Appelt, K. (2004) .
Bubba and Beau meet the relatives. Orlando, FL: Harcourt.
Yee-haw! The relatives are coming, and Bubba and Beau are too busy playing in the mud to notice. They love its squishy squish and squashy squash. After a bath, a new, stiff sailor suit for Bubba and new bandana for Beau, they're ready to meet the relatives, including froufrou Cousin Arlene and her dog, Bitsy. Sister, it was better than a trip to Graceland. This Texas story with its colorful illustrations by Arthur Howard will delight your preschool-3rd grade listeners. Good to study dialects and families.
Arnold, T. (2004).
Even more parts. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Your readers will love the hilarious idioms presented in this book as a young boy worries about what will happen to his body when he hears phrases like "It cost me an arm and a leg," and "I have a frog in my throat." It's good to use at all elementary ages. Upper grades will use it explore idioms in a humorous way. Tedd Arnold illustrations are colorful and funny. Great to study idioms at all ages.
Artell, M. (2001).
Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. The classic fairy tale comes alive in the swamp as Petite Rouge meets up, not with the wolf, but with that 'ol gator, Claude. With rich Cajun dialect (and a glossary to help you figure out what it is they're saying), this book is a great read-aloud. It's perfect for upper elementary--the younger ones may have trouble understanding the way the characters talk. The illustrations by Jim Harris provide the comical backdrop for this entertaining romp through the swamp. Great fractured fairy tale companion to classic fairy tales.
Breathed, B. (2007).
Mars needs moms!, New York, NY: Philomel Books. The illustrations by the author light up the story of a young boy, Milo, who doesn't appreciate his mom. What's so special about moms anyway? They're "bellowing broccoli bullies and carrot-cuddling cuckoos." When Martians come and kidnap his mother in the middle of the night, Milo hops aboard to see what the fuss is all about. His adventure brings him to the realization that mothers are important not only to the motherless Martians, but to him as well. All elementary ages will love the story and the illustrations. Great to use around Mother's Day as a read-aloud.
Brett, J. (2007).
Three snow bears. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons. Jan Brett's new retelling of the classic
Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairy tale will be a must for your library. Brett's captivating illustrations will keep your readers glued to the story and to the clues shown in the side panels of her pages. All ages will love this fractured tale and the rich pictures that Brett offers in this book. Can be used as a fractured fairy tale along with
Goldilocks and the Three Bears to compare and contrast elements.
Brisson, P. (2006).
I remember Miss Perry. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. This book deals with the loss of a teacher, Miss Perry, and the ways the students choose to remember her. While the subject matter is difficult, there comes a time when we need to have this kind of book in our collection to help a child face the death of someone close. Death is handled sensitively and sweetly as the children recall all the fun days they had with their favorite teacher. Good for all elementary ages. A good book to use when a student is dealing with the loss of someone close.
Bruel, N. (2005).
Bad Kitty. New Milford, CT: Nela Porter Book. She was always a good kitty until one day, her owners are out of cat food and decide to feed Kitty healthy and delicious food. This charming alphabet book illustrates not only the ABCs of healthy food, but also the ABCs of Kitty's bad behavior as a result of that awful food. A great cause and effect book with Nick Bruel's illustrations is a hit with all elementary age groups.
Buehner, C. (2002).
Snowmen at night. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Do you think snowmen just stand in their frozen poses after you go to bed at night? Well, think again. This book by husband and wife team, Caralyn Buehand Mark Buehner show that those snowmen are anything but frozen in place. They slide into the park for sledding and ice cold cocoa and then the snowman games begin. Mark Buehner's illustrations even have hidden pictures for readers to locate. This book could spark some creative writing activities for first through third graders.
Bunting, E. (1990).
The wall. New York, NY: Clarion Books. Eve Bunting tackles a subject not written about often, the Vietnam Memorial. It is a look at the wall itself and also the lives of those names appear on it. Told from the view of a little boy looking at the wall with his dad to find the name of his grandfather, it's a story that links generations. It can be used for all ages of children as a tie-in with the Vietnam War. The illustrations by Ronald Himler are subtle and muted, giving a respectful tone to a sensitive subject.
