Chapter book 12

Title: When you reach me
Illustrator: Rebecca Stead
Genre: Chapter book
Sub Genre: Realistic/ biographical fiction
Theme: Friendships are important
Primary and Secondary Characters: Miranda and Sal
Award(s) date of publication: 2010 Newbery Honor Award
Brief Summary: Miranda and Sal are best friends. They both live in New York. They grew up together. The area they live in is a little shady, so they are always sticking with one another. If someone that looks strange or out of place, they avoid that area, but still they go with each other. One day Sal stops spending time with Miranda and even avoids her. Miranda isn't sure why Sal is doing this and she finds comfort in a book she is reading called a wrinkle in time. She finds a new friend in the main character of the book.
Used in the Classroom: This was a sad book. It is well-written, but heavy for students. If any students were to read this, I would say secondary. It's a good book, and I think that a discussion would be great for a book like this. I think if all of the students were to spend so much time reading it each day, the following day could be devoted to discussion.

Chapter book 11

Title: One Crazy Summer
Illustrator: Rita Williams-Garcia
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sub Genre: Biographical and Realistic Fiction
Theme: Life and self-discovery are journeys
Primary and Secondary Characters: Delphine and her two sisters
Award(s) date of publication: 2011 Newbery, Coretta Scott Award
Brief Summary:This book is about Delphine and her two sisters and their summer. The story is mostly about Delphine and her journey. The story takes place in a few different areas, but in some places they count to see how many people are like them. They look out windows and really just observe their surroundings. They notice that there aren't too many people that look like them. Throughout the book, Delphine decides to learn and grow. She wants to understand more about herself, her mom, and the world they live in.
Used in the Classroom: This is a good book that I think older students would really enjoy reading. I don't know if all students would enjoy this book. It is not the lightest of books, but I think that it is something that should be introduced because similar situations did happen.

Chapter book 10

Title: Heart of a Samurai
Illustrator: Margi Preus
Genre: Chapter book
Sub Genre: Historical/ Realistic Fiction
Theme: Dreams can come true
Primary and Secondary Characters: Manjiro
Award(s) date of publication: 2011 Newbery
Brief Summary: Manjiro is a 14 year old boy from Japan. One day when his ship wrecks, he and the others are forced to live in New England. This story takes place in 1841. Everyone is going to California to look for gold. Manjiro decides to go there, too. He ends up in San Francisco trying to make a fortune. Things don't go as he planned and he ends up going back to Japan. There, he is sent to prison. They don't consider him as one of them. Although this is very bad situation for Manjiro, he is only able to see the positive. He has always wanted to be a Samurai. That was his dream. Because of his gained knowledge of the west, his dream just might come true.
Used in the Classroom: This would be a great book for older students to read. This is something that could be presented and introduced in the class, but I think that students should read this on their own time. I think that it should be available within the classroom library maybe. Students could frist write how they think things will turn out for Manjiro. They could learn more about that specific culture and other related topics.

Chapter book 9

Title: Breaking Stalin's Nose
Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin
Genre: Chapter book
Sub Genre: Historical/ Realistic Fiction
Theme: Perceptions of heroes and leaders differ
Primary and Secondary Characters: Sasha Zaichi
Award(s) date of publication: 2012 Newbery Award Winner
Brief Summary: This is a historical and realistic fiction. Sasha is a fictional character. He is a young boy living in Russia. His father works, so they live a decent life due to benefits that his dad receives. This story covers one day and one night with a lot taking place. During the story, Sasha expresses how he feels about Stalin. He really looks up to him. Stalin is a leader and most people view him as an enemy, but in this story, Sasha views him as a hero.
Used in the Classroom: The things that take place in the book are mostly true. This would be a great book to introduce to older students. They would be able to learn about that point and time in history. They could do other projects following the book. They could read books that have a very different opinion about Stalin and then compare the two. This was a very interesting book and I really like the fact that it stayed so true to the events of that era.

Picture book 24

Title: Barnyard Banter
Illustrator:Denise Fleming
Genre:Picture Book
Sub Genre: animal/realistic fiction
Theme: learning about animals can be fun
Primary and Secondary Characters: none
Award(s) date of publication: 1994
Brief Summary: This book is about animals also. There is an objective though. The goal is to find the goose. Throughout the story, the author asks where is the goose? Not all of the words rhyme. The sounds that animals make are introduced and presented throughout the book.
Used in the Classroom: This is a good book to introduce science or something related to the book. Students could read this book and then write their own story similar to it. They could write about butterflies or puppies or anything. The pictures are great. Students could be encouraged or inspired to create their own pieces of art to help tell a story.

