Eleanor Roosevelt

1997. Eleanor Roosevelt. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Biography

This story is a biography on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.She was the first lady of the World.  It breaks the book into different sections. The first section is the early years of Eleanor's life. The second part is Eleanor at school and the third part is Eleanor the leader. The biography has pictures of Eleanor growing up and also has a timeline of key events at the end.

I would use this book in my teaching by letting students learn about people that are in our history. This brings realism to Eleanor's life because there are real pictures and events that happened in her life. This would help students explore and learn about Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mean Soup

Everitt, B. (1992). Mean Soup. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace & Company  

Fiction

An AIGA Annual Book

A Young Hoosier Book Award Winner

Winner fo the Fiera di Bolgna Graphics Prize for Children and Young Adults

This book is about a boy named Horace. This child is having a very bad day and he feels very mean. He doesn't want to talk to anyone and is not using his manners to adults. When he gets home from riding with Miss Pearl, his mom suggests that they make soup. His mother feels the pot with water and sets it on the stove. She puts salt in the soup and the mother screams into the pot. Horace had a turn where he stood and screamed in the pot. They called this the mean soup.  

I would use this book in my classroom to show students that everyone has a bad day. You can deal with bad days in a responsible manner, instead of making wrong decisions. There are creative ways to deal with bad days. This book will show students that everyone has a bad day and everything will get better.                 

                                                                

The Hello, Goodbye Window

Juster, N. (2005). The Hello, Goodbye Window.

Realistic Fiction

The Caldecott Medal

This book is about a little girl's Nanna and Poppy. She stays with them while her parents work. The kitchen window is the Hello, Goodbye Window. The kitchen is where Nanna and Poppy spend most of their time. There are a lot of pictures on the wall from the olden days. They also like to look at stars at night. The little girl loves sitting by the Hello, Goodbye Window because she thinks its a magical window.

I would use this in my teaching because the illustrations are very clear and goes along with the text. I would ask students waht they can tell by the illustrations. I would also use this book to help children relate to their life and compare and contrast it from this little girl. This will help when learning about venn diagrams.

Let's Do Nothing

Fucile, T.(2009). Let's Do Nothing. Somerville, Massachusetts:Candlewick Press

Realistic Fiction

This book is about two boys named Frankie and Sal who has done it all. They've played every board game and read every comic book They also have painted several pictures, played every sport, and baked cookies. They decide to do nothing. They sit in chairs and imagine things they see and are doing. They pretend they are the King of the Nothing Doers. They realize that there is no way you can do nothing because eyes and ears are always doing something.

I would use this in my teaching by showing students that you can always find something to do. Everyone has a big imagination and can pretend and be anything they want. This book also shows that two boys are getting along and are best friends. This will teach students ways to get along with their classmates.

When Bluebell Sang

Ernst, L. (1989). When Bluebell Sang. New York, NY: An Affiliate of Macmillan, Inc.

Fiction

This book is about a singing cow, Bluebell. She packs concert halls, sets fashion trends, and travels in style. Big Eddie was a talent agent and asked Bluebell to travel. The cow got new clothes, hat and shoes. They traveled from state to state. Bluebell slipped away when they arrived at the farm and didn't travel with Big Eddie anymore, but continued her singing.

I would use this in my classroom because it is funny and engaging. I would show students that everyone has talent and can be successful. Sometimes you get tired of doing the same thing so you decide to switch up and do somthing different which is okay. Bluebell quit traveling, but continued her singing. This book also has good illustrations.

A String of Hearts

Elliot, L. (2010). A String of Hearts. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Realistic Fiction

This is a book about Valentine's Day. The teacher, Mrs. Wright, told everyone to write something special about each classmate. Sam wants to make a special Valentine for a girl in his class named Tiffany. Mary Ann, another one of Sam's classmates, showed him many ways to make a Valentine. Sam gave Tiffany his special valentine and she dropped it and never noticed it because she received so many. Sam picks it up and shoves it in his pocket and finds something special from Mary Ann. Sam made Mary Ann a valentine when he got home.

I would use this book with a third grade class around Valentine's Day to show students how important it is to give everyone something. Sam was probably upset when Tiffany dropped his valentine. People's feelings can get hurt easily and we should treat everyone equal. It is a great book to use to teach that you can be friends with anyone and there is always someone wanting to be your friend.

Marie Curie

2008. Marie Curie. Irvine, California: Saddleback Educational Publishing.

Biography

Graphic Biography

This is the biography of Marie Curie written in a graphic way. It tells that Marie Curie was the first great woman scientist and the first person to win two Nobel prizes. This biography gives all the events that take place in Marie Curie's life and with her family.

I would use this book in my classroom because it will give students information on new people and also people from history. The students might enjoy this better because it is written in a graphic way and is interesting. You could also ask questions about what the students are reading.

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal

Fleischman, P. (2007). Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Company.

Traditional and Folk Literature

The story is about a wealthy merchant whose wife had died and had one daughter. He married a widow down the road who had two girls. The woman, the man married, ordered the girl around and was very demanding to her. The girl bloomed into a beauty whose feet appeared with a pair of glass slippers. She went to a ball and met a prince and they got married.

I will use this in my teaching to show students the different versions of Cinderalla. This book is also a great way to familiarize students with different cultures because the illustrations shows the culture well. This will be a good lesson on comparing the differences in each Cinderella story.

Cinderella

Bracken, B. (2009) Cinderella.Wisconsin: Stone Arch Books

Folk Literature

Graphic Novel

This book is a graphic novel about Cinderella. In the beginning of the book it has a cast of characters page. The book is a dialogue between the characters. They call her Cinderella because she is so filthy. A prince brought a slipper to Cinderella's house and they lived happily ever after.

I would use this in my teaching by explaining to my students what a graphic novel is and explain its significance. I would introduce this graphic novel to my students and then do text highlighting to see what the students liked and disliked about it. I would also like to see things that puzzled the stuents.

The Korean Cinderella

Climb, S. (1993). The Korean Cinderella. China

Folk Literature

This story take place in the land of Korea. Pear Blossom lives here. She is very lovely. A pear tree is planted in celebration of her birth. She is mistreated by Omoni, her jealous stepmother. Omoni forces her to rise before the sun and cook and clean until midnight and demands that Pear completes three tasks that would be impossible for humans to do alone. Magical animals assist her and Pear becomes a nobleman's wife. 

I would use this book in my teaching to show students the culture of Korea and the ways they do things different than us. This would give students a chance to explore this culture and see how the people get treated. It would also be a great diversity lesson because you can compare different cultures.

Robot

Scieszka, J (2009). Robot.New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

Science Fiction

This book is about Robot Zot who is on a mission to conquer Earth unless he finds true love. Robot Zot finds his queen and they zoom off to distant galaxies to save more days. This book has awesome illustrations that make your imagination soar. It is a unique book with unique text and written in an engaging way.

I would use this book in my classroom for entertainment. This could be a fun book that children could read. It is a great scienticic fiction book and displays wonderful illustrations. I think children would be engaged and laugh when they read this book.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

(1997). Martin Luther King, Jr. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company

Bibliography

This book is a bibliography on Martin Luther King, Jr. This bibliography has several pictures in it that relates to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. The book shows the house he was born in and also told about him having a dream. It talked about different things he was leader of. The book also had maps in it to show where they marched.The bibliography also has questions at the end to help children stay on task. It also decribes what a leader is and has a timeline of Martin's life.

I would use this book in my teaching especially near Martin Luther King holiday to inform children of who he was and what he did. This would be a great way to learn about history and also has real pictures of Martin's family and activities he participated in. This book would be good for grades 3-5.

Beautiful Warrior-The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu

McCully, E. (1998). Beautiful Warrior-The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu. Broadway, New York, NY: Scholastic Press

Multicultural and International Literature

This story is talking about the Chinese culture. The illustrations are greatly detailed and help you understand the Chinese in a better way. The book has a pronuctiation guide at the beginning that will help you the book. Mingyi is trapped and in order for her family's business and her life not to be ruined, she has to marry Soong Ling. She is very confused and desperate and doesn't know what decision to make. She calls on the legendary Wu Mei, the "beautiful warrior" to help her. Soong Ling finally decides that he will find him another wife.

I would use this book in my classroom because the illustrations are astonishing. I think the children could learn something from just looking at the pictures. It also will give students a way to learn about the Chinese culture and also introduce them to words and names they have never heard of.

A Family Hanukkah

Katz, B. ( 1992). A Family Hanukkah. Canada: Random House Inc.

Multiculural and International Literature

The book is about Hanukkah. Rachel and Jonathon were so excited that there were only a few days left before Hanukkah. This is the most joyful holiday on the Jewish calendar. There are eight days of candles, songs, games, presents, and fun. Jonathon and Rachel were excited to get to go to their grandparents' house to light the first candle. Their aunts, uncles, and cousins come along to because to them sharing Hannukkah with the whole family is what makes it special.

I would use this book in my teaching to show the different holidays people celebrate and tell them that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Students could also compare and contrast how the holidays they celebrate are different from Jonathon and Rachel. This is a great way to bring awareness to students about different cultures and how people are different. I would use this in grades 3-5.

Can You Say Peace?

Katz, K. ( 1866). Can You Say Peace? New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company

Multicultural Book

This book talks about an International Day of Peace. Children all over the world wishes for peace. This book is very bright and colorful and takes you on a journey to different countries and teaches you how each country say peace. The ilustrations are very detailed and you get to see the different cultures in each country.

