Author: Candace Fleming 

Publication Date: 2011

Publisher: Random House Children’s Books

Summary: Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart details the fateful final flight of Amelia Earhart as she attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 1937. Fleming alternates with biographical information about Earhart’s early life as well as the events surrounding her final flight, disappearance, and search for the famous aviatrix. 

Appropriate Audience: The target audience is 4th-7th grade students/ages 8-12. The author encourages the reader to think critically about Earhart and the image of herself that was constructed. Additionally, the author uses appropriate vocabulary while also introducing the reader to terms related to the aviation field. 

Strengths: The book provides a plethora of affordances such as a clear table of contents with alternating chapters of Amelia Earhart's biography and details of her final flight and disappearance, historical photographs with captions, inserted information, headings, maps, bibliography, resources on the web, source notes/picture credits, and index. These affordances show Fleming's dedication to the research of this topic. 

Weaknesses: Young readers may want to know more about theories of Amelia Earhart's disappearance and they do not fully get that in this book. There is not much discussion in the book about the search for Earhart after 1937. Readers may need to consult another book to learn more about disappearance theories. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: This book can be used to teach author’s tone by pulling out specific sections of the text to identify feminist tone of text, cultural representation of the book (comparing and contrasting own experiences), highlighting the book during Women’s History Month, and the book can be used during a unit on biographies. 

Awards: ALSC Notable Children’s Books (2012), Orbis Pictus Honor (2012), Golden Kite Awards (2012), Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award (2012), CCBC Choice (2012), Hornbook Fanfare (2011), SLJ Best Books of the Year (2011)

Read Alikes:
London, M. (2021). Bessie coleman: Bold pilot who gave women wings. Capstone Press.

Bessie Coleman became the first female pilot with Native American and African American heritage. This book describes Coleman’s life and famous legacy. Fans of Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart will want to learn more about another famous aviatrix.

Bowman, C. (2020). Flight 19: Lost in the bermuda triangle. Bellwether Media.

Flight 19: Lost in the Bermuda Triangle details a famous flight disappearance in the Bermuda Triangle. Through the graphic narrative format, readers will be left wondering what happened on this flight.

Fleming, C. (2009). The great and only Bbarnum: The tremendous, stupendous life of showman p.t. barnum. Schwartz & Wade Books.

Fans of Fleming’s narrative nonfiction writing style will enjoy reading The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum. This book details the famous life of P.T. Barnum, the circus he worked to create, and the impact his life had on the entertainment world. 

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly

Publication Date: 2020

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Summary: Readers are introduced to three seventh grade siblings, Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson. The novel is centered around the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle launch. The three siblings exist in their own worlds with very little in common until certain events bring them all together. 

Appropriate Audience: We Dream of Space is appropriate for readers ages 8-12. While this book tackles heavy subjects such as family tension and the failed Challenger loss, it is covered in a way that is approachable for young readers. 

Strengths: This book is highly character driven with each chapter alternating between the Nelson siblings. Readers can clearly see the character development of all three siblings throughout the course of the book. The book closely examines the imperfection of families which many readers will be able to relate to as they are reading. Additionally, the author includes detailed information about the Challenger Space Shuttle Launch in the back of the book as this is a topic with which many middle grade readers may be unfamiliar. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: This book is told from three character perspectives. Educators can use this text to teach multiple points of view. Additionally, the book focuses heavily on Judith Resnik, one of the female astronauts on the shuttle. Educators and librarians can use this book to connect to women in the STEM field. Further, this text can be a way to introduce middle-grade readers to the Challenger tragedy.

Awards: Newbery Honor (2021), ALA Notable Children’s Book (2021), School Library Journal Starred (2020), CCBC Choices (2021), Hornbook Fanfare (2020).

Read Alikes:
Spinelli, J. (2013). Jake and lily. Balzer & Bray.

Twins, Jake and Lily, have always had a close relationship until things began to change after their 11th birthday. Through alternating point of view, readers learn more about the main characters and their interests.

Wolk, L. (2018). Beyond the bright sea. Puffin Books. 

