Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children
Greenfield, EloiseIn the Land of Words: New and Selected Poems
Gilchrist, Jan Spivey (illustrator)
Amistad, 2003
Description: The words can come from a memory, or a dream, or something I see or hear or wonder about or imagine. . . . Maybe there's a place where words live, where our minds and hearts can go and find them when we want to write or read. I like to imagine that there is such a place. I call it "The Land of Words." In this collection of twenty-one poems, National Council of Teachers of English Excellence in Poetry for Children Award winner Eloise Greenfield journeys to a place where words, creativity, and imagination abound. Featuring the poems "In the Land of Words," "Books," and "Poem," as well as favorites such as "Nathaniel's Rap" and "Way Down in the Music," this tribute to the written word invites readers to look within themselves and discover what inspires them. Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using the fabric-art technique.
Activities: The following link takes you to a worksheet that has guided discussion questions: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/harpercollins/in-the-land-of-words_dg.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Land-Words-New-Selected-Poems/dp/0060289937/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353973937&sr=1-1&keywords=0060289937
Gilchrist, Jan Spivey (illustrator)
Amistad, 2003
Description: The words can come from a memory, or a dream, or something I see or hear or wonder about or imagine. . . . Maybe there's a place where words live, where our minds and hearts can go and find them when we want to write or read. I like to imagine that there is such a place. I call it "The Land of Words." In this collection of twenty-one poems, National Council of Teachers of English Excellence in Poetry for Children Award winner Eloise Greenfield journeys to a place where words, creativity, and imagination abound. Featuring the poems "In the Land of Words," "Books," and "Poem," as well as favorites such as "Nathaniel's Rap" and "Way Down in the Music," this tribute to the written word invites readers to look within themselves and discover what inspires them. Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using the fabric-art technique.
Activities: The following link takes you to a worksheet that has guided discussion questions: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/harpercollins/in-the-land-of-words_dg.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Land-Words-New-Selected-Poems/dp/0060289937/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353973937&sr=1-1&keywords=0060289937
Grimes, Nikki
Oh, Brother!
Benny, Mike (illustrator)
Greenwillow Books, 2007
Description: It's bad enough that Xavier's new stepbrother, Chris, has moved into Xavier's room, but now it looks like he's also trying to steal Mami by being the perfect kid. Chris's "Mr. Perfect" act may fool grown-ups, but Xavier can see straight through it. He promises himself that he'll never become real brothers with such a fake. No brothers allowed! Ever!...right? In twenty powerful poems, two strangers learn to become brothers. Nikki Grimes captures the struggles-and eventual sweetness-of bring together a family.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created by painting with goache paint.
Activities: The following link gives idea for teaching this book: http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/brothtg.html
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Brother-Nikki-Grimes/dp/0688172946/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353974622&sr=1-1&keywords=oh+brother+nikki+grimes
Oh, Brother!
Benny, Mike (illustrator)
Greenwillow Books, 2007
Description: It's bad enough that Xavier's new stepbrother, Chris, has moved into Xavier's room, but now it looks like he's also trying to steal Mami by being the perfect kid. Chris's "Mr. Perfect" act may fool grown-ups, but Xavier can see straight through it. He promises himself that he'll never become real brothers with such a fake. No brothers allowed! Ever!...right? In twenty powerful poems, two strangers learn to become brothers. Nikki Grimes captures the struggles-and eventual sweetness-of bring together a family.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created by painting with goache paint.
Activities: The following link gives idea for teaching this book: http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/brothtg.html
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Brother-Nikki-Grimes/dp/0688172946/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353974622&sr=1-1&keywords=oh+brother+nikki+grimes
Lewis, J. Patrick
What's Looking at You, Kid?
Graef, Renée (illustrator)
Sleeping Bear Press, 2012
Description: From acclaimed U.S. Children's Poet Laureat J. Patrick Lewis comes a delightful exploration of the wildlife easily found in our backyards and along the seashore. Simple rhymes and riddles are used to help the youngest of readers identify our wildlife neighbors, including birds, small mammals, and insects.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using colored pencils.
Activities: This book can be a good resource when introducing children to various wildlife, or poetry. Have students observe the nature that they see in their own backyards and discuss what they saw.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Looking-At-You-Kid/dp/1585367931/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353972942&sr=8-1&keywords=what%27s+looking+at+you+kid
What's Looking at You, Kid?
