My Teacher for President by Kay Winters

My Teacher for President by Kay Winters, illustrated by Denise Brunkus, Puffin Books, 2004, ISBN 0-525-47186-3
PS: A second-grader writes a television station with reasons why his teacher would make a good president, but only if she can continue teaching till the end of the year.
This is a wonderful book: while describing his teacher's qualifications for president, the student also describes a president's job. Illustrations cleverly show what is meant by each duty and how each person carries it out. (It's amazing how similar the two jobs are!!). Reminds me of the old quote: "A teacher's job is to take a bunch of live wires and make sure they are grounded."

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't)

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley, Alfred A. Knopf, 2010, ISBN 978-0-375-84682-3
PS: A first-grade girl who does not like to read stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind.
I love this book. I wish I had written it. It is the story of every school librarian in the world. She loves to read. She reads to her students. She dresses up. She gets excited. And she persists until she finds just the right book for each and every child. (BTW, the book that finally wins the girl's heart: Shrek by William Steig. Be prepared to read it to your students after you read this book.) The book mentions that the librarian is celebrating "Book Week", which would be a great time to read this bok. But I may use it at the beginning of the year instead. Just because I can't wait to use it!!

Baseball: a look at history

Mudball by Matt Tavares, Candlewick Press, 2005, ISBN 0-7636-2387-3
PS: During a rainy Minneapolis Millers baseball game in 1903, Little Andy Oyler has the chance to become a hero by hitting the shortest and muddiest home run in history.
I really love this book, but it's a natural: I love baseball and I love historical fiction. The brown, gray, and black and white illustrations are perfect to convey the rainy, gloomy day on which this record-breaking home run takes place. Kids will enjoy the suspense created by the author (won't tell you why) and cheer with "Little" Andy Oyler in the end. Another great lesson about NOT judging something by just looking at it (you never know what's inside).

Use Mudball to introduce the history of baseball. You'll find all the information you need in:
Ballpark: the Story of America's Baseball Fields by Lynn Curlee, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005, ISBN 0-689-86742-5
For the true baseball fan, this book presents historical baseball fields and facts in a picture book format making it good for older elementary students. Diagrams of some fields are included, as well as historical events which occurred on certain fields. Great players are mentioned, including Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. This will be a book that students will want to read over several days, exploring a portion each time.
Author Lynn Curlee, who won the Sibert Honor Award for Brooklyn Bridge, has penned other historical books: Liberty, Ships of the Air, Into the Ice: The Story of Arctic Explorations, Rushmore, The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Capital, and Parthenon. Find the books at the publisher's website. See his work at Curlee Art.com.
Check out this list of Baseball Books at Embracing the Child.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, Schwartz and Wade Books, 2007, ISBN 978-0-375-84014-2
PS: Charlie, the smallest child in his first grade class, is amazed to discover that of the three pumpkins his teacher brings to school, the smallest one has the most seeds.
Wait for Fall, grab 3 different-sized pumpkins, and let the math begin! Great for first graders, who are just beginning to count in different ways (by 2's, by 5's, by 10's). The story is entertaining enough, and the suspense (who can wait to see which pumpkin has the most seeds!) will keep students interested while they count away.
You may or may not want to actually clean out the pumpkins and count the seeds, as the teacher does in the book...
But don't let the other lesson slip by: Don't judge by appearances.
Pumpkin facts in the back will add to the learning experience. (Did you know that pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable?!)

Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton

Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2004, ISBN 0-374-35634-3
Anyone who has ever had a teacher who brought color and excitement and life to the classroom will relate to this book. Illustrations in the beginning of the book are all black, white and gray, correlating to Colin's drab, ordinary life. One school day, Mr. Gee walks in, and that's where the boredom and ordinary-ness ends. He encourages the students to write what they hear in a classical music piece. "Close your eyes, open your ears, and listen", he tells the students. Here's to the Mr. Gee in all teachers!

The Adventures of Sparrowboy by Brian Pinkney

The Adventures of Sparrowboy by Brian Pinkney, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1997, ISBN 0-689-81071-7
PS: After an encounter with a sparrow, Henry finds he is able to fly just like his favorite comic book hero.
Several pages of this book are laid out like a comic strip, which might appeal to those readers who like graphic novels. Pinkney's illustrations on the remaining pages appear comic-strip-like, so the pages tie together nicely, moving from comic strip character to our main character, Henry. Henry's adventures will appeal to early elementary students, who probably also dream of flying, saving small children and animals, and taking on the local bully, and winning.

The Best Story by Eileen Spinelli

The Best Story by Eileen Spinelli, illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf, Dial Books for YOung Readers, 2008, ISBN 978-0-8037-3055-7
PS: When a contest at the local library offers a prize for the best story, a firl tries to write one using her family's suggestions, but her story does not seem right until she listens to her heart.
Great book to teach the "voice" and "idea" aspects of writing. Cute, simple story that will appeal to children.

