E-Book File - Lauren Hasse

E-Book
Reviews
By Lauren Hasse
KEY
Blue – Picture Book
Green – Juvenile
Red – Young Adult
TABLE OF CONTENTS *Award Winner

^^Multicultural Literature
Contemporary Realistic Fiction:

*^^ Rules Non-Fiction:
*Because of Winn Dixie A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson
*First Day Jitters *Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
*The Dot *^Êl Deafo
*^^My Brother Charlie ^Âmericanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
*^^The Hate U Give *The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
Historical Fiction: Poetry:
*^^The Help The New Kid on the Block
*^^Number the Stars Where the Sidewalk Ends
*The Wednesday Wars ^^Come Over to My House
^Âunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky *^^Brown Girl Dreaming
*^^The Book Thief
Folk Literature:
Modern Fantasy: *^^ Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs The Irish Cinderlad
A Bad Case of The Stripes The Three Billy Goats Gruff
*Charlotte’s Web
*City of Bones
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Author: John Steptoe Illustrator: John Steptoe
Contemporary Realistic
Published: 1987 Genre: Fiction/
Multicultural Literature
Age Level: 4-8 Grade Band: PreK - 3

Awards: Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators
SUMMARY: Mufaro’s daughters are both beautiful on the outside, but different on the inside. Manyara is known for having a short temper
and being egocentric. On the other hand, Nyasha has a big heart and puts others before herself. When both girls were chosen to appear before
the king so that he could choose one to be his queen, their true colors show forth and Nyasha’s patience and caring awarded her the spot as
queen.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is a Cinderella-type tale that taps into the theme that true beauty come from within. The reader is exposed to
the native culture of the two girls and their family through out the story in the setting of their African village in this multicultural contemporary
realistic fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed Steptoe’s work, not to mention the beautiful illustrations that were included.
CLASSROOM USE: Prior to reading the story, students will engage in a class-wide discussion about what the word beauty means to them.
Using a list made of their ideas, the students will be asked to make note of how beauty is seen in the story and this will then be discussed at the
end of the book.
CC.1.3.1.A: Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
Rules
Author: Cynthia Lord Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2006 Genre: Contemporary Realistic

Fiction/ Multicultural
Literature
Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Awards: John Newbery Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award
SUMMARY: This novel follows Catherine as she navigates life with her younger brother, David. David has autism and sees the world from a
different perspective. Catherine wants to befriend her new neighbor, Kristi. However, Kristi does not understand or accept Catherine's world. In
visiting OT with David, Catherine meets Jason and they become good friends. When Catherine brings Jason to the dance with her, Kristi is not
accepting of him because of his handicap. Catherine realizes that Jason is her real friend. This book offers lessons of friendship and self-identity.
BOOK REVIEW: I remember reading this book when I was in 7th grade and rereading it today didn’t mask any of its greatness.
This tale of a sister coming to learn the ways of her brother with Autism and meeting new friends taps into the theme of true
friends and understanding.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will read Rules and reflect on each chapter and the developing theme in small groups
Standard C.C.1.3.6.K Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently
Because of Winn-Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo Illustrator: N/A
Published: March 2000 Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Fiction
Age Level: 8-10 , 11-13 Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8

Awards: John Newbery Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, Indies Choice Book Award for Children’s Literature
SUMMARY: Opal and her father (the Preacher) move to Naomi, Florida and adopt a dog named Winn-Dixie that she found at a local grocery
store. After this , the Preacher begins to tell Opal ten things about her mother. With Winn-Dixie by her side, Opal makes tons of new friends and
learns a lot about life itself. For her first summer in Naomi, she builds relationships and creates memories that will last her a lifetime while
learning a whole lot about forgiveness and friendship.
BOOK REVIEW: This heartwarming tale of a love between a girl and her dog is sure to appeal to anyone. Young students find that they can
relate to the young, whimsical, curious character of Opal. DiCamillo does an outstanding job of capturing each character’s individual personality
while tying them all into one cohesive story about life itself.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will connect the story of Winn-Dixie to the themes of friendship and forgiveness and how they can relate
these themes to themselves and the world around them.
Standard C.C.1.3.6.A Determine a theme or a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the
text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson
Author: David A. Adler Illustrator: Robert Casilla
Published: 1994 Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
SUMMARY: In this book, the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player in the MLB. He played
for the Los Angeles Dodgers while breaking the racial barriers that had been established in major league sports for years
prior.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is a great resource to get young students motivated for non-fiction literature. Students are
introduced to the life of a sport star when the sport wasn’t always the hardest thing, it was getting to play it in the first place.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will read the book as a whole class and then answer follow-up questions regarding the text
to ensure comprehension
Standard – CC.1.2.3.G Use information gained from text features to demonstrate understanding of a text.
El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell Illustrator: Cece Bell
Published: 2014 Genre: Nonfiction / Multicultural
Literature

