Chapter Book 12

Title: You want women to vote, Lizzie Staton?
Author: Jean Fritz
Illustrated: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
Genre: History
Sub Genre: Biography
Readability Score: 6.6
Primary characters: Lizzie (Elizabeth Staton) Susan B Anothney
Secondary Characters: Henry Staton, Judge Cady
Awards: none
Theme: Never give up- no matter what
ISBN: 0-399-22786-5
Publish date: 1995
Publishing Company: G.P Putnam's Son
Summary: This book tells the life/story of Elizabeth Staton. From an early age Lizzie was very strong willed and thought slavery should be abolished and women should be given more rights. Her father was a lawyer/judge and Lizzie would freqently read over the laws- although she did not agree with most of them. Her father would always say he wished she was a boy- becuase she would make him so proud. Unforuntly she was a girl- and frequently shamed him by her radical talks of women rights to vote and other outlandish ideas. Lizzy went to Emma Willard Femaile Seminary school but really wanted to attend Union College- but was told she could not because she was a female and this was an all boy school- as were most. Lizzy surrounded herself with friends of like minds- against slavery, abolitionists. She met her husband this way- Henry. Henry ended up being more closed minded than Lizzie original thought- and any talk of women voting left Henry infruated and usually absent from the home. HOwever this did not keep them from having 7 children of their own. Most of which was the reason why it took Lizzie till around the age of 50 to truely get out as much as she wanted to, to give speeches of womens rights. During these times slavery was abolished but still no talk of womens rights. "Citizens" could vote- did not include women?! A good friend of Lizzys- Susan B Anothney- tested this law and voted- but ended up arrested and her vote unaccounted for. These two women gave an uproar everywhere they went and even though Lizzie died 18 years too soon- she was the start of the 19th admendment which gave women the right to vote. Susan B Anothney is usually credited for most of women rights movement- but it was actually Elizabeth (Lizzie) who encouraged her and wrote most of the speechs that were given in those times.
How would use: History lesson all day! This is a great way to compare the past to today. In the book it says that women actually called their own husband Mr._____ . Can you imagine that today? How different things have changed. I would also use this as a lesson of struggle and determination- even some of Lizzies own friends began to think she is too radical with the idea of women voting... but she didnt give up or give in- and we (women) have her to thank for so much.

Picture Book 19

Title: Ana Cultiva Manzanas
Author:Monica Wellingtion
Illustrator:Eida Del Rico
Readability Score:2.8
Awards:
Primary Characters: Ana
Secondary Characters:
Theme: How to use apples
Genre: Informational
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publicaton:2004
Publisher: Dutton Childrens Book
ISBN:978-0525472520
Summary: Ana (Annie) is an apple farmer. Page by page the book tells about Ana the apple farmer and what exactly goes into being an apple farmer. Ana has to wait till her apples are ripe which is usually around fall. She picks these apples and then uses them for other things besides just selling at the market. After she sorts them- she uses some to make cider, she uses some for applesauce, and some for muffins. The pages are very brief descriptions but the pictures show the story moreso. The narratives- although brief- also include the English version to this book. The main text is written in Spanish- but translated directly below in English.
How Would Use: First I would use words in the book to help build vocabulary- like the word orchard or cider. This would be a fun book to use to teach about farmers and then even could have the students make something with apples provided. You can actually make ornaments out of applesauce, glue, and cinnmon- this would be neat and creative way to use this story with a craft.

Chapter book 11

Title: Rules
Author: Cynthia Lord
Illustrator: n/a
Readability Score: 4.5
Awards: Newberry
Primary Characters: Catherine, David, Jason
Secondary Characters: Catherine's Mom, Kristi, Ryan
Theme: Accept people for who they are
Genre: Informational
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publicaton:2006
Publisher: Scholoastic Print
ISBN: 0-439-44382-2
Summary:  Catherine is a girl who has a brother with Autism. Catherine is embarrsed by her brothers behavior- but she loves him very much and is protective of him also. Catherine- in an effort to teach her brother how to act- has made a list of rules for him such as "No toys in the fish tank" and "Say thank you when someone gives you a present." Catherine dreams of having a best friend that lives besides her that she can play flashlights with. She thinks this dream is coming true when a girl her age moves next door (Kristi). Catherine worries David will ruin this dream for her and she tries to make him act "normal" when Kristi is around. Kristi ends up being a very "surface" person and does not try to David (or Jason) for who they really are- but only as different. Jason is a friend Catherine meets at David's OT clinic. Jason is wheelchair bound and unable to talk- the only communication he makes is with his communication book- which Catherine helps him make new cards for- which include words and pictures. Catherine struggles throughout the book with her realtionship/friendship with Jason and even her brother- especially in the presence of others. Catherine eventually begins to see that her life is fine the way it is- and the people in her life are fine the way they are. She waits for her best friend Melissa to return from summer break and she appears to be much more acceptaning of the things and people in her life.
How Would Use: This is a great book to show my students how life is with a disability. It not only affects the indiviual but their family members as well. Hopefully through this book and circle talks- the children can see that just becuase people like Jason- that cannot speak or are not mobile are still just like you and me and want the same things. I would have the students write and tell about someone they may know or would like to know that may have a disability or that just may need different type of things than some of us.

