“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.”

Eight-year-old Bruno befriends Shmuel, a boy on the other side of a fence near his new home, unaware it‘s a concentration camp. As their bond grows, Bruno uncovers the terrifying truths of his world. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is a poignant story about innocence, friendship, and the devastating effects of prejudice.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne tells the tragic story of an innocent friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp. The novel explores themes of prejudice, ignorance, and the horrors of the Holocaust, urging readers to reflect on the consequences of hatred and the importance of seeing others as human.

“Humans have a head. Most animals have a head. Let's give our insect a head.“

I would for sure read this to my first graders. I would also do an extensi8on activity of them creating an insect with the supplies that are used in the book. Students would make it as I read the story.

This book accurately tells different parts of an insect. It is interesting because it shows this through a child remaking it, which is very fun for children and helps them engage within the story.

“Sing as she listens. Tell her you're near.“

I don't think I would read this to first graders, but I feel like it could be informative during a sex Ed course or teaching about the difference between women and men.

This book discusses how a baby is developed within the woman body. It is very informative while also displaying a family going through the birth story of their child. The illustrations show a clear depiction of the different stages of fetus growth.

“Sometimes you slide down my cheek without a sound.“

I would read this book with my first graders and then follow up with an extension activity that shows different ways to use water and where it comes from!

IN this book, it goes over the different forms that water can be in and how it can benefit us. it also shows the water cycle and how to conserve water within the book. This book is a great display of information about how something so simple can be so beneficial to us as humans.

“Many kinds of living things have already been lost. Some have disappeared before we've had a chance to find them.“

I would definitely read this book to my first graders so they understand how big our Earth really is. I also want to read this book to show the importance of taking care of our Earth so we can help our species throughout the world.

This beautifully illustrated book entails the factual information of different species and organisms within Earth. It also displays the importance of how human's need to protect the Earth so we can help protect many of our living things. Throughout the illustrations and text, it thoroughly discusses that there are millions and millions of species!

“Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude.“

I would for sure read this to my first grade classroom. I think i would read it during Native American Heritage Month to show proper representation of indigenous cultures and how they are with the world and through their communities.

This book perfectly captures the Cherokee tribe and the ways they express gratitude for each other and the earth. Within this amazing book, it shows traditional Cherokee terms, and a Cherokee syllabary. It teaches young readers the culture of an Indigenous group, without using stereotypes.

“The truest thing that we have in this country at this time is little children.“

I would definitely read this book in an older classroom setting. It has very dark topics but written in a beautiful way where you can feel the emotion.

This biography is about a woman named Fannie Lou Hamer and her struggles of slavery. Although this story covers dark topics, it highlights the importance of equality for everyone. Equality is an important thing and this book could be moving to read for young readers.

“But that didn't stop George from admiring the language that was all around him.“

I would use this story in a social studies lesson with older grades. It is good to highlight on the dark history but in an enlighten way so students are not hidden from the truth of what happened in America.

This biograph is a true story about George Moses Horton. The story highlights how George was wanting to learn to read, but he was enslaved, therefore he could not. This inspiring story illustrates the struggles that enslaved people had to go through, but they still had determination to admire the things they value. George valued poetry.

“Don't be afraid. In India, I met tigers. In Africa, Lions.“

I would definitely use this in my classroom as a way to show that animals have meaning in the world. This would be really good for a science lesson.

This book is a moving, true story about a woman who learned from animals by researching them and evaluating them. She went to all different countries and showed the world that animals are not as scary as you think we are.

I would use this book in a science class when discussing and introducing circuits. Circuits have electricity flowing through it, and having background knowledge where electricity comes from is a good start to a lesson!

“Lighting is electricity.“

This is a great picture biography book about Benjamin Franklin and what he gave us. Electricity is everywhere and we could not have done certain things without Ben. he gave the world a huge gift and this wonderful book illustrates how we use Ben's invention in the modern day!

“Did I mention that Steve is a monkey?“

This story would be great for a classroom. After reading, teachers can facilitate discussions about teamwork and problem-solving. Students can share their ideas about the smell and come up with their own theories, fostering critical thinking.

“Something Sure Smells Around Here“ is a whimsical children‘s book that combines humor and a bit of mystery. The story follows a group of curious animals who band together to investigate a strange odor wafting through their forest. With vibrant illustrations and playful language, the book captures the attention of young readers.

“Hello Apple!
Shiny red
CHOMP CHOMP
Hello Worm
Where's your head?“

This is a fun book with lots of different poems throughout and it gives lots of different styles and organizations. I would definitely within the classroom!!!

“Oh No! Where Are My Pants?“ is a humorous children‘s book that tells the story of a character who wakes up to find their pants mysteriously missing. The engaging narrative is filled with playful rhymes and lively illustrations that bring the story to life.

“But ah, me - I'm such a dunce. I went and ate them all at once.“

There are so many cute and fun poems in this book! I think the illustrations do a great job at depicting the story without being too overwhelming or distracting from the message.

Where the Sidewalk Ends contains a collection of poems that are creative, imaginative, and often silly. Each poem within this book is unique and inviting for children as they really draw you into the story. You really feel like you are a part of the story in each poem. The simple illustrations help readers to portray the story in their minds without being too distracting.

“I am the sapphire night you are the lantern moon, light me“

The soothing nature of the text makes it ideal for quiet reading time or to help students wind down.

“Pea Pod Lullaby“ is a charming children's book that beautifully blends soothing rhythms with a delightful story about a mother‘s love for her child. The narrative takes readers through a whimsical journey in a garden filled with vibrant imagery and gentle, lyrical text that evokes a calming atmosphere.

“We are the change that we seek.“

The book can serve as a springboard for discussions on themes of hope, community, and activism, prompting students to share their ideas for positive change in their school or community.

“Change Sings“ by Amanda Gorman is a beautifully illustrated and empowering picture book that inspires young readers to embrace their voices and take action for change. Gorman‘s lyrical prose conveys a powerful message about hope, unity, and the importance of individual contributions to a better world.

“Normal is Boring.“

I would read this book for students who are in middle school so they can relate to the different challenges the story beholds.

This story blends humor and vibrant illustrations to explore the challenges of adolescence. Through Rafe Khachaturian's journey, the book emphasizes the importance of individuality, creativity, and resilience in navigating middle school. Its engaging art style enhances the story, making it a relatable and inspiring read for young audiences.

“If my cells don't work and Beep dies. Because I will really need you. And I might not be my friend anymore.“

I would most definitely have this book in my classroom because it covers some very heavy topics in a realistic way.