Picture book 23

Title: In the tall, tall grass
Illustrator: Denise Fleming
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: poetry
Theme: There is a lot to learn about nature and it can be very interesting.
Primary and Secondary Characters: none
Award(s) date of publication: 1991
Brief Summary: This is a book telling about nature from the perspective of a young child. The book include caterpillars and humming birds. It tells a little information about each thing mentioned in the book. Everything rhymes and the pictures are beautiful.
Used in the Classroom: This book would be great for lower levels. The pictures will really capture the students' attention. The words rhyme, so the book is a lot of fun to read. The words are huge and everything is kind of exaggerated. This would be great to introduce a larger concept related to science in some way. This would be a great book to read and then to ask students to create some form of representation or presentation to explain what they have learned.

Picture book 22

Title: Bootsie Barker Bites
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: People can be challenging. There are ways to deal with it though.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Charlene and Bootsie
Award(s) date of publication: 1992
Brief Summary: Charlene has to play with Bootsie, her mother's friend's daughter. Bootsie has a bad temper and is very hard to deal with. Charlene tries to be nice to her and play with her, but it's just so difficult. Bootsie continues to pretend that she is a dinosaur. One day, Charlene finds out that Bootsie is coming over to spend the night. Charlene is terrified and decides to talk to her mom. Her mom tells her to think it through. Charlene handles the situation very well. It's a great ending.
Used in the Classroom: This is a very short book. Students will really enjoy reading this. This would best be introduced and read alone. This would be a great Book Talk book. There are a lot of opinions and thoughts that this book generates. I think that students will be able to relate to this and there should be a lot of discussion from it. It's such a great book to read. It's so cute and I loved it! I think students will enjoy it too if nothing else.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Bootsie Barker
Award(s) date of publication:1992
Brief Summary:
Used in the Classroom:

Picture book 21

Title: Momma, Where are you from?
Illustrator: Chris K. Soentpiet
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic/ historical/ biographical fiction
Theme: we all have a past. the past is full of good memories that makes us who we are.
Primary and Secondary Characters: The young girl and momma
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Brief Summary:One day, a young girl asks her mom where she is from. The young girl is full of questions. Her mother replies with artifacts and moments in her past. She tells her daughter all about herself with past events. She tells her what she use to do, what she use to cook, but all of what she tells her is introduced by the sentence, "I'm from." For example, she says, "I'm from beans - green, lima, and pea - picked, strung, snapped, and shelled into pans, then put on the stove to simmer for an hour."
Used in the Classroom: I think this would be a good book to read to students. It may be different from what they are use to. I really enjoyed the response the mother gave. It showed creativity of expression. This might inspire students to do the same. This could introduce another topic or a creative project could follow this book.

Picture book 20

Title: Mammalabilia
Illustrator:Douglas Florian
Genre:Picture book
Sub Genre: Poetry
Theme: Animals have fun facts!
Primary and Secondary Characters:None
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Brief Summary: Each animal has it's own poem. They are very short. For example, there is one about a coyote, and it says, " I prowl. I growl. My howl is throaty. I love a vowel, for I am a coyooooote. There is no order in which these animals or poems are presented, but there are a variety of them. Some of them take the shape of the subject being read. For example, when talking about a camel, the poem is in the shape of the camel's back.
Used in the Classroom: This is a great way to share with students. They can learn about the different animals. It also shows the ways in which poems can be written. I think that it would show students that poems don't always have to be long and serious. They can be fun and full of facts. They don't always have to be factual, but they can be. I think that this book is very interesting and that students would enjoy reading this. Younger students could benefit from this and this book is something that could be read to them during the class time. If there was a similar subject or topic related to animals, reading this book would be a great way of introducing that topic.

