Love being covered in BOOKS!
I love picture books. They are my go-to teaching tool. I use them for reading aloud, introducing new information, and supporting learning. My classroom was always covered in books. There were books along the blackboard that I read aloud to my students, and each center had books to support the learning. My students had table book baskets and personal book collections which they use daily during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR). I would be remiss if I did not discuss my beautifying, well-read, well-loved class library consisting of class-made books, chapter books, and picture books. My class library was always the first center introduced and the last boxed up each school year.
On this page, I want to introduce or reintroduce some fabulous books. Each Fabulous Four group of books focuses on one genre, topic, idea, or group of people. By no means are these the only books that we could review on the topic. There are lots of great books that intersect and overlap. For example, one of my favorites picture books, Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco, could be on a Fabulous Four chart on Realist Fiction Books, Books with Black Characters, Books with Russian-Jewish Characters, Family Books, or Books about Characters with Good Intentions. So if you don’t see your favorite book on a Fabulous Four chart, think not yet instead of never because it might just show up. Also, Check-out our new category of books centered around Professional Development!
Read along with me. Maybe you’ll find a book or two to share with your students. *The Book images used are for educational purposes only and not for financial gain.
Ms. Blocker’s 2023 Favorites
Calling all unique minds! Want to break free from expectations and embrace who you are? "BIG" by Vashti Harrison will show you how. Looking for a teacher who challenges stereotypes? Check out "My Teacher Has Tattoos" by Darron Lopez. Love fascinating oddities? Dive into the world of wombats with "Wombats are Pretty Weird" by Abi Cushman. Finally, discover the man who revolutionized children's books in "Tomfoolery!" by Michelle Markel. Ms. Blocker has a fantastic selection for curious readers!
'BIG' by Vashti Harrison is a unique book that encourages students to break free from societal norms and embrace their individuality. It's a powerful tool to show them that they don't have to conform to the expectations of others, whether they're physical or metaphorical. Aren’t you too big to cry? Have you tried to be smaller? Why can’t you just fit in? Be BIG, be happy, and be yourself, which is the message in Big. BIG was my favorite book because I believe in crushing boxes, not dreams.
!['Wombats are Pretty Weird: A [Not So] Serious Guide' by Abi Cushman is a fascinating exploration of these unique creatures. It reveals intriguing facts, such as the existence of three distinct wombat species. These marvelous marsupials can cover up t](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fde2289109152533653f4de/783b785c-82bc-4863-8d79-e471fb0fc207/Screen+Shot+2024-05-25+at+5.39.50+PM.png)
'Wombats are Pretty Weird: A [Not So] Serious Guide' by Abi Cushman is a fascinating exploration of these unique creatures. It reveals intriguing facts, such as the existence of three distinct wombat species. These marvelous marsupials can cover up to 2.5 miles in a single night and have pouches like kangaroos. And here's the kicker: their teeth exhibit perpetual growth, and their peculiar cube-shaped excrement adds an extra layer of fascination to these remarkable creatures. This book's illustrations and facts make this book so fun to read.
Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children's Books by Michelle Markel, with delightful illustrations by Barbara McClintock, is a captivating picture book biography. It takes us back to 1850 when picture books were rigid and uninviting. But then came Randolph Caldecott, whose inventive and creative pictures transformed the original picture books into the joyful literature we know today. This book chronicles Caldecott's journey, creative pictures, and pre-publishing actions, leading to his first picture book in 1878. It also includes a comprehensive list of his books, an index, and annotations. I am just a little obsessed with picture books, so I really enjoyed this book.
My Teacher Has Tattoos by Darron Lopez, illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe, is a great book for exploring stereotypes. Xavier has his first male teacher, Mr. Mendoza, who is also his baseball coach. One day, Xavier sees something under Mr. Lopez’s sleeve. Could that be a tattoo? If it is a tattoo, does that mean the teacher is a bad guy? After all, only bad guys have tattoos. Teachers come in different shapes and sizes, and some even have tattoos. I love books that let students know being different is not bad.
Teach Banned Books
Books that are outlawed by legislation or to which unrestricted access is not possible through other methods are known as banned books. Book banning is a form of censorship that has become very politically motivated. Below are a few fantastic books on the “banned list” in different states.
Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Don Tate Black History Month wouldn't exist without Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History. "Carter was the first and only Black American whose parents had been enslaved to receive a doctorate in history from Harvard University." After one of his professors at Harvard said Black people don't have a history, Carter dedicated his life to demonstrating Black people's great history and accomplishments.
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi, Illustrated by Lea Lyon Lailah is happy to be old enough to participate in the fasting during Ramadan; however, she worries that her classmates won't understand why she doesn't go to lunch with them. Lailah’s Lunchbox explains Ramadan and examines the emotions of a child who has recently emigrated to the United States and finds that she is the only student in her class who observes Ramadan.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, Shannon Unhei, a young Korean girl, immigrated to the United States and considers changing her name because no one in her new school has a name like hers. To help her select a new name, her classmates fill a jar with new American names, but nothing seems to suit her. Will she find a new name or keep Unhei? The Name Jar explores diversity, identity, and assimilation.
Fry Bread, A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal Have you ever eaten fry bread? This book describes fry bread's appearance, sound, color, flavor, and one family's love of creating it together. The vivid images show a contemporary Native American family and provide information about fry bread and 573 nationally recognized Native American nations that enjoy this food.
Booklove Book Club - Summer 2023
During the summer of 2023, I participated in Booklove, a virtual educator book club. Booklove offered selections for elementary, middle, and high school students. I elected to participate in the elementary book club.
to make by Danielle Davis and Illustrated by Mags DeRoma Gather, make, wait … When making a poem, painting, or dance, patience is part of the process. to make reminds the reader that sometimes you must keep trying and wait to create and share something extraordinary.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade On a small island with many berries, a young girl and grandmother forged various berries while singing to the land. Together, the girl and her grandma catch fish, find herring eggs, gather seaweed, and show respect for the earth and the people who came before them.
Lift by Minh Le and Illustrations by Dan Santat Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building. Each day, pushing the button cheers her up. Then, one day, her little brother took a turn pushing the button. Not happy with the new button pusher, Iris takes a stand, leading to the elevator not working. Suddenly, a mysterious new button appears. Where will the button take Iris?
Berry Song by Michaela Goade On a small island with many berries, a young girl and grandmother forged various berries while singing to the land. Together, the girl and her grandma catch fish, find herring eggs, gather seaweed, and show respect for the earth and the people who came before them.
Summer Fun - Building Sand Castles and Swimming
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk and Illustrations by Sara Palacios Pearl has been working to create the ideal sandcastle all summer, but many things keep getting in her way such as rogue Frisbees and a naughty puppy. But summer is not over. Pearl and her robot Pascal still have time to build a sandcastle. Pearl needs to tell Pascal exactly what to do in the correct order if the program is going to work. Once Pearl writes the code, Pasal is able to construct an awesome sandcastle. Unfortunately, a large wave knocks it down. No worries, Pearl can use her code to rebuild not only one sand castle but many.