Master Man: A Tall Tale of Nigeria

Master Man: A Tall Tale of Nigeria told by Aaron Shepard, illustrated by David Wisniewski, Harper Collins, 2001, ISBN 0-688-13783-0
PS: A boastful strong man learns a lesson harder than his muscles when he encounters one of Nigeria's superheroes in this Hausa tale which explains the origin of thunder.
Done in almost graphic novel style, this book would lend itself to a discussion of dialogue (it is complete with speech bubbles) and/or a Reader's Theater.
Love this quote (by Master Man's wife to him): "Quit your foolish boasting. No matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger, and someday you may meet him!"

Boys from Africa

For You Are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane, art by Ana Juan, 2006, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ISBN 978-0-689-86194-9
PS: From rooster crow to bedtime, a Kenyan boy plays and visits neighbors all through his village, even though he is supposed to be watching his grandfather's cows.
"Hodi? Karibu!" Information in the front of the book tells us that this is the traditional Swahili greeting upon entering another's home, similar to "Anybody home?", answered by "Welcome!". Several more Swahili terms or phrases are given, and are used throughout the book. For a read-aloud, practice these ahead of time! It's an entertaining way of following the boy through a day in his life. We are frequently reminded of his duty to the cows, and I was a little disappointed that he didn't suffer any consequences for neglecting his grandfather and the cows, but this could be discussed with the children as you read the book. Students could compare their daily life with that of the young boy in this story, for instance, when he sees and animal's tail outside the window. We would probably see a squirrel or chipmunk, but he sees a monkey! Good for grades 1-3. Other vocabulary possibilities (English!): maize, eucalyptus (trees), pasture, graze, etc.

On a more serious note, the following book might be good for older elementary students:
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, winner: Coretta Scott King Honor Award, 2005, Lee and Low Books, ISBN 978-1-58430-232-2
PS: 8-year-old Garang, orphaned by a civil war in Sudan, finds inner strength to help lead other boys as they trek thousands of miles seeking safety in Ethiopia, then Kenya, and finally in the United States.
Written by Mary Williams, founder of The Lost Boys Foundation, this book is based on a true story, as told to her "by the boys who lived it."
The boys find themselves fleeing the war, and realize they must "work together if [they] are to survive." They travel, on foot, the many miles to Ethiopia, then on to Kenya. More than 3800 were eventually relocated into the United States. A story of determination and bravery, and the dream of bringing peace to a long-warring homeland. A movie was even made about the boys. Info here.

Paths to Peace by Jane Breskin Zalben

Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben, Dutton Children's Books, 2006, ISBN 0-525-47734-9
Mother Teresa, Anne Frank, MLK Jr., Wangari Maathai, Elie Wiesel, Gandhi, And JFK. Princess Diana, The Dalai Lama and Cesar Chavez. Eleanor Roosevelt, Ralph Bunche and Anwar El-Sadat. What do all these people have in common? Their desire for peace in their time. Some died for it, all spoke about it and worked for it. Some are still working for it. And their lessons are as pertinent today as they were then.
This book is set up beautifully: a two-page spread dedicated to each person, one age textual information, the facing page a wonderful collage of artwork highlighted by a well-known quote of the person. It lends itself well to a biography study, where each student can study one of the 16 people included in the volume. Art notes, glossary, and bibliography in the back of the book add information.

The Conquerors by David McKee

The Conquerors by David McKee, Handprint Books, 2004, ISBN 1-59354-078-7
The story of a large and powerful army who goes out and conquers all the surrounding neighbors, basically because they can, but also so that they can "be like us". (Because, doesn't everyone want to be like us?) From the book jacket: "A simply told parable [which] sends a special message that is all the more effective for framing a quiet plea for peace." It will be interesting to use this with students, probably 3rd to 5th grade, and see what they come up with. I always learn from the kids...
You may remember David McKee from Elmer (the colorful elephant) books.

Birds on a Wire by J. Patrick Lewis and Paul B. Janeczko

Birds on a Wire by J. Patrick Lewis and Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Gary Lippincott, Wordsong (Boyds Mills Press Inc.), 2008, ISBN 978-1-59078-383-2
From the book jacket: "This portrait of a day in an American village is told in the ancient poetic form known as renga (meaning 'linked verse'), in which one poet writes a verse and another poet responds to that, then the first poet adds another verse, and so on. Like a line of railroad cars, each verse links somehow with the one preceding it, but not with the others. THIS means that each new stanza takes the story in a completely different direction as each poet comes up with a clever way to connect a new verse."
The writing possibilities are endless! Reminds me of the writing exercise where you give the students a prompt, then have them write for a period of time (just a few minutes) or a few sentences, then pass it to the next student for them to carry on!
By the way, the illustrations in this book are beautiful.
If using this book with older elementary, teachers will probably need to guide students through the process, as this particular poem is rich and complex. The last stanza is rich: "burglar-night steals a jewel tray of stars".
J. Patrick Lewis is quite prolific: see his books at his website.

