“Every marriage starts with love.“

This book can be used in the classroom to teach about civil rights, equality, and empathy, linking historical events to themes of fairness and kindness. It could prompt discussions about social justice, family diversity, and how laws shape lives, encouraging students to reflect on their own values and communities.

The Case for Loving (2015) is a picture book in the biography and history genre that won the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. This story tells the true tale of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple who fought against laws prohibiting interracial marriage, eventually leading to the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision that made such laws unconstitutional.

“Families may look different, but the love they share is the same everywhere.“

This book supports social studies or character education lessons by encouraging students to appreciate diversity and reflect on their own family structures. It can also spark meaningful discussions about cultural traditions and social-emotional connections within families, fostering empathy and inclusiveness in the classroom.

This is a nonfiction children‘s book that introduces young readers to the concept of diverse family structures. Through an engaging narrative featuring a young girl named Makayla, the book explores how different families live, celebrate, and support one another. It is a perfect resource to teach children the value of diversity in family dynamics and the common threads that unite us all.

“No matter how different they seem, all families share one thing in common—love.“

This book is an excellent way to foster discussions about diversity, inclusion, and respect in the classroom. It aligns with social-emotional learning by helping students appreciate different family structures and encourages empathy. I could integrate it into a lesson on community or use it as a starting point for students to share about their own families.

This is a picture book published in 2020 that celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of families. The book highlights that no two families are the same, emphasizing love, connection, and acceptance as the common threads among them. Its vibrant illustrations and inclusive narrative make it accessible and engaging for children. This book won the 2021 Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Children's Picture Book (7 & Under).

“Sometimes my Mama is laughing. Sometimes she's shouting. But all the time, she is trying to save the money for the chair.“

This book can inspire discussions about perseverance, family support, and financial literacy. Students could write about a time they worked toward a goal or create their own savings jars, tying into social-emotional learning and practical life skills.

This book is a Children's Picture Book that was a Caldecott Honor (1983) and was published in 1982. It tells the story of a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother saving coins to buy a comfortable chair after losing their home and belongings in a fire. The detailed portrayal of their journey toward healing and rebuilding their life makes it an enduring classic in children's literature.

“Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit.“

This book supports lessons on growth mindset, problem-solving, and engineering concepts, aligning with STEM activities. It can inspire students to experiment with their own creations, reinforcing that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.

This book is a 2013 picture book in the genres of children's literature and STEM-focused fiction. The story follows Rosie, a young inventor who is initially discouraged when one of her creations fails, but she learns that perseverance is key to success. The book has received several accolades, including a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list and various STEM book lists.

“For the first time, he painted what he heard!”

In the classroom, this book can link to lessons about creativity, self-expression, and the importance of following one‘s passions, encouraging students to explore their own artistic abilities.

This book was published in 2014 and is a picture book that falls under the genre of children's nonfiction. It tells the inspiring story of Vasily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, who discovered the magical connection between color and sound through his unique paint box. This book received the 2015 Caldecott Honor.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.“

In the classroom, this book can be linked to discussions about empathy, the importance of human rights, and the consequences of intolerance, providing a foundation for deeper conversations about social justice and history.

This book is a historical biography published in 2007 that belongs to the genre of children's nonfiction. This engaging book tells the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II to escape the Nazis and chronicled her experiences in her famous diary.

“When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.”

This book can link to my teaching by inspiring students to think critically about problem-solving and innovation, showing them that even the most challenging situations can lead to creative solutions.

This book was published in 2009. This inspiring story recounts how a young boy from Malawi, faced with poverty and hunger, builds a windmill from scrap materials to generate electricity for his village. It received the 2010 Christian Science Monitor Award and encourages readers to pursue their dreams and harness their creativity.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer”

This book links to classroom teaching by providing students with an inspiring example of bravery and activism, fostering discussions about civil rights and social justice.

This book is a historical biography published in 2002 that belongs to the genre of children's nonfiction. This engaging book explores the life of Harriet Tubman, detailing her courageous journey as an escaped slave who became a leader of the Underground Railroad, helping others gain their freedom.

“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood“

This book can link to my teaching by inspiring students to learn about perseverance and the contributions of women in science, encouraging them to pursue their interests regardless of societal challenges.

This book is a biography for young readers, published in 2017 as part of the acclaimed Who Was...? series. This book explores the life of Marie Curie, detailing her groundbreaking work in radioactivity and her journey as a female scientist in a male-dominated field, earning her two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry.

“Jefferson believed that people should be free to choose their own leaders.”

This book can link to my teaching in the classroom by fostering discussions about democracy, leadership, and the moral complexities in history, encouraging students to think critically about historical figures and their impact on society.

This book is a historical biography published in 2002 that falls under the genre of children's nonfiction. This engaging book explores the life of Thomas Jefferson, from his early years to his role as the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. It highlights his contributions to American history while also addressing his complex legacy, including his views on slavery.

“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

This book would link to teaching in the classroom by introducing students to concepts of justice, equality, and the impact of individuals in shaping society, encouraging them to think critically about these themes in their own lives.

This picture book, published in 2019, is a biography that explores the life and accomplishments of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pioneering figure in the fight for gender equality and women's rights. Awarded the 2020 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, it highlights her legal battles against discrimination and her determination to ensure justice for all.

“It is not what we have, but what we enjoy, that constitutes our abundance.“

This book can link to my teaching by providing a powerful example of perseverance and advocacy, helping students understand the importance of overcoming obstacles and promoting inclusivity and empathy in the classroom.

This children‘s biography published in 2017 falls within the non-fiction genre. This book tells the inspiring story of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being deaf and blind to become a renowned author and activist, highlighting her resilience and determination.

“Leonardo loved to study the way things worked—whether it was a bird‘s wings, a leaf, or the human body.“

This book links well to classroom teaching as it can inspire students to think creatively and value curiosity across subjects like art, science, and history. By exploring Leonardo‘s wide-ranging interests, students can see how learning different skills can contribute to their own unique talents.

This book was published in 2005 as a nonfiction biography, capturing the life and genius of Leonardo da Vinci—an artist, inventor, and thinker. The book, part of the popular Who Was? series, hasn‘t won specific awards but has been widely celebrated for making complex historical figures accessible to children. It explores Leonardo's inventive spirit, his masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, and his curiosity about the natural world.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.“

In my classroom, this book can foster discussions on resilience, the value of education, and global perspectives, helping students appreciate the rights they have and the struggles others face to achieve them.

This book was published in 2013. It talks about the life of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl who stood up for girls' education despite Taliban threats, which ultimately led to an assassination attempt on her life. The book won the Nobel Peace Prize, symbolizing Malala‘s extraordinary courage and advocacy for education rights worldwide.

“I dream a world where no one will scorn“

This book can link to my teaching in the classroom by promoting discussions about dreams, aspirations, and self-expression, allowing students to connect their personal goals to broader societal themes. It also encourages creativity and imagination, which are essential elements in fostering a love for reading and learning.

This is a children‘s picture book published in 1996 that celebrates the aspirations and dreams of young people through the lens of Langston Hughes‘s powerful poetry. The book combines illustrations with Hughes's inspiring words, encouraging children to believe in their dreams and work towards achieving them.

“From the first cherry blossom to the last fallen leaf, nature's story unfolds in vibrant poetry.”

This book can enhance my classroom by encouraging students to appreciate nature and express their thoughts creatively through poetry, fostering a love for both literature and the environment.