Jules Vs. The Ocean by Jessie Sima While at the beach with her family, Jules wants to build the MOST EXCELLENT sand castle ever built. Surly, her big sister will be impressed with this awesome sand castle, and maybe the ocean can help…or maybe not. Jules starts side-eying the ocean because every time she tries to build her sand castle, the ocean comes and washes it away. The ocean’s actions convince Jules that it might be out to get her. Then her big sister comes to help. Can the sisters work together to defeat the ocean and make the most excellent sand castle?
The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor and Illustrated by Kate Berube Lola sets out to build a sandcastle with a tall tower and sea glass to signal mermaids when a dude with a frisbee accidentally steps on her castle. No worries. Lola invites him to help her rebuild. This process of building and rebuilding continues as new friends accidentally become members of her sandcastle-building crew. Until…. CRASH! A wave knocks down the sand castle that Lola and her friends built. Lola is pretty sad until her new friends return for another chance to build a sandcastle. Will Lola and her new friends be able to rebuild a sandcastle with a tall tower and sea glass to signal mermaids?
Bubbles…UP! By Jacqueline Davies and Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! Our main character loves swimming in the pool, splashing, laughing, and plunging with friends. While enjoying the pool with her mother and brother, she has fun with friends and uses her imagination to explore the deep sea until… THUNDER! Everybody runs out of the pool for cover until the rain passes. After the storm, it is time for more fun in the pool.
Visiting the Library
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies Bats at the Libary is part of a series of books where Bat and his friends explore familiar locations after dark. One night, when the bats are bored, someone finds a window open at the local library, and all the bats pop in to enjoy a bookish feast during Bat Night at the Library. Under the golden glow of a reading light, the bats form groups based on their common interests. Some read "guides to fancy foods" while others make copies of themselves or splash around in the water fountain. Later all the bats gather to enjoy a read-aloud. They enjoy the story so much they almost miss the fact the sky is no long dark; it’s gray, which means it's time to fly away.
If You Ever Want To Bring A Circus To The Library, Don’t “If you ever see a poster that says “You can do anything at a library!” it means you can sit and read a book.” You definitely can not clap or cheer (no noise) or hand out concessions (no eating), which makes bringing a circus to the library difficult. But! If you bring a circus to the library and things don’t go as planned, you can always read the kids a story to distract them. You do not want to hear the librarian go Sssshhhhhhhh!
The Library Book by Michael Mark and Illustrations by Chuck Groenink The Library Book is based on the “Library Song” by Tom Chapin and Michael Mank, https://youtu.be/cbhsFINv0dQ. On a rainy day, a little girl whose father is sleeping and snoring decides to go to the library and check out books since she can not go out to play. She meets many “book friends” at the library who want to go home with her.
The NEW LiBEARian by Alison Donald and illustrations by Alex Willmore Ms. Merryweather is never late for story time, but today the kids are waiting in the Kids’ Corner of the library, and she is nowhere to be found. The search is on! The kids follow paw prints “through the galaxy, into the ocean, and down a runway until…” they find a new librarian willing to read them a scary story. The LiBEARian (the new librarian) is a great reader who keeps the kids interested until Ms. Merryweather returns.
Social Emotional Learning - Book with self-aware characters developing interpersonal skills.
Breathing is My Superpower Mindfulness Book for Kids to Fell Calm and Peaceful by Alicia Ortego Book 2 of 8 of the Superpower books focuses on Sofia, who has a stuffed unicorn friend Bea and loves fairies and magical creatures. Sofia has anxiety about monsters lurking under her bed, friends not playing with her during recess, and reading aloud in class. Sometimes she gets very angry, so she asks her mum for help controlling her anger and anxiety. Sofia finds that doing this reading exercise helps her relax and make new friends.
ODE to a BAD DAY by Chelsea Lin Wallace and illustrations by Hyewon Yum When you wake up in the morning, and all you see is gray, that is a signal that today might not be “full of yay like yesterday.” In Ode to a Bad Day, the main character is having a bad day. She is late for school, a kid cuts in line in front of her (nothing is worst than a line cutter), she has hiccups, and her pudding cup is missing from her lunch, amongst other mishaps. As the day whines down, is there hope for a better tomorrow?
I Am A Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer The Tornado is so big, spinning fast, and set to cause chaos when he picks up a very friendly cow who asks Tornado, “is everything is okay”? At first, Tornado is a bit shocked at the question. After all, he is rapidly rotating, throwing things around, and doing what tornados do. Of course, he is not upset. Then after reflecting, he asked the cow if he were to put him down, would Cow run away? When the cow says he will stay, Tornado feels safe to calm down.
Zoo Zen, A Yoga Story for Kids by Fischer and Illustrated by Susi Schaefer A little yogi, Lyla, learns yoga from a friend at the zoo. In this counting book, Lyla rolls out her mat, gets dressed, and poses like the creatures at the zoo. She glides around like a cobra, bends her back, and grabs her heels for a camel pose. As she poses, the animals give her tips like “Relax your neck and turn your heels out.” After ten poses, the flamingo reminds her to use yoga to calm down and feel strong. The back of the book has Lyla’s Yoga Flow which reviews the correct way to do all poses.
Ms. Blocker 2022 Favorites
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez A grandmother tells her grandchildren, who cannot go outside to play, to use their imaginations to leave the confines of their home. Whenever the children are bored, their grandmother instructs them to “Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath…” and use their imagination to go somewhere fun. This fantastically mesmerizing book celebrates Black joy and liberation. Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez make a fantastic pair, and you cannot go wrong by reading The Year We Learned to Fly.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise In this Caldecott Honor Book, Owl dreams of becoming a knight one day, but there is one problem: he is a small bird. However, fear not; Owl gets his chance to be a knight because knights are disappearing. After graduating from knight training, Owl is put on the night guard. That is when a hungry dragon comes to eat more knights, and Owl has to be cunning to win the day. It’s fantastic that the little guy gets to live his dream.
Don't Eat Bees: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dav Petty, Illustrated by Mike Boldt Chip, an intelligent dog with a big personality, shares a few dos and don'ts. After all, he's seven years old and knows what to eat and what not to eat. Important papers, the fancy bird the humans cooked for the fancy dinner, and Grandpa's teeth are among the tasty items. Chip also knows what to avoid eating, like bees. Chip does not suggest you eat bees.
Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Illustrations by Gracey Zhang When he grows up, Nigel wants to be an astronaut, a dancer, and a superhero. He hesitates to tell his family and friends that he wants to be a dancer because he has never seen a dancer who looks like him in a book. Since he feels uncomfortable sharing his dream with friends and family, he confides in the moon, his haven. Nigel's parents come to school on the last day of career day to discuss their jobs, and he decides to share his dreams with everyone.
More Picture Books by Hispanic Authors and/or Illustrators
The Cot in the Living Room by Hilda Eunice Burgos illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro A young girl living in the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York has a cot in her living room, and children from her neighborhood sleep on the cot when their caregivers have to work late in the evenings. At first, she wants to sleep on that cot because she can see the George Washington Bridge, and the television is out there. When she finally gets the chance to sleep on the cot, will the experience be all she thought it would be?
Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundershimer Illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero An excellent book for teaching students about millions of monarch butterflies traveling south to Mexico. The text is written in both English and Spanish and provides many facts about the monarch’s travel; for example, they traveled sixty miles or more daily. The illustrations are vivid and show city, mountains, and desert landscapes, with every page highlighting the monarch.
