“Looked and Wondered. Looked and wondered.”

Students will explore how Einstein‘s curiosity and creativity helped him make important discoveries and how they can think like scientists. By the end of the lesson, students will feel inspired to ask questions, explore their interests, and embrace creativity. They can create their own invention just like Einstein.

This book tells the inspiring story of Albert Einstein, from a curious boy to one of the world‘s most celebrated scientists. The book captures his journey of wonder and discovery, showing how his imagination and curiosity led to groundbreaking ideas that changed our understanding of the universe. This book encourages children to embrace curiosity and see the power of imagination.

“I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us whether we be six or sixty.”

Students will explore the life and creativity of Walt Disney. Students will discuss the importance of creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving in achieving their dreams. Students will participate in a hands-on activity where they create their own character or story, inspired by Walt's imaginative legacy.

This picture book biography shows the extraordinary life of Walt Disney. From his childhood in Missouri to creating characters like Mickey Mouse and establishing Disneyland. Rappaport captures Walt's imagination and dedication to storytelling. This inspiring biography not only highlights Disney's achievements but also shows the importance of creativity and perseverance in one‘s dreams.

“Fred wanted everyone he met to feel safe, valued, and loved.”

Students will learn about kindness and empathy throughout the story. By exploring Mr. Rogers‘ life and his dedication to helping others, students will discuss the importance of being a good neighbor and showing compassion. The lesson will include activities where students practice kindness through small gestures and discuss how they can support friends and family.

Matthew Cordell brings Mr. Rogers' legacy of kindness and empathy to young readers. This picture book biography captures the compassionate spirit of Mr. Rogers, exploring his early life and the creation of his show. The book serves as both a celebration of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and an inspiration to practice compassion and kindness every day.

“They weren‘t just figures. They were hidden heroes, who overcame all obstacles to take humanity to the stars.”

This story celebrates the power of perseverance, teamwork, and courage in the face of adversity. It shows young readers that everyone‘s contributions matter and that diversity in STEM fields can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

“Hidden Figures“ tells the inspiring true story of four African American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden—who worked as “human computers” at NASA during a time of segregation and inequality. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, these talented women played crucial roles in America‘s space program, helping to send astronauts into space and ensure safe returns.

“Our homes tell us where we come from, and they‘re a part of who we are. They‘re made of earth, wood, water, or stone, yet each is unique, just like the people who live inside.”

“If You Lived Here“ helps children appreciate the beauty of diversity and the ways people adapt to their surroundings. It invites young readers to understand and respect different lifestyles and communities worldwide.

Through beautifully illustrated pages, this book explores fascinating homes from around the world, showing how people build different kinds of houses to suit their environments, cultures, and traditions. From adobe houses in New Mexico to floating houses in Peru, each home tells a story of the people who live there and their way of life. The book provides an engaging look at architecture, geography, and cultural diversity.

“Don't worry about the things you can‘t do. Focus on what you can do, no matter how small it is, and try to do it as best as you can.”

This story demonstrates the power of knowledge, innovation, and perseverance, encouraging young readers to dream big and use what they learn to make a difference, even in difficult circumstances.

Growing up in a small village in Malawi, William Kamkwamba faced many hardships, including a devastating drought that left his family and community struggling to survive. When he discovered a science book on wind energy, William was inspired to build a windmill that could generate electricity and pump water. Using scrap materials and his own resourcefulness, William built the windmill and changed the future for his family and village.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller‘s story teaches resilience, compassion, and the importance of determination. It shows that with support and effort, we can overcome challenges and make an impact, no matter what difficulties we face.

Born in 1880, Helen Keller lost both her sight and hearing at a young age due to an illness. Despite her challenges, Helen learned to communicate and went on to become a renowned author, advocate, and speaker, inspiring millions with her story. This accessible biography traces Helen‘s incredible journey and her remarkable partnership with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who helped her connect with the world and discover her voice.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

Malala‘s story inspires children to see that bravery comes in many forms and that even young voices can bring about powerful change. It reminds readers of the importance of standing up for their beliefs and the value of education.

