What's New in Picture Books
November 8, 2016
Presented by Ashley Lambacher, Stephanie Miles, and Kay Richardson
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
Fiction -- All ages It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters. Connections: This is a great book for the beginning of the school year! School’s feelings change over the course of the school day. Compare and contrast school’s feelings with your students’ feelings about starting school: What are they excited, nervous, happy, embarrassed, and proud about? Have you ever felt like school does? Introduce the term “empathy”. This book also is a great example of writing from another point of view. Students could choose a special place from their lives and write from that place’s perspective. What would that place think, feel, see, or hear? |
It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton
Fiction -- all ages Liam really wants some mail, so he writes a letter to his mailbox asking for something in return. His mailbox delivers, sending Liam more than he could have hoped for...and how! But as the mail starts to pile up, Liam realizes that the best packages and parcels are even better when shared with friends. Connections: This book could be used as a mentor text for letter writing and for using onomatopoeia to add interest in a story. It also captures the impatience of childhood with humor that students will enjoy and teaches a timely lesson of sharing with others when we have so much. Character diversity is also nicely represented in this book. |
Pink Is For Blobfish: Discovering the World's Perfectly Pink Animals by Jess Keating
Nonfiction -- All ages Some people think pink is a pretty color. A fluffy, sparkly, princessy color. But it's so much more. Sure, pink is the color of princesses and bubblegum, but it's also the color of monster slugs and poisonous insects. Not to mention ultra-intelligent dolphins, naked mole rats and bizarre, bloated blobfish. Isn't it about time to rethink pink? Connections: This unique nonfiction book finds strange creatures that are -- you guessed it -- pink! But not only does it have wonderful pictures and information, the format of this book is special, with key info along the side and fun facts splashed in the middle. This is perfect for nonfiction text features and for taking a different approach to learning about animals. Have students come up with their own "color" book, or focus on a specific animal part, like Nicola Davies, Steve Jenkins, and Sandra Markle, to get those creative informational text ideas flowing! |
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Fiction -- All ages The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws... In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see? Connections: This is another great text for point of view. Each animal sees a cat, but HOW they see it is a bit different for each. Even the cat sees himself differently than the other animals see him. The beauty of this book is in the creative use of media to illustrate each perspective. Great use in the art class to introduce this variety. Students could illustrate something from multiple perspectives using a variety of media. Also a great tie in to life science research where they could write about their living thing from multiple perspectives. |
The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers
Fiction -- all ages One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever. Connections: This story pairs nicely with Maybe Something Beautiful and their common theme of sharing our unique talents and artistry with our community. The inspiration of one artist to another is felt as young William, “spent the whole day staring at (the topiary owl) in wonder, and he continued to stare until it became too dark to see.” As the neighborhood comes together to appreciate the nightly designs, something unspoken, yet transformative occurs. The townspeople start adding color and beauty each in their own way. This book celebrates a spirit of giving and of sharing one’s gifts for the greater good. The Night Gardener would be a wonderful read aloud to start the school year by building a sense of community while honoring the uniqueness of each student. |
The Secret Subway by Shana Corey
Nonfiction -- Ages 7 and up New York City in the 1860s was a mess: crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone streets. That is, until Alfred Ely Beach had the idea for a fan-powered train that would travel underground. On February 26, 1870, after fifty-eight days of drilling and painting and plastering, Beach unveiled his masterpiece—and throngs of visitors took turns swooshing down the track. Connections: This book introduces the first subway in America, and the man behind the plan. Even though the plan ultimately failed, Beach still had tried to better his community through his ingenuity and creativity. Great inspiration on working through the hard stuff, and not giving up even when everyone else thinks you are crazy! The text is rich in vocabulary and makes for a great read aloud. |
Let Me Finish! by Minh Le
Fiction -- All ages When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story. But ruin it they do. And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all. . . Connections: This book could introduce the idea that stories have a beginning, middle and an end and that readers like to find a spot to enjoy the WHOLE thing, but… readers LOVE to share great books with other readers! This book could be used as a springboard to book recommendations or reviews. The point is to excite and entice the other reader, but not give away all the good parts! |
