child who's scared of facing societal norms. I think that this book does a good job at portraying real life situations and how to navigate them.

Illustrator:

Publisher: Aladdin

Date: January 12, 2021

# of pages: 416 pages

Age Range: 10-12 years

Genre: Dystopian Fiction

Theme: Survival, adventure, self-discovery, resilience

Summary: A 12-year-old girl, Maddie, who finds herself unexpectedly abandoned and alone in her hometown after a mysterious evacuation. Stranded with only her dog for companionship, Maddie must learn how to survive on her own. She faces numerous challenges, including finding food, shelter, and security, all while grappling with the emotional toll of isolation. As days turn into months, Maddie reflects on her inner strength, discovering her resilience in a world where no one seems to return.

Personal Response: I think that this book is really good for teenagers because it provides an engaging adventure that they can step into! If I were to read this as a 12 year old, I would be on the edge of my seat all the time.

Publisher: Summer and Muu

Date: October 17, 2023

# of Pages: 36 pages

Age Range: 4-8 years

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growth Mindset, Mistakes, positive affirmations

Summary: The story follows a young girl named Lily, who initially feels overwhelmed and discouraged by her numerous mistakes. However, with the guidance of her grandmother, she learns that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Personal Response: I think that this book is wonderful for teaching children that mistakes are okay and they can be viewed as positive points. It's good for building emotional intelligence and confidence in students.

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbooks

Date: September 1, 2008

# of pages: 224 pages

Age Range: 9-12 years

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Acceptance, Empathy, Friendship

Summary: A 12-year-old girl, Catherine, who is trying to navigate life while dealing with the challenges of having a younger brother, David, who has autism. Catherine creates a set of rules to help David better understand the world, but she often feels frustrated by how his behavior impacts her own social life. As she forms a friendship with Jason, a boy who uses a wheelchair, Catherine begins to reconsider her views on what is "normal."

Personal Response: I think that this book is really good for children in their teenage years. This goes through a lot of emotions and shows a message of acceptance throughout the book.

Publisher: North-South Books

Date: January 27, 1999

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 1-5 years

Genre: Children's Literature, Picture Book

Theme: Friendship, Kindness, sharing

Summary: It's about a beautiful fish with shimmering, multicolored scales. Despite his beauty, the Rainbow Fish is lonely because he refuses to share his prized shiny scales with others. When a small fish asks for one of his scales, the Rainbow Fish initially refuses but later realizes that sharing brings him happiness and friendship. By giving away his scales, he finds joy and connection with the other fish in the sea.

Personal Response: I like how this story represents important lessons like kindness and the value of selflessness. I think that the plot and illustrations of this book are unique as well.

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: April 1, 2003

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 2-5 years

Genre: Children's Literature

Theme: Self-Control and Boundaries

Summary: A bus driver asks the reader to watch his bus while he's away, with one simple instruction: don’t let the pigeon drive the bus. The mischievous pigeon then spends the rest of the book trying to persuade the reader to let him take the wheel, using various tactics like pleading, bargaining, and even throwing a tantrum. Despite his best efforts, the pigeon is repeatedly told "no."

Personal Response: This book does a great job of showing a message that saying no is okay and there is lots of hidden lessons within the book. I also love the series and the illustrations of it.

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: Harper Collins

Date: December 26, 2012

# of Pages: 48 pages

Age Range: 1+ years

Genre: Fantasy, picture book

Theme: Emotional growth, imagination

Summary: A young boy named Max, who, after being sent to his room as punishment, escapes into a world of his imagination. He sails to a land inhabited by wild creatures known as the Wild Things. Max is crowned their king and revels in his newfound power and freedom. However, after some time, he becomes lonely and misses the warmth and love of home. Max decides to return, leaving the wild creatures behind. When he arrives back home, he finds his dinner waiting for him, symbolizing the comfort and security of family.

Personal Response: I like that it emphasizes the balance between adventure and connections! I really love this story and I grew up reading it!