Into the Forest by Anthony Browne

Into the Forest by Anthony Browne, Candlewick Press, 2004, ISBN 0-7636-2511-6
PS: After his father seems to disappear, a boy takes a cake to his ill grandmother, traveling through the forest in a journey reminiscent of the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
The reader might be reminded of a few other fairy tale characters as well...Good for conjuring up prior knowledge of fairy tales. Can also compare/contrast with Little Red Riding Hood. Really beautiful illustrations in typical Anthony Browne style make this book an interesting read.

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld (illustrator), 2010, Little, Brown and Co., ISBN 978-0-316-00762-7
PS: A shark and a train compete in a series of contests on a seasaw, in hot air balloons, bowling, shooting baskets, playing hide-and-seek, and more.
This is a cute but simple book that highlights strengths and weaknesses, and shows that no matter how big or strong something/someone is, there are times when it is vulnerable. Perfect book to put on my "we all have our gifts" bookshelf. I'm thinking it's a good book for boys too, starting around first grade and going on up to 4th or 5th (when they can start predicting and explaining and creating their own examples).
By the way, Barton is also the author of The Day-Glo Brothers, and Lichtenheld wrote the New York Times bestseller Duck! Rabbit!

Word after Word after Word by Patricia MacLachlan

Word after Word after Word by Patricia MacLachlan, Katherine Tegan Books (Harper Collins), 2010, ISBN 978-0-06-027971-4
PS: A visiting author teaches five friends about the power of words and writing.
I usually like to quote a few lines from a book to give the flavor of it, or tell just enough to leave the reader hanging (and wanting to read the book), or if something just hits me as particularly memorable. I would have to just about quote this entire book. The author's choice of words is so rich, each word so meaningful, that the book has to be savored slowly so as to take it all in. A simple enough story: a visiting author comes to talk with a class of fourth graders, encouraging each to tell his own story in his own words. For example: "out of our writer mouths...Will come clouds...Rising to the sky...Dropping rain words below...And when the clouds leave...The sun will shine down word...After word...After word...Planting our stories in the earth." And at the end of the book: one child says,"If this were a book, it wouldn't have an ending". "Maybe", said another,"the ending is that it doesn't end." "It goes on."
If words had actual weight (instead of just symbolic weight), this little 125-page book would weigh 1000 pounds.

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds, Candlewick Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7636-4641-7
PS: Rose finds a neglected patch of earth in the middle of a bustling city where she can plant the flower seeds collected form her previous travels in her magical teapot.
Reynolds, author of The Dot and Ish, has really done it this time! In a book patterned after the "spirit" of Rose Kennedy, he tells the story of an immigrant whose "resilience and faith" ultimately resulted in a beautiful garden. Ted Kennedy relates the story to his mother when he writes: "My mother's resilence and faith inspired and nourished our family all her life. She taught each of us to persevere no matter how great the challenges and to so all we could to care for others. Reynolds poignantly captures my mother's enduring spirit in Rose's Garden. May this powerful story and my mother's beautiful greenway plant fresh seeds of hope and service for generations to come."

Here's information about Rose Kennedy's Greenway in Boston.
Read the book online at: Rose's Garden

Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins

Never Smile at a Monkey (and 17 Other things to Remember) by Steve Jenkins, Houghton Mifflin, 2009, ISBN 978-0-618-96620-2
This non-fiction text discusses seventeen different wild animals and how they defend themselves (and what you should know about these animals so you won't get hurt.
Steve Jenkins has many wonderful non-fiction books which will delight readers of non-fiction. See his website.

Ed Young: staying true to oneself

Donkey Trouble by Ed Young, Athenuem Books, 1995, ISBN 0-689-31854-5
PS: In this retelling of the traditional fable, a kind but simple man and his grandson, on their way to market with their donkey, find it impossible to please everyone they meet.

One teacher uses a flannel board to teach this, as the characters change places many times during the story. REarranging them shows how difficult it is to work this situation out.

There are 2 other versions of this story:
Old Man Whickutt's Donkey by Mary Calhoun, illustrated by Tomie dePaola. In this retelling of LaFontaine's fable, a man, a boy and a donkey, enroute to the miller with a sack of corn, are criticied by their neighbors no matter who walks and who rides.

The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey, attributed to Aesop, several versions available on Amazon.

Thanks to Marcia Dressel who provided this information on LM-NET.

