Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech

Harper Collins Children's Books
New York
1994

This award winning novel tells the story of Salamanca Tree Hiddle who is taking a trip with her grandparents from Euclid, Ohio to Lewiston, Idaho, to visit her mother's final resting place. Along the way, Salamanca (Sal) tells her grandparents the story of her best friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother, like Sal's, unexpectedly decides to leave home. Sal meets Phoebe when Sal and her father leave their farm in Bybanks, Kentucky, to Euclid, Ohio, where Margaret Cadaver, whom Sal's father befriended after her mother's death, lives. Phoebe tells a dramatic story, but Sal interrupts the story with memories of her mothers, who is ignored by the family. As the car ride continues, they stop to swim in the Missouri River, but Gram gets bitten by a snake and they have to rush her to the hospital. The stories of both Phoebe and Sal continue throughout the entire book as you learn more about their mothers and the struggles that occur in their lives and Sal comes to terms with her mothers traumatic death.

Noteworthy Features:

• Written in response to the book Absolutely Normal Chaos. 
• Has multiple story lines being told throughout the book
• Themes of Death, Grief, and Loss
• Messages: "Don't judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins"

I would recommend this book to the girls in a class. This was one of my favorite books in grade school. I read this book and then became a huge fan of Sharon Creech. This lead me to read many other books of Sharon Creech. If students enjoy reading this book, I would recommend reading Bloomability, Absolutely Normal Chaos, Ruby Hollar, The Wanderer.

This book has a such a great theme of not judging others and perceiving when times are tough. This book may be difficult for some students to read because of the discussion of death, grief, and loss that is prevalent in this book. However, I do think that these are important topics that many times teachers do not address. This would be a great way to address these issues through reading a well-written, award winning, engaging novel.

Classroom Activities:

• Sharon Creech's Website
• School Visit from Sharon Creech (visit website for more information)
• Unit Plan 
•  Book Report Videos

Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin
Paul O. Zelinsky

Penguin Group
New York
1986

This is a retelling of a favorite tale of a girl who must trust a strange creature to help her spin straw into gold. The original version is by the Brother Grimm.

Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations are in a Renaissance Style: Oil paint over watercolor
• Retelling of a tale by Grimm

I would teach this book over the Grimm book because it is less detailed than the Grimm version. The illustrations are also very cool. I am not actually a huge fan of the story Rumpelstiltskin. I enjoyed the illustrations more than the actual story. However, some students may enjoy reading this book.

Classroom Activities:

• Teach a lesson on Renaissance Style artwork
• Compare and Contrast this version and the Grimm version
• Paul Zelinsky's Website

The Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs
James Marshall

Dial Books for Young Readers
New York
1989

This is the story of three little pigs. Each of the pigs builds there home out of a different material. When the wolf comes he blows down all of their homes except the last one.

Noteworthy Features:

• Full page, colored pictures
• Very common story, most people know it

I would use this book in the classroom. Students may already be familiar with it, but it would be fun to read with them. You could also do a lesson on sequencing. For example, the students would have to sequence the events of the story, which pigs house was blown down first, etc. Teachers could also use this book to teach students about different materials and how materials have purposes. The teacher can talk about other uses for each of the materials the pigs used. Overall, this is a fun book that teachers could apply into various ways. Teachers can also just read this will students to have students practice reading and enjoy reading. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Unit Plan
• Video Read Aloud

The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling
Hans Christian Anderson, Jerry Pinkney 

Morrow Junior Books
New York
1999

This tells the story of an duckling. After the ugly duckling is teased by his family and friends, he spends his winter alone.  With spring comes a surprise for the duckling.

Noteworthy Features:

• full page watercolor illustrations
• A retelling of the version by Hans Christian Anderson

I would use this book with young students. They would enjoy this tale. I could then do a lesson about ducks to go with the story. But this story would be a great engaging introduction to a further lesson. This book is also great book to use for the pure enjoyment of reading with students. 