Picture Book 19

Title: Word Play ABC
Illustrator: Heather Cahoon
Genre:Picture book
Sub Genre: poetry
Theme: every letter stands for something
Primary and Secondary Characters: none
Award(s) date of publication:1999
Brief Summary: This is a very short book. Each letter that is presented has a different object attached to it. For example, the book starts out with a and end with z. For the letter d, dragonfly is used. It continues on like this. There is one word for each picture/ page.
Used in the Classroom: I think that this is a good book for introducing and increasing the students' vocabulary. I think that it is also a great way of teaching the alphabet. I think that after this book is read in the class, students can be encouraged to find things that go with certain letters and they can create their own book. I think it is very fun and great for younger students just learning the alphabet, vocabulary, or how to read books.

Picture Book 18

Title: The Reverend Thomas's False Teeth
Illustrator: Dena Schutzer
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: When people work together, nothing is impossible
Primary and Secondary Characters: Gracie, Reverend Thomas
Award(s) date of publication: 1995
Brief Summary: One day, Gracie learns that Reverend Thomas is going to come over to eat fried chicken with her and her family. Everyone is extremely excited and anxious to see Reverend Thomas. Once he arrives, however, everyone starts to notice that something is different about the Reverend... he has lost is teeth! Where have they gone? How did you lose them? Everyone starts to asks questions. He tells them that he lost them when getting off of the boat. They all work together to look for his teeth in the water. They try everything they can think of. Will, Gracie's brother, picks up and gathers every object that is in the water except for the Reverend's teeth. Gracie decides to sink a string down in the water to see if she can catch Reverend Thomas's teeth. Someone she is able to. Gracie saves the day, and the Reverend is able to eat the delicious fried chicken after all.
Used in the Classroom: This would just be a fun book to show everyone. There's some mystery to it. I think that students would really start to wonder what happened... how he lost his teeth and how Gracie was able to get them back just using a piece of string. This would be so great to read to the class. I think they will enjoy it and learn a little something about teamwork! Excellent book!

Picture Book 17

Title: A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme:Memories are made with family and friends. Small things can turn into very important and special moments in a young child's life
Primary and Secondary Characters: James and Eamon
Award(s) date of publication: 2008
Brief Summary: This book is about two young boys who are best friends. They are preparing to go on a trip to the beach. On the way there and during their stay once there, they do so many fun things together. They have knew experiences and learn a lot about the ocean. This was such a cute book. My favorite part was when they were looking at the clams on the dock. The two little best friends do everything together for one week, and it turns out to be the best week of they have had yet.
Used in the Classroom: I think students will be able to relate to this. It's a feel-good book, and I think both boys and girls would really enjoy reading it. I think that it would inspire students to go on their own adventures. This would be a great book to read to the class during a break or something. There are not very many pages, and I think it would keep all of the students' attention. I loved it...they will too.

Ch book 8

Title:Turtle in Paradise
Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre:Ch book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction/ Historical fiction
Theme: Good things can come from bad situations.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Turtle
Award(s) date of publication: Newbery Award
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Book
Brief Summary:During the depression, Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt in Florida. There, Turtle has to face different challenges. For example, one of the boys that lives there sets her cat's tail on fire. Though Turtle is faced with a variety of challenges, she is able to find the good in all of it. I thought this book was interesting because the events are so realistic.
Used in the Classroom: Because this is a longer chapter book, I would encourage upper grade levels (5-6) to read it. I think that this would give them a good idea of what the depression was like. That was the most important fact about this book to me. I think that this book could be used to introduce the depression and get the students familiar with different things that went on at that time. I think this book would be both interesting and educational because of the historical/realistic components.

Ch book 7

Title: Holes
Illustrator: Louis Sachar
Genre: Ch book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction/Fantasy
Themes: Friendships are important.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Stanley and Zero
Award(s); date of publication: Newberry, 1999
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary: When a young boy is wrongfully accused of stealing, he is sent to a camp in a desert- like area. He, along with the other boys, are forced to dig holes. While at camp, he and his new friend, zero find a way to escape. In the end, their lives change forever.
Used in the classroom:This would be a great story to read to the class. I think they would have a lot of fun with it. It has both elements of fiction and fantasy, but it's realistic fiction in some areas, so I think for that reason, a large number of students would like this. We could all read the book together, or I could read it aloud to all of the students.