Hook by Ed Young, Roaring Brook Press, 2009, ISBN 1-59643-363-9
A book of few words and beautiful illustrations. A meaningful story of a baby eagle and how he "was not meant for earth", but rather, meant to soar high in the sky.

Both of these books can be used to teach the idea of "staying true to oneself". Everyone has a gift and a purpose on earth.
Ed Young is one of my favorite illustrators. Here's a list of his books.

Michael Garland books (illustrator)

The following books were written by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom and illustrated by Michael Garland.

The Best Books to Read, Random House, 2008, 978-0-375-94702-5.
A young boy goes to the library with his class and hears about the many kinds of books that can be found there. Great way to introduce genres to Kindergartners and first graders. Told in rhyme.

The Best Place to Read, Random House, 2003.
A young child with a new book hunts inside and outside the house before finding the right chair for reading. Also told in rhyme. Good for K-1. Note: a good companion book for this is A Quiet Place by Douglas Wood.

The Best Time to Read, Random House, 2005
A young boy who has just learned to read tries to find someone in the family who will listen to him read aloud. Told in rhyme.

See Michael Garland's website.

Michael Garland books (author)

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland, Dutton Children's Books, 2003, ISBN 0-525-47133-2. Storybook characters come to life as the reacher reads the books.
Imagination, storytelling

Miss Smith and the Haunted Library, Dutton, 2009, 978-0-525-42139-9.
Miss Smith's class takes a field trip to the library. Spooky characters come out of the "incredible storybook". Good for kindergartners at Halloween.

Miss Smith Reads Again, Dutton, 2006, 0-525-47722-5. This story takes the class to the land of dinosaurs.

See Michael Garland's website.

Americana Adventure, Dutton, 2008, 978-0-525-47945-1. TWO STARS.
From School Library Journal: "Grade 1–6—This book takes the search-and-find game to a new level, providing a fun entry into history. An opening rhyme gives readers an overview of all they're meant to find on these animated pages. They are asked to count the Uncle Sam hats, find the bald eagles, and identify all of the presidents. The faces of other famous Americans are also identifiable, such as Babe Ruth, Elvis, and Henry Ford. The final two pages list all of the individuals depicted, the authors of various quotes, and clues to the puzzles. The book is set up like a treasure hunt. Each page focuses on a new sight, be it a city such as New York, Boston, or San Francisco, or a place—a ballpark, a rodeo, or Mount Rushmore. The illustrations are delightful, full of energy, color, and thoughtful composition. They are jumbled but not random. Most of the people have cartoon faces, but interspersed among them as part of the crowd are true-to-life portraits—Louis Armstrong plays his horn on a riverboat and John Wayne watches the rodeo. This could be a treasured stepping stone to a greater understanding of American culture and history."
US travel, history and historic sites. US customs and social life. A must have*****Suggested for grades 3-4 in a geography/America lesson.

The President and Mom's Apple Pie, Dutton, 2002, 0-525-46887-0
President Taft comes to town and ends up eating in various (ethnic) resturants before he finally finds the sweet-smelling home-baked apple pie. Mentions "Hail to the Chief" and "Camptown Races". Good for grade 2 to incorporate music and Presidents.

Mystery Mansion, Dutton, 2001, 0-525-46675-4. Involves puzzles and clues, but not great for a read-aloud.

Old women and their dogs

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant, Voyager Books, 1996, ISBN 0-15-257809-9
Publisher's Summary: An old woman who has outlived all her friends is reluctant to become too attached to the stray dog that visits her each day.
Vocabulary: outlive
Expression: "Wasn't long for this world"

Night Noises by Mem Fox, Voyager Books/Harcourt, Inc., 1989, ISBN 978-0-15-257421-5
Publisher's Summary: Old Lily Laceby dozes by the fire with her faithful dog at her feet as strange night noises herald a suprising awakening.
Good source of onomatopoeia. Other tags: dreaming, sleep, night, family tree (numbers).

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker, Beach Lane Books, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4169-9141-0
Publisher's Summary: Busy little peas introduce their favorite occupations, from astronaut to zoologist.
Told in rhyme. Cute, energetic illustrations take the reader through the alphabet as well as various occupations: "We're eaters, electricians, and explorers searching land. We're farmers, flaggers, and best friends in a band."