12-year old Crow has lived her entire life on an isolated island in Massachusetts. Crow has always been curious about the world surrounding her. Throughout the book, she discovers what family truly means.  

Panteleakos, N. (2020). Planet earth is blue. A Yearling Book.
 
12-year old Nova and her sister Bridget share a love of space and astronomy. They are excited to watch the Challenger Space Shuttle Launch. The sisters are separated into new foster homes, and Nova is counting down the days until she sees Bridget again. 

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Publication Date: 2006

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Summary: This is the 2nd book in the Mercy Watson series. In this book, Mercy Watson, a porcine wonder, goes on her weekly drive with Mr. Watson. This normal drive turns into an adventure when an unexpected guest is found in the car and Mercy makes her way behind the steering wheel.

Appropriate Audience: An appropriate audience for this book includes children in K-2nd, ages 6-8. The chapters are short and accessible for young readers. The vocabulary is age appropriate for readers in K-2nd. Additionally, the story is engaging for young readers of chapter books. 

Strengths: The vocabulary is accessible for young readers; however, DiCamillo makes a point to include strong vocabulary such as “porcine” and “menace.” The chapters are short and engaging and will not feel overwhelming for young readers who are just beginning chapter books. There are illustrations on most pages, and the illustrations clearly display the over-the-top nature of the story.

Meaningful/Creative Uses: Children can be encouraged to write their own adventure for Mercy Watson. This book can also be used to teach new vocabulary words, along with synonyms and antonyms for these new words.

Awards: Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2007), ALA Notable Children’s Book (2007), CCBC Choices, Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens

Read Alikes:

DiCamillo, K. (2017). Where are you going, baby lincoln? Candlewick Press. 

If readers want to learn more about Baby Lincoln from the Mercy Watson series, they can check out Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? Mercy’s neighbor, Baby Lincoln, decides she must go on a journey and leave her older sister who is quite bossy. Baby Lincoln is able to make new friends and gain confidence in this book.

Dillard, S. (2014). Extraordinary warren: A super chicken. Aladdin. 

Warren, the chicken, is tired of his daily routine. He decides to leave his farm to discover what makes him special.

Clanton, B. (2016). Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea. Tundra Books. 

Narwhal loves to have fun. Jelly is a little more serious. In Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, Narwhal and Jelly go on adventures together to discover the ocean. 

Author: Janice May Udry

Illustrator: Marc Simont

Publication Date: 1956

Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher

Summary: In A Tree is Nice, readers explore the many simple ways a tree can enrich our lives. Through concise language and beautiful illustrations, readers will see the many ways trees are beneficial. 

Appropriate Audience: This book is appropriate for readers in PreK-3rd grade. The language is simple and approachable for the youngest reader. The illustrations will draw in readers both young and old. 

Strengths: A Tree is Nice features full page illustrations on the majority of the pages. The illustrations alternate between watercolor and black and white line drawings. The illustrations accompany the text while also adding additional detail to the text. This book also encourages young readers to appreciate the natural world around them. 

Weaknesses: As this book was written in 1956, there is a noticeable lack of diversity of the children in the illustrations. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: This book can be used in a library program focused on Arbor Day or environmental conservation. Additionally, this book can be used to teach opinion writing. Children can share their reasons why they believe a tree is nice.

Awards: Caldecott Medal (1957)

Read Alikes:
Lauber, P. (1994). Be a friend to trees. HarperCollins Publishers. 

This nonfiction text discusses the reasons trees are an important natural resource in our world. Additionally, this book discusses why we must protect trees. 

Brundle, H. (2021). Habitat conservation. KidHaven Publishing. 

In Habitat Conservation, readers are given a guide to how their actions impact the natural world around them. Readers learn about ways they can conserve the environment.

Lindstrom, C. (2020). We are water protectors. Roaring Brook Press. 

We are Water Protectors tells the story of an Ojibwe girl who protests against an oil pipeline to protect the water for her people. 