Chapter Book 10

Title: Fortune's Bones
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Illustrator: N/A
Readability Score:9.3
Awards: Newberry Honor, Coretta Scott King, Best Book for young adults, National Book Award Finalist, Boston Glode-Horn Book Award, Notable Books for a global society
Primary Characters: Fortunes
Secondary Characters: Dinah (wife), Owner Dr. Porter
Theme: If these bones could talk
Genre: Informational
Sub Genre: Historical
Publicaton:2004
Publisher: Helen Robinson
ISBN:1-932425-12-8
Summary: In the late 1700's Fortune was a slave who had a wife named Dinah. He was a slave for a doctor named Dr. Porter. Dr. Porter had a speciality for setting broken bones. When Fortune died his owner boiled his bones and made Forune a skeleton- perserved. This way Dr. Porter could study bones and teach this study to his children. Years and Years passed and Fortune has been passed around and the family eventually named him (the skeleton) Larry. This made him less "real". He was passed down over and over- forgotten about and would resurface again. Eventually a member of the family gave "Larry" to a museum, that many people came and viewed. Later on, people became interested in "Larry" and scientist began to investigaste his bones. His bones told many stories. For example Fortune, was a hard working man- who had very strong bones- which shown he had worked hard for many many years. His bones also shown that he had broken his back at some point in his life and lived in pain for many years until his back actually mended itself. The debate is now about what to do with Forutnes boness... Should it remain in a museum and his story continued? Should he be laid rest as he should have been hundereds of years ago? Either way- do not forget Fortune- as he is free now.
How Would Use: This story should be used to show just how different things really were back then, and how unfree slaves really were. Can you imagine if someone was to boil someones bones and keep them to study?!?! I would use this to teach about Fortune, about slavery. I would have the students write their own ending to this story- what happens to Fortunes bones.

chapter book 9

Title: Number the Stars
Author:Lois Lowry
Illustrator:n/a
Readability Score:5.1
Awards:Newberry
Primary Characters: Annemarie Johansen, Ellen Rosen
Secondary Characters: The Johansen Family, The Rosen Family, Peter, and Uncle Henrik
Theme: Your never to young to be a hero
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sub Genre: Realsitc Fiction
Publicaton:1989
Publisher:Bantam Doubleday Dell
ISBN:0-440-40327-8
Summary: AnneMarie who lives in Copenhagen has a best friend who is Jewish. This would not be considered a big deal now, but back then (1943) the Nazi's are "relocating" the Jewish people. One night AnneMarie's family is searched by the Nazi's looking for Jews- Ellen is at their house at the time, because her parents had already took off to safety. Cleverly the Johansen family claims Ellen is their own- even though she does not resemble the rest of the blond headed Johansen family. Once morning comes, the family- with the exception of the father- takes off to Uncle Henrik's house. Uncle Henrik owns his own boat and can help the family to safety.  At Uncle Henriks house other Jews are gathered pretend to be hosting a funeral which was not uncommon in those days to have a coffin and funeral viewing in the family home. That night the families take off to the boat. AnneMarie stays at Uncle Henriks home while her mother leads them to Uncle Henriks boat. That morning Annemarie finds her mom- with her ankle broken and a very important hankercheif laying beside her. This hankerchif should be with the families aboard the boat! AnneMarie finds herself mustering up the coarage to run to the boat- hosting a conversation with Nazis guards and eventually getting the hankercheif to Uncle Henrik and thus helping the families esacpe to the safe land of Sweeden. You see the hankerchief has a type of "cologne" that makes dogs unable to smell humans that are hidden on the boat.
How Would Use: This book could be used in so many ways. As a history lesson- it shows the sutdents exactly how children and families were living in those days- and even "non- Jews" were not in great conditions wither. There was no gas and lack of major food- even cupcakes. I would also have the students write about a time where they had to "muster" up courage to do something. And then discuss how much more AnneMarie put on the line- Her own life.

Picture Book 18

Title: Remember; The Journey to School Integration
Author: Toni Morrison
Illustrator: N/A
Award: Coretta Scott King
Readability Score: 5.7
Theme: Together we can do and change anything
Genre: History
Sub Genre: Historical Non-Fiction
Publishing Date: 2004
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: 0-618-39740-x
Summary: This is a wonderful book about the trials and tribulations of the time of intergration in the school systems (mostly). It gives actual photographs from back in that age. There are the thoughts of what the people in the picture might be saying, however they are not the actual words of the photographed indiviual. The book begins with the history behind segration and how separate but equal began to come into play. At the end of the book it gives accounts of where each picture came from. The book also gives a timeline of segregation to intergration- and everything in between.
How Would Use: This book is so good to learn about a big part of the school systems history and history in general. This book should be read in correlation with the teaching of these decades. I think it would also be a good idea to show some of the pages that do not have words- and let the students decide what the indiviuals are thinking- this is a great way to start an indepth conversation.