Chapter book 6

Title: A Penny from Heaven
Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre:Chapter book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Memories even if in the form of material objects are still important.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Penny
Award(s) date of publication:
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary:Barbara, who goes by the name Penny, lives in New Jersey with her mom and grandparents. Her father died when she was younger and now she is trying to solve all of the unanswered questions. Because of this, she thinks about life and death a lot. She plans on living for a very long time, but she can't help to wonder. In my opinion, this isn't such a bad thing because if she weren't occupied with this, she would be getting into trouble with her cousin, Frankie.
Used in the classroom:I think this would be a good book for students who are going through the same thing. Students who aren't will still enjoy the book. There is a mystery element to it, even though it is not intended to be a mystery. Just the fact that there are unknowns makes this book interesting. It's heart-warming too. It's a longer chapter book, so I think this would be best for older students, maybe 5-6 grade.

Chapter book 5

Title: Oliver's Ocean
Illustrator: (Author)Kevin Henkes
Genre:Chapter book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Misfortunes make us rich in character.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Martha Boyle
Award(s) date of publication:
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary:This book starts off with Martha Boyle going to her Grandma's house, which is near the ocean. Throughout the entire trip she can't stop thinking about Olive. Olive was a girl that Martha didn't really know, but she would see her sometimes. One day, Olive is in a fatal car accident. Though Martha didn't talk to her, she wishes she did. She regrets not being able to have gotten to know her. This changes Martha and she begins to fear losing people that she is actually close with, like her Grandmother. Martha is faced with trials and challenges while she is at her Grandmothers, but she doesn't forget her main goal. She strives to be the best that she can be and make the most of her time with her family. In addition, through the different events that take place, she becomes more and more aware of the important things in life and feels like she has a greater sense of purpose because of the things she has been through.
Used in the Classroom: This would be a great book for students. I think that they could live vicariously through the character, which may instill a greater appreciation for life. I think students would enjoy reading this. I think that it would be really great for them to help them better understand and appreciate challenges and maybe view them in a more positive way.

Picture book 16

Title: Alison's Zinnia
Illustrator:Anita Lobel
Genre:Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme:Flowers are beautiful and planting and taking care of them can be fun for everyone of all ages.
Primary and Secondary Characters:None
Award(s) date of publication: 1990
Brief Summary: This book uses every letter of the alphabet. For each one there is a flower that is mentioned. So for D, daffodils are used. There is not story really. For each letter, there is a new name and a new flower. So for D, it said Daisy planted daffodils. It continues on like this.
Used in the Classroom:I think that this would better suit younger children. It is a very simple book with a lot of pictures. The print is fairly large and there aren't many words for each page. The illustrations are really great. I think that students who, again, fell under the naturalistic learning style, they would appreciate this. I also think it is a great way to teach students about flowers and what they are called. This could help them build vocabulary and become familiar with the different flowers in nature.

Picture book 15

Title: Behold the Trees
Illustrator: Leonid Gore
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Non Fiction
Theme: Life and nature are beautiful. Trees give and support life.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Publishing Company: Scholastic Press
Brief Summary: This is all about trees. The book mentions a variety of trees and emphasizes the fact that trees support life. In the book, it says that trees give life. It is more informative than anything else.
Used in the Classroom: I think that this would really appeal to the students with naturalistic learners. I think that it would be good to include this book in the classroom. I like how the book expresses appreciation for nature. I think that this will be great in the classroom. I chose this book because of where I am wanting to teach. I think that if a teacher wants to instill or inspire students to have an appreciation for life and nature, they will be more likely to look at it in a new and respectful way. The illustrations of the book were a little dull for my taste. I am sure that this would appeal to some students, maybe. In addition, when addressing a certain subject like a particle topic in science, this might be a good introductory book.

Picture book 14

Title: David Goes to School
Illustrator:David Shannon
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme: Some students get in trouble more often than others. Every student is capable or doing good and deserving of praise.
Primary and Secondary Characters:David and the teacher might be considered a secondary character; however, the teacher does not have a name.
Award(s) date of publication:1999
Publishing Company: Blue Sky/Scholastic
Brief Summary:David is always getting in trouble. The teacher has to constantly remind him that his actions are less than acceptable. One day, David crosses the line and is asked to stay after school to clean the desks as his punishment. David works really hard to clean all of the desks and is then given a star for his accomplishment. As David leaves to go home, he has a huge smile on his face.
Used in the Classroom:I think most students are good at heart, they just need guidance. In David's case, he needs to put all of his energy to good use. I think any weakness can be made into a strength with enough effort and patience. I think that this would be a good book for students to read. If they get in trouble a lot, they will be able to relate to David and not feel as bad, possibly. In addition, I think that teachers should read this book as a reminder that students' behaviors need redirecting. All students are capable of doing extremely well, but it's important to know how to help them acquire those skills. For example, if a student is really talkative, instead of repeating no, no, no, it might be more helpful for the student to make him or her the news reporter. In addition, I think it would just be a fun book to read to the class. I love the illustrations too.

