The skyline's changed. The two rectangular towers in the photo are gone, replaced by one glittering tower with a pointy top pricking the sky.

Students can explore themes of perseverance, empathy, and shared history as they follow Deja on her quest to learn about 9/11 and its impact on her family and community. This book helps with talks about how historical events impact individual lives and the world around us. Students who engage with Deja's story can have a greater understanding of the connections between history and their own lives.

Jewell Parker Rhodes' Towers Falling expertly combines fact and fiction, mixing 9/11 history with a contemporary, emotionally charged narrative. Rhodes brings history to life in a personal and sympathetic way by following Deja, a fifth-grader who is investigating the tragedy's impact on her family and neighborhood. The detailed descriptions of New York City's skyline, both past and present, give the story a strong sense of place and loss.

‘You‘re handsome and all, but too skinny for me!‘

Funny Bones is a rich resource for exploring art, culture, and history. The book supports literacy skills by analyzing the blend of biography and history, encouraging students to explore how illustrations enhance storytelling.

Duncan Tonatiuh‘s Funny Bones is a fascinating blend of biography, history, and art. With its distinctive, folk-inspired illustrations and engaging narrative, the book introduces readers to Posada‘s life, his artistic process, and the cultural significance of his work. Tonatiuh seamlessly incorporates historical context, making it both educational and entertaining.

In Winter, it rains and rains nonstop

This bilingual poetry collection is a fantastic resource for exploring language, culture, and the beauty of winter. In an English or Spanish lesson, students can analyze the poems‘ imagery, compare translations, and create their own bilingual poems.

Francisco X. Alarcón‘s Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems is a vibrant bilingual collection that captures the beauty and diversity of winter in California. Written in both English and Spanish, the poems celebrate nature, community, and cultural traditions with simplicity and warmth. Gonzalez‘s colorful and dynamic illustrations perfectly complement the lyrical verses, bringing the imagery to life.

A special plane nicknamed the Vomit Comet will take you high in the sky and then ZOOM back down.

In a science lesson, the book can kick off discussions about space exploration, gravity, or the International Space Station. It can also be used in a hands-on activity, like designing a spacesuit or building a model rocket, to make learning interactive.

Meghan McCarthy's Astronaut Handbook is an engaging and informative guide that introduces young readers to the world of astronauts and space exploration. With its bold, cartoon-style illustrations and straightforward text, the book covers the training, skills, and knowledge needed to become an astronaut. McCarthy blends fascinating facts with humor, making the journey to space both exciting and relatable.

There are dancer mommies.

Mommies at Work can spark meaningful discussions about family roles, responsibilities, and the value of work. For literacy, students can analyze the poetic text and practice identifying themes, rhymes, and descriptive language. It‘s a great way to connect lessons to real-life experiences.

Mommies at Work by Eve Merriam, illustrated by Beni Montresor, is a charming and thoughtful exploration of the many roles mothers play in their families and communities. The rhythmic, poetic text celebrates the hard work and dedication of mothers, both in the home and beyond, offering young readers an appreciation for the often-overlooked labor of women. This timeless book is a lovely addition to any classroom or home library.

Tyrannosaurus rex was the scariest of them all.

In a science lesson, the book can introduce students to paleontology and the prehistoric era, encouraging exploration of fossils and how scientists uncover the past. It‘s also perfect for collaborative projects, where students can share facts or create presentations about dinosaurs, fostering teamwork and creativity.

Gail Gibbons' Dinosaurs is an engaging and educational introduction to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. The book blends simple yet informative text with vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers. Gibbons presents a variety of dinosaur species, their characteristics, and the environments they lived in, making complex scientific concepts accessible to children.

Globetrotters win 61-59!

The topics in this book are deep but important for students to understand America's history of racism and discrimination. This story gives hope to students who have faced hate and discrimination because they are different. It shows that everyone can be successful no matter their skin color.

Swish! The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters is a delightful and inspiring read that captures the magic of the Harlem Globetrotters. With its captivating illustrations and lively narrative, it offers a fun and educational experience for young readers. This book is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the incredible legacy of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Jeanne gazed at the ocean, her heart swelling with wonder. She knew there were secrets hidden beneath the waves, and she was determined to uncover them, no matter what.