Picture Book 17

Title: Jazz
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Christopher Myers
Award: Coretta Scott
Readability Score: n/a
Theme: Different types of Jazz
Genre: Informational
Sub Genre: Poetry
Publication Date: 2006
Publisher:Walter Dean Myers
ISBN: 0-8234-1545-7
Summary: This book creatively tells about the different types of Jazz through poems and descriptive pictures with wonderful colors and details. At the very beginning the book gives details about Jazz and where it comes from dating back during the slave trade. The books tells where the orgin of Jazz is to have been believed to come from and how it has evolved throughout the years. Each poem in the book tells and give descriptors about the genre itself. The poems also tell about people in the genre of Jazz and the different instruments which include; horn, vocals, and bass. It speaks of the blues, swing, and so on. At the end of the book is given a glossary which describes the different types of definitions in the book. It also gives a timeline of Jazz from the 1800's to present day. It tells of Louis Armstrong, the banning of Jazz in some areas, and Billie Holiday. This is a very informational book about Jazz and its orgin.
How Would Use: This would be a great book to use in any music class, but I could also use in my own classroom to discuss music and where it comes from. This could also be tied into African American culture- which is very much tied to Jazz. The students could even write their own blues or Jazz tune- since they are so very poetic.

Picture Book 16

Title: LightShip
Author:Brian Floca
Illustrator:Brain Floca
Award: Robert Sibert
Readability Score:3.3
Theme: Every job is important
Genre: Informational Book
Sub Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher:Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: 2007
ISBN: 1-4169-2436-1

Summary: This book tells about the Lightship- which never appears to do much but just sit there- anchored in the ocean. Once deeper in the book it reveals what all is going on, on the boat. The boat has helmsman, oiler,engineer,deckhand, radioman, mess man, cook, and of course a cat. These people all have important jobs and yet they stay in one spot- anchored. There is a huge horn on the boat and several people keep watch for other boats, weather conditions, and they keep their light burning bright.  At the end of the book we see that the lightship is important to the other boats that are moving because they direct the boats where to go and whether they are on course or not. With a sling of the Lightship's light or a BLOW of her horn- she (the lightship) tells the other boats what direction they should be going.
How Would Use: This would be a great book to read to the students and show them that even though a job may not seem big- indeed it is big. Without this lightship the bigger boats would not know where to go. The Lightship is very important. I would also discuss the jobs of the above mentions people on the Lightship and then I would have the students share what they would want their responsibility to be on the boat.

picture book 15

Title: The Titanic
Author: Deborah Kent
Illustrator: Deborah Kent
Readability Score:5.6
Theme: Never say never
Genre: Historical Non-Fiction
Sub Genre: Non-Fiction
Publicaton Date:1993
Publisher:Children's Press
ISBN:0-516-06672-2
Summary: This book retells the story of Titanic in a very informational way. The book starts out by telling how the ship was designed and how many passengers it held as opposed to how many passengers could fit on the lifeboats. The rooms were designed based on the class of the occupants, with 1st class being very elegant and lavish with 3rd class, being nice, but no where as nice as the 1st class. The book talks about the warning calls about hte icebergs ahead, but many people (including the captain) did not pay much mind to these icebergs warning. Once the Titanic was hit it was too late and the boat began to sink almost immedently. Many facts are told about the nearest boat being only 10 miles aways- but did not pay attention to the warning flares and therefore failed to save the ship's passsenger. When the next boat that did pay attention to the sinking ships cries- it was too late- it took that ship hours to respond because it was over 50 miles away. The book also talks about passengers that went down with the ship honorably and heroicly.
How Would Use: This book would be to tell older classrooms about the history of the Titanic and also the way "things were" back in those days. Also it should be discussed thtat nothing is ever 100% and even though they called the Titanic unsinkable- it did sink.

Picture Book #14

AUTHOR: Judith St. George
TITLE: So you want to be President?
ILLUSTRATOR:  David Small                      
READABILITY SCORE: 6-8 years of age
GENRE: Juvenile Non-Fiction Picture Book
SUB GENRE: History
THEME: Fun historic facts about our past presidents.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CHARACTERS: Past Presidents
Publishing DATE: 2000
AWARDS: Caldecott in 2001
PUBLISHING COMPANY: Philomel Books
ISBN NUMBER: 0-399-23407-1
BRIEF SUMMARY: This 52 page book gives fun and interesting facts about our past presidents. The presidents list stops at Bill Clinton so it is a little out of date. Each page tells what the a person must have in order to be president and then it tells details of our past presidents and facts about their presidency. For example; did you know that Teddy Roosevelt;s children put an pony in the elevator of the white house? At the end of the book, there is also an index of each president and a short biography of each. The book although humorous, teaches how old you must be to be president, how many presidents there have been, how many terms you can serve, the oath the presidents take, and even what has happened to past presidents that have lied.
HOW WOULD USE THIS BOOK: This would be an awesome book to use in class to teach about our presidents. When children find these facts humorous or it strikes their interest they are much more likely to retain this information, and some of it is very useful.