The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya Illustrated by Miguel Ordonez Have you read the story, The Three Billy Goats Gruff? The three billy goat brothers in the story want to cross the bridge to eat the greenest, best-tasting grass. There is just one problem: a troll guards the bridge. The Three Billy Goats Buenos is a modern twist on this classic tale. The first page of the book is a glossary of Spanish words the reader will encounter in the text, and the story has a twist that brings in empathy.
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middle Elys Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal La Princesa and the Pea is a new look at the classic tale of the Princess and the Pea with a Latino twist inspired by the culture of Peru. El Principe knows the girl for him, but his mother needs to test her to see if she will be a suitable bride. Written in rhyme, the book is funny and easy for young students to follow. According to the author's notes, the illustrations are colorful and inspired by the weaving and embroidery of the indigenous people of Peru.
Picture Books By Hispanic Authors and/or Illustrators
A Girl Named Rosita, The Story of Rita Moreno Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer! By Anika Aldamuy Denise Illustrated by Leo Espinosa Rosita Dolores Alverio would later change her name to Rita Moreno when she became a star! Rosita was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico. When she was five, she and her mother moved to New York, leaving her other family in Juncos. In New York, she learned to speak English, took dance lessons, and started to get jobs working in show business." In 1962 Rita Moreno was the first Latina to win an Oscar!
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli Illustrated by Magdalena Mora A girl from another country finds that her new teacher and classmates struggle to say her name. While the main character's name is never given, the fact that her name is said one syllable at a time and does not fit in her classmates' or teachers' mouths makes her want her name to be more familiar, like Olivia, Sophie, or Chloe. One day she connects with a classmate, which leads to making new friends and her friends learning how to say her name.
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena pictures by Christian Robinson As Milo and his sister take their monthly subway ride to visit his mother, Milo draws pictures. He watches people that get on and off of the train and draws them the way he imagines their lives. One day on their train ride, Milo wonders what people imagine about him. The idea that people may not see him for who he is opens Milo up to the possibility that people don't have to be one way. People can be more than you imagine or different from your picture of them.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte Carlitos, his abuela, mom, and cat Coco lived in Catano across the bay from the capital. Because Carlitos's father does not live with them, his family is not like many of the families in his town. One day, Carlitos travels to Old San Juan with a picture of his papi in his pocket to look for his father. He asked a few people if they'd seen his father; unfortunately, no one had. Will Carlitos find his papi or return to his family that is unlike others in his town alone?
Books by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson is an American writer and her books are awesome sauce!
The Year We Learned To Fly by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by Rafael Lopez Where can your imagination take you? Children who were stuck inside their home and fussy, listen to their grandmother’s advice and use their imagination to fly away and explore the city. Grandmother tells them about the days when their ancestors were brought to the United States of America in “huge ships with their wrists and ankles cuffed in irons.” She tells the children that no one can cuff their minds. Listening to their grandmother, the children use their imaginations and learn to fly.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrations E. B. Lewis In this realistic fiction, a young girl, Maya, attends a school where she is different from the other students. The other students won’t play with her or even look at her. Because of her treatment, Maya stops coming to school. One day the teacher teaches a lesson on kindness and how its ripples continue to flow out. After learning this, Chloe, one of the students in Maya’s class, wants Maya to return to school so that she can show her kindness, but Maya never returns. Each Kindness is a great book for teaching about kindness and empathy.
We Had a Picnic This Summer Past by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrations by Diane Greenseid “We had a picnic this Sunday past. You should have been there.” Teeka’s family had a great time at their family picnic. Everyone brought a dish to share. Her Grandma brought biscuits and fried chicken. Her uncle Luther baked cinnamon bread, and her favorite auntie Kim, who teaches second grade, brought cranberry muffins and special angel cookies for Teeka and Paulette (Teeka’s friend). As everyone talks, plays and eats, they keep an eye out for cousin Martha, who usually brings a pie that happens to be on the dry side.
The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated Illustrated by Leo Espinosa “In Brooklyn in the summer not so long ago,” school ended, and the children had a chance to play with their friends all day. They played in the street, drew pictures with chalk, jumped rope, and told stories. This book was a throwback to my childhood days spent outside playing with my friends. For me, there were many familiar things to see in the illustrations, including an ice cream truck, parents throwing money wrapped in a scarf from the windows, and the street light signaling that it was time to go home.
The What Do You Do With Books
Author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom
What Do You Do With A Chance? What Do You Do With An Idea? and What Do You Do With A Problem? are part of a picture book series created by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. Each book addresses the title question with easy-to-read yet powerful ideas and masterful illustrations. The main character is a child that goes through trials that let the reader know they can successfully overcome challenges with thought and perseverance.
Seeking Refuge
Wishes by Muon Thi Van Wishes is told through the eyes of a young Vietnamese girl. The story begins with her family leaving their home in the middle of the night. They prepare for their journey by packing what they can carry and quickly leaving everything else behind. The family boarded a crowded boat and sailed towards something new.
Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour Illustrated by Daniel Egneus Lubna's best friend is a pebble she finds when she gets to World of Tents. Pebble always listens to Lubna’s stories and smiles when Lubna feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does.
What is a Refugee? By Elise Gravel What is a Refugee explains a refugee is a person, like you or me, that has to flee their country. The text tells some of the reasons people are forced to leave their countries, such as war and religious freedom. The straightforward text makes the message clear.
The Notebook Keeper, A Story of Kindness From The Boarder by Stephen Briseno & Magdalena Mora Noemi and her mother walk a long way to reach the Tijuana, Mexico, checkpoint to enter the United States. There, they find out they can not enter immediately. They have to put their names in the notebook, an unofficial ledger, and get a number. When their number is called, they have an opportunity to pledge their asylum case. When the old notebook keeper’s number is called, a new notebook keeper is selected.
Looking For A Friend
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwing Illustrated by Patrice Barton Brian feels like he might be invisible. No one in his class invites him to parties or picks him to be in their group. Then one day, a new kid, Justin, arrives, and they team up to work on a class project. Justin and Emilio invite Brian to eat lunch with them, and that gesture makes Brian feel seen.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller Illustrated by Jen Hill What does it mean to be kind? There are so many ways we can show kindness; making cookies for someone that lives alone, telling someone you like their boots, and calling someone by their name. It’s hard for the main character to know what to do when her friend spills grape juice on her dress, but she decides it is vital to be kind.
Alone Like Me by Rebecca Evens When Liling moves with her family from the Mountains of China to the city, her parents can not afford to send her to school, so she goes to their jobs with them. Sitting around at her parents' work is very lonely because there are no other children. Then one day, a little girl in a yellow jacket smiles at Liling, leaving her hoping she might find a new friend.
Better Than You by Trudy Ludwig Illustrated by Adam Gustavson Have you ever had a friend that was better than you at EVERYTHING and never missed a chance to point it out? Tyler is dealing with a friend, Jake, who behaves like that. Jake’s constant bragging makes Tyler feel bad about himself. Maybe Tyler should find a friend that does not need to be better at everything.
Call Me By My Name
From the Lady with the Unusual Name
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes Chrysanthemum thought her name was absolutely perfect until she started school. When the teacher called her name, everyone giggled. The kids thought her name was too long. After all, it takes 13 letters to spell Chrysanthemum. The kids talking about her name made Chrysanthemum sad until Delphinium Twinkle showed up and changed everyone’s mind about long unusual names.