Jazz music, Louis Armstrong style

When Louis Armstrong Taught me Scat by Muriel Harris Weinstein, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, Chronicle Books, 2008, ISBN 978-0-8118-5131-2
Publisher's Summary: After dancing to music on the radio before she goes to bed, a young girl learns how to sing scat when Louis Armstrong comes to her in a dream. Includes facts about Louis Armstrong and scat singing.
Full of "Doo-blee-ooo-doo" and "wah-wah-wah-ing", this book would be good for not only music and jazz but for a study of onomatopoeia. Make sure to have some actual Armstrong music available for playing too. "Hey, you wanna scat? Scat like a purring cat?" FAntastical, imaginative words and illustrations make this an adventure; make sure you have plenty of energy the day you read this to children! It's a tongue twister: "ooo-blee-boo-blee slippetty spun, wobbly bubble's a roseee sun gummy bun". A few words about Louis Armstrong and Scat are found in the back of the book. Probably best for Upper Elementary students.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague

How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague, Crown Publishers, 1995, ISBN 0-517-59998-8
Publisher's Summary: "A schoolboy tells his class about his summer vacation, during which he joined a group of cowboys and stopped a cattle stampede." Or not. Perfect example of where your imagination can take you! Teague's illustrations are exciting and imaginative. How to go with the flow and see where it takes you.

A Horse's Tale by Susan Lubner

A Horse's Tale (A Colonial Williamsburg Adventrue) by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Margie Moore, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008, ISBN 978-0-8109-9490-4
Publisher's Summary: In Williamsburg, Virginia, in colonial days, Lancer the horse runs loose and behaves oddly while his owner and owner's friends try everything they can think of to help him feel better, until Margaret the Milliner realizes that Lancer needs a friend, too.
The value of this book lies in its depiction of colonial towns, lifestyles, and occupations. The glossary in the back defines "apothecary", "counterpane", "milliner", and "shod", to name a few. Would work with 5th graders study of Colonial America.

Red Sled by Patricia Thomas

Red Sled by Patricia Thomas, Boyd MIlls Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-59078-559-1
Publisher's Summary: A boy and his father lift one another's spirits by going sledding on a winter's night.
Book text actually starts out as a poem, a circular one at that. Good way to show children the way to illustrate a poem, and the way to select words carefully so that two words can describe a situation or event. Low-level illustrations are deceiving, as the words used are more advanced.

Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino

Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino, Henry Holt and Co., 2007, ISBN 978-0-8050-7724-7
The author's note in the front of the book says it all: "Every Friday, my son, Michael, and I have breakfast together at the corner diner. Since he turned three, this has been our special time together and our favorite day of the week. I hope that you, too, will start a tradition like ours."
On one page he writes: "Everyone is rushing, but we're taking out time." A good reminder to us all, to slow down and appreciate the routine, everyday things that we take for granted, but which can vanish in the blink of an eye. Thank you Dan, for the reminder.

Fiction/Non-fiction: Crabs

Fiction: A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1987, ISBN 0-88708-056-1
Non-fiction: Is This a House for Hermit Crab? by Megan McDonald, illus by S.D. Schindler, Orchard Books, 1990, ISBN 0-531-08455-8
A hermit crab sheds his old shell and looks for a new one. Here, two books look at that process. Eric Carle's fiction version features his stunningly creative artwork and takes the crab through the months of the year, beginning in January. To decorate his dull new shell, the crab invites other sea creatures to live "on" his shell. In wonderful Carle fashion, the book is rich on many levels: naming sea creatures, using adjectives to describe them, showing generosity and the way the crab adjusts to change. A circular story, it ends with the crab back in January (of the next year), again looking for a new home to decorate. The back of the book gives a brief description of the other sea animals mentioned in the book: sea anemones, starfish, coral, snails, sea urchins and lanternfish.
The non-fiction version, written about the same time as the fiction one, features more subdued but also more realistic illustrations. In this book, the crab is looking for a new shell, and tries all sorts of unacceptable items (a tin can, a rock, etc) before he finds the right shell. The book makes it clear that the shell is used for protection. Even though it is classified as non-fiction, it is written in a narrative style, and could confuse younger children, as it is not set up like typical non-fiction text (pictures, bold print, glossary, etc).

AIMA Summer Meeting: Fanning the Flames

Bibliography: Fanning the Flames
AIMA Summer 2010 Conference
Leslie Sharbel
Library Media Specialist
Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights
sharbelle@vestavia.k12.al.us

Slide 3: Lee Bennett Hopkins quote: "I believe we spend too much time teaching children to read--and not enough time teaching them to love to read. Get the difference." 2/27/2008

Slide 4,5,6: article: Tanya Plibersek "Love of Reading Opens Up World of Possibilities", http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/12/11/1197135459491.html


Slide 15: Booktalks
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo, 2009
Weird School series by Dan Gutman,
Various Newbery winners. See list at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.cfm
The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John, 2006
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen, 2009
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen, 2007