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Date: May 30, 2023

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 6-10 years

Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction

Theme: Confidence, overcoming fears

Summary: A vibrant children's book that tells the story of Manolo, a shy boy living in the Bronx during the 1970s. He finds his confidence and self-expression through a new dance style called breaking, inspired by the beats of hip hop and neighborhood DJs. The book captures the rise of breaking, also known as breakdancing, which became a vital part of hip hop culture. It emphasizes overcoming fears and embracing creativity, all set against the energetic backdrop of the Bronx's music and dance scene.

Personal Response: I really like this book because it's inspirational to young students who are a little more shy and struggle to come out of their shell.

Illustrator: Fran Alvarez

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: July 18, 2023

# of Pages: 40 Pages

Age Range: 3-7 years

Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction

Theme: Making friends, embracing differences

Summary: A heartwarming tale of two young girls, Sam and Mai, who form a friendship despite a language barrier. Sam is curious when she notices her new neighbor, Mai, using sign language to communicate. As their bond grows, Mai teaches Sam Filipino Sign Language (FSL), allowing them to connect on a deeper level. The story highlights the beauty of language diversity and inclusion, showing how communication and understanding can transcend differences.

Personal Response: This book is really unique and I really like the structure behind this book.

Illustrator: Teresa Martinez

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: November 5, 2019

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 6-9 years

Genre: Biographical Picture Book

Theme: Perseverance, environmental, diversity in science and education

Summary: A Mexican scientist who discovered the harmful effects of chemicals called CFCs on the Earth's ozone layer. His groundbreaking research helped the world take action to protect the environment, leading to the global ban of these substances.

Personal Response: I think this book is a very creative and informational book. It has lots of information about science that can be intriguing for young students and the illustrations look very unique as well.

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

Date: October 10, 2023

# of Pages: 384 pages

Age Range: 15+ years

Genre: Family, secrets, self-discovery, nature

Theme: Family and Belonging, Identity, Truth and growth

Summary: 17-year-old Linden, part of a family of women with extraordinary abilities, returns to her Appalachian hometown after her sister went missing a year ago. With her gift of sensing emotions, Linden is drawn into unraveling long-held family secrets and the mysterious disappearance of her sister. As she digs deeper, she uncovers truths about her family, her heritage, and herself, all while navigating relationships and the eerie beauty of the Appalachian wilderness. The story is a compelling mix of mystery, magical realism, and self-discovery.

Personal Reflection: This book is so well-written and explores the truth about identity and self-discovery. I think that within this book there are lots of hidden messages that are good to mention but the story plotline itself is very intriguing!

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

Date: July 11, 2023

# of Pages: 320 pages

Age Range: 14+

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Theme: Identity and Belonging, Self-acceptance, communication and connection, friendship and romance

Summary: Lilah, a hard-of-hearing teenager, feels caught between the Deaf and hearing worlds, struggling with her identity and sense of belonging. She decides to spend the summer working at a camp for Deaf and blind kids, where she meets new friends and a charming co-counselor named Isaac. As she helps the campers embrace who they are, Lilah embarks on her own journey of self-acceptance, finding her voice and a place where she truly belongs. The story beautifully weaves themes of communication, inclusivity, and romance into a heartfelt coming-of-age tale.

Personal Response: I think that this book opens lots of eyes and brings a new perspective to lots of people. This book can show students that it's okay to embrace who you are.

Illustrator: Regis and Kahran Bethencourt

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: October 19, 2021

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 4-7 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, fiction

Theme: Self-empowerment, inspirational

Summary: Through lyrical text and stunning photographs, it encourages young readers to embrace their individuality and explore all the possibilities of who they can become. Whether they dream of being artists, scientists, leaders, or dreamers, the book inspires confidence and self-expression, showing that they can be anything they choose to be.

Personal Response: This book can be very good for young girl readers who are feeling down and sad. I think that it spreads a nice message that can encourage confidence and empowerment.

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Date: May 2, 2023

# of Pages: 400 pages

Age Range: 16+

Genre: Historical Fiction Novel

Theme: Migration, Displacement, Survival, Resistance, Identity

Summary: Follows the lives of a family across multiple generations, navigating the complex legacies of migration, colonialism, and political turmoil. The story is rooted in the struggles of displacement and identity, as characters confront the lasting impact of their past while striving to survive and thrive in new circumstances. Set against significant historical events, the novel explores themes of family, resilience, and the fight for personal and cultural freedom, painting a vivid portrait of the immigrant experience and the bonds that hold people together despite the forces that seek to tear them apart.