Awards: John Newbery Medal
SUMMARY: This powerful true-story written by Cece Bell illustrates her experience with losing her hearing at a young age. Receiving a
Phonic Ear (her hearing aid), she receives the ability to hear, but causes her peers to look at her differently. After realizing that her disability
doesn’t make her any less able and embracing her Phonic Ear with her self-given title of “El Deafo, Listener for All,” she finds herself and her
best friend.
BOOK REVIEW: This tale of author Cece Bell coming-to-be takes a whole new twist on the theme of main characters finding themselves.
Having to accept a new disability that she hasn’t lived with her whole live, Bell shows readers that it’s not as much about the disability, but
rather about the ability of the individual.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will write a journal entry from Bell’s perspective reflecting on how she feels regarding certain situations she
encounters throughout the book.
Standard - CC.1.2.3.L Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.
First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Danneberg Illustrator: Judy Love
Fiction
Age Level: 3-7 Grade Band: PreK-2

Awards: 2001 Storytelling Award, PW Bestseller List
SUMMARY: Sarah Jane Hartwell hides under her blankets as her parents try to get her out of bed for the first day of school. Her parents
remind her of how much fun she will have and how much she enjoyed her other school, but all Sarah sees is a classroom filled with chaos.
Finally she ends up at the school and is greeted with excitement by the principal who walks her to her new class and introduces her as “Mrs.
Sarah Jane Hartwell,” the new teacher.
BOOK REVIEW: I remember first reading this book to a group of preschools that I student taught my senior year of high school. This
unique twist on the anxieties felt towards school on the first day for many students is reassuring that even sometimes even teachers get the first
day jitters.
CLASSROOM USE: After the book is read, students will participate in a class discussion regarding key details of the story.
Standard -
CC.1.2.2.B Ask and answer questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
The Dot
Author: Peter H. Reynolds Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Published: 2003 Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 5-7, 8-10 Grade Band: K-2, 3-5
Awards: Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens, Book links Editor’s Best of 2003,
Chapmans Awards for Best Classroom Read-Alouds (and many more)
SUMMARY: When art class is over and Vashti hasn’t drawn a thing, she puts a single dot on her paper and signs it. This
dot, once made out of frustration inspires Vashti to find the beauty in the little things and realizes that a dot is sometimes,
more than a dot.
BOOK REVIEW: This inspiring tale of self discovery is entertaining for such a wide variety of ages. As Vashti finds
herself in her artwork. An all-around well-rounded story, The Dot is an awesome story that can get students inspired by their
own creativity.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will be provided with a variety of different color art supplies (paint, markers, crayons) and
make their own image of dots and write a few sentences to describe what they created.
Standard - 9.1.V.2.B1 Create works of art inspired by the styles and materials of other artists.
The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2009 Genre: Historical Fiction /

Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards Best Fiction
SUMMARY: Based in Mississippi in the 1960’s, Skeeter is an aspiring writer and with the black women who have spent
their lives as caretakers for the prominent whites in the community, they have a story to tell. Just as Skeeter interviews each
of the women, their stories are shared to all around.
BOOK REVIEW: This book has been and always will be one of my favorites. Based off true events, the individual
personalities of each character contributes to one powerful tale of making waves in the community for positive change.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will choose one character from the story and create a character map for them. Standard -
CC.1.2.6.C Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My
Daughters
Author: Barack Obama Illustrator: Loren Long
Fiction
Age Level: 4-7 Grade Band: PreK-2

Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Best Picture Books
SUMMARY: In a tribute to his daughters, former President of the United States, Barack Obama, writes of thirteen achieving Americans who
have shaped our nation into what it is today. He covers a variety of people including artists such as Georgia O’Keefe to athletes such as Jackie
Robinson. Highlighting these Americans as heroes, Obama highlights their characteristics of the same ones that bring American citizens
togethers today.
BOOK REVIEW: This inspirational book informs students of all ages of how our country was built on heroes that made a stand for what
they believed in and for the country itself. Just as powerful as the words, the illustrations done by Loren Long add to the emphasis of the
importance of the people tribute in book. Serving as a well-developed tribute to our country’s history, this book teaches all children that they can
be an American hero.
CLASSROOM USE: After reading, students will compare characters discussed in the story for similar character traits
Standard - CC.1.2.1.C Describe the connection between two individual, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
My Brother Charlie
Authors: Holly Robinson Peete, Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ryan Elizabeth Peete

Fiction
Age Level: 5-7 Grade Band: K-2

Awards: Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award, 2000-2020
SUMMARY: Callie loves to play with her brother Charlie. They swim, play the piano, and run around outside. However, Charlie is very quiet
and doesn’t talk much but has his own special ways of saying “I love you.” Charlie is this way because he has autism. This doesn’t matter to
Callie and her family, they love Charlie and are proud of him whether or not he has autism.
BOOK REVIEW: This book should be a part of everybody’s library collection. With themes of hope, tolerance, and togetherness, readers
can feel the love that Callie and Charlie’s family have for each other. It is an informative way to teach students about those with autism, whether
they be their peers or someone they will meet down the road.
CLASSROOM USE: As a class, students will read My Brother Charlie and follow up by recording what kind of characteristics Charlie
possesses and discuss the commonality of these traits in individuals with autism.
Standard - CC.1.2.K.A With prompting and support, identify the main idea and retell key details of text.
Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry Illustrator: N/A
Published: 1989 Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: 1990 Newberry Medal, 1990 National Jewish Book Award in the
Children's Literature category
SUMMARY: Reflecting on life before the war, ten-year olds Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen are living in Denmark with food rations
and Nazi soldiers filling the streets. When the Jewish population of Copenhagen is “relocated,” Ellen joins the Johansen family and becomes
part of their family. This heartwarming welcome for Ellen soon turns dangerous and Annemarie sets out to protect the life of her best friend.
BOOK REVIEW: This heartwarming yet climatic tale of two friends during World War II is an amazing book alone or used as a
cross-curricular tool. Through Lowry’s words, readers are directly placed into Copenhagen along with the two friends and see the
war from the viewpoint of a child.
CLASSROOM USE: After learning about WWII and reading Number the Stars, students will create their own character from the time
period and write about a historically-accurate event that they experience.
Standard - CC.1.2.3.B Ask and answer questions about the text and make inferences from text; refer to text to support responses.
The Wednesday Wars
Author: Gary D. Schmidt Illustrator: N/A
Awards: John Newbery Medal
SUMMARY: Holling Hoodhood is a seventh grader and Camillo Junior High. He enjoys school, expect for Wednesday afternoons when the
rest of his class attends religious instruction and he spends his time with Mrs. Baker. Holling is more than sure that Mrs. Baker dislikes him –
why else would she assign him Shakespeare to read and discuss with her for their time together on Wednesdays. As Holling faces troubles both
inside and outside of school, he finds the Big M, motivation, in the least likely of places and embraces his life for what it is.
BOOK REVIEW: Schmidt’s book is a great tale for any middle school pre-teen. Based in the 1960’s some standards of living are slightly
different, but the internal struggles and motivation of Holling Hoodhood are sure to resonate with a large majority of readers.
CLASSROOM USE: As students read, groups will be assigned a specific theme from the book and focus on text evidence, character action,
and views of others as they illustrate this theme in a provided packet.
Standard - CC.1.3.5.A Determine a theme of a text from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or
how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad
in the Sky
Author: Faith Ringold Illustrator: Faith Ringold
Awards: Jane Addams Children's Book Awards for Picture Book
SUMMARY: Flying high above the city of New York, Cassie and her brother Be Be come to meet a train full of people. As the
train departs without Cassie, she meets Harriet Tubman who guides her along the same path that slaves who went along the
Underground Railroad used to bring her back to her brother in the end.
BOOK REVIEW: This story is a great way to introduce young students to history. It would be an awesome cross-curricular tool
to integrate literacy into history/social studies. Readers can connect to main character Cassie as she embarks on her informational
