Frindle, Written by Andrew Clements, Illustrated by: Brian Selznick

Frindle

Written by: Andrew Clements

Illustrated by: Brian Selznick

Grades:3-7

Awards:

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (1999) Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1999)

Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (2001)

Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award for Grades 3-6 (2000)

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (1998)

Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (1999)

Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (1998) Phoenix Award (Children's Literature Association) (2016)

The Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature Honor (1997)

Washington State Sasquatch Award (1999)

Bluestem Book Award Nominee (2015)

North Carolina Children's Book Award (1999) 

Nick Allen is a fifth grader at Lincoln Elementary in Mrs. Granger's class. Nick is known for his wild and inventive ideas. These ideas normally lead to trouble. He tries one of his ideas to kill time. He ask, "Mrs. Granger, where do all the words come from?" but, Mrs. Granger is no fool. She assigns Nick an assignment on the origin of words. This leads to Nick thinking about creating a new word. His new word is, "frindle",  has it takes over the word "pen". Eventually, everyone everywhere is using his new word. He can't stop the word from spreading even if he wanted to. Nick is soon on the national news and merchandise is being created. Money is being made off the word. A trust fund is set up for Nick to hold the earnings. Nick, however, is not so sure he likes all the attention and starts to lose his creativity. Mrs. Granger tells him to keep dreaming up ideas. The book skips to 10 years ahead. Nick is very wealthy now from his trust. He receives a package one day with a dictionary from Mrs. Granger. Mrs. Granger has noted that frindle is included in it. She also sent her favorite pen with frindle engraved on it. When Nick realizes what an impact she had on his life he sets up a scholarship fund in her name. He sends Mrs. Granger another pen with an engraving that reads, "This object belongs to Mrs. Lorelei Granger and she may call it any name she chooses".

Students will find this book amusing and may try coming up with their own words. It is a very creative  book. 

How to Eat Fried Worms, Written by Thomas Rockwell

How to Eat Fried Worms

Written by: Thomas Rockwell

Grades: 3-7

Awards: 

Grand Canyon Reader Award (1979)

Nene Award (1976)

Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1976)

Iowa Children's Choice Award (1980)

Oklahoma Sequoyah Award (1976)

Billy and Allan make a $50 bet to see who can eat a worm for 15 days. The worm can be prepared anyway as long as the person eats it. Billy has a hard time at first eating the worms. Allan is surprised that Billy is eating them so he starts a rumor that worms are poisonous. Billy starts to feel sick so he tells his dad about the bet. Billy's dad reassures him they are not poisonous. Billy's mom even helps prepare the worms so they taste better. Allan has not eaten any worms. To stop Billy on the last day Allan takes him to a baseball game and fills him up with junk food. Allan thinks he has won when Billy falls asleep and can't eat his worm. Billy wakes up just before midnight to eat his worm. The kids wake up the whole neighborhood up to see the bet end. Allan's father is furious at him for trying to trick Billy and makes him go door-to-door to apologize. Billy gets his $50 and buys the mini bike he has been dreaming about. 

This book was funny and even has rhymes and songs for the kids about worms. It shows kids do not underestimate others when they really want something. It also shows them not to make bets. 

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Written by Judy Blume

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Written by Judy Blume

Grades: 3-7

Awards: 

West Australian Young Readers' Book Award (WAYRBA) for Younger Readers (1980)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (1977) 
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1977)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (1975) 
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (1974)Oklahoma Sequoyah Award (1975)



This book is about Peter Hatcher who is 9 years old. Peter is beyond frustrated and annoyed at his little brother's behavior. Fudge, which is what his little brother goes by, is often unpunished for his behavior. Fudge's favorite thing to annoy is Peter's turtle, Dribble. Fudge continues being a hassle for Peter by breaking his front teeth after catapulting himself from the jungle gym, throwing temper tantrums, and smearing mashed potatoes on the wall! Then horror strikes, Dribble is missing. When Fudge is asked about it, he said he ate Dribble. In the emergency room they extract Dribble from Fudge, but he is dead. As usual, Fudge doesn't get into trouble. Peter gets a dog to replace Dribble so he names him Turtle. 

In the classroom this is a classic book to have. It lets other children with siblings know they are not alone in the struggle of siblings.  

