Final Speer Electronic Book File

Kelsey Speers E-Book
File
Table of
Contents
Poetry
Red- Young Adult

Green- Juvenile
Book
Purple- Picture
Book
Traditional
Fantasy
* Award Winner
Multicultural
Literature
Non-Fiction
Mufaros Beautiful
Daughters*
Hello, Bumblebee Bat

*
Cinderella
Oh, the Places Youll Go! Snowy Day*

*
Dirt
Sugar Cane: A Caribbean

Rapunzel
Joyful Noise*
And Then What

Happened Paul
Revere
The Three Little Wolves and

the Big Bad Pig*
The Foot Book
The Watsons Go to
Birmingham*
Mother Poems*
A Certain October
The Diary of Anne
Frank
Contemporary Realistic
Historical Fiction
IfFiction
Youre Not Here,
The Black Pearl*
Rosa*
Please
Raise
Lock and
KeyYoure
Leahs Pony*
Hand
Walk Two Moons*
Number the Stars*
A Giraffe and a Half
Harlem*
Three Little Words
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Slave Dancer*
Little Red Riding Hood*

Modern Fantasy
The Lion and The Mouse*
Tuck Everlasting
Where the Wild Things Are*
Rapunzel*
The Tale of Despereaux*
To Kill a Mockingbird*
Shooting the Moon*
The Hunger Games*
Everything on a Waffle*
The Boy Who Dared*
The Lion, The Witch, and The

Wardrobe*
Mufaros Beautiful Daughters

Author:
John Steptoe
Illustrato
r:
John Steptoe
Publishe
d
1987
Genre:
Multicultural Literature
Age
level:
5-7
Grade
band:
K-2nd
Awards: Caldecott honor book (1988), Coretta Scott King Award

Summaryfor Illustrators
This book is about a man named Mufaro and his two daughters Manyara and Nyasha. Both of his daughters were very
beautiful, and Nyasha was a very kind girl who cared about everyone. Manyara was not very kind at all and very selfish.
The king of the city was searching for a wife and Mufaro was sending his two daughters to the city to meet the king.
Manyara and Nyasha both encountered the same people on their journey to the city, but Manyara treated them poorly
while Nyasha showed kindness. The king saw how both daughters acted when no one was watching and chose Nyasha to
be his wife because she was kind and worthy.
ReviewThis book does an amazing job at teaching the moral of the story. The moral of the story is that you should be kind and
treat people right even when no one is watching. This theme is timeless and classic but a bit clich. It shows the reader
that by being kind and having good character, people will notice. This story reflects that moral in an interesting and easy
to understand way for young children. The book is very fun to read and the pictures are beautiful. The story uses fictional
characters that are interesting for the reader and keeps them engaged.
Classroom ApplicationThe students can use the book to compare the culture of the book with the culture that they live in. Since the grade band
is so young, the students can just point out similarities and differences between the characters daily life and their own.
The students could also learn from the moral of the story. The students act out the characters with a partner and then talk
about which way they would want to be treated. The teacher can then talk about how they should treat others in a way
that they wishCC.1.2.1.C
to be treated.
Standard:
Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of
Cinderella
Author:
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrato
r:
Mary Blair
Publishe
d
2007
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
6-7
Grade
band:
1st-2nd
Awards: N/A
Summary- This story focuses on the main characters desires and the sincerity in their hearts. The main
character Cinderella wants love but lives with a stepmother and two stepsisters that desire wealth and riches.
Cinderella is put to work as a servant and disregarded by her entire family. When news is spread about the kings
ball, the entire family desires to go to try to win his heart, but they all do it for different reasons. The prince
desires true love and wants to find a sincere wife. Cinderella is not allowed to go to the ball but with the help of a
fairy godmother she makes it. At the ball the prince falls in love with Cinderella but she is forced to leave at
midnight and ends up losing her shoe. The prince travels the land to find the girl who fits the slipper, so that he
can make her his queen, and eventually he finds Cinderella.
Review- This story is a variant of the original story of Cinderella. This story focuses more on the emotions,
desires, and motives of each of the characters. The theme of this story is a classic but it is also very clich. The
good guy always wins and the bad guys always lose. This theme is important to cover in the early years so this
book is a good read when teaching theme. The language is very descriptive and makes the story more engaging.
Classroom Application- The students can use this story to learn about theme because this storys theme is so
distinct and is mentioned multiple times throughout the story. The students can look up what the word theme
Standard:
Describe
theand
connection
between
individuals,
events,that
ideas,
or pieces
actually
meansCC.1.2.1.C
after they read
the story
then use this
story astwo
an example
to reinforce
lesson.
They can
Tuck Everlasting
Author:
Natalie Babbitt
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1975
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age
level:
10-12
Grade
band:
5th-7th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThe story focuses on a girl named Winnie whose family owns a wood in their town. One day Winnie wandered into the wood where she
ran into Jesse Tuck who was drinking from a spring and she wanted to too, but Jesse wouldnt let her. Jesse and his family took Winnie
away to explain to her that the spring caused them to live forever and that she needed to keep their secret. While this story was being
told the man in the yellow suit snuck up and listened to everything. The man in the yellow suit tried to get the spring water all to
himself to use it to make money but Mae Tuck ended up killing him. She was sentenced to death but the family found a way to save
her. Years later the Tucks returned to see if Winnie ever drank from the spring and found that she hadnt.
ReviewThis story is very entertaining and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The language of the plot uses a lot of figurative language
and this helps to engage the reader and really get lost in the book. The main character of the story, Winnie, also grows and changes a
lot throughout the story. This is very relatable to students who are the same age as Winnie. The story is very well written and the plot is
very exciting and unpredictable.
Classroom ApplicationThe main learning point of the book is how Winnie grows as a person and becomes more independent. The students can discuss how
they relate to Winnie and then write a personal narrative about a time where they thought they did something important. This would be
a good writing workshop activity.
Standard: PA 1.4.6.A:Write poems, short stories, and plays.
The Foot Book

Author:
Theodor Seuss
Geisel
Illustrato
r:
Theodor Seuss Geisel
Publishe
d
1968
Genre:
Poetry
Age
level:
5-6
Grade
band:
K-1st
Awards: Teachers Top 100 Books for Children
SummaryThis story discusses all the different ways and kinds of feet that a person could encounter. Some of these feet are normal,
like wet feet and dry feet. On the other hand, some of the feet are more humorous like pig feet, red feet, and over a chair
feet. This book starts and ends with explaining how many feet are out there!
ReviewThis story is organized in a fun and unusual way. The words seem to be in an order that describes what they are talking
about. The illustrations are very colorful, fun and different which are all used to catch the readers attention. The poetry is
very evident in this plot. This makes it easy for young to guess what word is coming next and help teach them how to read.
Classroom ApplicationThe story focuses primarily on rhyming. The student can use this story to work on word sounds and rhyming by having a lot
of the words from the book on the board and trying to match the rhyming pairs. This could also be used to teach rhyming
by having the students read through the story on their own (if possible) and try to pick out the rhyming words.
Standard: PA 1.3.K.D:Recognizeliterary devices(e.g., rhyming,alliteration)
Hello, Bumblebee Bat

Author:
Darrin Lunde
Illustrato
r:
Patricia J. Wynne
Publishe
d
2007
Genre:
Nonfiction
Age
level:
6-7
Grade
band:
1st-2nd
Awards: Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book

SummaryThis story discusses teaches its reader all of the characteristics of bumblebee bats. The story talks about how small the bat is, what it looks
like, when it flies, how it sees, what it eats, what it fears, where it lives, and how it sleeps. The book then has a small summary at the end that
describes the most important characteristics of a bumblebee bat. They talk about how these are the smallest bats in the world, how they are
so good at flying, how they are endangered, and how scientists are trying to keep them safe.
ReviewThis story is written in a conversation style with the bat being asked questions about himself and his answers are in first person. This makes it
easier for the students to understand the different characteristics. This is also a more fun and engaging way to present information. The
illustrations are also very detailed and are used to illustrate the characteristic being discussed on any given page. This is helpful to the
students understanding of the material. The summary at the end is presented in a more informational way and in less of a story way. This
could be less interesting for the students.
Classroom ApplicationThe students draw a picture of what they think a bumblebee bat should look like after reading the information in the story. This can also be
taken one step further by having the student either write or verbally explain why the made their bat its specific color, size, shape, etc. to see
if they actually understand the information.
Standard: PA 1.3.1.A:Read, understand, and respond to works of literature.
Oh, the Places Youll Go!