Picture Book 13

Title: Where on Earth Is My Bagel?
Illustrator: Grace Lin
Genre:Picture Book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme:If you want something, most of the time, it can be achieved, you just have to try. Persistence is important if you want something. When people come together, anything is possible, mostly.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Yum Yung
Award(s) date of publication: 2001
Publishing Company:Lee and Low Books
Brief Summary: Yum Yung, one day while sitting by a tree, thinks of a bagel he had in New York. He can't seem to get the idea out of his head. He decides to look all over the land for his bagel. He asks a farmer, a baker, and a beehive worker. They all are not sure what a bagel is, but they ask if what they have is a bagel. Yum Yung continuously replies, "no." One day, out of desperation, Yum Yung ties a letter to the foot of a bird asking a baker in New York if he knows where his bagel is. When Yum Yung least expects it, a miracle happens.
Used in the classroom: This is a fun book that will captivate students. I think they will all relate to wanting something and doing everything they could to make sure it happened. If not, it's just a cute, fun book to read. I love the ending, so I didn't want to give it away. It's so sweet. The illustrations are really great too. I think this book will really get students thinking as they ask themselves, "Where on earth is Yum Yung's Bagel?

Picture book 12

Title:Love to Mama
Illustrator:Paula S. Barragan M.
Genre:Picture
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme:Moms and Grandmothers are admirable and important figures in a girl's life.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication: 2001
Publishing Company:Lee and Low Books
Brief Summary:There are a variety of poems included in this book. They are all stories about mothers and grandmothers. It focuses on all of the positive and heroic-like qualities that these role models possess. I think it is a sweet book. My favorite poem is titled "Race." It is a young girl describing the strength and courage of her mother who rode horses back when women didn't have many rights. Another sweet poem I enjoyed was one titled "Palomita." This is a young girl describing her mother. She describes her sky blue skirt with birds, flowers, clouds, rain, and an image of the sun all beautifully embroidered on it. Her mother calls her daughter, Palomita, which means her little dove. These stories are kind of culture specific and some have Spanish included in them. This is such a great book and the stories are so sweet!
Used in the classroom: This would be a great book to show the students on Mother's Day specifically. I think it will show the students how words can be used to express appreciation, admiration, and other thoughts/feelings as well. I think students will be able to relate to this if they have a mother-figure in their life. I think this type of book would really be great for 5th grade students. I think they would enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Picture Book 11

Title: April Bubbles Chocolate
Illustrator:Barry Root
Genre:Picture Book
Sub Genre: Poetry
Theme: Poetry doesn't always have to rhyme. Sometimes it can just be for fun.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication:1994
Publishing Company:Simon and Schuster
Brief Summary:This book is a compilation of poems written by students and some anonymous authors. It follows the alphabet. So for each letter of the alphabet, there is a poem. For example, the first poem is titled "April." The student that wrote about this describes what it is is like. She describes green grass and the fact that her rain boots will be needed do to the rain. It's a really cute book. Every poem is different. "Bubbles" is another cute poem. In this, the student describes the life of a bubble. He says, the bubble was lucky to have held a rainbow in it for 30 seconds. All of the poems are so cute and well-written. I really enjoyed reading this.
Used in the Classroom: I could see this book being very useful in upper level classes. I think 5th graders would really enjoy this book. There are a variety of poems in the book. I think every student will find one that he or she really enjoys. I think it's a great example of poetry and would greatly help students understand what poetry is and in what ways they can use it. Some of the poems are serious and some are funny or goofy. I think that students will find a freedom in writing after being inspired by this book. Writing poetry is about expression, and this book does a great job of expressing and displaying that. In addition, it would be a great book for teachers to read. They can get ideas of ways to incorporate the use of poetry not just for writing subjects but for other topic areas as well.

