Table of Contents

 Multicultural Literature  Poetry  Non-Fiction (Non-fiction

1. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters * 4. The Giving Tree books/Biographies)
12. The Snowy Day* 20. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom 6. The One and Only Ivan*
15. Where the Mountain Meets the 30. Hop on Pop 9. The Story of Ruby Bridges*
Moon* 35. Love that Dog 16. Rosa*
37. Sold 36. Inside Out & Back Again* 17. Rosa Parks: My Story
39. The Water Princess 38. Joyful Noise* 19. Three Cups of Tea
42. Too Many Tamales 40. Snowflake Bentley*
 Contemporary Realistic Fiction
 Traditional Fantasy 7. The Fault in Our Stars
3. Tikki Tikki Tembo* 8. Clementine
29. Stone Soup 18. If I Stay
31. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs 21. Hatchet*
32. Goldilocks and the Three Bears* 22. Criss Cross*
33. Zen Shorts* 27. Walk Two Moons*
34. Falling for Rapunzel
 Historical Fiction
 Modern Fantasy 5. Sarah, Plain and Tall*
2. Where the Wild Things Are* 11. Chains*
10. The Tale of Despereaux* 13. Forge
23. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince 14. Esperanza Rising* Purple: Picture Book
24. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone 28. Crispin: The Cross of Lead* Green: Juvenile Book
25. Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire 41. Leah’s Pony* Blue: Young Adult Book
26. The Selection * Award Winner
 Author: John Steptoe Illustrator: N/A
Picture here Published 1987 Genre: Multicultural Literature
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Caldecott Medal winner, and Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators.

SUMMARY: Mufaro lived in an African village with his two beautiful daughters, Manyara and Nyasha.
Although both beautiful, Manyara has a temper and often mistreats her younger sister Nyasha. Nyasha, on
the other hand, is known for her kindness. When news that the King is searching for a wife reaches
Mufaro’s village, he immediately decides to send his daughters. Both daughters go on their own journey to
meet the King and face obstacles along the way. In then end, only one becomes queen and is known as the
most beautiful.
BOOK REVIEW
This story teaches young readers an important lesson about inner beauty and about how good
triumphs over evil in a thrilling and amusing way. I felt that this story conveyed a very important topic in a
fun, engaging way that will capture the attention of young readers easily. Though at times predictable, the
plot helps to convey the theme of the story in a meaningful way. In addition to this, this story provides
students with a glimpse into African culture throughout.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.2.A Recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.

Classroom Use: Students can write their own short story that portrays
the same or similar central message as Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.
 Author: Maurice Sendak Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Published 1963 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Caldecott Medal winner, Notable Children’s Books of 1940-1970, Bost Globe-
Horn Book Award for Illustration, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), Best Illustrated
Children’s Books, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.

SUMMARY: Max, a young boy, is playing imaginative games around the house, but gets into trouble with
his mother and is sent to his room without dinner. While in his room, Max watches his room transform before
his very eyes into a forest. Before long he finds himself in a land where Wild Things live. At first they scare
him, but he quickly wins them over. They crown him king of the wild things. Max has many adventures with
the Wild Things, but when night time falls he starts to feel lonely and misses someone he loves most of all
at home.
BOOK REVIEW
This story shows how fun it is to use your imagination. Through repetitive phrases and colorful, eye-
catching pictures, Max’s tale is told in a relatable, child-like way that is easy for young readers to
understand. Additionally it reinforces the lesson that although we sometimes get in trouble and are angry
about it, our parents mean well and will always love us.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.K.A With prompting and support, retell familiar stories including key details.

Classroom Use: Students can color and cut out pictures of key point throughout the story
Where the Wild Things Are and explain to a classmate what happened at that point in the
story by sequencing the cards in order from beginning to end.
 Author: Arlene Mosel Illustrator: Blair Lent
Picture here Published 1968 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books.

SUMMARY: In a small village in ancient China lived two boys with their mother. The mother gives her eldest
son a very long name Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo and her other son a
short name. She favored her older son because he had such a noble name, but one day he falls into a well.
His brother quickly goes to get help, but he encounters trouble because his older brother’s name is too long
to say.
BOOK REVIEW
Although this story’s plotline is a little juvenile, it is a great example of a Chinese legend. Throughout
the story, the beautiful illustrations provide visuals as to what life was like in ancient Chinese culture, which
can be used to discuss Chinese culture further. Additionally, because Tikki Tikki Tembo’s name is so long, it is
a fun and exciting way to get students involved and actively participating in the story as it is being read.
The dialogue used throughout creates a humorous tone throughout that will causes students to fall in love
with this story.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.2.C Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

Classroom Use: Students can write a small paragraph explaining how one of the
characters in the book responded to someone falling into the well and how their reaction was
different than other characters’ in the story.
 Author: Shel Silverstein Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Picture here Published 1964 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Everyday a boy would come to the same tree. He would eat its apples, slide down its trunk,
and hang from its branches. This made both the tree and the boy very happy. As the boy grows older, he
starts to take more and more from the tree, and it in return gives more and more of itself to the boy as an
act of love.
BOOK REVIEW
This book is a somber, but heartwarming story at the same line. The plot tells of a deeper message
about giving to others and the acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return. Although on the sadder
side, this story’s simple language and colorful pictures captivate the reader. This book is an excellent
example of narrative poetry and can be used to explain that not all poetry rhymes.

STANDARD: CC.1.2.1.C Describe the connection between two individual, events, ideas, or pieces of
information in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can create a list of things that the tree and the
boy in the story gave to each other and compare and contrast the two.
 Author: Patricia MacLachlan Illustrator: N/A
Picture here Published 1985 Genre: Historical Fiction
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Newbery Award winner.