Snow White

Snow White 
Grimm Brothers

Double Day
New York
1977

This story begins with a step-mother who is jealous of her beautiful step-daughter. She asks her magic mirror who the fairest in the land is and it always says that Snow White is. The step mother wants to be the fairest and decides she must kill Snow White. Snow White must escape various attempts. She lives with seven dwarfs but she must cook and clean for them; she gladly accepts this offer. The stepmother is mad when she finds out Snow White is still alive and attempts to kills her  with a necklace, hair clips, and an apple. On the first two attempts the dwarfs arrive in time to save Snow White, but when presented with the apple Snow White meets her fate. Snow White's body is laid to rest in a glass casket so the dwarfs can mourn her beauty. The dwarfs are confronted by a prince while they move her body. The prince is immediately taken by Snow White's beauty and convinces the dwarfs to give him Snow White's body. When the casket is shaken  the apple is dislodged from Snow White's throat and she wakes up. The prince and Snow White fall in love. The wicked step mother attends their wedding and is forced to dance in heated, iron slippers until she dies. 

Noteworthy Features:

• A different version of a story many students may know because of Disney

Some students may enjoy reading this because they are familiar with the Disney version. However, teachers need to be careful when reading this story with students because it is very gruesome and much different from what students think of when they think of Snow White. I personally would probably not read this with students because of the gruesome nature, but teachers can read this at their own discretion. 

Classroom Activities:

• Watch Disney version and compare and contrast the two stories

Oh, Brother

Oh, Brother
By Johniece Marshall Wilson

Scholastic Press
New York
1989
 
This is a realistic story of sibling rivalry between two young African-American boys who learn to overcome their character flaws. Andrew and Alex are opposites in personality and always manage to get on each other's nerves. Andrew, the older brother, likes to socialize and has a hard time keeping a part-time job. Alex, the younger brother, is athletic and a paperboy with his own bicycle. Their relationship changes for the better when a gang of boys harasses Andrew and steals the bicycle he borrowed from Alex. The fight inspires Alex take matters into his own hands, while Andrew learns how to be a more responsible person.

Noteworthy Features:

• Sibling Rivalry
• Bullying

Students will enjoy this book because they can relate to it. Most children can relate to a sibling rivalry. This makes it a good book to engage students in reading and help them enjoy reading. I would not do activities with this book. I would use this book as a method of getting students to read for the enjoyment of reading. This factor of reading is missing so often in school. 

The Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge
Audrey Wood and Robert Florczak

Harcourt Brace and Company
Orlando
1995


On the island of Limuw, where the heavens touch the sea, Hutash the earth goddess was alone. But then she planted the seeds from a sacred plant. Instead of flowers, beautiful people came from each plant and populated the island, forming the Chumash tribe. The tribe flourished, but then there were too many people on the island. Hutash knew she must send half of them to the land across the water. This legend reveals how the goddess accomplished this dangerous task and how she saved some of the Chumash from drowning by transforming them into dolphins.
 Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations are paintings with bold colors

Some students may enjoy this tale of how dolphins came to existence. This book may appeal especially to girl students. However, I do not think all students will enjoy this book. Especially the boys, may really dislike this book because of the topic of dolphins and its unrealistic nature.


Links to Classroom Activities:

• Audrey Wood Website

Under the Sunday Tree

Under the Sunday Tree
Elois Greenfield and Amos Ferguson

Harper Trophy
Washington D.C.
1988

This book of poems includes 20 peoms. Each of the poems are matched with a painting by Amos Ferguson. He is from the Caribbean and this culture shows vividly in the illustrations.





Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations: Bright Colors, Paintings, Full Pages

This book is great to use with students because of the poems, but even more so because of the illustrations. It is a multicultural book that will allow students to understand the Caribbean culture that is apparent in the illustrations. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Caribbean Art Lesson

The Disappearing Alphabet

The Disappearing Alphabet
Richard Wilbur

HMH Books for Young Readers
New York
1998

This book explains what would happen if the alphabet disappeared. What if there were no letter A? Cows would eat HY instead of HAY. What's HY?   It shows what life would be like without these 26 letter of the alphabet. It show that they may be little, but they are powerful.