My Name Is Sangoel by Karen Williams, Khadra Mchammed illustrated by Catherine Stock Sangoel is a refugee from Sudan. When he comes to theUnited States of America, he has little to call his own other than his name. Things are very different in the US, with its escalators, television sets, and snow. Another difference, in the United States, no one can pronounce his name correctly. Sangoel finally comes up with a solution to this problem.
My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits Pictures by Gabi Swiatkowska A young girl, Yoon, comes to the United States of America from Korea. In her new county, she must learn to write her name in English, but she is sure she does not like how her name looks in English. She wants to write her name in Korean, or maybe she will write cat or cupcake.
Alma and How She Got Her Name By Juana Martinez -Neal Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela thinks her name is too long. Her father tells her the story of her name. That Sofia was her grandmother’s name, and Pura was a great-aunt that believed that spirits watched over the family. After hearing about all of the people that contributed to her name Alma learns to appreciate her name.
Books About Loss
Always Remember by Cece Meng illustrated by Jago "By dawn, everyone who knew the Old Turtle knew he was gone." And everyone who knew the Old Turtle had a story to tell about how Old Turtle made their lives better. They remember how Old Turtle taught them something or kept them company. He even saved a manatee's life one time. Old Turtle's memory and legacy will last forever.
The Rough Patch by Brian Lies Evan and his dog enjoyed playing games, listening to music, and going on adventures. Then unexpectedly, the unthinkable happens, and Evan is all alone. After his dog passed, Evan’s garden was a bitter, lonely place until, unexpectedly, a pumpkin vine started to grow, bringing life back to the garden and maybe to Evan.
ida, ALWAYS by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso ida, ALWAYS is a fictional story of two polar bears, Ida and Gus, who live in a big park in the middle of a big city. Each day when the zookeepers opened the gates, the bears played together, ate lunch, and cuddled. One day Ida became ill, and she was unable to do some of the things she and Gus enjoyed. Sadly there came a day that the zookeepers opened the door, but Ida was gone. Gus was all alone, but he still had memories of his time with Ida.
Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins Illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan George spends Saturdays with his Grandmother Stella. During their time together, they do lots of fun things like go to the museum and go downtown. They also bake goodies, and Stella reads George his favorite book. Then one day, George finds out that he will not be able to spend Saturdays with Stella, which makes him very sad. He starts to hate Saturdays until a new Sella arrives.
Tales from Second Grade, Miss Greer’s Class:
Books by Andrea Beaty
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts “There are worse things to do when you’re in grade two than to spend your time building a dream.” Ever since he was two, Iggy Peck was an architect. He built towers, a great Sphinx, churches, and chapels, and his parents supported his passion. Things were great until he got to second grade. His second-grade teacher is not a fan of the young architect building things until his skills save the day.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts “A mystery! A riddle! A puzzle! A quest! This was the moment that Ada loved best.” Ada did not talk until she turned three. When she said her first word, it was WHY? Then she quickly moved on to who, what, when, and where. One day, Ada smelled an unpleasant smell and started to investigate until her parents yelled STOP! Will Ada and her grade two friends discover the source of the smell?
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts Though just in grade two, Sofia knew what to do when her Abuelo was hurt, her neighbors needed help, and there was no place in her neighborhood to relax. Sofia wanted to get rid of Mount Trashmore (the massive pile of trash) and build a new park. To improve her neighborhood, Sofia goes to City Hall. Will Sofia Valdez cut through the red tape and get a park for Abuelo and the rest of the community.
Aaron Slater, by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts Aaron D. loves to draw and can’t wait to write his own stories, but first, he must learn to read. He heads off to kindergarten, determined to be able to read by the end of the day. Unfortunately, things don’t work out that way. By second grade Aaron D. wants to hide. He does not want anyone to know that he is struggling with reading and writing. One day he tells the “most perfect of tales” and lets his teacher and friends hear his story and see his art.
Fabulous Four
Books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport Illustrator Bryan Collier Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. explores Dr. King's life events and quotes such as "When the history books are written, someone will say there lived black people who had the courage to stand up for their rights." And, "Remember if I am stopped this movement will not be stopped, because God is with this movement." This book has some of Dr. King’s most remembered quotes.
A Place to Land Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation By Barry Wittenstein and Jerry Pinkney Did you know Dr. King had speechwriters? You may have heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's I Have a Dream Speech or seen clips of Dr. King on August 28, 1963, speaking to 250,000 people on the National Mall in Washington, DC. But do you know how that speech formed? A Place to Land Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation outlines Dr. King's actions the hours before the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Who helped write this speech? Who encouraged Dr. King to tell his story? What did Dr. King do after the speech?
Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange Paintings by Kadir Nelson Before Coretta Scott married Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she was a young woman that believed in freedom for her people. Coretta Scott is a poem about the life of Coretta Scott-King. The poem began when Coretta was a child walking five miles to the nearest colored school. It looks at her marriage to Dr. King and their fight for civil rights and equity. Read Coretta Scott to learn about this freedom fighter.
I Have a Dream, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Paintings by Kadir Nelson I Have a Dream, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a picture book illustrated by phenomenal artist Kadir Nelson. The text is Dr. Kings I Have a Dream Speech delivered on the National Mall during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Kadir beautifully illustrated all parts of the speech. This book is a great introduction to Dr. King’s speech and Kadir Nelson’s art.
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Civil Rights - Guarantees equal social opportunities and protection under the law, regardless of race, religion, or other characteristics.
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a department store seamstress, decided to say no when a police officer asked, "Auntie, are you going to move?". He wanted her to give up her seat on the bus. Rosa Parks decided to take a stand and was arrested. The Women's Political Council made "posters that read: NO RIDERS TODAY; SUPPORT MRS. PARKS - STAY OFF THE BUSSES; WALK ON MONDAY." This event sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a civil rights protest. African Americans refused to ride city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, for 13-months. After the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was wrong, buses were desegregated in the United States.
Pies from Nowhere How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito Illustrated by Laura Freeman When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at Holt Street Baptist Church about Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery Bus, Georgia Gilmore was in the audience. Inspired by Dr. King's words, Georgia worked with a group of women to raise funds to support the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Georgia, who fought for civil rights, led the operation, and the other women acted as secret helpers. When anyone asked where Georgia got the money, she would say, "It came from nowhere."
Lillian's Right to Vote A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evens Lillian can hear "the voice of President Lyndon Johnson on her TV, saying to America: "Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote… There is no duty which weighs more heavily on us than the duty we have to ensure that right…." Lillian is a very old woman that has never been able to vote because of discrimination; however, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has opened the door and made it possible for her to vote for the first time. She remembers her family’s history and how her ancestors could not vote as she walks towards the voting booth and votes for the first time.
Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes Fannie Lou Hamer, the 20th and youngest child in a family of sharecroppers, was born in Mississippi. Many of her family members migrated to the north, but she decided to stay in Mississippi and care for her mother. Fannie Lou Hamer was beaten and jailed for wanting to vote, but that did not stop her from fighting for the rights of Black people. This book walks the reader through the Civil Rights movement covering the great Migration, Freedom Summer, the 1964 Democratic National Convention, and the 1965 Voters Right Act seen through the eyes of Fannie Lou Hamer.
