Who Was Thomas Jefferson? by Dennis Brindell Fradin and illustrated John O'Brien and Nancy Harrison, 2003

Brief annotation:

Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life.

Themes include US history, slavery, and the personal and political life of a funding father.

This is a great book for a young student who is looking to do a project on an historical figure. It would be good to use in the history class to talk about the many aspects of US history that Thomas Jefferson influenced. It could also lead to interesting discussion on how Thomas Jefferson overcame his shyness and his stutter as well as his failures in terms of allowing slavery to continue in the the young nation.

Muti’s Necklace: The Oldest Story In The World

Muti’s Necklace: The Oldest Story In The World by Louise Hawes and illustrated by Rebecca Guay, 2006

Brief annotation:

Muti treasures the necklace her father gave her so much that she risks the wrath of Egypt's pharaoh when it falls into the water. Based on an ancient Egyptian story.

Themes include ancient Egyptian folklore, family and a strong female character.

See linked document for classroom ideas.

Who Built the Pyramids?

Who Built the Pyramids? by Jane Chisholm and Struan Reid and illustrated by Sue Stitt, 2004

Brief annotation:

Packed full of fun and facts about everyday life in Ancient Egypt, this is the sort of book you dip into to find out about one thing...and end up reading from cover to cover!

Themes include, specifically, the Pyramids but also ancient Egyptian civilization, history and everyday life.

See linked document for classroom ideas.

Egypt ABC’s: a Book About the People and Places of Egyt

Egypt ABC’s: a Book About the People and Places of Egyt by Sarah Heiman and illustrated by Todd Ouren, 2003

Brief annotation:

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Egypt.

Themes include modern and ancient Egypt, cultural understanding and appreciation as well as connections to our modern life.

See linked document for classroom ideas.

The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry, 1993

Brief annotation:

Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives.

Themes include society, science fiction, the human experience and rebellion.

This book lends itself to interesting discussion on how we see the world. Discussion topics could include what it would be like to not see any colors, what it would be like to lose individuality and what we lose by trying to protect ourselves from living.

-John Newbery Medal, 1994

Library Lion

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, 2006

Brief annotation:

A lion starts visiting the local library but runs into trouble as he tries to both obey the rules and help his librarian friend.

Themes include libraries, rules, obedience and friendship.

This is a great book for first visits to the library in the school year. It is a good way to start talking about how to make the most of the library and to enjoy it while still understanding and following the rules ... within reason.

- Virginia Readers’ Choice, 2009

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi, 2002

Brief annotation:

Set in 14th-century England, this Newbery-winning novel centers on an orphaned outcast who gets pegged for murder.

Themes include orphans, hero story, apprenticeships and 14th-century England.

This is a good book for studying Medieval England to get a personal connection to the life of the lower class in the 14th-century. It is a good read with a lot of adventure to keep even reluctant readers interested.

- John Newbery Medal, 2003

Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, 1997

Brief annotation:

In a series of poems, fifteen-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of the Depression.

Themes include the Great Depression, family, friendship, the dust bowl and poetry.

This book really personalizes the Great Depression and particularly the dust bowl. It can be used in the history classroom or, since it is written in free verse, a poetry unit in an English or reading class.

- John Newbery Medal, 1998
- Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 1998

The Llama Who Had No Pajama

The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Betty Fraser, 1998

Brief annotation:

An illustrated collection of poems about all sorts of subjects, including "Wishes," "Ducks," "When I Need a Real Baby," and "Growing."

Themes include whimsical poems on many, many topics such as play, seasons, animals and growing up.

Since this book has poems of dealing with so many different topics, it would be a good book to use to have children pick their own favorites poem. Perhaps have a student read a poem of their choosing before each class during a poetry unit.

Handsprings

Handsprings, by Douglas Florian, 2006

Brief annotation:

This collection of poems and paintings captures the freshness and promise of spring, whether it comes in like a lion or a lamb. A companion to the highly praised Winter Eyes, Summersaults, and Autumnblings, Handsprings completes Douglas Florian's seasonal celebration.

Themes including winter to spring, spring, growth and poetry.

This is a good book for spring time and a poetry unit. It does not need to be an intense study of poetry, simply exposure to poetry with the timely topic of spring.

Winter Friends

Winter Friends by Mary Quattlebaum and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata, 2005

Brief annotation:

A snowfall.
A lost mitten.
A chance meeting.
A winter day just right for new friendships and fun.
The weather outside may be frosty, but Mary Quattlebaum’s lively story in poems and Hiroe Nakata’s joyful illustrations celebrate the good times to be had by all. So curl up with Winter Friends and delight in the simple pleasure of the season!

Themes include friendship, poetry and winter.

This book in verse is good to ease the youngest readers into an appreciation of poetry. It is a good storytime book during the winter months.

The Day I Fell Down the Toilet and Other Poems

The Day I Fell Down the Toilet and Other Poems by Steve Turner and illustrated by David Mostyn, 1996

Brief annotation:

Best friends and animals, schooldays and secret ambitions, boring days and embarrassing moments—these are a few of the topics featured in this collection. Also included are more serious subjects such as creation, death, and pollution.

Themes include poetry, creation, environmentalism, every day life and death.

This is another fun book for a poetry unit. This is appropriate for older children and the humor as well as relatability of these poems will help children appreciate poetry.

The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom

The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Meilo So, 1997

Brief annotation:

An illustrated collection of poems about animals, insects, and birds by poets from different parts of the world.

Themes include poetry, animals and world culture.

This is a good book for a poetry unit because it is a varied collection in terms of cultural elements and it deals with a favorite topic of children: animals.

Bear on a Bike (A Barefoot Board Book)

Bear on a Bike (A Barefoot Board Book) by Stella Blackstone and illustrated by Debbie Harter, 1998

Brief annotation:

Bear heads out on numerous adventures and his young friend asks to come along. They go to the market, visit a forest full of fearsome creatures, travel by train to the beach and sail to a magic island. In the end, Bear heads off alone to outer space as his little friend waves "Goodbye and goodnight!"

Themes include various types of transportation, travel and friendship.

Board books are great for the youngest readers. This is an interesting way to introduce different modes of transportation to pre-kindergarten students.

Winter’s Tale: An Original Pop-up Journey

Winter’s Tale: An Original Pop-up Journey by Robert Sabuda,
Brief annotation:

Winter's Tale is Robert Sabuda's most spectacular original pop-up story yet. The simple, elegant text is illustrated with breathtaking artwork and extraordinary paper engineering. Stunning visual effects of foil, glitter, and a twinkling surprise further capture the magic of winter. This is a must-have for everyone's bookshelf.

Themes include animals and their winter environment using three dimensional pop-ups.

Pop-up books are also participation books as readers have to be involved in seeing what is in front of them as well as scenes hidden under the animals that are popping up. This is a good book to read during winter holidays or to study animals habits during winter time.