This is a book about a mother and child's journey from Mexico to the United States. It is a biography of the author Yuyi Morales. It highlights the struggles of being an immigrant and moving to a new country. The mother and child finds a safe place in a public library. They did not have to worry about a language barrier there. Eventually it is where they learned to read, write, and speak in English. #ucflae3414sp20

This is a biography of Harriet Tubman. It discusses all the aliases she went by through the years, as she was helping people. Most know how she was a conductor for the underground railroad, but she did so much more. #ucflae3414sp20

A boy named Sergio has a friend named Ruben. Ruben's birthday is coming up and he wants a bike like Sergio's. However, his parents cannot afford a bike like that. Then Ruben finds $100 after a lady drops it. He is faced with a dilemma. He must make a difficult decision, keep the money or return it. This book discusses so many topics, like the value of money, poverty, and right or wrong. #ucflae3414sp20

Adelita is a Mexican version of Cinderella. It is very similar to the version we all know, but this version includes the Mexican culture. The Spanish language is used throughout the book, along with the English language. I would use this book for Readers Theatre, because there are many characters the students can portray. Students who speak Spanish can share their beautiful language. #ucflae3414sp20

This book goes through the day of a pet dog, as he waits for his human brother to come home. The dog observes much during the day. It has very simple language and short sentences, so it is great for the kindergarten grade level. This book can be used for choral reading. Students who are beginning to read will be able to follow along. #ucflae3414sp20

This a biography about the musical legend Carlos Santana. It discusses racism, learning a second language, and his journey to discovering which instrument was right for him. I know him from the song “Maria Maria“. He plays the guitar so beautifully. I enjoyed learning about him. I would use this book as a read aloud with a Spanish speaking student doing those parts justice. A great pick for Hispanic Heritage Month. #ucflae3414sp20

This book of poem discusses mythological creatures found in different cultures. Examples are the Chinese dragon, the Egyptian sphinx, and the Hindu Ganesha. The poems and artwork informs readers about the creatures. Such as, what they look like, what they are known for, and sometimes their origin. This is a good pick for a read aloud, because students can listen to how a poem is read. Before proceeding to writing their own poems. #ucflae3414sp20

Originally this story was an award winning short film. It was eventually turned into a picture book. The book is a biography of Lily Todd, the first woman to design and fly an airplane. It shows how difficult it was for a woman to be recognized in that business. However, it also shows how perseverance and believing in yourself can take you far. It is a good pick for a read aloud to clarify some vocab and main ideas for students. #ucflae3414sp20

This is a science fiction book all about the moon, stars, comets, asteroids, and more. It is as if the readers are going on a trip to the moon and we are learning about so much. Examples are what to eat while in space, what to do for fun, and what we will see while up there. I have a better understanding of what Astronauts experience. This is a good pick for a digital storytelling, because teachers can use real photos of space. #ucflae3414sp20

It hurts my heart to learn that this book was based on a real gorilla, who spent over 20 years of his life living in isolation (no gorillas for companionship) in a mall. In this book, Ivan's story is told by himself and the other different animals that also lived in the mall. It has a happy ending, but one that took a long time to happen. This would be a good book for students to read independently. It comes in different languages. #ucflae3414sp20

A girl named Grace loves stories, so when her teacher announces they're doing the play “Peter Pan“ Grace gets excited. She wants to play the main character, but her classmates list many reasons why that is not possible. Grace perseveres and auditions, as a result she is chosen for the part of Peter Pan. This book teaches children they can reach their dreams no matter their race, gender, etc.
#ucflae3414sp20

I made kitty ears out of my hair
Pete is having a bad day, but he is given some sunglasses that he feels make his day better. After the glasses break, he realizes he can have a good day without them. He does this by noticing great things in his environment. This book can teach children they are in control of their emotions and the outcome of their day.
#ucflae3414sp20

Kane is pictured
The book starts off with a mother and her child. She is trying to get her child to fall asleep, so she explains how everyone even animals need to rest. Then readers get to explore animals A through Z and how they all fall asleep. It is a wonderful story to teach the alphabet and animals. Even I learned of some new animals and their habits. It is good for choral reading. Students and the teacher can read together.
#ucflae3414sp20

This is my stepfather dressed up as the main character.
Mr. Lincoln is the principal of a school where he is loved by all, except one student named Eugene. This student is a bully of other students and causes trouble in his classes. Soon Mr. Lincoln gets through to the student . It took time, patience, and perception. This book teaches students to be kind and accept others differences. Racism is a topic of discussion.
#ucflae3414sp20

“Freedom Over Me“ is a historical fiction picture book. The author Ashley Bryan obtained authentic documents of slavery and chose one to base this book on. The document listed the enslaved people's names and how much they were being sold for. This author brought eleven slave's stories to life. It shows how life was for them. What they loved. How they endured abuse. Most importantly, how they dreamed of freedom.
#ucflae3414sp20

How Full is Your Bucket? is about a boy named Felix, who learns how to regulate his emotions. As well as, becomes aware of how he affects other people. This bucket concept is a metaphor, so this book would be best used during a Read Aloud or Think Aloud to make sure students will understand the story.The figurative language of a metaphor must be pre-teached.
#ucflae3414sp20

Whoever You Are is about the similarities and differences of people all around the world. The most important similarity is that everyone has a heart. This book teaches diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. For this reason, I believe this book would be great for building a tolerant classroom community. Also, because of it's written style, it can be used for independent reading. The terminology is simple and it is repetitive.
#ucflae3414sp20

This tree reminds me of the cover.
I know it is a good book if it makes me cry and this book did. Wishtree is about an old oak tree named Red. People far and near use the tree as if it is a wishing well. They write down a wish and tie it to the tree. For many years the tree has received wishes, but a recent wish shocked everyone including Red. In addition to that, Red's existence is threatened.
#ucflae3414sp20

Thank You, Omu! is a Caldecott award winner. It is about a woman (Omu) who cooks a delicious stew. Stews take a long time to cook, so all day she looks forward to eating her stew for dinner. However, something changes her dinner plans. This book does a great job at teaching readers how being selfless is rewarding. It would be great for storytelling, because it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Also, problem and solution.
#ucflae3414sp20

Last Stop on Market Street is about a grandma and grandson encountering different people/places, while taking public transportation. Readers will not know the final destination until the end, so it is great for modeling how to make a prediction. It does a great job at teaching readers how to appreciate what they have/to give to others. It has beautiful vocabulary! If this were not a picture book, I could easily visualize the story. #ucflae3414sp20