“Doing the right thing can be frightening, but it matters deeply.“

I would use this book to teach students about World War II and the implications it had on people of various ages. I would have students explore the theme of bravery as well through the book.

Set in World War II Denmark, the story follows a young girl who learns about courage and friendship as her family helps protect others from danger. Through small acts of bravery, she discovers the meaning of standing up for what‘s right.
Genre : Historical Fiction

“She works as hard as ever...she is a hero.“

I would use this book during women's history month and have children write a letter to Ruth asking her questions or sharing aspects of her story that resonate with them.

I believe that Ruth's story does offer meaning to children because her story can encourage children to always work towards their dreams and not let biases get in the way of their dreams. I think Ruth's story can also show children that not long ago women were not always welcomed in respected careers.

“They weeded and repainted the gravestones of their loved ones. They brought food and told stories about them. Sometimes they hired musicians to play their loved ones' favorite songs.“

I could use this book in my classroom by having students create their own calaveras. I could also connect this book to Dia de los Muertos traditions and Mexican history.

The style engages readers through its mix of storytelling, history, and striking illustrations inspired by Mexican art. The language is vivid and lively, using clear descriptions and Spanish words that bring Posada‘s world to life while making his art and cultural impact both fun and meaningful to explore.

“You probably thought that was the end of me. I wouldn't blame you. I sure thought so at the time. But the funny thing is I'm still around. Not that anyone knows.“

I could use this book in my classroom by having my students read a few of the short stories and then write their own short spooky stories around the time of halloween. I could also have my students practice evaluating character traits and identifying the main plot points in each of the stories as well.

This book makes me think differently about morality by demonstrating that our actions can lead to unexpected consequences. Some of the stories made me think about how people can easily be influenced to do things that they typically wouldn't do without the help of others. Lastly, I realized that people's character can lead them into making specific decisions also. Thus, having compassion, being responsible, etc., are crucial in making good choices.

“It's a weight no one your age should have to carry, but can't ignore,“

I plan to utilize this book to show my students different walks of life and experiences children their age might be experiencing. I also plan to expose children to the injustices people of color have and continue to experience in today's world.

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone is an inspiring contemporary fiction novel that blends sports, family, and identity with heart and energy. Twelve-year-old Shenice Lockwood leads her all-Black softball team while uncovering a family mystery. A fast-paced, empowering story about teamwork, legacy, and breaking barriers—perfect for young readers who love courage and competition.

“And so they went on walking a long time, until they were in the midst of the great forest.“

I would use this book to have students talk about character choices and how they might influence the plot of a story. I could also have students identify themes presented in the book and find pieces of evidence to support their ideas of said themes.

Rika Lesser‘s Hansel and Gretel retells the classic Grimm fairy tale of siblings abandoned in the forest who outsmart a wicked witch. As a fairy tale, it includes magical elements, danger, and a moral lesson about cleverness and courage, fitting the genre through its use of suspense, archetypal characters, and the triumph of good over evil.

“But just then the earth gave way, and head over heels she tumbled and tumbled.“

I could use this book to discuss the Japanese culture with my students and expose them to different traditions. I could have students evaluate the protagonist traits and see how they influence the progression of the events in the story.

Arlene Mosel‘s The Funny Little Woman, illustrated by Blair Lent, is a lively retelling of a Japanese folktale. A little woman chasing a dumpling falls underground, meets oni (goblins), and outsmarts them to return home richer. As a folktale, it uses humor, cultural tradition, and a clever protagonist to share timeless values of wit and perseverance.

“But the others didn't agree. They began to argue. 'A snake!' 'A rope!' 'A cliff!'“

I would use this book in a classroom by having students evaluate different perspectives they saw represented in the text.

Ed Young‘s Seven Blind Mice is a vibrant retelling of the classic folktale The Blind Men and the Elephant. Seven mice each explore part of a strange object and draw different conclusions, until the seventh discovers it is an elephant. With bold collage art and a clear moral about perspective and truth, the book works as a fable—using animals and story to teach a timeless lesson.

“Yeah, if I could be anyone, I would want to be like her. Talented, beautiful...“

I would use this book in my classroom to talk about empathy and taking responsibility for our actions. I would also recommend this book to students who love graphic novels to explore concepts like friendship and community.

