“Despite the mayhem that followed, Bruno found that he was still holding Shmuel's hand in his own and nothing in the world would have persuaded him to let go.“

This novel can be a powerful anchor text for lessons on perspective, empathy, and historical understanding. Students can see how limited point of view shapes the way a story is told, compare fiction to real historical events of the Holocaust, and discuss themes of friendship and moral courage. It works well as part of a cross-curricular unit that brings together literacy, social studies, and character education.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a quiet and haunting story that follows Bruno, a young boy who slowly begins to question the world around him. The simplicity of the narration makes the harsh reality of the Holocaust feel even more striking. It is a book that stays with you long after you close it, urging you to think about innocence, empathy, and the cost of hatred.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and cared for.”

This book works well for lessons on kindness, empathy, and community. You can use it to start conversations about being a good friend, showing care, and creating a safe classroom environment. It also supports social emotional learning in a simple and accessible way.

Hello, Neighbor! is a warm and gentle tribute to Mister Rogers. Matthew Cordell captures the quiet kindness and calm spirit that made Fred Rogers so beloved. The illustrations feel soft and inviting, and the story reminds readers that small acts of care can make a big difference.

“Each glacier is like a library, storing stories of the Earth‘s past.”

This book could be used in the classroom to teach about glaciers, climate change, and how science connects to history. It would work well for a nonfiction reading unit or a science-social studies crossover lesson.

The information is presented clearly and directly, making it easy to understand even when the topic gets scientific. Deem‘s writing is straightforward but still interesting, and the photos help readers visualize the discoveries. The style fits the intended audience and keeps the reader engaged without being overwhelming.

The trick is to hold all the ones you've lost close to your heart, while still loving all the beautiful things, and other people“- he kissed the back of American Stepmom's head- “that life can offer.“

I would use Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe to help students think about imagination, science, and empathy. The story encourages “what if” thinking and connects to lessons on cause and effect, perspective, and problem solving. Its mix of humor and emotion makes it engaging for upper-elementary readers while encouraging meaningful discussion about how our choices affect others.

Carlos Hernandez‘s 2020 Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe uses speculative fiction to explore what happens when curiosity meets responsibility. The story exaggerates the power of technology and imagination through Sal‘s ability to open portals between worlds, but it mirrors our own world‘s desire to fix problems without always thinking of the consequences. Hernandez makes readers question how far we should go when trying to make things right.

“Sometimes the hardest part isn‘t letting go — it‘s realizing you never really did.”

This book could be used in a middle or high school classroom to spark discussions about communication, self-discovery, and handling conflict in relationships. Its realistic dialogue and emotional honesty make it a great choice for exploring character motivation and contemporary themes that connect to students‘ lives.

Never Vacation With Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (2023) is a contemporary fiction romance full of summer tension and second chances. Set in Malibu, it follows Kaylee and her ex, Dean, who are forced to vacation together after their breakup. They share witty banter, emotional depth, and beach charm in this heartfelt story about learning when to hold on and when to let go. This story is relatable, emotional, and vulnerable.

“Someone has been lying in my bed—and she‘s still there!”

Great for teaching sequencing, comparing versions of folktales, and discussing choices and consequences. Students love acting out the story with “too big, too small, just right” patterns.

This is a folktale, since it is a story passed down orally through generations that teaches lessons about behavior and consequences. Goldilocks carelessly enters the bears‘ home, tries their food, chairs, and beds, and faces the results of her actions when the bears return. Marshall‘s playful retelling and humorous illustrations give the classic tale a lighthearted twist while keeping its traditional cautionary message intact.

“He was no longer a clumsy, gray bird, ugly and unwanted. He was a swan.”

A powerful story to use when teaching themes of identity, resilience, and kindness. Students can reflect on times they felt out of place and how acceptance and change can bring hope.

This tale is a fairy tale, since it follows a character‘s journey from hardship to transformation with a happy ending. The “ugly duckling” is mocked and excluded until he grows into a beautiful swan, showing the classic fairy tale themes of struggle, growth, and reward. Jerry Pinkney‘s detailed watercolor illustrations add depth and emotion, helping readers connect with the duckling‘s loneliness and eventual joy.

“She was truly one of them. At last she was where she belonged and was very happy.”

Great for teaching legends and their connection to culture and values. It also opens discussion about respect for animals, Native American traditions, and how illustrations support storytelling.

This story is a legend, since it explains how a girl from a Plains tribe became part of the wild horse herd she adored. Legends often mix human experiences with elements of the natural and spiritual world, and here the girl‘s love for horses leads to her transformation. The tale reflects cultural values of respect for animals, freedom, and harmony with nature, while the illustrations highlight the beauty and spirit of the plains and the horses.

“Through me the power of the Sun is renewed. The spirit of life is within the people.”

Useful for teaching about myths, Native American storytelling traditions, and symbolism. Students can also connect it to art by exploring shapes and colors that tell cultural stories.

