“Alone on the island, I had learned to take care of myself. I had a place to live that sheltered me from the wind and rain. I had weapons to kill the wild dogs and to protect myself from the Aleuts. I had food to eat, and I could gather more food. I was happy.“

This book would be greatly used in a classroom learning and creating a timeline creation! You can have students create a timeline of significant events in the book alongside real historical events occurring during the same period, such as the arrival of European settlers and the impact on indigenous populations.

In “Island of the Blue Dolphins,“ it balances fact and fiction, bringing the 19th-century tale of Karana, to life. Through vivid descriptions of the Channel Islands' environment and detailed characters, it captures the era's spirit, highlighting themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the relationship between humans and nature amidst the historical backdrop of colonization and the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands.

“A bee‘s life is busy, busy, busy… but it‘s a good life.“

Students would love this book! I was captivated by the images and wonderful vocab! After reading the book, have students create a visual representation of the honeybee‘s life cycle, from egg to adult. They can cut out pictures and arrange them in the correct order, labeling each stage. This activity reinforces knowledge of life cycles and biology.

“Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera“ by Candace Fleming is a captivating and educational picture book that brings to life the fascinating world of honeybees. Through lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations by Eric Rohmann, the book explores the life cycle of a honeybee, from its birth in the hive to its essential role in pollination.

“The nest is a home, a place for resting, a place to grow.“

This book has so many meanings! “Nesting“ can be used in the classroom to explore both the natural world and deeper emotional concepts, such as safety, growth, and the nurturing process. The activities can engage students in hands-on learning while helping them connect with the themes of the story.

“Nesting“ by Henry Cole is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming picture book that explores the themes of nature, change, and finding one's place in the world. The story follows a young bird, who begins to experience the process of nesting and the responsibilities that come with it. Through gentle narration and stunning illustrations, the book conveys the bird's journey as it learns to build a nest and take care of its future.

“The giant squid lives in the deep, dark ocean. It is so mysterious that many people have never seen one.“

What a great book! After reading the book, have students create their own underwater scene with a giant squid. They can use the illustrations from the book as inspiration and learn about other ocean creatures. This encourages creativity and reinforces knowledge about marine life.

“The Giant Squid“ by Mary M. Cerullo is an engaging and educational children's book that introduces readers to the mysterious and fascinating world of one of the ocean's most elusive creatures. Through vivid illustrations and clear, accessible text, the book takes readers on a journey into the deep sea, offering a glimpse into the life of the giant squid.

“Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me.“

This is such a classic book and well known and loved. A fun idea could be after reading, have students arrange the animal images in the correct sequence from the story. This helps with understanding narrative structure and order.

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?“ features a repetitive, rhythmic text that introduces various animals and colors, making it engaging and interactive for young readers. Eric Carle's vibrant, collage-style illustrations captivate children's attention and help them learn to recognize animals and colors. This classic book is perfect for read-aloud sessions and is an excellent tool for fostering early reading skills and a love for books.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.“

This is a classic book for the classroom! The emphases on keeping the planet clean would be a great book around earth day! A really fun thing you would so with your class is plant a tree!

“The Lorax“ is not just a children's book but a call to action for readers of all ages. Its enduring message about conservation and the importance of caring for our planet resonates strongly in today's world, making it an essential read for anyone concerned about the environment.

“As the sun rises, the pond comes to life with the croaks and calls of frogs, each one a small but vital part of this vibrant ecosystem.“

This would be a great book to use in the classroom! Especially if you are doing a unit on frogs! It is very informative and would be a great start to a unit!

“Frogs: A Day in the Life“ is an engaging and informative children's book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities of frogs. Through detailed illustrations and simple yet captivating text, the book immerses young readers in the world of these remarkable amphibians.

“I learned that even though I was just six, I had the power to change the world.”

I read this book with a small group in my placement. The students loved the book and had a strong reaction to how people were treating Ruby. We had great discussion and would read it again in the classroom.

“I Am Ruby Bridges“ is an inspiring children's book written by Ruby Bridges herself, offering a personal and poignant account of her experiences as the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, the book introduces young readers to Ruby's courageous journey and the historic moment of desegregation.

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 book 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.

“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.“

It would be fun to have the class divide into small groups and have each group research a different aspect of the Wright brothers‘ lives or contributions to aviation. They can create presentations or posters to share with the class! You could change the level of depth depending on the age of your studnets.

Two Brothers, Four Hands is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated book that captures the spirit of the Wright brothers and their journey to achieving powered flight. It is a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library, promoting important values of creativity, determination, and collaboration.

“Together, they would make the impossible possible.”

“Even in the darkest times, there are always people who are willing to stand up and do what is right.”

This would be a book for the older grades. Through this book you can learn about the Holocaust and World War II. In a class you could do a project on researching Nicholas Winton and other rescuers. This helps us understand the historical context and the impact of their actions.

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sís is a poignant and beautifully illustrated picture book. Through simple yet powerful text, this book captures Nick's bravery, compassion, and the impact of his actions on the lives of the children he rescued, including Vera's journey from fear to safety and her eventual reunion with her rescuer many years later.

The topics in this book are deep but important for students to understand America's history of racism and discrimination. This story gives hope to students who have faced hate and discrimination because they are different. It shows that everyone can be successful no matter their skin color.

“Globetrotters win 61-59!“

Swish! The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters is a delightful and inspiring read that captures the magic of the Harlem Globetrotters. With its captivating illustrations and lively narrative, it offers a fun and educational experience for young readers. This book is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the incredible legacy of the Harlem Globetrotters.

“The greatest gift you can give is your honest self!“

Using Hello, Neighbor!: as a foundation, teachers can launch kindness within the classroom. This could involve creating a bulletin board where students can post notes about acts of kindness they have performed or witnessed, fostering a culture of empathy and appreciation. These exercises highlight the importance of being kind and brings light to others!

Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers captures the spirit of his work and his legacy in a way that is both touching and informative. Matthew Cordell has created a book that is not only a pleasure to read but also an important reminder of the power of kindness and the lasting impact of a caring heart. This book is a must-read for fans of Mister Rogers!

“Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets“ is a beautifully crafted collection by Kwame Alexander, celebrating the lives and works of various renowned poets. The book is both an homage and an introduction to the world of poetry, appealing to readers of all ages.

This would be great for little older kids but lots of amazing poems that honor famous poets and could be an amazing think to add a poetry unit or to read a few in a little downtime after recess!

“it also takes rich fertile soil
Lots of good, old fashioned care
And rain to make roses blossom in the air.“ - Quote

“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.

“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.

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!!!

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

“Did I mention that Steve is a monkey“ - Quote

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. Another thing you could do is with the concept of investigating a mystery can lead to lessons about the senses, particularly smell, and how animals use their senses in the wild.