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

You can use The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in older grades in the classroom to spark discussions about empathy, prejudice, and historical injustice. It helps students connect emotionally to Holocaust studies, reflect on moral choices, and understand the importance of kindness and standing against hatred.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne follows a little boy named Bruno as he unknowingly befriends a boy (Shmuel) imprisoned in a concentration camp. The friendship between Bruno and Shmuel is powerful and heartbreaking. Through Bruno‘s innocent perspective, the story reveals the cruelty of the Holocaust. Its simple writing contrasts with its heavy themes, creating a heartbreaking and unforgettable read.

“Together, they traveled to new cities. Clarence plays his music. Pura tells her stories.“

In the classroom, “Planting Stories” can be used to create an anchor chart about Pura Belpré‘s life and contributions. Students can add words, pictures, or quotes that show how she shared stories and culture. It can also spark discussions about the importance of storytelling and preserving traditions in their own lives.

Planting Stories” is inspiring for children, showing how Pura Belpré brought stories and culture to libraries. Learning about her life helps children see the importance of preserving culture and sharing stories, connecting them to both the past and today‘s diverse communities.

“José drew skulls that were doing all sorts of things. They were eating, dancing, and riding bicycles. They were called calaveras.”

I would use Funny Bones in my classroom to teach students about art, culture, and history together. It‘s a great way to explore Día de los Muertos traditions and how art can tell stories or share messages. Students could create their own calavera drawings inspired by the book or write about what their art represents, connecting creativity with cultural understanding.

In Funny Bones by Duncan Tonatiuh, the information is presented clearly and directly through both text and illustration. The author‘s mix of biography and cultural history makes it easy for readers especially children to understand how José Guadalupe Posada created his famous calaveras. The style is engaging, and the vivid, folk-art-inspired illustrations bring the story to life in an interesting and memorable way.

“When the mist rises, and the smiling man comes walking, you must avoid large places at night. Keep to small.”

In the classroom, Small Spaces can spark discussions about courage, friendship, and fear. Students can explore how characters face challenges and connect these moments to real-life emotions. Writing their own “what if” stories helps them understand speculative fiction and build creativity while learning that bravery often comes from working together.

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is a chilling and imaginative story that explores fear, courage, and friendship. The book‘s eerie world mirrors real-life struggles with grief and bravery, showing how people face their deepest fears. The story made me think differently about human nature how even in terrifying, impossible situations, hope and teamwork can conquer darkness.

“Bring it on.“

Finding Her Edge can be used to explore themes of pressure, identity, and perseverance. Students can analyze Adriana‘s conflicts with her father to discuss expectations and self-worth. The book encourages reflection on balancing ambition with mental health and helps students build empathy and resilience through character-driven discussion and writing.

Finding Her Edge is an enjoyable and engaging YA novel that blends sports drama and romance. The book portrays the realistic pressures teens face: balancing expectations, managing social media, dealing with anxiety, and living up to family reputations. The way she struggles to define herself outside her famous family name and public image feels true to many young people growing up today, even outside sports.

“From us! Your evil stepsisters! We're here to take over and make you do all the work! Now fetch us a snack!“

I would use Stepping Stones as a teacher because it helps students connect with real-life experiences like family changes and adapting to new situations. It also encourages empathy, discussion of emotions, and critical thinking about relationships, in age-appropriate ways.

Graphic Novel: Stepping stones (2020) by lucy knisley addresses mature themes like divorce, blended families, and adjusting to change in a way that feels accessible to young readers. The graphic novel format softens heavy emotions through expressive illustrations and relatable dialogue.

“If you cant see far enough, then get on this board and I'll push you in. There's plenty of room in the oven. Once you're inside you can take a good look.“ -old lady

I would use Hansel and Gretel for teaching because it offers opportunities to discuss themes like problem-solving and family. Students can analyze characters‘ choices, sequence events, and explore the moral lessons of the tale.

Caldecott Honor: Hansel and Gretel (1985) by Rika Lesser is a fairy tale. It contains magical and fantastical elements such as the witch‘s candy house, the theme of good versus evil, and the triumph of cleverness over danger. The story reflects traditional folklore by teaching lessons about resilience, bravery, and resourcefulness.

“So the wolf lifted the latch and opened the door. He ran straight into the bed, and without even a good-morning, he ate up the poor old grandmother in one gulp.“

I would use Little Red Riding Hood for teaching because it helps students explore story structure, character traits, and morals. The tale encourages discussions about safety, choices, and consequences.