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Presidents Day
The Next President The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of American Presidents by Kate Messner and illustrated by Adam Rex Ever wonder what the lives of US Presidents were like before they became President. The Next President The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of American Presidents explore the youth of the first 45 presidents of the United States of America. By reading this book, you learn that President 13, Millard Fillmore was a quiet bookworm, President 21, Chester A. Arthur moved around a lot with his father, a preacher, and President Ronald Reagan was on TV before becoming President.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham Grace looks at the big poster of all of the United States of America presidents and asks, "Where are the girls? After some thought, Grace decides she would like to be President of the United States of America one day, but for now, she would like to be President of Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Grace has to run against Thomas Cobb to win that position. As an experiment in democracy, the teachers put 50 states and the District of Columbia in a hat. They let each child in the classes choose a state so that they could vote for president Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Will grace win?
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham Joey The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden and Illustrated by Amy June Bates Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He liked water balloon fights, snowball fights, and a good dare as a kid. Joey also liked to play with his friends and sister, and his family attended church every Sunday. His family had financial struggles, so Joe Biden applied for a work-study program to pay for college and became one of the youngest people elected to the United States Senate. Before becoming President, Joe Biden was Vice President under President Obama for eight years.
Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman A young girl walking in the park passes a familiar-looking man, but she is not exactly sure who he looks likes. After paying for breakfast, she realizes that the man looks like Abraham Lincoln so she heads to the library to do some research. While researching, she finds some familiar facts about Lincoln's wife and family. She discovers where he grew up, how he liked to read, and his role in freeing enslaved people. She also finds out that Lincoln was murdered by a man that did not want slavery to end.
Fabulous Four
Black History Month
Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Don Tate Without Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History, there would be no Black History Month. "Carter was the first and only Black American whose parents had been slaves to receive a doctorate in history from Harvard University.” While attending Harvard, one of Dr. Carter's professors said that Black people did not have a history. Carter was determined to prove him wrong and spent his life doing just that. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week during the second week in February 1926, and that week is now Black History Month.
Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey with Gwen Strauss Illustrated by Floyd Cooper Ruth, a young Black girl, and her family live in Chicago. The family plans to drive her father's new 1952 Buick to visit her grandma in Alabama. As they travel down south, the family finds it difficult to locate places where Negros can eat, buy gas or even sleep. While stopping to get gas, the family buys a copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book. A book started by a postman, Mr. Victor H. Green, to help Black find places they could eat, sleep, shop, and additional information.
Dream Builder, The Story of Architect Philip Freelon The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Laura Freeman "Phil Freedon, the kid artist from Philly, has become a builder of dreams." Phil Freelon was born into a family of artists. As a child, he struggled with reading, but he excelled in art. He explored different media, including paintings, sculptures, and models. He attended Hampton University, learned a lot about Black History, and became an architect. In 2003 it was decided that there should be a Black History Museum. Architects worldwide wanted to design the museum, and Phil was selected to be the lead architect. In 2016 The National Museum of African American History and Culture, Phil's design, opened.
Kamala Harris Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Laura Freeman "Kamala was like clay her parents molded for action." Her mother and father marched for civil rights and took young Kamala with them. When she was seven, her parents divorced, and Kamala, her sister, and her mother moved to the "the flatlands” located in Berkely. Later, Kamala attended Howard University in Washington, DC, then Hastings College to study Law. Kamala Harris became the second African-American to win a seat in the US Senate. In 2021 Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to become the Vice President of the United States of America.
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Seasons Reading, Holiday Books
Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson Illustrated by Reggie Brown Deja loves Christmas and can’t wait for Santa to come. Unfortunately, many kids at her school don’t believe in Santa. Once the kids start asking Deja questions she can’t answer, she turns to her loved ones to discover how Santa comes to the city and delivers toys. Luckily, Deja has lots of people to answer her questions in a way that “Makes sense.” I love the story and illustrations in this book. Read to find out how Santa comes to the city.
The Eighth Menorah by Lauren L. Wohl and Illustrated by Laura Hughes Sam’s family has seven menorahs, so when he makes a menorah in Hebrew school, he is unsure if his family needs another one. In Hebrew school, Sam learns about the miracle of the oil, and he also learned the songs Rock of Ages and I have a Little Dreidel. After learning about the history of his family’s seven menorahs, Sam is sure his family does not need another menorah. Still, he has an idea about some people that might be able to use the eighth menorah.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington and illustrated by Shane W. Evans Li’l Rabbit wants to bring Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu, the feast of Kwanzaa. Karamu happens on the 6th night of Kwanzaa. Li’l Rabbit is unsure what to get Granna Rabbit, who has not been feeling well. While trying to find his gift, Li’l Rabbit talks to several animals that love Granna Rabbit. The animals don’t know what Karamu is; however, they know Granna Rabbit and want to celebrate her. Read Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa to see if he finds Granna Rabbit something special.
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say Tree of Cranes is the story of a boy’s first Christmas and a promise. After doing something he promised not to do, the boy comes home and finds his mom folding paper cranes to make a wish. His mom tells him about her childhood in “a warm place called Ca-li-for-ni-a.” Even though they live in Japan, she tells her son if they were in warm California on this day, there would be many decorations, lights, and presents. They decorate his tree from the yard with cranes, and the boy learns about his mom’s childhood and a memorable holiday that “ is a day of love and peace. Strangers smile at one another. Enemies stop fighting.”
Fabulous Four
Books with Older Characters
Strega Nona Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola Strega Nona, Grandma Witch, is getting old and can use a little help around the house. When she leaves her helper, Big Anthony, alone things get out of hand and Strega Nona has to save the town. This books is like an old friend.
When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett In this charming book a girl asked her NoKom, grandmother, why she wears her hair long, wears bright colors and speaks another language. Her grandmother tells her about the time she was forced to live in a residential school and she loss so much of her identity. Now Nokom says she will spend time with her family and live the way she wants to live. I love this book so much. It teaches about the history or residential schools and resilience.
Drawn Together By Minh Le and Dan Santat In this comic style picture book a young boy goes to visit his grandpa. At first their relationship seems strained. That is, until the boys and the grandfather start drawing. They both really enjoy drawing and they are able to connect.
Grandmother Thorn by Katey Howes art by Rebecca Hahn Grandmother Thorn’s garden is immaculate, just the way she likes. “Every leaf, every pebble had its place.” Things were going great for Grandma Thorn until a seedling invades and her garden falls into disrepair. The stress of dealing with this disrespectful seedling makes Grandmother ill. At the end of the book Grandmother makes peace with her surroundings.
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Wordless Picture Books
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle In this 2013 Caldecott Honor book a friendship between a girl named Flora and a flamingo blossoms. Flora, in her pink swimsuit, and the flamingo flip, twist and flop. When one of the friends falls the other lends a helping hand. With a little assistance the friends can now dance together before going for a swim.
Wolf In The Snow by Matthew Cordell Wolves travel in packs but occasionally a little wolf may get lost. What’s a person, dressed in a red snowsuit, to do when they find a little wolf on its own. After getting the pup back to the pack the helper is now the one that needs the help.
