“Even when the Nazis come, we will still be free. We will still be the people we have always been.“

For my first graders i would use this for character exploration to discuss the characters, focusing on Annemarie‘s kindness and bravery. I might have students share their thoughts on what it means to be a good friend and why helping others is important.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (1989) is a WWII-era novel about 10-year-old Annemarie, who helps her Jewish friend escape Nazi soldiers in Denmark. The story highlights bravery, friendship, and the impact of ordinary heroism during wartime.

“one arm of a right angle is perfectly horizontal, the other is perfectly vertical“

I would use this when discussion math topics in the classroom because it helps children understand the properties of these shapes, such as their sides and angles, in an accessible and engaging way. The book is an excellent resource for teaching basic geometry concepts to early learners.

Squares, Rectangles, and Other Quadrilaterals by David A. Adler is a nonfiction children's book that introduces young readers to the concept of quadrilaterals, a type of polygon with four sides. Through clear, simple explanations and colorful illustrations, the book explores different types of quadrilaterals, including squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and rhombuses.

“all kinds of mommies do all kinds of work“

Mommies at Work by Eve Merriam is a great book for a classroom discussion on careers, family roles, and diversity! I would love to hear students thoughts and shares on this book.

Mommies at Work by Eve Merriam is a nonfiction children's book that explores the many different jobs that mothers can have. Through simple, rhyming text and illustrations, the book shows a variety of moms working in different roles such as doctors, teachers, and artists while also caring for their families. It inspires children to appreciate the hard work and dedication of their mothers.

“Look! Daddy is bringing out the truck!“

I would use this book to talk about community service and the importance that it holds. I think it would be fun to take a trip to the fire station or have firefighters come to visit as an interactive experience!

I'm Going to Be a Firefighter by Edith Kunhardt (1995) is a children's nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the exciting world of firefighting. Through simple, engaging text and colorful illustrations, the book follows a child imagining what it would be like to be a firefighter, from wearing the uniform to helping save people and animals.

“Let's go deeper into the ocean“

I would use this book for my class to discover the mysteries of the ocean! I would combine the rich pictures shown in the story with activities such as having students create an ocean scene using construction paper, crayons, or paints. They can draw or cut out their favorite ocean animals and habitats like they saw in the story!

What's Under the Ocean? by Melvin and Gilda Berger is a non-fiction children's book that explores the wonders of ocean life. Through simple, informative text and vibrant illustrations, the book introduces young readers to the creatures and ecosystems that thrive beneath the ocean's surface. It covers a variety of ocean habitats, from coral reefs to the deep sea, and highlights the diverse animals that live there.

“You are the only you in the whole world“

I enjoyed this book and think it would be good to use in class as a share for students with siblings, or when preparing young children for a new sibling or family changes!

The New Baby at Your House (1985) is a nonfiction book by Joanna Cole that helps young children understand and adjust to the arrival of a new sibling. Through simple text and illustrations, it explains what to expect and reassures kids about the changes a new baby brings to the family.

“GYo, along with the others living on the East Coast, was told to stay where she was”

This story would be used well to showcase a history lesson on Japanese internment camps and the history of racism during WWII.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear is a picture book biography about Japanese American artist Gyo Fujikawa. This story talks about Gyo‘s struggle with racism, her love or art and her time in an internment camp. This story is full beautiful illustrations that showcase Gyo‘s life.

“On sunny days, you could often find Tyrus Wong on the beach, facing the ocean he crossed so long ago, flying a large, colorful kite he'd made himself“

Paper Son is a powerful tool for teaching about immigration, perseverance, and the power of art. Wong's story inspires revolves around on discrimination and the importance of following one's dreams. Students can analyze his artwork, write creative pieces inspired by his journey, or research Chinese American history. This book sparks empathy and encourages students to appreciate diverse perspectives.

Paper Son is a memoir of Tyrus Wong, an artist and designer. Published in 2019. Wong recounts his harrowing journey as a Chinese immigrant during the Great Depression, sharing his experiences of discrimination, hardship, and resilience. The book offers a powerful and intimate look into the life of a remarkable man who overcame adversity to achieve artistic success.

“Her song is strong. Mama Africa will not give up! She will see her people free.“

The pictures in this book look like they were painted on the pages. The use of color shows the emotion on each page, anger, sadness, happiness, etc. There is a soft movement to the images as it paints a picture for the reader.

Mama Africa!: How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope with Her Song by Kathryn Erskine was published in 2017. This is a biography about Miriam Makeba's fight for equality. The people once called her Mama Africa as she used her voice to protest and sing.

“What if you could invent a better way to see the world? That's exactly what Benjamin Franklin did with his bifocals! Now, we have glasses with all kinds of lenses, from reading glasses to sunglasses“

I would use Now & Ben to spark curiosity about history and invention. The book could be used to discuss Franklin‘s inventions, and compare them to modern technology. Encourage students to research further and even design their own inventions. This book can be used to teach history, science, and critical thinking skills.

Biography- Now & Ben is an informative picture book biography (2006) that explores the connection between Benjamin Franklin's inventions and their modern counterparts. The book features vibrant illustrations and engaging text that makes Franklin's accomplishments accessible to young readers. This book is a great choice for introducing children to American history and inspiring them to think creatively.

“Jeanne gazed at the ocean, her heart swelling with wonder. She knew there were secrets hidden beneath the waves, and she was determined to uncover them, no matter what.“

You could use this book as an introduction to a unit on marine biology. Explore different marine species, their habitats, and their importance in the ecosystem. You could even get a class pet fish!!!

I loveddd this book!!! “Secrets of the Sea“ is a beautifully crafted biography (2021) that not only educates children about marine science but also inspires them to pursue their passions despite any challenges they may face. Jeanne Power's legacy as a revolutionary marine scientist is celebrated in a way that is sure to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.

“The seeds of thoughts were planted. I had set my story free! That poem in my pocket turned into a POETREE“

“The seeds of thoughts were planted. I had set my story free! That poem in my pocket turned into a POETREE“

This book can be used to teach students rhyming words by doing a rhyming word search as the book is read.

Poem in My Pocket by Chris Tougas was published in 2021. This story symbolizes how the story flows from the main character. The main character experiences a rip in his pocket that he does not know about. The hole demonstrates the words falling out rhythmically.

“If you know how to read, you can never be lonely.”

The style of these poems are all warm welcoming and inclusive. This book can be understood by a wide variety of people because of its use of everyday images and themes.

Everything Comes Next written by Naomi Shihab Nye was published in 2020. Is a collection of poems that explores human connection, childhood, conflict, and connectivity. The book includes new and old poems and is divided into 3 sections of poetry.

“And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.“

This poem can be used during Halloween time to fit the fall and scary theme! This book can also be used to teach the moral lesson of “stranger danger“.

The Spider and the Fly is a poem that was written by Mary Howitt in 1829. This classic poem is about a spider that manipulates a fly into its trap with twisted words. At the end of the poem, the spider heeds a warning to the children who are reading to not be tricked by the words of strangers.

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

This book has such a calming Atmosphere. The soothing nature of the text makes it ideal for quiet reading time or as part of a relaxation routine, helping students unwind!

“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.

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?“ (2005) 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.

June 15
“you can taste the sunshine
and the buzzing
and the breeze
while eating berries off the bush
on berry hands
and berry knees“