Personal Response: This book brings great awareness to identity and belonging. It spreads a message for deep connections while exploring emotions.

Illustrator: Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date: January 30, 2024

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 3-7 years

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Novel

Theme: Friendship, loyalty, self-discovery

Summary: Follows a teenager named Jamal, who faces the pressures of growing up in a tough urban neighborhood. Struggling with his identity and the violence that surrounds him, Jamal finds himself caught between the desire to protect his family and friends while also trying to stay true to himself. As he navigates challenges with loyalty, friendship, and personal survival, he must make crucial decisions that will shape his future.

Personal Response: I really like the idea of this book, I think that is spreads a message for all to be seen and recognized.

Illustrator: Sarah Gonzales

Publisher: Tundra Books

Date: October 3, 2023

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 3-7 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Tradition, Family, Cultural Heritage, Connection

Summary: Through the process, the story emphasizes the importance of family traditions, the connection between generations, and the love shared in everyday moments. As the family prepares the bread, they pass down cultural practices and memories, illustrating how food can be a way to bond and preserve heritage.

Personal Response: I really like this book! Not only is it fun and engaging but it spreads a great message of how something like this can show love and connection between one another.

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date: October 10, 2023

# of Pages: 192 pages

Age Range: 10-13 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction Novel

Theme: Memory, Legacy, loss and healing

Summary: Follows the story of a young person grappling with their identity and past. As they reflect on their family, memories, and relationships, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of history on personal growth. Set against a backdrop of social change, it delves into the complexities of navigating cultural heritage, family dynamics, and the process of healing after experiencing hardship.

Personal Response: I think that this book is very inspirational and eye-opening. It goes through a lot of emotions and topics that can be tough to handle, but this book is very good at handling it.

Illustrator: Rosana Faria and Carla Tabora

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Date: September 19, 2023

# of Pages: 36 Pages

Age Range: 5-9

Genre: Children's Picture Book, contemporary fiction

Theme: Diversity, inclusion, self-expression, creativity, emotions

Summary: The story uses vibrant colors to explore themes of self-expression, diversity, and emotional well-being. Through a joyful and simple narrative, it teaches children to embrace their individuality, appreciate the differences in others, and find beauty and happiness in everyday moments.

Personal Response: I really love the concept of this book! I love the creativity and uniqueness of the story and ideas of this book. It brings a great message to all young readers and they can read great positive messages from it.

Publisher: Chin Music Press Inc.

Date: April 25, 2023

# of Pages: 160 pages

Age Range: 12 and up

Genre: Memoir, autobiographical non-fiction

Theme: memory, reflection, self-discovery, gratitude

Summary: A heartfelt memoir that reflects on the author's personal experiences during a transformative year. Through a series of poignant memories, the book explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Cauthen shares how significant events shaped her perspective, helping her find resilience and strength in the face of life's challenges.

Personal Response: This memoir is a very good resource for learning lessons about love, loss and more. This book provides structure for how to deal with it and how to move on with life.

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Date: October 3, 2023

# of Pages: 288 pages

Age Range: 14-17 years

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Novel

Theme: Coming of Age, family drama, Identity

Summary: Follows the story of a young girl, Amara, who is struggling to find her identity while dealing with the weight of her family's expectations. Set against the backdrop of her Nigerian-American heritage, Amara faces emotional and personal challenges that force her to navigate the complex dynamics of her family, cultural identity, and mental health.

Personal Response: This book is a really good example for young adults who need a book that gives an example of being different than the norm. I think that there are lots of messages being spread in this book that can help young adults recognize their own emotions and boundaries.

Illustrator: Katz Cowley

Publisher: Scholastic Inc

Date: May 1, 2010

# of Pages: 24 pages

Age Range: 2+ years

Genre: Humorous Fiction, Children's Picture Book, Rhyming Poetry

Theme: Humor, Joy, Playfulness, Uniqueness

Summary: About a quirky, three-legged donkey with a variety of amusing traits. Using cumulative rhymes and playful wordplay, the story builds on each page, describing the donkey as "spunky," "cranky," "winky," and more.

