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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
This wonderful story, by the author of The Tale of Despereaux, is about a toy rabbit who belongs to a little girl, but has not yet learned to love. He gets lost at sea, rescued, and becomes a member of several more families. On his journey, he gradually learns how to love those that get attached to him. The beautiful language makes it a joy to read. Grade 2-6. Citation: DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of edward tulane. (1 ed.). Somerville, MA: Candlewick. -
A Good Day by Kevin Henkes
A bird, a dog, a fox, and a squirrel all start their days out with an unfortunate event-losing a feather, getting tangled in a leash, getting lost, and dropping a nut! Of course, they resolve their problems, and end up making a little girl's day in the end!
Age 1+
Citation: Henkes, K. (2007). A good day. (1 board-book ed.). New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. -
Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal, A Worldwide Cinderella
This fun version of CInderella takes elements of the folktale from 17 different cultures and weaves them into one story! It would be fun for students to have read a couple of other versions before this one. I was amazed at how well the authors tied the different cultural pieces together. Particularly good for 2nd or 3rd graders. Grades K-4.
Citation: Fleischman, P., & Paschkis, J. (2007). Glass slipper, gold sandal, a worldwide cinderella. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. -
Are you Ready to Play Outside? By Mo Willems
I love Elephant and Piggie books! This one is about some unexpected rain and is a delightful story for 3 and 4 year olds who have to face little disappointments of thier own. Preschool-Grade 2.
Citation: Willems, M. (2010). Are you ready to play outside?. New York: Hyperion. -
A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk by Deborah Ruddell
My 1st graders would love hearing this read-aloud! It is a terrific introduction of poetry as told by forest animals, along with details to learn about them. It would be fun to change how you read each poem, putting a "voice" to each animal. K-3.
Citation: Ruddell, D. (2009). A whiff of pine, a hint of skunk: a forest of poems. New York NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. -
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This excellent book told from the perspective of a devoted dog will certainly make you want to talk to yours more and give them giant hugs! A story about human life that is happy, sad, funny, and painful depending on the chapter. If you like car racing, you will appreciate it even more! ( Late Adolescence-Adult)
Citation: Stein, G. (2009). The art of racing in the rain. (1 ed.). New York, NY: HarperCollins. -
Hunger Games
Katniss, a 16-year-old becomes a contestant in the Capitol's Hunger Games by volunteering to take her younger sister's place. Two teens from each district participate in the deathly games. Katniss isn't new to survival skills, but dangerous twists are added to Panem's reality television show. Challenging her teammate, Peeta, adds romance and suspense!
Young Adult: Early to Middle Adolescence.
Citation: Suzanne, C. (2008). The hunger games. (1st ed. ed., Vol. 1). New York, NY: Scholastic. -
Shine, by Lauren Myracle
Cat is a 16-year-old Southern girl who lives in a poor community full of drugs and small town loyalties. She has to confront her fears in order to find the truth about what happened to Patrick, her childhood friend. Patrick is gay, and the victim of a hate crime. Love ultimately shines over hate in this well-written book. I couldn't put it down! Age 14+(Middle Adolescence).
Citation: Myracle, L. (2011). Shine. New YorK, NY: Amulet Books. -
The Twins' Blanket by Hyewon Yum
I am a twin, so of course I found this book, illustrated with mixed media, really special. Growing up, twins often need to share things, and in this story, the 5-year-olds share a blanket. Mommy sews two new blankets when the girls are old enough to have twin beds, and while they find it hard to fall asleep at first, they are successful in the end! For K-2 readers. Citation: Yum, H. (2011). The twins' blanket. (1 ed.). NY: D&M Publishers, Inc. -
City of Orphans by Avi
Maks is a 13-year-old “newsie” from the tenements in New York City near the end of the nineteenth century. His immigrant family struggles to make ends meet, and he finds himself the target of a street gang. During one attack, he is rescued by Willa, a homeless girl. When his sister, Emma, is accused of theft, Maks and his new-found friend, Willa, become detectives on the case! Age 11-13 (Early Adolescence).
Citation: Avi, . (2011). City of Orphans (1st ed.). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. -
Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
This sad story, set in USSR under Stalin's rule, has ten-year-old Sasha being raised as a devoted Communist. In a time where no one truly trusts each other, and spies are everwhere, Sasha stays true to his upbringing until he is forced to start developing his own opinions. When his father is taken away, Sasha is without a home and his beliefs about his society begin to change. Grades 5-8.
Citation: Yelchin, E. (2011). Breaking stalin's nose. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR). -
Pip and Posy: The Super Scooter
Pip rides his scooter and his friend, Posy, decides to take it for a spin without asking! Pip is angry until Posy falls and gets hurt. He takes care of her, she apologizes, and they ride home safely, and slowly, together. (Preschool).
Citation: Scheffler, A. (2011). Pip and posy: the super scooter. (1 ed.). Somerville, MA: Nosy Crow. -
We March by Shane W. Evans
Evans' book is a terrific way to introduce young children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the march in 1963, and his infamous speech. With minimal text and intriguing illustrations, even the youngest student can grasp the importance of having a dream and what it means to march to support it. (Preschool-grade 2).
Citation: Evans, S. (2012). We march. New York: Roaring Books Press. -
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
This book would a wonderful, interactuve read aloud for 2-year-olds who are learning their colors. Each page brings a new shade of green and a hidden suprise! Beautifully illustrated and sure to get oohs, ahhs, and giggles! Preschool-Grade 1
Citation: Seeger, L. V. (2012). Green. (1st ed.). New York NY: Roaring Brook Press.
