La Frontera, written by Deborah Mills and Alfredo Alva, tells the journey Alfredo took with his father from Mexico to the United States. The words and illustrations of this book help children understand some of the turmoil and hardships immigrants face as they travel to the United States. In the beginning of the story Alfredo… Continue reading La Frontera by Deborah Mills and Alfredo Alva
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I Survived The Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis
Yes, this really happened! And, if you live in Massachusetts, it happened close to home - in the North End of Boston! This tragic event was caused by negligence on the part of the company who owned the molasses tank, United States Industrial Alcohol. For the first time in American history, a company had to… Continue reading I Survived The Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis
Lubna and Pebble By Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus
“This unforgettable and stunningly illustrated story explains the wrenching dislocation of refugee families, and one girl’s powerful act of friendship in the midst of uncertainty” – sometimes the book sleeve says it best! This gorgeous picture book opens the door to conversations about worries, friendship, and the powerful notion of hope. Second graders loved predicting… Continue reading Lubna and Pebble By Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus
#WeBelong #IAmAmerican #CountMeIn
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj is the best children's book I have read all year! This book tells the story of a young girl and how she is transformed into an “accidental activist” after a terrible racist attack on her grandfather. The story is told from the point of view of Karina and her… Continue reading #WeBelong #IAmAmerican #CountMeIn
Because of the Rabbit By Cynthia Lord
Meet Emma. Emma is starting fifth grade in a Maine public school after years of being homeschooled. She is eager to start school and would love a best friend. She meets Jack on the first day. Jack is a boy who doesn’t quite fit in. He’s not the best friend she thought she was looking… Continue reading Because of the Rabbit By Cynthia Lord
Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo and Harry Bliss
Teacher Thoughts… It is impossible not to love Kate DiCamillo and adorable dog characters! Rosie is lonely, but she is also hesitant to try anything new. Her owner, George, takes her to the dog park, and after a couple of false starts, she makes friends with two other dogs. This delightful book is perfect to… Continue reading Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo and Harry Bliss
Dear Girl,
Empowering. Thoughtful. Inspirational. A book that promotes self-love and self-acceptance while encouraging girls (and boys!) to be unique and true to themselves. From appreciating your appearance and ideas, to coloring outside the lines, to accepting all of your feelings, this book oozes warmth and love. Of course, this should come as no surprise, since… Continue reading Dear Girl,
Looking for a Early Chapter Book Series?
Have you ever encountered a student that was just not into books? Never happens right? Honestly, this happen every year, sometimes more than once.... or twice. Last year a teacher friend of mine had one of these students. He was a third grader, reading on the cusp of grade level, but didn't really get into… Continue reading Looking for a Early Chapter Book Series?
Borrowing Bunnies By Cynthia Lord
Children’s author, Cynthia Lord and her husband, John Bald foster rabbits. They take in bunnies that have been neglected and ones that owners no longer want as pets. Cindy and John care for the rabbits until they are adopted. Borrowing Bunnies is the true story of rabbits, Peggotty and Benjamin, that were saved by Maine’s… Continue reading Borrowing Bunnies By Cynthia Lord
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Teacher Thoughts… This book is a must-have for every elementary classroom because it captures the excitement of the first day of school and the upcoming school year, it helps create an inclusive environment because every child can find someone who looks like themselves in the book and it can be used as a mentor text… Continue reading All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
Teacher Thoughts… You will fall in love with Louie and his family and friends as they come together to save Winslow, a sick, newborn donkey. Winslow connects all of the characters and caring for him helps them to work through difficult situations in their own lives. Once again, Sharon Creech creates vivid characters. Her descriptions… Continue reading Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
The Word Collector
Ask a baseball fan about his card collection, or a teacher about her library, and it will open up a world of conversation. Whether it be seashells or stamps, bugs or books, collections bring comfort to people of all ages. Jerome’s collection is one that he could add to throughout each and every day... because… Continue reading The Word Collector
Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Not Quite Snow White, written by Ashley Franklin and Illustrated by Ebony Glenn is a delightful picture book about Tameika, a confident and creative little girl destined for the stage. Unfortunately, her confidence falters when her classmates decide that based on her height, weight and skin color she isn’t quite right to play Snow White… Continue reading Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Front Desk By Kelly Yang
Teacher Thoughts... Meet Mia Tang. Mia and her family have come from China to America for a new life. Mia is ten years old and manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel in California. She is a girl with a kind heart and big dreams. This book is filled with many characters and stories… Continue reading Front Desk By Kelly Yang