Personal Response: This book is super silly and a fun book for kids to read and get a laugh out of!

Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri

Publisher: Dial Books

Date: June 14, 2012

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 2-5 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Humorous Fiction

Theme: Friendship, Sharing, Fun, Caution

Summary: About a dragons' favorite food—tacos! The story explains how much dragons adore tacos but warns that they cannot handle spicy salsa. When a party host accidentally serves them tacos with spicy salsa, chaos ensues as the dragons breathe fire and hilarity unfolds.

Personal Response: A silly, fun book to connect to a lesson about food or favorite things! I think that kids will love this book in my future classroom.

Illustrator: David Roberts

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Date: September 6, 2016

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 3-6 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Educational Fiction

Theme: Inquiry, STEM, Imagination, Creativity, Problem-Solving

Summary: A young girl named Ada is filled with endless curiosity about the world around her, often conducting experiments to find answers. Though her investigations sometimes lead to messy mishaps, Ada's determination and love for science shine through. With the support of her family and teachers, Ada learns to embrace her curiosity and creativity, inspiring young readers to explore and ask questions about the world.

Personal Response: I love how much this book talks about persistence and imagination. It teaches kids that if you put your mind to something you can make it happen.

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Date: March 19, 2009

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 2-4 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Contemporary Fiction

Theme: Anxiety, Comfort and Reassurance, Independence, Love

Summary: A story of Llama Llama, who is feeling anxious and sad when his mama leaves him at school for the first time. As he experiences the new and unfamiliar surroundings, he misses his mama terribly. However, with the help of his teacher and friends, Llama begins to feel better and learns that it's okay to be apart from Mama for a little while. By the end, he’s excited to see Mama again and feels more confident about returning to school.

Personal Response: I really like that this book talks about anxiety and worries because a lot of students can feel that way and not know what it is since it's not talked about a lot at a young age.

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: November 4, 2014

# of Pages: 64 pages

Age Range: 3-6 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Humorous Fiction

Theme: Patience, Friendship, Emotional Growth

Summary: Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig as they encounter a situation where Gerald must wait for something very special. Piggie eagerly tells Gerald about the surprise, but Gerald becomes increasingly frustrated by the long wait. Through humorous interactions and exaggerated emotions, the story teaches the importance of patience and how sometimes, waiting for something good can make the reward even sweeter.

Personal Response: I love this book and this series! It is a big hit with children and they always love the story plotlines.

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Date: June 27, 2013

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 3-6 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Communication, Self-Expression, Creativity, Empathy

Summary: Each crayon writes a letter to the audience explaining why they are quitting their job of being a crayon. It expresses good use of emotion and how important it is to express each crayon's individuality.

Personal Response: I love this book. I love the concept behind each crayon feeling neglected and how they express their feelings in a way that's healthy.

Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Publisher: Little Simon

Date: January 1, 2012

# of Pages: 36 Pages

Age Range: 1-4 years

Genre: Picture Book, Educational Fiction, Rhyming, Musical

Theme: Alphabet Learning, Fun, Playfulness, Language and Rhythm

Summary: As the letters race to the top of a coconut tree, they get tangled and fall down, creating a fun and chaotic scene. With a catchy rhyme and colorful illustrations, the book introduces children to the alphabet while also teaching about resilience and teamwork as the letters recover and try again.

Personal Response: This is a great book for learning the alphabet and playing around with it!

Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers

Date: September 15, 1996

Age Range: 1-3 years

# of Pages: 24 pages

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Repetitive Fiction

Theme: Color Recognition, Repetition

Summary: Each page features a new animal asking the one before it what it sees, leading to the next animal in the sequence. This engaging format helps young readers learn colors, animals, and develop language skills through repetition and vibrant illustrations.

Personal Response: I love this book and the concept behind it.

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

Date: October 4, 1996

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 1-5 years

Genre: Folk Tale, Animal Fiction, Picture's Book

Theme: Kindness, Cooperation, Generosity, Problem-solving

Summary: A young boy named Nicki, who loses his mitten in the snow. One by one, different animals—starting with a small mouse and ending with a large bear—crawl into the mitten to seek warmth. As more and more animals squeeze in, the mitten stretches to its limit. Eventually, the mitten bursts open, and the animals tumble out.

