“Ready to see some Dinosaurs, will? YEAH Dinosaurs. DIEEEE-NO-SAUR. DINOOOOOO. DI-DI-DI-DI-DI... Can't you be excited quietly?!!!“

I really liked the wide range of relatability within this book. The graphic novel component adds another layer of detail that adds to the visualizing ability this book provides. The variation in speech bubbles and thickness of lines add to the blocking and emphasis on certain elements of the story.

I really enjoy the development of the story with the book opening and Raina meeting her new siblings. As the story progresses, situations like roadtrips and how to navigate experiences with siblings are shown with much visual contrast and variation to add to the busy chaotic experience of growing up with siblings.

“Good children were seen and not heard, how undoubtably like me.“

I felt as though the story was very vivid and provided a great glimpse into what life looked like for many people living in the late 1700's. This being said, this book is definitely an upper elementary level book however, I really enjoyed the change of pace this book brought.

Matilda is 14 and lives in Philadelphia. She dreams of one day running a coffee shop liker her mother does. Her relationships with her mother and grandfather grow and change as the story continues. She contracts yellow fever and overcomes this hardship by fully recovering. Matilda overall experiences loss, perseverance, and growth throughout the story.

“L is for Leopard Frog“

I would potentially include this book in my library if I had a student who was interested in amphibians.

The book goes through the entire alphabet and provides a large number of names of different types of frogs (one for each letter). This book is extremely informative and has bright illustrations that are engaging as well.

“glowing fruit of autumn“

This book is a great way to integrate Nonfiction into a season changing time of year! I would pick this book and use it in my classroom.

Legends about Johnny Appleseed spread quickly and soon “Johnny Chapman's“ story was told, including when he was born, when his mom died and how he grew to love the “glowing fruit of autumn“

“You had to stand in the very front part of the wing against the black curtain“

I would integrate this book in my classroom because the book integrates being a graphic novel with a more feminine sport such as dancing. The duality of it is very interesting and I think would be great to be in my classroom!

Siena dreams of becoming a dancer and makes her way from a beach near her home in Puerto Rico to Boston all the way to the New York City Ballet. Shares about her dreams and a dancer's beginnings.

“In the depths of the ocean lives a sea creature as big as a bus“

Giant Squid is a really cool integration of a scientific discovery within a kids book. The book has incredible color that makes you feel as if you are in the depths of the sea. I'd have this book in my classroom.

Proof of a giant squid was finally found! this book goes into detail of the story of just how a giant squid was discovered and finally filmed in its natural habitat. The large visual images and powerful colors in this book convoy the excitement of this animal's discovery!

“That's taller than two eight-year-olds standing on each others shoulders, but it;s less than half as tall as us.“

I really like the idea of using this book to introduce the idea of measurement to my students. There is a lot of comparing that takes place.

“Your Place in the Universe“ helps show measurement in a different light by using objects to compare sizes of items for example animals, humans, etc. This book integrates the use of “scale“ and comparison to introduce measurement to kids!

“Ethel Lois Payne always had an ear for stories“

Inspiring story for young readers. I think kids would enjoy listening to this story about a young African-American women.

Biography from 2020. Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Payne, a black journalist, worked for the white house through multiple terms. Through this book her story is told, and her perseverance is showcased!

“Now two snowflakes are alike“

The beautiful art and imagery in this book helps to tell the amazing story of Snowflake Bentley. This is an inspiring story for young readers.

Wilson Bentley was fascinated by snow.He wanted to learn more and more about snow and why it looked the way it did. His parents supported his curiosity gifted him his own camera and microscope. Through much patience and determination, Wilson dove into photography.

“Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up.“

This book sheds light on how to have an ever changing view of the world and grow as you get older.

As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read. His largest question was “why“
His curiosity led him to make huge discoveries and continue asking big questions. He was diagnosed with ALS and continued on to show his passion.

“If anyone ever tells you no, if anyone says your voice isn't important or your dreams are too big, remember these women. They persisted and so should you.“

She Persisted is a great book to empower students to learn about historical figures and boost their confidence.

Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country. She shares their stories and passes along their inspiring messages through this book. Each woman chooses to stand up for what is right in a variety of ways.

“Now.. And Ben...“

Now and Ben does a great job showing the difference between inventions used then and now, and could be a great activity to break into many pieces.

Now and Ben covers the large number of inventions, organizations, and creations Franklin was the mastermind behind. Some of his creations include the lightning rod, the idea of daylight savings time, and bifocal glasses!

“Today the mailboxes on the roadside and the spruce trees behind the house wear cold white hats of snow.

Mice scurry from the stone walls at night in their thin fur hats to eat the birdseed that has spilled.“

I would use this book when introducing poetry to my class. This book does a great job integrating illustrations into the overall writing/story topic. The illustrations are somewhat whimsical utilizing a watercolor feel.

This book looks at how poetry has changed and evolved over time showing many examples of the forms poetry took. The various topics of inspiration and objects the poetry this book is inspired by are based on the poet's time period of writing. This adds a very cool element to the book.

“You're a border kid, a foot on either bank. Your ancestors crossed this river a thousand times.

I felt neutral toward this book however felt as though other poetry books would be more suited toward working with younger grades.

Twelve-year-old Güero is Mexican American. Starting 7th grade he fell in love with poetry and this was all thanks to his English teacher. He considers himself a nerd, book lover, and big gamer. He spreads his passion throughout all he does.

“I watch myself, like some stranger, rise and march right over to sit beside my old enemy, because you tell me your plan for her includes something nicer than a lonely life.”

This is a powerful book. I would use it to combine a lesson of poetry with religion if school allows.

Jordan lives in fear of Tanya, the class bully.Despite starting out as sworn enemies, they learn to understand one another better. The story uses scripture to engage readers and bring another layer of understanding to the story.

“What shall we tell you when our world sometimes seems dark and uninviting? What shall we tell you when hateful words that wound and bully are thrown like bricks against a wall, shattering into debris?”

This book would be good to piece together with students, this is really helpful in bringing a realistic look to things and is very empowering.

This collection of poems spreads the message to stand up for what is right. This book emphasizes the importance of advocating for those who have a voice but may not be listened to for a variety of reasons. The book includes personal essays, poems, and letters.

“Some Asian boy got into Princeton and killed himself on the tracks,“ he said.

“Some Asian boy. A talking point- not a life, a person, a brother, a son worth honoring. Some Asian boy as if he didn't have friends and family sitting right there in the room.“

This is a young adult book that talks about very dark but real topics. If I were to implement this, I'd make sure to talk with my students and check in while they read this book. Having young adults read the book, gives them a new perspective of how students are impacted by racism and various forms of discrimination.