Hotel Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Fiction -- All ages When Bruce gets home from a southern migration trip with his goslings, he is tired. He is grumpy. And he is definitely not in the mood to share his home with the trio of mice who have turned his den into a hotel. There's a possum pillow fight wreaking havoc in one room, a fox luring guests into a stew in the kitchen, and a snuggly crew of critters hogging the bed. Bruce growls and grumbles and tries to throw them all out, but the entrepreneurial mice just can't take a hint. Bruce is in a little over his head, especially once the goslings join the staff. Will this grumpy bear ever get his quiet, peaceful den back to himself? Connections: Hotel Bruce boasts a reluctant hero who you can’t help rooting for throughout this sequel book of misadventures. Kids will crack up at the deadpan humor perfectly captured in both language and illustration. Bruce’s facial expressions say it all as the disgruntled bear is intruded upon time and time again. Eventually he reclaims his home (and peace and quiet) only to discover, begrudgingly, that he misses a little of the chaos his friends bring. This book shares the important lesson that good people are sometimes grumpy and that families are formed in all kinds of ways. Most importantly, Hotel Bruce is funny. Really funny, and funny books win the hearts of reluctant readers. |
Penguin Problems by Jory John
Fiction -- All ages Have you ever considered running away to Antarctica? Of course you have! Because it's a land free of worries and responsibilities! All of your problems will surely be blown away by the icy winds of that lawless paradise! . . . Won't they? Think again, my friend. This penguin has come to tell you that his life down there is no more a picnic than yours is here. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you. Yes, it seems there is no escaping the drudgery of your daily grind, whatever it might be. Or perhaps we've just learned that grumps are everywhere. . . . Connections: This is a great book for looking at negativity and how to appreciate what you have. It teaches students how to approach situations where they have negative thoughts, or someone else is having negative thoughts, and how to turn it around into something positive. A wonderful read to use for perspective and characterization. |
A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts
Fiction -- All ages Ruben feels like he is the only kid without a bike. His friend Sergio reminds him that his birthday is coming, but Ruben knows that the kinds of birthday gifts he and Sergio receive are not the same. After all, when Ruben’s mom sends him to Sonny’s corner store for groceries, sometimes she doesn’t have enough money for everything on the list. So when Ruben sees a dollar bill fall out of someone’s purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket. But when he gets home, he discovers it’s not one dollar or even five or ten—it’s a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for a new bike just like Sergio’s! But what about the crossed-off groceries? And what about the woman who lost her money? Connections: This story is a lesson in empathy and in doing the right thing, even when difficult. This would be a great mentor text to highlight “showing” versus “telling” the reader how the main character is feeling. Ruben moves his way through envy, anger, excitement, remorse, and finally the bittersweet mixture of loss and pride in having made the right decision with the money he found. This book also lends itself to teaching theme. The dual messages of honesty and goodness as their own reward and the importance of family over things unfold naturally in a way that students will appreciate. |
Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! series:
We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller Fiction -- All ages Walt and his friends are growing up fast! Everyone is the something-est. But . . . what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own! The Cookie Fiasco! by Dan Santat Fiction -- All ages Four friends. Three cookies. One problem. Hippo, Croc, and the Squirrels are determined to have equal cookies for all! But how? There are only three cookies . . . and four of them! They need to act fast before nervous Hippo breaks all the cookies into crumbs! Connections: Author Mo Willems and his beloved characters Elephant and Piggie endorse these two books that will fly off your shelves. Done in similar style, they are chock-full of deadpan humor, expression and voice, speech bubbles, and characters to love. We Are Growing! can be a mentor text for onomatopoeia, superlatives (-est), and theme – turning lemons into lemonade. The Cookie Fiasco will crack kids up as four friends work together to share the too-few cookies and try to outwit each other at every turn. This could be used for beginning fraction/division concepts as well as the same language lessons listed earlier. Both books begin and end with Elephant and Piggie commentary that is endearing and insightful. I am always amazing at how much Mo Willems can say in so few words. “Good books make me feel big things…” A powerful nod to the wonder of reading. |
Nanette's Baguette by Mo Willems
Fiction -- All ages Today is the day Nanette gets to get the baguette! Is she set? YOU BET! Follow our plucky heroine on her first big solo trip to the bakery. But . . . will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret? Connections: The first thing that stands out in this book is the rhyming -- so much rhyming! It also introduces some interesting vocabulary for young readers. There is a powerful moment towards the end in dealing with "standing up and owning it" and does a great job in making a mistake, but trying to do better. I could even see this used with older students and suffixes -- can they make a story using mostly words with common endings? |