Slide 16: Read-Alouds
Guys Write for Guys Read by Jon Scieszka, 2005
Jumpstart Read for the Record: http://www.readfortherecord.org/site/PageServer
Coming up: October 7, 2010: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, 1969
Butterflies by Joni Phelps Hunt, 1992
Where Butterflies Grow by Joanne Ryder, 1989
Flutter by, Butterfly by Densey Clyne, 1998
Butterfliesby Kevin J. Holmes, 1998
Our Living World: Insects by Jenny Tesar, 1993
Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison, 2007
Monarchs by Kathryn Lasky, 1993
I Wonder What It’s Like to Be a Butterfly by Eric M. Hovanec, 2000
The Moon of the Monarch Butterflies by Jean Craighead George, 1968
Monarch Butterfly Journey North:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch
Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman, 1987
My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris, 2003
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes, 2008

Slide 17: Picture Books
Teach with Picture Books blog: http://teachwithpicturebooks.blogspot.com/
All About Picture Books: A Bibliography http://www.suelebeau.com/picturebooks.htm
Picture-Book-Inspired Writing Lessons http://writingfix.com/picture_book_prompts.htm
Reading Workshop http://www.effectiveteachingsolutions.com/readingworkshop.htm
Scholastic Using Picture Books to Teach Comprehension Strategies (Grades 2-5) by
Joanne M. Zimny, 2008 I like to use this with grade 4.
Scholastic Teaching with Favorite Read-Alouds in Kindergarten by Susan Lunsford,
2004 Also available by the same author: PreK, First Grade, and Second Grade.
Scholastic Teaching Math with Favorite Picture Books (Grades 1-3) by Judi Hechtman
and Deborah Ellermeyer, 1998.
The Moon Over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston, 2008
The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble, 2004
Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier, 2001
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Paul Revere’s Ride illustrated by Ted Rand, 1990
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, graved and painted
by Christopher Bing, 2001

Slide 18: Novels
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, 2003
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, 2003
Crash by Jerry Spinelli,
Schooled by Gordon Korman, 2007
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, 2007
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, 2005

Slide 19: Reader’s Theater
The Hallo-wiener by Dav Pilkey, 1995
Script located at: http://www.timelessteacherstuff.com/readerstheater/Hallowiener.html
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, 1986
Script located at: http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/reading/Halloween_RT.htm, written by
Lori Pratt

Slide 20: Non-fiction books
Togo (2002) and Akiak (1997) by Robert J. Blake
The Great Serum Race: Blazing the Iditarod Trail by Debbie S. Miller, 2002
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, 2000
An American Plague by Jim Murphy, 2003
Everest series: The Contest, The Climb, and The Summit by Gordon Korman, (2002)

Slide 21 More Non-fiction
Series: Inside Men’s College Basketball and Inside College Football, Rosen Publishing,
2008
You’ve Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! By Jonah Winter and Andre Carrilho, 2009
Baseball Legends: Sandy Koufax by John Grabowski, 1992
Satchel Paige by Lesa Cline-Ransome, 2000
Satchel Paige: Don’t Look Back by David A. Adler, 2007
Great African American series: Satchel Paige: the Best Arm in Baseball by Patricia &
Fredrick McKissack, 2002
Extreme Snowboarding Moves by Jeri Freimuth, 2001

Slide 22: More non-fiction
Scholastic News Vol. 78, #s 15 & 16, Feb 15 & 22, 2010 www.scholastic.com/sn56
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, 2010
Nature’s Children series, Grolier Publishers
Sports Illustrated Kids: Year in Sports, published by Scholastic, various years
Go, Go America by Dan Yaccarino, 2008 (cheeseburger answer on pg. 55).


Slide 23: More Non-fiction
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, 1994
A Soldier’s Heart by Gary Paulsen, 1998
Charley Skedaddle by Patricia Beatty, 1987
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, 1962
Hedgie Blasts Off! By Jan Brett, 2006
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, 1989
The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, 1988
The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy,
2000

Slide 25: Graphic Novels and Wordless Picture Books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, 2007
Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
Bone series by Jeff Smith: #1 Out from Boneville
Babymouse series by Jennifer Holm
Artemis Fowl: the Graphic Novel adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, 2007
Redwall: the Graphic Novel by Brian Jacques, 2007
Nancy Drew graphic novels, based on the series by Carolyn Keene
Wordless picture books by David Weisner
The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Slide 26: Websites
Websites are available on VHEC Destiny home page:
http://destiny.vestavia.k12.al.us/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home&l2m=Home

Slide 29: Begin Somewhere
Levy, Stephen. “The Future of Reading”. Newsweek, November 26, 2007, Vol. CL, No. 22, p. 57-64.

