Author: Patrick Carman
Why Selected: Use of Library 2.0, internet and a book
Literary Merit: Suspenseful story that seems to lack something. While the videos are scary and help move the story in an interesting way. How long will this book sustain because without the videos the story makes no sense. And technologically it can limit the audience in a way. A good cliff hanger make the book intriguing but as far as I can tell there is no sequel?
Share: Example of creative way to blend book and internet.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: None
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Go Ask Alice
Author: Anonymous
Why Selected: Class suggestion
Literary Merit: Diary account of a young girl who becomes addicted to drugs. It's poignant and scary, but has some uplifting moments. Representative of the highs and lows experienced under the influence.
Share: Suggested read to a troubled teen.
Appeal: Grades 7-12
Awards: None
Why Selected: Class suggestion
Literary Merit: Diary account of a young girl who becomes addicted to drugs. It's poignant and scary, but has some uplifting moments. Representative of the highs and lows experienced under the influence.
Share: Suggested read to a troubled teen.
Appeal: Grades 7-12
Awards: None
Dinothesaurus
Author & Illustrator: Douglas Florian
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Fun poems about different dinosaurs. Many add a human touch like having one scratch your back or size comparisons. A great way to bring the prehistoric to the current. Art work is very muted, using dinosaur figurines would be a good supplement for this book to show kids how they are represented in the artwork.
Share: Just a fun book to have in the collection, could read aloud too.
Appeal: Preschool-3rd grade
Awards: None
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Fun poems about different dinosaurs. Many add a human touch like having one scratch your back or size comparisons. A great way to bring the prehistoric to the current. Art work is very muted, using dinosaur figurines would be a good supplement for this book to show kids how they are represented in the artwork.
Share: Just a fun book to have in the collection, could read aloud too.
Appeal: Preschool-3rd grade
Awards: None
Lives - Poems About Famous Americans
Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Leslie Staub
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Great poems about famous American presidents, sports stars, astronauts and civil rights leaders. It includes several different types of poetry in terms of meter and rhyme.
Share: Good to have for different times of the year and to study poetry.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: Leslie Staub
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Great poems about famous American presidents, sports stars, astronauts and civil rights leaders. It includes several different types of poetry in terms of meter and rhyme.
Share: Good to have for different times of the year and to study poetry.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Sonia Sotomayor - A Judge Grows in the Bronx
Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Edel Rodriguez
Why Selected: Spanish and English content
Literary Merit: The early life tale of the first Latino Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. The text is in English and Spanish in separate paragraphs. This is more of an illustration biography book for younger kids. The story is inspirational, no matter what your heritage.
Share: Good to have for bilingual or ESL classes.
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: Edel Rodriguez
Why Selected: Spanish and English content
Literary Merit: The early life tale of the first Latino Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. The text is in English and Spanish in separate paragraphs. This is more of an illustration biography book for younger kids. The story is inspirational, no matter what your heritage.
Share: Good to have for bilingual or ESL classes.
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
Why Are You Picking on Me? Slim Goodbody's Life Skills 101 Dealing With Bullies
Author: John Burstein
Why Selected: Information book
Literary Merit: This how to book has great tips for dealing with a bully. Has tips to help establish self confidence and also covers what to do different if you think you are a bully.
Share: Have in collection when needed.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: None
Why Selected: Information book
Literary Merit: This how to book has great tips for dealing with a bully. Has tips to help establish self confidence and also covers what to do different if you think you are a bully.
Share: Have in collection when needed.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: None
Insects A to Z
Author: Stephen A. Marshall
Why Selected: Alphabet book
Literary Merit: Just a simple alphabet book of insects. Pictures are very upclose photos and make the book better. A small text box includes species, location, diet and size. Story about insect is in the main body of text. A glossary in the back is useful.
Share: Have in collection for both alphabet book and research of insects.
Appeal: Grades K-4, younger grades for alphabet, older for information
Awards: None
Why Selected: Alphabet book
Literary Merit: Just a simple alphabet book of insects. Pictures are very upclose photos and make the book better. A small text box includes species, location, diet and size. Story about insect is in the main body of text. A glossary in the back is useful.
Share: Have in collection for both alphabet book and research of insects.
Appeal: Grades K-4, younger grades for alphabet, older for information
Awards: None
Perry Ping Pong Experiences How a Book is Made
Author: Sandy Donovan
Illustrator: James Christoph
Why Selected: Title
Literary Merit: Kid friendly story about the process of book making. Topics include: the idea, research, writing, finding a publisher, working with editor, etc. It's heavy on alliteration as the title implies.
Share: A read aloud and class exercise on making a book. They can role play.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: James Christoph
Why Selected: Title
Literary Merit: Kid friendly story about the process of book making. Topics include: the idea, research, writing, finding a publisher, working with editor, etc. It's heavy on alliteration as the title implies.
Share: A read aloud and class exercise on making a book. They can role play.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Author: Richard Bach
Why Selected: Suggestion
Literary Merit: Coming of age story of a seagull. This bird breaks from the flock and wants to learn more about the world. Symbolic tale of growing up and becoming a man or a woman and trusting your faith along the way.
Share: Not really.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Suggestion
Literary Merit: Coming of age story of a seagull. This bird breaks from the flock and wants to learn more about the world. Symbolic tale of growing up and becoming a man or a woman and trusting your faith along the way.
Share: Not really.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: None
Bunnicula
Author: Deborah and James Howe
Why Selected: Seemed popular at school library
Literary Merit: Creative idea about a rabbit that sucks the juice out of vegetables. Animals play all the main characters. A dog who befriends the bunny and a cat that is dead set on stopping it. Humor is prevalent in this easy read.
Share: Class read maybe around Halloween
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
Why Selected: Seemed popular at school library
Literary Merit: Creative idea about a rabbit that sucks the juice out of vegetables. Animals play all the main characters. A dog who befriends the bunny and a cat that is dead set on stopping it. Humor is prevalent in this easy read.
Share: Class read maybe around Halloween
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales
Author: Virginia Hamilton
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Folktales
Literary Merit: A fabulous collection of African American versions or original folktales. Book includes great illustrations for the story and even some background info about the story's origin. The African American tales seem to be of characters being taken to a better place, perhaps symbolic of their life in the early settlement of America.
Share: A good book to study for African-American culture or Black History. Some good inquiry topics are spread throughout.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: Virginia Hamilton Medal - 1995
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Folktales
Literary Merit: A fabulous collection of African American versions or original folktales. Book includes great illustrations for the story and even some background info about the story's origin. The African American tales seem to be of characters being taken to a better place, perhaps symbolic of their life in the early settlement of America.
