Willy & Max: A Holocaust Story

Willy & Max: A Holocaust Story is indeed a story of the Holocaust, but more importantly, of friendship. Author Amy Littlesugar tells a true story of her grandfather (Willy) a son of a Christian art dealer and his friendship with Max, a Jewish boy. The boys became close friends in Belgium right before WWII. When the Nazis came to Max's house in the middle of the night, the family knew they needed to escape. Before they left, Max's family entrusted a valuable painting with Willy's father. Illustrator William Low's artwork is colorful, "large", and realistic. At the end of the book, the author gives a plug for the Commission for Art Recovery which is trying to unite works of art stolen during WWII with their rightful owners.-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher.

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan

This is an inspiring story for girls everywhere. Two ordinary women meet up one night to have dinner, except one happens to be famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart and the other First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. While eating dinner in the White House, Amelia shares how amazing it is to fly at night over the city. Eleanor seems interested, so Amelia offers to take her up flying after dinner. Despite what others think, the women end up flying from Washington to Baltimore and back. After returning to the White House, Eleanor takes Amelia for a ride around the city in her brand new car. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds and lead different lives, both women are strong with an independent outlook on life. This brings them together and helps them become close friends. This wonderful story shows girls it is okay to be independent and promotes gender equality in children.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

David Goes to School by David Shannon

Trouble is back! David Shannon’s little monster from “No, David” is at it again in this short story. In this book, David takes his antics from his house with his mother, to school with his teacher. From the very beginning, David is a highly energetic and obnoxious character, providing plenty of entertainment for young readers. After showing up late for school, he jumps in front of the room during math time, plays with his gum, and interrupts other students. David’s actions catch up with him, and the teacher makes him stay after school. In the end, David redeems himself by cleaning up his mess, and he goes home happy. The teacher taught David that good behavior is best in the classroom, making this a great read for young students learning classroom etiquette.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch

In 1888, a stray dog wandered into the Albany, New York Post Office and became a permanent employee. His name was Owney. The dog guarded the mail and hopped trains going across the country. Wherever he went, mailmen would attach little notes and medals to his collar. What is especially wonderful about this book by Mona Kerby is that Owney really existed and was quite a famous character in his day. There is even a statue of little Owney outside the Smithsonian Post Office Museum in Washington D. C. Read this book to find out about Owney's greatest adventure!-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

This fairy tale breaks the traditional mold and shows children how real life may turn out. In this book, a beautiful young girl, Elizabeth, is engaged to a prince, Ronald. They appear to be headed towards “happily ever after” until a dragon shows up, burns their castle, and kidnaps the prince. Elizabeth is left with nothing, but she does not whine or cry. She puts on a paper bag instead of clothes and goes to save her prince. Elizabeth tracks down the dragon and cleverly rescues her prince, but Ronald turns out to be very ungrateful. He bluntly tells Elizabeth that she does not look pretty wearing a paper bag with her hair not done. When Prince Ronald suggests that she leave and return when she looks like a princess, Elizabeth breaks off the engagement and leaves, for good. This story effectively teaches young girls that pretty clothes aren’t everything, and neither is having a boyfriend. It also teaches young boys to be respectful towards girls and that good character matters much more than fancy dresses.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

Right now, I am sad, but I will soon be happy again. This colorful picture book is one of the best to help young children learn about emotions and how to deal with them. The author uses witty rhymes to explain feelings in a way that is easy to understand. This book explains the many different and complex emotions we feel and enables children to relate to and understand that emotions are okay. It covers a wide range of emotions, including silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous and proud. In addition to the great pictures, this book gives children a handle on some very useful vocabulary. In the end, children will be able to better understand and communicate their feelings and emotions with others.



Jessica, 1st grade teacher

When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… by Molly Bang

In this Caldecott-honor book, children will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. We all get angry sometimes. And we do lots of different things when they get angry. What do you do? Sophie’s temper flares when her sister insists on having a turn with Sophie’s favorite stuffed gorilla. To make matters worse, Sophie’s mother says "It is her turn now, Sophie," and then seconds later Sophie trips over a toy truck in the resulting of tug-of-war. She becomes so mad "She wants to smash the world to smithereens." The boldly painted artwork swirls with the intense energy Sophie feels. The pages are filled with shades of infernal orange, yellow and red like a shuddering volcano. Sophie runs and runs until she can’t run anymore. In the woods she climbs a huge beech tree, looks out over the water, and is comforted by the “wide world.” Feeling better, she returns home where mom greets her with open arms. Reading this story with children provides a great opportunity to talk about anger and ways to deal with angry feelings. It is a great book about understanding emotions.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Siesta by Ginger Foglesong Guy, Pictures by Rene King Moreno