Just a few of the Zillion websites to connect kids to books:
Book Adventure: http://www.bookadventure.com/
Guys Read: http://www.guysread.com/
Kids Read: http://www.kidsreads.com/index.asp
Read Kiddo Read: http://www.readkiddoread.com/home
The Book Seer: http://bookseer.com/
Read-Alikes: http://atn-reading-lists.wikispaces.com/Read+Alikes
Weber Co. Public Library: http://www.weberpl.lib.ut.us/content/booklists/
A Book and a Hug: http://www.abookandahug.com
Find your Favorite Series: http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/series/juv/
Historical Fiction for Children: http://bookgirl3.tripod.com/historicalfiction.html
Internet Public Library Kidspace, Reading Zone: http://www.ipl.org/IPLBrowse/GetSubject?vid=12&cid=3&tid=4248&parent=0

Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble by Phyllis Root

Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble by Phyllis Root, illus by David Parkins, Candlewick Press, 1996. ISBN 0-7636-0650-2
Publisher's Summary: When Old Man Trouble calls on Aunt Nancy, he tries very hard to perform a trick that will bother her; however, she knows just how to handle him.
Really clever tale showing how to look at the positive side of things, rather than focusing on the negative. Also by the same author: Sam Who Was Swallowed by a Shark, Mrs. Potter's Pig, and the sequel to this book, Aunt Nancy and Cousin Lazybones.

Island Baby by Holly Keller

Island Baby by Holly Keller, Mulberry, 1992, ISBN 0-688-13617-6
Publisher's Summary: Pops, a man who runs a bird hospital on an island, and his young helper Simon nurse an injured baby bird back to health.
With the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill threatening my hometown coast of Mobile, Alabama, I couldn't help but wonder at the coincidence of me picking up this book today. It tells the story of a young boy and an older man, who together take care of all the injured birds on the island. In the end, the boy has to let the (now healed) bird go, just as his mother has to "let him go" to ccschool. Nice parallel that will probably go over the young readers' head but will bring a smile to more mature readers. This book would be one of many that teach children that one person can make a difference in our world. We may soon see children all up and down the Gulf Coast doing just that.
Note: for a novel along these same lines, see The Islander by Cynthia Rylant.

Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day by Pat Mora

Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day: a bilingual picture book by Pat Mora, illus by Rafael Lopez, Harper Collins Publishers, 2009, ISBN 978-0-06-128877-7
El dia de los ninos y el dia de los libros!
A book simply about children reading books, and all the ways and forms reading can take. As the story progresses, the imagination expands (going from reading in the car to reading while sailing with a whale). Colorful, whimsical illustrations are perfect for creating a celebratory, multicultural feeling.
"Then, snug in our beds, we read to the moon...and fly away in our books!"
The author's letter in the back of the book reminds us that every single child is special. She also advocates connecting children and books. Mexico is smart enough to celebrate El dia de los ninos on April 30. Great idea! Now, says Mora, add books to the party. The author goes on to say: "Since 1996, librarians, teachers, parents and people who want to share 'bookjoy' have been planning book fiestas- events that link children to books, languages, and cultures. Together we are growing a nation of readers." Mora includes ideas for celebrating this day. For a school library: children can dress in their favorite book character. Have them decorate a sturdy box to store their home library. Add storytellers and puppets to the festivities. Bright colors are a must!

Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Tops and Bottoms, adapted and illustrated by Janet Stevens, Scholastic, Inc, 1995, ISBN 0-590-97550-1
Fay School summary: This tale celebrates the trickster tradition of overcoming hardship by using one's wits when Hare turns his bad luck around by striking a clever deal with the rich and lazy bear down the road.
Really cute story that can be used in so many ways! Besides being a really clever story of survival in hard times, it teaches lots about vegetables: those we eat that grow above the ground (broccoli, lettuce, celery), and those we eat that grow below the ground (carrots, beets, radishes). And the corn, which grows in the "middle" according to Hare. With a little expansion, this story can be used to show some elements of food production and be used to prompt prediction.
Would work well to create a felt board divided in half horizontally: sky above and dirt below. Attach the vegetables and their roots/stalks appropriately. Bring in fresh vegetables too! (Some kids don't know that vegetables don't always come in a can...).
Here's a link to some other books about vegetables and gardens.

BTW, Fay School in Southborough, MA, has a terrific website for their school library. Look under the Academics tab at the top of the page. Library and Curriculum are listed under Academics. You gotta love that!

What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla

What Can You Do wirh a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla, illus by Magaly Morales, Trucycle Press, 2009, ISBN 978-1-58246-221-9
Publisher's Summary: A young Mexican American girl celebrates the paleta, an icy fruit popsicle, and the many roles it plays in her lively barrio.
Wonderful introduction to Latino foods, neighborhoods, and everyday life.
This book is mentioned in a nice blog called Latin Baby Book Club. All kinds of information here about the Latino culture.
Also by this author: What Can You Do with a Rebozo?

