This book tells the story of Bruno, an eight-year-old boy whose family moves to a house beside a concentration camp because of his father‘s job as a Nazi officer. Bruno explores the area and meets Shmuel, a Jewish boy who lives inside the camp and wears “striped pajamas.” Even though they are separated by a fence, the two boys become friends. The boys work together to help find Shmuel's missing father and discover a harsh and unfair reality.

“And then he did something very brave: he reached out and took Shmuel‘s hand.”

I would use this book in class to teach my students about the Holocaust and how it impacted people's lives. The Holocaust is an important event in time that greatly affected jewish people. Students need to learn about this so they can understand the importance of being kind and accepting to everyone.

This book offers meaning and interest for children because it discusses the importance of how fluoroscent colors and lights impact our day to day lives. This story teaches students about why these colors and lights are important and how they benefit us in a positive way. Children interact with these colors and lights everyday so they learn the importance of it from the story.

“One brother wanted to save lives.“

One way I can use this story in my future classroom is by reading the story to my students and then have them create an anchor chart who is the main characters in the story, what did they create, how did they create it and why.

“One out of every three mouthfuls of food in the American diet is, in some way, a product of honeybee pollination—from fruits to nuts to vegetables.”

The book is written for children in the early elementary grades (roughly ages 5–9). The vocabulary, sentence structure, and pacing are well matched to that age group‘s reading and comprehension levels. Fleming introduces scientific terms, but always in context, helping readers learn without confusion.

I can use this book in the classroom to teach students about the lifescycle of a bee. After reading, I could have students create a diagram showing each stage of a honeybee‘s life. Then, they can label the stages using vocabulary from the book.

“It is a lot easier to be brave when you know you have no alternative.“

I can use this book in my classroom to teach children about viking culture, friendship, courage and growth. There are a lot of important themes presented in this story that can teach children a bunch of timeless messages.

This book allowed authors to explore “what if“ questions about society because it creates a world where dragons are a normal animal living in people's towns. People ride and train dragons in this world, where in our reality this is not the norm. The book challenges the idea of what if dragons lived in your city and people rode them around.

“Ava used to be my best friend. Mom always liked her more than me.“

This book would be for higher grades such as 4th or 5th grade. The book discusses some challenging topics such as divorce and physical abuse in families. However, it does teach students the reality of divorce and being split between 2 households. If I were teaching a lesson about contemporary realistic fiction, I would give my students the option of reading this book and discuss the elements such as themes and lessons that were learned.

On Guard by Cassidy Wasserman portrays the reality of life for today‘s child because it discusses a family going through a divorce and the impact that living in 2 different houses has on a child. Divorce and shared custody is a hard and confusing time for a child to experience But, it is a common and normal event that families go through.

“And who would that be, exactly? I told you, I'm not popular.“

I can use this story in my classroom to teach my students about how to be more empathetic and understanding towards others. This story teaches kids how to see things from another person's perspective and shows them why it is important kind to everyone.

This story discusses themes of friendship troubles, jealousy, bullying, peer pressure, and family problems. The stories follow sixth-grade twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who go through challenges that feel real and relatable, like being left out, dealing with rumors, or facing moral decisions. These serious issues are shown in everyday situations at school or home, using simple language and clear emotions.

“Scratch Scratch.“

I can use this story in my classroom to teach my students about how you should always be kind to everyone and kindness is never wasted on anyone.

The Lion and the Mouse is a fable because it is a short story that has a timeless message with talking animals in it.

“And when he heard that, the swan knew that it was worth having undergone all the suffering.“

I can use this story in my classroom to teach my students the importance of being proud of who you are and celebrating your differences.

The Ugly Duckling written by Jerry Pickney is considered a fairy tale. This story is a literary fairy tale because it includes a simple story structure, a clear moral lesson and animals talking. This story teaches morals such as acceptance, personal growth and the idea that true beauty comes from within.

“Of course Olivia's not at all sleepy.“

I can use this book in my classroom to teach my students about being themselves and the importance of self-expression. Every child in my classroom should feel safe to be themselves and should stay true to who they are.