This is a myth because it explains origins and spiritual connections between humans and the Sun. The story follows a boy, born of the Sun, who goes on a journey through trials in the kiva before returning to bring life and light to the people. Myths like this one explain natural and spiritual forces, and McDermott‘s bold geometric illustrations capture the sacred, timeless feeling of the tale.

“You can‘t keep pretending to be someone you‘re not, no matter how much you want to protect yourself.”

In the classroom, this graphic novel can spark discussions about identity, acceptance, and family expectations in a way that feels safe and engaging. The humor and colorful illustrations keep students interested while still giving teachers opportunities to guide conversations about deeper themes.

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a mix of humor, romance, and grilled cheese sandwiches with deeper themes like gender roles, family expectations, and identity. The bright illustrations and witty dialogue make these mature ideas accessible to younger readers.
Instead of just following the plot, children can analyze how the art communicates meaning, like shifting colors that show secrecy or close-up panels that show emotion.

“The city is busy, loud, and scary. But Nana makes it feel like home.”

This story follows a young boy who initially feels overwhelmed by the noisy, crowded city but learns to see its beauty with the help of his Nana. In the classroom, the book is useful for discussing bravery, perspective, and family support. It can also spark lessons on setting, encouraging students to describe places that feel overwhelming or safe to them and how their feelings might change over time.

In Nana in the City, the illustrations are soft yet bold, with warm colors contrasted against the darker, busier tones of the city. Castillo uses texture and line to create both the intimidating energy of the urban setting and the comforting presence of Nana. The organized shifts in color and composition mirror the child‘s journey from fear to appreciation.

“No, David!”

This story follows David, a little boy who often gets into trouble but is always loved. In the classroom, it‘s useful for discussing rules, self-control, and unconditional love. It also provides opportunities for students to connect with their own experiences of learning boundaries and to practice sequencing events or retelling a story through both words and pictures.

In No, David!, the illustrations are bold, exaggerated, and filled with playful lines and bright colors. The slightly chaotic compositions mirror David‘s mischievous energy, while the simple, childlike drawing style matches the humor and perspective of a young child. The art works hand-in-hand with the text, amplifying both the comedy and the warmth of the story.

“The Hello, Goodbye Window is right where Nanna and Poppy live.”

This story celebrates the bond between a child and her grandparents, centered around the “hello, goodbye window” in their kitchen. In the classroom, it‘s useful for discussing family relationships, traditions, and perspective. It can also inspire art projects where students illustrate their own special family places or write about favorite routines with loved ones.

In The Hello, Goodbye Window, the illustrations are organized with loose, colorful brushstrokes, playful lines, and a childlike sense of space. Chris Raschka‘s expressive style mirrors the voice of the young narrator, turning everyday moments at the grandparents‘ house into something magical. The art feels spontaneous yet intentional, making the story‘s warmth and intimacy shine.

“He was born on an island far away where imaginary friends were created.”

This story follows Beekle, an imaginary friend who sets out to find the child who will imagine him. In the classroom, the book is useful for exploring themes of friendship, courage, and belonging. It can spark discussions about imagination and creativity, while also encouraging students to write or draw about their own imaginary friends or the friends they‘d like to have.

In The Adventures of Beekle, the art is carefully organized through bold colors, shifting perspectives, and imaginative shapes. The contrast between the gray, muted tones of the “real world” and the vibrant, whimsical world of imaginary friends highlights Beekle‘s journey. The illustrations deepen the meaning by showing his loneliness, bravery, and eventual joy in finding friendship.

“Creepy carrots! Creepy carrots! Creepy carrots!”

Creepy Carrots! tells the story of Jasper Rabbit, who loves carrots until he becomes convinced they are following him. This book is useful in the classroom for teaching mood, tone, and how illustrations can shape the reader‘s feelings. It also works well for lessons on prediction, cause and effect, and even creative writing, students can imagine their own “creepy” objects.

In Creepy Carrots!, the illustrations are organized with strong contrasts of black, gray, and orange, creating a dramatic, almost film-noir atmosphere. The sharp lines, shadowy textures, and careful use of space build suspense and humor. The art makes the story come alive by balancing spookiness with silliness.

“This is for the undefeated. This is for you. And you. And you.”

The Undefeated is a moving tribute to African American history, honoring heroes, survivors, and everyday people whose voices shape the past and present. In the classroom, this book can support lessons on history, social justice, perseverance, and identity. It‘s especially powerful for sparking discussions about representation and inspiring students to see themselves as part of a larger story.

In The Undefeated, the art is organized with bold compositions, realistic textures, and powerful use of space and contrast. Kadir Nelson‘s detailed portraits and use of light and shadow emphasize both struggle and triumph. The illustrations don‘t just accompany the words, they give them weight, turning the poem into a visual celebration of Black history and resilience.

“Let‘s leave our story and see what else is out there.”

The Three Pigs is a creative retelling of the classic tale where the pigs literally step out of their story and explore other narratives. In the classroom, this book is useful for teaching students about story structure, perspective, and how illustrations can completely change a familiar tale. It also encourages imagination and critical thinking about how stories are told.