“After a visit to the hospital, Maya called out Mr.Freeman's name as the one who hurt her. Mr.Freeman spends only one night in jail. Later, he is found crumpled behind the slaughterhouse. Maya falls silent, scared her voice struck him dead.“

Maya Angelou's life story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her journey can inspire students to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact on the world.

Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus skillfully chronicles Maya's life in this extensive picture book history intended for older readers, following her from her early years in Stamps, Arkansas, through her struggle as a freedom fighter, to her victorious ascent to become a poet of the people.

“B-L-E-S-S-E-D Cradled by the church, rocked by an ebony sea, Aretha says a little prayer each night on bended knee.“

The book's title and theme revolve around the concept of respect. It can serve as a platform for discussions on the importance of treating others with respect, regardless of differences. Aretha Franklin's life story can be used to inspire discussions about empowerment, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford is a great biography. The title of the book is a reference to one of Aretha Franklin's most famous songs, “Respect.“ The book explores Aretha's life, starting from her childhood and tracing her journey to becoming a groundbreaking artist. It highlights her powerful voice, her impact on the civil rights movement, and her contributions to the world of music.

“When the world felt gray, color lifted her. She wondered, could art comfort and lift others too?“

Gyo Fujikawa's groundbreaking efforts to include various characters in children's literature are honored in this book. It helps young readers comprehend and value people from many origins and cultures by introducing them to the value of inclusion.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear delves into the life of Gyo Fujikawa, highlighting her artistic enthusiasm and pioneering contributions to children's books. The importance of variety and representation in children's literature is emphasized in the book, which also shows how Fujikawa's contributions opened the door for more inclusive narrative.

“Kieth drew all the time, everywhere. 'But not on the walls!' his mother would call, just as he was getting some big ideas.“'

Students are exposed to the life stories of those who have succeeded despite adversity through biographies. By giving kids positive role models, this can inspire them.

Drawing on Walls: A Life of Keith Haring by Matthew Burgess is a biography. From his early years of admiring art until his death at age 31 from problems related to AIDS, the story chronicles Keith's life. Keith loved to teach kids painting, and he would involve them in the construction of his murals all around the world. He loved the artistic process so much and was always inspired.

The memoir most likely offers a first-hand narrative of life in 1963, a pivotal year in American history that saw the emergence of the Civil Rights Movement. Students may have a deeper understanding of the historical social, political, and cultural context by reading this book.

Child of the Dream: A Memoir of 1963 by Sharon Robinson provides a genuine description of what it's like to be a teenage activist. This novel follows Jackie Robinson's daughter, Sharon, as she navigates pervasive anti-Black prejudice in America as a preteen. Jackie Robinson broke color barriers in baseball.

“We live in the North, I think. There are no Jim Crow laws here. But I remember how terrible I felt at Hoyt Elementary School when kids who didn‘t know me asked stupid and hurtful questions like: ‘Do you bathe?‘ and ‘Why is your skin brown but the palm of your hands white?“

“I waited a week to see Shuttlesworth get hit with a hose. I'm sorry I missed it. Mr. Connor never respected me but I respected him.“

All things considered, “Black and White“ is an valuable tool for raising students' historical awareness, critical thinking abilities, and comprehension of the Civil Rights Movement. It offers chances for thought-provoking conversations and activities that you can include into other areas of your curriculum to help students develop a deeper understanding of the significance of social justice and the fight for civil rights.

“Black and White: The Confrontation Between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene 'Bull' Connor“ by Larry Dane Brimner is a non-fiction book that delves into a critical period in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The book focuses on the confrontations and tensions between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull“ Connor in Birmingham, Alabama.

“ What's wrong with you? Absolutely nothing is wrong with me. I'm just a little different!“

“Not So Different“ is an invaluable tool for advancing inclusivity, awareness, and understanding of disabilities. It is an entertaining book that may be educational and entertaining for readers of all ages since it blends humor, personal narrative, and useful information.

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw is a children's literature nonfictional picture book. By answering many of the common and strange questions regarding his life with a disability, Shane demonstrates to readers that he is just as personable, amiable, and humorous as anyone else. Spinal muscular atrophy is an uncommon illness that Shane Burcaw was born with, impeding the growth of his muscles.

“At times you feel as if you are walking through a fairy tale.“

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery is a nonfictional children's literature picture book. The book tells the story of the fight waged by volunteers and locals in New Zealand to save the Kakapo, a rare and endangered bird. This book details their vivacious nature, peculiar customs, and the threats facing the remaining kakapo.