I would use this book to demonstrate to students how important the letters of the alphabet are. It shows students that just eliminating one letter changes so much. Students will find this poetry book humorous and want to read it. It makes you really think about how important the letters of the alphabet are.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Worksheet Activity
• Handouts/Lesson Plans

Playing Right Field

Playing Right Field
Willy Welch

Scholastic Inc
New York
2000

In this poem, the school's baseball team is playing on a bright Saturday afternoon and the score is nearly tied. The book's narrator, a lonely young boy, has been sent out to cover right field while the more athletic and popular boys share center field. The boy dreams of making the catch of his life but he knows for sure it won't happen. Suddenly, he hears the crowd roar. A quick look up in the sky, and here comes the ball! When the ball lands in his baseball mitt, the boy can't believe it. And neither can his classmates! 

Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations: watercolor drawings
• Baseball
• School life

This is a great way to introduce to students how poetry can still tell a story like other fictional books they read. Students, especially boys, will like that the book is about baseball. The book also includes important themes such as anti-bullying and courage.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• PBS Activities 

The New Kid on the Block

 The New Kid on the Block
Jack Prelutsky

Glenwillow Books
New York
2007

Collected in this book of poems are more than 100 humorous poems. Many of these poems include strange creatures and people. The book is illustrated with colored, sketch type drawings. 

Jack Prelutsky is a popular poet. Students will enjoy his poems because of the humor. Teachers should read this book or have this book available to students because they will enjoy his poetry. Anything written by Jack Prelutsky is a good option to introduce to children. 

Woodrow, The White House Mouse

Woodrow, The White House Mouse
Cheryl Shaw Barnes and Peter J. Barnes

Little Patriot Press
Washington D.C.
2012

This book introduces readers to the workings of American government through every kid's favorite rodent a mouse! As the authors explain, every four years, just like human Americans, the United Mice of America elect a president. Through President Woodrow G. Washingtail and his family, kids learn about presidential responsibilities as well as life in the White House where these mice work and play side-by-side with our very own First Family. This book became so popular that it is the first of a series.

Noteworthy Features:

• Teaches about the government and presidents
• Illustrations are very colorful and detailed

I would use this book to begin teaching students about the White House, the presidents, and the government. Students will find this book to be very humorous. It is a great way to introduce these topics to students in a fun and engaging manner.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Lesson Plan 

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months
Maurice Sendak

Harper Collins
New York
1962

Collected in this book are twelve poems and illustrations for the twelve months of the year, with chicken soup as their universal theme. Although the book starts in the middle of winter (the best time for chicken soup) a case is made for the why chicken soup should be part of every season.



Noteworthy Features:

• Goes through all 12 months
• Rhyming
• Witty Illustrations

I would use this book with students to teach them the months of the year as well as the progression of seasons. Students will grasp a better understanding of how seasons change, what the weather is like in each seasons, and what months are part of what seasons. It is also a great book for teaching students about rhyming.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Lesson Plans 
• Calendar Lessons
• Months of the Year Game
• Seasons Activities

Shadow on the Mountain

            

Shadow on the Mountain

Margi Preus

Abrams Publishing

Salt Lake City

2012

This tells the story of a boy named Espen and his friends. It takes place during the resistance movement in Nazi occupied Norway. This fourteen year old boy begins delivering illegal newspapers as part of the resistance movement. Then he moves up to the position of courier, and later becomes a spy. The Nazi’s reign for five years, during this time, because of Espen’s position in the resistance movement he both gains and loses friends, he falls in love, and makes mistakes. As he flees to Sweden, he worries that his mistake with threaten to catch up with him. 