Publication Date: 2016

Publisher: Graphix, imprint of Scholastic

Summary: Cat and her family move from southern California to the northern California town of Bahia de la Luna to help make life easier for her sister Maya with cystic fibrosis. The sisters meet their neighbor, Carlos, who teaches them about the town’s tradition of celebrating Dia de la Muertos. Both sisters grapple with thoughts of death and loss throughout the graphic novel. 

Appropriate Audience: An appropriate audience for this book includes children ages 8-12 or 3rd-7th grade. This book approaches the topics of chronic diseases and death in a way that is approachable and appropriate for a younger audience. This graphic novel will provide young readers with an opportunity to discuss these topics with a trusted caregiver. 

Strengths: This book introduces cystic fibrosis (CF), a chronic disease without a cure, to young readers. For many readers this will be their first introduction to this illness, and Telgemeier provides information and additional resources on CF in the backmatter of the book. Young readers can do additional research on this topic after finishing the graphic novel. Additionally, this graphic novel introduces young readers to Dia de la Muertos. This is a holiday that may be unfamiliar to those who do not celebrate. Telgemeier also provides resources on this tradition in the back matter of the book. Lastly, Telgemeier does well in creating relatable characters in this graphic novel. Young readers with siblings will easily be able to relate to the relationship between Cat and Maya as both sisters care deeply for one another despite their differences. 

Weaknesses: While this book does discuss Dia de la Muertos and Telgemeier does provide some information on this tradition in the backmatter, it would have been more beneficial to the young reader if the author had provided specifics about this tradition. Readers would benefit from knowing which aspects of the tradition are accurate to the culture and which aspects Telgemeier applied creative liberties to. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: This book can be featured during a Dia de la Muertos celebration at the library. This celebration can include crafts, food, music, and games related to this tradition. This program would seek to educate library users about this tradition in a way that is culturally appropriate.

Awards: Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (ages 9-12), Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics (2017) 

Author: Troy Andrews

Illustrator: Bryan Collier 

Publication Date: 2017

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Producer: Live Oak Media 

Summary: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews comes from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans. Music is a vital part of this neighborhood and city. Trombone Shorty tells the story of Troy Andrews’s desire to play music. 

Appropriate Audience: An appropriate audience for this audiobook includes children in K-3rd grade; however, upper elementary school listeners will also find enjoyment in this audiobook. The incorporation of jazz throughout the recording will draw the reader into the story and make them feel like they are in New Orleans themselves. 
 

Strengths: Narrator Dion Graham (along with the background jazz and crowd sounds) does a wonderful job pulling the audience into the story. The brass instruments along with the sounds of the various crowds make the listener feel like they are in New Orleans experiencing all it has to offer. Additionally, Andrews’s figurative language allows the listener to better visualize what is taking place in the story. For example, Andrews (2017) likens the tuba to an “elephant’s trunk” and he describes his music as “musical gumbo.” These descriptive elements helps the reader to picture what they are listening to in the story. 

Weaknesses: As this is a picturebook, the illustrations are important to help convey the message of the book. While the audiobook is enjoyable to listen to on its own, this audiobook would best work as a read along companion to the picturebook. It will help bring in both the sights and sounds of Troy Andrews’s musical journey. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: Children can create their own musical instruments out of recycled materials so they can also make their own “musical gumbo” like Troy Andrews. As the book talks about Mardi Gras, children can create their own Mardi Gras mask after learning about this tradition. Children can also listen to some of Troy Andrews’s music. After a few moments of each piece, they can write and draw what they feel when listening to the music.

Awards: Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production (2018), Coretta Scott King Award (2018), Caldecott Honor (2018)

Summary: This blog recommends diverse and inclusive picturebooks for school library or classroom use. Children’s Library Lady has compiled book lists on various topics such as empathy, strong female characters, and growth mindset. Additionally, users can subscribe to the blog to receive free resources to use within the library or classroom.

Appropriate Audience: Elementary school librarians and teachers would find this blog useful as they are working to add meaningful and diverse picturebooks to their collections.