The Airport Book by Lisa Brown
Fiction -- All ages In a book that is as intriguing as it is useful and entertaining, we follow a family on its way through the complexities of a modern-day airport. From checking bags and watching them disappear on the mysterious conveyor belt, to security clearance and a seemingly endless wait at the gate to finally being airborne. But wait! There's more! The youngest family member's sock monkey has gone missing. Follow it at the bottom of the page as it makes a journey as memorable as that of the humans above. Connections: This book provides an easy to follow “how-to” on all the steps to taking an airplane ride, from what happens before, during and after the trip. It is a great model for students to try their own procedural writing, complete with things that always happen and those that sometimes do. The text and speech bubbles are sprinkled throughout the detailed pictures, providing a realistic feel. The story could also be used as a guide to help alleviate nervous feelings for someone experiencing flying for the first time. |
Shy by Deborah Freedman
Fiction -- All ages Shy loves birds. He'd love to watch them fly and hear them sing, but he's only ever read about them in books. . .until a real bird comes along. He's dying to meet her, but there's just one problem: Shy is, well, shy--so shy, in fact, that he's afraid to leave the gutter of the book. Can Shy overcome his fears and venture out onto the page? Connections: This book is beautiful. Soft watercolors complement the sweet, simple text that gently encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. This is a great read aloud for figurative language, growth mindset, and for celebrating differences. Students will draw text-to-self connections as they sympathize while Shy slowly builds the courage to find his voice and meet a new friend. The power of friendship in allowing us to blossom is beautifully illustrated as the book draws to a close. This is an ideal read aloud to start the year or to quietly recommend to the student you know who needs to hear its message of encouragement. |
Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson
Fiction -- All ages Boy and Bear both love to explore the outdoors. There are so many neat things to see, and so many strange things to find. These explorers are prepared for anything . . . except each other! When Bear and Boy meet in the woods, they're scared at first. Really scared. But soon these kings of the wild realize that no mountain is too big to conquer if you have a friend to climb it by your side. Connections: On a basic level, this is a good book for teaching the wonders of exploration. On a higher level, this book teaches about friendship, not judging a person by their outside appearance, and finding commonalities with others. In the end, things are always more fun with someone else by your side. This is great for text to self and for theme. |
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas
Fiction -- All ages The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, who lives alone atop a hill, has a job of the utmost importance. It is his task to open any bottles found at sea and make sure that the messages are delivered. He loves his job, though he has always wished that, someday, one of the letters would be addressed to him. One day he opens a party invitation—but there’s no name attached. As he devotes himself to the mystery of the intended recipient, he ends up finding something even more special: the possibility of new friends. Connections: This book is beautiful in its illustrations and messages of hope and friendship. The pencil and pastel drawings capture character detail and emotion. The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles does his job “of utmost importance” and diligently tries to locate the owner of each uncorked bottle after reading its message. The text is rich in description: similes as he “felt loneliness as sharp as fish scales” and personification as he “hoped to see his own name winking from the top of the page.” Students can try using these techniques in their own writing to make it more interesting. The story is one that shares the importance of the feeling of belonging and of community. Letters are likened to holding “the treasure of a clam-hugged pearl.” Teachers could also use this text to introduce the art of letter writing and the joy it can bring the recipient. |
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
Nonfiction -- All ages Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning. Connections: This sweet, simple book illustrates the community of plants, animals and natural resources that form an ecosystem. There are cause/effect tie-ins and the pattern of text lends itself to shared reading and writing. Appealing colors and unique illustrations engage the reader and the use of cut-outs is an interesting feature students can add to their toolbox for future nonfiction writing. The back of the book has factual information about ecosystems with a section highlighting ways to help for budding environmentalists! |
Quit Calling Me a Monster! by Jory John
