“We're not supposed to be friends, you and me. We're meant to be enemies. Did you know that?“

I would use this novel with older elementary students, as the topic covered is graphic, disturbing, and emotional. It is vital that students learn about the Holocaust tragedy so that they can understand that hatred, manslaughter, and discrimination have no place in this world. The friendship portrayed in this book will allow students to gain a greater understanding of the horrific events that occurred during this time in history.

This historical fiction novel tells the story of a friendship between a young German boy, son of a Nazi officer, and a young boy in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. Their friendship is a fictional element used to convey historical and factual elements of the Holocaust in an emotional and impactful way. The development of the characters and descriptions throughout the book are used to encourage reflection of hatred and discrimination.

“Turns out, it was a North Hill tradition started by Grandpop after a fourteen-year-old black boy named Emmett Till was killed for whistling at a white woman when Grandpop was younger.”

I believe this book would be appropriate and enjoyable for upper elementary students, Reynolds' vivid writing style and the Virginia setting make this book both enjoyable and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for young readers looking for a meaningful and entertaining story.

Genie and Ernie are two brother that must adjust to the environmental differences while they move with their grandparents into a rural area from Brooklyn New York. This book by Jason Reynolds is a captivating read for its engaging characters, themes of coming of age and bravery, and the exploration of family secrets. It offers readers a relatable journey of self-discovery and growth, wrapped in a mystery that keeps them eagerly turning the pages.

“He was one of the first Black Americans to challenge a segregation law in court. And he won. Jack made history that day. But it wasn‘t the last time Jack would do that.”

I would use this book with older elementary students to tell the story of Jackie Robinson. Being such a famous athletic figure, some students may already know of his accomplishments in the sports world. However, like myself, I was unaware of his fights for freedom and equality during his time in the army. He went to court to stand up for himself against the US and won! His bravery and talents can provide powerful and inspiring messages to students

This biography tells the story of Jackie Robinson from a third person point of view. It tells his life story in a fast-paced, detailed manner. It uses beauty of illustrations and an entire timeline that highlights important experiences from his childhood, collegiate athletic career, fighting for his rights in the army and going to court, and his professional athletic career.

“Maya was young, but she was brave. She didn‘t back down.”

I would use this biography to tell the story of Maya Lin to older elementary students. This book may inspire and connect students with their own artistic abilities and dreams. It would also be an opportunity to expose them to the design history of the famous Vietnam veterans memorial in Washington DC.

This biography tells the story of Maya Lin from a third person point of view. It discusses her upbringing and important experiences and influences she has had to become the amazing architect and artists she is today. The book provides great detail and illustrations to enhance the smooth transitions and story telling approach to convey her life and accomplishments.

“Melba and her music trotted around the globe, dazzling audiences and making headlines in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.“

This biography tells Melba's story from a third person point of view and in a very fast-paced manner. It provides a short overview, yet full of details, of her childhood and how she began playing. It also is a great book to introduce to students when teaching the important lesson of never giving up and following dreams, even when things get challenging. Melba never gave up on her dreams and is known as one of the greatest musicians of all time!

This biography tells the story of a young musician named Melba Liston. As a young, Black girl, she always loved music and begged her family to buy her a trombone so that she could learn to play. It didn't take long for her to show off her natural talents and she soared into the music business as a successful young musician. However, her talents were not always appreciated due to her race and gender, which challenged Melba, but never stopped her!

“The struggle for rights didn't start yesterday and has to continue until it is won.“

I would use this biography with older elementary students to expose them to another prominent, yet not as well known, activist during the civil rights movement. Ella Baker is an inspiring figure for all people, but especially for young women. During the civil rights movement, most well-known activists were men. Her efforts to be seen and heard during her fight for freedom can provide powerful messages and important lessons to young students.

This biography tells the life story of Ella Baker, a Black woman who fought along side MLK against racial inequality for all people of color, especially young, Black women. This biography is told in a fast-paced narrative manner that includes moments from her upbringing, her first experiences fighting for justice, and all of her important efforts and accomplishments throughout her activism journey. She fought for freedom till the last of her days

“You've changed my life for the better. You've taught me to love people of all races and colors“

I would use this book with older elementary students to expose them to the story and efforts of a very notable activist: Nelson Mandela. This biography tells his story in a fast-paced manner, including a plethora of accurate details and information about life and experiences. It includes beautiful illustrations and documented quotes to enhance the validity and enrichment this book provides.

This book tells the story of Nelson Mandela and his powerful efforts against injustice in South Africa. He was imprisoned during a protest and stayed in for years, studying books, history, and his White guards. After decades of the country fighting for his freedom, he walked freely and won a Noble Peace Prize for his activism and efforts towards peace and equality among the people in his country

“we can try, we can solve global problems together.“

I would use this book with mid to upper elementary students to have discussions about what global climate change is, how it impacts us and our world, how others are trying to combat it, and how we can do things to help the world too. I would use this book to expose students to issues and ideas they may have never heard of before and open their eyes to the way that they can make a positive impact or change just by doing the smallest things.

This book is an amazing collection of poetry that tell the stories of young people all over the world and their efforts to fight global climate change and promote environmental justice. The book uses moving illustrations that depict who the young person is and what their efforts consist of. Using the rhyme and rhythm aspects of poetry is an effective and engaging way to present important information to young students.

“When elephants bunch, it indicates that they're being vigilant or wary.“

I would use this book with my students to expose them to one of the most popular animals in the world among young children. This book is great for older elementary students who are interested to learn more about science, the safari environment, and elephants. I would also use this book to show students how scientific images can be used to help support content within text.