Author:
Theodor Seuss
Geisel
Illustrato
r:
Theodor Seuss Geisel
Publishe
d
1990
Genre:
Poetry
Age
level:
7-8
Grade
band:
2nd-3rd
Awards: National Education Association named the book one of

Summaryits "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."
This story talks about the journey a person makes throughout their life time. It talks about being able to make the right decisions
throughout your life and about how you need to move on and try something new if youre not finding anything good for you where you
are. It tells the reader not to give up when things arent going great because there will be struggles but you have to keep pushing on. It
encourages the reader that they will succeed and be the best at what they do.
ReviewThis story is written specifically towards the reader. Dr. Seuss specifies that YOU (the reader) are the one on this journey. This makes it
easy for the reader to believe that the plot is being specifically said to them. This plot is very motivational and explains life to children in a
fun and humorous way. The language used is very metaphorical and uses uncommon figurative language. This makes some of the
information hard to decipher what the author meant to really say.
Classroom ApplicationThere are multiple vocabulary words throughout this story that students wouldve never heard of. Some words are made up and some
words are just pretty complex for this grade level. I believe that this can be turned into a learning activity by having the students read
through the story and pick out all the words that they dont know the meaning of. The teacher can then compile all of those words and
have the class work together to try to decipher the meaning using the word itself and the context clues.
Standard: PA 1.1.2.C:Use meaning and knowledge of words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms) across content areas to develop a speaking
and reading vocabulary.
Dirt
Author:
Steve Tomecek
Illustrato
r:
Nancy Woodman
Publishe
d
2002
Genre:
Nonfiction
Age
level:
8-9
Grade
band:
3rd-4th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis story describes what dirt is and all of the characteristics and facts about dirt. The story explains the physical properties of dirt and
what dirt is used for. It also explains why dirt is important to the world. The story then goes into detail about what makes up dirt and all
the different components of it. There are multiple vocabulary words that are defined and explained throughout the story. The story then
goes on to explain what lives in soil, how it is created, and the layers of soil.
ReviewThis story is very informative and the information is very clear cut so that the students know exactly what they are meant to be learning.
The pictures are very colorful, detailed, and descriptive. These pictures are very beneficial though because the illustrate what the text is
talking about on a given page. Although the story is written in a way that should be easy for students to understand, the information is
very dry and boring at parts. Other parts interact with the reader better and relate to their prior knowledge.
Classroom ApplicationAt the end of the story there is an experiment that the students can use to expand their knowledge of dirt that they learned throughout
reading the story. The students would be creating their own ecosystem using dirt, seeds, and water and taking care of it periodically. This
allows the students to physically see how dirt works and is beneficial. The teacher can also make sure to use specific vocabulary that
was learned through reading the text when explaining the experiment.
Standard: PA R3.A.2.1.2:Identify and/or interpret the meaning of content-specific words used in text.
Where the Wild Things Are

Author:
Maurice Sendak
Illustrato
r:
Maurice Sendak
Publishe
d
1991
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age
level:
5-6
Grade
band:
K-1st
Awards: Caldecott Medal

SummaryThis story describes a child named Max who uses his imagination to pretend he is a wild thing. When his mom sends him to be without dinner, his
room turns into a forest and Max sailed until he reached the land of the wild things. When he arrived he tamed them and they made him their
king. They celebrated and partied until Max became sad and hungry and wanted to sail to where the delicious food was. So he said goodbye to
the wild things, which made them sad, and he sailed home where his dinner was waiting for him.
ReviewThis story is something that I believe most students can relate to. A lot of students use their imagination and try to transport themselves to
faraway lands so think that this book would be good for the students to make all types of connections. There are small amounts of words written
on each page. This can be helpful for the younger students who are just learning how to read by not being too overwhelming for them. The
characters are very unique. This makes the story fun and engaging for the students.
Classroom ApplicationI think that this book can help work on the students retelling/storytelling abilities. First the students can use readers theater to retell the story.
Since this story is based so highly on fantasy and made up information, the students use their creativity to write their own fantasy land/made up
story. The teacher and student can work together to use the language experience approach by having the students dictate the story to them and
then draw an illustration to describe.
Standard: PA 1.1.K.D:Demonstrate listening comprehension/ understanding before, during, and after reading through strategies such as think
aloud, retelling, summarizing, and connecting to prior knowledge
Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel

Author:
Patricia Storace
Illustrato
r:
Raul Colon
Publishe
d
2007
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
7-8
Grade
band:
2nd- 3rd
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis story starts out with a pregnant woman who is craving sugar cane so the husband tries to find some but has to steal it. The owner of the
sugar cane catches him and punishes him by saying that she will take their daughter, Sugar Cane, on her first birthday. Sure enough Madame
Fate, the owner, takes Sugar Cane and hides her away in a tower on her first birthday. By the time Sugar Cane is a teenager, she is beginning
to feel lonely in the tower. One day a musician named King appears and climbs her hair into the tower. The couple fall in love and make music
together every time King sneaks into the tower. Eventually Madame Fate finds out and becomes furious. Sugar Cane escapes the tower and
uses one of the jewels that King gave her to get the his village. Here King and Sugar Cane look for each other until one day their music brings
them back together again. They eventually get married and the parents of Sugar Cane are reunited with her at the wedding.
ReviewThis story is a retelling of the original Rapunzel story. This story has more multicultural aspects and more magic/fantasy involved in the story.
The plot is very entertaining and keeps the reader interested. There are many words on one page which could be a challenge/intimidating for
new readers. The illustrations are very unique and add a lot of engaging elements to the story because they are well done and colorful.
Classroom ApplicationThe students can work on comparisons between the original Rapunzel and the Caribbean Rapunzel. The teacher can read both stories with
the class and then work together with the students to create venn diagrams that show all of the similarities and differences between the two
stories. The students could also expand their knowledge by creating their own version of Rapunzel and compare that to their venn diagram.
Standard: PA R3.A.1.5.1:Summarize the key details and events of a fictional text as a whole.
The Tale of Despereaux

Author:
Kate DiCamillo
Illustrato
r:
Timothy Basil Ering
Publishe
d
2003
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age
level:
8-10
Grade
band:
3rd-5th
Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Childrens Book Award, John
SummaryNewbery Medal
The book is split up into four books. The first one is about Despereaux who is a small mouse who was born without high expectations, everyone believed he
would die. Despereaux is interested in anything but the typical activities of the mice and is sentenced to death because of breaking the rules. Gregory is the
jailer and he decides to save Despereaux if he promises to tell Gregory a story. The second book is all about the rat named Roscuro who is fascinated with
light and his job is supposed to be to torture the prisoners. The princess is mean to Roscuro and he decides that he wants to get revenge. The third book is
about a girl named Miggery Sow. She has a hard life and decides that she wants to be a princess. She works in the castle by bringing food to the jailer. While
there she makes a deal with Roscuro to capture the princess. In the last book Despereaux escapes while Roscuro and Mig try to capture the princess.
Despereaux decides to fight to save the princess and ends up in a confrontation with Roscuro. Roscuro, Despereaux, and the princess are all able to agree on
a solution. In the end, Despereaux becomes friends with the princess and Roscuro is allowed in the castle.
ReviewThis story is a wonderful read for anyone who loves an adventure. The reader is able to follow a journey through multiple characters eyes which keeps the
book interesting. Also, the level of fantasy in this book is very engaging for the reader. The theme of this story is timeless. The good characters always
overpower the bad guys. Also the main character is a mouse, he is relatable to the readers. He is a boy who doesnt fit in but wants to follow his dreams no
matter what anyone says. This is something that most readers this age can make a connection with.
Classroom ApplicationUsing this book the students can work on their comprehension. There are many overlapping stories and the book is set up differently than most books so this
can be distracting and confusing to some students. The students can also work in groups of 4 and dress up as a specific character and retell the story using a
skit to demonstrate understanding of the text.
Walk Two Moons

Author:
Sharon Creech
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1994
Genre:
Fiction
Age
level:
10-12
Grade
band:
5th-7th
Awards: John Newbery Medal
SummaryThis book is basically a story that is told within the actually. The main character Sal, short for Salamanca, is travelling from Ohio to Idaho to see her mom
who has left her and her dad. Sal has recently moved from Bybanks, Kentucky to Ohio where her dad has been seeing a woman named Margaret, and she
is struggling with this adjustment. On the long road trip with her grandparents, her grandma asks her to tell her a story so Sal tells her the story of her
friend Phoebe, a potential lunatic, Phoebes mom, and her friend Ben. The books flips back and forth from Sals story to the present time where her and
her grandparents are travelling. Sals biggest goal is to reach Idaho by her mothers birthday because she believes that would help her bring her mother
back. When Sal reaches Idaho, her gram has to go to the hospital so she illegally drives herself to where her mom is. It turns out that Sals mother died in
a car accident and Sal came to see the accident and visit her grave as a sort of closure. Margaret ends up being the woman who sat next to Sals mother
on the ride and was the only survivor which is why her father met her. Sals gram ends up passing away so her and her father move back to Kentucky to
live near her gramps. Her relationships with her new friends still stay strong.
ReviewI believe that this book is very well written. The plot involves two different stories, but is still very organized and easy for the reader to understand. The
fact that there are two different stories happening is very helpful to keep the reader engaged. As the book goes on, the reader can see how the story Sal
is telling affects the present story which is very interesting to unravel as a reader. This book is also very relatable to many readers of the recommended
age. Sal is 13 years old so the problems in her life are probably similar to the problems that the readers are experiencing.
Classroom ApplicationThe students can use the book as a mentor text in their writing workshop. There are many different aspects of this book that involve very advanced
writing. The students could work on writing a story with dialogue, a personal story like Sal, or a story within a story. There are many different mini-lessons
a teacher could develop in the writing workshop based on the writing style in this book.
Number the Stars

Author:
Lois Lowry
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1989
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: John Newbery Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's
SummaryBook Award, National Jewish Book Award for Children's

This book is about Annemarie, a young girl who grows up in Denmark during WWII. Annemaries best friend Ellen is Jewish and when they find out that the
Literature
Nazis
are relocating the Jews, Annemaries family hides Ellen while her parents hide with the help of the rebellion group. Annemarie, her mother, and little
sister take Ellen to their Uncle Henriks house which is on the coast across from Sweden which is free from Nazi control. Uncle Henrik and Annemaries
mother go to great lengths, like faking a funeral and running through the woods in the middle of the night, to get Jews across the water to Sweden where
they would be free. Annemarie ends up having to save the day because her mother is injured and Annemarie needs to get a special package to her Uncle
Henrik or else their entire plan will fail. Along the way there is a lot of trouble with the Nazi soldiers but in the end the rebels succeed. Peter is one of the
members of the rebel group and was also supposed to be Annemaries brother-in-law before her sister passed away. By the end of the story, he saved
many Jews lives, but he passed away when he got caught by the Nazis. Ellens family ends up making it to Sweden safely.
ReviewThis book is written in a way that keeps the reader very engaged. The plot includes many cliff-hangers. These keep the reader on the edge of their seat
and makes the reader not want to put the book down because they want to see what is going to happen. The book also includes many historical aspects
that is beneficial to the reader by being able to read about actual real-life events in a way that is fun and engaging. The characters are portrayed in a
very real way. This makes it very easy for the reader to sympathize with the characters and feel real feelings towards whats happening to these
characters in the book.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will be able to connect this book to history and writing. There are many true historical aspects of this book that the students can use to
better their understanding of WWII and the Holocaust. This is a book that can be used to make a connection between reading and social studies. The
students can use this book as a mentor text and then write their own story that is historical nonfiction.
Lock and Key

Author:
Sarah Dessen
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
2008
Genre:
Fiction
Age
level:
12-13
Grade
band:
7th-8th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis book is about Ruby, a young girl who grew up with a very hard life. Ruby, her sister Cora, and her mother didnt have much when the girls father left
them. Her mother began to drink and become aggressive with the girls. Cora worked hard to protect Ruby and when she turned 18 she left and created a
better life for herself. She tried to stay in touch with Ruby and take custody of her, but her mother kept lying to Ruby and telling her that Cora no longer
wanted anything to do with them. Eventually Rubys mother left her and Ruby lived on her own for awhile until her landlords called child services. Ruby is
forced to move in with Cora who is now married and very rich. Ruby is forced to cope with flipping her whole life upside down and struggles to let anyone
in. Eventually she finds out the truth about her mother and her relationship with Cora begins to grow. As the book goes on, Ruby grows and she begins to
let people in and make friends in her new town. She ends up in a relationship with Nate, the boy next door, who is being abused by his father. They work
together to build each other up. By the end of the book, she begins to realize that she wants a family and a future and she works hard to achieve it.
ReviewThis book is an amazing example of having well developed characters. Throughout the entire book, the reader can see inside Rubys head and witness
her internal struggle as she grows. The reader can see how Ruby has one view on life, but as she interacts with the other characters, she begins to
rethink her views. The reader can clearly see the growth step by step in multiple other characters as well. The book is also very relatable to real life. The
character deals with moving to a new school and making new friends. This makes it easy for the reader to engage in the book and relate with the
characters.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book and focus on the characters in the book. There are many characters in the book who have developed so they can choose
which character they want. They can create a character chart when they first start reading the book and write down the physical appearance of the
character, her lifestyle, thoughts, and feelings. When the students finish the book they will do the same thing, but they will focus on how these same
character traits have changed and developed. They will then use this to write an essay on their character and their development.
Standard: PA R7.A.1.3.2:Cite evidence from text to support generalizations.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author:
Stephen Chbosky
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1999
Genre:
Fiction
Age
level:
12-13
Grade
band:
7th-8th
SummaryAwards: N/A
This book is written as a collection of letters that the narrator Charlie writes to some anonymous person that he has never met. He uses the letters like a diary,
but likes to know that someone is reading them and is listening to him. Charlie grows up without many friends, and the one friend that he did have committed
suicide. Most people think Charlie is weird because he acts differently than most people. He likes to go unnoticed but watches everything. He is trying to
understand the world he lives in and the people around him. This book is all about Charlie evolving and growing as a person as he struggles with the same things
that teenagers in real life struggle with. Charlie eventually makes friends with two people, Sam and Patrick. These friends change Charlies life and how he
responds and acts. Charlie has to deal with falling in love with someone who doesnt love him back, his best friend being gay, he struggles with drugs and alcohol,
and he has a lot of problems with his family. By then end of the book, the reader finds out that Charlie was sexually abused as a child and this explains a lot of his
behavior throughout the book. The reader also sees how Charlie grows and changes from the beginning of the book to the end of the book.
ReviewThis book has a lot of topics that some adults would find inappropriate for children to read about. For instance, drugs, alcohol, sex, abuse, abortion, etc. Although
the book is somewhat graphic, it talks about a lot of issues that teenagers are actually dealing with instead of just acting like they dont exist. This might be a
relief for a teenager to hear that theyre not the only one with questions about these topics. This doesnt mean that someone should recommend this book to any
teenager. I think that the reader needs to have a certain level of maturity before reading this book. The book is very well-written and the plot is very engaging.
The main character is very round and develops a lot from the beginning of the book to the end of the book which makes him very relatable.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to help better their understanding of making inferences. Most of the events in the story are not explicitly written out for the reader
and they have to piece together the evidence to understand what is going on. This book will be read after giving a minilesson on inferences and the students will
have to use their new knowledge throughout their time reading the book to make their own inferences. They will then have to share their inferences with the class
and back it up with information in the book.
Standard: CC E07.B-K.1.1.1:Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions,
and/or generalizations drawn from the text.
The Hunger Games

Author:
Suzanne Collins
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
2008
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Childrens Book Award,
SummaryCalifornia Young Reader Medal: Young Adult, Hal Clement

This book is placed in a post-apocalyptic setting called Panem that consists of 12 districts that are ruled by what is known as the Capitol. After a previous rebellion
Cybils
Awards
for
Fantasy
andevery
Science
Fiction
Young
byAward,
the districts
against
the capitol,
they
now monitor
single thing
that the
districts are doing to prevent any other rebellions from occurring. Also as a result
of Adult
the rebellion, the Capitol hosts the Hunger Games every year in which one boy and one girl tribute between the ages of 12-18 are chosen to fight to the death
as a reminder of what the districts did, and a way for the Capitol to show the districts that they will never be defeated. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are the
tributes from district 12, the poorest district, and they have the odds stacked against them. These tributes are fighters though and wont go down without a fight.
They both have a very specific skill set that benefits them in the games, and they also have a great team supporting them. They hold the attention of all the
viewers because of their story of being lovers. This is the story that they use to rally the support of the viewers to gain sponsors and receive support while in the
games. Katniss and Peeta overcome many obstacles while in the games, but the biggest surprise was when they outsmarted the game makers and both came out
as victors for the first time ever. After the games, they struggle with proving to the capitol that they are not trying to start a rebellion. To do this, they have to
prove that they are truly in love and for Peeta that is easy, but Katniss is still struggling with trying to understand her feelings.
ReviewThe plot in this book is very well-written. There are many surprises that catch the reader off-guard and keeps them on the edge of their seat. The different aspects
of modern fantasy are very intriguing because it is so different than present day. This makes the reader wonder if it is possible for this type of situation to ever
occur in real life. The book is written mostly as the thoughts of the main character Katniss. This makes it easy for the reader to form a bond with her and connect
with her on an emotional level. Once a reader gets their hands on this book, theyll have a hard time putting it down!
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use the aspects of modern fantasy in this book as a guide to writing their own form of a modern fantasy text. They will look at the book and see
which parts of the modern fantasy really enhanced the plot and setting and which parts might not have been necessary. They will then use this as a mentor text
throughout the process of their own writing.
Standard: PA 1.4.6.A:Write poems, short stories, and plays, include literary elements and devices.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author:
Harper Lee
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1999
Genre:
Fiction
Age
level:
12-13
Grade
band:
7th-8th
Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Quill Award for Audio Book
SummaryThis book is set during the time of the Great Depression and when racism was a big issue. Scout and Jem are siblings who meet a friend named Dill who is
fascinated by the Radley House. A man named Boo Radley lives there who never goes outside. When they pass by the Radley house the kids find little presents
hidden in the knothole of the tree for them. Atticus, Scout and Jems father, is a very well-known lawyer that decides to represent a man named Tom Robinson who
is African American and accused of raping a white woman. Because of Atticus decision to represent Tom, the town starts to be very mean to their family.
Although, Atticus is able to prove that Tom innocent, the all-white jury still finds him guilty. Later, Tom tries to run from jail and is shot dead. Meanwhile, Boo
Radley makes other appearances to the family. For instance Bob Ewell, the father of the girl that Tom Robinson is accused of raping, decides to go after Scout and
Jem because he believes that Atticus embarrassed him at the trial. Boo Radley saves the day by killing Bob Ewell and running Jem home to get his injury looked at.
Throughout the book Jem grows as a character learning from what is going on in the world around him. He sees how his father acts towards racism and struggles
to see how everyone else acts. Scout also grows as a person by seeing Boo as a real person and practicing compassion towards him.
ReviewThis book uses a very entertaining story to portray a period of time that was essentially very ugly. The plot is pretty understandable for middle school aged
students and is a way to show that time in history in a less dry way. The book also shows a lot of growth in Jem based on the events in the town around him.
Based on everything that happens, he is forced to grow up pretty quickly. The reader is able to see Jem make decisions based on what he believes and the
example his father has set for him. The book is written in a text that represents how people talked in the south during this time period so that may be more
challenging for younger readers to understand. It adds an authentic feeling to the book for those that understand the language.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book by connecting it to their social studies class. The students will read this book at the same time that they study this time period
during their social studies class. They will then connect this book to the facts that they learned in class and look for the different parts in the book that are fiction
and the parts that are nonfiction.
Standard: CC E08.B-C.3.1.2:Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic, and identify where the texts
disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
Leahs Pony
Author:
Elizabeth Friedrich
Illustrato
r:
Michael Garland
Publishe
d
1996
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age
level:
7-8
Grade
band:
2nd-3rd
Awards: IRA Children's Choice Selection, Notable Social Studies Trade
SummaryBooks For Young

This book takes place during the Great Depression in a region nicknamed the Dust Bowl, because there was no rain and all the farms dried up and
People
turned
to dust. Leahs family is being hit hard during this time and they have no money to pay back their bank loan. Leahs father decides to have
an auction and sell all of his cattle and farming equipment to pay back the bank. Leah decides to help by selling her pony, who is very special to
her. She then goes to the auction and bids a very low price for their familys tractor. Everyone else at the auction were friends of the family and
realized that they wanted to help them save their farm, so no one outbid Leah. This led to everyone bidding low prices for the items, and then
giving them back to the family after they bought them. This saved Leahs farm. She was still sad though because she didnt have her pony
anymore, but the next day when she went to the barn, her pony was there waiting for her with a note from the man who bought it saying that the
pony was best with her.
ReviewThis book is a good representation of the hard times during the Great Depression. It uses a fictional story to represent what real people had to go
through and it did a good job. The pictures do a very nice job of depicting what the story is narrating. I think that Leah is a character that younger
readers could relate to. Leahs is a young character and is trying to help her family which is something that I think a lot of young girl readers will
like reading about. The text is also easy enough for younger readers to understand even though there is a large historical aspect.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will have this book as an anticipatory set for a social studies lesson. Before the students learn about this time period, the teacher
can read this book so that they can start to understand what this time period is like in a more interesting way before the learn the facts in their
social studies lesson. They will then connect the book to their lesson and compare and contract which parts of the book are real and which parts
of fiction.
Standard: CC.1.2.2.E:Use various text features and search tools to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

Author:
Jean Fritz
Illustrato
r:
Margot Tomes
Publishe
d
1996
Genre:
Nonfiction
Age
level:
8-10
Grade
band:
3rd-5th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis book is the story of Paul Reveres life. It starts out with Paul as a kid and talks about how he was always trying to find something to
do and see in his town. The reader finds out about the different jobs that Paul had and how he wanted to go fight in the nearby war. It
talks about Pauls marriages and children and his hobbies. Paul became a leader of the Sons of Liberty and how he participated in the
Boston Tea Party. Paul then became a very famous express rider and he goes on many rides and becomes too busy for many of the
other hobbies that he used to have. Sometimes on his rides, Paul when get into some trouble and even got locked up. Pauls most
important ride was called his Big Ride. He was heading to Lexington and Concord and had to let everyone know how the English were
coming to attack. Also the way there were a lot of issues that had to be resolved and Paul overall succeeded on his ride. The battles
that happened at Lexington and Concord ended up starting the revolutionary war. Both during the war and after the war Paul kept
himself busy with different jobs and passing on the stories of his life to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
ReviewThis book writes about Paul Reveres life in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Most pages end at a part that tells
you there is a big event coming but doesnt tell you what which makes the information more interesting. The information is very
detailed but some of it is written like a list instead of a story which is less engaging for the reader. Although this book has more of a
story element than most nonfiction books, it still focuses more on getting the information across to the reader.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book as a mentor text when writing a short essay about a nonfiction topic of their choice. They will use this a
The Snowy Day

Author:
Ezra Jack Keats
Illustrato
r:
Ezra Jack Keats
Publishe
d
1962
Genre:
Age
level:
5-7
Grade
band:
K-2nd
Awards: The Caldecott Medal

SummaryPeter is the main character and he is a young boy that wakes up and is excited to go play in the snow. He goes outside and does a
lot of fun things. He makes different kids of tracks through the snow and uses a stick to smack snow off of the tree. He also wanted
to join a snowball fight with the older boys but he decided to make a snowman and snow angels instead. By the end of his day,
Peter puts a snowball in his pocket to keep. By the time he is ready for bed, he checks for his snowball and its gone! He is sad and
dreams that all the snow was melted but when he wakes up he is happy to see that the snow is still there and he is excited to go
back out to play in the snow.
ReviewThis book is great for very young students and beginning readers. It has a topic that most young children can relate to and get
excited about reading. It also is written in a very short and simple way that can be helpful to beginning readers. The pictures are
also very colorful and fun and are very beneficial to the text. The fact that the main character is African-American is good to break
any racial barriers and mindsets.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to work on their reading. They will look for sight words, beginning, and ending sounds. The students
will read this book more than once so that they are familiar with the plot and they can become more comfortable with the words and
their sounds.
Standard:
CC.1.1.K.D:Know and apply grade level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
The Diary of a Young Girl

Author:
Anne Frank
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
1947
Genre:
Nonfiction
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: N/A
Summary-
This book is Anne Franks personal diary that she uses to share her secrets with because she believes that she cant share any secrets with the friends
that she has. She names her diary Kitty and talks about everything going on in her life from the time that she gets it on her 13 th birthday. Annes family
has been struggling ever since the Jews moved into Holland and were restricting their lives. Eventually, Annes family decides to go into hiding with the
help of many of their friends. The place in which they go into hiding is called the Secret Annex. Anne talks about how she feels like she doesnt fit in with
her family and that they favor her sister. She also discusses a lot about the boys in her life and how a lot of boys like her but she is only in love with one
boy. There become a lot of tension between the Van Daans, the family also hiding in the Secret Annex, and the Franks. Anne wants to be more grown up,
and she wants to stop being treated like a baby by the adults. News is brought to the family by a friend about the conditions for the Jews in the
concentration camps and how they are being gassed. The families decide to take in an elderly, Jewish dentist and help him hide as well, but Anne is not
fond of this man. There are many close calls in which the family fears that they have been found, these all end up okay though for awhile. The family
struggles with daily living while in the Annex until August 4, 1944, which is the day the police raided the Secret Annex.
ReviewThe style of the writing is very entertaining. The diary is written by a 13 year old girl so the writing is not professional, but it is written in a fun way that
keeps the reader interested. The diary talks about the typical drama most 13 year old girls go through which is very relatable for many readers. This
makes it easy for a reader to become attached to Anne. There are obviously other aspects of the book that current readers are not going through because
WWII is over. This provides a historical aspect that the reader can learn from.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will connect this book with their learning of WWII. They will use this book as a guide, and then they will write their own diary, pretending to
be a teenager during WWII. They will have to talk about what they are thinking and feeling as if they were living during this time period.
Standard: PA 1.4.6.B:Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews).
Joyful Noise
Author:
Paul Fleischman
Illustrato
r:
Eric Beddows
Publishe
d
1988
Genre:
Poetry
Age
level:
9-11
Grade
band:
4th-6th
SummaryThis book is a collection of multiple poems all surrounding the same subject. Each poem is about some sort of insect. The author of these poems has written them
to read by two different voices. There are two columns of stanzas and some lines are read simultaneously while other lines are read by one reader at a time. Each
poem focuses on the joyful noise of each of the insects that he has written about. Each poem has its own joyful noise when it is read based on the different
words that the author uses. Some poems are sad and others are happy and each poem is very unique. The poems can be related to real life as well. There are 14
different poems about 14 different insects that are each very moving in their own way.
ReviewThis style of this book is very unique. It is meant to be read by two different people at the same time and the words are written on the page in a way that makes
that very easy to do. When the poems are read by two voices it seems to make the poems more moving and beautiful. The topics covered in each poem, even
though they are connected to insects, are mostly relatable to the real world. The themes throughout the book are something that can be interpreted by the reader
and are not as obvious as most books. The reader has to be able to dig beneath the text to make the connections. The poetry itself has a good beat to it and
sounds lovely when read aloud. The pictures really make the words come to life and connect the insects to the words that are being written about them.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to practice their public speaking and ability to read poetry. Reading poetry is a lot different than reading a normal text. Reading
poetry may feel awkward to the reader the first time because there will be places that seem like you should pause when you actually shouldnt. How someone
reads a poem can completely change what the meaning of that poem may be to the person listening. The reader has to find the rhythm of that poem or else they
will stumble over their words. The students will practice this by pairing up with another student and practicing reading one poem in Joyful Noise. After they have a
chance to practice and decide how they want the poem to sound, they will present their poem to the rest of the class. The students will then expand on this topic
by writing their own poem to their own meter and reading that poem to the class (or small group) as well.
Standard: PA 1.4.4.A:Write poems, multi-paragraph stories, and plays. Include detailed descriptions of people, places, and things. Include literary elements.
Begin to use literary devices.
Rosa
Author:
Nikki Giovanni
Illustrato
r:
Bryan Collier
Publishe
d
2007
Genre:
Non-Fiction
Age
level:
8-10
Grade
band:
3rd-5th
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award for
SummaryIllustrators
This book is about the life of Rosa Parks. It starts out with the minor details of her life like her family and job. The story starts when she is already married,
not when she is a child. The reason this book starts when Rosa is older, is because it focuses on her stand against segregation. Rosa Parks refused to give
her seat up on a public bus to a white person because she believed that it was wrong. Rosa was arrested due to this act. After Rosa was arrested, African
Americans in Montgomery decided to boycott the public buses to show that they do not agree with what had happened. About a year after Rosas arrest,
the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was illegal. Rosa stood up for what she believed was right, and this fight against segregation became
a stepping stone in African Americans gaining their freedom.
ReviewThis plot of this book is historical, yet the author uses a style and language that makes it very enjoyable to the reader. The pictures take up about 90% of
the space on the page. This is very beneficial to the reader because they are able to see everything that theyre reading about. The reader is able to
connect the words to very well drawn images. The author also adds multiple different pieces of history throughout the book that arent focused on but
gives the reader some background to the time period. This is helpful to a reader who doesnt really know what was going on during the Civil Rights
Movement.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to practice their writing skills of non-fiction topics. To write about a non-fiction topic can be harder for students because
its not something that they typically experienced or are very interested in. The writer also needs to be able to take facts and write about them in a way
that makes it interesting and story-like. The students will have an idea as to how to write about a non-fiction topic after reading Rosa. The students will be
able to choose a non-fiction topic that they have talked about in their social studies class and write a short essay on it. They need to make it short so that
they can learn to choose the most important details instead of including every miniscule thing. Rosa is also a good example of this.
Standard: PA 1.4.4.A:Write poems, multi-paragraph stories, and plays. Include detailed descriptions of people, places, and things. Include literary
elements. Begin to use literary devices.
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

Author:
Eugene Trivizas
Illustrato
r:
Helen Oxenbury
Publishe
d
1993
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
5-7
Grade
band:
K-2
Awards: Grand Canyon Reader Award for Picture Book,
SummaryPennsylvania
Readers
Choice
Award
for reversed.
Grades In
K-3
This
book is versionYoung
of the Three
Little Pigs
but the
roles are
this book there are three wolves who are trying to build a house, but the
big bad pig keeps coming and destroying their houses. First the wolves build a house out of bricks, but the big bad pig comes and knocks it down
with a sledgehammer. Next, the wolves build a house out of concrete. Once again, the big bad pig comes to tear down their house. This time he
uses a pneumatic drill to destroy their house. The next house the wolves build is the safest house anyone could imagine. There are iron bars,
barbed wire, armor plates, steel chains, Plexiglas, and 37 padlocks. This time, the big bad pig uses dynamite to blow their house up. The wolves
barely escaped before the house exploded. Finally, the wolves decide to build their house out of flowers. When the big bad pig goes to blow it
down, he gets a smell of the beautiful flowers and decides that he wants to become the big good pig now. The wolves and the pig become great
friends.
ReviewThis plot of this book is very funny. When a child reads this book, I can just imagine them laughing at the different antics of the wolves and the
pig. This spin takes the original story of The Three Little Pigs and flips it completely upside down. Most readers will know the original story and find
it humorous to read all of the differences found in this book. The characters are pretty flat and predictable like in most traditional fantasy books.
One difference though is the big bad pig. In most book, the bad characters always stay bad, but in this case the big bad pig has a change of heart
and becomes good. This is a good lesson/theme for the reader to learn.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will compare this book to the real version of the Three Little Pigs. They will be read both books as a class and then they will work
together to find the similarities and differences between the books. They will use a graphic organizer to organize their thoughts and ideas.
Standard: PA 1.6.2.A:Listen actively and respond to others in small and large group situations. (Respond with grade level appropriate
questions, ideas, information, or opinions.)
The Watsons Go to Birmingham1963

Author:
Christopher Paul
Curtis
Illustrator:
N/A
Published
1995 (republished in
1997)
Genre:
Multicultural literature
Age level:
10-12
Grade
band:
5th-7th
Awards: John Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award, Golden
SummaryKite Award Winner-Fiction, Jane Addams Childrens Honor Book Award, ALA
This book is about an average African-American family, the Watsons. The family includes a son named Byron who has been getting into a lot of
Notable
Childrens
Book The family decides that Byron needs to be set straight and that there is no one better to do that than their
trouble
in their
home of Michigan.
grandmother who lives in Birmingham. Kenny is Byrons younger brother and he is the narrator of the familys story on their trip. This book is set
during the Civil Rights movement. This means that the family encounters racism in many different ways and forms throughout their journey. In
one event, the local church is bombed. Joetta, Kenny and Byrons sister, is missing during this time and the family has to really come together.
This book really shows how racism can really strengthen a family and pull them together during a very tough time.
ReviewThis story takes a very serious topic, but incorporates some funny parts through the Watsons. The book is very enjoyable because the reader
really gets to know and connect with the characters. The reader starts to feel as if theyre friends with the Watsons and actually could start to feel
like theyre part of the book. The setting of this book really shows the reader what was going on during the Civil Rights movement. They are able
to see a real historical time period through a fictional family. The book incorporates real historical events that happened during the Civil Rights
movement which is beneficial to young readers who are just beginning to learn and understand what happened during this time period.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will read this book and use it as background knowledge to prepare them for a social studies lesson on the Civil Rights movement.
While reading this book, the students will have little knowledge as to whether or not the events in the story were real or fictional. Before the
students begin their lesson, the teacher will lead a class discussion about the events, themes, and people in the book. The students will then be
able to begin to connect the events in the story with actual historical events.
Everything on a Waffle
Author:
Polly Horvath
Illustrator:
N/A
Published
2001
Genre:
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th

SummaryThis book is about an 11 year old girl named Primrose whose parents are lost at sea. They live in Coal Harbour, British Columbia which is a small fishing
village. A large storm came in while Primroses father was out fishing and her mother left to look for him, but they never came back. The town believes
they are dead so they are forced to find a permanent place for Primrose to live. Her Uncle Jack ends up taking her in, but he is rarely around. Primrose
forms a friendship with Miss Bowzer, who owned the restaurant The Girl on the Red Swing, where you can get anything on a waffle. Miss Honeycut is
the schools guidance counselor and she is handling the housing situation for Primrose. She shows that she is very interested in Primroses Uncle Jack.
After a series of events where Primrose gets hurt, Miss Honeycut puts Primrose in foster care because she believes that she isnt being taken care of well.
When Primrose gets to meet with Uncle Jack one day, they notice a fire coming for a housing unit nearby and Uncle Jack rushes in and saves Miss
Honeycut. Not long after Uncle Jack is released from the hospital for injuries due to the fire, Primroses parents return to Coal Harbour after being
stranded on an island. Shortly after this, Miss Honeycut returns to her England, where she is from.
ReviewPrimrose is a character that I think people her age could relate with. She struggles with friendships at her school and deals with spending time alone. She
also spends a lot of time taking care of her house because her Uncle Jack is working a lot. Primroses character develops pretty well which makes it easy
to become attached to her. Living without parents and being placed in a foster home is a very realistic topic. This is something that may hit close to home
with some students so the teacher needs to be aware of the maturity levels of her students before introducing the book.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will pick a character from the book and write multiple diary entries from that characters perspective. They must understand their
characters thoughts and feelings towards the situations in the book. The students will have to write more than just the facts. They will have to make the
entries personal and emotional.
Standard: PA 1.5.6.D:Write with an understanding ofstyle, using a variety of sentence structures and descriptive word choices (e.g., adjectives,
nouns, adverbs, verbs) that createvoice.Include features that conveytoneandvoice(e.g. vivid verbs, specific nouns and modifiers).
The Slave Dancer

Author:
Paula Fox
Illustrator:
Eros Keith
Published
1973
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th

SummaryThis book is about a boy named Jessie Bollier who lives in New Orleans with his mother and sister. He plays his fife to make money for his mother.
Jessie is kidnapped by two sailors and put on a ship called The Moonlight which is headed to Africa. This ship is a slave ship and the captain makes
Jessie play his fife and make the slaves dance to keep them strong. Jessie believes that he can trust Purvis, who is one of the sailors on the ship.
The ship is always in danger because both the British and Americans try to stop the transport of slaves. The more Jessie learns about the slave
trade, the angrier he gets at the sailors and the more he wants to get off of the ship. Jessie gets punished whenever the sailors see his anger
towards the trade and this creates a bond between Jessie and one of the young slaves who witnesses Jessies punishment. Jessie witnesses
horrible mistreatment of the slaves and the sailors on the boat. He sees slaves thrown over the edge and other terrible things. Eventually, with
help, Jessie is able to escape. It is a tiresome journey but he eventually makes it home.
ReviewFor a teacher to assign this book to her class, they would have to know the maturity level of their students. This book has many different events
that are somewhat graphic for students. There is a lot of death and mistreatment of slaves throughout this book. There is also some strong
language used throughout the book. The slave trade is talked about in more detail than students would typically learn about in a classroom
textbook. The historical aspect is very heavy throughout the book. The books engagement drags at points throughout the text which makes some
parts more boring than others. The style of the writing is also confusing at some points because it is written in a more formal fashion.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will research the slave trade and compare what they have read about in the text to the facts that they have recently researched.
They will then have to work with a partner to compare their findings. After discussing, they will have to write an informational essay about what
theyve learned about the slave trade.
Standard: PA 1.4.7.B:Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews)
Shooting the Moon

Author:
Frances ORoark
Dowell
Illustrator:
N/A
Published
2008
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age level:
9-11
Grade
band:
4th-6th
Awards: Christopher Award, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book

SummaryThis book is about a 12 year old girl named Jamie Dexter whose father is a colonel in the military so their family is stationed in Fort Hood, Texas.
Within their base, she becomes good friends with Private Hollister. Her brother TJ is deployed to Vietnam and Jamie is very excited because she is
very proud of the army, and she cant wait to hear all about the war from her brother. Jamie seems to love combat and not care if that means that
people are dying because she is disappointed when TJs letter doesnt involve anything about dangerous fighting. Every time TJ sends a package,
he sends rolls of film to Jamie. Every new roll seems to have more graphic pictures and she believes that TJ is trying to teach her that there is
more to war than they used to think. He wants her to know that there is a lot of sadness hard times. Jamie loves learning to develop film, it makes
her feel closer to her brother. Private Hollister finds out that he may be shipped to Vietnam and this frightens Jamie so she asks her father not to
send him, and he doesnt. TJ ends up going missing in Vietnam and the family doesnt hear from him for 2 years until the war is over, but he does
end up coming home safely. By the end of the book Jamies starts to second guess her views on war and whether or not she is still excited by it.
ReviewThis book focuses on Jamies life. There arent very many events or details throughout the story. It shows more about how Jamie grows up and
starts to see what war is really like. The plot drags a lot in many places because there isnt anything going on. The reader only hears Jamies
thoughts and it seems like the setting never changes throughout the book. The historical details in the book arent talked about in too much
detail. There isnt very many aspects about Vietnam specifically. It is more about war in general.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will write a reflection about how the feel about Jamies perspective of war. Most people wont find war as exciting and fun as Jamie
Dexter. After studying about war, they will have to write about whether or not they believe war is beneficial or unnecessary. They will then have to
either agree or disagree with Jamie and then justify their answer.
Standard: PA 1.4.6.B:Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews).
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Author:
C. S. Lewis
Illustrator:
Pauline Baynes
Published
1950
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age level:
10-12
Grade
band:
5th-7th
Awards: Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel (1954), Lewis Carroll Shelf
Award (1962)
SummaryThis book is about the 4 Pevensie children who leave their home during WWII and are sent to live with a professor. While the kids are playing a game in
the house, the youngest child, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe. When she walks through the wardrobe she enters a land called Narnia. She meets many
different creatures including a Fawn named Mr. Tumnus whom she becomes friends with. When Lucy returns home she realizes that time doesnt pass in
the real world while she is in Narnia. Her siblings think she is making the who thing up. Later, while trying to hide, all 4 siblings rush into the wardrobe
and enter Narnia. They soon realize that the White Witch is after them to get rid of them because according to the prophecy, they will be the new rulers
of Narnia and the White Witch doesnt want that. Edmund the second youngest child runs away to the White Witch and the other siblings spend their time
in Narnia preparing for a war and trying to save their brother. Along the way they encounter many different friends, and Aslan, the true ruler of the land.
Aslans army ends up winning the war in the end and Edmunds life is spared from the White Witch due to Aslan sacrificing his own life instead. He ends
up coming back to life and makes the siblings the rulers of the land while he is gone. Years later, the siblings see a lamppost, which reminds them of their
home and they all return to their real life at the same time that the left for Narnia.
ReviewThe plot of this book is very unique. This makes it very engaging for the younger readers. The fantasy elements are very evident throughout the book
which makes the reader feel like theyre being taken to another world. The style of writing is very detailed and makes the reader feel like they are right in
Narnia with the characters. The 4 main characters grow as a group throughout the book. At the beginning they each seemed very independent but by the
end of the book they are able to work together, and they really show how much they each love each other.
Classroom ApplicationThere is some language used in the book that may be new to the readers because some of the words are specific to the time period. The students will
keep track of any words that they come across while theyre reading that are new to them. They will then have to look up that word, find synonyms and
antonyms of the word, and use it in a sentence. This will help make the meaning of that word more memorable and stick with them.
Standard: PA R5.A.1.1.2:Identify and/or interpret a synonym or antonym of a word used in text.
Mother Poems
Author:
Hope Anita Smith
Illustrator:
Hope Anita Smith
Published
2009
Genre:
Poetry
Age level:
8-10
Grade
band:
3rd-5th
Awards: American Library Association Notable Children's Book

SummaryThis book is a collection of poems written by the author about her mother. She considers her mother her hero. The poems tell a story about their lives and
memories that were shared. The author talks a lot about all the different things her mother does for her, like be her doctor. She explains all the different reasons
why she loves her mother and how much she knows her mother loves her. The author shows how she wants to be just like her mother when she grows up. There
are also poems that talk about the authors grandmother. She tells stories about her and her grandmother, but also about her, her mother, and her grandmother
all together. One day, her mother passes away very unexpectedly. The author spends the rest of the poems explaining how she copes with her loss, remembers
her mother, and moves on from the pain. For a long time, all she wants is to be reunited with her mother. She posts wanted pictures of her mother around town
and acts like a very good girl hoping to bring her back. There are many flashbacks of her mother brought on by current events and situations in her life, like her
aunts cooking. By the end of the book, the author is beginning to live with the fact that her mother is not coming back.
ReviewThis way that this book is organized and written is very effective. The poems tell a consecutive story of the relationship between the mother and daughter, but
within each poem is a separate story that just adds to the main relationship of the mother and daughter. The style of writing is very personal and emotional. It is
also very relatable. Reading about the experiences, memories, and emotions of the mother and daughter really makes the reader feel those same emotions. This
topic would be very emotional for any reader who has also lost a parent. This is something to keep in mind when assigning this book to some readers. The rhythm
of most poems is very natural and makes it very easy to read.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use these poems as examples for when they write their own poetry. These poems are good examples of personal topics which is what the
students will write about. There are less metaphors in these poems so that will also be less emphasized in the students poems because they will be beginning
writers of poetry.
Standard: PA 1.4.3.A:Write poems and stories. Include detailed descriptions of people, places, and things. Includeliterary elements.
The Boy Who Dared

Author:
Susan Campbell
Bartoletti
Illustrator:
N/A
Published
2008
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: Booklist Editors Choice, YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, IRA
Teachers' Choice
SummaryThis book is mostly a series a flashbacks that start in Nazi Germany towards the beginning of the Nazi movement. The present time of the book is when
Helmut is on death row reflecting on his life. Helmut Hubener, the main character, decides to join the Hitler Youth program. Helmut struggles to figure out
how the beliefs of the Nazis matches his beliefs as a Mormon. There are many things that the Nazis do that Helmut struggles to figure out the meaning
behind. Eventually he sees one of his Jewish classmates beaten and also sees one of his Jewish neighbors taken by the Nazis. After these events he
begins to question the Nazi propaganda and whether or not the Germans are provided the nation with the real news of the war. Helmut starts his own
newsletter with information that he gains from an illegal radio station. He is trying to let everyone know the truth about the war and Hitler. He passes out
these newsletters to as many people as he can. He is eventually arrested and tortured. While waiting in jail to be executed he thinks about his life, his
family and everything he believes in.
ReviewThis book takes a topic that is covered in a lot of literature, WWII and the Holocaust, and looks at it from a different perspective. Seeing WWII through the
eyes of a teenage rebel is not something that most literature uses. This is a fresh perspective for a lot of readers which could be very interesting. The
style of writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat through most of the flashbacks as they wonder what is going to happen. Helmut grows a lot as
a character throughout the book. The reader can see as his opinions change and he begins to question his beliefs. The reader then gets to see him grow
into a character that will truly fight for what is right.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will research WWII and the Nazi propaganda. They will then have to create their own newsletter that incorporates not only the German news
but also the British and US news that was illegal to listen to during the war. They will have to make it both factual but also very interesting for the
readers.
Standard: PA 1.4.6.B:Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews). Use
relevant graphics (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, tables, illustrations, photographs). Usesources, as appropriate, to task.
Divergent
Author:
Veronica Roth
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
2011
Genre:
Modern Fantasy
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fantasy
Summaryand Science Fiction, Goodreads Choice Awards Favorite Book

This book takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which human beings live in 1 of 5 factions. Each of the factions has a specific characteristic unique to
their members. These include honesty, kindness, intelligence, selflessness, and bravery. When children turn 16, they take an aptitude test that tells them
which faction they would fit and then they have a choice of which one they will choose. Rarely, people are labeled divergent. These people fit more than
one faction. Faction leaders find divergents dangerous because they tend to not conform to the beliefs of their faction and they have a harder time being
manipulated. Divergents have to hide their identity or they will be killed. The main character Tris, is a divergent and struggles through her factions
initiation to hide her true identity. Erudite, the intelligent faction, decides they want to overthrow Abnegation, the selfless faction because they rule the
government. To do this, the team up with the brave faction and put their members under a simulation that causes them to do whatever the Erudites say.
Thankfully, the divergents are immune to the simulation and they rebel and fight back against their own faction. Tris and another divergent, Four, are able
to turn off the simulation so the dauntless, the brave faction, are now able to fight back. The book ends with Tris, Four, Tris brother Caleb, Fours father
Marcus, and another dauntless member, Peter heading to the peaceful faction, Amity to take cover.
ReviewThis book is very interesting and keeps the reader engaged for many reasons. The style of writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. There are
multiple cliff hangers and parts of the story that make the reader wonder what will happen next. The main character is also relatable for a teenage girl.
She struggles with deciding whether to make her own decisions or listen to the decisions that are made for her. There are many elements of modern
fantasy that pull the reader in. The technology is so much greater than we have today and this makes the reader curious if that will ever happen.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will track the main character, Tris, from the beginning to the end of the book. She really grows as a character and this is something the
students should be able to track based on her thoughts and actions.
A Certain October
Author:
Angela Johnson
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Publishe
d
2012
Genre:
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: N/A
SummaryScotty is the narrator of this book who is telling the story of one October that changed her life. Scotty and her two friends, Misha and Falcone, dont have
perfect lives. Scottys mother passed away and her younger half-brother, Keone, has autism. Misha is living with her aunts while her parents are away,
and Falcones mother is out of the picture. Scotty and her friends are juniors in high school during her story and the events and struggles that they go
through are typical to most high schoolers. They all struggle with relationships throughout the story. They are all also preparing for the homecoming
dance that is on Halloween. They each struggle with issues within the family as well. One day, Scottys life is flipped upside down. Keone, Scotty, and
Kris, a friend that Scotty used to hate but was just starting to get to know again, were all involved in a train crash. As a result, Scotty had minor injuries,
Keone was in a coma, and Kris passed away. Kris wouldnt have been on the train during the accident if he hadnt stayed to help Scotty take care of
Keone. Now Scotty is struggling with forgiving herself because she believes that Kriss death and Keones coma are her fault. The rest of the book
involves Scotty dealing with her emotions while trying to move on with her everyday life. At the end of the book, Keone wakes up from his coma and
Scotty, Misha, and Falcone go to the homecoming dance with the perfect dates.
ReviewThis book is so well written. The style and plot are amazing because they are both so real. When reading this book, the reader doesnt feel like theyre
just involved in another piece of fiction. The reader is engulfed by such real language and characters that its as if they are a part of the story. This also
makes the book so relatable to most readers. All of the characters, especially Scotty, have to deal with parts of life that a lot of books dont talk about in
such a detailed way. The effects of death, broken families, and having a brother with autism all are dealt with by the main character in a way that most
readers in that situation would relate to. The language used is more mature so the reader has to have a maturity level to handle that. There is also one
scene that is a bit sexual which isnt good for younger readers.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will study the themes of the book. There are so many themes in this book that are so heavily relied on to make the book as good as it is.
The book would not be the same without these themes.
If Youre Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand

Author:
Kalli Dakos
Illustrato
r:
G. Brian Karas
Publishe
d
1995
Genre:
Poetry
Age
level:
8-10
Grade
band:
3rd-5th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis book is a collection of poems about school. The poems dont follow a storyline or need read in any sort of order. Each poem has its own
specific topic and each one is independent of each other. The poems are humorous and the topics are typical of what people usually think
about when they think about school. The poems also mostly align with elementary school antics. Some of the topics covered in the poems
include, math, substitute teachers, kissing being gross, teachers being tired, show and tell, messy desks, mean teachers, and school
bathrooms. The poems are more about stereotypes of school rather than a realistic day in school.
ReviewThis book is very funny. I believe the authors purpose was more to make the reader laugh than anything. The reader can relate to some of
the poems based on their own schooling experience, but some of the poems are purely made up from the authors imagination and would
never happen. The narrator is most likely the same student in each poem, and they have the characteristics of a young school student that
most students in elementary school would have. This is something that I think elementary school students would enjoy when reading this
book. Some of the vocabulary is more advanced which makes it an easier read for older elementary students. The poems rhythm and
rhyme are very natural and make the poems easy and more enjoyable to read.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book as a guide to writing their own poems about school. They could either write something completely fictional
that could never happen at school or something realistic that theyve experienced at school. This gives the students more of a choice and a
chance to be very creative in their writing. This also gives them a chance to add fantasy and humor to poetry.
Standard: PA 1.4.3.A:Write poems and stories.
The Black Pearl

Author:
Scott ODell
Illustrato
r:
Milton Johnson
Publishe
d
1967
Genre:
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: Newbery Honor Book, ALA Notable Book for Children
SummaryThis book is about Ramon Salazar who lives with his family in Baja California. His town is made up of a lot of pearl dealers and divers. There is also an oral
story about the Manta Diablo that is told throughout the town. Everyone hears different versions about this monster, because very few people have every
actually seen it. Ramons father is one of the most famous pearl dealers in their town and when Ramon is old enough he joins his fathers business.
Sevillano is the a very cocky pearl diver who always has to be the best. Ramon starts diving in the lagoon to try to become a better diver than Sevillano.
Rumor has it that the Manta Diablo lives in that lagoon, but Ramon has always struggled to believe that the monster actually exists. One day, Ramon
finds the Pearl of Heaven, which makes him an amazing diver. Sevillano is jealous of course. Ramons family gives the pearl to the church. Unfortunately
this pearl is the Manta Diablos pearl. One day, Ramons fathers fleet is destroyed at sea and the only survivor is Sevillano. This is the last straw for
Ramon and he decides to return the pearl to the Manta Diablo. Sevillano tries to stop him because he wants the pearl. While at sea, the Manta Diablo
attacks them and defeats Sevillano. Ramon heads back to his town and gives the pearl back to the church.
ReviewThis book is very different. The topic is something that not many books are written about and is something that not all readers will be very interested and
engaged in. The book has a definite Mexican culture integrated throughout the story. This gives the book an authentic feel to the reader. It sort of feels
like the reader has joined another culture. The style of writing adds to the story. It is easy to understand what is going on and there isnt too much detail
that makes it difficult to follow what is happening.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will research pearl divers and Baja California. The students will be able to see what these things are both like in real life. They will be able to
tie the new information to the information that theyve read about in the book. They will be able to make text-to-world connections that will stick with
them.
Standard: PA R6.A.1.3.1:Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from text.
Three Little Words

Author:
Ashley RhodesCourter
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Published
2008
Genre:
Nonfiction
Age
level:
12-13
Grade
band:
7th-8th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis book is Ashley Rhodes-Courters memoir about her journey through life. Ashley was placed in the foster care system when she was three years old. She
bounced from one house to the next all of the time. Most of her foster care placements were average with overcrowded homes and very little attention. Eventually
she end up at the Mosss foster home. This placement was terrible. They abused the kids, neglected them, and withheld food. Some of the punishments at this
home included holding their heads under water, dumping hot sauce down their throats, and squatting for hours at a time. There were many investigations of the
home but most of the foster care case workers overlooked everything that happened. These case workers also neglected to keep up with Ashley and her brother
Lukes situation. Eventually they were able to leave the Mosss home but were transferred to many more homes, sometimes together and sometimes separated.
There last foster home placement was a youth home where most children with behavior issues went. Ashley and Luke were known to be troublemakers in their
foster homes. Finally, both Ashley and Luke are adopted. Ashley struggles to fit in with her family and eventually Luke is sent back to the youth home. Once
Ashley finally accepted her family and began to trust them, she started giving speeches to try to change the foster care system. She also participated in may
court cases against the case workers and her previous foster parents. Throughout this whole journey, Ashley has a longing to be with her mother again. It wasnt
until she was a teenager that she began to realize all of the lies her mother told her and she accepts what her mothers life truly was.
ReviewThis book is heartwrenching. It tells morbid stories about what the author went through during her life and it makes the reader sympathsize with her. The book
reveals all the terrible thing that go on throughout the foster care system and it is truly horrid. The character develops so well right before the readers eyes. They
start seeing the author as a naieve baby and see her grow into an angry, emotionally hardened child. Finally they see the author grow into a strong-willed woman
who fights for what she believes in and is able to break down her walls and let herself feel at home with her adoptive family.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will write a personal story about their lifes journey. It doesnt have to be anything morbid or difficult. It could be all the obstacles that theyve faced
or the fun times theyve had.
Standard: PA 1.4.7.B:Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews)
The Fighting Ground

Author:
Avi
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Published
1984
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: Scott ODell Award for Best Historical Fiction, ALA

Notable
SummaryThis book takes place in 1778 during the Revolutionary War. The main character is a boy named Jonathan who is 13 years old and wants nothing
more than to be able to fight in the war. One day, bells ring out and Jonathan goes to find out what is happening. He borrows a gun and joins a
march to go fight German Hessians. During this battle, he is taken prisoner. Jonathan then struggles to determine how he feels about the
Hessians. He feels bound to them in a way. There is another young boy at the house that he is taken to by these Hessians. Jonathan buries the
parents of the young boy who were also at the house. One night he escapes and runs back to the corporal that he was fighting for. The corporal
decides to go to the house and fight the Hessians. He has Jonathan check to see if theyre awake although he no longer wants to have the
Hessians killed. In the end, the Hessians were killed and Jonathan returns home to his family. His views on war have changed forever after seeing
so many deaths and the brutality of it all.
ReviewThis book shows a very different view of the revolutionary war. The book takes place in a 24-hour span so the events are very detailed and the
reader is able to see everything that happens. The growth of the main character is very incredible. His views on war change greatly and he
becomes more mature within the short amount of time that he fought. The historical elements are also very realistic throughout the story. It
makes the reader feel as if there back in the time of the Revolutionary War. The book is very engaging and presents a historical event in a way
that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will research the Revolutionary War and find multiple facts about what actually happened. They will then have to pull out many
events and details from the book that align with the facts that they have found during their research. They will compare and contrast the real life
events and the book.
Standard: PA R6.A.1.3.2:Cite evidence from text to support generalizations.
Harlem
Author:
Walter Dean Myers
Illustrato
r:
Christopher Myers
Published
1997
Genre:
Age
level:
9-11
Grade
band:
4th-6th
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award

SummaryThis story is told through the form of a poem. It starts out by talking about people who wanted to move to Harlem because it was a more free
place for African Americans to live. They dreamed of living in a place where they wouldnt have expectations based on their race. The people who
moved to Harlem brought their culture, shouts and songs, with them to the city. They brought hope and excitement and dressed the city in new
colors. In Harlem, they do new things and the kids play new games while they waited for the blues. The poem then moves from a hopeful tone
to a more sad tone. Dreams are not being fulfilled and there is more distress than was expected in Harlem. This poem tells the ups and downs of
the city and what to expect here. It tells how people looked to Harlem as a getaway, and for some it was, but for others there was less success.
ReviewThis book should be used for upper elementary readers because of the level of difficulty that the poem is written. This poem will most likely take
students multiple times reading it before they fully understand what it is saying. At first, it seems like a mess of words that dont go together or
make sense. This is because of the amount of specific names and places that are used throughout the story. Without specific background
knowledge, the reader will have no idea what the names and places mean. The poem itself is also somewhat confusing because of the style in
certain places. A teacher will most likely have to give some background knowledge before using this poem in a classroom.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will research 2-3 of the names and places that are used throughout the poem with a partner. They will find out what significance that
person or place has to the meaning of the story. They will then each share their new information with the class so that everyone can understand
the new meanings.
Standard: PA R3.A.1.1.1:Identify and/or interpret meaning of multiple-meaning words used in text.
A Giraffe and a Half

Author:
Shel Silverstein
Illustrato
r:
Shel Silverstein
Published
1964
Genre:
Poetry
Age
level:
5-7
Grade
band:
K-2nd
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis story is one poem that builds off of itself. Each page has a new line that describes a characteristic of this particular giraffe. After each
characteristic is mentioned, it is added to all the previous characteristics to make one long description of the giraffe. This is repeated on
each page of the story. The characteristics are silly rhymes that are used more for entertainment. For example, one characteristic is, with a
rat in his hat. This characteristic is added to the previous one to make, a giraffe and a half with a rat in his hat. This continues on and on
until the final description of the giraffe is fairly long. The poem then starts working its way backwards in which the giraffe is getting rid of all
of his new characteristics. For example, that silly old rat ran away with his hat. By the end, the reader is left with a plain and normal
giraffe.
ReviewThe authors purpose of this story seems to be the rhyming words and the silly entertainment. This book would be used to teach more
aspects of language arts like rhyming and vocabulary than it would be used to teach the plot. The plot is strictly amusing and used for the
readers enjoyment. The style of writing is a poem and it is very easy to follow because the rhythm is very natural for the reader. The
rhyming is also very simple and something that a very beginning reader can pick up on. This book is a fun read and something that young
students would enjoy.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will look at the different words to learn about rhyming. The will look at the new rhyming words on each page and reread them
to hear the rhymes. Eventually, the students will be choosing the rhyming words on their own without the teachers help.
Standard: PA 1.3.K.D:Recognizeliterary devices(e.g., rhyming,alliteration).
Little Red Riding Hood

Author:
Jerry Pinkney
Illustrato
r:
Jerry Pinkney
Published
2007
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
6-8
Grade
band:
1st-3rd
Awards: ALA Notable Book Award

SummaryThis story is a variant of the original story of little red riding hood. It is about a young girl who goes on a journey to her grandmothers
house to take her food and see if she is feeling better. Along the way she comes across a very sly wolf who tricks her into finding out where
her grandmother lives. He races ahead to the house while little red riding hood picks up some fire wood. At the home, the wolf gobbles up
the grandmother and then lays in bed and pretends to be her to trick the little girl. When little red riding hood arrives, the wolf tricks her
into getting really close to him and then he gobbles her up too. While the wolf is asleep and snoring in the home, a man comes in the house
to see whats going on. He sees the wolfs big belly and kills the wolf and then cuts open his belly to let out the young girl and grandmother
who were both okay.
ReviewThe plot of this story is little bit too gory for the youngest grades. There is a lot of death and having a wolf kill a little girl and a
grandmother might be too much for a kindergartener to handle. The style of writing is very engaging for the reader. The author has a way
of making the reader wonder whats going to happen next, even if they have heard the story before. The pictures in this story also add a lot
to the story. The pictures are very colorful and help a young reader to follow along with the story even if they dont understand certain
words.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will read this story but also other versions of the tale of little red riding hood. They will then talk about all the aspects of the
stories that were the same and all the parts that were changed throughout the different versions.
Standard: PA 1.2.1.C:Identify essential information within and across a variety of texts.
The Lion and The Mouse

Author:
Jerry Pinkney
Illustrato
r:
Jerry Pinkney
Published
2009
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
5-7
Grade
band:
K-2nd
Awards: ALA Notable Book Award, Caldecott Medal
SummaryThis story is very closely aligned with the original story of the lion and the mouse. This book has very minimal words. The only
words actually used are onomatopoeias. The rest of the story is told through pictures and story is up to the reader to interpret.
The pictures start out with a lion catching a mouse but the lion has a nice enough heart to let the mouse go. This turns out to
help the lion because later on, he is caught in a net by a hunter. The mouse hears the lions roar and he remembers how the
lion has helped him. The mouse takes all his mouse friends and they chew him out of the net. The lion and the mouse live in
equal harmony.
ReviewThe book is great for young readers because it has no words. This lets the reader interpret the story based on the pictures. The
lets the reader work on interpreting pictures and also work on their inferencing skills. The pictures are so detailed and amazing
that a reader could easily determine what the author is trying to say. The pictures are colorful and engaging and are fun to look
at for the reader.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to tell there own stories. They will each determine what they believe the story is based on what
theyre seeing. They will then read a true version of the lion and the mouse and compare the story to the ones that they all
came up with.
Standard: PA 1.1.K.D:Demonstrate listening comprehension/ understanding before, during, and after reading through
strategies such as think aloud, retelling, summarizing, and connecting to prior knowledge
Rapunzel
Author:
Paul O. Zelinsky
Illustrato
r:
Paul O. Zelinsky
Published
1997
Genre:
Traditional Fantasy
Age
level:
6-8
Grade
band:
1st-3rd
Awards: The Caldecott Medal

SummaryThis story is a retelling of the original story of Rapunzel. While Rapunzel is still in her mothers womb, her parents traded her to a sorceress in
exchange for some of the Rapunzel plant that she grows. When the baby is born, the sorceress takes her away and locks her in the top of a tower
and the only way to get in, is to climb up Rapunzels long hair into a very high window. One day a prince hears Rapunzels singing and figures out
how to climb into the tower, and he falls in love with Rapunzel. They end up getting married and Rapunzel becomes pregnant. When the sorceress
discovers this, she cuts Rapunzels hair and banishes her to a countryside alone. The sorceress tricks the prince into climbing into the tower and
tells him that he will never see Rapunzel again. The prince falls out of the window and is blinded from the fall. He stumbles into the countryside
and is reunited with Rapunzel and their twin babies. He regains his sight and the return to the city and live happily ever after.
ReviewThe illustrations in this book are phenomenal. They look extremely realistic and add a lot of character to the story. The pictures could tell a story
all on their own, but paired with the words it makes a great story. This version of Rapunzel is different than the one that most young readers
wouldve heard. There are minor details that are both different and interesting and keep the reader wondering what would happen next.
Classroom ApplicationThe students will use this book to compare it to the movie versions of Rapunzel that are available to the students. Most children will have already
seen a version of Rapunzel and they will be able to compare the movie to the book. This will work on their comparing and contrasting skills.
Standard: PA 1.1.2.D:Demonstrate comprehension / understanding before reading, during reading, and after reading on grade level texts
through strategies such as think aloud, retelling, summarizing, note taking, connecting to prior knowledge, supporting assertions about text with
evidence from text, and non-linguistic representations.
The Guardian
Author:
Nicholas Sparks
Illustrato
r:
N/A
Published
2003
Genre:
Fiction
Age
level:
11-13
Grade
band:
6th-8th
Awards: N/A
SummaryThis story is about a newly widowed woman named Julie. Julie was homeless for most of her teenage life until her future husband Jim took an interest in her and
promised her work and a place to stay if she came to live in his town. Eventually they were married and unfortunately Jim passed away not long after. When Jim
passed, he left Julie with a Great Dane named Singer who acted oddly like a human. Julie finally wanted to start dating again and meet multiple guys but wasnt
impressed until she met Richard. He was attractive and adored Julie. Eventually Julie realized it didnt click between them. She did notice a spark between herself
and her best friend, Mike, whom she knew had a huge crush on her. They fell in love and spent endless amounts of time with each other. Unfortunately, Richard
was not out of the picture. He was obsessed with Julie and started stalking her. He was smart, charming, and knew how to plan things to get exactly what he
wanted without seeming like a threat. He called Julie, showed up everywhere she went, broke into her house, and took a ton of pictures of her. Julie went to the
police because she was scared but it took a long time before the finally believed that this was a serious situation. After a long investigation, they realized that
Richard was not who he said he was, had a bad past, and was willing to get what he wanted, which was Julie. After Julie and Mike left town to hide, Richard found
them and tried to kill Mike and a police officer while kidnapping Julie. Singer came to the rescue and saved Julies life in time for the police to arrive and get
everyone help. Both Richard and Singer passed away that night and Mike and Julie could finally live in peace.
ReviewIt is hard to put this book down. It has the reader on the edge of their seat the whole time wondering what is going to happen. It has the perfect mixture of
romance and thrill. The authors style is engaging because the reader knows every characters thoughts at different times in the story which makes them want to
yell at the book and tell the other characters what they know. There is some sexual language in the book that would only be appropriate for more mature readers.
Classroom ApplicationDuring the time that the students are reading this book, they will make many inferences along the way. There is a lot of evidence presented throughout the book
and many hints are made by the author about the outcome. The students will make inferences about what those hints truly mean and how they could effect the
story.
Standard: PA R6.A.1.3.1:Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from text

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Kelsey Speers E-Book

Red- Young Adult

Hello, Bumblebee Bat

Oh, the Places Youll Go! Snowy Day*

Sugar Cane: A Caribbean

And Then What

The Three Little Wolves and

The Foot Book

Little Red Riding Hood*

Shooting the Moon*

The Hunger Games*

The Boy Who Dared*

The Lion, The Witch, and The

Mufaros Beautiful Daughters

Awards: Caldecott honor book (1988), Coretta Scott King Award

The Foot Book

Theodor Seuss Geisel

Awards: Teachers Top 100 Books for Children

Hello, Bumblebee Bat

Awards: Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Oh, the Places Youll Go!

Theodor Seuss Geisel

Awards: National Education Association named the book one of

Where the Wild Things Are

Awards: Caldecott Medal

Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel

The Tale of Despereaux

Timothy Basil Ering

Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Childrens Book Award, John

Walk Two Moons

Awards: John Newbery Medal

Number the Stars

Awards: John Newbery Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's

SummaryBook Award, National Jewish Book Award for Children's

Lock and Key

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Hunger Games

Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Childrens Book Award,

SummaryCalifornia Young Reader Medal: Young Adult, Hal Clement

Awards: IRA Children's Choice Selection, Notable Social Studies Trade

SummaryBooks For Young

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

The Snowy Day

Ezra Jack Keats

Ezra Jack Keats

Awards: The Caldecott Medal

The Diary of a Young Girl

Awards: John Newbery Medal

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award for

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

Awards: Grand Canyon Reader Award for Picture Book,

The Watsons Go to Birmingham1963

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Awards: John Newbery Medal

The Slave Dancer

Awards: John Newbery Medal

Shooting the Moon

Awards: Christopher Award, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Hope Anita Smith

Hope Anita Smith

Awards: American Library Association Notable Children's Book