Who Was Sacagawea? Written by Judith Bloom Fradin, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Val Paul Taylor

Who Was Sacagawea?

Written by Judith Bloom Fradin

Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Val Paul Taylor

Grades: 3-7

Without Sacagawea the Lewis and Clark expedition would have been a failure. The western United States would have taken a lot longer to map. Sacagawea was sixteen years old and had a baby on her back when she made her remarkable journey. She would lead the team on a 4500 mile trek by foot, canoe, and horse. America remembers her in many ways and over 200 years later on a gold coin. 

This book gives a wonderful background to Sacagawea before she lead the expedition with Lewis and Clark. It is written in a way that the elementary students can understand and take interest in.  

Who Was Marie Curie? Written by Megan Stone, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Ted Hammond

Who Was Marie Curie?

Written by Megan Stone

Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Ted Hammond

Grades: 3-7

Marie Curie was born in Poland in 1867. She was not allowed to go to University with the boys. It was forbidden. Marie had to move to France. She enrolled to study Physics and Mathematics.  She also met her husband, Professor Pierre Curie. They became one of the best scientific teams. They found two elements and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1903. Marie won another by herself in 1911. She died in 1934 because she was exposed to so much toxic radiation. 

In the classroom these books are wonderful! What would have happened if she would not have gone to France and enrolled in school? What if she would have given up her dream? The things the world would have missed out on. These books are great for upper elementary. They make biographies and history great to read.

Who Was Amelia Earhart? Written by Kate Boehm Jerome, Illustrated by: Nancy Harrison & David Cain

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

Written by Kate Boehm Jerome

Illustrated by Nancy Harris & David Cain

Grades: 3-7

Amelia Earhart was one of the first women pilots. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she became the first woman to fly across the Pacific Ocean. This book documents her early years to her mysterious disappearance in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world. 

This book can be used in the classroom to teach upper elementary students about Amelia Earhart. It is written in a style very easy for them to read and understand. 

Hungry, Written by: H.A. Swain

Hungry

Written by H. A. Swain

Grades: 7-12

Hungry is set in a future world where there is no food. Crops and other of the Earth's resources are decimated by wars and mega storms. Scientist have created a pill to erase hunger pains and the need for food. The people drink shakes for nutrition. This creates a better life. Thalia is one of the main characters, who at seventeen, has pains in her stomach. Come to find out they are hunger pains. She finds a boy, Basil, and an underground movement to bring food back.  Basil and the group also want to take control away from the One World Corporation. They go outside the loop of the city and grow food. Life is far from perfect though. Thalia and Basil do get the revolution they wanted. 

In the classroom it would bring up a good discussion question of, "What would happen if we were not able to grow food?". It would also let them think out the box about options for drugs.  

Great Expectations, Written by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations

Written by: Charles Dickens

Grades:7-12

Great Expectations is the story of Pip. Pip is an orphan who lives with his sister and her husband. He is the narrator of the story. He tells how he came upon a convict, Magwitch, when he was visiting his parents graves. Pip brings the convict some food and a file to take his manacles off. This event would change his life forever but, he won't know this until much later. His sister comes home one day very excited because the rich Ms. Havisham has requested for Pip to come "play" at her estate. Pip would be paid for his time. Ms. Havisham is a bitter old women who has stopped time the day her fiancé ran out on their wedding day. She still wears her wedding dress, which has yellowed, and all the clocks have stopped at the time her wedding was cancelled. The house still has the wedding cake and banquet with decayed food. The food has mice, spiders, and other bugs all over it. Ms. Havisham has adopted a young girl, Estella. Estella is to be her revenge on all the male population. She wants her to be beautiful and irresistible to all boys. Ms. Havisham grooms her to be a heart breaker. This is why she has Pip come to play. He is to help Estella hone her skills. Pip is very ashamed of the way he lives and who he will become. He longs to be a gentleman and a man of means. He goes to Ms. Havishams for eight months when his sister comes and tells Ms. Havisham that it is time for him to start his apprenticeship. A few years into his apprenticeship a lawyer comes to him and tells him he has a benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous. Ms. Havisham makes him believe it is her. Pip moves to London and begins his education. Magwitch shows up at night years later and explains he is the benefactor not Ms. Havisham. He is on the run but, wanted to see Pip as a gentleman. When all the stories of the characters are told it comes about that Estella is Magwitch's daughter. Estella's mother was Ms. Havisham's servant. Magwitch made his fortune helping Ms. Havisham's ex-fiance in illegal dealings. When Pip learns this he refuses the money from Magwitch. Eventually, Ms. Havisham dies leaving everything to Estella. Estella grows up and says she is unable to love anyone. Magwitch dies in prison. Pip goes to work for his friend and comes back years later to find Estella not married. They talk and Estella has changed. She has felt the sting of rejection and heartache. The story ends with Pip and Estella holding hands walking. 