Graef, Renée (illustrator)
Sleeping Bear Press, 2012
Description: From acclaimed U.S. Children's Poet Laureat J. Patrick Lewis comes a delightful exploration of the wildlife easily found in our backyards and along the seashore. Simple rhymes and riddles are used to help the youngest of readers identify our wildlife neighbors, including birds, small mammals, and insects.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The illustrations were created using colored pencils.
Activities: This book can be a good resource when introducing children to various wildlife, or poetry. Have students observe the nature that they see in their own backyards and discuss what they saw.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Looking-At-You-Kid/dp/1585367931/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353972942&sr=8-1&keywords=what%27s+looking+at+you+kid
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Bass, Hester
The Secret World of Walter Anderson
Lewis, E. B. (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2009
Description: Residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast thought Walter Anderson was odd, rowing across twelve miles of open water in a leaky skiff to reach Horn, an uninhabited island without running water or electricity. But this solitary artist didn’t much care what they thought as he spent weeks at a time on his personal paradise, sleeping under his boat, sometimes eating whatever washed ashore, sketching and painting the natural surroundings and the animals that became his friends. Here Walter created some of his most brilliant watercolors, work he kept hidden during his lifetime. In a beautifully crafted picture book biography, writer Hester Bass and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis pay homage to an uncompromising American artist.
Recommended Audience: 1st-3rd grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were creating using watercolor paint.
Activities: This is a great book to introduce non-fiction texts. Discuss seeing beauty in the simple things, and have students draw pictures of simple things that they find beautiful.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-World-Walter-Anderson/dp/0763635839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353978197&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Secret+World+of+Walter+Anderson
The Secret World of Walter Anderson
Lewis, E. B. (illustrator)
Candlewick, 2009
Description: Residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast thought Walter Anderson was odd, rowing across twelve miles of open water in a leaky skiff to reach Horn, an uninhabited island without running water or electricity. But this solitary artist didn’t much care what they thought as he spent weeks at a time on his personal paradise, sleeping under his boat, sometimes eating whatever washed ashore, sketching and painting the natural surroundings and the animals that became his friends. Here Walter created some of his most brilliant watercolors, work he kept hidden during his lifetime. In a beautifully crafted picture book biography, writer Hester Bass and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis pay homage to an uncompromising American artist.
Recommended Audience: 1st-3rd grades
Illustrations: The illustrations were creating using watercolor paint.
Activities: This is a great book to introduce non-fiction texts. Discuss seeing beauty in the simple things, and have students draw pictures of simple things that they find beautiful.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-World-Walter-Anderson/dp/0763635839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353978197&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Secret+World+of+Walter+Anderson
Bolden, Tonya
M.L.K.: The Journey of a King
(no illustrator)
Harry N. Abrams, 2007
Description: In the tradition of her award-winning book Maritcha, Tonya Bolden brings words and pictures together to tell the life story of one of America's greatest figures: Martin Luther King, Jr.-or M.L.K. Central to the story is King's belief that agape-the selfless love for one's neighbor-is the rope that binds all peoples together. This philosophy came forward in his sermons, in his daily practice, and especially in his support of nonviolent protests. More than 80 photographs of M.L.K. preaching, leading marches, being arrested, and overcoming the violence and prejudice around him are juxtaposed with images of his wife and family, of his fellow protestors, and of other leaders of the day. A tribute to a great human being, M.L.K. will surely inspire young readers.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The book's illustrations consist of historical photographs.
Activities: This would be a great way to teach about Martin Luther King, Jr. Students can use this book to create a timeline of Martin Luther King's Life. Have students create a list of things that were important to M.L.K.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/M-L-K-Journey-King-Tonya-Bolden/dp/0810954761/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353978752&sr=1-1&keywords=M.L.K.+Journey+of+a+King
M.L.K.: The Journey of a King
(no illustrator)
Harry N. Abrams, 2007
Description: In the tradition of her award-winning book Maritcha, Tonya Bolden brings words and pictures together to tell the life story of one of America's greatest figures: Martin Luther King, Jr.-or M.L.K. Central to the story is King's belief that agape-the selfless love for one's neighbor-is the rope that binds all peoples together. This philosophy came forward in his sermons, in his daily practice, and especially in his support of nonviolent protests. More than 80 photographs of M.L.K. preaching, leading marches, being arrested, and overcoming the violence and prejudice around him are juxtaposed with images of his wife and family, of his fellow protestors, and of other leaders of the day. A tribute to a great human being, M.L.K. will surely inspire young readers.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The book's illustrations consist of historical photographs.