Flower Garden by Eve Bunting

Flower Garden by Eve Bunting, illus by Kathryn Hewitt, harcourt Brace and Co., 1994, ISBN 0-15-228776-0
Publisher's Summary: Helped by her father, a young girl prepares a flower garden as a birthday surprise for her mother.
A warm, sweet book about a little girl working hard to bring joy to her mother on her birthday. Great book for kindergartners--use when studying gardens, springtime, colors, flowers, following directions, sequencing, lots of possibilities. Some good upper-level vocabulary words to introduce as well (trowel, pansies, daffodils, geraniums, jamboree).

Antarctic Antics by Judy Sierra

Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems, by Judy Sierra, illus. by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey, Gulliver Books, 1998, ISBN 0-15-201006-8
Publisher's Summary: A collection of poems celebrating the habits and habitat of emperor penguins.
I just love Judy Sierra and her "prankish picture books" (from the back cover of this book), especially when they involve animals!
This would be a good book to use when actually studying penguins (as opposed to studying poetry) because it is based on the real life and habits of the Emperor penguin. Because the poems are really just informational text put in free-style poetry form, they are not as cute and sing-songy as some poems for younger children. It is, however, a cute and different way of taking in information.

Here's a Little Poem, collected by Jane Yolen

Here's a Little Poem: a very first book of poetry, collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Candlewick Press, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7636-3141-3
Publisher's summary: (This book) gathers poems from various parts of the English-speaking world, including Great Britain, the Caribbean, Australia, and the US. Contains more than 60 poems by...writers from Margaret Wise Brown to Langston Hughes. The collection depicts a toddler's day from dawn to dusk.
Great collection of sing-songy poems that young children will love.

A favorite of Lisa__ in New York is "The No-No Bird":
I'm the no-no bird,
That's right, that's me.
I live up in the Tantrum Tree.

I'm the no-no bird,
I won't say why
I stamp my feet
And shout and cry.

I'm the no-no bird!
I sulk and sing
No! No! No!
To everything.
---by Andrew Fusek Peters

Sounds just like a cranky toddler doesn't it?!

Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie dePaola

Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie dePaola, Voyager Books, 1978, ISBN 0-15-670768-3
Publisher's summary: An old lady's attempts to have pancakes for breakfast are hindered by a scarcity of supplies and the participation of her pets.
This classic wordless book is great for discussing sequence, following directions, and even food production!

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts, Candlewick Press, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7636-4284-6
A young boy yearns for that special pair of shoes, the ones that just about everyone seems to have, except him. He finds a pair at a thrift store, but they are too small. He buys them anyway. In the end, he gives them to someone else who wants that pair of special shoes just as much as he did.

Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni

Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni, Harper Collins, 1960, ISBN 0-688-13283-9
Caldecott Honor
Publisher's Summary: To keep from being eaten, an inchworm measures a robin's tail, a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, a heron's legs, and a nightingale's song.
Clever story that involves math (measuring).

Long Shot and By My Brother's Side

Two for one here: both tell the true story of a famous athlete (or 2) and how they overcame adversity to succeed in their chosen sport.
Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big by Chris Paul (NBA All-Star), Simon and Schuster, 2009, ISBN 978-1-4169-5079-0
Publisher's Summary: Although he is shorter than most of his classmates and everyone discourages him from trying out for the basketball team, 8-year-old Chris just works harder than everyone else so his size will not matter.
By My Brother's Side by Tiki and Ronde Barber, Simon and Schuster, 2004, ISBN 0-689-86559-7
Publisher's Summary: Introduces twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, who worked hard to overcome onstacles and become NFL stars, one as a running back for the NY Giants and the other a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
These two books, along with Michael Jordan's story, Salt in His Shoes, would provide a great way to compare and contrast these characters. They each overcame obstacles, had family support and encouragement, and worked hard, showing determination, in order to get where they are today.

Once Upon a Time, the End by Geoffrey Kloske and Barry Blitt

Once Upon a Time, the End (asleep in 60 seconds) by Geoffrey Kloske and Barry Blitt, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005, ISBN 0-689-86619-4
Publisher's Summary: A tired father takes only a few sentences to tell a number of classic tales in order to get the persistent listener to fall asleep.
My tags: humor, nursery rhymes, main idea, summarize
Love the introduction: "Once upon a time, and a long, long time ago, late at night, when it was dark, over the hills, through the woods, across a great ocean, In a land far away, In a small house, on a hill, Under a full moon..." All they left out was: "It was a dark and stormy night". In this book, the authors basically reduce all the favorite nursery rhymes to about a dozen sentences. Little Red Riding Hood (reduced to "Small girl, Red Hood") becomes a poem: 5 stanzas, 4 lines each! Interesting way to present summarization and main idea!
Really cute summary from Simon and Schuster:

"Once upon a time

there was a grown-up

looking for a book

with very short bedtime stories

for a kid who wouldn't go to sleep.

So the grown-up picked up this book

and read this flap

and took the book home

and read it out loud

and they both laughed

and fell fast asleep

fast.

Just like you.

The end."