The classroom it is used to teach history and the difference of classes. It brings such a wide array of characters and personalities. 

The Great Gatsby, Written by: F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

Written by: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Grade: 7-12

The Great Gatsby is set in the Jazz Age of the 1920's. The height of decadence. It is told by a narrator Nick Carraway, who is the cousin of Daisy living in East Egg. He is also the neighbor of Jay Gatsby living in West Egg.  Nick observes everything that goes on. Jay, who goes by Gatsby, fell in love before going off to the Great War but, while he was fighting his love, Daisy, marries another. Gatsby is convinced Daisy is still in love with him as much as he is with her. He has become part of the new money crowd that is disliked by the old money society. Daisy has married Tom, who is part of the old money society. Gatsby throws lavish parties in his mansion and invites everyone in hopes that Daisy will come or someone who knows her will come. Eventually, Nick arranges a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. They have an affair. Daisy's husband Tom who is also having an affair, is furious that is wife is having an affair. Tom demands Daisy to stop the affair. Tom is very controlling and Daisy is afraid of him. Tom lets Gatsby drive Daisy back home but, it is Daisy who is driving. She is upset and accidentally hits Tom's lover, Myrtle. Myrtle's husband is convinced that because it was Gatsby's car that killed his wife that Gatsby was driving, and He must also be Myrtle's lover. Myrtle's husband kills Gatsby and then himself. Tom and Daisy leave town to distance themselves from the tragedy. Nick notes that even after all the parties Gatsby had, hardly anyone attends his funeral. Nick also says that the time for such grand ambition is over. He believes that greed and dishonesty have corrupted both the American Dream and the dreams of every American.

Middle School classroom can and do use this book to show the decadence of the Roaring Twenties. It shows the greed and obsession with money and power. 

The Scarlet Letter Written by: Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter 

Written by: Nathaniel Hawthorne 

Grades: 7-12

Hester Prynne is pregnant and her husband was lost at sea. In the 1600's in Puritan Boston this is a horrible crime. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter A on her chest. When she stands on the scaffold in front of the town she refuses to name her lover and father of her child. Hester looks out over the crowd and sees her husband has returned. He wants to find Hester's lover and make him also pay for his part of the crime. Hester's husband takes a new name, Roger Chillingworth, and poses as a physician. He sees Hester and her daughter, Pearl, in prison. He demands she not tell anyone that he is her husband. When Hester is released she and Pearl live on the outskirts of town and takes in sewing. Roger believes the minister, Dimmesdale, is the lover and father because of his failing health. Hester tries to convince him to leave with her, but he dies before they can leave. Hester and Pearl leave Boston for Europe with the inheritance left by Hester's husband. Hester returns many years later and wears her A again. She becomes a helper to other women and when she dies is buried by her lover Dimmesdale.  

A must for Junior High and High School reading. It shows early life in Puritan America. It showed that the laws they made followed the Bible and were strictly enforced. 

Children of the Fire, Written by: Harriette Gillem Robinet

Children of the Fire

Written by: Harriette Gillem Robinet

Grades: 3-7

Awards:1994 Black-Eyed Susan Award – Nominee


Hallelujah is an 11 year old African American girl. Her mother was a slave who escaped the south to Chicago and died not long after getting there. Hallelujah is living with a foster family who is doing well. One night in October she follows her foster brother out to look at the fires. They lose track of each other as they follow the fires and they grow larger and larger. Hallelujah gets lost. She finds that during the Great Fire in Chicago of 1871, lines of discrimination are erased as everyone fights for their life. Many children are left orphans. Hallelujah spends days with Elizabeth, an Irish immigrant, and they vow to be friends for the rest of their lives. This book shows the devastation and rebuilding of Chicago. It also shows the tension of races when two little girls vow to be friends. 

This is a great historical book for the classroom. It will give great details of the Chicago fire that happened in October of 1871. It will also show the diversity of a big city and how differences don't matter when there is trouble.

Or Give Me Death: A Novel of Patrick Henry's Family, Written by: Ann Rinaldi

Or Give Me Death: A Novel of Patrick Henry's Family

Written by: Ann Rinaldi

Grades: 6-12

This book is about two of Patrick Henry's daughters, Patsy and Anne. They are growing up in Revolutionary America where there is unrest all around them. Patsy is sixteen and is trying to hold the family together. She is the oldest and their mother is mentally ill and needs to be locked up to keep from harming them. Anne is only nine. She is tormented by the question of, "When is it good to tell a lie?" or "Do you keep a secret?".  Their mother does die halfway through the book. Anne has second sight and knows who will be next to get their mother's mental illness. She tries to tell everyone it is her but, reveals to a slave that it is actually her brother John. John does go mad but, it is after his father marries the girl he wanted to marry himself. This book shows the harsh reality of mental illness in Colonial America. It also shows the strength of families when they go through hard times together. The author does make sure to note at the end that this book is fiction.

For use in the classroom it would be to show how mental ill people were treated in the past. It would also give students a look into life in Colonial time period.

Do I Look Odd To You, Written & Illustrated by: Rebecca and James McDonald

Do I Look Odd To You

Written and Illustrated by: Rebecca and James McDonald

Grades: K-5

Do I Look Odd To You is about meeting someone on another planet. They may be different from you but, they are really like you. We don't all look alike, we have many different characteristics and features from skin color, eye color and shapes of our bodies. Some people have disabilities and maybe even a deformity. The illustrations are colorful and the story is told in a rhyming form.  It gives a lot of examples on the differences the creature could have and keeps bringing up the question, "If they were this then would that make a difference?". It is great that it's not humans because it puts a different perspective on diversity.

This book is great for the classroom. The children can see that everyone has differences and we shouldn't judge them by those differences. 

The War That Saved My Life, Written by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War That Saved My Live

Written by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Grades: 4-7

Awards: 

2017 Georgia Children’s Book Award – Finalist 
2016 Children’s Book Committee Award – Winner 2016 Newbery Medal – Honor Book 2015 E.B. White Read Aloud Award – Honor Book 2015 Great Stone Face Book Award – Nominee 2015 Isinglass Teen Read Award – Nominee2015 Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up) 




The war that saved my life the story of Ada. Ada is a 10yr old girl who lives in London during WWII. She is born with a club foot to a mother who despises and abuses her. Ada has a brother, Jamie, who is six. James is allowed much more freedom than Ada. Jamie looks out for Ada and tells her all about the outside world she never sees. Ada looks out for her brother and protects him against their mother. When children are being sent out of London to safety from the air raids, only Jamie is going to go. Ada sneaks out to go with Jamie. They are forced to be taken in by a recluse named Susan. The children learn what it is like to really have someone care for them. The war that saved her is not WWII but, the war that is in her own life. 

Classroom would benefit if it is a mature classroom. The book does have some issues that would be hard on someone younger to deal with. A great book in overcoming not only physical but, mental obstacles as well. Ada goes through fear and the unknown to come out stronger than before. 

Football Fugitive, Written & Illustrated by: Matt Christopher & Larry A. Johnson

Football Fugitive

Written & Illustrated by: Matt Christopher & Larry A. Johnson

Grades: 3-7

Football Fugitive is about a young boy and football player named Larry. The Green Bay Packers has a player named Yancy Foote, his favorite team and player. Larry writes to Nancy and Nancy writes back but, then letters come back stamped "moved no forwarding address". Then Yancy shows up in Larry's town and he is in a bit of trouble. Yancy and some other guy get in a bar fight and Yancy got caught for being the first to throw a punch. So Yancy asks Larry to ask his dad to be his lawyer. Larry's dad agrees if Yancy will help his son's football team. Larry's team starts winning and Yancy wins in court. 

A great football book for the classroom. If kids want to do pen pal writing or learn about football. 