Fiction -- All ages Floyd Peterson is so much more than shaggy purple fur and pointy monster teeth— why can’t people just see him for him? Connections: This book teaches readers how names can hurt, and that stereotyping and labels might make others feel bad -- especially when loudly pointed out. The nature of the book is silly, but this can be a good book to read when discussing differences. This is also good for characterization. |
Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat
Fiction -- All ages Let's face it: everyone knows that car rides can be boring. And when things get boring, time slows down. In this book, a boy feels time slowing down so much that it starts going backward--into the time of pirates! Of princesses! Of dinosaurs! The boy was just trying to get to his grandmother's birthday party, but instead he's traveling through Ancient Egypt and rubbing shoulders with Ben Franklin. When time flies, who knows where--or when--he'll end up Connections: This book, in its wildly inventive, even upside down, format, shows a journey to grandma’s house where the main character gets bored. Time slows down, seems to go backward in time, then catapults to the future. Readers can begin to talk about a book’s theme or message. Here Santat states several explicitly, “Time flies.” “Savor the moment you’re in.” “The road if full of twists and turns.” “You never know where life may take you.” “Sit back and enjoy the ride.” “There’s no greater gift than the present.” Students may make connections to one of these life themes or connect simply a to a time they wished would speed up or slow down. Note: Beekle is hiding in this book as well as for fun QR codes students can scan with a QR reader to see what the robot Foto from 2059 is adding to the story! Adding their own QR codes to their writing could be a creative application as well. |
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
Nonfiction -- All ages What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine! Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation—and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration! Connections: This true story shares an altruistic message of how a few can inspire many. Contributing to the common good is the theme woven throughout the vibrant illustrations and engaging text. This would be a great mentor text for figurative language with its many metaphors: “laughter like a rainbow…wall lit up like sunshine…his paintbrush was like a magic wand.” The occasional use of onomatopoeia, enlarged, colorful font, and interesting text arrangement are writer’s craft techniques within this story for students to discover. This book nicely pairs with The Night Gardener as they share a theme of beautifying one’s community and both have artists who inspire others. |
The Happiest Book Ever by Bob Shea
Fiction -- All ages What could be happier than a book with a dancing cake, a candy parade, and a hug monster? A book with all those things (and more) plus YOU! Your happy, happy thoughts will make this book super happy happy! But something seems off. Could it be that frowny frog? Perhaps we could shake some sense into him, or slap a Post-it over his face. No? Well then, maybe its time for that frog to SCRAM! Hooray! He's gone! Time for a happy dance! Wait, what's wrong? Now NO ONE seems happy! Let's see if we can't do something to truly make this the happiest book ever. Connections: Children will immediately recognize when this "happy" book becomes not-so-happy, and proves that we are all unique and worthwhile. This can be a great springboard for students to think/write about what makes them happy, and to consider how to treat others that act differently than you do. It reinforces inclusion and treating others with respect. A great read aloud and a great mentor text for creating a more "interactive" book. It can also be used to look at voice and personification. |
This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From by Jamie Lee Curtis
Fiction -- All ages In This Is Me a teacher tells her class about her great-grandmother’s dislocating journey from home to a new country with nothing but a small suitcase to bring along. And she asks: What would you pack? What are the things you love best? What says “This is me!” With its lively, rhyming language and endearing illustrations, it’s a book to read again and again, imagining the lives of the different characters, finding new details in the art, thinking about what it would be like to move someplace completely different. We Came To America by Faith Ringgold Nonfiction -- All ages From the Native Americans who first called this land their home, to the millions of people who have flocked to its shores ever since, America is a country rich in diversity. Some of our ancestors were driven by dreams and hope. Others came in chains, or were escaping poverty or persecution. No matter what brought them here, each person embodied a unique gift—their art and music, their determination and grit, their stories and their culture. And together they forever shaped the country we all call home. Connections: These books serves as a springboard to family histories. All of our families can trace our families back in time where someone came to America for the very first time. In this book a child had to pack a suitcase with special items and leave others behind. Many teachers begin the year with “Who Am I? “ activities to get to know their community of learners. The challenge becomes bringing in a few items that “show who you are, not just items you’ve got, but part what you learn and part what you’re taught. Who you become starts with your past, family histories and stories that last.” The items or photos they bring in can be shared with the class verbally, then later turned into personal written stories about what makes each child and their life unique and special! |