Personal Response: I love all the animals and the story plotline!

Illustrator: Andy Elkerton

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Date: October 6, 2020

# of Pages: 40 pages

Age Range: 3-6 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Rhyming Adventure

Theme: Imagination, Creativity, Playfulness

Summary: Children use their creativity to try and catch a snowman. The book follows their playful attempts to trap the snowman using various clever and humorous strategies, but the snowman always manages to stay one step ahead. persistence, creativity, and fun.

Personal Response: This is a great book for children to read and to have in a library!

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: April 10, 2012

# of Pages: 184 pages

Age Range: 5+ years

Genre: Classic Fiction, Animal Fiction

Theme: Friendship, loyalty, growth and change, life and death

Summary: A pig who is saved from being slaughtered by his friend, Charlotte, a wise and caring spider. When Wilbur is in danger again, Charlotte writes messages in her web, such as "Some Pig" and "Terrific," to convince the humans that he is special and worthy of saving. Throughout the story, Wilbur learns about friendship, sacrifice, and life’s cycles, while Charlotte teaches him the importance of love and loyalty.

Personal Response: A great chapter book!

Illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky

Publisher: Yearling

Date: May 9, 2000

# of Pages: 233 pages

Age Range: 9+ years

Genre: Children's Novel, Realistic Fiction, Mystery

Theme: Fate, Destiny, Justice, Revenge

Summary: a young boy who is wrongfully sent to a desert camp where boys are forced to dig holes. As Stanley uncovers the mystery behind the camp, he learns about his family’s history and its connection to the curse that has plagued them for generations. With the help of his friend Zero, Stanley discovers that the digging is part of a larger secret, and together, they work to break the curse.

Personal Response: This is a good book for teenagers.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: December 26, 2006

Age Range: 9+ years

# of Pages: 192 pages

Genre: Children's Novel, Adventure and Survival Fiction

Theme: Survival, Resilience, Personal Growth, Hope, Perseverance

Summary: A story of Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy who survives a plane crash and is stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet. As Brian struggles to find food, shelter, and safety, he learns essential survival skills and confronts his emotional challenges. Throughout his journey, Brian undergoes a transformation, gaining strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of himself.

Personal Response: A great adventure story for student's who enjoy that theme!

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: July 1, 1993

# of Pages: 240 pages

Age Range: 10+ years

Genre: Dystopian Novel, science fiction, young adult fiction

Theme: Freedom and choice, Dystopian, Memory and knowledge

Summary: The story follows Jonas, a young boy chosen to be the "Receiver of Memory," a role that involves learning about the past from an elderly man known as The Giver. As Jonas experiences memories of love, pain, and freedom, he begins to question the society’s rules and the price of its enforced peace.

Personal Response: Great book!

Illustrator: Max Lang

Publisher: Random House Studio

Date: May 15, 2018

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 2-5 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Humor and emotional intelligence

Theme: Emotional Awareness, acceptance, self-expression, dealing with emotions

Summary: A monkey who wakes up feeling grumpy but doesn’t know why. Throughout the day, his friends try to help him feel better by suggesting ways to change his mood, but Jim insists that he just wants to be grumpy. In the end, Jim learns that it's okay to feel the way he does and that his feelings will pass.

Personal Response: A funny book!

Illustrator: Andy Chou Musser

Publisher: Tundra Books

Date: September 26, 2023

# of Pages: 56 pages

Age Range: 2-5 years

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Theme: Humor and friendship

Summary: A creature named Ploof who is looking for a friend to play with. After a series of attempts, Ploof finally meets a new friend who is just as excited to play. The story is about the joy of finding a companion and the happiness that comes from friendship.

Personal Response: Great, creative book.

Illustrator: Sarah Van Evera

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: July 3, 2020

# of Pages: 32 pages

Age Range: 5-7 years

Genre: Self-help, personal development

Theme: Development, social skills, emotional intelligence

Summary: About the importance of kindness and empathy in forming friendships. The book emphasizes that being a good friend involves showing care, respect, and understanding, and that true friendships are built on these values.

Personal Response: This book includes great lessons for children.