SUMMARY: Jacob Witting, a farmer, is having a hard time raising his two children after the death of his
wife. So he decides to put an advertisement for a wife in the paper. A woman named Sarah from Maine
responds and agrees to spend a month with them to see if she is a good fit. Once on the farm, Sarah finds
she misses the sea and her family in Maine. As she spends more time on the farm, Sarah gets a glimpse of
what life on the prairies is like, but it is not until the end that she decides whether or not to stay.
BOOK REVIEW
This beginning chapter book tells the heartwarming tale of a man and his children searching for a
motherly figure after the loss of their mom. Told through the perspective of Anna, Jacob’s daughter, the
plotline of the story is told with child-like innocence, while also giving an accurate depiction of what life
was like living on the prairies. The author does an excellent job of addressing what it is like for a child to
lose a loved-one, but also find a new type of love in another person.

STANDARD: 8.3.3.C Identify and describe how continuity and change have impacted U.S. history.

Classroom Use: Students can list and explain some of the hardships of living in the
prairies that were mentioned in the story and how people living there overcame them .
 Author: Katherine Applegate Illustrator: Patricia Castelao
Picture here Published 2012 Genre: Biography
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Newbery Award winner.

SUMMARY: Ivan is a gorilla who lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall with his friends Stella, the elephant, and
Bob, the dog. Ivan is pretty easygoing and enjoys drawing with materials the janitor’s daughter, Julia,
gives him. When business at the Big Top Mall is not doing well, Mack, the owner, buys a baby elephant
named Ruby. After a series of unfortunate events, Ivan is left making a promise to help Ruby escape.
Through his art, Ivan is able to change not only his own life, but the lives of his animal friends as well.
BOOK REVIEW
This book is different than most books because it is told from the perspective of a gorilla. This new
twist adds an unexpected insight on the feelings of animals living in borderline neglectful conditions. Based
on the true story of an actual gorilla and elephant, this book will move you in unexpected ways. Although
the book addresses the mature topic of animal cruelty, it does so in a way that is appropriate for young
readers.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.3.D Explain the point of view of the author.

Classroom Use: Students can journal about and reflect on how The One
and Only Ivan’s P.O.V. affected them as a reader.
 Author: John Green Illustrator: N/A
Published 2012 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Hazel Grace Lancaster is a sixteen year old girl with cancer. Trying to live as normal a life as
possible with cancer, Hazel attends a cancer support group where she befriends a boy named Augustus
Waters. The unlikely pair develop a friendship that eventually leads to a romance of sorts. Together
through this story, they struggle with the fact that having cancer affects their loved ones, while also learning
to live their lives to the fullest despite being diagnosed with such a life-altering disease.
BOOK REVIEW
Due to some suggestive scenes and mildly crude language, I would not recommend this novel to
young readers. Despite these drawbacks, this novel discusses what it is like to live with cancer in a non-
stereotypical way. Rich in literary themes and metaphors, this novel will challenge readers’ thinking, as well
as take them on an emotional journey about love and living each day as if it were the last.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.6.D Determine an author’s purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can describe what they believe the author’s purpose
of writing this story was and support it with evidence from the text.
 Author: Sara Pennypacker Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Picture here Published 2006 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Clementine, a fourth grader, tries to help her friend Margaret fix her hair after she tries to cut
the glue out of it and accidentally cuts off more than she should have. In an attempt to help her, Clementine
only makes it worse. Things get worse as the week goes on, until Clementine starts to believe that
Margaret’s mom was right and that she is the “hard one” in the family. When Clementine overhears her
parents talking about something mysterious, she begins to wonder if her parents would be better off
without her.
BOOK REVIEW
This humorous tale, told through the child-like perspective of Clementine, is engaging as well as
teaches important lessons about staying true to yourself and of the importance of family. This novel is an
excellent example of contemporary realistic fiction and I believe that the plotline has many relatable
moments for middle to late elementary grade students. Through the use of dialogue, the author is able to
make the characters realistic and relatable by using terms typical fourth graders might use.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.3.D Explain the point of view of the author.

Classroom Use: Students can write a sequel to Clementine told through her
perspective. Students can write about what happens after she gets her new cat
Moisturizer.
 Author: Robert Coles Illustrator: George Ford
Picture here Published 1995 Genre: Non-fiction
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: ABC Children’s Booksellers Choice Award and A South Carolina Children’s
Book Award.

SUMMARY: This story tells the true story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old, who attended an all-white school
in the 1960s as the first African American student. Despite having to pass crowds of protesters on her way
to school every morning, Ruby continued to go to school. Parents of white students pulled their children out
of school, so that at one point Ruby is the only student in her class. Through her perseverance, Ruby is able
to make history.
BOOK REVIEW
Despite some religious undertones, this story addresses the topic of racism in American schools in a
sensitive, easy to understand manner. Teachers may have to be careful reading this book in public schools
due to the religious undertones, but despite this, this story does an excellent job of forcing the reader to
think critically about the way we treat other races and how persevering through hard times can make a
difference.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.5.D Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities
and differences in the point of view they represent.

Classroom Use: Students can compare and contrast what school in the
1960s was like compared to now.
 Author: Kate DiCamillo Illustrator: Timothy B. Ering
Picture here Published 2003 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Newbery Award winner and Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s book award.

SUMMARY: Despereaux Tilling is a mouse who was born small and with his eyes open. Mice should never
be born with their eye’s open. From the start, everyone believed something was not right with Despereaux
because he did not act like a mouse. He enjoyed music, reading stories, and he falls in love with Princess
Pea. There is also a rat named Roscuro who is obsessed with light, but no rat should love light. When he
accidently kills the Queen, Roscuro’ s heart changes. With the help of a servant girl named Miggery Sow,
Roscuro kidnaps Princess Pea and hides her in the dungeon. Faced with saving the life of the princess,
Despereaux is forced to overcome his fears of the dungeon and be brave.
BOOK REVIEW
Told through the perspective of three different characters, along with a narrator who talks directly
to the audience, the story of Despereaux is one that discusses light versus darkness, revenge and
forgiveness, and how being true to oneself is important. Kate DiCamillo does an excellent job of creating a
line in the sand with her character Despereaux who overcomes all odds. This book will be loved by all
audiences.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.5.C Compare and contrast two or more characters in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
Classroom Use: Students can choose 2 characters from the story to compare
and contrast using details from the story as evidence for their reasoning.
 Author: Laurie Halse Anderson Illustrator: N/A
Published 2008 Genre: Historical Fiction
Picture here Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: National Book Award Finalist, and Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