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Fiction -- All ages Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble! Connections: Ada Twist, Scientist is an empowering tale of a young girl with a passion for science. Her inquisitive spirit is nurtured by her parents and her journey reminds us all to follow our dreams. This book would be a wonderful introduction into science and the power of asking, “Why?” The rhyming text sets a fun pace, and the scientific language -- problem, question, hypothesis, tested, experiments, source, fact-finding, research – fuels interest in discovery. This latest book in the STEM series is a gem for setting up genius hour and encouraging students to follow their passions, wherever they lead. |
How This Book Was Made by Mac Barnett
Fiction -- All ages You may think you know how this book was made, but you don't. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How'd it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry tiger. Connections: Many students don't know how books are actually made, and this book does a great job of explaining that (while still inserting humor throughout). This book is good for teaching about author's voice and does a wonderful job at pointing out that it all starts with an idea, and a book isn't really a book...until a reader reads it. |
I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino
Fiction -- All ages From cave drawings to the invention of the printing press to our digital age, discover how a story has been told in many different ways from the past to today. It’s always been around, making us happy, sad, excited, or scared and bringing people together. With simple text and delightful illustrations, Dan Yaccarino reminds us of the power of story. Books Do Not Have Wings by Brynne Barnes Fiction -- All ages This whimsical, rhyming tale whirls readers through all the fantastic things that can be found between the pages of a book. From a pirate adventure to a fairy fete, this rhyming text is accompanied by gorgeous, thought-provoking illustrations. Books Do Not Have Wings guides the reader along on this journey that answers the question: what is a book? A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers Fiction -- All ages A little girl sails her raft across a sea of words, arriving at the house of a small boy and calling him away on an adventure. Through forests of fairy tales and across mountains of make-believe, the two travel together on a fantastical journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. Now a lifetime of magic and adventure lies ahead of him . . . but who will be next? Connections: These three titles are grouped together as they elevate the power of story. They could be used together or separately to kick off the love and wonder of stories. I Am a Story could be used to share the history of story, the emotions they evoke and how they’ll live on forever. Similarly, but with more descriptive detail, Books Do Not Have Wings could be used for the same purposes. Here, though, the emphasis is on how it’s just a book, unless it has a reader to give it wings. It could be used as a springboard for discussions on, “What power does a reader give the book?” This book segues right into A Child of Books where Jeffers reminds the reader that THEY hold this power of imagination when they enter the world of a book. |
Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Fiction -- All ages It begins with an octopus who plays the ukulele. Since this is a story, the octopus has to want something—maybe to travel to faraway galaxies in a totally awesome purple spaceship. Then the octopus sets out to build a spaceship out of soda cans, glue, umbrellas, glitter, and waffles. OK, maybe the octopus needs some help, like from an adorable bunny friend, and maybe that bunny turns out to be . . . a rocket scientist? (Probably not.) But could something even more amazing come to pass? Connections: This is a great book for helping students experiencing writer’s block to trust their instincts and dive in! It’s fine to start a story from nothing…in fact, that’s how they all begin! Interesting word choice (i.e. despondent) is sprinkled in for a touch a humor and the illustrations pop on solid-colored backgrounds. This can be used to introduce story writing and nicely follows the Somebody-Wanted-But-So summary formula. It walks students through the writing process -- brainstorming, adding in awesome details, building to the climax and arriving at the resolution to wrap up the story. Which, of course, leads them right into another one as students discover, “When one story ends, it’s just making room for another story to begin.” |
The Water Princess by Susan Verde
Fiction -- All ages With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own. Connections: Based on the childhood of a model who started a foundation to bring clean drinking water to remote African communities, this book is a lovely look at how some communities must work hard for basic necessities. It is a good look at life in other places and includes a back page on the reality of these villages and what people who live there must do to survive. It also shows ways you can help. This can be great to springboard ideas on helping others and doing charity/volunteer work. It is also a good book to use for characterization, voice, theme, and how descriptive language can be. |
ABC Dream and 123 Dream by Kim Krans