This book discusses everything there is to know about elephants including secrets, common misconceptions, their extensive history, species facts, their sensitive souls, herd interactions, and their amazing features and abilities (footwork, ears, vocalizations, trunk movement, etc). This book contains a ton of scientific detail regarding elephants that are supported by real pictures, scientific images and graphs, and diagrams.

“The other ships sail safely, because the lightship marks the way, through fog and night, past rocks and shoals, past reefs and wrecks, past danger. Other ships sail home safe... because the lightship holds her place.“

I would use the book “Lightship“ to expose students to a vessel or jobs that they may not have known about before. Personally, I had never heard of a lightship before. I could use this book to discuss the importance of fulfilling roles and upholding responsibilities, especially when others are depending on you. Furthermore, discussing the importance of roles working together as a team to complete a job.

“Lightship“ is a book that discusses what a lightship is and the importance of its role. It is told by given direct explanations in a rhythmic manner. Not necessarily a rhyming book, but I found myself reading it with some rhythm. There are lots of illustrations and maps that support the text's information. It provides great detail about the role of lightships, what makes up the vessel, how is on board, and what they do to help the ship run

“This movement is not merely a demand for eating places... but a demand for respect... We will meet the capacity to inflict suffering with the capacity to endure suffering... We will wear [segregation] down by our capacity to suffer.“

I would use “Freedom Riders“ with older elementary students to expose them to and teach them about the history of not only the Civil Rights movement as a whole, but all the the smaller movements that comprised it. Telling this moving story of two men, one Black and one White, standing together in solidarity for what is right would be a very powerful and unique experience for students to understand the perspective of those who may not be like them.

“Freedom Riders“ is a book that talks about the story of two young men traveling to Alabama as Freedom Riders to fight against racism. This book talks about the history and struggle of the Civil Rights movement, the differences in White and Black America, and how to move forward as a country. This book uses black and white pictures, timelines, maps, and roster biographies to support the very detailed information provided in the text.

“The canyon is much hotter and drier at the bottom than at the top. Because of this, different groups of plants and animals, or ecological communities, are found at different elevations of the canyon.“

I loved reading this book due to the awe and wonder the Grand Canyon has given me as a young girl. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it is important for students to learn about geographic features within their own country. I would use this book to expose students to the Grand Canyon's extensive history, erosion, and ecological communities (animals and plants). This book also illustrates factual information in an accurate way.

“Grand Canyon“ by Jason Chin is a beautifully written and illustrated book that describes everything there is to know about the Grand Canyon from the very beginning to what it looks like today. The pages are surrounded by even more scientific facts and pictures. Such as different types of animals and labeling each layer of the canyon. The information is provided in a very direct and clear way that would be best for upper elementary students.

“Watch how high I'm jumping, watch how far I hop,“

I would use this book of poetry with young elementary students as a way to expose them to poetry. It is a book that contains simple poems and corresponding vocabulary. They use rhyme and rhythm that is easy to follow and understand. I would ask students simple questions that relate to the structure and theme of the poem to promote their poetry knowledge.

“Just Watch“ by Myra Cohn Livingston is a poem written in a book designed to introduce elementary students to poetry. This poem is very short, but should be read with a quick rhythm. It uses simple endings such as -ing and -op as well as other vocabulary throughout the poem to help students understand the poem.

“She kissed us in these costumes at our house on Halloween!“

I would use this book with younger elementary students as a fun and entertaining way to introduce rhyming due to its funny lines and relation to Halloween. I would ask students where they hear rhyming and identify which words rhyme with others. I would ask students what it looks, heard, sounds like when each of the lines are read.

“Our Grandma Kissed a Pumpkin“ is a very entertaining poem to read, as it uses funny details to describe what grandma has kissed, which related to Halloween. It uses a quick rhythm and rhyming words to tell this funny story. For example, -oon and -een.

“Each morning when you walk out the door, I want you to ask yourselves- What choice am I going to make today? I want that choice to be kindness.“

I would use this poem in my classroom with elementary students as a way to expose them to poetry aspects within letters. I would also mainly use this poem as a way to convey and expand upon this hopeful and genuine message of kindness. Ask students what being kind looks like, feels like, or sounds like. Encourage students to use literature to teach themselves and others important messages.

“Kindness Is a Choice“ is a beautifully written poem/letter from a mother to her children urging them to be kind. This poem has hints of rhyming within it and carries a slow, soothing rhythm. When I read this poem, I feel a sense of comfort and hope with how the mother conveys her message of kindness to her children. It inspires me to not only follow this message of kindness, but urge others to do the same.

“But don't you know? No crops can grow without a lot of dirt.“

I would use this book with students as an evident example of rhyming since it follows a simple story and uses words that have easily identifiable rhyming endings. It also carries the message that even though dirt may be have a negative connotation to it, that it is a good thing necessary for growing our food. I could ask students to identify rhyming words and think about what they hear, smell, taste, or feel when they think about dirt or farming.

The poem “Necessary Mess“ talks about how “it“ clings to everything from vegetables, clothing, boots, body parts, and equipment. At the end of the poem is when it is revealed that “it“ is dirt, which is necessary for growing crops. It can be read with a medium rhythm and it uses great rhyming. For example, -oots, -ide, -ins, -eens/-eans, -ust, -ow.

“Sitting side by side, we embroider colorful stitches on circles of soft, dream-filled cloth.“

I would use this poem with older elementary students due to the details within the story. The author uses a plethora of complex language to describe her interaction with her grandmother. Identifying poetic aspects may take some guidance and support from the teacher. I would also use this book as a way for students to dive into a culture, experiences, and language they may not yet understand or appreciate.