Activities: This would be a great way to teach about Martin Luther King, Jr. Students can use this book to create a timeline of Martin Luther King's Life. Have students create a list of things that were important to M.L.K.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/M-L-K-Journey-King-Tonya-Bolden/dp/0810954761/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353978752&sr=1-1&keywords=M.L.K.+Journey+of+a+King
Freedman, Russell
Children of the Great Depression
(no illustrator)
Sandpiper, 2010
Description: As he did for frontier children in his enormously popular Children of the Wild West, Russell Freedman illuminates the lives of the American children affected by the economic and social changes of the Great Depression. Middle-class urban youth, migrant farm laborers, boxcar kids, children whose families found themselves struggling for survival . . . all Depression-era young people faced challenges like unemployed and demoralized parents, inadequate food and shelter, schools they couldn’t attend because they had to go to work, schools that simply closed their doors. Even so, life had its bright spots—like favorite games and radio shows—and many young people remained upbeat and optimistic about the future.Drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters, and other firsthand accounts, and richly illustrated with classic archival photographs, this book by one of the most celebrated authors of nonfiction for children places the Great Depression in context and shows young readers its human face. Endnotes, selected bibliography, index.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of historical photographs.
Activities: This is a great book to introduce the Great Depression. Have students compare and contrast the lives of children living during the Great Depression and children today.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Children-Great-Depression-Russell-Freedman/dp/0547480350/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353979312&sr=1-1&keywords=Children+of+the+Great+Depression
Children of the Great Depression
(no illustrator)
Sandpiper, 2010
Description: As he did for frontier children in his enormously popular Children of the Wild West, Russell Freedman illuminates the lives of the American children affected by the economic and social changes of the Great Depression. Middle-class urban youth, migrant farm laborers, boxcar kids, children whose families found themselves struggling for survival . . . all Depression-era young people faced challenges like unemployed and demoralized parents, inadequate food and shelter, schools they couldn’t attend because they had to go to work, schools that simply closed their doors. Even so, life had its bright spots—like favorite games and radio shows—and many young people remained upbeat and optimistic about the future.Drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters, and other firsthand accounts, and richly illustrated with classic archival photographs, this book by one of the most celebrated authors of nonfiction for children places the Great Depression in context and shows young readers its human face. Endnotes, selected bibliography, index.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of historical photographs.
Activities: This is a great book to introduce the Great Depression. Have students compare and contrast the lives of children living during the Great Depression and children today.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Children-Great-Depression-Russell-Freedman/dp/0547480350/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353979312&sr=1-1&keywords=Children+of+the+Great+Depression
Montgomery, Sy
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of Papau New Guinea
Bishop, Nic (photographer)
Sandpiper, 2009
Description: It looks like a bear, but isn’t one. It climbs trees as easily as a monkey— but isn’t a monkey, either. It has a belly pocket like a kangaroo, but what’s a kangaroo doing up a tree? Meet the amazing Matschie’s tree kangaroo, who makes its home in the ancient trees of Papua New Guinea’s cloud forest. And meet the amazing scientists who track these elusive animals.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of photographs.
Activities: This book can be incorporated into an informational text study. The following link has resources for classroom activities: http://symontgomery.com/wp-content/themes/toolbox/downloads/kangaroo-activities.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Tree-Kangaroo-Expedition-Scientists/dp/054724892X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353979883&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+tree+kangaroo+an+expedition+to+the+cloud+forest+of+new+guinea
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of Papau New Guinea
Bishop, Nic (photographer)
Sandpiper, 2009
Description: It looks like a bear, but isn’t one. It climbs trees as easily as a monkey— but isn’t a monkey, either. It has a belly pocket like a kangaroo, but what’s a kangaroo doing up a tree? Meet the amazing Matschie’s tree kangaroo, who makes its home in the ancient trees of Papua New Guinea’s cloud forest. And meet the amazing scientists who track these elusive animals.
Recommended Audience: 5th-6th grades
Illustrations: The illustrations consist of photographs.
Activities: This book can be incorporated into an informational text study. The following link has resources for classroom activities: http://symontgomery.com/wp-content/themes/toolbox/downloads/kangaroo-activities.pdf
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Tree-Kangaroo-Expedition-Scientists/dp/054724892X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353979883&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+tree+kangaroo+an+expedition+to+the+cloud+forest+of+new+guinea