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A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka
Summary: This wordless book depicts a story of a dog who loves playing with his red ball. One day, another larger dog destroyed it, and he was left with heavy feelings of loss and sadness. After mourning his lifeless toy, he is given a new blue ball to play with from that larger dog's owner. Age: Birth to age 2 Citation: Raschka, C. (2011). A ball for Daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. -
Period: to
Birth Through Age 18
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Baby Happy, Baby Sad by Leslie Patricelli
Summary: Using few words, this book shows the basic emotions of happiness and sadness. Each emotion is captured by illustrations of situations commonly experienced by little ones. The book would also help develop babies' understanding of opposites. Age: Birth to 2 years old Citation: Patricelli, L. (2008). Baby happy, baby sad. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. -
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Summary: With very limited language, this book illustrates and labels each shade of green on the planet. What adds a dose of excitement is the die cuts that are made in each page that help add to the illustration of previous and future pages. Age: Birth to age two Citation: Seeger, L. V. (2012). Green. New York: Roaring Brook Press. -
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo and Illustrated by David Small
Summary: Elliot is not your ordinary young person.He is much too sophisticated for kiddy trips to places like the aquarium. But, when his father suggests they go there, Elliot has an idea of how to make the trip even more fun. Age: 5-8 years old Citation: Buzzeo, T., & Small, D. (2012). One cool friend. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.Candlewick. -
Amelia Bedlia Means Business by Herman Parish
Summary: The Amelia Bedelia series is a hilarious one that is sure to give every child the giggles. Amelia takes everything seriously--to an extreme. In this book, Amelia wants a bike like her friend's, but after her mother said it will cost her "an arm and a leg," she sets out to find a way to pay for it herself, without having to give up an arm and leg. Age: 6-10 years old (easy reader) Citation: Parish, H., & Avril, L. (2013). Amelia Bedelia means business. New York: Greenwillow Books. -
One for the Murphys by Lynda Hunt
Summary: Carley, the feisty 12-year-old main character, is abruptly dropped off at the Murphys, a foster family, after a traumatic bout of abuse involving her mother and stepfather. While her mother recovers in the hospital, Carley is forced to make a temporary life with a family that is so opposite of her biological family--but opposite in the most fresh, life-altering way. Age: 10-14 years old Citation: Hunt, L. M. (2012). One for the Murphys. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books. -
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Summary: Right before World War II, Russia invaded Lithuania and took many of its citizens captive, including Lina and her family. After hoping and hoping her father would rescue her, her mother, and brother, Lina finally uses her talent of artistry in an attempt to get word to him. Her drawings have been her mainstay all her life--perhaps they will end up saving it in the most dire of situations. Age: 12-14 Citation: Sepetys, R. (2011). Between shades of gray. New York: Philomel Books. -
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Summary: In The Maze Runner, James Dashner creates a science-fiction masterpiece. Readers are caught in a world of guessing what is coming next from the very first page when Thomas finds himself entering the Glade in an elevator of sorts. The language is different there, its inhabitants are all young people, and they have to do everything possible every day to protect themselves from the enemies. Age: 13-16 Citation: Dashner, J. (2009). The maze runner. New York: Delacorte Press. -
Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson
Summary: The main character, Laurel, had her world turned upside down when a hurricane came and swept her mother and grandmother away, leaving only her, her baby brother, and father. They decided to relocate further north, away from the dangers of the coastline, and begin a new life. Only Laurel's new life of using meth ironically stole more life than she ever imagined. Age - 14-17 Citation: Woodson, J. (2012). Beneath a meth moon: An elegy. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books. -
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Summary: Hazel, an exceptional teenager, is both a survivor and a sufferer of cancer in this heart-wrenching novel. After attending a support group many times, she ended up meeting a new attendee, Augustus, who made life with cancer much more bearable. Their journey together is a roller coaster of paiin and joy, leaving the reader pondering their lives long after closing the book. Age: Age 15 and up Citation: Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York: Dutton Books.