Written in English and Spanish, Siesta is a story that combines language, color, and wonderful illustrations, contrasting the text in both Spanish and English as two youngsters gather supplies for an afternoon backyard adventure. The colorful pages are filled with simple charm as two playful children prepare to spend the afternoon outside in a tent. Collecting the items they need for hours of fun, the sister and brother go from room to room getting just the right stuff. The last item was the most important, a vibrant and multihued Mexican blanket which serves as the tent. Being outside in a comfortable spot in the shade, the two find that it is the perfect time to get some rest—siesta. This story is warm and charming, inviting the reader to expand their language horizons. This is the perfect book for young readers, focusing on the small world of children’s adventure, and at the same time introducing basic language and simple sentence structure in both English and Spanish.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

One By Kathryn Otoshi

This simple book offers a very powerful message, using colors as characters in a story about true friendship and bullying. A plain blue circle wishes he had some of the more exciting traits of his friends. He is timid and gets bullied by the mean red circle, who makes blue feel unhappy with himself. Blue’s friends remain kind to him, but they fail to do the right thing and stand up to red. When blue wants to give up, the number one comes along and changes everything. He brings all the nice color circles together and stands up for little blue. Everyone learns a lesson from this simple story about being nice and doing what’s right, even if that may not be the popular thing to do.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

No, David! By David Shannon

Here comes trouble! David Shannon's messy little monster digs himself into a deep hole with his endless antics. Little David sails the high seas in the bathtub, builds Mr. Potato Head with his dinner, and takes batting practice in the living room. But when David’s actions catch up with him, his mother is there to lovingly console him. When you read this book to your children, they take on the parental role, repeatedly scolding David. Every time he makes a mess, they are able to shout, “No, David!” and then dissolve in giggles. David’s horseplay is relentless, but he is also extremely lovable. He is truly sorry when he breaks his mother’s vase, and he finds his ultimate happiness safely wrapped in her loving arms in the end.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Henry’s Freedom Box by Kadir Nelson

Henry’s Freedom Box is a true story about Henry “Box” Brown and his daring escape from slavery. This powerful story begins with Henry’s mom telling him about the realities of living in slavery. “Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind?” she asks. “They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families.” In the beginning of the story where as a child Henry is sent to his master’s son, to the loss of his family when his wife and three children are sold, you will sense Henry’s fear, grief, desperation, and finally, hope with his incredible decision to reach freedom through an ingenious plan. Henry’s Freedom Box is an extraordinary story that will raise numerous questions from youngsters about slavery, injustice, and hard-won freedom.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

The Spider and the Fly based on a poem by Mary Howitt Illustrated by Tony Diterlizzi.

The Spider and the Fly is an exceptional picture book that is based on a classic poem written by Mary Howitt. The story begins with an invitation, ‘“Will you walk into my parlor?’ said the Spider to the Fly.” The Spider flatters the Fly with lovely words. Will the Fly be able to resist his invitation that has no happy ending for her? The pictures in this book are phenomenal and done in black and white that remind the reader of an old gothic horror film. The fly is dressed as an innocent flapper girl, the spider a polished Victorian gentleman. Being a cautionary tale, it warns the reader to beware of those who compliment you and offer you treats, for they may have evil designs on you!

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Dogku

With Dogku, author Andrew Clements departs from his usual fiction (Frindle etc.) to write a picture book entirely in haiku. This story is as warm and cuddly as "Mooch" our book's protagonist-a stray dog who is looking for a new home. (Now you know where the book's title comes from!) Some of Mooch's shenanigans make the reader wonder if a family will ever adopt him. Tim Bower's illustrations are just as endearing as the story. As a bonus, Clements includes an interesting author's note at the end of the book where he explains his love of haiku and his reasons for writing this book. -Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

What is God ? by Etan Boritzer

This is one of the books in our home that we are always replacing because someone has borrowed it, and it never makes it back to us. For parents struggling with the complicated task of explaining God, our friends are relieved to have it as a resource. It is a useful, gentle introduction to the concept of religions and spirituality. By balancing information from several religions, and naming the "teachers" of these religions, it opens the door for conversations about what different faiths share. Religions share the concept that "you should be good to other people, just like you would want other people to be good to you". It then acknowledges that these are only some of the religions people believe in. There are others. One strength of the book is that it ASKS QUESTIONS and says MAYBE. The concepts are ideas and possibilities, and you can agree or disagree. So it is a good model for discussion and an exchange of ideas. The universalist approach to religion, "God is everything great and small!...All of us are God!" ,may not appeal to some readers. In our family we use it to discuss the connectedness of all people, all families.
I hesitated putting this up as a book for teachers, if teachers are not allowed to discuss religious topics in their classrooms. I have used it with secondary students to exemplify questioning and holding a open mind to ideas.
Lauren --Secondary Teacher