Strengths: There are a variety of book list topics that have been compiled on the blog. Each book list provides a short summary of the books featured. On each book list, there is a rationale behind the collection and general questions that the librarian or educator can ask for each book featured. Additionally, each blog post is given tags that can be used to search additional posts on that topic.

Weaknesses: This specific blog does not provide reviews on the picturebooks featured on the book lists. Users of this blog will need to go to additional websites to determine what professional organizations think of these resources. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: This blog will be helpful when creating displays in a library on various topics or themes. This blog can be used by librarians as they are working to build their current collection. As this blog features specific topics, librarians can use this feature to see if there are any holes in the current collection that should be filled. 

Awards: There were no awards that could be found. 

Capstone. (n.d.). PebbleGo. PebbleGo. https://shell.pebblego.com/modules/

Summary: This informational database is specifically designed for early elementary school students. PebbleGo offers articles, videos, and ready-made resources for science, social studies, biographies, health, and animals. PebbleGo accessed through the Tennessee Electronic Library offers resources for science and social studies in both English and Spanish. 

Target Audience: PebbleGo is an appropriate resource for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. This database features content specifically related to the science and social studies standards for students in these grades. Additionally, PebbleGo features a read aloud option for the resources found on the database. This feature will benefit the young users who are learning how to read in school. 

An additional audience includes elementary school librarians and educators. Librarians and educators can use this tool to teach K-2 students how to search for and locate information using a database. Further, librarians and educators will find lesson resources through PebbleGo.  

Strengths: This database is easy to navigate so tech-savvy K-2 students will easily be able to locate resources on this database. An additional strength found on this database is the read aloud option. Many students in kindergarten-2nd grade are learning how to read, and these students can become easily discouraged if presented with materials they are unable to read on their own. Additionally, PebbleGo meets the different learning needs of young users by presenting information through visual and hands-on formats. Lastly, information on the database can be found in both English and Spanish. This feature can benefit ELL (English Language Learners) students.

Weaknesses: While the majority of the database is accessible by young users, students in kindergarten-2nd grade will need assistance from an adult to complete many of the ready-made resources available on the database. For example, there are some activities that may require materials that need to be located by an adult.

Meaningful/Creative Uses: 
After learning how to navigate the database, educators and librarians can allow students time to discover more about a specific topic of interest. Additionally, students can use this database to gather specific information to use for an informative writing piece as this is a specific writing standard for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. 

Awards: Winner of a Cool Tool Award for “Best Research/Reference Tools Solution” which is part of the EdTech Awards (2020) and  Best of Show at ISTE 2019 and 2022 Winner

Summary: This nature magazine offers articles and activities for children. Ranger Rick encourages young readers to become involved in protecting the natural environment. The first issue of Ranger Rick was published in January 1967, and there are 10 issues published each year.

Appropriate Audience: An appropriate audience for Ranger Rick includes readers age 7 and up. The articles and activities found inside each issue are written with a beginning reader in mind. Readers can find many of the scientific vocabulary written phonetically or defined within the text. Ranger Rick also incorporates many text features such as captions, headings, and bold text. These are features that many readers in 2nd grade and up will have been introduced to in school. 

Strengths: Frequent readers of Ranger Rick will be familiar with the features of the publication. Each edition follows a similar format of incorporating nonfiction texts, riddles, fiction stories, and activities for fun. Additionally, young readers will be introduced to a rich scientific vocabulary as they are reading articles found in Ranger Rick. Further, Ranger Rick incorporates high quality photographs that will keep young readers engaged while reading each issue. 

Possible Weaknesses: While text features are helpful when reading nonfiction texts, many young readers may need scaffolding from an adult to fully engage with the information found in the magazine. 

Meaningful/Creative Uses: Children can create their own nature articles on a topic of their choice. Children can conduct research on their topic and take nature photographs similar to ones that might be found in Ranger Rick. This activity would allow students to also strengthen their technology skills as they “publish” their article using a digital platform. 

Awards: Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold and Silver Award Magazine (17 times since 1996), Association of American Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award (19 times since 1988), National Parenting Publications Awards