Fiction -- All ages This stunning and innovative alphabet picture book will dazzle little ones and engage the adults who share it with them! Each page is dedicated to a letter, and clever alliterations are packed into each ink-and-watercolor spread. In 123 Dream, Kim Krans elevates the simple activity of counting with pen-and-ink drawings of unusual animals and scenes of natural beauty. Connections: These simple, wordless books are great for introducing and practicing numbers and letters. There are many layers to these books, so they can be used as simple or as complex as you wish. They are great to use as a springboard to having students create their own letter or number page. |
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
Nonfiction -- Ages 7 and up You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults. Connections: Kids love Super Soakers! This book not only teaches kids about a beloved toy and the man behind it, but shows a growth mindset as well as shows the importance of trying again after failure. There is also a history lesson involving segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. A great biography to promote STEM, kindness, and a passion for not giving up. It would be wonderful to use with theme. |
Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynne Rae Perkins
Fiction -- Ages 8 and up On a rainy day, Frank’s parents take him to the shelter to get a new dog. That’s how Frank finds Lucky, and from that moment on, they’re inseparable. As Frank and Lucky venture out into the world around them, they discover they both have a lot to learn. Exploring their neighborhood teaches them about biology: Lucky learns all about squirrels, deer, and—unfortunately for Frank—skunks. Sharing a bed teaches them about fractions—what happens when one dog takes up three-quarters of the bed, or even the whole thing? They even learn different languages: Frank makes a friend who speaks Spanish and Lucky tries to learn Duck! Who knew you could learn so much without ever setting foot inside a classroom? Connections: This book really highlights the power of learning through real-life situations. It shows how learning is all around you, and how what you learn in school can be applied in other areas of your life. It reinforces the power of questioning and the power of all areas of learning, beyond just math and reading -- as well as how they all fit together. A lot is packed into this little book, and is perfect to get kids to think about their learning a little differently. It can also be a great mentor text for character point-of-view, theme, and text features. |
The Magic Word by Mac Barnett
Fiction -- All Ages When Paxton C. Heymeyer’s babysitter tells him to say the magic word, she could never have imagined that what would happen next would be a walrus chasing her, an elephant in the living room playing cards, and a full water park and moat in the front yard. And that’s just the beginning… Connections: This book is great for teaching students the power of words, especially words like "I'm sorry." It takes a very humorous look at the idea of "be careful what you wish for" and puts a little spin on it, showing that it's not what you have, but who you have beside you that makes the difference. It would also be good for sequencing and predicting. |
Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet
Nonfiction -- Ages 8 and up “SOME PIG,” Charlotte the spider’s praise for Wilbur, is just one fondly remembered snippet from E. B. White’s Charlotte's Web. In Some Writer!, the two-time Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet mixes White’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell his story, from his birth in 1899 to his death in 1985. Budding young writers will be fascinated and inspired by the journalist, New Yorker contributor, and children’s book author who loved words his whole life. This authorized tribute is the first fully illustrated biography of E. B. White and includes an afterword by Martha White, E. B. White's granddaughter. Connections: This biography is a wonderful look at E.B. White's life and would be great to take a look at the life and thoughts of the writer of one of America's most popular children's stories. There are real life letters, essays, and notes from E.B. White included in the illustrations, as well as photos of White along with the animals in which he based his stories off of. Fantastic for use of primary sources and nonfiction text features. |
Honorable Mentions
A Poem For Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Return by Aaron Becker
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
The Storyteller by Evan Turk
Hansel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks by Corey Rosen Schwartz
City Shapes by Diana Murray
A Hat For Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
Horrible Bear! by Ame Dyckman
Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde
Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World’s First Computer Programmer by Fiona Robinson
The Princess and the Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh
A Poem For Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Return by Aaron Becker
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
The Storyteller by Evan Turk
Hansel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks by Corey Rosen Schwartz
City Shapes by Diana Murray
A Hat For Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
Horrible Bear! by Ame Dyckman
Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde
Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World’s First Computer Programmer by Fiona Robinson
The Princess and the Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh