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The Book Thief
Death narrates this tale of intersecting lives during Holocaust-era Germany, featuring the story of nine-year-old Liesel. Leisel's connection to books deepens as she grows up in the dreary town of Molching, as do her relationships with foster parents Rosa and Hans, her best friend Rudy, and the Jewish refugee Max hiding in her basement. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers. -
Little Blue Truck
Young listeners will enjoy the rhyming verse and sound effects as Little Blue Truck makes a farm animal friend at every turn. These farm animals ultimately come to his rescue when Little Blue Truck gets stuck helping the less friendly dump truck.The dump truck learns the importance of taking the time to connect with others. Recommended for ages 2-5. Schertle, A. (2008). Little blue truck. Singapore: Tien Wah Press. -
Mockingbird
Eleven-year-old Caitlin is seeking closure. Closure on the school shooting death of her brother Devon, who was her compass needle in the world of other people. This moving tale of a girl with Asperger's will foster readers' empathy, both for those suffering the loss of loved ones and the growing numbers of children and adults navigating life with autism. National Book Award winner. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Erskine, K. (2010). Mockingbird. New York, NY: Philomel Books. -
Bink & Gollie
This title is a refreshing portrayal of pre-teen girl friendships. Though they share a love for roller-skating and pancakes, the two girls struggle to reconcile their differences in this humorous compilation of three short tales. Winner of the 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. Recommended for ages 6-10. DiCamillo, K. (2010). Bink & Gollie. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. -
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
Young readers will empathize with Gerald the Elephant's dilemma: to share or not to share a prized possession. Gerald hems and haws over whether to share his ice cream cone with Piggie, and while doing so, his cone melts and falls to the ground. It's a good thing he has a friend like Piggie, who doesn't hesitate to share his ice cream cone! Recommended for ages 4-8. Willems, M. (2011). Should I share my ice cream? New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. -
Otis and the Tornado
Otis the tractor is chummy with all the farm animals, except for the bull who angrily rejects Otis' attempt at friendship. When a tornado descends upon the farm, Otis risks his own safety to save the bull from his locked enclosure. This is a great text for teaching the practice of empathy, and the action-packed language also makes it a good choice for teaching young writers how to choose strong verbs. Recommended for ages 5-9. Long, L. (2011). Otis and the tornado. New York, NY: Philomel Books. -
The Fault In Our Stars
Sixteen-year-old Hazel has terminal cancer, and her fragile health narrows her life to a lonely existence mostly spent at home with her parents. Then she meets seventeen-year-old Augustus at a cancer support group meeting, and their immediate friendship quickly blossoms into a "small infinity" of romance. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York, NY: Dutton Books. -
Wonder
August Pullman was born with severe facial abnormalities, and the story of his first year at Beecher Prep has the potential to open readers' minds and hearts. August leaves his homeschool environment to navigate the uncertain waters of fifth grade, where making friends is hard enough without the added burden of extreme differences. Recommended for ages 8-12. Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. New York, NY: Knopf. -
Almost Home
Twelve-year-old Sugar Mae Cole is as strong as she is sweet. Life has dealt her a tough hand (the loss of loved ones, her mother's severe depression, homelessness, and foster care), yet she remains determined to rediscover her place in the world. Readers will enjoy Sugar's humor and be humbled by her gratitude. Recommended for ages 9-13. Bauer, J. (2012). Almost home. New York, NY: Penguin. -
This Is Not My Hat
A small fish brazenly steals a hat from a larger, sleeping fish, and he mistakenly thinks he's gotten away with it! Children are quickly drawn into the story, as they soon discover that Klassen's illustrations provide more accurate information than the thief fish's narration. A perfect text for teaching beginning readers how to make inferences. Winner of the 2013 Caldecott Medal. Recommended for ages 5-9. Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