Share: A good book to study for African-American culture or Black History. Some good inquiry topics are spread throughout.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: Virginia Hamilton Medal - 1995
Talking With Artists
Author: Pat Cummings
Why Selected: Reference book about illustrators of children's books
Literary Merit: Compilation book of popular artists and illustrators. This is a series and is very well done. It's more a Q & A with some early childhood artwork by the subjects that kids can relate to.
Share: Have on the shelf for reference.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Reference book about illustrators of children's books
Literary Merit: Compilation book of popular artists and illustrators. This is a series and is very well done. It's more a Q & A with some early childhood artwork by the subjects that kids can relate to.
Share: Have on the shelf for reference.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: None
Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case
Author: Donald J. Sobol
Why Selected: Part of my reading life
Literary Merit: This is a collection of short Encyclopedia Brown cases. Not as good as a single book. But they are easy reads as a transitional book.
Share: Not really, rather them read a whole E.B. book.
Appeal: Grades 2-3
Awards: None
Why Selected: Part of my reading life
Literary Merit: This is a collection of short Encyclopedia Brown cases. Not as good as a single book. But they are easy reads as a transitional book.
Share: Not really, rather them read a whole E.B. book.
Appeal: Grades 2-3
Awards: None
Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Why Selected: Suggested in class
Literary Merit: Free verse makes this a more gripping tale and very thought provoking. It's different in a very good way. The story is a dark look at a teenagers addiction to crank (the monster) and her eventual downfall. Everything bad that can happen does, rape, theft, pregnancy, etc.
Share: Suggested read for reluctant reader, possible drug prevention use.
Appeal: Grades 8-12
Awards: None
Why Selected: Suggested in class
Literary Merit: Free verse makes this a more gripping tale and very thought provoking. It's different in a very good way. The story is a dark look at a teenagers addiction to crank (the monster) and her eventual downfall. Everything bad that can happen does, rape, theft, pregnancy, etc.
Share: Suggested read for reluctant reader, possible drug prevention use.
Appeal: Grades 8-12
Awards: None
Lunch Money
Author: Andrew Clements
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Why Selected: Popular author
Literary Merit: Fun story about a boy who loves to make money but makes friends and a nice donation in the end. Preaches the good in comics and kids can learn about writing and comic creation from the story.
Share: Class read, it has some good lessons in it.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: None
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Why Selected: Popular author
Literary Merit: Fun story about a boy who loves to make money but makes friends and a nice donation in the end. Preaches the good in comics and kids can learn about writing and comic creation from the story.
Share: Class read, it has some good lessons in it.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: None
Spaceheadz
Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Shane Prigmore
Why Selected: Author study topic of another student
Literary Merit: Humorous tale of aliens befriending a new kid in school. They attempt to convert a legion of SPHDZ followers by placing stickers on everything. Advertising slogans are prevalent thoughout and used creatively in the story. Book has some websites that supplement, including one where you can register to be a SPHDZ. It even counts up to see if they can reach the over 3 million followers the aliens are attempting. I was number 6850.
Share: Suggested read for reluctant reader.
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: Shane Prigmore
Why Selected: Author study topic of another student
Literary Merit: Humorous tale of aliens befriending a new kid in school. They attempt to convert a legion of SPHDZ followers by placing stickers on everything. Advertising slogans are prevalent thoughout and used creatively in the story. Book has some websites that supplement, including one where you can register to be a SPHDZ. It even counts up to see if they can reach the over 3 million followers the aliens are attempting. I was number 6850.
Share: Suggested read for reluctant reader.
Appeal: Grades 2-4
Awards: None
The Bumblebee Flies Anyway
Author: Robert Cormier
Why Selected: Popularity of Author (The Chocolate War)
Literary Merit: It is well written as far as imagery, feeling, and sensory description. However the story is creepy and the characters are strange. There isn't much in there to keep people reading this one.
Share: Not sure there is much to share here. A lesson learned that just because one piece is good, others by same author may not be so great.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Popularity of Author (The Chocolate War)
Literary Merit: It is well written as far as imagery, feeling, and sensory description. However the story is creepy and the characters are strange. There isn't much in there to keep people reading this one.
Share: Not sure there is much to share here. A lesson learned that just because one piece is good, others by same author may not be so great.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: None
We Are the Ship
Author & Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: A well written non-fiction book that reads like fiction. Nelson's illustrations are top notch and make the book so much better.
Share: There are several class lessons that can be created from this. A study of Negro league baseball, differences from Major Leagues, Culture study, civil rights, geography, etc.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: Sibert - 2009
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: A well written non-fiction book that reads like fiction. Nelson's illustrations are top notch and make the book so much better.
Share: There are several class lessons that can be created from this. A study of Negro league baseball, differences from Major Leagues, Culture study, civil rights, geography, etc.
Appeal: Grades 2-6
Awards: Sibert - 2009
Paddington the Artist
Author: Michael Bond
Illustrator: R.W. Alley
Why Selected: Personal library
Literary Merit: Cute story about Paddington becoming an artist after attending an art fair. A very easy read with some nice pictures.
Share: Read aloud or a young grade class read.
Appeal: Grades K-1
Awards: None
Illustrator: R.W. Alley
Why Selected: Personal library
Literary Merit: Cute story about Paddington becoming an artist after attending an art fair. A very easy read with some nice pictures.
Share: Read aloud or a young grade class read.
Appeal: Grades K-1
Awards: None
George Washington Our First President
Author: Garnet Jackson
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright and Ying Hwa Hu
Why Selected: Leveled Reader - 2
Literary Merit: The early parts of Washington's life are explored in this factual book. It's more of an illustration book and a very easy read.
Share: Read aloud during Presidents week
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright and Ying Hwa Hu
Why Selected: Leveled Reader - 2
Literary Merit: The early parts of Washington's life are explored in this factual book. It's more of an illustration book and a very easy read.
Share: Read aloud during Presidents week
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Kirby Puckett's Baseball Games
Author: Kirby Puckett and Andrew Gutelle
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Why Selected: Personal Library - How To Book
Literary Merit: Book is well put together with cartoon images, informational text and caption text, which broadens the appeal. Have several games and drills besides the simple explanation of the game of baseball.
Share: This book is dated since player is no longer active, (or living for that matter). Perhaps there is a more recent book using a more popular player of today.
Appeal: Boys and maybe girls that like baseball, Grades 1-5.
Awards: None
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Why Selected: Personal Library - How To Book
Literary Merit: Book is well put together with cartoon images, informational text and caption text, which broadens the appeal. Have several games and drills besides the simple explanation of the game of baseball.
Share: This book is dated since player is no longer active, (or living for that matter). Perhaps there is a more recent book using a more popular player of today.