Chapter Book 8

Title: Ivy and Bean (and the Ghost that had to go)
Author: Annie Barrows
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Readability Score: 3.2
Genre: Realistic Fantasy
Sub Genre: Juevenile Fiction
Theme: Best friends aint afraid of no ghost(s).
Primary Characters: Ivy and Bean
Secondary Characters: classmates of Ivy and Bean and their teachers Mrs. Aruba-Tate
ISBN: 10 0-8118-4911-2
Published: 2006
Publishication company: Chronicle Books
Awards: None
SUmmary: Ivy and Bean are best friends- such best friends that they even have a pact a BLOOD pact (well they chicken out and used their own spit- but still). Bean is very talkative and not afraid to speak her mind, Ivy (equally clever) but very soft spoken and shy. Bean does most the talking even for Ivy. One day Ivy sees a ghost coming out of the girls bathroom and all the girls exiting the bathroom are shiver- which of course is a tell-tell sign of a ghost. The word slowly gets around about the ghost and girls everywhere are skipping the bathroom altoghter. WHen the teachers found out they are angry and to find out Ivy is at the root of the ghost story is shocking to Mrs. Aruba-Tate. Ivy and Bean know what they must do- they must conjur up a spell to expel the ghost from the bathroom. The spell even includes Bean's sisters's hair! They go to the bathroom and smear the potion- just then the bathroom groans, and the toliet (full of presents to the ghost) overflows. This is a sure sign that the ghost has fled and all is well again.
How would use: This was a cute book for most girls to read. With the story being about a ghost I think the boys could become interested as well. I would have the students right a story about their best friends and some of their adventures- just like Ivy and Beans. I would also have a discussion about what it means to be a good friend- and why we should all be nice to one another.

Chapter Book 7

Title: Summer in the City

Author: Marie Louise Gay

Illustrator: David Homel

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub Genre: Ficiton

Primary Character: Charlie and Max
Secondary Character: people in his neighborhood that he encounters

Theme: Make the best out of anything

Readability Score: n/a

Publication Date: 2012
Publisher:Groundwood Books
Awards: none

ISBN: 978-1-55498-177-9

Summary: Charlie is very upset when he finds out that he not going on his usually unconventional family vacations for the summer. His mom is cleverly calling this a stay-cation, which basically means they need the money, do they are not going anywhere. Charlie quickly finds things to do in his neighborhood and makes his own adventures. Charlie becomes a "lost-dog catcher" however he catch one that isn't lost and returns one that isn't the owners. One night Charlie and his brother Max camp out in the back yard they play flashlight tag and tell stories of vampires, which eventually scares his brother into the house leaving Charlies alone to wander. Oh- and did I mention he finds a skunk that sprays the dog? Vinegar gets out the smell- not tomato juice- more acid in vinegar. Later Charlie and Max find themselves in a bread truck- which takes them up the road quite a ways and the boys must find their way home with no money and subway station requiring money. My favorite story is when Charlie and his dad get caught on the road in the middle of rain storm that turns into a flood leaving him and his dad stranded in a flooding car and his dad cant swim! Luckily the firefighter show up just in time to save the guys from the car with their ladder. Unfortunately Charlie's dad is also afraid of heights and Charlie must help him remain calm. Charlies summer end with a surprise party in the ally with all of his new neighbor friends- it hadn't been that bad of a summer after all.

How would use: We could talk about what all the students do for summer vacation and where they go. I would also like for the students to write about their favorite summer vacation and what they did. Then write about what they would love to do one day for their summer vacation.

Chapter Book 6

Title:The famous adventures of Jack

Author: Berlie Doherty

Illustrator: Sonja Lamut

Genre: Fantasy

Sub Genre: Folk Story

Primary Character: Jill, the cat, Mother Greenwood
Secondary Character: The Jacks

Theme: Go and make your own adventure

Readability Score: n/a

Publication Date: 2000
Publisher: GreenWillow books
Awards: none

ISBN: 0-06-623619-3

Summary: In this story a girl named Jill, is told that she needs to meet Jack, and that she should take a bag to Mother Greenwood and she would know where to find Jack. When Jill tells this to Mother Greenwood, she has Jill empty the contents of the bag- with each item giving her a new story to tell about Jack. There are several Jacks in this story with everyone a new story to tell. One Jack married a princess because of his honesty and humility. Another Jack saved his father from death with life saving apples, but his brothers tricked him and stole the apples and took the credit for the apples, Jack receives his fair treatment when the people he had saved along the way to get apples come back to help him. He too married a princess- the princess from the castle which he had received the apples from. Mother Greenwood was kin to the Jacks and that is how she knew so many stories. Jill loves the stories and listens eagerly. Then the time comes that the stories are over, but Jill feels she has still not heard the story of the Jack she needs to hear from. Mother Greenwood, tells her to take a buckle to Jack- who happens to be up the bean stalk- this is the Jack, Jill was needing.

How would use: This story is very clever in the way it leads up to the story we all know- Jack and the Bean stalk- perhaps Jack and Jill? I would have the student draw their own conclusions to this story. It just ends with Jill going up the bean stalk- does Jill find a giant? A golden hen? Is Jill the next princess in the list of princesses that the "Jacks" marry?

Picture Book 13

Title: Luke Goes to Bat

Author: Rachel Isadora

Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sub Genre: Fantasy

Primary Character: Luke
Secondary Character: Grandmother, Nicky

Theme: Never give up.

