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Need to do a comparative text lesson to “the a new kind of wild” by Zara Gonzales
If You Take Away the Otter by Susannah Buhrman-Deever and illustrated by Matthew Trueman
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book
This non-fiction book has real life text to world connections. Last week, NPR highlighted the ecosystem imbalances of kelp forests with otters and sea urchins. A fantastic picture book to accompany a science lesson. I envision a shared or partner read for maximum comprehension.
NF. SR/PR. #ucflae3414sp21
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith
Schneider Family Book Award
There is a poetic quality to this writing that pulls at your heart strings and emphasizes themes of fitting in. A young boy discovers how his speech (and stutter) is a sometimes tumultuous or serene river.
RF. RA. #ucflae3414sp21
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott and illustrated by Noa Denmon
Caldecott Honor
I envision the teacher in front of the class reciting this poetry with a performative element. What a powerful and timely work to share in a classroom. The main characters introspective emotions are explored, with themes of social justice and social/emotional learning. “I remember to love myself most of all.“
P. DR/S. #ucflae3414sp21
RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison
Coretta Scott King Award
This amazing biography picture book spells out powerful words just as Aretha did in her iconic anthem R-E-S-P-E-C-T! The words convey important elements of her career, work, and life as an artist, activist, and family woman.
B. SR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Prince & Knight” written by Daniel Haack and illustrated by Stevie Lewis
ALA Rainbow List Top Ten
The classic fairy tale of princes and princesses is told with a twist when the heroes of the story end up falling in love.
TL. S/DR. #ucflae3414sp21
“The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise” by Dan Gemeinhart
Sunshine State Young Readers Award
Coyote and her free spirit of a father Rodeo journey across the country in their school bus home. Their journey is not only a physical one, but also an emotional roller coaster navigating loss, family, and relationships of the additional chosen family in the characters introduced to the traveling crew.
RF. LC. #ucflae3414sp21
“Star Wars: Jedi Quest: The Trail of the Jedi” by Jude Watson
Guilty pleasure I'll admit, I enjoyed adding Star Wars for a science fiction book. I felt like a kid again reliving my favorite characters' stories of Anakin and Obi-Wan. This basic chapter book is a great way to introduce a love of reading to kids by digging deeper into character development and story through an already know franchise.
SF. IR. #ucflae3414sp21
“The Big Wave” by Pearl S. Buck
Child Study Association‘s Children‘s Book Award
The Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winning author Buck shares a story of fiction with a look into traditional historical Japanese culture. Kino and Jiya experience themes of overcoming tragedy and bravery. It is a short easy read that elementary students could tackle.
HF. LC/IR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Ty‘s Travels: Zip, Zoom!” By Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Nina Mata
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor
This beginning reader book is easy to zoom into! With many repeating words and simple sentence structure, the story is best geared for the emergent reader. Onomatopoeia is utilized heavily in the text, which can help motivate readers to continue reading with engaging words to sound out.
RF. IR/SR. #ucflae3414sp21
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
Newbery Award
With the movie adaptation of this award winning book, students are sure to find the themes of friendship and loneliness particularly resonant. Given the world we have experienced this past year, that message along with the world of animal captivity might resonate with younger audiences even more.
RF. LC/IR. #ucflae3414sp21
“A New Kind of Wild” written and illustrated by Zara González Hoang
Represented in the book are two different worlds: A rural Puerto Rican town and the 'wild' bustling NYC. This story of Ren and Ava sharing each others story of 'home' would be a wonderful book to read with a partner. This could help facilitate a conversation between two peers on their own cultures, community, and family.
RF. PR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson
Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor
The story she has a poignant view about seeing the beauty within and not judging outward appearances. It also touches upon social inequity in a child friendly manner. Can't reccomend this book enough as a read aloud for a classroom.
RF. RA. #ucflae3414sp21
“Hair Love” by Matthew Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
NY Times Best Seller turned Oscar award winning animated short film
Zuri and her father explore a sweet and simple story of their relationship through styling her hair. Representation through this quality children literature helps challenge gender and parental stereotypes.
RF. LC/IR. #ucflae3414sp21
“All Because You Matter” by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Golden Kite Award
This book is a must read for elementary classrooms this year and always. Addressing difficult topics like equality movements, social justice, and systematic racism can be incredibly difficult to navigate as a teacher, but the realities of the world do not go unnoticed by children. This quality resource helps address these topics.
RF. SR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away” by Meg Medina and illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
Jumpstart Read for the Record, American Library Association Notable Children‘s Book
The story of two friends is a relatable tale to kids. Although they are separated, they will always be each other's numero uno friend. This text can use many teaching strategies, but partner read can focus on vocabulary as provided in the front of book.
RF. PR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman and illustrated by Caroline Binch
Grace is a storyteller at heart with a flair for performance, but will factors out of her control stifle her dream?
RF. SR/RA. #ucflae3414sp21
“Everybody Loves Bacon” by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Eric Wight
DiPucchio has a knack of writing unique characters, and this children's book is no exception! This lighthearted and humorous account could be funny with a dramatic retelling of the story for eager young audiences. This book will have your mouth watering with its approachable syntax for early readers. Everybody loves bacon after all!
MF. DR/AS. #ucflae3414sp21
“Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This timely story centers around Grace who is inspired to become the first female US President. It follows her on her journey to become class president. Along with diverse representation, the book centers around the process of the electoral college. This would be an excellent shared reading to accompany Social Studies election content.
RF. SR. #ucflae3414sp21
“Antoinette” by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Christian Robinson.
This book is the sequel to Gaston. Antoinette the poodle searches for what makes her special. She gets the chance to save the day and show that bravery makes her stand out from the pack.
RF. RA. #ucflae3414sp21
“Gaston“ written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Christian Robinson.
This heartwarming story of Gaston the bulldog and his poodle family examines themes of belonging, individuality, and the idea of what it means to be family.
RF. RA. #ucflae3414sp21
Couldn‘t ask for a better setting to read on this crisp February afternoon. Go Knights!
The heartwarming story of Gaston resonated with me after I welcomed into my heart and home a spunky rescue greyhound named Armani this week. I absolutely adore the message of family and belonging in the book and can‘t wait to share it with future students!
Practicing shared reading with my sweet boy Armani until I can share in a classroom! Beautiful read.