Picture book 10

Title:My Mom Travels A Lot
Illustrator:Nancy Winslow Parker
Genre: Picture Book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme: There are good times and bad times. To every negative, there is always a positive.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Susie
Award(s) date of publication:1981
Publishing Company: Puffin Books
Brief Summary:Susie's Mom is always traveling. Although Susie really misses her Mom, she finds the good things in the situation, but her favorite part of her Mom traveling is when she comes home, which she always does.
Used in the classroom: I think that this would be a great addition to any classroom library. I think that students could really relate to this. If there are some students whose Mom is in the army and deployed, this would be a great book for them possibly. I think the book is warm and students will find it both comforting and entertaining at the same time. I really enjoyed this book, but I have to say...it was a little sad, so I think if a student were to read this, it would be better when his/her mom is at home and not away on a trip.

Picture Book 9

Title: Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth
Illustrator: Diane De Groat
Genre:Picture Book
Sub genre: Animal Fantasy
Theme: Good things come in time.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Little Rabbit, Mother Rabbit, and Father Rabbit
Award(s) date of publication:1975
Publication Company:Random House Company
Brief Summary:Little Rabbit has a loose tooth. She tries to convince her mom that all she can eat are soft foods like ice cream. Her mother tells her that she can eat hard stuff on the left side and soft stuff on the right side. One day when she is eating chocolate ice cream, her tooth falls out. She tries to think of ways to hold on to her tooth. She is told about the tooth fairy, but she isn't convinced that the tooth fairy will come to get her tooth.
Used in the classroom: This is a warm story and very fun to read. I think that students will enjoy reading this book. Depending on what age group it is presented to, students will be able to relate to Little Rabbit. I really enjoyed the illustrations and the moral of the story. I think this would be great to have in the classroom as an option for students.

Picture Book 4

Title: Leftover Lily
Illustrator:
Genre: Fiction

Sub genre:
Theme: Friendship, Life Lessons
Primary and Secondary Characters: Lily, Daisy, and LaVon
Award(s) date of publication: 1999
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary:Lily, Daisy, and LaVon are all best friends. One day, Lily pushes Daisy, but it's an accident. Daisy is the bossy one out of the group, and she won't let LaVon talk to Lily. Lily becomes left out and decides to do something about it. She makes new friends and becomes the bossy one and learns that it's not so great.
Used in the Classroom: I think this would be a great book to just have in the classroom. I don't really think I would read it to the entire class because it really would just appeal to the girls. For teaching a lesson and finding a book that students will be able to relate to, this is a great option.

Picture Book 3

Title:What Jamie Saw
Illustrator:
Genre:Science Fiction

Sub genre: Fantasy
Theme: Coping mechanisms, strength, family
Primary and Secondary Characters: Jamie
Award(s) date of publication: Newberry Award Winner 1995
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: Jamie has a baby sister, a mom, and a stepfather. One night, Jamie wakes up and sees his step dad throw his baby sister. His mom catches her, and they immediately move away. Jamie and his mom find different ways to cope with what has happened. Jamie discovers a love for magic, while his mom finds comfort in a support group.
Used in the Classroom: At first, I thought this would be a great book for fifth graders, but then I didn't think I would feel comfortable introducing this book. It is important to be aware of things like what the book explains, so I would use this book when talking to other teachers. I may include the book in the classroom depending on the students. It may help some. It's kind of a sensitive topic, so I don't know, but it is really well written and may be more appropriate for older students.

Chapter Book 2

Title: Yolanda's Genius
Illustrator: None
Genre:Chapter Book

Sub genre:
Theme: Family, Strength, Gifted children/Prodigies
Primary and Secondary Characters:Yolanda, Andrew
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott, 1997
Publishing Company:Simon and Schuster
Brief Summary: This story takes place in Chicago where Yolanda lives. She has a little brother named Andrew who has some disabilities. He doesn't speak, but he can play music. Throughout the story, Yolanda faces several challenges. She is big for her age, and she gets reminded of that fact in the story. Both her and her brother struggle, but they also have gifts. Yolanda is extremely intelligent, and Andrew can play the harmonica although he doesn't talk much or read. One day, Yolanda looks up the word "genius" in the dictionary and decides that that is the perfect word for her younger brother. Something terrible happens, and Yolanda's goal is to inspire her younger brother to love music again.
How this book could be used in a classroom setting: This is not a "warm and fuzzy" book, but I think it would be good for students to read. I think they would be really interested in it just because of the challenges the two face and how they deal with it. The book has to be read in order to find out how Yolanda gets her brother to love music again...if she is able to at all. This book would also be great to show students that though they might struggle with imperfections, they have something they are good at. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it's about focusing on what we do have opposed to what we don't. I also think this book is great because it shows the importance of family. I love Yolanda's Genius, and I give it an 11!