I Need My Monster, Written by: Amanda Noll, Illustrated by: Howard McWilliam

I Need My Monster

Written by: Amanda Noll

Illustrated by: Howard McWilliam

Grades: K-3

Awards:
2013 Virginia Readers Choice Award 
2012 California Young Reader Medal 2012 Georgia Children’s Book Award 2012 Golden Sower Award – Honor Book 
2012 Nevada Young Readers’ Award 2011 Buckaroo Book Award 2011 Grand Canyon Reader Award 2011 Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award – Nominee                                                                                     2010 Alabama Camellia Award – Winner 

I Need My Monster is about Ethan whose monster-under-the-bed, named Gabe, is away one night. He cannot sleep without his monster. It is to quiet. He is familiar with the friendship and comfort of his ooozy slime and ragged breathing and his long, sharp claws. He knocks on the floor to get other monsters to fill in but, no one except Gabe can make him stay in his bed. 

This is a great book for the classroom with the descriptive words and the wonderful pictures in the book. It is a funny look at the monsters under the bed stories. Loved it!

The Saggy Baggy Elephant, Written by: Kathryn Jackson & Byron Jackson, Illustrated by: Gustav Tenggren

The Saggy Baggy Elephant

Written by:Written by: Kathryn Jackson & Byron Jackson

Illustrated by: Gustav Tenggren

Grades: PreK-2

After a parrot makes fun of Sooki's big ears, long nose, and wrinkled skin, the saggy baggy elephant is not too sure of himself. Sooki tries to fit in but, just can't because he is not like the others. He feels sad and self-conscious, so the little elephant decides to hide in a cave where no one can see how ugly he is. Then he finds something just like him, other elephants. Sooki sees he just needed to be himself to be loved. 

This is a great book for kids trying to fit in or feeling self-conscious. It will make them see that they only need to be themselves to be happy. 

The Little Engine That Could, Written by: Watty Piper Illustrated by: George Hauman & Doris Hauman

The Little Engine That Could

Written by: Watty Piper

Illustrated by: George Hauman & Doris Hauman

Grades:PreK-2

Awards: Lewis Carrol Shelf Award (1958)

The little engine that could is about an engine that came along and helped a broken down train after other trains refused. The train is only a moving train that had never been over the mountain but, when it thought of all the girls and boys who wouldn’t get their toys and food. The little train had never done anything like this before. She chants "I think I can, I think I can," and after a lot of hard work it does make it. It is a story about perseverance and reaching your goal. 

In the classroom this book encourages students to not give up. That if they keep trying they to can reach the goals that are set for them. 

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe ( The Chronicles of Narnia) Written by: C.S. Lewis Illustrated by: Pauline Baynes

The Lion, The  Witch, and The Wardrobe ( The Chronicles of Narnia)

Written by: C. S. Lewis

Illustrated by: Pauline Blayne 

Grade: 3-8

Awards:
Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel (1954)
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1962)




During WWII in London families are sending their children to the country and away from the dangerous air raids of the city. Four of these children are Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. They are sent to the country estate of a Professor. During a game of hide and seek Lucy steps into the wardrobe and finds a new world called Narnia. Lucy gets her siblings to follow her into Narnia. It is a world that will change them forever. Edmund betrays them by helping the White Witch. Aslan the lion gives his life for Edmund's. Eventually all four assist the lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch who has cursed Narnia with eternal winter. The four of them will have to face their own fears and find strength they did not know they had. This is the first book of seven in the series. 

These are wonderful classic books to have in the classroom. They teach kids about adventure and overcoming obstacles. They are one of the best fantasy series I have read. 

The Name Jar Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar

Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

Grade: K-5


Unhei has just come with her family from Korea and is starting school. Her name is pronounced Yoon-hye. She does not want to be teased about her name. Instead she tells her class she will tell them her name at the end of the week. Her classmates oblige her by filling a glass jar with their suggestions. While Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its meaning, grace. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it. 

This is a great book to use in the classroom for accepting people from other places who may have differences. There are even activities on resource sites for teachers. I really liked this book. 