SUMMARY: As the Revolutionary War begins, Isabel, a 13 year old slave, finds herself being sold to a
new owner in New York with her younger sister, Ruth. The Locktons, a family loyal to the British, are more
strict than Isabel’s previous owners. Isabel befriends another servant’s slave named Curzon, who
encourages her to help him and his owner by being a spy for the Patriots. As she embraces the life of a
spy, Isabel finds that her loyalty sways to whichever side (Redcoats or Patriots) promises her the most
freedom. But will either side actually follow through on their promises? That is the question Isabel strives to
figure out throughout this novel.
BOOK REVIEW
This book excels at entwining real historical events into an engaging and nail-biting plotline. The
reader is able to see what life is like for a slave during the Revolutionary War, as well as experiences
what the day to day life was like living amongst warfare. Additionally, this book excels at addressing
sensitive topics like physical abuse and human neglect, without becoming too gory. Finally, the author does
an excellent job of using metaphors to incorporate deeper meaning throughout the story.
STANDARD: 8.3.3.D Describe how conflict and cooperation among groups have impacted the history and development of the US.
Classroom Use: Students can create wanted posters of important people from
the Revolutionary War and describe how they impacted U.S. history.
 Author: Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
Published 1962 Genre: Multicultural Literature
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Caldecott Medal winner.

SUMMARY: Peter wakes up to a snow covered world and decides to play in it. As he plays he makes
different footprints, a snowman, and almost joins a snowball fight. When it is time to go home, Peter keeps
a snowball in his pocket. When he checks his pocket later he discovers the snowball is gone. At bedtime,
Peter has a dream that the sun melts all the snow, but when he wakes in the morning he is greeting with
another surprise.
BOOK REVIEW
This is a fun, light-hearted story about a boy enjoying freshly fallen snow. Through impressionistic
artwork, the reader observes a boy exploring a snow-covered city with child-like wonder. This story also
depicts challenges children encounter as they grow up such as through the snowball fight with the older
children. Additionally, this story briefly addresses cultural undertones of what life is like for African
Americans living in the city.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.K.C With prompting and support, make a connection between two individual, events,
ideas, or pieces of information in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can write about a time they played in the snow and
draw an illustration to go with it.
 Author: Laurie Halse Anderson Illustrator: N/A
Published 2010 Genre: Historical Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: After finally escaping their owners, Curzon and Isabel find work in New Jersey. Isabel soon
gets antsy and wants to find her sister. The two butt-heads about this, until finally Isabel runs away from
Curzon. Left alone, Curzon reenlists in the Patriot army. This time around, Curzon faces the cold winter at
Valley Forge with little food and no shelter. As soon as Curzon begins to readapt to the life of a soldier, he
encounter’s his old owner, Mister Bellingham. Going against his promise to free Curzon, Bellingham reclaims
Curzon as his slave. As it turns out, Bellingham also acquired Isabel during Curzon’s absence. Reunited
again, the two must try to escape slavery once more.
BOOK REVIEW
This sequel to Chains is just as exciting and thrilling as the first book. Despite an engaging plotline,
this book contains more mature content, due to some of the difficulties of army life. This novel also implies
some mature language during some of the characters’ dialogue. Due to this, I feel this novel should not be
read by young readers. Despite this, the novel does accurately depict life during the Revolutionary War
and provides primary source quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
STANDARD:8.3.8.A Examine the role groups played in the social, political, cultural, and economic development of the United States.
Classroom Use: Students can research important figures from the Revolutionary War
mentioned in Forge and write about their contributions that led to the American victory of this
war.
 Author: Pam Munoz Ryan Illustrator: N/A
Published 2000 Genre: Historical Fiction
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Pura Belpre Award for Writing.

SUMMARY: Esperanza grew up well-off on her father’s vineyard in Mexico. When her father is killed by
bandits, her mother is forced to marry her uncle Tio Luis or lose their life-style. After her uncle burns down
their house in an attempt to make their decision easier, Esperanza and her mother flee to the United States
to work on a farm. On the farm, Esperanza faces many challenges and is forced to try to rise above the
challenging circumstances her new life throws at her.
BOOK REVIEW
This thrilling riches-to-rags tale about the life of Mexican immigrants during the Great Depression,
tells the sad, but exciting tale of a young girl growing up after her life as she knew it is turned upside
down. In addition to being historically accurate, this novel incorporates Spanish terms and addresses
challenges with social status in a way young readers can grasp and understand. The author also does an
excellent job of creating a circular plot where the novel starts and ends in a similar fashion that ties the
whole point of the novel together in a great way.
STANDARD:CC.1.3.3.C Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the
sequence of events.
Classroom Use: Students can journal about how Esperanza grew as a character from
the beginning of the story to the end. Students can use textual evidence as support for their
reasoning.
 Author: Grace Lin Illustrator: Grace Lin
Published 2009 Genre: Multicultural Literature
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Newbery Honor Medal.

SUMMARY: Minli lives with her Ma and Ba in the poverty stricken town of Fruitless Mountain. Her mother’s
dissatisfaction with their poor livelihood causes Minli to leave home one night in search of the Old Man of
the Moon. Along her journey, Minli befriends many people, one of which being a dragon who cannot fly.
When she finally reaches her destination, Minli is forced to pick one of her many questions to ask the Old
Man of the Moon. Which one she chooses to ask will determine her fate forever. Will she honor her friend’s
question or will she choose to ask the question she’s been searching the answer to for years?
BOOK REVIEW
In this thrilling tale, Minli and her family learn the true meaning of happiness and wealth. Weaving
ancient Chinese tales throughout, the author does an excellent job of telling an engaging story, while also
incorporating ancient Chinese traditional stories throughout the plotline. Each chapter teaches a valuable
lesson, but in a fun and engaging way that will have young readers begging to hear more.