Unspoken A Story From The Underground Railroad by Henry COle This is one of my favorite wordless picture books. During the Civil War a young girl is doing her chores when she spies a runaway slave in her barn. After seeing only an eye she runs quickly to her house. Later she returns to the barn with food. People visit her home looking for an escaped slave but no one seems to notice her actions.
The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney Have you ever heard The Lion and The Mouse fable? If so you know that the Lion spares the Mouse (sometimes reluctantly) and the mouse promises to return the favor. In this wordless picture book illustrations share the story but the moral remains the same; mercy brings its reward.
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Ms. Blocker’s Kid Lit Picks!
THE DAY YOU BEGIN by Jacqueline Woodson illustrated by Rafael Lopez This is a great first day of school book. It encourages students to be themselves and reminds them that even when no one speaks your language, or eats the same kind of lunch, you still have you own brave self. You are fabulously you.
THANK YOU OMU! By Oge Mora Umo lives on the corner of First and Long Street. One day she makes a thick red stew in her big fat pot for her dinner. The stew smells so delicious that people from the community start knocking at her door requesting a taste of stew. Omu has such a big pot that she doesn't mind sharing with the Police Officer, Hot Dog Vendor, doctor and even the Mayor when they stop by. Will Omu have any stew left for her dinner?
What If… by Samantha Berger Illustrated by Mike Curato The young artist in this book starts off using a pencil and paper to create her art and stories. But What if all of her pencils disappeared? Could she still create? Could she use paper, leaves, snow, flowers or even sand in her art? And What If all of those supplies were no longer available. What could she use then? For a person that MUST create What If there were no supplies?
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James What are the good thing? Think of all of the things that make you happy and this is exactly what Black boys are made of. They are brave and kind. They are a “coooool breeze.” A gentleman and a scholar. They are worthy of success, safety and happiness.
Fabulous Four
Books Featuring Latinx Characters
Alma and How She Got Her Name By Juana Martinez -Neal Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela thinks her name is too long. Her father tells her the story of her name. He tells her all about the people she is named after. The story ends with Alma having a new appreciation for her name. As a person with an unusually name, I love stories about name origin. This books is great for students learning to appreciate their names.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Is the story of a young mother and her baby immigrating to the United States. When they arrive they don’t speak the language and they make some mistakes. They discovered the library and the unimaginable.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero Illustrated by Zeke Pena After a hard day of work as a carpenter a father and daughter put on their helmets and ride his motorcycle around the city. They head to see the house that her father is helping build. Along the way they see familiar businesses, friends and family members. The book is based on the author’s childhood memories of growing up in Corona, California.
Dear Primo A Letter to My Cousin Two cousins write each other. Earning how their lives are similar despite living in different countries By Duncan Tonatiuh The title summarizes the book. One cousin, Charlie, lives in America. The other cousin, Carlitos, lives in Mexico. The pictures are awesome and the story shows how life in the two counties is different yet similar.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Featuring Resilient Characters
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires This book is about a regular girl that wants to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing. The problem is she is not exactly sure what that thing should be. She tinkers, hammers, measures and even gets MAD but she never gives up.
After the Fall How Humpty Dumpty GOt Back Up Again by Dan Santat Everyone has heard the story of Humpty Dumpty’s great fall but no one talks about what happened after the accident. Sometimes it’s hard to get beyond the fall. I found this book uplifting. It shows how an accident can change you physically and/or emotionally but you can still learn to fly. I think students will enjoy seeing life after the fall.
Raise YOur Hand by Alice Paul Tapper and Illustrations by Marta Kissi. What’s a girl to do when she realizes that only boys are raising their hands to answer questions in class? If she is named after Alice Paul, a women that fought for women’s rights, she might come up with a plan for Girl Scouts to earn a patch for participating in class. This is a way for girls to understand that it may be scary to get a problem wrong but it’s worth a try.
Separate is Never Equal Sylvia Mendez & Her Family Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh This is the story of Mendez v. Westminster, the 1947 ruling that desegregated California schools. This decision paved the way for the Brown v. Board of Education ruling which came seven years later.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
We Have a Problem!
What Do YOu Do With A Problem by Kobi Yamada and Illustrated by Mae Besom What do you do when you have a problem? The main character in this book tries everything to make his problem go away. But no matter what he tries, the problem will not go anywhere. So he decides to face that problem head on. Once he starts to tackle the problem he can see that problem holds opportunities for growth. This book encourages students to face their problems.
The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood and Illustrated by Hannah Marks Every story needs a problem but what happens when the main character of your story definitely does not have a problem? The narrator tries to convince the panda that he has to have a problem but finds out that the panda wants to tell his own story. Trying to wrangle a panda into a problem is a lot of work… until… a problem rears its head. What will the narrator do with a problem?
Between Us and Abuela A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins Illustrated by Sara Palacios The family heads to the border to visit their abuela to celebrate Las Posadas. The children want to give their abuela gifts but the guard won't let them put anything through the holes in the fence. How will they solve this problem?
Giraffe Problems by Jory John Illustrated by Lane Smith Giraffe does not like his neck. He has a list of reasons for not likely it. It’s too long, narrow, patterned, etc. It’s just too… necky. He thinks of a lot of ways to camouflage his neck until a friend comes along and helps him see that a long neck can be an asset.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Fantasy Books!
The Bear Ate YOur Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach It all started with the bear. He woke up, smelt rip berries and followed that scent to the city. The bear had never been to the city so he had to figure out what was happening in this in new unusual forest. After a while he starts to get hungry. Then he spies a sandwich, but is that really what happened to the sandwich?
Tallulah The Tooth Fairy CEO by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli Pictures by Federico Fabiani Tallulah has been in the tooth fairy business for a long time. She is the CEO of Teeth Titans Inc. and founder of NAACP-T. Most nights are routine until she finds a note instead of a tooth under a pillow. The Employee’s Manual does not have a procedure for handling a truly lost tooth. What is Tallulah to do?
OH NO! (OR HOW MY SCIENCE PROJECT DESTROYED THE WORLD) By Mac Barnett Illustrated by Dan Santa In this graphic style picture book a girl builds a robot for the science fair. At first things were going well then the rampage stated. The robot is reeking havoc in the city until she comes up with an idea to stop the robot and save the day. Which works out great until...
Oona by Kelly DiPucchio and pictures by Raissa Figueroa This is one of my top 10 favorite picture books. Oona is the cutest little curious brave treasure hunting mermaid. Her and her best friend Otto are searching for a crown. Getting that crown is proving to be tricky. So Oona and Otto have to come up with a plan. With Otta’s help will she get that treasure?
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Featuring Native American Characters
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom Illustrated by Michaela Goade “TAKE COURAGE! I must keep the black snake away From my village’s water.” Water is required for life. We need clean water to live. When the black snake threatens the people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defeat the snake and save the world’s most sacred resource, water. This book is about how indigenous people lead movements to protect the water.
Grandpa’s Girls Nicola I. Campbell and Kim LaFave Three little girls go to visit their grandfather on his farm where he and his siblings. They play with their cousins and visit the yuxkn that are used for storage now but use to house family. Their grandfather is their gardener, chef, rancher and so much more.