Christelow, E. (1993).
The five-dog night. New York, NY: Clarion Books. This book is a favorite of mine for winter. Crabby old Ezra just can't seem to get rid of his nosy neighbor, Old Better. She's always telling him what to do and advice on how to survive the cold weather. He never listens to her--he has his own way to keep warm, his pack of lovable dogs. This is a story of friendship, one that is only realized when it's almost lost. Ms. Christelow's illustrations are simple but endearing. A book for low to mid-level elementary readers to study weather and friendship.
Deedy, C. (1994).
The library dragon. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd. Who could have a school library without this great book? The new librarian, Miss Lotta Scales, won't let anyone check out a book (no sticky little fingers touching the books), but it isn't long before the teachers confront Miss Scales, reminding her that the library belongs to the children. It takes a child, Molly Brickmeyer, to convince the library dragon that what lies beneath that dragon's exterior is really a sweet, mild librarian, Miss Lotti. A charmer for all ages, especially at the beginning of the year during orientation.
DiPucchio, K. (2008).
Grace for President. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. This is a great book for election year, especially in light of the recent bid for President by Hillary Clinton. It's the story of Grace, who is outraged when she learns that no woman has ever been the President. She goes on a quest to become the class president. But, now Thomas Cobb, the most popular boy in the class is running against her. What now? This book touches on the election process and tghe electoral college vote. It will be a great introduction to elections for low grades this fall. Illstrations by LeUyen Pham are adequate, if not terribly impressive.
Goldfinger, J. (2007).
My dog Lyle. New York, NY: Clarion Books. Calling all dog lovers! This one is one you'll need to add to your collection. It's a story based on the author's dog when she was a little girl. The illustrations are lively and warm and show the spirit of Lyle, the adventurous, mischievous, lovable scamp all your readers will appreciate. It's a great read-aloud for all ages of elementary readers.
Henkes, K. (1991).
Chysanthemum. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. A classic for all school libraries and a great book for the beginning of the school year. Chrysanthemem was perfect and had the perfect name, that is, until she started school. Then the children made fun of her name. "You're named after a flower." Her school year is ruined, and nothing her parents can say will help. Until a very smart teacher shares her name with Chrysanthmum....Delphinium! This book will lend itself to many beginning of the school year activities using student's names. A must for every library. Colorful, sweet illustrations match the story.
Hopkins, J. (2007).
Goldie Socks and the three libearians. Fort Atkinson, WI: Highsmith Books. This fractured fairy tale is just right for the library. With hidden book care and reading tips like the five finger rule, you'll be teaching new visitors the rules while entertaining them too. Colorful illustrations by John Manders reinforce the rules about how NOT to put books back on the shelf. The story is a happy twist on the old classic, but this one has a happy ending. Great to use during orientation at the beginning of the year.
Hutchins, H. (2204).
A second is a hiccup. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books. A book for all those parents who have been asked, "How long is an hour?," this book explains the concept of a second, minute, hour, year, etc., in simple, smart text and pleasant illustrations by Kady Denton. It puts those increments of time in easy-to-understand rhyme. Best for early grades to learn about time.
Johnson, A. (2005).
A sweet smell of roses. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. A wonderful view of history told from the viewpoint of children who have sneaked out of the house to go and hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak in their neighborhood during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The black and white drawings by Eric Velasquez are dramatic and bring the story to life. A book for all ages. Great to use during Black History Month and Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations.
Orloff, K. (2004).
I wanna iguana. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons. As told from letters to his mother, Alex tries to convince her that an iguana would be the perfect pet. As the letters fly back and forth, we learn about the habits of the iguana. The illustrations by David Catrow are bright and hysterical, adding to the story immensely. It's a book for all elementary ages, great for studying reptiles and pets.
Payne, T. and J. (2003).