exploration.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will read other literature regarding Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad and compile a
class-wide facts sheet on the two main topics.
Standard - CC.1.2.K.C With prompting and support, make a connection between two individual, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a
text.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Author: Judi Barrett Illustrator: Ron Barrett
Published: 1978 Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Reading Rainbow Book, Georgia Children's Book Award
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books
SUMMARY: What happens when all of the weather elements suddenly involve… food? Ever heard of breakfast food
falling from the sky? What about a spaghetti tornado? Barrett’s story takes readers into this alternate food-based world.
BOOK REVIEW: This timeless classic is sure to please all. Readers get transported right into the crazy weather-distorted
world of Chewandswallow as painted by Judi and Ron Barrett.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will write and illustrate their own short story (1-2 pages) based on the book and create their
own weather scenario and how the residents of Chewandswallow react.
Standard - CC.1.3.1.C With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
Standard - CC.1.3.1.G Use illustrations and details in a story to describe characters, setting, or events.
A Bad Case of The Stripes
Author: David Shannon Illustrator: David Shannon
Awards: 1999 Black-Eyed Susan Award, 2002 North Carolina Children's Book
Award, 2002 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award -- Grades K-3 (Winner)
SUMMARY: Avid lima-bean lover Camilla Cream is worried her classmates will judge her for her love for them. Since
they don’t like them, Camilla won’t eat them and becomes so worried what others will think of her that she breaks out in a
bad case of the stripes!
BOOK REVIEW: In this story, readers are put right into the shoes of Camilla Cream as her worries turn into a bad case of
the stripes. Teaching students that the only opinion of themselves that matters is their own, they see Camilla shake her bad
case of the stripes and reclaim her love for lima beans.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will write one unique characteristic or fun fact about them and color in their own person
with the stripes of their own color choice
Standard - CC.1.3.1.G Use illustrations and details in a story to describe characters, setting, or events.
The New Kid on the Block
Author: Jack Prelutsky Illustrator: James Stevenson
Published: 1984 Genre: Poetry
Awards: Horn Book Fanfare, Garden State Children's Book Award (New Jersey)
ALA Notable Children’s Book
SUMMARY: Come and read about a boneless chicken, or how about jellyfish stew? Filled with wacky scenarios,
Prelutsky’s book is filled with hundreds of books that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any reader.
BOOK REVIEW: Filled with near a hundred poems about wacky, weird, and straight-up crazy scenarios, author Jack
Prelutsky and illustrator James Stevenson come together to produce a book that is ready to provide any reader with
enjoyment and a little bit of laughter.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will read The New Kid on the Block and follow up by creating their own poem and
accompanying illustration in the same style as author Prelutsky does.
Standard - CC.1.5.3.F Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual
displays when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Author: Shel Silverstein Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Published: 1974 Genre: Poetry
Awards: New York Times Outstanding Book, New York Times Notable,
Amazon.com Customers’ Favorite, ALA Notable Children’s Book
SUMMARY: This collection of poems and accompanying illustrations takes you into the creative world of Shel Silverstein
and his vivid imagination. From stories about a boy who turns into a TV set and Sarah Cynthia Stout who refuses to take the
trash out, there is a poem for every reader in this book.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is sure to be loved by readers of all ages. With a collection of laugh-worthy poems, both
children and adults alike are taken into the imaginative mind of Shel Silverstein and the characters and scenarios he creates.
CLASSROOM USE: After exploring the style of Shel Silverstein, students will create their own Silverstein-inspired poem
and accompanying illustration.
Standard - CC.1.5.3.F Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual
displays when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details.
The Irish Cinderlad
Author: Shirley Climo Illustrator: Loretta Krupinski
Published: 1996 Genre: Folk Literature
Awards: N/A
SUMMARY: Based on the well known fairytale of Cinderella with an unusual twist, a young boy named Becan takes the main role in this
tale. Becan has always been concerned with his big feet up until his new stepmother and stepsisters became his biggest concern. Banishing him
to fieldwork, he embarks on his greatest imaginative journey where he is a hero and rescues a princess while leaving his ginormous shoe behind
for the princess to find and return.
BOOK REVIEW: With such a unique twist on a classic tale, this book is sure to please all audiences. Readers are taken through the tale
through the eyes of a boy rather than the typical female perspective which gives them a new take on the timeless classic.
CLASSROOM USE: After reading both the classic Cinderella tale and The Irish Cinderlad, the students will make a Venn diagram
comparing and contrasting the two books.
Standard - CC.1.3.1.H Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.
Charlotte’s Web
Author: E.B. White Illustrator: Garth Williams