Malala Yousafzai was just a young girl living in Pakistan when the Taliban took control of her town and banned girls from attending school. Malala refused to give up her right to learn, speaking out for education and justice even in the face of grave danger. Malala‘s courageous journey as she stood up for herself, her classmates, and girls around the world, ultimately becoming the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

“You should never put anything from the forest in your mouth unless an adult can identify what it is, as some plants can be poisonous.”

The book's engaging infographics help students explore interesting facts about various species, such as their sizes, speeds, and travel distances. By the end of the lesson, students will gain a deeper appreciation for zoological data.

The book answers intriguing questions about the number of species worldwide, the collective weight of insects, and how far various animals can travel.

“Temperature can be close to freezing and it‘s almost completely dark in this zone. Since there is no sunlight, plants can‘t grow here.”

The book introduces students to unique adaptations that help these animals survive in the dark Midnight Zone, such as bioluminescence and camouflage.

This Level 3 Reader explores the dark Midnight Zone, showcasing how these animals survive in their harsh environments by producing their own light and evading predators.

“Let‘s get this field trip rolling!“

Students learn how these rocks are formed and what they're used for in everyday life. This adventure helps students understand the structure of our planet and reinforces key geology concepts. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify different rock types and explain how Earth‘s layers are formed.

Joanna Cole takes readers on an educational journey with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they explore the Earth‘s layers and learn about sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Aboard the magic bus, students discover fascinating rock formations and what each type of rock is used for.

“In 1938, he created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The foundation raised money for the care of patients and prevention of the disease in a campaign dubbed the “March of Dimes.””

The book introduces how vaccines have helped people stay safe from diseases like smallpox, measles, and COVID-19. Students will learn about early scientists like Edward Jenner, who created the first vaccine, and understand how vaccines work with our immune system to protect us.

Don Brown delves into the transformative history of vaccines, from smallpox to COVID-19, highlighting both the science of immunity and the incredible contributions of figures like Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Edward Jenner.

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.”

“Poems to Learn by Heart“ encourages children to memorize and share poetry, helping them connect with others through words. It‘s a reminder of the beauty of language and the joy of sharing stories that matter.

This collection, selected by Caroline Kennedy, features classic and contemporary poems for children that are easy to remember and recite, covering themes from friendship and family to nature and adventure.

“From this house we scurry, / scratch, / crawl, / scurry / searching… / searching…”

“Joyful Noise“ offers readers a fun, interactive way to learn about nature and teamwork. The poems highlight how creatures big and small play a role in the environment, making it perfect for discussions about cooperation and appreciation of life.

This Newbery Medal-winning collection features poems meant to be read by two voices, creating a rhythmic back-and-forth experience. Each poem brings a different insect to life, celebrating their unique worlds.

“And she loved a little boy very, very much—even more than she loved herself.“

This touching book explores themes of generosity, selflessness, and gratitude. It teaches readers about the importance of kindness and the impact of taking without giving back.

A poetic story about a lifelong relationship between a tree and a boy, where the tree‘s selfless love provides for the boy throughout his life, even as he takes more and more.

“Put something silly in the world / That ain‘t been there before.“

“A Light in the Attic“ encourages children to view life from different perspectives and celebrate their unique quirks. It reminds readers to embrace humor and creativity as part of growing up.

This book is filled with humorous poems and illustrations, offering a mix of silly and reflective stories, where everyday situations are turned on their heads in creative ways.

“Listen to the mustn‘ts, child, / Listen to the don‘ts. / Listen to the shouldn‘ts, the impossibles, the won‘ts. / Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… / Anything can happen, child, / Anything can be.“

“Where the Sidewalk Ends“ encourages children to explore their imagination, showing that creativity has no limits. It also gently reminds readers about kindness, curiosity, and self-discovery.