Readability Score: n/a

Publication Date: 2005
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Awards: none

ISBN: 0-399-23604-x

Summary: Luke, who is younger than the rest of the children, sits watching them play baseball wishing he could play. One day he gets his chance, but strikes out and everyone just keeps telling him how young he is. Luke is troubled, he just wants to play baseball and be like his favorite player, Jackie Robinson. One day Luke's grandmother gives him tickets to the Dodgers game. He went to the game and saw his favorite ball player hit a home run! When Luke got home and went to this rooftop to think, he found the home run ball!! Just then Jackie Robinson himself appeared (a ghostly image) and reassures Luke to keep up his practice and to never give up. Luke didn't.

How would use: I would read this story to my students. We would discuss how things can be hard at first but with practice and a little growing we can accomplish anything! I would have the students write a story about a time they have tried really hard but maybe didn't accomplish their goals right away and how they final did (or will do).

Picture Book 12

Title: The Thornbush
Author: Michael Laughlin
Illustrator: Richard Stergulz
Genre: Realistic Fiction Religion
Sub Genre: Fantasy
Primary Character: The Thornbush
Secondary Character: Jesus
Theme: For ever season there is a reason.
Readability Score: N/A
Publication Date: 2000
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Awards: none
ISBN: 0-8499-5968-3
Summary: A thorn bush that never receives any attention, is face to face with Jesus. His recalls Jesus as having a kind face even though in such danger. One day a guard comes and takes the bushes thorns. The thorn bush later sees those thorns on top of Jesus head. A drop of blood falls of the thorn bush's blossom and instantly falls to the ground. Three days later Jesus arose from the grave, and the thorn bush bloomed the most beautiful blossom with a dot of red in the center. It had been touched by the blood of Jesus.
How would use: Well I could only use in a Christian School (which I hope to teach at one day). This book would be a great way to show that Jesus pays attention to everyone and anyone. Just because you have "thorns" doesn't mean that God will not use you. You make think you are ugly but Jesus think you are wonderful just the way you are. We would also discuss the seriousness of this event and the realism of exactly how large the thorns used for Jesus's crown were.

Chapter Book 5

Title: Sky Legends of VietnamAuthor: Lynette Dyer Vuong
Illustrator: Vo-Dinh Mai
Readability: 4.9
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Folktales
Theme: Have respect to your elders and keep your word.
Primary Characters: Each chapter tells a new story with several characters
Secondary Characters: Each chapter tells a new story with several characters
Awards: N/A
Publishication Date: 1993
Publisher: HarperCollings
ISBN: 0-06-023000-2
Summary: This book is full of stories about the sky, mostly the moon. The book is full of characters of the earth who in one way or the other come in contact with the spirtitual world. Many times a fairy comes down to earth to help someone out, but they end up falling in love. In the spirtiual world one day equals a year on earth. So the fairy can stay for a couple years before her father finds out she is missing and summons her home. These departures useless cause heartache for all envolved. However in some of the stories the human is brought up with the fairy and can remain there. These story are to create a reason for why the moon doesn't shine very bright at night, or why the sun the sets, and even why the moon has phases.These stories are full of anticcapation, mystery, and of course fantasy.
How would use: This book would be fun to read to student maybe a chapter at a time and have them reflect and come up with own interpertain for... (an example) why the moon has phases. I could also read them the story and have them tell me what they think the story is trying be symbolic of... moon phases, sun sets, etc... because the stories in the book do not just come out and give their meaning.

Picture Book 11

Title: The Gruffalo
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Readability Score: 3.2
Theme: Believing is not always seeing...
Genre: Fantasy
Primary Character: Mouse and the Gruffalo
Secondary: The Fox, The Owl and The Snake
Awards: NONE
Date of Publication: 1999
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3371-8
Brief Summary: The mouse while wandering through the forest feeling hungry, comes upon a fox, who looks hungry himself. The mouse, instead of being scared or trying to run, makes up this story about going to meet a Gruffalo (Gruffalos of course love to eat foxes). The fox quickly runs away from fear for his own life and forgets all about eating the mouse. This happens two more times, but next with an owl and then with a snake. To eat animal the mouse describes the Gruffalo's fangs, horns, wort on his nose, and his claws. After this, the mouse continues to walk, alone to stumble across an actual Gruffalo! The Gruffalo tells mouse that he loves to eat mice and is going to eat him!! The mouse, clever indeed, tells the Gruffalo that everyone is afraid of him (the mouse) and that the Gruffalo should think twice about eating him. To prove his story, he tells the Gruffalo to follow him (close behind) as he tries to talk to the other animals. The other animals of course run for their lives the second they see mouse (with a huge Gruffalo behind him). This scares the Gruffalo so bad that he too runs away, leaving the mouse to peace and quiet in the forest to eat his nut.
How would use: I would read this book aloud to my students and then we could discuss how more important it is to be smart and clever than just being bigger than someone. I would also have the students make up their own "Gruffalo" and draw him- that would be fun to see!

