Caldecott Award Books
Pickney, Jerry (author & illustrator)
The Lion and the Mouse
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009
Description: In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: The illustrations have been created with watercolor and colored pencil and brings the scenery of Africa alive for the reader to enjoy.
Activities: This book can be used when learning about Aesop's Fables. It can also be incorporated in a study of Africa.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lion-Mouse-Jerry-Pinkney/dp/0316013560#_
The Lion and the Mouse
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009
Description: In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: The illustrations have been created with watercolor and colored pencil and brings the scenery of Africa alive for the reader to enjoy.
Activities: This book can be used when learning about Aesop's Fables. It can also be incorporated in a study of Africa.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lion-Mouse-Jerry-Pinkney/dp/0316013560#_
Raschka, Chris (author & illustrator)
A Ball for Daisy
Schwartz & Wade, 2011
Description: This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: The illustrations are impressionistic style with bright colors that captures the reader's attention.
Activities: Have students write their own narrations to go along with the pictures. Have students act out the scenes from the story and give insight to what Daisy might be thinking. http://abcsofreading.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-ball-for-daisy.html
Review: http://www.amazon.com/A-Ball-Daisy-Chris-Raschka/dp/037585861X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351109515&sr=8-1&keywords=a+ball+for+daisy#_
A Ball for Daisy
Schwartz & Wade, 2011
Description: This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: The illustrations are impressionistic style with bright colors that captures the reader's attention.
Activities: Have students write their own narrations to go along with the pictures. Have students act out the scenes from the story and give insight to what Daisy might be thinking. http://abcsofreading.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-ball-for-daisy.html
Review: http://www.amazon.com/A-Ball-Daisy-Chris-Raschka/dp/037585861X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351109515&sr=8-1&keywords=a+ball+for+daisy#_
Selznick, Brian (author & illustrator)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Scholastic Press, 2007
Description: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations are mostly extremely detailed black-and-white pencil drawing with some cinematic details.
Activities: The following link takes you to a Webquest that can be used when studying this book: https://sites.google.com/a/umail.iu.edu/the-invention-of-hugo-cabret-webquest/teacher-materials
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786#_
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Scholastic Press, 2007
Description: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations are mostly extremely detailed black-and-white pencil drawing with some cinematic details.
Activities: The following link takes you to a Webquest that can be used when studying this book: https://sites.google.com/a/umail.iu.edu/the-invention-of-hugo-cabret-webquest/teacher-materials
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786#_
Stead, Phillip C.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Stead, Erin E. (illustrator)
Roaring Brook Press, 2010
Description: Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee’s case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it’s time they returned the favor.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: woodblock printing technique and pencil
Activities: This website has printables of different activities that you can use with the book: http://mudpiesandmakeup.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-pack-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee.htm
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/A-Sick-Day-Amos-McGee/dp/1596434023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352400223&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Sick+Day+for+Amos+McGee
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Stead, Erin E. (illustrator)
Roaring Brook Press, 2010
Description: Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee’s case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it’s time they returned the favor.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: woodblock printing technique and pencil
Activities: This website has printables of different activities that you can use with the book: http://mudpiesandmakeup.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-pack-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee.htm
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/A-Sick-Day-Amos-McGee/dp/1596434023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352400223&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Sick+Day+for+Amos+McGee
Wiesner, David (author & illustrator)
Flotsam
Clarion Books, 2006
Description: A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: vivid watercolor paintings
Activities: This website is full of activities that can be used with various books by the author: http://www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner/Wiesner_Art_Max_discussion_guide.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Flotsam-David-Wiesner/dp/0618194576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352401182&sr=1-1&keywords=Flotsam
Flotsam
Clarion Books, 2006
Description: A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.
Recommended Audience: Preschool & up
Illustrations: vivid watercolor paintings
Activities: This website is full of activities that can be used with various books by the author: http://www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner/Wiesner_Art_Max_discussion_guide.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Flotsam-David-Wiesner/dp/0618194576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352401182&sr=1-1&keywords=Flotsam
Corretta Scott King Award Books
Curtis, Christopher Paul
Elijah of Buxton
(no illustrator)
Scholastic, 2009
Description: Master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis lends his trademark humor and vibrant narrative style to the gripping tale of eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman. The first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit, Elijah is best known in his hometown as the boy who threw up on Frederick Douglass. (Not on purpose, of course — he was just a baby then!). But things change when a former slave calling himself the Right Reverend Zephariah W. Connerly the Third steals money from Elijah's friend Mr. Leroy, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the south. Elijah joins Mr. Leroy on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the disreputable preacher, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents fled — a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to go back home.Exciting, yet evocative, heart-wrenching, yet hilarious, Elijah of Buxton is Christopher Paul Curtis at his very best — and it's an unforgettable testament to the power of hope.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: This book can be used for teaching African American history, slavery, and courage.Scholastic has a video book trailer, video book talk, discussion guide, extention activities, and more resources at http://www.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=4743
Athor/Illustrator interview: http://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?id=66&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Elijah-Buxton-Christopher-Paul-Curtis/dp/0439023459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349120043&sr=1-1&keywords=Elijah+of+Buxton
Elijah of Buxton
(no illustrator)
Scholastic, 2009
Description: Master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis lends his trademark humor and vibrant narrative style to the gripping tale of eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman. The first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit, Elijah is best known in his hometown as the boy who threw up on Frederick Douglass. (Not on purpose, of course — he was just a baby then!). But things change when a former slave calling himself the Right Reverend Zephariah W. Connerly the Third steals money from Elijah's friend Mr. Leroy, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the south. Elijah joins Mr. Leroy on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the disreputable preacher, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents fled — a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to go back home.Exciting, yet evocative, heart-wrenching, yet hilarious, Elijah of Buxton is Christopher Paul Curtis at his very best — and it's an unforgettable testament to the power of hope.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: This book can be used for teaching African American history, slavery, and courage.Scholastic has a video book trailer, video book talk, discussion guide, extention activities, and more resources at http://www.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=4743
Athor/Illustrator interview: http://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?id=66&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Elijah-Buxton-Christopher-Paul-Curtis/dp/0439023459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349120043&sr=1-1&keywords=Elijah+of+Buxton
Morrison, ToniRemember: The Journey to School Integration
(no illustrator)
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2004
Description: Toni Morrison has collected a treasure chest of archival photographs that depict the historical events surrounding school desegregation. These unforgettable images serve as the inspiration for Ms. Morrison's text-a fictional account of the dialogue and emotions of the children who lived during the era of "seperate but equal" schooling. Remember is a unique pictoral and narrative journey that introduces children to a watershed period in American history and its relevance to us today.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten & up
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of photographs taken during the desegregation process in the 1960s.
Activities: Students can write their own narratives to describe what is taking place in the photographs. Students can write a journal entry pretending to be a student going through integration at school and record their thoughts and feelings about the changes.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Remember-Journey-School-Integration-Nonfiction/dp/061839740X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353957565&sr=1-1&keywords=Remember%3A+The+Journey+to+School+Integration
(no illustrator)
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2004
Description: Toni Morrison has collected a treasure chest of archival photographs that depict the historical events surrounding school desegregation. These unforgettable images serve as the inspiration for Ms. Morrison's text-a fictional account of the dialogue and emotions of the children who lived during the era of "seperate but equal" schooling. Remember is a unique pictoral and narrative journey that introduces children to a watershed period in American history and its relevance to us today.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten & up
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of photographs taken during the desegregation process in the 1960s.
Activities: Students can write their own narratives to describe what is taking place in the photographs. Students can write a journal entry pretending to be a student going through integration at school and record their thoughts and feelings about the changes.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Remember-Journey-School-Integration-Nonfiction/dp/061839740X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353957565&sr=1-1&keywords=Remember%3A+The+Journey+to+School+Integration
Nelson, Micheaux Vaunda
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Christie, R. Gregory (illustrator)
Carolrhoda Books, 2009
Description: The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail because Bass Reeves always got his man — dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't approve of the notion of a black lawman.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-6th grades
Illustrations: Vibrant paintings are used to capture the imposing character of Bass Reeves.
Activities: This book may be used to incorporate Social Studies by discussing the Old West; or it may simply be used to teach about African American indviduals who made a difference.
Conduct a discussion about the sterotypical "Wild West" and lead into how Bass Reeves breaks those stereotypical notions. More lesson ideas can be found at https://childrenslit-socialstudies.wikispaces.com/Bad+News+for+Outlaws+Reinforcing+Activity
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-News-Outlaws-Exceptional-Intermediate/dp/0822567644/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349118932&sr=1-1&keywords=bad+news+for+outlaws
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Christie, R. Gregory (illustrator)
Carolrhoda Books, 2009
Description: The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail because Bass Reeves always got his man — dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't approve of the notion of a black lawman.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-6th grades
Illustrations: Vibrant paintings are used to capture the imposing character of Bass Reeves.
Activities: This book may be used to incorporate Social Studies by discussing the Old West; or it may simply be used to teach about African American indviduals who made a difference.
Conduct a discussion about the sterotypical "Wild West" and lead into how Bass Reeves breaks those stereotypical notions. More lesson ideas can be found at https://childrenslit-socialstudies.wikispaces.com/Bad+News+for+Outlaws+Reinforcing+Activity
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-News-Outlaws-Exceptional-Intermediate/dp/0822567644/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349118932&sr=1-1&keywords=bad+news+for+outlaws
Nelson, Kadir (author and illustrator)
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
Balzer + Bray, 2011
Description: The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it’s about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it’s about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It’s a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination and triumphs.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations feature oil paintings that convey emotion.
Activities: This book can be used for teaching African American history, slavery, and the Civil War.
Athor/Illustrator interview: http://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?id=66&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Soul-America-African-Americans/dp/0061730742/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349116705&sr=1-2&keywords=heart+and+soul
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
Balzer + Bray, 2011
Description: The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it’s about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it’s about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It’s a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination and triumphs.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations feature oil paintings that convey emotion.
Activities: This book can be used for teaching African American history, slavery, and the Civil War.
Athor/Illustrator interview: http://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?id=66&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Soul-America-African-Americans/dp/0061730742/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349116705&sr=1-2&keywords=heart+and+soul
Williams-Garcia, Rita
One Crazy Summer
(no illustrator)
Amistad, 2011
Description: Eleven-year-old Delphine has it together. Even though her mother, Cecile, abandoned her and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, seven years ago. Even though her father and Big Ma will send them from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to stay with Cecile for the summer. And even though Delphine will have to take care of her sisters, as usual, and learn the truth about the missing pieces of the past.When the girls arrive in Oakland in the summer of 1968, Cecile wants nothing to do with them. She makes them eat Chinese takeout dinners, forbids them to enter her kitchen, and never explains the strange visitors with Afros and black berets who knock on her door. Rather than spend time with them, Cecile sends Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black Panthers, where the girls get a radical new education.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: This book may be used for teaching the Civil Rights Movement.
Discussion questions and various activities can be found at http://www.viterbo.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/letters/english/UnitPlanOneCrazySummer.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/One-Crazy-Summer-Rita-Williams-Garcia/dp/0060760907/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349117692&sr=1-1&keywords=one+crazy+summer
One Crazy Summer
(no illustrator)
Amistad, 2011
Description: Eleven-year-old Delphine has it together. Even though her mother, Cecile, abandoned her and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, seven years ago. Even though her father and Big Ma will send them from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to stay with Cecile for the summer. And even though Delphine will have to take care of her sisters, as usual, and learn the truth about the missing pieces of the past.When the girls arrive in Oakland in the summer of 1968, Cecile wants nothing to do with them. She makes them eat Chinese takeout dinners, forbids them to enter her kitchen, and never explains the strange visitors with Afros and black berets who knock on her door. Rather than spend time with them, Cecile sends Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black Panthers, where the girls get a radical new education.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: This book may be used for teaching the Civil Rights Movement.
Discussion questions and various activities can be found at http://www.viterbo.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/letters/english/UnitPlanOneCrazySummer.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/One-Crazy-Summer-Rita-Williams-Garcia/dp/0060760907/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349117692&sr=1-1&keywords=one+crazy+summer
Newbery Award Books
DiCamillo, Katie
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Ering, Timothy Basil (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2006
Description: Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stoies, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then? As Katie DiCalmillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.
Recommended Audience: 2nd-4th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were created in black and white using a pencil.
Activities: A lesson plan for this book can be found at the following link: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/lively-read-tale-despereaux
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tale-Despereaux-Being-Princess-Thread/dp/0763625299/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353969852&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Tale+of+Despereaux%3A+Being+the+Story+of+a+Mouse%2C+a+Princess%2C+Some+Soup%2C+and+a+Spool+of+Thread
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Ering, Timothy Basil (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2006
Description: Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stoies, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then? As Katie DiCalmillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.
Recommended Audience: 2nd-4th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were created in black and white using a pencil.
Activities: A lesson plan for this book can be found at the following link: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/lively-read-tale-despereaux
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tale-Despereaux-Being-Princess-Thread/dp/0763625299/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353969852&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Tale+of+Despereaux%3A+Being+the+Story+of+a+Mouse%2C+a+Princess%2C+Some+Soup%2C+and+a+Spool+of+Thread
Kadohata, Cynthia
Kira-Kira
(no illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006
Description: kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shining. Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.
Recommended Audience: 5th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Have students draw a picture of something that they think is kira-kira. Because the book has serious themes of serious illnesses and death, the students should be given an opportunity to discuss (perhaps in a literature circle) their emotions and how they responded to the book.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Kira-Kira-Cynthia-Kadohata/dp/0689856407/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353968666&sr=1-1&keywords=kira-kira
Kira-Kira
(no illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006
Description: kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shining. Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.
Recommended Audience: 5th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Have students draw a picture of something that they think is kira-kira. Because the book has serious themes of serious illnesses and death, the students should be given an opportunity to discuss (perhaps in a literature circle) their emotions and how they responded to the book.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Kira-Kira-Cynthia-Kadohata/dp/0689856407/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353968666&sr=1-1&keywords=kira-kira
Patron, Susan
The Higher Power of Lucky
Phelan, Matt (illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008
Description: Lucky, age 10, lives in tiny Hard Pan, California (population 43), with her dog and the young French woman who is her guardian. With a personality that may remind some readers of Ramona Quimby, Lucky, who is totally contemporary, teeters between bravado--gathering insect specimens, scaring away snakes from the laundry--and fear that her guardian will leave her to return to France. Looking for solace, Lucky eavesdrops on the various 12-step meetings held in Hard Pan (of which there are plenty), hoping to suss out a "higher power" that will see her through her difficulties. Her best friend, Lincoln, is a taciturn boy with a fixation for tying knots; another acquaintance, Miles, seems a tiresome pest until Lucky discovers a secret about his mother. Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations for this book have been creating using pen, ink, and pencil.
Activities: The author has provided a list of vocabulary words, discussion questions, and research ideas for the book:
http://www.susanpatron.com/teachers_suggestedact_lucky1.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Power-Lucky-Susan-Patron/dp/1416975578/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353967398&sr=1-1&keywords=the+higher+power+of+lucky
The Higher Power of Lucky
Phelan, Matt (illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008
Description: Lucky, age 10, lives in tiny Hard Pan, California (population 43), with her dog and the young French woman who is her guardian. With a personality that may remind some readers of Ramona Quimby, Lucky, who is totally contemporary, teeters between bravado--gathering insect specimens, scaring away snakes from the laundry--and fear that her guardian will leave her to return to France. Looking for solace, Lucky eavesdrops on the various 12-step meetings held in Hard Pan (of which there are plenty), hoping to suss out a "higher power" that will see her through her difficulties. Her best friend, Lincoln, is a taciturn boy with a fixation for tying knots; another acquaintance, Miles, seems a tiresome pest until Lucky discovers a secret about his mother. Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations for this book have been creating using pen, ink, and pencil.
Activities: The author has provided a list of vocabulary words, discussion questions, and research ideas for the book:
http://www.susanpatron.com/teachers_suggestedact_lucky1.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Power-Lucky-Susan-Patron/dp/1416975578/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353967398&sr=1-1&keywords=the+higher+power+of+lucky
Schlitz, Laura Amy
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village
Byrd, Robert (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2011
Description: Maidens, monks, and millers’ sons — in these pages, readers will meet them all. There’s Hugo, the lord’s nephew, forced to prove his manhood by hunting a wild boar; sharp-tongued Nelly, who supports her family by selling live eels; and the peasant’s daughter, Mogg, who gets a clever lesson in how to save a cow from a greedy landlord. There’s also mud-slinging Barbary (and her noble victim); Jack, the compassionate half-wit; Alice, the singing shepherdess; and many more. With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates twenty-two riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Robert Byrd — inspired by the Munich-Nuremberg manuscript, an illuminated poem from thirteenth-century Germany — this witty, historically accurate, and utterly human collection forms an exquisite bridge to the people and places of medieval England.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using the pen and ink method.
Activities: Teaching resources and activity ideas for this book can be found at the following link: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763615781.btg.1.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Masters-Sweet-Ladies-Medieval/dp/0763650943/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353966908&sr=1-1&keywords=Good+Masters%21+Sweet+Ladies%21+Voices+from+a+Medieval+Village
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village
Byrd, Robert (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2011
Description: Maidens, monks, and millers’ sons — in these pages, readers will meet them all. There’s Hugo, the lord’s nephew, forced to prove his manhood by hunting a wild boar; sharp-tongued Nelly, who supports her family by selling live eels; and the peasant’s daughter, Mogg, who gets a clever lesson in how to save a cow from a greedy landlord. There’s also mud-slinging Barbary (and her noble victim); Jack, the compassionate half-wit; Alice, the singing shepherdess; and many more. With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates twenty-two riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Robert Byrd — inspired by the Munich-Nuremberg manuscript, an illuminated poem from thirteenth-century Germany — this witty, historically accurate, and utterly human collection forms an exquisite bridge to the people and places of medieval England.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using the pen and ink method.
Activities: Teaching resources and activity ideas for this book can be found at the following link: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763615781.btg.1.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Masters-Sweet-Ladies-Medieval/dp/0763650943/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353966908&sr=1-1&keywords=Good+Masters%21+Sweet+Ladies%21+Voices+from+a+Medieval+Village
Stead, Rebecca
When You Reach Me(no illustrator)
Yearling, 2010
Description: This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.vBy sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Numerous activities and themes to teach from the book can be found at the following link: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375850868.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Reach-Yearling-Newbery/dp/0375850864/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353966482&sr=1-1&keywords=when+you+reach+me
When You Reach Me(no illustrator)
Yearling, 2010
Description: This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.vBy sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Numerous activities and themes to teach from the book can be found at the following link: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375850868.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Reach-Yearling-Newbery/dp/0375850864/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353966482&sr=1-1&keywords=when+you+reach+me
Pura Belpre Award Books
Alvarez, Julia
Return to Sender
(no illustrator)
Knopf Books for Children, 2009
Description: After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn't sure what to make of these workers, Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected to her American life. Her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences? In a novel full of hope, but no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves a beautiful and timely story that willstay with readers long after they finish it.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: The students can compare and contrast the lives of Tyler and Mari. The following is a link of the author talking about why she wrote Return to Sender:http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=3951&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Sender-Julia-Alvarez/dp/0375851232/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353953690&sr=1-1&keywords=return+to+sender
Return to Sender
(no illustrator)
Knopf Books for Children, 2009
Description: After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn't sure what to make of these workers, Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected to her American life. Her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences? In a novel full of hope, but no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves a beautiful and timely story that willstay with readers long after they finish it.
Recommended Audience: 4th-6th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: The students can compare and contrast the lives of Tyler and Mari. The following is a link of the author talking about why she wrote Return to Sender:http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=3951&a=1
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Sender-Julia-Alvarez/dp/0375851232/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353953690&sr=1-1&keywords=return+to+sender
Canales,Viola
The Tequila Worm
(no illustrator)
Wendy Lamb Books, 2005
Description: Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio in McAllen, Texas, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter cascarones, celebrating el Dia de los Muertos, preparing for quinceañera, rejoicing in the Christmas nacimiento, and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It’s a different mundo, but one where Sofia’s traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path.
Recommended Audience: 5th-8th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Have the students share some of their own family traditions. The following link has numerous activities that can be used when reading the book: https://sites.google.com/a/chccs.k12.nc.us/bobbi-mimmack/the-tequila-worm-by-viola-canales
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Belpre-Medal-Narrative-Awards/dp/B006CDSIOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353956228&sr=1-1&keywords=the+tequila+worm
The Tequila Worm
(no illustrator)
Wendy Lamb Books, 2005
Description: Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio in McAllen, Texas, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter cascarones, celebrating el Dia de los Muertos, preparing for quinceañera, rejoicing in the Christmas nacimiento, and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It’s a different mundo, but one where Sofia’s traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path.
Recommended Audience: 5th-8th grades
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Have the students share some of their own family traditions. The following link has numerous activities that can be used when reading the book: https://sites.google.com/a/chccs.k12.nc.us/bobbi-mimmack/the-tequila-worm-by-viola-canales
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Belpre-Medal-Narrative-Awards/dp/B006CDSIOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353956228&sr=1-1&keywords=the+tequila+worm
Engle, Margarita
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom
(no illustrator)
Henry Holt and Co., 2008
Description: It is 1896. Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free. People have been rounded up in reconcentration camps with too little food and too much illness. Rosa is a nurse, but she dares not go to the camps. So she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her. Black, white, Cuban, Spanish—Rosa does her best for everyone. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war? Acclaimed poet Margarita Engle has created another breathtaking portrait of Cuba.
Recommended Audience: 6th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: The following link contains numerous discussion questions and writing prompts for the book: http://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/the-surrender-tree/
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Tree-Poems-Struggle-Freedom/dp/B0046LUQIK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353955077&sr=1-1&keywords=the+surrender+tree
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom
(no illustrator)
Henry Holt and Co., 2008
Description: It is 1896. Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free. People have been rounded up in reconcentration camps with too little food and too much illness. Rosa is a nurse, but she dares not go to the camps. So she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her. Black, white, Cuban, Spanish—Rosa does her best for everyone. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war? Acclaimed poet Margarita Engle has created another breathtaking portrait of Cuba.
Recommended Audience: 6th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: The following link contains numerous discussion questions and writing prompts for the book: http://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/the-surrender-tree/
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Tree-Poems-Struggle-Freedom/dp/B0046LUQIK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353955077&sr=1-1&keywords=the+surrender+tree
McCall, Guadalupe Garcia
Under the Mesquite
(no illustrator)
Lee and Low Books, 2011
Description: Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican american immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's battle with chancer in the young adult novel in verse. When Lupita learns Mami has cancer, she is terrified by the possibility of losing her mother, the anchor of her close-knit family. Suddenly, being a high school student, starring in a play, and dealing with friends who don't always understand, become less important than doing whatever she can to save Mami's life. While her father cares for Mami at an out-of-town clinic, Lupita takes charge of her sevel younger siblings. As Lupita struggles to keep the family afloat, she takes refuge in the shade of a mesquite tree, where she escapes the chaos at home to write. Forced to face her limitations in the midst of overwelming changes and losses, Lupita rediscovers her voice and finds healing in the power of words.
Recommended Audience: 6th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Research a Mesquite tree and determine why the author used it as a symbol. The following link is a website that has discussion questions to go along with the book: http://www.leeandlow.com/p/under_the_mesquite_dq.mhtml
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Under-Mesquite-Guadalupe-Garcia-Mccall/dp/1600604293/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352402478&sr=1-1&keywords=under+the+mesquite
Under the Mesquite
(no illustrator)
Lee and Low Books, 2011
Description: Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican american immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's battle with chancer in the young adult novel in verse. When Lupita learns Mami has cancer, she is terrified by the possibility of losing her mother, the anchor of her close-knit family. Suddenly, being a high school student, starring in a play, and dealing with friends who don't always understand, become less important than doing whatever she can to save Mami's life. While her father cares for Mami at an out-of-town clinic, Lupita takes charge of her sevel younger siblings. As Lupita struggles to keep the family afloat, she takes refuge in the shade of a mesquite tree, where she escapes the chaos at home to write. Forced to face her limitations in the midst of overwelming changes and losses, Lupita rediscovers her voice and finds healing in the power of words.
Recommended Audience: 6th grade & up
Illustrations: n/a
Activities: Research a Mesquite tree and determine why the author used it as a symbol. The following link is a website that has discussion questions to go along with the book: http://www.leeandlow.com/p/under_the_mesquite_dq.mhtml
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Under-Mesquite-Guadalupe-Garcia-Mccall/dp/1600604293/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352402478&sr=1-1&keywords=under+the+mesquite
Ryan, Pam Muñoz
The Dreamer
Sis, Peter (illustrator)
Scholastic Paperbacks, 2010
Description: From the time he is a young boy, Neftali hears the call of a mysterious voice. He knows he must follow it--even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself. It leads him under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain, until finally, he discovers its source. Combining elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, literary fiction, and sensorial, transporting illustrations, Pam Muñoz Ryan and Peter Sís take readers on a rare journey of the heart and imagination.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: Pen and Ink
Activities: Because The Dreamer has numerous types of literature all in one book, the students can practice distinguishing between different the types. The following link has numerous lesson plan ideas for the book: http://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/october-2012-the-dreamer/
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dreamer-Pam-Munoz-Ryan/dp/0439269989/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353952198&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Dreamer
The Dreamer
Sis, Peter (illustrator)
Scholastic Paperbacks, 2010
Description: From the time he is a young boy, Neftali hears the call of a mysterious voice. He knows he must follow it--even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself. It leads him under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain, until finally, he discovers its source. Combining elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, literary fiction, and sensorial, transporting illustrations, Pam Muñoz Ryan and Peter Sís take readers on a rare journey of the heart and imagination.
Recommended Audience: 3rd-5th grades
Illustrations: Pen and Ink
Activities: Because The Dreamer has numerous types of literature all in one book, the students can practice distinguishing between different the types. The following link has numerous lesson plan ideas for the book: http://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/october-2012-the-dreamer/
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dreamer-Pam-Munoz-Ryan/dp/0439269989/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353952198&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Dreamer