One Love Written by Cedella Marley and Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

One Love

Written by Cedella Marley

Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Grades: PreK- 1st

Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's oldest child, brings her father's well-liked song, One Love, to life. In this book, a determined little girl shows her family, friends, and neighbors how love and teamwork make a community a better place. They create a park from what was once a garbage-strewn lot. 

Great to use in the classroom with the song from Bob Marley. It is also on YouTube! 

The Wide-Mouthed Frog (A Pop-Up Book) Written by Kieth Faulkner Illustrated by Jonathan Lambert

The Wide-Mouthed Frog

           (A Pop-Up Book)

Written by: Kieth Faulkner

Illustrated by: Jonathan Lambert

Age: 2-5 yrs

A curious frog goes a bit too far when asking his neighbors about their eating habits in this pop-up book. Each page features a different animal describing its meal of choice, including a blue-feathered bird (worms and slugs), a furry brown mouse (seeds and berries) and, finally, ominously, a big, green alligator. The creatures are colorful and and show off large, well-constructed pop-up beaks, whiskers and snouts. When the alligator answers that he eats ""delicious wide-mouthed frogs,"" Frog's comical response, resulting in a climactic fold-out ""Splash!"".  My kids love this book. It is very well loved at my house.

The Polar Express Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

 The Polar Express

Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

Grades: K-2nd

Awards: 

• Caldecott Medal (1986)

• Kentucky Bluegrass Award (1987)

• Buckeye Children's Book Award for K-2 (1991)

• Nevada Young Readers' Award for Primary Category/Picture Book Category (1988)

• Little Archer Award (1986)

• Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Nominee for Picture Book - Honor Book (1986)

Late one Christmas Eve, a boy boards a mysterious train that appears out of nowhere in the middle of the night. The train is The Polar Express and is bound for the North Pole. Ignoring the demands of stranger-danger, the boy climbs aboard, finding the car filled with other youngsters. They are treated to goodies while en route to the north pole.  At the North Pole they are to witness the ritual of Santa giving the first gift of Christmas. Santa offers the boy any gift he desires. The boy asks for one bell from the harness of a reindeer. The bell is lost on the train ride home. On Christmas morning, the boy finds the bell under the tree. The boy's mother admires the bell, but laments that it is broken. The boy can hear the bell, for you see, only believers can hear the sound of Santa's bell.

The Railway Children Written by E. Nesbitt and Narrated by Virginia Leishman

The Railway Children

Written by E. Nesbit

Narrated by Virginia Leishman

Published by: Recorded Books

Listening Time: 6hrs and 43 min

Grades: 3 - 7

The Railway Children is about three English children in turn-of-the-century London who are suddenly made to leave their London home after their father is taken away, for crimes he did not commit, to prison. They take up rural residence at Three Chimneys cottage. The kids seek solace in their new life by becoming familiar with unexplored means of transportation: the canal and the railroad. Their mother begins to write novels while she teachers her children: Roberta (Bobbie), Peter, and Phyllis.  Over the next 6 months these children gradually make for themselves a spot in the lives of the local citizens--particularly railway personnel. As they expand their horizons, they increase their knowledge of the ways and quirks of the railroad. They even learn lessons in charity and compassion. Their father is also released from prison and rejoins the family. 

This is Not My Hat Written and Illustrated by Jon Klassen

This is Not My Hat

Writing and Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Grades: PreK-3

Awards:

• Caldecott Medal (2013)

• Kate Greenaway Medal (2014)

• Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Award for Children’s Picture Book (2013)

• Irma Black Award Nominee (2013)

• OLA Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award Nominee (2014)

• Premi Llibreter for Àlbum il·lustrat (2014)

 I Want My Hat Back, this story involves a hat theft. A small gray fish has stolen a tiny bowler hat from a much larger fish. He wastes no time or words in confessing his crime as he swims announcing, "This hat is not mine. I just stole it." He continues his narrative with no regrets, but with a bit of rationalizing ("It was too small for him anyway.") as he swims to his hiding place, unaware that the big fish is in quiet pursuit. Readers, of course, are in on this little secret. When the two disappear into a spread filled with seaweed, the narration goes silent, and youngsters can easily surmise what happens as the big fish reemerges with the tiny blue bowler atop his head. 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Written and Illustrated by Mo Wiliams

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Written and Illustrated by: Mo Williams

Grades: PreK- 2nd

Awards:

• Caldecott Honor (2004)
• Kentucky Bluegrass Award for K-2 (2005) 
• Charlotte Zolotow Award Nominee (2004)
• Vermont's Picture Book Awards: Red Clover (2005)
• South Carolina Book Award for Picture Book Award (2006)
• Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (2005)
• Golden Archer Award for Primary (2005)
• Buckaroo Book Award (2004)
• Indies Choice Book Award for Picture Book Hall of Fame (2009)

When a bus driver goes on break, he asks the audience to keep an eye on his vehicle and the daft, bug-eyed pigeon who desperately wants to drive it. The pigeon then relentlessly begs readers for some time behind the wheel: "I tell you what: I'll just steer. My cousin Herb drives a bus almost every day. The pigeon who dreams of driving a bus pleads and begs for an opportunity from the readers who are "watching" the bus for the driver. When finally the pigeon can not take anymore and he erupts in a full-spread tantrum screaming, "Let me drive the bus!!!". When the driver returns and takes off, the bird slumps dejectedly until a big red truck inspires a new round of motoring fantasies. 

Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon Written by Patty Lovell and Illustrated by David Catrow

Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon

Written by Patty Lovell

Illustrated by David Catrow

Grades: Pre-K -3










Awards: 

• Book Sense Book of the Year Honor Book (2002)

• Wyoming Buckaroo Nominee (2003-2004)

• Georgia Children's Book Award (2003.1|Picturebook, 2003-2003)

• AISLE Read-Aloud Books Too Good To Miss (2002.1|Primary, 2002)

• Florida Reading Association Children’s Book Award (2003.2|Honor, 2003)

• Utah Beehive Book Award (2003.4|Children's Picture, 2003)

• Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award (2004.2|Honor, 2003-2004)

• Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee (2003.4|Winner Children's Picture, 2003)

Molly Lou Melon is different. She stands out because she is short, has buck teeth and can't sing. She has huge insect-like eyes and a voice sounds like a boa constrictor is wrapped around her throat. Her grandma encourages her to take pride in her flaws. Everything is good for Molly Lou Melon until she moves to a new town away from her grandma and friends. She goes to a new school and a boy, Ronald Durkin begins to make fun of her. Ronald Durkin taunts Molly Lou Melon in the dull-witted but sharp-edged manner of career bullies, calling her "shrimpo" and "bucky-toothed beaver". He tries to make Molly Lou Melon look like a fool but, she manages to befriend the other children. Ronald Durkin ends up looking like a fool instead. In the end, she wins over Ronald Durkin and everything is okay. 

The Demon of River Heights (Nancy Drew Novels: Girl Detective Volume #1) Written by Sean Petrucha and Illustrated by: Sho Murase

The Demon of River Heights (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective Volume #1)

Written by: Stefan Petrucha

Illustrated by: Sho Murase

Grades: 3 and up

Awards: CBC Graphic Novels for Young Readers

These Graphic Novels are based on the original Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene. Nancy, along with Bess, George, and other friends, are making a movie in the woods. When the girls leave for dinner, they are expecting the boys to come after cleaning up the film equipment. The boys never show. They go searching for the missing student filmmakers and discover the deadly secret behind the local urban legend known as "The Demon of River Heights." Nancy and her friends go on a quest to find them, and discover something even bigger going on in the old-abandoned mines. 

The Velveteen Rabbit Written by Margery Williams Bianco and Illustrated by Monique Felix

The Velveteen Rabbit

Written by Margery Williams Bianco

Illustrated by Monique Felix

Grades: Pre-k - 2nd
Awards:
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1971)

A stuffed toy rabbit with real thread whiskers and pink satin ears,  comes to life. Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Rabbit lives in the nursery with all of the other toys, waiting for the day when the Boy will choose him as a playmate. In time, the shy Rabbit befriends the tattered Skin Horse, the wisest resident of the nursery, who reveals the goal of all nursery toys: to be made "real" through the love of a human. "'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'" The boy does love the rabbit and he soon looses his nice plump stuffed body and his pink ears fade. Will the rabbit become real?

This is a wonderful story of love between a child and his toys. Every child feels their toys are real. This will let them continue to question that and understand how the animals feel as well. 