Picture Book 10

Title: The Legend of Atlantis

Author: Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Illustrator: Mike Cressy
Readability Score: N/A
Theme: Until you find it, its a legend.
Genre: Realistic Fantasy
Sub Genre: Fantasy
Primary or Secondary characters: None
Awards: None
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4048-6656-0
Publishing Company: Picture Window Books
Brief Summary: This book tells about the legend of Atlantis. The legend of Atlantis includes stories of the people that lived there and how wealthy the island was. They had houses made of red,white, and black stones. They were also said to have had fruits and vegetables that the world had never seen and it is rumored even the banana came from Atlantis. Soon the people of Atlantis became blinded by their wealthy and began to fight with each other. This quarreling angered the god Zeus and he allowed the ocean to swallow up the island. Never to be seen again. The remainder of the book tells about where people believe Atlantis was and why they believe so. Some believe it sunk near the Bahamas or Spain. The book goes on to tell of scientist who actually look for Atlantis using underwater techniques, satellites, and good old fashion digging. Finally the book concludes with other cities that are rumored to have existed, but no longer can be found.
How you would use: This would be a fun story to discuss in class and talk about whether the students believe Atlantis was real or not. Its a good way to get a quick History lesson to the students who may not know about place like Greece which is believed to be underwater one day itself. Finally I would have the students draw their own conclusions about Atlantis in a short story they write on their own.

Picture Book 9

Title: The three little wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Author: Eugene Trivizas
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Readability Score:5.1
Genre: Fables, Folk tales
Sub Genre: Animal Story
Theme: Don't judge a book by its cover
Primary: Three little wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Awards: None
Date of Publication: 1993
Publishing Company: Macmillan Publishing Company
ISBN: 0-689-50569-8
Brief Summary: This story is very similar to The three little pigs, but in this story the wolves are the "good guys" and the Pig is the "bad guy". The wolves are smart and build houses of brick, cement, and even steel, but the Pig uses a sledgehammer, drill, and even dynamite to blow up their houses. In the ultimate twist the wolves end up making a house of stick and flowers, but when the pig goes to blow their house down, he inhales the wonderful perfume of the flowers and instantly becomes a change pig. The wolves and the pig become friends and actually live happily ever after.
How you would use: I would this book along with The original three little pigs and we talk about the differences and similarities and why the students think this author would choose to write this book this way. Perhaps to learn that just because you expect (stereotype) the wolves to be bad, looks can be deceiving.

Chapter book 4

Title: Help! I'm trapped in my teacher's body
Author: Todd Strasser
Illustrator:
Readability Score:4.2
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub Genre: Fantasy
Theme: Seeing through another eyes
Primary: Jake and Mr. Dirksen
Secondary Characters: Jessica and Ms. Rogers
Awards: N/A
Date of Publication: 1993
Publishing company: Scholastic INC.
ISBN: 0-590-47737-4
Brief Summary: Jake is a trouble maker in school, especially in Mr. DORKsen (Dirksen) classroom. Jake does not like Mr. Dirksen because he is so boring and will not even allow a student to go get a drink of water or use the bathroom. One day Jake gets in so much trouble that Mr. Dirksen makes him carry his science experiment (which converts human intelligence to another body) to his house and talk about why (Jake) misbehaves so much. On the way to Mr. Dirksen's house a storm begins which causes Jake and Mr. Dirksen (and the science experiment) to be struck by lightning. Once they both come to, they realize they have switched bodies!! Jake is mortified, but Mr. Dirksen, now without back pains or a bald head, takes off running to enjoy his new found youth. For the most part the book shows Jakes struggle to convince Mr. Dirksen to switch their bodies back. Jack also gets a lesson to just how hard it is to be a teacher to all those students and the amount of pressure on him from the principal. Mr. Dirksen learns lessons too, as he sees Jake now presenting science experiments to his class- which helps the class to enjoy the lessons and they are now learning more than ever. The defying moment is when Ms. Rogers falls (more) in love with Mr. Dirksen (Jake in Mr. Dirksen) body and wants to get married. Mr. Dirksen then decides he will swap back bodies. Now the only delay is how to recreate the storm...
How you would use: This would be a really fun book for the students to read then write their thoughts of swapping bodies with a particular person (like their mom, teacher, etc...) then do research on that person and see if it would be a good swap or not and what they learned from that person.

Chapter Book 3

Title: Invisible Stanley
Author: Jeff Brown
Illustrator: Scott Nash
Readability Score: 3.9
Genre:Juvenile Fantasy
Sub Genre: Comedy
Theme: Being yourself- even when you feel invisible
Primary Character: Stanley
Secondary Character: Arthur, Mr. and Mrs. Lambchop
Awards: N/A
Date of Publication: 1996
Publishing Company: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0-06-009792-2
Brief Summary: Stanley while watching a storm and eating fruit (which everyone knows is a horrible combination) wakes up invisible! At first Stanley doesn't mind being invisible- he ties a balloon to hand so people can know where he is at. At school he gets to be on the newspaper (well his balloon does), then he helps a little boy win a bicycle race, he helps a man propose to his girlfriend, and eventually even catches bank robbers! All of this he could have only done while he was invisible. By the end of the book, however, Stanley is becoming depressed- his friends have forgotten about him and he is feeling isolated. Author who was at first jealous of all of his brothers attention, begins to miss his brothers face as well. So- they do the most logically thing- they fake a storm with running water and a flashlight and have Stanley eat raisins. Very cute story.
How you would us: I would read this to the students (or they can read alone if old enough), then I think it would be to have the students pretend they were invisible for a day- what would they do? Catch Bank Robbers? Eat Candy from the candy store? It would be fun to hear their own made up stories.

Chapter book 2

Author:Suzy Kline
Illustrator: Frank Remkiewicz
Title: Horrible Harry's Secret
Readability Score: 3.3
Genre: Juvenile Realistic Fiction
Sub Genre:
Theme: Dealing with new milestones we all face.
Primary Character: Harry
Secondary Character: Doug, Sung Lee, and Sydney
Awards: N/A
Date of Publication: 1998
Publishing Company: Puffin Books
ISBN: 0-14-130093-0
Brief Summary:Harry who is usual fighting with Sydney, appears to have changed! Song Lee, who brought a frog to class, has captured Harry's heart and now he will not fight with Sydney and he write notes back and forth with Song Lee. Song Lee has reasons for wanting Harry to not fight, because her grandfather died in war. Harry who also always prides himself on his 2 rows of pearly white teeth, has to accept when the tooth fairy comes a calling. Everyone in the book learns something new about one another, and the truth about why Sydney is mean sometimes is exposed, when he tells that his mother left him over a year ago. This is a great book about friendships and learning experiences.
How to use: This would be a great book to read aloud to the class and to discuss why some people feel and act certain ways. We can talk about bullying and what the causes are of bullys' and we can approach those issues.

Picture Book 8

Author: Caroline Repchuk

Title:The Race

illustrator: Alison Jay

Readability score: n/a (however recommended for ages 3-6)

Genre:Juvenile Fiction

Sub genre: race

Theme: Slowly and Steady wins the race

Primary and secondary characters: Tortoise and the Hare are both primary

Awards

date of publication: 2001

Publishing Company:Templar design

ISBN number:0-8118-3500-6

Brief Summary: This is modern version of the old favorite The Tortoise and The Hare. This time they are racing around the world and the first one to New York wins the race. In typically Hare form he races off in a race car, but soon finds trouble when his car breaks down. These types of incidents happen over and over for the Hare from his Hot Air Balloon falling out of the sky to fighting with Kangaroos in Australia. Tortoise from the beginning slowly boarded a ship and enjoyed himself on his trip around the world.

How you would use: This would be a fun book to read to the students and we could discuss the amazing picture in this book and where the Hare could be... China? Australia? etc... We would also discuss the deeper meaning of slow and steady and why it is not always the best idea to try and go fast.

Picture Book 7

Title: Sally and the Purple Socks
Author: Lisze Bechtold
Illustrator: Lisze Bechtold
Readability Score: ages 4 and up
Genre: Juevnile fiction
Sub Genre: fantasy
Theme: Making the most of any situation.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Sally
Awards: None
Date of Publication: 2008
Publishing Company: Philomel Books
ISBN: 978-0-399-24734-7
Breif Summary: Sally recieves her new purple socks in the mail, but they are entirely too small. Sally reads the note enclosed that states, "Once removed from the box, socks will grow to fit". So the socks begin to fit, but then they kept growing; so she turned them into a hat, a scarf, curtains, a comforter, and even a tent! Finally it rains- soaking her socks, and they fit perfectly again.
How to use:  This would be a really fun book for the students to have read to them. I would then give them a big piece of purple fabric and let the students see what all they can make out of their fabric.

Picture Book #6

Title: Shoe-la-la
Author: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated: LeUyen Pham
Readability Score: n/a (but interest level in Pre-K)
Genre: Juevnile Fiction
Sub Genre: Comedy/Poetry
Theme: When you can't find what your looking for... make it.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Emily, Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Claire
Awards: None
Date of Publication: 2011
Publishing Company: Scholastic Press
ISBN: 978-0-545-06705-8
Brief Summary: Four young girls, who are looking for the perfect shoe go, shoe shopping. They try on fluffy ones, sparkly ones, and ritzy glitzy ones. They eventually try on every shoe in the store! They become so overwhelmed that they leave without buying one shoe. Once they get home, they decide to make their own shoes, and they are EXACTLY what they were looking for.
How you would use: This would be a fun book to read to the class (maybe more for the girls). I would comment how just because you maybe can't find what you want or afford what you want, you can make what you want. I would give them a piece of paper with a plain shoe on it and let them design their own shoe.

Picture Book 5

Title: Robin's New Glasses
Author:Christianne C. Jones
Illustrator: Ji Sun Lee
Readability Score: N/A
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Sub genre: Assistive Technology
Theme: Finding the positives of new things.
Primary Character: Robin
Secondary: Children in her classroom, her parents, and the eye doctor.
Date Of Publication: 2006
Publishing Company:Picture Windows Book
ISBN: 1-4048-1587-2
Brief Summary: Robin is nervous about getting her new glasses. She worries how they will make her look and how they will make her feel. Once she gets the glasses she realizes they are so much better than she imagined. The glasses are in her favorite color, but most of all she can see the board now. Robin is even getting higher grades in school now.
How would use: I would use this in class to express how and why some people need glasses and that they are beneficial and should not be viewed as something "bad" or "different".

