“I guess if you‘re lucky enough to be different, you should never change.”

This book can connect to my teaching by fostering discussions around social dynamics, self-expression, and the challenges of fitting in, all themes relevant to upper elementary students. It encourages empathy and self-confidence, making it a great resource for social-emotional learning.

This book was published in 2010 and is a graphic novel. The story follows Nikki Maxwell as she navigates middle school drama, friendships, and crushes while preparing for the school Halloween dance. Nikki struggles with fitting in, balancing friendships, and dealing with her rival, MacKenzie.

“I'll be famous one day, but for now, I'm stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons.“

In my classroom, this book can help students explore themes of friendship, social pressure, and personal growth, providing opportunities for discussions on empathy and decision-making.

This book was published in 2007 and is a middle school graphic novel. The book, which falls under the genre of realistic fiction, follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the trials and tribulations of middle school, including friendship struggles, bullies, and family dynamics. It's a relatable and funny take on growing up.

“Sometimes, you just need a partner to see things in a whole new way.“

In my classroom, this book links well with fostering collaboration, encouraging imaginative play, and promoting social-emotional learning as students observe how the characters work together to overcome obstacles.

This book was published in 2023 and is a children's book in the graphic novel genre. The story follows Sky, a shy and imaginative kid, and Ty, a playful and adventurous new friend, as they team up to navigate the challenges of friendship and teamwork while imagining themselves as Wild West heroes. This story explores themes of cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving.

“Sometimes it‘s good to share friends.”

This book can be linked to my teaching by encouraging discussions on how to manage feelings like jealousy, using its lighthearted approach to explore social dynamics and relationships in a relatable way for young students.

This book was published in 2019 and is a graphic novel in the humorous adventure genre. The story explores themes of friendship and jealousy as Narwhal and Jelly meet a new, adventurous otter friend, highlighting the dynamics of forming new connections.

“The only way to get to the moon is together!”

In my classroom, this could be linked to discussions about teamwork, problem-solving, and basic scientific principles related to space. It encourages students to explore themes of perseverance and creativity, making it an excellent tool for fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills.

This book was published in 2018 and is a graphic novel in the science fiction genre. The story follows a team of cats on a mission to the moon, where they face challenges that test their skills and teamwork while learning about science and friendship. This book has also been recognized with the 2019 Children's Choice Book Award. This could be the perfect story to introduce concepts of space.

“Sometimes, the scariest monsters aren't the ones with fangs, but the ones that hide inside you.“

This book can be used in my classroom to explore themes of belonging, identity, and friendship, resonating with students' personal experiences. It also provides opportunities for discussing character development and how supernatural elements can be used to explore real-world emotions and relationships.

This book was published in 2023 and is a graphic novel. The novel follows Mina, a teenage girl who spends her summer at a remote resort and discovers her connection to a hidden world of vampires. As she navigates new friendships, budding romance, and ancient rivalries, Mina must confront her identity and make decisions that could change her life forever. The themes of this book are self-discovery, identity, and loyalty.

“It's okay to be scared, but it's also okay to find ways to make it less scary.“

In my classroom, this book can help students understand emotional growth, encourage discussions about coping mechanisms, and emphasize the importance of friendship and creativity in personal development.

This book was published in 2020 and is a graphic novel that blends contemporary fiction with elements of mental health and healing. It follows Manuel, a middle schooler recovering from a traumatic experience, as he navigates his anxiety through photography and forms new friendships with classmates. The book explores themes of resilience, self-expression, and the power of art in overcoming fear.

“Sometimes, it's not about being invisible—it's about finding the courage to be seen.“

This book could link to my teaching by helping students explore themes of individuality, self-acceptance, and peer dynamics, which may also foster discussions about inclusion and empathy in class. These themes align with many social and emotional learning goals.

This book was written in 2019 and it is a graphic novel that won the Newberry Honor Award. The book follows a young boy who mysteriously gains the power of invisibility and must navigate the challenges of middle school, friendships, and self-acceptance while keeping his newfound ability a secret. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about identity and the importance of being seen for who he truly is.

“I realized that I had been letting the way I looked on the outside affect how I felt on the inside.“

This book connects to my teaching by offering a visual and relatable way to discuss self-identity, resilience, and social relationships, which can resonate with students at that age. It also supports students who are visual learners, like your student who enjoys graphic novels and learns best through visual means.