I like this book because it is based on real people and includes old photos, maps, and other archive materials. This is a great book because it tells a story about an important and difficult part of history. It is important that students learn about this time in history. This book gives students an understanding of the emotions and struggles that people faced during this time period. It includes great adventure as this child spy resists the strong forces of the Nazi’s the students will find exciting and enjoy reading.  

The Second Life of Abigail Walker

The Second Life of Abigail Walker

Frances O'Roark Dowell

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

New York

2012

This is the story of a girl named Abigail (nickname Abby). She is chubby and because of this she is considered to be part of the unpopular crowd at school. She speaks out against Kristen and her groupies who are thin and popular. She used to be friends with Kristen until their weight difference became a problem getting Abby teased. Abby decides to embrace her unpopular status. Once she embraces her status, she meets a homeschooled boy named Anders. He is concerned that Kristen and her groupies will hurt Abby. But Anders also has problems at home. His dad is an Afghanistan war veteran. His dad is home from the war and struggles with daily life in a dangerous manner. Abby begins to help Anders with his dad. She finds that helping someone else find hope in the world helps her find hope as well. 

Noteworthy Features:

• Addresses teasing and bullying
• Message of Hope

I liked this book. I think that this is a great book for students to read. It addresses the struggles that our in school with teasing and bullying. But it also puts it into the light of other serious problems people face outside of school. It has a message of hope for both situations. It includes important themes of bullying, school life, being an individual, and friendships. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Unit Plan 
• Curriculum Guide 

The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving Their World and Ours

The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving Their World and Ours
Jane Goodall

Scholastic Press
New York
2001

Jane Goodall tells the adventure of her discoveries about chimpanzees' similarities to ourselves, from their lifelong family bonds to their ability to engage in primitive warfare. She shares stories about individual chimpanzees she loves. And she tells of her own efforts to save the chimpanzees from being lost forever.

Noteworthy Features:

• Written as a first person narrative
• Pictures: many colored photographs
• Theme of courage and hope for the future

I would use this story in my classroom to teach students about Jane Goodall. She has such a cool story that I think students would enjoy. There is also a message of courage and hope intertwined into the story. Because of these themes and the information about chimpanzees this book is filled with important lessons and information for students to learn.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Activities to Download 
• Jane Goodall Website 
• Lesson Plans 

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
Andrea Davis Pinkney

Jump at the Sun
New York
1999

This is the story of one of America's greatest composers, Duke Ellington.  He is introduced as a smooth talkin,' slick-steppin,' piano playin' kid with his "fine as pie looks and flashy threads" — thus earning him the name "Duke," by which he would be known his entire life. Readers learn of other key milestones in Duke's life.

Noteworthy Features:

• Written in a jazz-style prose
• Illustrations: rainbow colors, strokes that swirl

I think students would enjoy this book. It would be a good book to introduce a musician to the students. Duke Ellington also stopped music for a little bit to play baseball. Some students, especially the boys, might find that interesting and therefore become more engaged in this book.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Book Info and Lessons 
• Lesson Plans from ReadWriteThink 

Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?

Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?
Jean Fritz

McCann & Geoghegan 
New York
1977

This is funny book that explains who King George is and what he did. It explains both fun facts and informational facts. It also discusses the time period of the American Revolution. It gives reasons as to why the American rebelled in the early stages. This book discusses this time period accurately but also with a sense of humor. 



Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations: Tomi DePaola illustrated for this book in his typical manner.
• Humor: This book is written in a funny but educational and accurate manner.

Teachers should use this book when discussing the American Revolution. It gives an accurate depiction of what was happening, but from the perspective of King George. It also is a bibliography of King George. Students will be engaged in this book because of its funny nature. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Lesson Plan 
• Word Wall Words 
• Online Quiz 

Girls Who Rocked the World

Girls Who Rocked the World
Amelie Welden

Beyond Worlds Publishing
New York
1998

This book discusses girls who have accomplished a lot before the age of 20. It gives a short overview of the girls' lives. It explains their life, what they did, and challenges they needed to overcome. Some of the girls discussed in the book are well known while others are not. A couple people included in this book are: Mother Theresa. Phyllis Wheatley, and Cleopatra.