I would use this book in my teaching because its very unique to be able to see how different countries say peace. It would give students an opportunity to expand their languages because it shows you how to pronounce the word in each country. I think this would be engaging and exciting for the students and also gives them a way to see different cultures.

Spectatcular Stone Soup

Giff, P. (1989). Spectabular Stone Soup. Broadway;New York, NY. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc.

Chapter Book
Realistic Fiction

This book is about a girl named Stacy. She didn't like to help anyone out and cannot remember the last time she helped anyone. Mrs. Zachary, her teacher, wants her class to work together and cook a Spectatcular Stone Soup together. Stacy tries real hard to help with the soup, but no one is taking notice of what she is doing. Stacy brings onions to go into the soup. She wonders is it to late to put the onions in, but the teacher tells her to go ahead and that it is never to late to put onions in because that is the best part. She also brings napkins for the class that has stone-soup pictures on them that she had drawn for the class. Now Stacey feels that she has helped out and feels very helpful and appreciated.

I would use this book in my classroom because it is a great way to teach students that it takes everyone to be successful. Everyone is unique and each student can offer something unique to the classroom. It is important to get along with your classmates and be respectful. I think manners is also a big part in a classroom because just by telling someone thank you and how well a job the student did can make all the difference in that child's day.

The Revenge of the Fireflies

Stamper, J.B. (1999). The Revenge of the FireFlies. Broadway;New York,NY: Scholastic Inc.

Chapter Book
Science Fiction

It is the year 2087 and their is a captain of a spaceship and her name is Gwyn. Its her first job as being a leader of a mission. She is on a mission to find the crew of people who were lost in space. While traveling through space she sees a bright light. The ship is headed toward a glowing planet she thinks. When they finally arrive she is surrounded by insects that are trying to hurt her and she punches them. She races back to the spaceship when she heard other insects trying to get out. The space ship opens for her and then it blasted off. Fireflies were all around and her mission to space was complete and they returned safely home.

I would use this book in my classroom to get children to use their imagination and think about science. We know that this book is ficiton, but it is filled with action and can help children get their imagination to soaring. There could be interesting follow-up activities after reading this book becasue they could draw pictures and explain what is taking place. I would use this book for 3-5 grade.

Rules

Lord, C. (2006). Rules.Broadway;New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Chapter Book
Realistic Fiction
Book with a character with disability
NewBerry Honor
Schneider Family Book Award


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I would use this book in my classroom to teach children that they should be thankful for each one of their family members. They should love and respect them and never feel left out. Students could learn that you can make new friends anywhere and always be kind and helpful. I would use this book in 3-5 because autism is somthing younger children might not understand and grasp the concept of the book.

Matilda

Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. Oxford: Heinmann Educational Publishers.


Chapter Book
Modern Fantasy


This story is about a little girl who loves to read and who is very intelligent for her age. Her parents do not see how brilliant this five year old is and pays little attention to her. Matilda often plays tricks on her parents. The little girl starts school and meets a teacher named Miss Honey. Matilda loves her teacher and thinks the school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull,  is very mean. Matilda spends time with Miss Honey at her house and finds out that that the school headmistress is Miss Honey's aunt and had raised Miss Honey because her parents had passed away when she was very young. The aunt took over everything the parents left Miss Honey and she never knew about it, until Matilda came along. In the end, Matilda got the nice house and accessories back for Miss Honey and she moved in with Miss Honey because her parents were moving and she didn't want to go. Now Matilda finally had someone to pay attention to her and acknowledge her brilliance.

I would use this book in my classroom to show students that everything is not always perfect, but can change. I would use Matilda as a role model to show the students that they can be smart like Matilda and show them that she never gave up even though she didn't have anyone supporting her. I would tell my students that they need to try their best and never give up because in the end, it will be rewarding. I would use this book for 3-5 because it is an entertaining book and also teaches a great lesson of encouragement.

Saving Shiloh

Naylor, P (1997). Saving Shiloh. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division



Chapter Book
Realistic Fiction
Newberry Medal Winner

This story centers around a young boy Marty and his dog Shiloh. Judd Travers, the neighbor, has had a car accident that almost takes his life. Judd was very evil before his accident. The question is can the neighborhood trust Judd again? There has been a dead body found and the mystery is did Judd kill the man. Marty helps Judd as often as he can and in the end Judd did not kill the man, but insteads saves Marty's dog and changes his ways for the better.

I would use this book to teach my students about trust. This book would be helpful with teaching children that people can change their ways and change for the better. Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes you have to forgive and forget. This book would also teach students not to judge others until they know them. I would use this for grades 3-5 because they would relate more to this situation.