Chapter Book 1

Title: Horn for Louis
Illustrator: James Bernadin

Genre: Chapter Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Goals, Dreams, Challenges, Perseverance
Primary and Secondary Characters: Louis, Alex, and King Oliver
Award(s) date of publication: 2005
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: This story is about a young boy who enjoys playing the trumpet. Louis and his family are poor. Louis has a tin horn that isn't great, but he is still very thankful for it. One day, he hopes to be as good as King Oliver. Louis continues to play his tin horn until it breaks. Although it didn't sound great, he was progressing and learning to play the instrument very well. He goes by a pawn shop and sees that a trumpet is on sale; however, it is too expensive for him. The owner decides to help him out after hearing him play, but it is still too expensive. Eventually, Louis is able to play for King Oliver. He shakes his hand and King Oliver tells him that he sounds good at playing the trumpet.
How this book would be used in a classroom setting: I think this should be used by all of the students to read independently. I think it would be a good idea to form a book club talk with the class or smaller groups so that everyone has the chance to participate. I also think students could write a book report on it. It's a fun book to read, and I think the students would enjoy reading it.

Picture Book 8

Title: Arrow to the Sun
Illustrator: Gerald McDermott

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Pueblo Boy and the Sun Lord
Award(s) date of publication:Caldecott Award Winner 1974
Publishing Company: Penguin Group
Brief Summary: The Sun Lord shoots an arrow to a lady on earth so that she will have a sun. Once the boy is older, he is not like any of the other boys because he doesn't know who is father is. Throughout the story, he is searching for his father. One day a very wise man tells him that his father is in the sun. The wise man turns the boy into an arrow and shoots him to the sun. The boy confronts the Sun Lord, but he does not believe that he is his son. The boy is told that he must complete so many trials to prove himself. Once the boy passes the Lightning challenge, the Sun Lord believes him and he is told to go back to earth and show the world his light. The boy comes back now with beautiful colors and everyone celebrates his return with the dance of life.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think students would like this book because of all of the bright colors. The story is simple but complex at the same time. There are not very many words, but the idea is very different from our own. I think this would give the students something to think about. Also, because the book is a Pueblo Indian tale, I think this would be great when covering certain architecture or cultures. I also think the book could be a great foundation for an art project focusing on the Peublo Indians.

Picture Book 7

Title: Desert Giant
Illustrator: Barbara Bash

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture and Life
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro People
Award(s) date of publication:1989
Publishing Company: Little, Brown Company
Brief Summary: This book is about the Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro people. It describes the life cycle of the cactus and how it is beneficial to all of the many animals and people that live around them. It mentions that the cactus has a flower-bearing fruit or saguaro blossoms. These are used by the people as food and as a sacrifice. At the end of the story, it shows that the cactus has decomposed and all that is left are the saguaro seeds. On the very last page, it shows what the saguaro cactus looks like at four months, two years, and twelve years.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: i would use this book when talking to the class about life cycles and culture. The pictures are great and there could even be a class project to go along with the book to help instill the big ideas and main points of the book.

Picture Book 6

Title: The Blacker the Berry
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Beauty and uniqueness
Primary and Secondary Characters: All of the children
Award(s) date of publication: Coretta Scott King Award 2008
Publishing Company: HarperCollins Children's Books
Brief Summary: This book shows how each child sees themselves, and what they think makes them beautiful. Analogies are made as each child is compared to something like berries, toast, or sunshine. It shows the way they perceive themselves and the way they perceive beauty. Though they are all different, they all are beautiful in their own way.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I love this book because it is something that everyone can relate to. It is put into words that I think younger children will understand very easily because of the analogies and comparisons made. This would be a good book to read any day for any occasion. The illustrations are really great too.