Olivia written by Ian Falconer is a picture book, Caldecott winner and was published in 2000. The artwork primarily utilizes black-and-white drawings, accented with splashes of red, to create a striking visual contrast. This approach allows the focus to remain on Olivia's expressive actions and emotions, emphasizing her dynamic character.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a picture book that was published in 2003. The illustrations include the pigeon having exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic poses which convey a range of emotions such as pleading to frustration. These emotions effectively communicate its desires and reactions. The use of speech bubbles and varying font sizes further emphasizes the pigeon's tone and urgency.

“LET ME DRIVE THE BUS.“

This story can teach children how to be patient and kind to others. In the story, the pigeon was demanding and impatient which led him to yelling at one of his friends. My students will learn that is not an appropriate way to talk to others.

“This third brother sounds positively mouthwatering!“

I can use this story in my classroom to teach the students in my class the importance of not giving up with something even if it is hard. Children often become discouraged when they don't get something right from the start. But, this story can teach children that it takes time and practice.

The Three Billy Goat Gruff is a picturebook that was published in 2022. The artwork in this story were created by using ink, watercolor, and graphite. The muted color palette of browns, greens, and blues sets an earthy tone, grounding the story in a natural setting. The use of white space and varying perspectives guide the reader's focus, emphasizing key moments and characters.

“He chuckled to himself, thinking how silly he had been to be scared of carrots.“

I could use this book to teach my students how to be observant of the pictures and illustrations in the book. I will ask them questions during the book that relate to the pictures and how they make the children feel.

Creepy Carrots is a picture book published in 2012. The artwork in Creepy Carrots was inspired by classic black-and-white horror films. The only color throughout the book is the orange of the carrots, making them stand out against the otherwise gray and muted backgrounds. This selective use of color creates a sense of suspense and highlights the carrots as the central, unsettling elements of the story.

“Thank you?“

I can use this book in a classroom by teaching my students how nervous and uncomfortable children that move from out of the country to the US could feel. This book can teach them the importance of being kind to people and spread empathy for children that are struggling to fit in. Also, this story teaches children to focus on something that they love to get through hard times such as food.

Home in a Lunchbox is a picturebook that was published in 2024. It is about a child from Hong Kong who moves to to school in the US and does not speak English. She struggles to converse with others but loves eating lunch because it is full of her favorite foods from her home. One day, she finds friends to share food with and starts to communicate with them.

“We stand like water that will not tip or break.”

I can use this story to teach my students the importance of protecting water and using it appropriately. My students will learn how to be environmentally responsible and be aware that water is a resource that is used by everyone.

This story was published in 2020 and is in the Caldecott genre. This book follows a young Indigenous girl who stands up to protect the resource of water. This book explores the spiritual and cultural significance of water in Indigenous communities. The main character warns the readers about the “black snake”—a metaphor for oil pipelines that can cause destruction by poisoning the water, harming the environment, and disrespecting sacred lands.

“Peter put his snowball in his pocket for tomorrow. Then he went into the warm house.”

A Snowy Day can teach kids how to have fun with their imagination and make the most out of simple activities. They will learn how to appreciate the small things and have a more grateful outlook on life.

The Snowy Day was published in 1962 and is in the Caldecott genre. The Snowy Day follows Peter, a young boy, as he wakes up to find that it has snowed outside. He experiences a magical snowy day through a child's eyes. At the end of the day, Peter goes to sleep dreaming of more snow adventures. When he wakes up, it‘s snowing again, and he heads outside with a friend to enjoy it all over again.

“Chicken,” said Papa, “you interrupted the story. Try not to get so involved.”

I can use this story to teach my students about the importance of being patient and listening to each other when we are talking. I can explain that when we are reading a story or are talking to one another, we need to be active listeners because that is the respectful way to act. Then, I can discuss that it can be frustrating when someone talks over you just like when the red chicken finished the story for papa.

Interrupting Chicken was published in 2010 and is in the Caldecott genre. This story is about a little red chicken who keeps interrupting her Papa as he tries to read her bedtime stories. Each time Papa begins a classic fairy tale, the eager and excited chicken jumps in to warn the characters and “save” them—effectively ruining the story‘s flow.

“I can help, too,” said Chooch.

This story can teach my students about how small differences matter and it is always kind to step in to help others. Then after reading this story, we can brainstrom small acts of kindness that we can do for others that people would appreciate.