STANDARD: CC.1.4.4.M Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Classroom Use: Students can choose an ancient Chinese folktale and craft a narrative
story of their own based on the folktale.
 Author: Nikki Giovanni Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Published 2005 Genre: Non-Fiction (Biography)
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrations.

SUMMARY: Rosa Parks was on her way home from work when she decided to get on a bus. The bus was
crowded and the only place to sit was in the neutral section in the middle of the bus. When more white
people got on the bus and Rosa refused to get up, she was arrested. Her stance against the terrible
segregation in the United States at the time, changed history forever.
BOOK REVIEW
Through this non-fiction picture book depiction of Rosa Parks’ stand against segregation on public
buses, the reader becomes a part of the night where Rosa Parks was arrested. Through the colorful paper
collage illustrations and the different point of view from which the story is told, the reader is able to get a
very personal telling of the tale that changed segregation on public transportation forever. This book is an
excellent introduction to segregation in the United States and is told in easy to understand terms for young
readers without a lot of background on this area of history.
STANDARD: 8.3.4.D Distinguish between conflict and cooperation among groups and organization that
impacted the history and development of the United States. (Ethnicity and race)

Classroom Use: Students can research a major event in the Civil Rights Movement and
explain how it and Rosa Parks’ stand against segregation helped to bring differing groups
together for a common cause.
 Author: Rosa Parks & James Illustrator: N/A
Haskins
Published 1992 Genre: Non-Fiction (Autobiography)
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A.

SUMMARY: Rosa Parks tells of her life from the beginning to just after the end of the Civil Rights
Movement. She tells of the struggles she faced living in the south as a child and how the treatment she
faced then influenced her into adulthood. Through her narrative, she clarifies misconceptions previously
printed about her and the night she refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
She also talks about her work with the NAACP, as well as other Civil Rights organizations throughout her
life.
BOOK REVIEW
Through this autobiography, the reader is able to get the real story of what happened the night
Rosa Parks decided to not give her seat up on a public bus in Alabama. The novel also clarifies
misconceptions about this event, as well as provides background and the history of the Civil Rights
Movement as it unfolded in Rosa Parks’ lifetime. Although this novel discusses some of the brutality African
Americans faced during this period, it is told in a way that early teens will not be put off by, but will be
more informed of their nation’s history with racism.
STANDARD:8.3.6.A Explain the social, political, cultural, and economic contributions of individuals to U.S. history.
Classroom Use: Students can explain the impact that Rosa Parks’ non-violent protest
had on the Civil Rights Movement with textual support from her autobiography.
 Author: Gayle Forman Illustrator: N/A
Published 2009 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A.

SUMMARY: Mia was 17 years old when she lost both her parents and her younger brother, Teddy, when
they got into a car crash. Mia was all set. She had a good chance of getting into Julliard for cello, she had
a cute rock and roll musician boyfriend, and she had an amazingly supportive family. But everything
changes after the car crash, where Mia is left without her family and stuck in a coma. Despite being in a
coma, Mia is able to see and hear everything that goes on around her. As the events after the accident
unfold, Mia is left with the choice of whether to stay and keep fighting or leave it all behind.
BOOK REVIEW
This young adult romance novel, takes the typical young love story and tells it from a whole
different perspective, along with the additional curveball of the protagonist being stuck in a coma. Despite
some scenes with mature content, young teens will love this story and the creative way in which the author
weaves flashbacks with Mia’s current state in a way that allows the story to unfold before the reader’s
eyes. Through this form of storytelling, the reader is able to see and understand the difficult decision that
Mia faces from being in a coma.
STANDARD CC.1.3.6.D Determine an author’s purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in a text.
Classroom Use: Students can describe the author’s purpose in writing this story and
explain how the use of flashbacks allows the author to tell the story in a creative way.
 Author: Greg Mortenson & Illustrator: N/A
David Oliver Relin
Published 2009 Genre: Non-Fiction (Autobiography)
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A.

SUMMARY: Greg Mortenson set out to climb to the top of K2, a mountain in Pakistan, when he found
himself veered off the path. In this detour, Greg discovers the village of Korphe. Upon seeing students
doing their school work in an empty field in the dead of winter, Greg decides that he is going to build a
school there no matter what it takes. After many trials and obstacles, Greg is able to build the school. This
leads to the creation of the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization Greg co-founded to help build
even more schools in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
BOOK REVIEW
This adapted version of the adult novel Three Cups of Tea, tells the story of Greg Mortenson in an
informative and easy to understand way for young readers. As the reader goes on this journey with Greg,
they discover new aspects about Middle-Eastern culture as well as about the Muslim religion. The story
does a great job of breaking down stereotypes for readers, as well as tells a tale of giving back to others
in their time of need.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.7.C Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can explain how Greg Mortenson was able to break down
barriers between himself and the people of Pakistan in order to give back to them.
 Author: Bill Martin Jr. & John Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Archambault
Published 1989 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A.

SUMMARY:
In this rhyming alphabet book, all the letters in the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree.
With so many letters up in the tree, the tree begins to bend from the weight of all the letters standing in its
branches. Will there be enough room? Unable to hold all the weight of the letters, the letters begin to fall
to the ground.
BOOK REVIEW
Through the fun rhyming dialogue of this story, young learners are taught their alphabet in an
engaging way. Through colorful abstract pictures, readers are able to see the dilemma all the letters cause
by being up in the coconut tree, as well as are able to identify all the lower case letters in the alphabet.
This catchy narrative will engage young readers and teach them a fun poem to remember all their letters.
This story also allows for review and practice in identifying lower-case letters.
STANDARD: CC.1.1.1.B Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print. •
Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence.

Classroom Use: Students can identify the names of all the lower case letters in the story
through prompting from the teacher while reading the story aloud.
 Author: Gary Paulsen Illustrator: N/A
Published 1987 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: John Newbery Medal, and Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award.