Fry Bread A Native AMerican Family story by Kevin Noble Maillard Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal Have you ever eaten fry bread? Fry Bread is a food. This book tells about the shape, sound, color and flavor of fry bread and one family that enjoys making it together. The vibrant illustrations depict a modern Native American family. In addition to learning about fry bread, the book list 573 federally recognized Native American tribes.
Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child, Translation by Gordon Jourdain, Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder Windy Girl and her dog Itchy Boy go to a powwow with Windy Girls Uncle. While at the powwow she enjoys watching the dancers and listening to the singers. Later when she falls asleep she imagines the dances are dogs.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books About Friendship :)
The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by Tricia Tusa Salma and Lily were best friends that enjoy doing fun things together at school. One day they have a falling out over their very different lunches. The girls decide to try each other’s sandwiches. Will trading sandwiches save their friendship?
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld Stick and Stone were both very alone; a zero and a one. Enter Pinecone who makes fun of Stone. Stick steps in and gets rid of mean old Pinecone. That is when the fun begins. Stick and Stone are no longer alone. They are best friends spending time together until a hurricane came and the friends got separated. Will stick and stone go back to being a zero and a one, or will they get back together.
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Newbery Medalist Meg Medina Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s mejor amiga. The girls are best friends that live across the street from each other in a mirror-image apartment. However, that is about to change because Evelyn Del Rey is moving away. Before the moving truck pulls away with all of Evelyn’s things the girls spend some time together doing all of the things they usually did before Evelyn Del Rey moved away.
The Adventures of Beekle The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat Beekle was born on an island far away where imaginary friends wait to be imagined by children. After waiting he did the unimaginable and went searching for his friend. After a lot of searching he heard a noise. Could that be the friend he has been waiting to find.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Great for Back to School Read Alouds :)
I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison; Illustrated by Frank Morrison It's time for school! I Got the School Spirit explores the excitement of the first day of school. In the book, the main character is excited about getting ready for school. She starts her morning off with new shoes that stomp and breakfast that sizzles. Next, she heads to the bus stop where she meets new friends. In school, she enjoys lunch and recess and all of the things that make the first day of school awesome. The illustrations are amazing and exactly what you would expect from Frank Morrison. I Got the School Spirit is full of onomatopoeia, words that phonetically resemble the sounds they describe, such as stomp, sizzle, and vroom. Onomatopoeia words can be collected and put in a word bank which students can use to give their writing a little "pop."
I Can Help by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Mikela Prevost Zahra likes helping her classmate Kyle. After all, Kyle is kind, funny and he always smiles. When her teacher, Ms. Underwood, asks, “Who will be Kyle’s helper today?” Zahra raises her hand and says, “I can help.” Ms. Underwood gives Zahra not one but two thumbs up. One day Zahra hears a couple of her classmates talking about Kyle, and she makes a decision that changes who she is on the inside. Students can find it challenging to stay true to themselves when faced with peer pressure. I Can Help is a good book for discussing how peer pressure can affect how students treat their classmates and how the mistreatment of others can change the way you feel about yourself.
Little Bat in Night School by Brian Lies Little Bat is super excited to go to school. He has all of his school supplies, and waiting for sunset is difficult for him. When he arrives at school, he gets a little nervous because he does not know anyone. However, once night school begins, Little Bat finds that he has so much to learn and many new friends to meet. When the night ends, and it is time to go home, all students are sad to go, but there is always tomorrow. Little Bat in Night School teaches so many important lessons. It’s a great book to share with young students because it shows that school can be a wonderful place to learn and grow and it is okay to be a little nervous. The book includes many activities that happen in primary classrooms such as circle time, counting, lunch, recess, and storytime.
Keeping The City Going by Brian Floca Keeping The City Going is a story about all of the people that contributed to keeping New York City running during the early days of the COVID -19 pandemic. This book celebrates the delivery people, bus and train drivers, people who worked at grocery stores, drove taxis, and made many deliveries during the pandemic. While the book's setting is in New York City, the workers who keep things moving throughout the country are in every city; large or small. Keeping The City Going provides an opening for discussing Labor Day, a holiday (first Monday in September) honoring workers and recognizing their contributions to society. Students can explore different jobs in their communities.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Great for Native American History Month!
Sharice’s Big Voice, A Native Kid Becomes A Congresswoman by US Congresswoman Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays and Illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley “Be open to challenges. Work hard and you’ll learn a lot. Listen to people. (But not the doubters!) Use your big voice to fight for your beliefs. And always remember: YOU DESERVE TO BE SEEN - AND HEARD.” Sharice’s Big Voice, A Native Kid Becomes A Congresswoman by US Congresswoman Sharice Davids is a great book for learning about Congresswoman Davids, the Ho-Chunk Nation, loving yourself, and the power of listening to others.
At The Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell and Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre At The Mountain’s Base is a fictional poem about a Cherokee family waiting for their loved one to return from war. In this book the Native women in the family weave, cook and take care of each other while they wait for their loved one, who happens to be a woman, to return from war.
Sitting Bull Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People by S.D. Nelson This non-fiction text about Sitting Bull, one of the greatest Lakota/Sioux Warriors ever, is one of my favorite texts. Sitting Bull Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People covers Sitting Bull’s life from his birth to when he was assassinated on the Indian reservation at the Standing Rock Agency on December 15, 1890. “He should have been buried in the old way - on a scaffold, safe from hungry wolves, in that high place reaching up to the stars of night. “Flying Cloud. The book features many beautiful illustrations, historical pictures, and quotes.
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence and Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard A little girl asks her grandfather how to say grandfather in Cree, their native language. Sadly her grandfather has to tell her he does not know because his words were stolen from him. When he was a child, he was taken from his family and forced to live in a residential school. After seeing how sad her grandfather is, the girl searches for a way to return the language to her family.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books featuring Filipino Characters
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore and Illustrated by Kristi Valiant Cora is the baby of her family. She never gets "grown-up jobs like shredding the chicken or mixing noodles" when her siblings help mom make meals. One day her siblings are out and mom lets Cora wear her red apron and decide which Filipino food to cook. Cora chose pancit. That night the family had a chance to taste Cora's big meal. Was it a success?
Is It a Mermaid? By Candy Gourlay and Francesca Chessa "One morning Benji and Bel spotted something on the beach." The children did not know what it was, then the "it" replied, "I am a beautiful mermaid!" The children are not convinced, so the mermaid does a few mermaidy things like showing its tail and singing. Even though the children are not convinced they are talking to a mermaid they all have fun playing in the water.
Abadeha, The Philippine Cinderella, retold by Myrna J. de la Paz Illustrated by Youshan Tang Will the handsome son of the island chieftain marry Abadeha? Almost every culture has a Cinderella story. Abadeha, The Philippine Cinderella has many of the elements expected in a Cinderella story, including a mean stepmother and stepsisters. The story also has magic that appears in the form of the Spirit of the Forest.
Pan de Sal Saves the Day A Filipino Children's Story Bilingual English and Tagalog Edition by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco Illustrated by Mark Salvatus Pan de Sal felt like the odd girl out in school because she did not look like her friends Doughnut, Croissant, Honey Bread, or Breadstick. She did not have a beautiful home or expensive toys like them, but she had a great family that liked to sing and play games. One day her class goes on a field trip to a nature park. Pan de Sal knows a lot about nature and is excited to share her knowledge. Things are going great until lunchtime when Pan de Sa does not want to eat her lunch because it is different from her friends'. Unfortunately, on the way back to school, the bus breaks down. Is this a chance for Pan de Sal to show her classmates that she is unique?
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Be Kind for World Kindness Day
Brave Molly by Brooke Boynton-Hughes In the wordless picture book Brave Molly, Molly has anxiety that tries to stop her from meeting new friends. When Molly gets up the nerve to leave her room and go outside, her anxiety follows her. Then it starts to double and triple. It’s so bad that Molly tries to outrun her fear. When her fear surrounds her, Molly decides to be brave and confound her feelings.
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio “But some people don’t see that I’m a wonder. All they see is how different I look.” It can be challenging for some people to see who another person is on the inside. When meeting a person who does not look like them, they may call the person names or stare. This treatment can lead to hurt feelings. Often people can’t change the way they look, and they should not have changed their looks to be treated with kindness and respect. We’re All Wonders works to change the way people see. If people change the way they see others, they will have an opportunity to see how beautiful differences can be.
The Bad Seed by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald Once there was a happy Seed. The Seed lived with his big family, and they had fun until the flower they lived on drooped, and all of the seeds fell on the ground. After surviving the being collected and packaged as food, the Seed started being BAD. I mean, BAD. He even heard people calling him bad; he has excellent hearing for a seed. After reflecting, The Bad Seed realizes he has no friends and has to make a big decision. Would he rather be kind or bad? He decides to be a better seed, and the other seeds notice. One even said, “he’s not all bad anymore,” and he heard it because he has good hearing for a seed.
Nobody Hugs A Cactus by Carter Goodrich Hank, the cactus, lives all by himself in a pot in a window. He likes being alone. Hank likes the quiet, and he does not need any friends. Every so often, someone stops by and tries to befriend Hank, but he does not like intruders. After all, cacti can be a little prickly. Then one day Hank needs a helping hand, but no one is there to help. Needing help makes Hank see the importance of being kind to others and having friends. Will this event make Hank changes his attitude?
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Amazing Picture Books
Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin It’s Show-and-Tell tomorrow at school, and the teacher wants students to bring -Something old -Something treasured One girl decides to bring her beloved stuffed fox. After Show-and-Tell, the girl goes out to play, and she puts her stuffed fox down so she can swing. Then the trouble begins!! A real fox grabbed her treasured stuffed animal and ran away. Where is the fox taking her stuffed fox, and will she get it back?
The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer and Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio Going to the fair is a lot of fun. People love the rides, food, and prizes, but what happens after the people go home? What would forest animals do if they could enjoy the fair after the people go home? Would they ride the rides, eat the food or maybe win a prize? Check out this story to find out what happens at The Midnight Fair.
One Little Bag An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole One Little Bag is the story of one brown paper bag made from a tree. We follow the bag from conception to when a young boy gets his lunch in the brown paper bag. That bag stays with the boy throughout his childhood, college, and starting a family. This story stresses the importance of recycling but also shows the life of the boy.
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka A dog and his ball; Daisy is a dog that loves his ball. One day while out playing something happens to Daisy’s favorite toy. What is a dog to do without his ball?
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Perfect for Biographies
Queen of Tejano Music, Selena by Silvia Lopez and Illustrated by Paola Escobar Queen of Tejano Music, Selena is about the life and career of Selena Quintanilla. Selena was born and raised in Texas. When she was young, she did not speak Spanish, but she learned to sing in Spanish. Selena became a successful Tejano singer, and later she crossed over into mainstream American music. The book starts in 1977 in Lake Jackson, Texas, and shares facts about Selena’s family and career.
Dr. Fauci How A Boy From Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Alexandra Bye Dr. Anthony Fauci had a wide-open mind and was always searching for answers. When he struggled to find answers as a child his father would say, “ Don’t get discouraged. Don’t run away because you don’t understand the problem. Think about it carefully and try to work it out.” This advice helped Dr. Fauci when the world faced a really big challenge, a new disease called COVID-19. Dr.Fauci How A Boy From Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor shows how a boy from Brooklyn rolled up his sleeves and showed America the importance of taking a shot made to protect us from COVID-19 during a global pandemic.
Nina A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd and Pictures by Christian Robinson “Nina Simone sang the whole story of Black America for everyone to hear. Her voice resounded with the love, joy, and power of it all. And when she sang of Black children-you lovely, precious dreams - her voice sounded like hope.” Nina Simone was born in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, one of nine children. When she was young, she learned to play the piano. Later in life, she became an active part of the Civil Rights movement and used her music to fight for freedom. Her song, Young, Gifted, and Black, became a civil rights anthem. Nina A Story of Nina Simone is a great book to learn more about this civil rights icon.
Digging for Words Jose Alberto Gutierrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel and Illustrated by Paola Escobar There are two Joses in the city of Bogota, in the barrio of La Nueva Gloria. One of the Joses is a child that loves to read. The other Jose, Jose Alberto Gutierrez, drives his garbage truck to collect trash from the wealthier neighborhoods in the city. While doing his job, he also looks for books. On Saturdays, the Joses come together in a paradise of books. According to the author’s notes, There were only 19 libraries in La Nueva Gloria in 2000. Those 19 libraries served ten million people. To get more books in the hands of the Bogota people, Jose Alberto Gutierrez,” Lord of the Books, took matters into his own hands and started building a library.
Fabulous Four Book Review:
Books Perfect for Nonfiction Science
Moon Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Stevie Lewis Moon is Earth’s best friend, and they have been together for about 4.5 billion years ever since “crash trash came together to make” the Moon. Reading this book is a great way to learn facts about the Moon, such as the Moon takes 27.3 days to spin once, the phases of the Moon, and the Moon is always in the sky even when you can’t see it because of the sun.
Moth & Butterfly Ta-Da by Dev Petty and illustrated by Ana Aranda What’s the difference between moths and butterflies? Both moths and butterflies start as caterpillars and they look alike, but when they emerge from their cocoons, they are different. In Moth & Butterfly Ta-Da Moth and Butterfly are friends before they go into their cocoon. When they emerge they look different. Moth has beige wings, and the butterfly’s wings are bright. They also fly differently. One is graceful, and the other darts. In the end, can they still be friends after the metamorphosis?
Give Bees A Chance Words and Pictures by Bethany Barton Did you know that there are “about 25,000 different types of bees to love?” This is just one of the many facts in Give Bees A Chance. A few other facts: There are three types of honey bees. Bees are beneficial because they pollinate crops and have a significant impact on the food chain. And one really important fact...Bees are disappearing in large numbers. Read Give Bees A Chance to learn more about bees and how we can give them a chance.
Fossil by Fossil Comparing Dinosaur Bones by Sara Levine Illustrated by T.S Spookytooth How much do you have in common with dinosaurs? It’s probably more than you’d expect. For example, people and dinosaurs both have skeletons. Both have skulls and vertebrae. What kind of dinosaur would you be if you had a row of chunky triangle-shaped bones along your back or flat, diamond-shaped bones above your vertebrae, starting at your neck? If you want to learn about Tyrannosaurus Rex, Ichthyosaur, Pterosaur, and other dinosaurs reading Fossil by Fossil Comparing Dinosaur Bones is a great start.