Caldecott Honor: Little Red Riding Hood (1984) by Trina Schart Hyman is a beast tale because it includes traditional folklore elements such as talking animals, danger in the woods, and a clear moral lesson. The story features the classic struggle between good and evil, with the wolf representing trickery and danger, while Little Red Riding Hood learns caution.

“He was a beautiful butterfly!“

The Very Hungry Caterpillar can be used in preschool and early elementary classrooms to teach counting, days of the week, food groups, and life cycles.

Picturebook (1969): The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle features iconic, colorful collage illustrations that bring the story to life. The bright, textured images clearly show the foods the caterpillar eats and its transformation into a butterfly. Carle‘s playful use of size, shape, and holes in the pages adds a tactile, engaging element that captivates young readers and supports early literacy and counting skills.

“So the drum dream girl had to keep dreaming and drumming alone.“

Drum Dream Girl can be used in elementary classrooms to explore music, culture, and breaking gender barriers. Teachers can discuss the illustrations and text to highlight rhythm, expression, and storytelling. Students can create their own art inspired by music and learn about diverse musicians.

Picturebook (2015): Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López, features vibrant, energetic illustrations that capture the rhythm and spirit of music. Bold colors, dynamic compositions, and expressive characters bring the story of a girl breaking barriers in drumming to life. The illustrations reflect movement, culture, and emotion, enhancing the story‘s celebration of perseverance and creativity.

“This looks like an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn. But it turns out it isn't.“

Extra Yarn can be used in a elementary classrooms to teach lessons about generosity, creativity, and problem-solving. You can use this book to discuss the main character‘s choices, encouraging students to think about how small actions can make a big difference.

Picturebooks (2012): Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, features whimsical, detailed illustrations that bring warmth and charm to the story. The simple, muted color palette highlights the magical yarn, while expressive characters and clever visual details emphasize generosity, community, and the transformation of the town. The illustrations beautifully complement the story‘s themes.

“Crack, Snap, Wings flap“

In the Tall, Tall Grass can be used in preschool and early elementary classrooms to explore nature, insects, and observation skills. You can read aloud while pointing out details in the illustrations, have students identify insects and plants, and create related art or science activities.

Picturebooks (1991) In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming features bright, bold illustrations that capture the lively world of insects and nature. The rich, textured colors and playful shapes make the tiny creatures and tall grass come alive, drawing young readers into the movement and rhythm of the natural environment. Each page invites curiosity and exploration through visual storytelling.

“Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes.“

There Was a Party for Langston can be used in upper elementary classrooms to explore poetry, jazz, and African American culture. Teachers can discuss rhythm, mood, and celebration in the illustrations, connect the story to Langston Hughes‘s life, and have students create their own poems or art.

Picturebook (2023): There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey, features vibrant, expressive illustrations that bring the jazz-filled celebration to life. Bright colors and dynamic scenes capture the energy of Langston Hughes‘s world. The text flows with rhythm, and the letters themselves dance across the pages, echoing the jazz and energy of Langston Hughes‘s poetry.

“No creepy carrots would get out of that patch again“

This would be a good book to use in a elementary classroom. You can use this book in the fall giving students a fun interactive read-aloud that keeps students engaged with its mix of humor and suspense.

Picturebook (2012): Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown, is a playful, slightly spooky tale about Jasper Rabbit, who can‘t stop eating carrots—until they start following him! The illustrations are striking, using a cinematic black, white, and orange palette that creates just the right mix of humor and suspense. The dramatic lighting and shadow effects build tension while keeping the story playful.

“Toilet“

Home in a Lunchbox can be used in a elementary classroom. You can use this book to spark conversations about diversity, cultural pride, and empathy. Students could share foods or traditions from their families. This helps build community, celebrate differences, and promote inclusivity.

Caldecott Award Winner and Picturebook (2024): Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo is a touching story about a young immigrant girl adjusting to life in a new country. Through warm illustrations, the book explores themes of belonging, identity, and cultural pride.

“Don't talk to strangers!“

I would use this book in a elementary classroom. Interrupting Chicken can be a fun tool for classroom management by teaching students about patience and listening.

Caldecott Medal Winner (2010): Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein is a humorous and engaging picture book that follows a young red chicken who can't resist interrupting bedtime stories with her own enthusiastic retellings. This playful narrative not only entertains but also subtly teaches lessons about patience and the importance of listening.

“She had been riding the bus for years, but this time she decided to take a stand.“

I would use this book for an elementary classroom. This would be a great book to introduce the Civil Rights Movement, spark discussions about fairness, courage, and standing up for what‘s right, and connect history to students‘ own lives.