SUMMARY: Brian is on his way to visit his father after his parents’ recent divorce, when the pilot of the tiny
aircraft he is on has a heart attack mid-flight. Without the pilot, Brian is forced to crash land the plane in a
lake somewhere in the remote Canadian wilderness. With only his clothing and a hatchet his mother gave
him, Brian is forced to adapt and learn to survive until someone comes to rescue him. As each day passes,
Brian learns more and more about the area he is stranded in and finds a means to survive. Slowly Brian
learns to turn the adversity he faces in his new environment into his advantage.
BOOK REVIEW
This action packed survival story will keep young readers enthralled. Not only does the age of the
character make the story more relatable to pre-teens, but the topics discussed (such as divorce) are
extremely relatable to this age group who may have mixed feelings about these topics. This story also fully
engages the reader through suspenseful cliffhangers and possible life altering adventures that will keep
readers coming back for more.
STANDARD: CC.1.4.7.M Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Classroom Use: Students can write their own survival story based on the same
style/similar events as those discussed in Hatchet.
 Author: Lynne Rae Perkins Illustrator: Lynne Rae Perkins
Published 2005 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: John Newbery Medal winner.

SUMMARY: A group of teenagers, growing up in the 1960s, experience new views and feelings as they
grow up in a small town. Brought together by a local radio talk show called Criss Cross, the teens befriend
each other. As these teens come of age, they discover new things about themselves and strive to find their
identity. Each teen faces their own obstacles and is searching for different things out of life. Hectors learns
to play the guitar, while Debbie befriends an old woman down the street and falls in love with her
grandson from California. By summer’s end, each character has transformed from a chrysalis into a
butterfly.
BOOK REVIEW
This coming of age story, is an excellent read for young teens grappling with finding their own
identity. As the characters strive to find themselves, the reader is also forced to question who they are as
well. Through enthralling narratives from different teen character perspectives, the author is able to show
how each character grows from the beginning to the end of the novel.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.6.D Determine an author’s purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can write a short explanation about what they feel the
author’s purpose was for writing Criss Cross and use textual evidence for support.
 Author: J.K Rowling Illustrator: Mary GrandPré & Jason
Cockcroft
Published 2005 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: As Harry begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, new challenges await. With the war against
Voldemort not going well, the wizarding world is in disarray. Draco Malfoy is acting suspicious and Harry
suspects him as a Death Eater. Given a mysterious potions book at the beginning of the year, Harry
discovers that the notes written inside it are extremely helpful. Written by the Half-Blood Prince, Harry
struggles to uncover the identity of this talented potions master. Additionally someone close to Harry is
almost murdered. With this scary encounter, Dumbledore decides to reveal the story of the boy who
became Lord Voldemort to Harry and thereby, they attempt to find what may be his only vulnerability.
BOOK REVIEW
This action packed sixth book of the Harry Potter series, continues to excite the reader as well as
surprise them through a series of plot twists. Through the use of flashbacks into Lord Voldemort’s life, the
reader is finally able to see how the villain, Voldemort, came to be, as well as watches Harry continue to
develop as a protagonist. As the second to last book in the series, this novels sets the reader up for the
action packed finale.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.3.C Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.

Classroom Use: Students can pick a character from the story and explain how their
actions contributed to certain events that unfolded in the novel.
 Author: J.K Rowling Illustrator: Mary GrandPré
Published 1997 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. Stuck living with his awful aunt and uncle after
Lord Voldemort killed his parents, Harry is oblivious to the fact he is a wizard or the true cause of his
parents’ death. Everything changes though, when a letter arrives via owl. One of the newest editions to the
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry is thrown into the mystical world of magic. When
Harry discovers a mysterious mirror among the halls of Hogwarts, he unintentionally finds himself facing a
weaker version of Lord Voldemort. Through obstacles and trials, Harry discovers his place in the wizarding
world and comes closer to discovering his destiny.
BOOK REVIEW
This first novel in a seven book series, immerses the reader into the complex wizarding world
alongside Harry. Through intense twists and turns in the plot, J.K Rowling is able to fully immerse the reader
into the inner thoughts and physical experiences of Harry as he seeks to find who he has been all along but
did not realize it.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.5.C Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings or events in a story or
drama, drawing on specific details in the text.

Classroom Use: Students can compare and contrast the Muggle world to the Wizarding
world and provide textual evidence as support.
 Author: J.K Rowling Illustrator: Mary GrandPré
Published 2000 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: As Harry enters his fourth year at Hogwarts, a series of unnerving events occur. At the
Quidditch World Cup, the Death Eater signal is set off. Unsure who set off the signal, worries that
Voldemort has returned arises. At the start of school, Dumbledore announces that a Triwizard Tournament
will be taking place that year. Unknown to him, Harry is entered into the tournament. Faced with the fact
that someone clearly wants him dead by entering him in this tournament, Harry must face each task head-
on and try not to die. Worst of all, Lord Voldemort may have all the materials to rejuvenate himself.
Nothing is ever normal for Harry Potter, and in his case this might be deadly.
BOOK REVIEW
This fourth book in the Harry Potter series, adds new excitement to the already enthralling series. In
this story, new pivotal characters are introduced, as well as even more plot twists than in previous books. As
Harry grows in age, the reader can see him grow even more as a character in this novel as he truly
embraces his destiny to defeat Lord Voldemort.
STANDARD: CC.1.4.3.G Write opinion pieces on familiar topics or texts.