Awards: John Newberry Medal (1953), Audie Award for Middle Grade (2020)
SUMMARY: Main character Fern Arable falls in love with the runt of their new litter of pigs, Wilbur. When Wilbur wasn’t a runt anymore,
the Arable’s moved him to Fern’s uncle’s house down the road. Fern can’t visit him as often as she would like, but Wilbur makes friends with
the other farm animals – most importantly a spider named Charlotte. Their warming friendship and Charlotte’s care for others eventually saves
Wilbur in the end
BOOK REVIEW: This classic tale is an awesome read for anyone young or old. The friendship between Fern and Wilbur and Wilbur and
Charlotte inspires anyone to simply be a good friend to those around them. Between the characters and the plot of this story, readers are
introduced to themes such as maturity, friendship, and love.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will be assigned a character in the book (Fern, Wilbur, Charlotte, etc,.) and reflect on their actions, dialogue,
and personal themes as the story progresses. At the end of the book, students will create character webs for their assigned characters, pulling out
important information from the book that contributes to their character’s development
Standard - CC.1.3.4.C- Describe in depth a character, setting or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text
The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas Illustrator: N/A
Fiction/ Multicultural
Literature

Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fiction
SUMMARY: Starr Carter hasn’t had the easiest of lives, but when she is a first-hand witness at the death of her best friend, things get a little
bit more complicated. She is being pulled both ways – by the police and a local drug lord – while everyone is trying to figure out what killed
Kahlil.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is for a more mature set of readers. It covers heavy topics, but topics that occur in the real world whether it’s
something we’d like to believe or not. This book is full of suspense and themes of loyalty and love while providing readers with a dose of reality
CLASSROOM USE: Students will read and watch real testimonials and interviews of students and teens who grew up in similar
neighborhoods to Starr. The class will then discuss similarities and differences between the real-life people and Starr and how they think this
would affect them as a person.
Standard - CC.1.2.6.G- Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g. visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent
understanding of a topic or issue.
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2005 Genre: Historical Fiction /

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult
Literature
SUMMARY: Set in the middle of Germany in 1939 during World War II, this story is told from the perspective of Death. Death observes
humans as they go through life with both bitterness yet joy at the same time. Struck by the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds
hope in the mess of life at the time. Her support from both her foster parents allows Liesel to find the good in a bad situation
BOOK REVIEW: This book is a great cross-curricular tool to be used as students study the occurrences of WWII and the invasion of Nazi
Germany. With the viewpoint of a young school-age girl, students can often find themselves relating to her demeanor and thoughts
CLASSROOM USE: Students will make a timeline of the events of the book and compare it to a timeline of events during WWII in Nazi
Germany.
Standard - CC.1.3.7.C- Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact and how setting shapes the characters
or plot.
Americanized: Rebel Without a
Green Card
Author: Sara Saedi Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2018 Genre: Nonfiction/Multicultural
Literature

Awards: NYPL Best Books for Teens – 2018, School Library Journal Best Books
– 2018, BCCB Blue Ribbons - 2018
SUMMARY: 13 year old student Sara Saedi was just a normal girl – that is until she found out that simply by living in the United States, she
was breaking the law. She was only two years old when she came here but discovered this secret when her sister applied for a job but discovered
she had no social security number. The book follows Sara’s progress as she obtains her green card as she faces obstacle after obstacle while
trying to maintain her life as a normal teenager.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is an amazing read for preteens to adults. Sara Saedi is a relatable character on more than one aspect. As a
multi-dimensional character, Sara’s story provides a laugh and a tale that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will complete a Venn diagram comparing main character Sara to themselves noting their similarities and
differences
Standard - CC.1.4.8.N - Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters.
City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare Illustrator: N/A
Awards: 2008 Locus Award -- First Novel (Nominee), 2009 Buckeye Children's Book Award -- Teen
(Third Place), 2009 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers -- Young Adult (Honor Book)
SUMMARY: When Clary Fray witnesses a murder done by three suspicious-looking boys and then a corpse that vanishes
into mid-air, she's got a couple of questions – make that a lot of questions. Clary has her first meeting with the
Shadowhunters, a group of people that protect society from a handful of evil creatures. After Clary and her mother are
attacked by one of these demons, Clary and the Shadowhunters question if she is simply a mortal or something more.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is awesome for any student that is really into sci-fi and Harry Potter type books. The magic of
this book (both literally and figuratively) keeps readers on the edge of their seat.
CLASSROOM USE: Students will analyze actions, dialogue, and interactions that Clary is involved in and work to create
a character map for them.
Standard - CC.1.2.7.C - Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text.
The Three Billy-Goats Gruff
Author: Scholastic Illustrator: Ellen Appleby
Published: 1992 Genre: Folk Literature
Awards: N/A
SUMMARY: Three billy goats, all named “Gruff” head to the top of a mountain. On their journey there they meet and evil
troll who tries to eat them all, but they convince the troll that each next billy goat will be the biggest, so the troll waits.
When the last goat comes, he is took big for the troll, so all the billy goats continue on their way to the top of the mountain.
BOOK REVIEW: Appleby’s retelling of this classic Norwegian folk tale is sure to please. With heartwarming illustrations
and a catchy tale to follow, this book shows readers what can happen when three billy goats named “Gruff” meet a troll that
lets greed get the best of him
CLASSROOM USE: While reading, students will make predictions about what will happen next in the text and then
follow up by doing a cut-and-paste plot sequencing activity
Standard - CC.1.3.K.C - With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Author: Jacqueline Woodson Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2014 Genre: Poetry/Multicultural
Literature