Noteworthy Features:

• Illustrations: There are pictures of the girls discussed. However, the pictures are more cartoon than realistic. 
• Dreams: All of the girls had dreams (not sleeping, but achievements they wanted to attain). Shows that you should have dreams, make goals, and set out to achieve them. 

This is a great book to use to show that women are equal to men. It shows that women have made huge achievements in the world. It would be great to have students read, to help them see the importance of having dreams. It is also good for the students to see that these girls, who achieved so much, faced many challenges along the way. It expresses to students to not give up, but to persevere when they face challenges.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Women's History Month Lesson Plans
• Gender Roles in Social Studies

If You Grew Up with George Washington

If You Grew Up with George Washington
Ruth Belov Gross

Scholastic 
New York
1993

This book explains facts about George Washington. It explains aspects of his life such as his childhood, colonial life, and transportation. It has fun facts, like the fact that George Washington's teeth were made of hippopotamus not wood. There are details on the customs of his time period. Some of these include: games, schooling, clothing worn, medical techniques, and the food eaten.

Noteworthy Features:

• Format: Written in a question-answer format. This makes it easy for students to read and understand. 
• Table of Contents: All questions are listed in a table of contents making information easy and efficient to find. 

This is a great book for teachers to use with students to introduce them both to the President George Washington and to the time period. The information includes a good mix of fun and informational facts. The fun facts make it more interesting for the students, while still including great informational facts the students should know.

Links to Classroom Activities:

•  Additional Books for a Lesson
• President Activities
• Scholastic

Tiktala

Tiktala
Margaret Shaw-MacKinnon

Fitzhenry & Whiteside
NewYork
2005

This is a multicultural and Fantasy novel. The girl in the story is afraid of being lonely. She begins to turn into a creature and she asks the spirit to change her back. The girl gains knowledge and wisdom about being a soapstone carver.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
Deborah Hopkinson

Knopf
New York
1993

This is the story about a slave girl named Clara, who is separated from her mom. With help of another slave, Clara gets to work as a seamstress inside instead of in the fields. Her position allows her to overhear the white men talk about the path to freedom for slaves. Clara decides to use scraps to create a secret map for slaves to use to go north toward freedom. Once she completes the map, she uses it, but leaves the actual map she made behind for others to use.

Noteworthy Features:

• Written in conversational dialogue
• Illustrating are paintings
• Multicultural
• Slavery, Underground Railroad

Teachers can use this book to teach students about slavery and the underground railroad. Teaching this topic through the use of books will be beneficial for the students, because they will have a better understanding of the thoughts and emotions of all involved.

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Unit Plan 
• Lesson Plan 
• Create Freedom Quilt (see picture)

Gatekeepers Series

Gatekeepers Series
Anthony Horowitz

Book 1: Raven's Gate

Scholastic Press
New York
2005

This is the first book of the series. Matt is a boy who is punished for a crime he witnessed, but did not commit. He is put with a foster mother, who is up to no good. Everyone who tries to help Matt begins to disappear and Matt is the only one can stop what is happening. 


Book 2: Evil Star

Scholastic Press
New York
2009

Matt's adventure is just beginning. He along with four other kids from across the globe, who speak different languages, are the only people who can change the evils that are occurring. 


 Book 3: Night Rise

Scholastic Press 
New York
2009

The world is in danger and there are only 5 kids that can save it. Two of the kids are twins who can communicate telepathically. Their lives are in danger. One of the kids is on the run and one of the kids is trapped. 

Book 4: Necropolis 

Scholastic Press
New York 
2009

The world is in the most danger it has ever been in. The kids meet the last of the Gatekeepers, whose fate is closely connected to their own fate.

Book 5: Oblivion 

Scholastic Press
New York
2009

The five gatekeepers have finally all met one another. They work together to fight the storm that the evil forces has unleashed on the world. The kids must beat this storm in order to save the world. 





