This is a great book for children who are interested in insects and curious of what they look like! I will definitely feature this in my classroom for a good nonfiction selection.

This book dedicates each page to a letter of the alphabet, as well as a bug. The bugs all have a small paragraph of information and an illustration of the bug.

“We are the change that we seek.“

The book can serve as a springboard for discussions on themes of hope, community, and activism, prompting students to share their ideas for positive change in their school or community.

“Change Sings“ by Amanda Gorman is a beautifully illustrated and empowering picture book that inspires young readers to embrace their voices and take action for change. Gorman‘s lyrical prose conveys a powerful message about hope, unity, and the importance of individual contributions to a better world.

“Normal is Boring.“

I would read this book for students who are in middle school so they can relate to the different challenges the story beholds.

This story blends humor and vibrant illustrations to explore the challenges of adolescence. Through Rafe Khachaturian's journey, the book emphasizes the importance of individuality, creativity, and resilience in navigating middle school. Its engaging art style enhances the story, making it a relatable and inspiring read for young audiences.

“If my cells don't work and Beep dies. Because I will really need you. And I might not be my friend anymore.“

I would most definitely have this book in my classroom because it covers some very heavy topics in a realistic way.

Kat, the girl in the family who everyone turns to when things get difficult. Especially now, when her beloved younger brother Beep is in his second leukemia relapse, and a bone marrow transplant from Kat may be his only chance. She's worried that she may not be up to the job: She can't finish homework, not being on the soccer team, and lots of heartaches from a longing crush on her old best friend.

“You can do whatever you want if you don't care what people think.“

Ivy and Bean presents a fun and imaginative take on childhood adventures, focusing on themes of friendship, curiosity, and exploration. While it captures the essence of play and creativity, it may not fully represent the complexities and challenges of today's students.

The main character of the series, Bean, is a restless, quirky second grader who likes doing things in her own way. Ivy, a quiet bookworm, seems the opposite of Bean, but she understands her best friend better than anybody else.

“When given the choice between right or being kind, choose kind.“

Auggie Pullman is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. Starting middle school after being homeschooled, he struggles to be accepted but inspires other to choose kindness. This book is a good lesson to teach students about acceptance and kindness.

This book tells the story of August Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference, as he starts attending school for the first time in fifth grade. Wonder explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the challenge of fitting in, as Auggie navigates friendships, bullying, and family dynamics.

“Nah, you wouldn‘t. You got your own problems. You don‘t wanna hear about my struggles. Right? Oh, you do? Well, I gotta warn you, it‘s a wild ride, so buckle up, champ. Let me give you some truth, and I hope it returns back to me.”

This is such a good book! I would keep this in my classroom library for any child who loves Rick Riordan books, and to have more representation for people of color within modern Fantasy stories.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia is an adventurous story that follows Tristan Strong, a boy with a family boxing legacy. After his best friend passes away, Tristan has his notebook and realizes it glows bright green, but only he can see it. He is then sent to live with his grandparents on their farm in Alabama where the adventure continues and he understands why he has this magic book.

“Educated guess?“

I would use this in a classroom learning about the government and the different types of it. This would be a great book then to have a little game for them to live out their own government afterwards.

It's Treason, By George! by Hockensmith and Kientz (2017) Graphic Novel
This book takes a look at a group of friends and they visit the National Museum of American history. They quickly realize someone is trying to turn democracy into a monarchy in America. They have to figure out how to stop the king, so they travel back in time but something in the timeline shifts.

“You know, I work too hard already“

I probably wouldn't use this within the school, just because it is a little longer of a story and there is not much of a plot, I feel like the students would enjoy reading it but maybe independently.

The Real Story of Stone Soup By Ying Chang Compestine (2007). This story talks about a folktale about stone soup. This story tells what the true story is. Through this story, 3 boys go on a day fishing, when it is time for lunch they have to figure out how to cook without the pot and they make a soup from the ground. The three boys put rocks in their soup and the older man questioned it but discovered how delicious it was

I love the expression of the lion.

Though it is just illustrations they are very moving and tell the whole story i would use this in a classroom to work on story telling

The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney 2009. This Aesop's fable describes a friendship that emerges peculiarly. A rowdy mouse wakes up the lion from his slumber but decides to let the mouse free. Later when the lion needs a favor after being stuck in a poacher's net, the mouse is the one to set him free. This showed the simple moral that the meek can trump the mighty.

“All right, Anthony, you wanted pasta from my magic pasta pot,“ Strega Nona said, “and I want to sleep in my little bed tonight. So start eating.“

This is a cute story for all ages. Has strong theme of punishment, authority, and trust.

Folktale, published in 1975. Strega Nona is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her town. Her magical ever-full pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. Big Anthony is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden, but one day, he recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.

“They could have killed every one of you!“

I would use this to show my students that literature can be used with songs. I would also use this to teach my students to fight for what is right.

Fable, published 2011. Which Side Are You On? tells the story of the classic union song that was written in 1931 by Florence Reece in a rain of bullets. It has been sung by people fighting for their rights all over the world.

“Come inside, everyone. Soup's on! I think we're going to like it here.“

When the book took a turn this could be a fun way to introduce “plot twists“ to my students. I think this book is super fun and would use it as a quick read aloud for a transition time frame.

In David Wiesner's, “The Three Pigs“ published in 2001, the book starts out just like the classic tale and continues on as the three pigs sneak out of the story to hide from the Wolf! They continue on to turn the pages of their former story into a paper airplane. They ride around for a while and end up in two other fairy tales before deciding to go back to their story although they bring a new friend along.

“Ha, ha! Hee, hee! You'll never find me. I'm the Gingerbread Baby. Catch me if you can“

I would love to use this book and explore the idea of windows and foreshadowing with my students.

In Jan Brett's, Gingerbread Baby published in 1997, the Gingerbread Baby hopped out of the oven off of the baking tray because Matti Peaked before he was done being baked. The Gingerbread Baby goes on to create mischief by hopping across goats, tying girls' braids together, and running all over the place. He continues to run around and cause a ruckus when Matti gets the idea to bake him a house and trap him! Turns out they were both happy.

“Let's go on an adventure together!“

This book is super fun and lighthearted and I think students would enjoy reading this. It has some funny moments but also talks about Jelly becoming jealous which could be a good lesson for students as well.

In “Narwhal's Otter Friend“ written by Ben Clanton, Ottie the explorer and Narwhal talk about their experiences, Ottie talks about surfing and partying with other animals. Then Ottie and Jelly the Jellyfish give some facts about themselves. Jelly then goes on to talk about feeling left out. After going on an adventure, they bond and become good friends!

“Unicorn, why do you have a horn on your head?“ “I do not know, I was just born this way.“

This is a cute way of talking about friendships and how to bring out the best in each other within our friendships. I would use this in a class read aloud and have students work in random partners and talk about things they like about each other and what they're good at/what they admire about each other, etc.

The graphic novel Sparkly New Friends written by Heather Burnell is a cute story about Unicorn and Yeti and their friendship and how to bring out the best in each other within our friendships.

“You and your daydreaming and silly stories! Why concern yourself with the world above?“

I think it would be good to compare this book with the Disney classic book, The Little Mermaid, and work with the students comparing and contrasting the different elements of the stories.

The Little Mermaid by Jerry Pinkney is a classic, traditional literature book that tells the story of the littlest sea princess that is not content with her life under the sea. Melody is an explorer who wonders what lies above the water especially of a girl that she has watched from the ocean, but to meet her comes with a price.