Where is Baby's Belly Button? Written and Illustrated by Karen Katz

Where is Baby's Belly Button?

Written and Illustrated by Karen Katz

Ages: 3mths-2yrs. 

Where is the Baby's Belly Button is a simple board book that teaches body parts to children. This peek-a-boo book with flaps is constructed of cardboard with heavy card stock for the flaps. The images are brightly colored and the text appears on the left side of the book. The writing consists of short, four or five word sentences, such as, "Where are baby's eyes?" The reader lifts the flap and it says, "Under the hat." The picture shows a baby hiding under a hat, and when the flap is lifted the baby's face is revealed. She is pointing to her eyes. My son received this book as a gift when he was a baby and he loved having it read to him. 

The Tale of Three Trees A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt and Illustrated by Tim Jonke

The Tale of Three Trees

A Traditional Folktale 

Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt

Illustrated by Tim Jonke

Grades: K-7

The Tale of Three Trees tells the Easter story from the viewpoint of 3 trees. It is an unusual point of view. The trees have big dreams for their life but, they think those dreams are ruined when they are chopped down. The carpenter does not make them into what they want to be, but in the end they did become what they wanted. It tells the significance of Christ’s life and his atoning sacrifice on the cross.

This book could only be used in a Christian Classroom. It is a Christ centered book that tells the story of Jesus from birth to resurrection. 

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Out of the Dust

Written by Karen Hesse

Grades: 3-7

Awards:

Newbery Medal (1998), Scott O'Dell Award (1998), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (1999)





Out of the Dust is told by it's main character Billy Jo. Billy Jo is a 14 year old girl growing up in Oklahoma during the dust bowl. Her father wanted a boy but, got her instead. That is why she has a boy name. Billy Jo also plays the piano very well. Her mom has become pregnant again after years of trying. The farm's wheat crop has not done well because of the dust. Her father places the bucket of kerosene by the stove which her mother mistakes for water. Trying to help her mother Billy Jo goes to throw the fiery bucket out the door and hits her mother. Billy Jo then burns hers hands trying to help put the fire out on her mother. Billy Jo's mother is severely burned and goes into labor. Her mother dies soon after having a baby boy. The baby dies not long after. Billy Jo's father goes into a deep depression. Billy Jo is also upset and blames herself. Her hands are ruined and she feels she will never play the piano again. Life for Billy Jo and her father gets harder as the gap between them grows. The dust just rises higher and blows harder. When they think the dust is going to stop a bigger storm comes. Billy Jo finally decides to leave and hops on a box car to go to California. Everyone is heading to California for a better life. In Arizona she meets a man who has left his family too. He makes Billy Jo realize how much she misses her father and how they should stay together because of the things they have been through. Billy Jo heads home. She and her father start to mend their relationship. Her father has even found a girlfriend. Life starts to get better. Billy Jo even starts to play the piano again.   

This book can be used to teach about perseverance during hard times. It can teach about the dust bowl and how hard it was for families. It can show how to much of a good thing can be bad sometimes. 

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Written by Patricia MacLachlan

Grades: 1-5

Awards:

• Newbery Medal (1986), 
• Scott O'Dell Award (1986), 
• Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (1988), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (1987), 
• Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (1987)
• The Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature Honor (1986)

Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a Jacob Witting and his family who live on the Prairie. They need of a mother. Anna and Caleb want a new mother who can make their father sing again. He quit singing when their mother died after Caleb was born. Jacob tells them he has written to Sarah who is in need of a new home for her and her cat, Seal. She will come for one month to see if she fits in. When she arrives from Maine the children want her to stay and like it there. Caleb talks to her nonstop. She misses the sea a lot and does drawings of it but, is missing colors. Neighbors come by and Sarah meets Maggie who is a mail order bride from Tennessee. Maggie encourages Sarah to learn to drive the team of horses and gives her plants to start a garden. When Sarah learns to drive the wagon she decides to go into town. This worries everyone. They do not know if she will come back to the farm or go back east. She does come back to the farm. Sarah has the missing colors for the sea pictures. She also tells them she would miss them more than she misses the sea if she left. Jacob and Sarah do get married and they become a family. 

This can be used in the classroom to teach the students about life on the prairie. It can also be used to compare and contrast the difference between the east coast of the United States and the people living in the west.