Students who enjoy Science Fiction will really enjoy these books. This book is also about a group of kids, which students usually enjoy. I would not teach these books, but I would suggest this series to students I think would enjoy them. Students enjoy being able to read a series of books. This five book series is one in which students will be excited to read the next book of the series.

George's Marvelous Medicine

George's Marvelous Medicine
Roald Dahl 

Knopf
New York
1982

This novel is about a boy named George who is staying with his grandma. However, George's grandma is not nice like most grandmas. George decides he is going to change her medicine, so he uses various ingredients to create a medicine for his grandma. The medicine works, it changes not only the grandma but his entire family.



Links to Classroom Activities:

• Lesson Plans
• Teaching Ideas
• Audiobook (check out video)

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll

W.W. Norton & Co.
New York
1992

Alice is a young girl who goes on an adventure. Her adventure begins when she is sitting on the riverbank with her sister and a rabbit runs by. The rabbit goes down a rabbit hole. Alice cannot help but follow the rabbit. After she goes down the rabbit hole, she meets many other characters. Meeting all the many different characters puts her on an interesting adventure.



Noteworthy Features:

• magic
• manners

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Scholastic
• Lesson Plans
• Unit Plan
• Book Trailer (check out the video)

James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl

Puffin Books
New York
1961

This novel tells the story of a boy named James. He accidently drops magic crystals by a peach tree. These magic crystals caused a peach to grow and grow and grow. It was so big that it was larger than the house! James decides to go into the peach where he meets some unusual friends (a grasshopper, a centipeded, and an earthworm). While he is inside the peach, it breaks off from its stem and rolls away.



Noteworthy Features:

• Humor
• Responsibility and Leadership

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Lesson Plans
• Roald Dahl Fans
• Creative Thinking Activities

A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkly in Time
Madeleine L'Engle

Dell Publishing
New York
1962

This award winning novel tells the story of Meg Murry. Everything seems to be going wrong for her. And one night she discovers that her father has been taken prisoner on the planet Camazotz, by evil forces. Her father is a physicist and had been working on time travel, which caused him to disappear. Meg and her brother Charles Wallace go on a dangerous adventure to find their father.




Noteworthy Features:

• Courage
• Family
• School
• Time Travel

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Scholastic 
• Writing Lesson 
• Lesson Plan 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Elizabeth George Speare

A Yearling Book
New York
1958

This award winning book tells the story of Kit Tyler a girl living on the shore of Connecticut Colony who moved there from the Caribbean islands. She felt lonely and trapped by the Puritan community and finds freedom in the meadows. It is in these meadows that she meets the women known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond. Because Kit becomes friends with this "witch" others begin to accuse Kit of also being a witch.



Noteworthy Features:

• Women's history
• Friendship
• Prejudice and Tolerance
• History of late 1860s

This is a good book for teachers to use to teach about this time period in history. It is also a good book to use to talk about various prejudice - starting with this time period leading up to today's time. It can also be used to talk about friendships and how you can be a friend to someone even when it is difficult to be their friend. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Unit Plan
• Activities
• Lesson Plans
• Scholastic

Caddie Woodlawn

Caddie Woodlawn
Carol Ryrie Brink

Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
New York
1935

This award winning book provides readers a image of authentic Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. Caddie is a young girl who refuses to be a "lady." She loves adventure. Whether is pranks or a schoolhouse fire, Caddie will find an adventure. When Indians threaten the family, it is her courage that saves the family and the neighbors.




Noteworthy Features:

• Civil War Period
• Pioneers
• Sibiling
• Courage

This book would be great to teach the time period of the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. Students will learn about the gender roles of the time, the daily struggles, and the relationship with the Indians. Teachers can use this book in a history class to help the students better understand the material. 

Links to Classroom Activities:

• Scholastic - Lesson Plan
• Literature Unit 
• Book Trailer (See video for example)