You could use this book as an introduction to a unit on marine biology. Explore different marine species, their habitats, and their importance in the ecosystem. You could even get a class pet fish!

“Secrets of the Sea“ is a beautifully crafted book that not only educates children about marine science but also inspires them to pursue their passions despite any challenges they may face. Jeanne Power's legacy as a revolutionary marine scientist is celebrated in a way that is sure to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.

Together, they would make the impossible possible.

It would be fun to have the class divide into small groups and have each group research a different aspect of the Wright brothers‘ lives or contributions to aviation. They can create presentations or posters to share with the class! You could change the level of depth depending on the age of your students.

Two Brothers, Four Hands is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated book that captures the spirit of the Wright brothers and their journey to achieving powered flight. It is a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library, promoting important values of creativity, determination, and collaboration.

Even in the darkest times, there are always people who are willing to stand up and do what is right.

This would be a book for the older grades. Through this book you can learn about the Holocaust and World War II. In a class you could do a project on researching Nicholas Winton and other rescuers. This helps us understand the historical context and the impact of their actions.

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sís is a poignant and beautifully illustrated picture book. Through simple yet powerful text, this book captures Nick's bravery, compassion, and the impact of his actions on the lives of the children he rescued, including Vera's journey from fear to safety and her eventual reunion with her rescuer many years later.

The greatest gift you can give is your honest self!

Using Hello, Neighbor!: as a foundation, teachers can launch kindness within the classroom. This could involve creating a bulletin board where students can post notes about acts of kindness they have performed or witnessed, fostering a culture of empathy and appreciation. These exercises highlight the importance of being kind and brings light to others!

Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers captures the spirit of his work and his legacy in a way that is both touching and informative. Matthew Cordell has created a book that is not only a pleasure to read but also an important reminder of the power of kindness and the lasting impact of a caring heart. This book is a must-read for fans of Mister Rogers!

We are the change that we seek.

“Change Sings“ is a valuable tool for fostering engagement and critical thinking in the classroom. It 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. Creative writing exercises, where students craft their own verses about change, can deepen their understanding and encourage self-expression!!!

“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.

it also takes rich fertile soil
Lots of good, old fashioned care
And rain to make roses blossom in the air.

This would be great for little older kids but lots of amazing poems that honor famous poets and could be an amazing think to add a poetry unit or to read a few in a little downtime after recess!

“Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets“ is a beautifully crafted collection by Kwame Alexander, celebrating the lives and works of various renowned poets. The book is both an homage and an introduction to the world of poetry, appealing to readers of all ages.

I am the sapphire night you are the lantern moon, light me

This book has such a calming Atmosphere. The soothing nature of the text makes it ideal for quiet reading time or as part of a relaxation routine, helping students unwind!

“Pea Pod Lullaby“ is a charming children's book that beautifully blends soothing rhythms with a delightful story about a mother‘s love for her child. The narrative takes readers through a whimsical journey in a garden filled with vibrant imagery and gentle, lyrical text that evokes a calming atmosphere.

Hello Apple!
Shiny red
CHOMP CHOMP
Hello Worm
Where's your head?

This is a fun book with lots of different poems throughout and it gives lots of different styles and organizations. I would definitely within the classroom!!!

“Oh No! Where Are My Pants?“ is a humorous children‘s book that tells the story of a character who wakes up to find their pants mysteriously missing. The engaging narrative is filled with playful rhymes and lively illustrations that bring the story to life.

Did I mention that Steve is a monkey

This story would be great for a classroom. After reading, teachers can facilitate discussions about teamwork and problem-solving. Students can share their ideas about the smell and come up with their own theories, fostering critical thinking. Another thing you could do is with the concept of investigating a mystery can lead to lessons about the senses, particularly smell, and how animals use their senses in the wild.

“Something Sure Smells Around Here“ is a whimsical children‘s book that combines humor and a bit of mystery. The story follows a group of curious animals who band together to investigate a strange odor wafting through their forest. With vibrant illustrations and playful language, the book captures the attention of young readers.

Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.

You could use the book as a starting point for conversations about grief. Encourage students to share their thoughts or experiences (if comfortable) and discuss healthy ways to cope with loss. This can help normalize the topic and promote emotional literacy.