The hippo-NOT-amus. New York, NY: Orchard Books. Portly the Hippo is finding his life rather boring, and he sets out to find the right kind of animal to be. He attempts to do the kinds of things they do -- hanging from a tree like a bat, walking on stilts like a giraffe. This search for identity is funny and engaging and will strike a chord with all young readers. The bright, silly illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees add much to the story. Good read-aloud to study animal characteristics.
Polacco, P. (2007).
The lemonade club. New York, NY: Philomel Books. Patricia Polacco always tackles tough issues in her books. This time it's cancer. When her best friend, Marilyn, is diagnosed with leukemia, Traci doesn't know how to help her friend. Their teacher, Miss Wichelman, tries to help by asking the two friends to wear bright yellow dresses in her wedding. They will take these lemons she's been handed and make lemonade. They start the Lemonade Club in support of Marilyn. The class rallies and they all shave their heads to make Marilyn feel more at ease with her condition. But then Miss Wichelman has devasting news of her own to share. A touching, moving story about friendship and support. Upper elementary age.
Reiss, M. (2000).
How Murray saved Christmas. New York, NY: Puffin Books. A wacky, crazy Christmas story about how a deli owner is pressed into duty to take Santa's place one Christmas Eve. Humorous illustrations by David Catrow make this story sillier than it already is. It's a favorite of students at all ages during the holiday season. Told in rhyme and similar to
The Night Before Christmas, it's a great way to entertain students when their minds are on the holidays.
Seuss, D. (1990).
Oh, the places you'll go. New York, NY: Random House. Not that you won't already have this and all the Dr. Seuss books in your library, but this one is my favorite for all ages. It rings true for everyone in the world. Sometimes life will be easy, and sometimes it will be rough. The message is to just make the most of your opportunities and roll with the punches. Illustrations in typical Seuss style and rhyming that will twist your tongue. Great to read during Read Across America Week.
Van Allsburg, C. (1985).
The polar express. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. A classic for the ages, Polar Express tells the story of a young boy losing the enchantment of Christmas. One Christmas Eve he hears the hissing steam of a train right outside his window and he begins his adventure to find the magic of Christmas again. All ages know the story and love it. The luminous illustrations create the drama and it's still fun to try to find the white dog in his paintings. **Caldecott Winner** A must-read during the holidays.
Watt, M. (2006).
Scaredy Squirrel. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press. Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. The world is a scary place. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. Day after day he waits for danger to come and when it does, he discovers something amazing about himself. In a sweet story sure to calm the most anxiety-ridden child, Scaredy Squirrel, with simple, comical illustrations, will charm readers at all elementary levels. Just for fun to celebrate friendship.
Willems, M. (2005).
Leonardo, the terrible monster. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Leonardo is terrible at being a monster. He can't scare anyone. When he finds the perfect wimpy little boy to scare, will he be able to carry through and scare the tuna salad out of him? This funny tale is guaranteed to delight your readers. I promise they won't be able to listen to it without laughing out loud. The simple illustrations make the characters even funnier. A cute story for young readers and an entertaining read-aloud.
Woodson, J. (2001).
The other side. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons. A fence separates the town into the white side and the black side. A brave, young girl sits atop the fence and another approaches, daring to cross that barrier. It's a story told in the voice of the child who doesn't understand the meaning of the fence and tries to find a way to overcome the racial tension of the time. Can be good for all elementary ages and opens up discussion of the civil rights movement. Beautiful watercolors by E.B. Lewis add to the story line. Great book for Black History Month and studying Civil Rights Movement.
Anderson, L. (2000). Fever 1793. New York, NY: Simon &Schuster.
Auch, M. (2002). Ashes of roses. New York, NY: Holt. Rose and her family arrive at Ellis Island and are devastated to find that her little brother is sick with trachoma and her parents must return to Ireland. Rose and her 12-year-old sister, Maureen, are allowed to stay in their new country. They begin work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and begin to enjoy New York. However, the climax of the novel is the famous fire that was one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history. This book address child labor, racial prejudice, and courage in the face of adversity. It's for upper level readers. Great book to use when study immigration.