Appeal: Boys and maybe girls that like baseball, Grades 1-5.
Awards: None
Zigby Hunts For Treasure
Author & Illustrator: Brian Patterson
Why Selected: Personal library
Literary Merit: Picture book that is silly and fun. Vivid colors accented by big black borders.
Share: A great read aloud.
Appeal: Infants-Grade 2
Awards: None
Why Selected: Personal library
Literary Merit: Picture book that is silly and fun. Vivid colors accented by big black borders.
Share: A great read aloud.
Appeal: Infants-Grade 2
Awards: None
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Stormbreaker
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Why Selected: Author Study and beginning of a series (Alex Rider)
Literary Merit: The first in the Alex Rider series about a young spy. It is suspenseful and has good imagery. The parallels to James Bond make it interesting to someone who likes spy adventure books. Really good for a series book and would make the reader want to see what happens next to Rider.
Share: Suggested read to someone who likes spy books or suspense.
Appeal: Probably boys Grade 3-6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Author Study and beginning of a series (Alex Rider)
Literary Merit: The first in the Alex Rider series about a young spy. It is suspenseful and has good imagery. The parallels to James Bond make it interesting to someone who likes spy adventure books. Really good for a series book and would make the reader want to see what happens next to Rider.
Share: Suggested read to someone who likes spy books or suspense.
Appeal: Probably boys Grade 3-6
Awards: None
The City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Why Selected: Required read, YA fiction
Literary Merit: Dystopian fiction about an underground city which is running out of time due to a mistakenly lost message for egress. Two kids find the way out despite governmental attempts to stop them. Some unbelievable parts but that is not really the point. It works as a good read despite having to suspend belief of a lot of things.
Share: A good class read and discussion as there are many issues one can raise from it.
Appeal: Grades 3-8
Awards: None
Why Selected: Required read, YA fiction
Literary Merit: Dystopian fiction about an underground city which is running out of time due to a mistakenly lost message for egress. Two kids find the way out despite governmental attempts to stop them. Some unbelievable parts but that is not really the point. It works as a good read despite having to suspend belief of a lot of things.
Share: A good class read and discussion as there are many issues one can raise from it.
Appeal: Grades 3-8
Awards: None
The Journey That Saved Curious George
Author: Louise Borden
Illustrator: Allen Drummond
Why Selected: I am a fan of Curious George
Literary Merit: An interesting read about Margret and H.A. Rey's escape from Nazi occupied Europe. Curious George almost never came to be and started out as "Fifi". Covers details of how George and other Rey books came to be. The artwork looks like the Rey's did it themselves.
Share: It's a longer read, so maybe just suggest to a fan of Curious George.
Appeal: Grades 3-6
Awards: None
Illustrator: Allen Drummond
Why Selected: I am a fan of Curious George
Literary Merit: An interesting read about Margret and H.A. Rey's escape from Nazi occupied Europe. Curious George almost never came to be and started out as "Fifi". Covers details of how George and other Rey books came to be. The artwork looks like the Rey's did it themselves.
Share: It's a longer read, so maybe just suggest to a fan of Curious George.
Appeal: Grades 3-6
Awards: None
Andrew Lost - #12 In the Ice Age
Author: J.C. Greenburg
Why Selected: son suggestion
Literary Merit: Series book about the adventures of a time traveling boy. It does have some creatures from the ice age that kids may want to learn more about.
Share: Suggested read for a reluctant reader or someone who likes sci-fi. Transitional book with a little longer sentences and chapters.
Appeal: Grades 1-3
Awards: None
Why Selected: son suggestion
Literary Merit: Series book about the adventures of a time traveling boy. It does have some creatures from the ice age that kids may want to learn more about.
Share: Suggested read for a reluctant reader or someone who likes sci-fi. Transitional book with a little longer sentences and chapters.
Appeal: Grades 1-3
Awards: None
Shake, Rattle & Turn That Noise Down! - How Elvis Shook Up Music, Me and Mom
Author & Illustrator: Mark Alan Stamaty
Why Selected: Comic form illustration book
Literary Merit: This is a story of a boy's fascination with Elvis but is also a really good History of Rock and Roll book for younger kids. It's a great way to show kids the roots of rock in a fun way they will enjoy. Seemingly based on a true account of the author's childhood.
Share: In a lesson on rock and roll. Just to have a fun day in class.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Why Selected: Comic form illustration book
Literary Merit: This is a story of a boy's fascination with Elvis but is also a really good History of Rock and Roll book for younger kids. It's a great way to show kids the roots of rock in a fun way they will enjoy. Seemingly based on a true account of the author's childhood.
Share: In a lesson on rock and roll. Just to have a fun day in class.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Face to Face With Leopards - National Geographic
Author: Beverly and Dereck Joubert
Why Selected: Information book, part of a set
Literary Merit: This is a well put together fact book that has both photographs with captions for younger kids and longer text sets for the older audience. A nice feature is the "how you can help" and "it's your turn" parts which stress environmental issues.
Share: I'd consider this a transitional non-fiction and a nice set to include on the shelves for research projects.
Appeal: Grades K-6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Information book, part of a set
Literary Merit: This is a well put together fact book that has both photographs with captions for younger kids and longer text sets for the older audience. A nice feature is the "how you can help" and "it's your turn" parts which stress environmental issues.
Share: I'd consider this a transitional non-fiction and a nice set to include on the shelves for research projects.
Appeal: Grades K-6
Awards: None
Henry Aaron's Dream
Author & Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Why Selected: Illustrated Non-Fiction
Literary Merit: I found this to be a better story to introduce younger readers to non-fiction. It's an easy read that tends to lean towards the positive more than the negative aspects of Hank Aaron's rise to the major leagues. Career statistics and other factual information give it a broader appeal. The pictures are excellent as well. Mentions of Jackie Robinson and other people from this era in baseball also might spark some inquiry.
Share: As a non-fiction example for younger readers.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Why Selected: Illustrated Non-Fiction
Literary Merit: I found this to be a better story to introduce younger readers to non-fiction. It's an easy read that tends to lean towards the positive more than the negative aspects of Hank Aaron's rise to the major leagues. Career statistics and other factual information give it a broader appeal. The pictures are excellent as well. Mentions of Jackie Robinson and other people from this era in baseball also might spark some inquiry.
Share: As a non-fiction example for younger readers.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Voice That Challenged a Nation - Marian Anderson and the Struggle For Equal Rights
Author: Russell Freedman
Why Selected: Award winner and author suggestion
Literary Merit: Non-Fiction account of a famous African-American female singer and her struggle with Civil Rights and segregation. Well written story that reads a lot better than other Non-Fiction.
Share: A lesson on humanities or to study the civil right movement.
Appeal: Grades 3-6 and maybe higher.
Awards: Sibert - 2005
Why Selected: Award winner and author suggestion
Literary Merit: Non-Fiction account of a famous African-American female singer and her struggle with Civil Rights and segregation. Well written story that reads a lot better than other Non-Fiction.
Share: A lesson on humanities or to study the civil right movement.
Appeal: Grades 3-6 and maybe higher.
Awards: Sibert - 2005
The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Why Selected: Award winner, suggested by my son.
Literary Merit: Mysterious novel about a search for a murderer and the rightful heir to a fortune. Somewhat like the game of clue. Numerous characters make it a difficult read without taking notes or doing a character map. It is well written in the areas of suspense, relationships, friendships, and the understanding of others.
Share: Class read and discussion. Could make a game of it and break class into teams, similar to the book.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: Newbery - 1979
Why Selected: Award winner, suggested by my son.
Literary Merit: Mysterious novel about a search for a murderer and the rightful heir to a fortune. Somewhat like the game of clue. Numerous characters make it a difficult read without taking notes or doing a character map. It is well written in the areas of suspense, relationships, friendships, and the understanding of others.
Share: Class read and discussion. Could make a game of it and break class into teams, similar to the book.
Appeal: Grades 4-6
Awards: Newbery - 1979
The Watson's Go To Birmingham - 1963
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Why Selected: Required read, YA fiction.
Literary Merit: Humorous accounts of a family that takes a trip to Birmingham and is faced with racism in different forms. The humor gives way to serious issues of life and death. There is a lot of conflict in this book which makes it an excellent class discussion novel. A really good introduction to the civil rights movement in the classroom.
Share: Class read and discussion
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: King Honor and Newbery Honor Book - 1996
Why Selected: Required read, YA fiction.
Literary Merit: Humorous accounts of a family that takes a trip to Birmingham and is faced with racism in different forms. The humor gives way to serious issues of life and death. There is a lot of conflict in this book which makes it an excellent class discussion novel. A really good introduction to the civil rights movement in the classroom.
Share: Class read and discussion
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: King Honor and Newbery Honor Book - 1996
Red Everywhere - Ligthning Bolt Books (Lerner)
Author: Kristin Sterling
Why Selected: Part of a new set of books about colors
Literary Merit: This is an information/illustration book. Pictures are photographs. It's an entire series and has pictures and text to appeal to different age groups.
Share: Have set available on the shelves
Appeal: Infant-2nd Grade
Awards: None
Why Selected: Part of a new set of books about colors
Literary Merit: This is an information/illustration book. Pictures are photographs. It's an entire series and has pictures and text to appeal to different age groups.
Share: Have set available on the shelves
Appeal: Infant-2nd Grade
Awards: None
Monday, August 2, 2010
Read a Rhyme, Write a Rhyme
Compiled by: Jack Prelutsky
Illustrator: Meilo So
Why Selected: Suggested author
Literary Merit: This poetry book has poems but also poemstarts that can get kids thinking about how to write their own poems. The poems are from many different writers and follow one of ten themes. The poemstarts also follow the theme.
Share: Can be used multiple times when working on poetry due to the amount of themes.
Appeal: Grades K-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: Meilo So
Why Selected: Suggested author
Literary Merit: This poetry book has poems but also poemstarts that can get kids thinking about how to write their own poems. The poems are from many different writers and follow one of ten themes. The poemstarts also follow the theme.
Share: Can be used multiple times when working on poetry due to the amount of themes.
Appeal: Grades K-4
Awards: None
The Big Snow
Author and Illustrator: Berta and Elmer Hader
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A story about how animals deal with winter.
Share: Long read, so Class read.
Appeal: Grades 1-2
Awards: Caldecott - 1949
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A story about how animals deal with winter.
Share: Long read, so Class read.
Appeal: Grades 1-2
Awards: Caldecott - 1949
Song of the Swallows
Author & Illustrator: Leo Politi
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A story about the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano. Includes some Spanish and songs. The pictures are very well done.
Share: Long read so I'd say class read.
Appeal: Grades 1 and 2
Awards: Caldecott-1950
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A story about the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano. Includes some Spanish and songs. The pictures are very well done.
Share: Long read so I'd say class read.
Appeal: Grades 1 and 2
Awards: Caldecott-1950
The Little House
Author & Illustrator: Virginia Lee Burton
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: A nice little story about a house that starts out in the country but is gobbled up by a growing big city. Eventually the house is moved back to the country. Since the house is the character it is a little different than most books.
Share: Due to length, I'd say it's more of a class read.
Appeal: Grades 1-2
Awards: Caldecott-1943
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: A nice little story about a house that starts out in the country but is gobbled up by a growing big city. Eventually the house is moved back to the country. Since the house is the character it is a little different than most books.
Share: Due to length, I'd say it's more of a class read.
Appeal: Grades 1-2
Awards: Caldecott-1943
There's a Wolf At the Door - Five Classic Tales
Author: Zoe B. Alley
Illustrator: R.W. Alley
Why Selected: Fairy tales
Literary Merit: Five retells of classic fairy tales that have wolves in them. Laid out in Graphic novel/comic book format. A different way to go with fairy tales but it works. Seems like there was a lot added to the stories to make them deeper. Perhaps these are the whole stories and I'm used to the "condensed classics". Either way there are alot of things you can do with this book.
Share: Read aloud and then have kids make Graphic novel of a different fairy tale they choose.
Appeal: Grades K-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: R.W. Alley
Why Selected: Fairy tales
Literary Merit: Five retells of classic fairy tales that have wolves in them. Laid out in Graphic novel/comic book format. A different way to go with fairy tales but it works. Seems like there was a lot added to the stories to make them deeper. Perhaps these are the whole stories and I'm used to the "condensed classics". Either way there are alot of things you can do with this book.
Share: Read aloud and then have kids make Graphic novel of a different fairy tale they choose.
Appeal: Grades K-4
Awards: None
Nothing to Do
Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Why Selected: no reason
Literary Merit: Makes you think about all kinds of things you can do when bored. But the story itself is a little boring. It does suggest hanging out with parents.
Share: Difficult read aloud because it doesn't have rhythm or tempo.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Illustrator: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Why Selected: no reason
Literary Merit: Makes you think about all kinds of things you can do when bored. But the story itself is a little boring. It does suggest hanging out with parents.
Share: Difficult read aloud because it doesn't have rhythm or tempo.
Appeal: Grades 1-4
Awards: None
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Why Selected: no reason really
Literary Merit: A book about how to overcome a bad day. Something everyone can relate to and find comfort in the company of Alexander.
Share: Spin this story and have kids write a story about a very, good, terrific, super-fantastic, excellent day.
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Why Selected: no reason really
Literary Merit: A book about how to overcome a bad day. Something everyone can relate to and find comfort in the company of Alexander.
Share: Spin this story and have kids write a story about a very, good, terrific, super-fantastic, excellent day.
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Wild About Books
Author: Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Why Selected: Always need books about reading books around
Literary Merit: This illustration book is about animals leaning about books, reading, using a library,
authors, poetry, research. Mentions works such as Good Night Moon, Nancy Drew and Seuss.
Share: Read Aloud in the library.
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Why Selected: Always need books about reading books around
Literary Merit: This illustration book is about animals leaning about books, reading, using a library,
authors, poetry, research. Mentions works such as Good Night Moon, Nancy Drew and Seuss.
Share: Read Aloud in the library.
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2
Awards: None
The Hippo Hop
Author: Christine Loomis
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Why Selected: Possible song/interaction use
Literary Merit: This colorful book could also be made into an interactive play. Has some repetitive parts and some creative words like a Seuss book.
Share: Read aloud
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Why Selected: Possible song/interaction use
Literary Merit: This colorful book could also be made into an interactive play. Has some repetitive parts and some creative words like a Seuss book.
Share: Read aloud
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2
Awards: None
Q is for Duck - An Alphabet Guessing Game
Author: Mary Elting & Michael Folsom
Illustrator: Jack Kent
Why Selected: Oddness of the title
Literary Merit: This illustration book uses letters to describe an action or sound made by animals. It's a fun Q and A that encourages language development.
Share: A fun read aloud guessing game!
Appeal: Infant to Grade 2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Jack Kent
Why Selected: Oddness of the title
Literary Merit: This illustration book uses letters to describe an action or sound made by animals. It's a fun Q and A that encourages language development.
Share: A fun read aloud guessing game!
Appeal: Infant to Grade 2
Awards: None
Rabbit Hill
Author: Robert Lawson
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A slow moving tale about animals living among humans. The animals have a government of sorts. The new people that move in are animal friendly. Some character mentions that people that like books are queerlike!
Share: Could be a class read.
Appeal: Grades 3-4
Awards: Newbery-1945
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: A slow moving tale about animals living among humans. The animals have a government of sorts. The new people that move in are animal friendly. Some character mentions that people that like books are queerlike!
Share: Could be a class read.
Appeal: Grades 3-4
Awards: Newbery-1945
Dragon Slayers Academy #2 Revenge of the Dragon Lady
Author: K.H. McMullan
Why Selected: Suggested by my 3rd grader
Literary Merit: This chapter book is a little beyond transitional. But not too hard to read. There also isn't much to it either. Perhaps it's more funny to kids? Seems like a medieval ripoff of Harry Potter.
Share: Not really
Appeal: Kids who like the dragon/medieval books.
Awards: None
Why Selected: Suggested by my 3rd grader
Literary Merit: This chapter book is a little beyond transitional. But not too hard to read. There also isn't much to it either. Perhaps it's more funny to kids? Seems like a medieval ripoff of Harry Potter.
Share: Not really
Appeal: Kids who like the dragon/medieval books.
Awards: None
Robot Dreams
Author & Illustrator: Sara Varon
Why Selected: Graphic Novel
Literary Merit: A graphic novel and it contains no words, or relatively few, none spoken anyway. Elements included in the book are use of books, problem solving, learning from mistakes, cyclical relationships (i.e. the seasons, recycling).
Share: Maybe a good book to show how pictures can tell a story.
Appeal: Grades 3-6, lower grades might like to look at it but not really understand story.
Awards: None
Why Selected: Graphic Novel
Literary Merit: A graphic novel and it contains no words, or relatively few, none spoken anyway. Elements included in the book are use of books, problem solving, learning from mistakes, cyclical relationships (i.e. the seasons, recycling).
Share: Maybe a good book to show how pictures can tell a story.
Appeal: Grades 3-6, lower grades might like to look at it but not really understand story.
Awards: None
Ellington Was Not a Street
Author: Ntozake Shange
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Why Selected: Passed around room during Illustrator study
Literary Merit: A really good fiction book with non-fiction wrapped into the story. Talks about the early stages of Jazz and the main players in this musical movement. This is a picture book mostly and Kadir Nelson artwork is amazing.
Share: A good read aloud and also can be used in a study of Jazz music as biographies of all the characters it at the back of the book.
Appeal: Grades 1-4, latter grades for the Jazz portion.
Awards: None
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Why Selected: Passed around room during Illustrator study
Literary Merit: A really good fiction book with non-fiction wrapped into the story. Talks about the early stages of Jazz and the main players in this musical movement. This is a picture book mostly and Kadir Nelson artwork is amazing.
Share: A good read aloud and also can be used in a study of Jazz music as biographies of all the characters it at the back of the book.
Appeal: Grades 1-4, latter grades for the Jazz portion.
Awards: None
Good Night Gorilla
Author & Illustrator: Peggy Rathman
Why Selected: Passed around the room
Literary Merit: Pictures drive the story in this board book. It's funny and reminds me a lot of Curious George.
Share: A good read aloud for the very young.
Appeal: Infant to K
Awards: None
Why Selected: Passed around the room
Literary Merit: Pictures drive the story in this board book. It's funny and reminds me a lot of Curious George.
Share: A good read aloud for the very young.
Appeal: Infant to K
Awards: None
And Tango Makes Three
Author: Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Why Selected: Read to class, challenged book
Literary Merit: This frequently challenged picture book is based on a true story of two male penguins that raise a baby. The story is good and it doesn't really get into a lot of details. But authors claim they wrote it to help parents explain homosexuality to young children.
Share: Suggest to parents that want to help explain homosexuality to young children.
Appeal: Grades K-3, K would just like the story, 1-3 may be able to get the deeper aspect if explained to them.
Awards: None
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Why Selected: Read to class, challenged book
Literary Merit: This frequently challenged picture book is based on a true story of two male penguins that raise a baby. The story is good and it doesn't really get into a lot of details. But authors claim they wrote it to help parents explain homosexuality to young children.
Share: Suggest to parents that want to help explain homosexuality to young children.
Appeal: Grades K-3, K would just like the story, 1-3 may be able to get the deeper aspect if explained to them.
Awards: None
The Twits
Author: Roald Dahl
Why Selected: Author sounded interesting during another student's presentation.
Literary Merit: Well it's creative. But pretty stupid too. Maybe this one was just over my head?
Share: No thanks
Appeal: Warped sense of humor kids Grades 3-5
Awards: None
Why Selected: Author sounded interesting during another student's presentation.
Literary Merit: Well it's creative. But pretty stupid too. Maybe this one was just over my head?
Share: No thanks
Appeal: Warped sense of humor kids Grades 3-5
Awards: None
Lawn Boy
Author: Gary Paulsen
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Not a great storyline but an interesting look at how a simple business venture can grow with a little good fortune.
Share: Just a transitional book to suggest.
Appeal: Grades 3-4
Awards: None
Why Selected: Author suggestion
Literary Merit: Not a great storyline but an interesting look at how a simple business venture can grow with a little good fortune.
Share: Just a transitional book to suggest.
Appeal: Grades 3-4
Awards: None
Where Have You Been?
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator study and a popular author (Good Night Moon)
Literary Merit: It's sing-songy. Words and pictures on one page and a full illustration on the second. The first page acts as a foreshadow to the next.
Share: Read aloud. And maybe cover the second page to build some suspense.
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator study and a popular author (Good Night Moon)
Literary Merit: It's sing-songy. Words and pictures on one page and a full illustration on the second. The first page acts as a foreshadow to the next.
Share: Read aloud. And maybe cover the second page to build some suspense.
Appeal: Grades K-2
Awards: None
Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch
Author: Nancy Willard
Illustrator: The Dillons (Leo, Diane and son Lee)
Why Selected: Illustrator Study
Literary Merit: Excellent fantasyesque artwork. The characters are intertwined well in the illustrations.
Share: Makes a good read aloud and reread because the pictures are so deep your eye will always see something new.
Appeal: Grades 1-3
Awards: None
Illustrator: The Dillons (Leo, Diane and son Lee)
Why Selected: Illustrator Study
Literary Merit: Excellent fantasyesque artwork. The characters are intertwined well in the illustrations.
Share: Makes a good read aloud and reread because the pictures are so deep your eye will always see something new.
Appeal: Grades 1-3
Awards: None
The Sherlock Files #1 - The 100-Year Old Secret
Author: Tracy Barrett
Why Selected: First in a new series.
Literary Merit: Pretty good sleuth novel about descendants of Sherlock Holmes. Text to Text connection to Encyclopedia Brown, a character is named Leroy Brown. This is an easy read but not dumbed down easy.
Share: A nice transitional book for 2nd or 3rd graders. But only to suggest.
Appeal: Boys or Girls as main characters are a boy and a girl.
Awards: None
Why Selected: First in a new series.
Literary Merit: Pretty good sleuth novel about descendants of Sherlock Holmes. Text to Text connection to Encyclopedia Brown, a character is named Leroy Brown. This is an easy read but not dumbed down easy.
Share: A nice transitional book for 2nd or 3rd graders. But only to suggest.
Appeal: Boys or Girls as main characters are a boy and a girl.
Awards: None
The Sledding Hill
Author: Chris Crutcher
Why Selected: Suggested author
Literary Merit: Interesting premise of a dead boy "speaking" to a friend while going through the process of fighting the banning of a Chris Crutcher book (Fictional book "Warren Peece"). It's clever and funny and thought provoking. All qualities that make it a good book for kids to read.
Share: Not a bad class read and discussion
Appeal: Grades 6-12
Awards: None
Why Selected: Suggested author
Literary Merit: Interesting premise of a dead boy "speaking" to a friend while going through the process of fighting the banning of a Chris Crutcher book (Fictional book "Warren Peece"). It's clever and funny and thought provoking. All qualities that make it a good book for kids to read.
Share: Not a bad class read and discussion
Appeal: Grades 6-12
Awards: None
Boy's Guide to becoming a Teen
Author: AMA
Why Selected: Informational book
Literary Merit: Credible source material on boys and puberty. Pictures are drawn, so not too graphic. Information is displayed in a way that appeals to kids.
Share: If Sex Ed is being taught this makes a nice supplemental book to have on hand.
Appeal: Boys Grades 5 & 6
Awards: None
Why Selected: Informational book
Literary Merit: Credible source material on boys and puberty. Pictures are drawn, so not too graphic. Information is displayed in a way that appeals to kids.
Share: If Sex Ed is being taught this makes a nice supplemental book to have on hand.
Appeal: Boys Grades 5 & 6
Awards: None
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Why Selected: Required read, challenge books
Literary Merit: A letter writing story about a freshman trying to fit in with a clique of seniors. Explicit language and other situations that might not sit well with parents. But it is well written and compelling. I consider this the use of one groups problems being symbolic of an entire high school. The letter writing approach makes you think a little more.
Share: This is one that is probably a suggested read for a mature individual. And maybe something that would make a reluctant reader want to read more.
Appeal: High School kids
Awards: None
Why Selected: Required read, challenge books
Literary Merit: A letter writing story about a freshman trying to fit in with a clique of seniors. Explicit language and other situations that might not sit well with parents. But it is well written and compelling. I consider this the use of one groups problems being symbolic of an entire high school. The letter writing approach makes you think a little more.
Share: This is one that is probably a suggested read for a mature individual. And maybe something that would make a reluctant reader want to read more.
Appeal: High School kids
Awards: None
Dear Mr. Henshaw
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Why Selected: Popular Author and award winner
Literary Merit: Story is told through letters written to an author and journal entries. Includes good examples for young authors and lessons for kids who have problems but feel they are the only ones that have them. Clever and funny and even sad at times.
Share: Class read aloud or use for lessons on story writing based on advice from author character.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: Newbery - 1984
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Why Selected: Popular Author and award winner
Literary Merit: Story is told through letters written to an author and journal entries. Includes good examples for young authors and lessons for kids who have problems but feel they are the only ones that have them. Clever and funny and even sad at times.
Share: Class read aloud or use for lessons on story writing based on advice from author character.
Appeal: Grades 2-5
Awards: Newbery - 1984
Double Identity
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Why Selected: Heard of her popularity.
Literary Merit: Great suspense novel. Draws you in and keep you there. Plus you do a lot of guessing how it will all turn out. Anything that makes you think is good to read.
Share: Worth knowing the author as a good suspense writer. Not really class read material.
Appeal: Not too scary so Grades 3-6 could handle it.
Awards: None
Why Selected: Heard of her popularity.
Literary Merit: Great suspense novel. Draws you in and keep you there. Plus you do a lot of guessing how it will all turn out. Anything that makes you think is good to read.
Share: Worth knowing the author as a good suspense writer. Not really class read material.
Appeal: Not too scary so Grades 3-6 could handle it.
Awards: None
Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Why Selected: Award Winner and know that Lowry's "The Giver" is very popular.
Literary Merit: A nice story about Denmark during WWII. Family and their Jewish neighbors. Has a lot of good elements like foreshadowing, themes and symbolism.
Share: Class read aloud and discussion. Can be used in several different ways beyond that too, a study of cultures, WWII, European Geography during WWII, etc.
Appeal: Grades 3-6
Awards: Newbery - 1990
Why Selected: Award Winner and know that Lowry's "The Giver" is very popular.
Literary Merit: A nice story about Denmark during WWII. Family and their Jewish neighbors. Has a lot of good elements like foreshadowing, themes and symbolism.
Share: Class read aloud and discussion. Can be used in several different ways beyond that too, a study of cultures, WWII, European Geography during WWII, etc.
Appeal: Grades 3-6
Awards: Newbery - 1990
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: Simple story with not a lot to it. Easy to read. Very descriptive despite the simplicity.
Share: I would make this a class exercise and turn this story into an illustration book. The imagery is well done in the book and would make a good illustration book. So treat it like a manuscript and have this kids delete text that is no longer necessary after their pictures are drawn.
Appeal: Grades 1-3.
Awards: Newbery - 1986
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: Simple story with not a lot to it. Easy to read. Very descriptive despite the simplicity.
Share: I would make this a class exercise and turn this story into an illustration book. The imagery is well done in the book and would make a good illustration book. So treat it like a manuscript and have this kids delete text that is no longer necessary after their pictures are drawn.
Appeal: Grades 1-3.
Awards: Newbery - 1986
A Wrinkle In Time
Author: Madeline L'Engle
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: Awkward kids and siblings find out a lot about selves and each other. Mystical tale of travels to the fifth dimension. Strange characters which makes you have to really think this through. Vocabulary is challenging at times, not that that's bad, just worth noting.
Share: I think this is a difficult one to read aloud. But perhaps the audio book is a better way to go. There is some difficult language and suspension of reality which may distract a lot of kids.
Appeal: Grades 3-6.
Awards: Newbery-1963
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Award winner
Literary Merit: Awkward kids and siblings find out a lot about selves and each other. Mystical tale of travels to the fifth dimension. Strange characters which makes you have to really think this through. Vocabulary is challenging at times, not that that's bad, just worth noting.
Share: I think this is a difficult one to read aloud. But perhaps the audio book is a better way to go. There is some difficult language and suspension of reality which may distract a lot of kids.
Appeal: Grades 3-6.
Awards: Newbery-1963
Prayer For a Child
Author: Rachel Field
Illustrator: Elizabeth Orton Jones
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: Just a well put together book as it starts with an entire read of the prayer and then uses illustrations to re-tell the prayer line by line with a picture for each line. A good example of how an illustration can really help tell the story in a book.
Share: Might be difficult to offer in public schools. But it is a read aloud.
Appeal: Grades K-3
Awards: Caldecott - 1945
Illustrator: Elizabeth Orton Jones
Why Selected: Award Winner
Literary Merit: Just a well put together book as it starts with an entire read of the prayer and then uses illustrations to re-tell the prayer line by line with a picture for each line. A good example of how an illustration can really help tell the story in a book.
Share: Might be difficult to offer in public schools. But it is a read aloud.
Appeal: Grades K-3
Awards: Caldecott - 1945
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Author: Verna Aardema
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator Study and Award winner
Literary Merit: This is a repetetive story in the style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear. It builds to a resolution. The pictures are very colorful with bold white outlines.
Share: Read aloud.
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2.
Awards: Caldecott - 1976
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator Study and Award winner
Literary Merit: This is a repetetive story in the style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear. It builds to a resolution. The pictures are very colorful with bold white outlines.
Share: Read aloud.
Appeal: Preschool-Grade 2.
Awards: Caldecott - 1976
Ashanti to Zulu Afrtican Traditions
Author: Margaret Musgrove
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator Study and Award winner
Literary Merit: This alphabet book of African Traditions has words on one page and the illustration on the other. The story pulls the reader more than the pictures at first. But upon closer look the pictures are very deep and include everything described in the story. It is a great use of African words/traditions and includes phonetics for the words.
Share: Would make a great culture study or guided class discussion on cultures. Would be a good part of a whole collection of different alphabet books.
Appeal: Elementary up to 6th grade.
Awards: Caldecott - 1977
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Why Selected: Illustrator Study and Award winner
Literary Merit: This alphabet book of African Traditions has words on one page and the illustration on the other. The story pulls the reader more than the pictures at first. But upon closer look the pictures are very deep and include everything described in the story. It is a great use of African words/traditions and includes phonetics for the words.
Share: Would make a great culture study or guided class discussion on cultures. Would be a good part of a whole collection of different alphabet books.
Appeal: Elementary up to 6th grade.
Awards: Caldecott - 1977
The Pigman
Author: Paul Zindel
Why Selected: Required read, challenged books
Literary Merit: This book is written in two voices, each of the main characters, a boy and girl who befriend an elderly man who lives alone after the passing of his wife. (Which he is seemingly in denial) Rebellious youth but the girl is a little more mature or at least have some sort of conscience. Great feeling and exciting exploits of this odd trio of characters. Ending is not so happy which may be a little different for many books. Seems tame compared to books written today, I think it is clean enough and just hits the edges of controversy.
Share: Class read and discussion for an older grade level.
Appeal: Two voice helps broaden the appeal to both boys and girls, grades 7 and up. Maybe 6th?
Awards: None
Why Selected: Required read, challenged books
Literary Merit: This book is written in two voices, each of the main characters, a boy and girl who befriend an elderly man who lives alone after the passing of his wife. (Which he is seemingly in denial) Rebellious youth but the girl is a little more mature or at least have some sort of conscience. Great feeling and exciting exploits of this odd trio of characters. Ending is not so happy which may be a little different for many books. Seems tame compared to books written today, I think it is clean enough and just hits the edges of controversy.
Share: Class read and discussion for an older grade level.
Appeal: Two voice helps broaden the appeal to both boys and girls, grades 7 and up. Maybe 6th?
Awards: None
Some Things Are Scary
Author: Florence Parry Heide
Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
Why Selected: Read during class
Literary Merit: Many children will relate to all the happenings in this well written book. It has some creative ways to show what things are scary.
Share: A great story to use at the beginning of the school year.
Appeal: Elementary school children
Awards: None
Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
Why Selected: Read during class
Literary Merit: Many children will relate to all the happenings in this well written book. It has some creative ways to show what things are scary.
Share: A great story to use at the beginning of the school year.
Appeal: Elementary school children
Awards: None
50 Below Zero
Author & Illustrator: Robert Munsch
Why Selected: Class read aloud
Literary Merit: E-Story with plenty of sound words. In this book the sounds really pop and make the story so much better. Repetition also helps learning readers.
Share: This story is so much better in Electronic Form.
Appeal: Grades K-3
Awards: None
Why Selected: Class read aloud
Literary Merit: E-Story with plenty of sound words. In this book the sounds really pop and make the story so much better. Repetition also helps learning readers.
Share: This story is so much better in Electronic Form.
Appeal: Grades K-3
Awards: None
How I Became a Pirate
Author: Melinda Long
Illustrator: David Shannon
Why Selected: Class "read"
Literary Merit: This was shown as an E-Story. The book is very repetitious and good for the learning readers. It's a fun story too, so it will keep their interest.
Share: The Electronic Story was an excellent way to share this book. It was really silly and I imagine kids will love it. Supplied by Tumble Books (from: Carmel Clay Public)
Appeal: Young readers, learning readers, K-2 and maybe even 3.
Awards: None
Illustrator: David Shannon
Why Selected: Class "read"
Literary Merit: This was shown as an E-Story. The book is very repetitious and good for the learning readers. It's a fun story too, so it will keep their interest.
Share: The Electronic Story was an excellent way to share this book. It was really silly and I imagine kids will love it. Supplied by Tumble Books (from: Carmel Clay Public)
Appeal: Young readers, learning readers, K-2 and maybe even 3.
Awards: None
Waiting For Wings
Author & Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Why Selected: Class pass around
Literary Merit: A good example of creativity in books of today. The pages are split in interesting ways to help the story along. Think pop up book meets flip animation. Gimmicky but very nice to look at.
Share: Read aloud to younger kids. Although the pages make it a little challenging.
Appeal: K-2 grades
Awards: None
Why Selected: Class pass around
Literary Merit: A good example of creativity in books of today. The pages are split in interesting ways to help the story along. Think pop up book meets flip animation. Gimmicky but very nice to look at.
Share: Read aloud to younger kids. Although the pages make it a little challenging.
Appeal: K-2 grades
Awards: None
Learning About the Earth - Mountains
Created By: Blast Off Books
Why Selected:
Literary Merit: A good use of pictures and words in non-fiction form geared at the younger generation. These pictures are photographs of mountains and eye catching. The information is really good too and there are Bold words that are glossary words.
Share: Just a good book (and series) to have on the shelf. A good introductory reference book and also show how to use a glossary.
Appeal: K-4 or elementary setting.
Awards: None
Why Selected:
Literary Merit: A good use of pictures and words in non-fiction form geared at the younger generation. These pictures are photographs of mountains and eye catching. The information is really good too and there are Bold words that are glossary words.
Share: Just a good book (and series) to have on the shelf. A good introductory reference book and also show how to use a glossary.
Appeal: K-4 or elementary setting.
Awards: None
Tasting Things
Author: Allan Fowler
Why Selected: Choice
Literary Merit: This rookie read aloud has informative pictures and words. It's a fun book where foods are used for the artwork. It's also very colorful.
Share: Read aloud, and also use to show creativity in art form used.
Appeal: Young kids K-1 grades
Awards: None
Why Selected: Choice
Literary Merit: This rookie read aloud has informative pictures and words. It's a fun book where foods are used for the artwork. It's also very colorful.
Share: Read aloud, and also use to show creativity in art form used.
Appeal: Young kids K-1 grades
Awards: None
The Stories Julian Tells
Author: Ann Cameron
Why Selected: Required read. Transitional book.
Literary Merit: Clever and well written book about a story telling child. The tales are a little dated despite the updated cover design. But that is also a testament to how good this one is especially for kids who are advancing to chapter books. It's an easy read and funny too.
Share: Works as either a Read aloud or class read.
Appeal: Kids moving into chapter books. 2nd Graders and maybe 3rd.
Awards: None
Why Selected: Required read. Transitional book.
Literary Merit: Clever and well written book about a story telling child. The tales are a little dated despite the updated cover design. But that is also a testament to how good this one is especially for kids who are advancing to chapter books. It's an easy read and funny too.
Share: Works as either a Read aloud or class read.
Appeal: Kids moving into chapter books. 2nd Graders and maybe 3rd.
Awards: None
American Born Chinese
Author & Illustrator: Gene Luen Yang
Why Selected: In Class Suggestion and graphic novel example
Literary Merit: This graphic novel wraps several stories into one as seemingly different characters meet in the end. Basically it preaches sticking with who you are and not trying to be someone that you think everyone else will like. The pictures are well done and the flow is good. It's funny and deep.
Share: Not really a class read or a read aloud, but I'd offer it to a reluctant reader or someone who likes Graphic Novels. It has a good lesson in it, so it might work in the right class setting.
Appeal: Older ages, 7-9 grades.
Awards: Printz - 2007
Why Selected: In Class Suggestion and graphic novel example
Literary Merit: This graphic novel wraps several stories into one as seemingly different characters meet in the end. Basically it preaches sticking with who you are and not trying to be someone that you think everyone else will like. The pictures are well done and the flow is good. It's funny and deep.
Share: Not really a class read or a read aloud, but I'd offer it to a reluctant reader or someone who likes Graphic Novels. It has a good lesson in it, so it might work in the right class setting.
Appeal: Older ages, 7-9 grades.
Awards: Printz - 2007
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine - Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley
Author: Sally M. Walker
Why Selected: Choice from suggested list
Literary Merit: Non-Fiction account of a Civil War Submarine that was discovered after a search of Charleston Harbor. Discussion of the development of a submarine vessel and a good explanation of how submarines work using buoyancy. The book also gives great detail into the search and discovery, plus the painstaking search for answers as to why it sank and who the crew members were.
Share: A decent example for an inquiry project. There were a lot of unanswered questions and how they found the answers was creative at times. Not really a read aloud, a little long and it probably only appeals to those who are fascinated with the Civil War or sea vessels.
Appeal: 3rd-8th grade, but it would take the right kid.
Awards: Sibert - 2006
Why Selected: Choice from suggested list
Literary Merit: Non-Fiction account of a Civil War Submarine that was discovered after a search of Charleston Harbor. Discussion of the development of a submarine vessel and a good explanation of how submarines work using buoyancy. The book also gives great detail into the search and discovery, plus the painstaking search for answers as to why it sank and who the crew members were.
Share: A decent example for an inquiry project. There were a lot of unanswered questions and how they found the answers was creative at times. Not really a read aloud, a little long and it probably only appeals to those who are fascinated with the Civil War or sea vessels.
Appeal: 3rd-8th grade, but it would take the right kid.
Awards: Sibert - 2006
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