Stargazing (2019) is a middle-grade graphic novel about Christine and Moon‘s friendship, cultural identity, jealousy, and illness. Through expressive art and dialogue, it makes complex themes—family expectations, self-acceptance, and mortality—accessible to young readers. Visual symbolism and nuanced characters encourage analysis beyond the plot.

“The biggest egg is still there. How long is it going to take?“

I would use this book to have students focus on the feelings of the duckling and have them use the art to explain how the duckling was feeling.

Jerry Pinkney‘s The Ugly Duckling (1999) is a beautifully retold classic about transformation, self-discovery, and acceptance. Pinkney‘s detailed watercolor illustrations bring the natural world to life, capturing the moods and emotions of the characters with depth and nuance. The art enhances the story‘s themes, showing the duckling‘s journey from isolation to confidence and making the tale visually and emotionally rich for readers.

I would use this book to teach the importance of onomatopoeia and how it adds to the excitement in a story. It also has the opportunity to hook student's engagement throughout the story as well.

Mo Willems‘ Knuffle Bunny (2004) is a humorous and heartwarming story about a toddler, her beloved stuffed animal, and a chaotic trip to the laundromat. The illustrations are key to the storytelling, blending expressive photographs of real settings with simple, cartoon-like characters. This mix highlights the contrast between the child‘s emotions and the world around her, making her frustration, panic, and relief vividly come to life.

“Knuffle Bunny!!!“

“where she performed with great orchestras that invited her to play solos.“

I will use this book to introduce kids to the concept of people being different from them and how we all possess greatness in an area.

Margarita Engle‘s Dancing Hands (1998) tells the inspiring story of a young deaf girl discovering the beauty of sign language and self-expression. The illustrations are essential, using warm, lively colors and expressive gestures to convey emotion and movement. They visually bring the rhythm of her signing to life, showing how her hands “dance” and helping readers connect deeply with her world.

“The Toad began to bang his head against the wall.“

I like how this book provides me with the opportunity to talk about the concept of friendship with my students and how to support others in times of needs.

Arnold Lobel‘s Frog and Toad Are Friends (1970) is a heartwarming collection of stories about friendship, kindness, and everyday adventures. Lobel‘s simple, expressive illustrations perfectly complement the text, using soft lines and gentle colors to capture emotion and personality. The art enhances the humor and warmth, showing subtle gestures and expressions that bring Frog and Toad‘s friendship vividly to life.

“Let's get out of here“

I think this will be a fun book to read to kids on various retellings of classic stories.

David Wiesner‘s The Three Pigs (2001) is a clever, imaginative retelling of the classic tale. The art drives the story, using detailed, cinematic watercolor illustrations to bring the pigs and their world to life. Wiesner plays with perspective and meta-narrative, showing the pigs stepping out of their story, which adds humor and depth. The visuals aren‘t just decorative—they transform a familiar tale into an inventive, playful adventure.

“where everyone is sleeping“

I think students will love seeing the various people and animals piling on top of each other and then all falling once the story reaches it's climax.

Audrey Wood‘s The Napping House (1984) is a playful cumulative tale perfect for young readers. Don Wood‘s soft, dreamlike illustrations are key to its charm, using shifting light and cozy details to show the drowsy calm turning into chaos. Each layered sleeper is drawn with humor and warmth, and the changing art mirrors the text‘s rhythm, making the buildup lively and engaging.

“But the sea was full of wonderful creatures, and as he swam from marvel to marvel Swimmy was happy again.“

With my last name being Fisher, I absolutely loved how this book focused on a fish and how beautiful the illustrations are. I will absolutely add this to my classroom library.

Leo Lionni‘s Swimmy (1963) is a timeless tale of courage and teamwork. The watercolor and collage art brings the ocean vividly to life, from glowing jellyfish to dark rocks. Lionni‘s color choices highlight Swimmy‘s difference, while the final image—small fish forming one giant fish—shows the strength of unity. The art deepens the story, making it both powerful and unforgettable.

“he flew to where other birds needed to be measured.“

I absolutely love how the illustrations in the book appeared to be textured instead of the images just being solid colors with no texture. I think it makes the images more appealing to look at.