Classroom Use: Students can write an opinion piece on whether or not they believe
Harry Potter will eventually defeat Lord Voldemort or not, using textual evidence as support.
 Author: Kiera Cass Illustrator: N/A
Published 2012 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Whenever a male royal comes of age, 35 lucky girls are selected and given the opportunity
to try and win the affection’s of the prince’s heart. For any other girl, this would be the opportunity of a
life-time, but not for America Singer. Wanting nothing to do with the Selection, America refuses to apply
despite the fact that it would greatly help her family financially if she were chosen. Signing up for the
Selection would mean turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, a town servant who is a class below
her. After some convincing, she applies and gets chosen. Will she fall for Prince Maxon or will she remain in
love with Aspen? That is a question America wrestles with throughout the entire novel.
BOOK REVIEW
This first book of a trilogy, provides readers with background on America’s world and sets the tone
for the rest of the series. Through America’s strong-willed personality, the reader finds themselves rooting
for her to win the Selection along the way. With her vivid descriptions and complex plotline, the author
engages the reader in Maxon’s quest for a wife, as well as exposes the reader to societal problems that
plague our world today. Thus, allowing the reader to draw parallels between themselves and the novel.
STANDARD: CC.1.4.6.M Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Classroom Use: Students can write an alternate ending for The Selection or their version
of the first chapter a sequel to this book.
 Author: Sharon Creech Illustrator: N/A
Published 1994 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: John Newbery Medal Award winner.

SUMMARY: Salamanca, a 13-year old, has her whole life up-rooted after her mother leaves her and her
father. While tracing her mother’s steps on a road trip with her grandparents, Sal tells them the story of
her friend Phoebe Winterbottom. Phoebe’s mother also disappears and during this time finds secret
messages on her doorstep. One of which reads, “Don’t judge a man until you have walked two moons in his
moccasins.” Despite what happened to her own mother, Sal is determined to bring Phoebe’s mother back.
Throughout the road trip and story-telling, Sal is able to face the truths about her mother.
BOOK REVIEW
This surprisingly complex and mysterious novel, keeps the reader constantly guessing about what
happened to both Sal’s mother and Phoebe’s after they both disappeared. Through the incorporation of
characters with unique qualities and abnormalities, the author is truly able to bring home the message that
we should not judge others based on outward appearances. Additionally, this novel discusses the loss of a
parental figure in a new light that may be beneficial to students in single parent homes.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.3.A Determine the central message, lesson, or moral in literary text; explain how it is
conveyed in text.

Classroom Use: Students can write about what they believe the central message of the
novel Walk Two Moons is and provide support for their reasoning through textual evidence.
 Author: Avi Illustrator: N/A
Published 2002 Genre: Historical Fiction
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: John Newbery Medal Award winner.

SUMMARY: In fourteenth century England, a nameless peasant boy is found orphaned after his mother
dies. He is then accused of a crime he did not commit and labeled a wolf’s head, which means anyone who
captures him may kill him. With the help of Father Quinel, the priest, the boy discovers his true name is
Crispin and is told to flee the village. As Crispin embarks on his journey away from his village and
discovers more about who he really is, Crispin is swept into the events leading up to a peasant revolt and
befriends the most unlikely of fellows.
BOOK REVIEW
Despite the occasional foul word, this action-packed novel accurately depicts the events leading up
to the 1381 peasant revolt in England. Through suspenseful cliff-hangers and expressive dialogue between
characters, the author is able to draw the reader into this historically based book and teach them about
the disparities peasants faced during the time.

STANDARD: CC.1.4.7.M Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Classroom Use: Students can create a story about an indentured servant and an
adventure they go on, based upon what they learned from reading Crispin.
 Author: Jon J Muth Illustrator: Jon J Muth
Published 2003 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: As three monks travel along a mountain, they encounter a village ravaged by hard times.
When they enter the village, no one greets them or offers them a place to stay. The three monks are able
to entice the villagers when they start to make stone soup. As they make the stone soup, the villagers
discover that they have much to give to one another. With the completion of the stone soup, the villagers
discover that when they all share, they will always have plenty.
BOOK REVIEW
This endearing tale teaches young readers the importance of working together and sharing with
others. Through water color illustrations, the author is able to bring this imaginative story alive for the
reader. In addition to teaching an important life lesson, this story also incorporates ancient Chinese culture
throughout both the plotline and among the illustrations. This story is an excellent example of an ancient
Chinese folktale and could be easily incorporated into a multi-cultural unit as well.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.1.A Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their
central message or lesson.

Classroom Use: Students can place picture cards with key events from the story in
sequential order and explain to a partner what happened in those parts of the story.
 Author: Dr. Seuss Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Published 1963 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: In this rhyming words book, different characters do silly things using rhyming words. Two
children hop on their Pop until he tells them to stop. Children bounce balls on top of a wall and others see
three bees coming straight at them. Through these silly encounters, the characters discover more and more
words that rhyme with one another.

BOOK REVIEW
Through this silly rhyming book, young readers are exposed to simple everyday rhyming words. A
great introduction to poetry through rhyming, this story can be used to introduce young readers to word
endings, how to come up with rhymes, and provides great practice for phonemic awareness. Additionally,
the simplicity of this book allows young readers to interact with the story as it is read aloud.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.1.J Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading, and being read
to, and responding to texts, including words that signal connections and relationships between the words
and phrases.

Classroom Use: Students can help to create a list of rhyming words found in the story
Hop on Pop to create a class rhyming word list to use in their writing pieces.
 Author: Jon Scieszka Illustrator: Lane Smith
Published 1989 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Everyone knows the story of the three little pigs, but no one actually knows the true story.
According to the Big Bad Wolf, it all started when he asked for a cup of sugar from his neighbors, the
three little pigs. In a series of unfortunate events, the wolf manages to knock down two of the little pig’s
houses and he justifies eating them. In the end, the wolf is arrested, but whether he deserves to be in jail or
not is up to the reader.
BOOK REVIEW
Through this humorous twist on a classical fairytale, the author is able to provide a new perspective
by making the antagonist, the protagonist. This is an excellent example of how perspective can transform a
story. In addition to this, the story is able to bring new life to the classic tale through humorous plot twists
and subtle puns throughout. The voice of the author can evidently be heard in the dialogue of the Big Bad
Wolf, which aids in adding to the humorous undertones of this well-known fairytale.