This book was published in 2010, and it is a graphic memoir that won the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. After suffering a dental injury, Raina navigates a difficult period of braces, surgeries, and self-image, all while dealing with typical adolescent experiences like friendships, crushes, and self-acceptance. This books theme is centered around growing up and self-acceptance.

“You don't need anyone else to make you feel like you're enough.“

In my classroom, I could link this to lessons on social dynamics, emotional development, and self-acceptance, encouraging students to discuss their own experiences in navigating friendships and feelings.

This book was published in 2020, and it is a graphic novel. It is a part of the Nat Enough series. It is about a middle schooler named Nat who navigates the ups and downs of friendships, crushes, and self-acceptance after her feelings for a friend are not reciprocated. The story explores the themes of self-worth and emotional resilience.

“The food kept coming, and it kept getting bigger and bigger. Soon there were pancakes the size of cars and spaghetti as long as the street.”

I could use this book in my classroom and do a lesson on creative writing and imagination. This is because the book inspires creativeness with the weather and food. I could do an activity where students write and illustrate their own “weather“ stories and describe what kinds of objects or food they want to fall from the sky in their own invented world.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, is a children‘s picture book published in 1978. Set in the fictional town of Chewandswallow, the story imagines a world where food falls from the sky-like weather, leading to hilarious and chaotic situations.

“The son grew old and grew old and grew old. And one day he called up his mother and said. 'Mom, you're getting older.“

This book can help me teach a lesson on life cycles and growth because the book portrays different stages of life, from childhood to old age. I could even do an activity with my students by having them create their own timeline and illustrate the different stages of their life.

This book was published in 1986 and is a heartwarming children‘s book that falls within the genre of picture books and family life stories. The story follows the evolving relationship between a mother and her son, with the mother repeatedly expressing her unconditional love as she cares for him through all stages of life.

“Big Anthony, you have to be very careful with my magic pot. It's very powerful and can make a lot of pasta. Remember, always follow the instructions exactly.“

This book could be linked to my teaching by introducing students to folktales and the elements that make them unique, such as magical elements, moral lessons, and traditional characters.

Strega Nona was published in 1975 and is a classic in the genre of folktales. This book also won the Caldecott Honor in 1976. The story follows Strega Nona, an elderly witch who uses her magical pasta pot to feed her village. When her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, tries to use the pot without permission, he ends up causing a pasta disaster.

“Everybody knows the story of The Three Little Pigs. Or, at least, they think they do. The real story is about the three little pigs and the big, bad wolf.“

I could use this book to teach about point of view and perspective. I also could use this book to teach critical thinking and cross-curricular connections by comparing and contrasting the original story to this one.

This book was published in 1989 and it is a humorous and inventive twist on the classic fairy tale. This story is told from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf and the book presents his version of the story, claiming he was framed for the misfortunes of the three little pigs. This book has very creative story telling and encourages critical thinking about storytelling and bias.

“Mama Llama's back again.“

I could use this book in my classroom to talk about social-emotional learning and use this book to start discussions about feelings and emotional regulation. I could also link it to my classroom routines, such as how to handle separation anxiety during new situations or transitions. I could also create a feelings chart.

This book is a picture book that was published in 2005 and it is a part of children's literature. This story follows Llama Llama as he experiences separation anxiety when his mama leaves the room at bedtime. This text is very rhythmic and it captures the emotions of a child's fear and longing with warmth and humor.

“Mr.Peabody knew that he would need to teach his students a lesson about words.“

This book can teach character education and I could use the stories to discuss the impact of gossip, rumors, and the importance of integrity. After reading this book, I could also lead a discussion and talk about the scenarios where students practice honesty and and respect.

This book is a picture book and was published in 2003. It tells the story of a beloved teacher and a baseball coach, Mr.Peabody, who becomes the subject of a harmful rumor in his small town. Throughout the book the children learn about the consequences of gossip and the importance of honesty and integrity.

“Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere.“

This book could be used for good teaching for language development because of the repetitive phrases and vocabulary used in the book. I could also use creative writing by encouraging students to write their own “goodnight“ story.