Chapter Book #1

Author: Ann M. Martin

Title: The Kids in Ms. Coleman's Class
Illustrator: Charles Tang
Readability Score: 2.4
Genre: realistic fiction
Sub genre: Characters and values
Theme: Making friends and excitement in a new grade.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Primary is Nancy Dawes. Secondary would be the students in Ms. Coleman's Class: Jannie, Bobby (the bully), Tammy, Sara, Ian, Leslie, Hank, Terri, Omar, Audrey, Chris, Ms. Coleman, Karen, Hannie, Ricky, Natalie
Publishing Company: Scholastic Printing
ISBN: 0-590-26215-7
Brief Summary: Nancy is not excited about starting her new year of 2nd grade, because her best friend has moved away and she is worried she will not be able to have a best friend again. The story begins to show all the students the morning of the first day of school and how they are all feeling about the first day. Some are nervous, tired, scared, and excited. Once in class Nancy's fears are mad real as she struggles to make a new friend. Once Ms. Coleman begins a class assignment of finding a new pet for the classroom, and breaking the students into smaller rotating groups Nancy begins to make friends and ultimately finds a best friend in one girl. The story goes on the voting of the new classroom pet and the field trip to the pet store proves to be an exciting one. Nancy realizes that second grade may not be so bad after all.
How you would use: This would be a great summer reading book for students. This way can see that all students are feeling a different way about the new year. This could also be read in the beginning of the year to have the same effect. The year may not start out exactly how the student want it to, but they have the ability to make it better.

Picture Book #4

Author: Jamie Lee Curtis

Title: It's hard to be five

Illustrator: Laura Cornell

Readability score: 5-8 years of age

Genre: Juvenile Picture Book

Sub genre: Fiction Family Life

Theme: Finding self control as a five year old can be demanding, but fun.

Primary and secondary characters: The five year old boy is primary with parents and teachers being the secondary.

Awards : New York Times best seller

DATE of Publishing: 2004

Publishing Company: Harper Collins Publishers

ISBN number: 0-06-008095-7

Brief Summary: This five year old boy highlights the struggles of being five. He wants to be dirty and have fun but he feels everyone tells him to "stay still" and "be clean". He has trouble with his self control, but begin to see that being five has fun responsibilities as well. He is impressed with his own manners and his ability to build things and have his own bed.

How you would use: This would be a great book for a kindergarten class or perhaps preschool. This could be read aloud and show children that it is important to show self control and that being young isn't so bad after all.

Picture Book 3

Author: Jack Prelutsky
Title: Dog Days
Illustrator: Dyanna Wolcott
Readability score: 3-7 years
Genre: Jueville Poetry
Subgenre: Seasons
Theme: Seasonal/Monthly poems
Primary and secondary characters: The Dog
Awards
date of publication:1999
Publishing Company: Alfred A. Knopf, INC.
ISBN number: 0-375-90104-3
Brief Summary: This book goes through the months and uses poems to describe what the dog does during those particular months. The poems describe the different seasons, which includes weather, activities, and even dress atire. This poems are written through a dog's point of view of the months.
How you would use: I would use these poems to tie in the months and the seasons. This would be a great book to introduce during circle time. The first sentence of each poem tells the month, but you could skip that line and read the rest of the poem and let the students guess which month is being read aloud.

Picture Book 2

Author: Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Title: When Riddles Come Rumbling

Illustrator: Karen Dugan                               

Readability score: 8-11 years of age

Genre: Juvenile Poetry

Subgenre: Riddles

Theme: Collection of poems/riddles that allows the reader  to guess the subject.

Primary and secondary characters: none

Awards

date of publication: 2001

Publishing Company: Wordsong

ISBN number: 1-56397-846-6

Brief Summary: A collection of 29 poems/riddles, in which the riddles reveal what the subject or topic of the poem, is. For example; “Shut me tight, and lock the lock- I won’t tell, and I won’t talk.” This short riddle would be about a diary. Each page includes a poem and the background offers picture details as clue of what the riddle is about.

How you would use: I would use this book in my classroom as a way to introduce riddles/poetry and how much fun they can be. I would read one poem at a time and allow the children to discuss and think about what it could be and why. This allows the students to be creative and really think. I would also have the students create their own type of riddle in which they could share and the class could try and guess what the riddle was about.

Picture Book 1

Title: Old Bear and His Cub

Author: Olivier Dunrea
Readability Score: 3-7 years
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub genre: Picture Book
Theme: Finding Wisdom from our Elders and applying that wisdom.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Old Bear and His Cub
Awards:
Date of Publication: 2010
Publishing Company: Penguin Group Incorporated
ISBN: 9780399245077                       
Brief Summary: Old Bear teaches Little Cub important things, like wearing his scarf in the snow and to eat all his food. Little Bear can be a little stubborn but will ultimately does obey Old Bear, because the author states several times how much they love one another. When Old Bear becomes sick, Little Cub uses the wisdom from Old Bear to nurse him back to good health.
How to use with students: I would use this book to explain to the students how  older people or individuals (that we know care about us) have more life experiences and have something to teach us. Even though it may seem like adults are trying to boss you around and make life "boring", adults really know what is best for you. Students should realize good advice and then be able to apply it to their own lives. After reading this story I would have the students recall some advice that their parents or guardians have given them that they have used. For example: Remembering to keep their shoes tied so they do not trip on their laces and fall.

Children's Literature Rocks: Children's Literature Rocks

Children's Literature Rocks: Children's Literature Rocks