STANDARD: CC.1.4.2.M Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Classroom Use: Students can write one of their favorite fairytales from the perspective
of the antagonist.
 Author: James Marshall Illustrator: James Marshall
Published 1988 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Caldecott Medal

SUMMARY: Goldilocks might have appeared to be a nice girl to her neighbors, but she was actually quite
naughty. When Goldilocks goes into the woods and comes across the home of three bears, she causes a lot
of trouble. Walking right into the empty house she samples the bears’ porridge, tries out their chairs
(breaking one!), and even falls asleep in baby bear’s bed. When the bears come back from a stroll, they
discover that someone had been in their house. When the bears discover who was the cause of the mess in
their house, Goldilocks is left to make a speedy exit.
BOOK REVIEW
Through colorful watercolor and ink drawings, the author is able to portray the traditional story
about Goldilocks' encounter in the home of three bears. Through some added modern-times dialogue, the
author is also able to incorporate some humor throughout the well-known plotline. This story is a great
introduction to fairytales.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.K.A With prompting and support, retell familiar stories including key details.

Classroom Use: Students can retell the story of Goldilocks by sequencing picture cards
in order from beginning to end.
 Author: Jon J. Muth Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Published 2005 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: Caldecott Medal

SUMMARY:
Three small children befriend a giant panda bear named Stillwater, when they discover he has
landed in their backyard. Stillwater tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a great tale about material
things. To Michael he tells a tale about good and evil. Finally, to Karl his tale talks about holding onto
frustration. Through his ancient Zen tales, Stillwater is able to make an impact on his three young friends.

BOOK REVIEW
Through his water color images, the author is able to bring multiple ancient tales alive and teach
young readers three very important lessons about life. The author does an excellent job of weaving these
ancient tales throughout the plotline of the story. In addition to being well-crafted, this book would be an
excellent addition to any multi-cultural unit or study of ancient cultures.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.1.C Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

Classroom Use: Students can choose one character from the story Zen Shorts and
explain a lesson that character might have learned in the story.
 Author: Leah Wilcox Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Published 2003 Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY:
In this clever twist on the traditional tale, Rapunzel gets upset when her hair is a mess. Hearing
her distress, the Prince comes riding to her rescue. When he shouts up to her though, Rapunzel
misunderstands him. Instead of throwing down her hair, she throws other objects that rhyme with what the
Prince originally says. Instead of her silky tresses, she throws down her silky dresses. The Prince finally gives
up when Rapunzel throws down something useful to him, her maid.

BOOK REVIEW
This clever rhyming twist on the original fairy tale will capture the hearts of young readers. Through
her humorous play on words, the author creates humorous conflict between Rapunzel and the Prince. The
animated painted expressions on the character’s faces in the illustrations adds to the hilarity of the novel.
This fairy tale will leave young readers laughing at both the Prince and Rapunzel.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.3.C Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the
sequence of events.

Classroom Use: Students can write about how Rapunzel’s misunderstanding of the
Prince’s words led to the Prince’s frustration in the story Falling for Rapunzel.
 Author: Sharon Creech Illustrator: N/A
Published 2001 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Jack does not like poetry at all. He believes it is something that girls do, not boys. His teacher
Ms. Stretchberry keeps reading poems to his class anyways. As Jack learns more and more about poetry
and is forced to keep writing poems, he discovers he is not bad at it. The more he writes, the more he
learns that he has something to say. Inspired by the work of Mr. Walter Dean Myers, Jack writes the best
poem of all about a yellow dog he knew quite well.
BOOK REVIEW
This endearing tale, told through poetry, will inspire countless young poets to try writing poems of
their own. The simplistic structure of the poems written by Jack, are easy to emulate and provide an
excellent framework for beginning poets. In addition to this, the author does an excellent job of
incorporating well-known poets throughout the plotline. As Jack learns about these poets, so does the
reader.

STANDARD: CC.1.3.4.C Describe in depth a character, setting or event in a story or drama, drawing on
specific details in the text.

Classroom Use: Students can write about how Jack grew as a writer from the start of
the book Love that Dog to the end. They can also include a short narrative about their
experience with writing poetry.
 Author: Thanhha Lai Illustrator: N/A
Published 2011 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: John Newbery Medal Award winner.

SUMMARY: Ha has spent the entirety of her ten years of life living in Saigon. She loves everything about
living there, especially her very own papaya tree. But when the Vietnam War has reached her home, her
family is forced to flee to America. They board a ship headed towards a life free of war. In America, Ha
experiences the foreign world of Alabama. She also experiences the coldness of strangers, the dullness of
American food, the strange landscape, and the strength of her very own family.
BOOK REVIEW
This moving novel about immigrating to America, in order to escape the tragedies of war will
transform readers’ perspectives on what it is like to be a foreigner in a new country. The author shares her
own story as she tells the story of Ha. This credibility allows the reader to feel exactly how the author felt
when she moved to America. This perspective also allows the reader to view immigration with more
compassion and understanding for cultural misunderstandings. This novel would be an excellent addition to
a multi-cultural unit, as well as in teaching story-telling through poetry.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.4.H Compare and contrast similar themes, topics, and patterns of events in literature,
including texts from different cultures.

Classroom Use: Students can compare and contrast the experiences of Ha adjusting to
life in America to other multicultural texts read in class.
 Author: Patricia McCormick Illustrator: N/A
Published 2006 Genre: Multicultural Literature
Age level: 11-13 Grade band: 6-8
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Thirteen year old Lakshmi lives in Nepal with her mother and step-father. Despite being very
poor from her step-father’s gambling problem, Lakshmi is happy. She loves going to school and spending
time with her goat, Tali. When her step-father gambles away all the money that they have, she is sold to a
woman named Mumtaz. Forced to become a sex slave at “Happiness House,” Lakshmi endures
unimaginable hardships and learns unthinkable truths about life in the city. Still she lives by the words of
her mother, “Simply to endure is to triumph.”
BOOK REVIEW
Despite the mature content of this novel, the author is able to tell a fictional tale based upon actual
tragic events that occur in Nepal and India today. I would not recommend allowing young readers to read
this novel due to the mature content discussed within it, but despite this, the story is moving and exposes the
devastating events that occur when thrown into human trafficking. In addition to this, the story provides
insight on cultural norms in Nepal as well as in India.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.6.D Determine an author’s purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in a text.