Pirates Don't Change Diapers by David Shannon

Pirates Don’t Change Diapers is another fabulous picture book by David Shannon. Jeremy Jacobs is back to tell another story about his pirate ways. It is his mother’s birthday and Jeremy does not yet have a gift for his mother. Jeremy is left to care for his sleeping baby sister while his mother runs out and father is napping. Right away some old friends show up to dig up some buried treasure. Jeremy's baby sister is awoken and the pirates are clueless about baby-sitting. Jeremy attempts to show the pirates how to change a diaper, serve lunch, and even how to play a game of peek-a-boo. The pirates finally get baby Bonney to sleep and are ready to dig up the buried treasure when the map goes missing. Will they find the map and a gift for Jeremy’s mom in time? Aargh, I hope so!

Lauren-elementary school teacher

How I Became a Pirate by David Shannon

Looking for a fantastic picture book? Look no further! David Shannon really hit it dead on with How I Became a Pirate. The pictures are so vivid, detailed and full of life. ‘How I Became a Pirate’ is the story of a young boy named Jeremy Jacob. He is at the beach with his family when he sees a pirate ship heading to shore. He tires to share the excitement with his family, but they are too busy dealing with a baby and other parental duties. The pirates come a shore and take Jeremy with them to help burry their chest of treasure. During the mission Jeremy gets first hand experience of the life of a pirate. Singing sea chanteys, learning pirate manners and sleeping with one eye open is all covered! Can Jeremy help burry the treasure before soccer practice the next day? You will have to find out!

Lauren- elementary school teacher

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho

Hush by Minfong Ho and illustrated by Holly Meade is a lovely lullaby that comes from Thailand. The lullaby is about a mother who is hushing insects and animals that are trying to wake her sleeping son. Mosquitoes, lizards, monkeys and even elephants all come around their house during the babies nap. The pictures are beautiful and show traditional Thai homes and terrain. This book would make a great addition to any nighttime story!

Lauren- elementary school teacher

Author's Corner: Leo Lionni

Leo Lionni's stories are similar in theme as their characters explore who they really are. Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse and Tico are very similar stories. In Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, a wind-up mouse is in search of a friend and longs to become a real mouse. In Tico, a bird begins wingless and dreams of being like the other birds. One night, he is visited by a wishing bird who grants him his wish of having wings and gives him golden wings. His enthusiasm over his new wings diminishes as his friends don't accept him with his golden wings. He decides to give his golden feathers to people in need, but for every golden feather he removes, a black one takes its place. Once he has given up his last golden feather he returns to his friends who now accept his newfound wings. Both of these stories are great reads by themselves, but can also provide inquisitive discussions of self and identity. Teachers, you can add these to your critical literacy section!

Inch by Inch offers a different type of story. A clever inchworm escapes being lunch by showing how useful he can be to his predators.... he measures things for them! I like to use this book to introduce measurement in my classroom. After reading, we measure various objects with paper inchworms.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac

Most children learn about the story of the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, but the tale of the Native Americans is far less known. This is a must read during the Thanksgiving season to provide different perspectives of the first Thanksgiving. Based on a true story, Squanto, a Native American, and his friends have been visited by the explorers before; however, this trip was different. They misread explorers intentions and join them on their ship for a feast only to find the ship sets sail for Spain. Once there, he is forced into slavery and is sold off to the English. In desperation to return home, Squanto tries to learn as much as he can about the culture and learns to speak English. Eventually, he befriends the English and becomes an interpreter and guild for the Pilgrims. He becomes the first known Native American who seems to live in both worlds, the European and Native American.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

The Araboolies of Liberty Street

The General and Mrs. Pinch rule the residents of Liberty Street, prohibiting all laughter, activity, and anything that looks like fun. (Not such a free street at all.) Joy and the other youngsters who live there are unhappy but there is nothing they can do about it, as the General threatens to "call in the army" for the least infraction of his orders. Then the Araboolies, who speak no English and who change skin color on a daily basis, move in. They even sleep outside while their animals live inside. Life on the quiet street becomes chaotic, exciting, wonderful, and fun---until the General really does calls in the army to remove the house and the Araboolies because they are different. This brightly colored picture book deals with subtle social themes of tolerance, conformity, the rights of an individual in a community. It's a great way to introduce these concepts. (K-3)
Beverly- Reading Tutor