Picture Book 5

Title: Rumpelstiltskin
Illustrator:Paul O. Zelinksy
Genre:Picture Book

Sub genre:
Theme: Greediness, honor, honesty
Primary and Secondary Characters: Miller's daughter, the King, and Rumpelstiltskin
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott Award Winner 1997
Publishing Company: A Trumpet Club
Brief Summary: This book first starts out with the Miller lying to the King in attempt to impress him. He tells the King that his daughter is capable of spinning gold from straw. The king is impressed and goes to the Miller's daughter. She is in distress and Rumpelstiltskin makes a deal with her. She has to give something of hers to him and he will make the gold. The first two times, she gives him a necklace and a bracelet. Both the King and Rumpelstiltskin become more and more greedy. The third time, the King requests gold from straw and to marry the Miller's daughter. If she does not do this, she will not be able to live. She is worried because she has nothing left to give Rumpelstiltskin. He asks for her to give him her son when he arrives. She thinks that that is so far into the future and agrees. When the day comes and she has a son, she refuses to give him away. Rumpelstiltskin makes another agreement with her that if she can figure out his name, she can keep her son.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think this would be a great book to read to older students. I think they would enjoy the mystery behind it. It is pretty interesting, and I think they would be very involved with the reading process because of that.

Picture Book 4

Title: Mousetrap
Illustrator: Kathi Ember

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Caring
Primary and Secondary Characters: The boy and the mouse
Award(s) date of publication: 1194
Publishing Company: Scholastic
Brief Summary: A boy sees a mouse running through his living room. He is amused by the mouse as he intently watches it run across the room. He notices that the mouse is hungry and begins to fear for the mouse. The mouse is able to grab the cheese and escape from the trap. The boy is excited and very happy that the mouse is able to go free.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book for younger students. I think it would be good to introduce vocabulary and poetry just because it uses a lot of rhyme and onomatopoeia.

Picture Book 3

Title: A River of Words
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Talent, Love of Nature, Responsibility
Primary and Secondary Characters: Willie Williams
Award(s) date of publication: 2008
Publishing Company: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Brief Summary: A River of Words is based on the true story of William Carlos Williams. He is unlike the other boys in his neighborhood because he does not like to play sports. His one true passion in life is nature. He loves being outside and seeing new things. In the book, there are pictures of him walking outside and lying by a river. When he gets older, he has to spend more and more time indoors at school. Though he rather spend his time outside, he decides to write about nature instead. Every chance he gets, he decides to write poetry. When he gets older, he wants to be financially successful, so he becomes a Doctor. Though he doesn't love his job, he decides to write about what he does instead. Throughout his life, he uses writing as an escape and as a way to focus on all the beauty that the world has to offer.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book to encourage students to write. When I am teaching, I would like to have journals for all of the students so that they may be able to express themselves, or write about what makes them happy. It is a great outlet and a very important skill. I think this is definitely for older students. At the beginning and ending of the book are poems by William Carlos Williams. I think students would enjoy reading these. The pictures are great, and I think the students will learn to appreciate poetry because of this book.

Picture Book 2

Title: Log Hotel
Illustrator: Debbie Pinkney

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Interdependence, Life cycle, Ecosystem
Primary and Secondary Characters: The tree and all of the organisms
Award(s) date of publication: 1994
Publishing Company: Scholastic Inc.
Brief Summary: This book is about a tree- it's life cycle and decomposition process. It is called Log Hotel because it provides a home for many organisms and animals. In the book, there are several pictures showing which organisms and animals live in the log at different times.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This would be helpful when doing a lesson over ecosystems and different relationships within an ecosystem like the one mentioned in the book. I think this book would help students make connections between plants and animals as far as how they work together.

Picture Book 1

Title: The Remarkable Farkle McBride

Illustrator: C.F. Payne
Genre: Picture book
Sub genre:
Theme: Talent, Interests, Music, and Leadership
Primary and Secondary Characters: Farkle McBride
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Publishing company: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
Brief Summary: Farkle McBride is a musical prodigy. He is very young and first starts out enjoying one instrument. Once he masters one, he becomes bored with it and begins to play more and more instruments. He experiences frustration because he can only enjoy instruments for so long before they are old to him. One day, the band conductor becomes very ill, and Farkle is asked to take over. Farkle McBride saves the day and finds his true passion as conductor.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This book is very entertaining and the pictures are cute/funny. I think this would work best during a lesson break or on a fun day. This book would really appeal to students who appreciate and enjoy playing music or listening to it. I think it sends a positive message to try to pursue dreams and possibly leadership roles. It's a great book, I had so much fun reading it, and I think students will love it as well.