Classroom Use: Students can explain the author’s purpose for writing this novel and
provide textual evidence for this reasoning.
 Author: Paul Fleischman Illustrator: Eric Beddows
Published 1988 Genre: Poetry
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: John Newbery Award winner.

SUMMARY: This two-person poetry book, is meant to be read by two individuals. Some lines are meant to
be said simultaneously, while others alternate. Full of irresistible insect poems, this book will open eyes to
the tiny world of various insects. From a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, to two water skeeters
teaching other bugs how to dance upon the water’s surface, these poems captivate both the readers and
listeners.
BOOK REVIEW
This book would make a great introduction to a poetry unit and could aide greatly in group poetry
instruction. Despite a couple difficult terms, most readers will be able to read these intriguing poems aloud
and be able to glean new information about these insects in a fun, interactive way. This book also exposes
students to a new form of reading poetry aloud, through its design being indented for two people to read
it aloud. This will create a community of poetry readers in the classroom, as well as provide readers with a
different approach to reading poetry.
STANDARD: CC.1.5.3.F Create engaging audio recordings of poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an
understandable pace.

Classroom Use: Students can practice reading poems aloud from Joyful Noise and then
record their reading with a partner to later share with the class.
 Author: Georgie Badiel & Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Susan Verde
Published 2016 Genre: Multicultural Literature
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Princess Gie Gie loves her home. She loves the wide sky and the warm earth. Gie Gie’s home
in Africa is beautiful, but it does not have water for her village. Each morning her and her mother walk to
the water. Instead of a crown, Gie Gie wears a pot on her head to carry the water in. Although it is muddy
and the walk is long, both are grateful for the water. Gie Gie dreams of a day when her village will have
cool, crystal clear water of its own.
BOOK REVIEW
Based on the childhood of Georgie Badiel, this heartwarming story tells of the struggle many
villages without water face. Told through the child-like perspective of a young girl, this story not only
exposes the reader to African culture, but also reveals a devastating issue that many remote African
villages face: lack of clean drinking water. This story will inspire young readers to not only appreciate
what they have, but also bring to their attention an international issue that they can help to fix.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.3.C Explain how a series of events, concepts, or steps in a procedure is connected
within a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

Classroom Use: Students can explain how walking to get water everyday might cause
problems for Gie Gie and her family. Students can also explore possible solutions to this
issue.
 Author: Jaqueline Briggs Illustrator: Mary Azarian
Martin
Published 1998 Genre: Nonfiction (Biography)
Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Caldecott Medal winner.

SUMMARY:
From his childhood into his adulthood, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as little miracles. Very
determined to capture these miracles in picture form, Bentley tried numerous ways to capture the beauty of
snowflakes so that others could see their beauty. Through his patience and determination, he made two
amazing discoveries: no two snowflakes are alike and each one is startlingly beautiful. His discoveries
eventually led to him publishing a book of his snowflakes for the whole world to see.
BOOK REVIEW
This unique story about a young boy fascinated by snowflakes will teach young readers about
exploring their world and how perseverance can lead to amazing discoveries. Through woodcut
illustrations, the author is able to bring the biography of Wilson Bentley to life. At the end of the story, the
reader can even see some of Bentley’s actual pictures.
STANDARD: CC.1.2.4.C Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a text, including what happened
and why, based on specific information in the text.

Classroom Use: Students can write about how Wilson Bentley struggled to capture the
snowflake in picture form and how his perseverance led to a great discovery.
 Author: Elizabeth Friedrich Illustrator: Michael Garland

Published 1996 Genre: Historical Fiction

Age level: 8-10 Grade band: 3-5
Awards: Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text winner.

SUMMARY: Leah’s pony was her best friend. They rode through the cornfields together, chasing cattle all
day long. When her family’s corn crop does not grow due to a severe drought, Leah and her family are
forced to auction off everything they own. Realizing that if her parents auction off their tractor, they won’t
be able to grow corn in the future, Leah sells her pony to Mr. B. Using the money she got from selling her
pony, Leah buys the tractor from the auctioneer for a dollar. Leah’s selfless-ness not only helps to save her
family’s farm, but inspires others to be selfless as well.
BOOK REVIEW
This heartwarming story about a young girl giving her most prized possession to help save her
family’s livelihood, will melt readers’ hearts. Taking place during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, this story
accurately portrays the hardships many mid-western farmers faced during this time. In addition to this, the
plotline also portrays the perseverance of the people during that time and the importance of family.

STANDARD: CC.1.4.4.I Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.

Classroom Use: Students can write about some of the difficulties farmers living during
the Dust Bowl faced and provide reasoning for their argument based on information in Leah’s
Pony.
 Author: Gary Soto Illustrator: Ed Martinez

Published 1996 Genre: Multicultural Literature

Age level: 5-7 Grade band: K-2
Awards: N/A

SUMMARY: Christmas Eve started out perfect for Maria. It had snowed and her favorite cousins were
coming over to help celebrate. She was helping her mother make tamales for dinner, when she notices her
mother’s beautiful ring. Maria thought her mother’s ring was the most beautiful thing in the whole world, so
when her mother left it on the counter when she left the kitchen, Maria could not help but try it on. It is not
until later that Maria notices the ring is gone. Remembering she had it on when making the tamales, she
and her cousins eat all the tamales to try and find the ring. It is from this, that Maria learns the true lesson
about telling the truth.
BOOK REVIEW
This humorous tale of a young girl losing one of her mother’s things will teach young readers the
importance of asking for permission before taking things, as well as how important it is to tell the truth. In
addition to these important lessons, this book provides insight into Hispanic culture during Christmas time
and exposes young readers to cultural foods such as tamales.
STANDARD: CC.1.3.2.A Recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.

Classroom Use: Students can discuss what happened in the story Too Many Tamales and
explain what lesson Maria learned from losing her mother’s ring.