Awards: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth / Teens
SUMMARY: Author Jacqueline Woodson expresses the trials and tribulations of her childhood while growing gup as a
young African American girl in the 1960’s and 70’s in both the north and the south. Written in verse, she describes what life
was like growing up in the final days of Jim Crow and her interest in the Civil Rights movement.
BOOK REVIEW: Each poem or line of verse the Woodson writes is filled with emotion and passion sure to engage any reader. Taking a
deep look into her personal feelings and life during this time, readers are shown what life was like during this time in America
CLASSROOM USE: Students will simultaneously read this book while learning about the Civil Rights movement in history. After reading,
students will draw out similarities between Woodson’s recall of events and the occurrences of the time period.
Standard - CC.1.3.8.A - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its
relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
Come Over to My House
Author: Theo LeSieg Illustrator: Richard Erdoes
Published: 1966 Genre: Poetry / Multicultural
Literature

Awards: N/A
SUMMARY: This classic book is full of adventures and the classic saying “Come over to my house.” Each house and each
friend have their own special home, one that makes them unique. Take a look at all the different kinds of houses and friends
around the world!
BOOK REVIEW: This book is a classic, and one that I read as a child. It’s multiple rhymes and it’s verse-written style
makes the book all the more catchy. This is the original book, but there are 13 other editions, one even by Dr. Seuss.
CLASSROOM USE: While reading aloud, students will make observations of the illustrations of all the different settings
of houses and make predictions and inferences about where that person’s house may be.
Standard - CC.1.2.K.G - Answers questions to describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they
appear.
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
Author: Michael Lewis Illustrator: N/A
Published: 2007 Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: New York Times Notable Selection, Alex Award
SUMMARY: Michael Oher is one of thirteen children born to a cocaine-addicted mother. Unsure of his identity at all, Michael finds peace
and the ability to grow into his true self under the love and Southern strictness of Miss Leigh Anne Tuohy.
BOOK REVIEW: This book is the ultimate story of circumstance. Michael just needed the right place and the right people to show what he
was capable of, and the Tuohy family provided just that for him. Based on a true story, The Blind Side is sure to bring a tear to the eye of any
reader as it addresses the reality that some face but the beautiful ending that can come from the right situation.
CLASSROOM USE: While reading, students will observe specific themes in the book such as love and strength and explain how they play
a part in Michael’s character development
Standard - CC.1.3.6.C - Describe how a particular story or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes, as well as how the characters respond or
change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS *Award Winner

Contemporary Realistic Fiction:

Age Level: 4-8 Grade Band: PreK - 3

Published: 2006 Genre: Contemporary Realistic

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 8-10 , 11-13 Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8

Age Level: 3-5 Grade Band: 8-10

Age Level: 3-7 Grade Band: PreK-2

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 4-7 Grade Band: PreK-2

Published: 2010 Genre: Contemporary Realistic

Age Level: 5-7 Grade Band: K-2

Age Level: 8-10 Grade Band: 3-5

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 11-13 Grade Band: 6-8

Age Level: 5-7 Grade Band: K-2

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