Avi. (2002). Crispin: The cross of lead. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Crispin is a 13-year-old peasant in 14th century England, whose mother has just died. He finds himself blamed for a theft he didn't commit and is labeled a "wolf's head" allowing anyone to kill him on sight. This entertaining novel has twists and turns and a thrilling plot that will keep the upper level readers enthralled. ***Newbery Medal Winner** Good read-aloud.
Beatty, P. (1984). Turn homeward, Hannalee. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company. This book is a particular favorite of mine because it's about the Civil War and our own area. It takes place in Roswell, Georgia, as Hannalee, a young cotton mill worker who is kidnapped by the Union army after the mill is burned to the ground. She is sent to be a servant to a family in Indiana and she spends her time making plans to return to her homeland. It's a wonderful story and introduces students to some of the lesser-known occurrences during the Civil War. It's an upper elementary level reader. Great book to use during study of Civil War.
Curtis, C. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. Ten-year-old Buddy Caldwell is an orphan and runaway from foster homes and Hoovervilles of the Great Depression. He's on a quest to find his real father, who he believes is a bass player for the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. The novel addresses poverty, racism and cruelty and, therefore, is for upper level readers. ***Newberry Medal Winner*** Good for read-aloud in study of the Great Depression.
Giff, P. (1997). Lily's crossing. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. Lily's summer of 1944 takes a dramatic turn when her father announces that he's enlisted in the army and is shipping out. That leaves Lily alone with her grandmother in Rockaway, New York, until Albert moves in. He's a shy Hungarian refugee with a horrifying past in war-torn Europe. It's a sensitive look at a developing friendship and the compassion of youth. A Newberry Honor Book.
Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. The story of the evacuation of Jews from Denmark is told through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen. Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is in danger, and this story highlights the untold story of the rescue of 7,000 Jews in a flotilla to Sweden in 1943. Its emotion and story of courage and loyalty should not be missed by middle to upper level readers. **Newberry Medal Winner** Good to use in study of the Holocaust.
Myers, W. (1999). The journal of Scott Pendleton Collins: A World War II soldier, Normandy, France, 1944. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. Seventeen-year-old Scott Collins is on his way across the English Channel in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. Six weeks later, he's been wounded in France and has been promoted to sergeant, not for his military expertise, but because he survived D-Day. It's a story of the loss of innocence and courage under pressure. It discusses the brutality of war, so it's not for younger readers, but it's an accurate depiction of the horrors of war. Wonderful for the study of W.W.II.
Peck, R. (2004). The teacher's funeral: A comedy in three parts. New York, NY: Dial Books for Children. Richard Peck is at his best in this hysterical story of Russell Culver, a 15-year-old who is living in the midwest in 1904. He's still in the eighth grade and goes to school in a one-room schoolhouse. When the teacher, Myrt Arbuckle, dies, Russell is horrified when his older sister takes the job. His pranks and mischief aimed at his sister will delight readers of middle to upper level. You'll learn about the history of the time and be highly entertained at the same time. Good period piece of life at the turn of the century.
Ryan, P. (2000). Esperanza rising. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. Esperanza's 13th birthday is ruined when her father is murdered. She and her family must leave Mexico where they enjoyed a privileged life to the United States where her mother must make a living in the fields. It's a story of life in the Depression, immigration and classism. A must for any collection. It won the Pura Belpre Medal in 2002. Good to use in a study of Mexican immigration and multicultural issues.
Schmidt, G. (2004). Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster boy. New York, NY: Clarion Books. It's 1911 and Turner Buckminster has just moved with his family from Boston to Phippsburg, Maine. It's bad enough he's the son of the new minister, but he keeps getting into trouble. Things start to look up when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a black girl from the nearby Malaga Island. The town's leaders are trying to find a way to remove the inhabitants of the island so they can make it into a resort. This book tackles very grown-up issues--racism, bullying, and human rights. It's for the very upper elementary readers, but the rich characters make this a worthwhile read. **Newbery Honor Book** Great read aloud.