All things considered, “Kakapo Rescue“ offers an impactful and practical illustration of conservation efforts, which makes it an invaluable resource for teachers to use to get kids talking about environmental stewardship, conservation science, and the fragility and beauty of the natural world. It can teach your pupils vital lessons about our interconnectedness with the world while arousing their sense of wonder and curiosity.

“First the egg, then the chicken. First the tadpole then the frog.“

Using “First the Egg“ in your classroom can improve your instructional materials and give young children an engaging approach to learn and explore important ideas while developing a love of reading. This book is fascinating and diverse, and it may be utilized in a variety of ways to enhance early childhood education programs.

First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger is a nonfiction children's literature book. The picture book delves into the ideas of cause and effect and transformations. The book illustrates how things develop and evolve with innovative die-cut pages and straightforward, repeating text. Every turn of the page exposes a change from one thing to another, always accompanied by the words “first the,“ which appear before the original object, and “then the.“

“Clank, Clank, Clank“

“Locomotive“ can be a useful addition to your teaching resources whether you are emphasizing particular academic objectives or just fostering a love of learning in your pupils. It's a useful and entertaining tool that teachers and students may use together. The book can be integrated into various subject areas, such as history, science, art, and language arts, making it a versatile resource for educators.

Locomotive by Brian Floca is a non-fiction children's book, which is mostly written in free verse, follows a family over the summer of 1869 as they travel across the country by steam train. The book describes the first transcontinental railroad's construction and operation, including its effects on the environment, workers, and passengers.

“Old Mother Goose, When she wanted to wander, Would ride through the air, On a very fine gander.“

Almost all of the poems include a rhyming aspect that is very fun and easy to read. Children would love to be able to hear these poems read out loud!

Mother Goose written and illustrated by Tomie DePaola was published in 2009. It is a collection of traditional Mother Goose Rhymes that children love. The poems are cheerful and humorous and star the character Mother Goose and the familiar cast of characters. Parents can read these rhymes to young children or young readers can read them on their own.

“It's true that our roads sometimes got washed out by tears.“

This series of poems is not only a good read but can be used as a resource is the classroom. These poems are designed to lift children up, especially children from marginalized communities during difficult times.

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices is written and illustrated by several of the foremost diverse authors and illustrators. The poems in this story are dedicated to those who advocate for and pursue a just society and basic rights for all people. Each one of the poems includes so much creativity that lifts up your spirits.

“My granny made me this suit so I could look nice for God.“

This would be an amazing book to have in a classroom library that shows students' perspectives of young men of color by depicting thirteen views of everyday life.

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy is written by Tony Medina and includes thirteen different artists. The element of poetry that stood out to me in these poems was the sense of imagery. All of the artists illustrated bold, colorful pictures that depict the issues being faced in these poems.

“In my family, I have the lightest skin. My big sister Teresa is toasty brown and little Arturo's the color of honey.“

These poems would be best for more experienced readers. I think this book would be great to have in a classroom for students to learn about transnational migration between the U.S. and Mexico.

They Call Me Guero is a series of poems written by David Bowles published in 2018. The poems are about a boy who navigates the start of seventh grade and life growing up on the border. Migration is a key theme throughout the poems. The poems made me feel like I was apart of the experiences Guero had to go through. The rhythm of each poem differs.

“Fly it down the hall. Aim for a toe (did you know this?) They don't like that at all.“

Young readers would love the imagination aspect of these poems and the silliness of them!

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-to Poems was selected by Paul B. Janeczko and illustrated by Richard Jones. It was published in 2019. I read the poem titled How to Scare Monsters whose sound pattern included rhyming words. It was very short but to the point. The book had poems that were very silly, positive, and fun to read.

“By the end of the week Jasper was seeing creepy carrots creeping everywhere.“

The book is filled with numerous striking images. For instance, the carrots are depicted as vivid orange or red against a background of subdued hues, which makes them stand out and appear even more menacing. The carrots' eerie appearance is enhanced by the color contrast.

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds is about a boy named Jasper who comes up with a number of schemes to get away from the unsettling carrots, including erecting a fence, donning disguises, and even laying traps. But his aversion to the carrots just gets stronger. He is certain that they are preparing a scheme to harm him. He realizes he was only hallucinating the “creepy carrots“ because he felt bad about stealing too many from the field.

“The watery sky rings herself dry, and leaves us a gift to remember her by.”

To make the poems enjoyable and entertaining for young readers, the author employs a variety of rhyme schemes. To keep the text engaging and fresh, some poems may have straightforward rhyme schemes like AABB or ABAB, while others may have more intricate and varied rhyme schemes. Children's bedtime poetry in a delightful selection, the book's overall charm and appeal are enhanced by the broad range of rhymes.