Knuffle Bunny Too

In this book by prolific children's author Mo Willems, Trixie is in Kindergarten and can't wait to show off her beloved Knuffle Bunny at school. Her father takes her to school and all seems well, until Trixie realizes that Sonja has the same bunny as her! Banter back and forth causes their teacher, Ms. Greengrove, to take their bunnies away for the day. At the end of the day, Knuffle Bunny is returned and all is well, until she realizes that she has the wrong bunny! Sonja realizes this, too. In the middle of the night, dads come to the rescue by arranging an exchange of the bunnies. Once the bunnies are safely returned, the two realize that they have a lot more in common than they realized, and they become the best of friends!

A sequel to Knuffle Bunny, this book stayed true to Mo Willems' style. The characters were drawn with very rough, child-like hand, just like in his other books that are so popular. What interested me most about this book was the pictures. They were realistic images that had been overlaid with drawings of the characters. These realistic images were sometimes iconic, giving the reader a clue as to where the story was placed.

Regardless of location, however, this story is so realistic and feels as though it could have happened to anyone as a child. The item that the girls fought about can be broadened to other things beyond a stuffed bunny, but the story ultimately comes down to understanding kindness and finding connections with one another. This is always something that students can work on, so I think that this would be an extremely relevant book in my classroom!

Knuffle Bunny Too 
By: Mo Willems 
Published in 2007

Sunday Shopping

In Sunday Shopping, Sunday nights are reserved for Evie and Grandma and their shopping clothes. Snuggled in bed, Evie and Grandma sit together with a pocketbook, ready for a shopping spree! Flipping open the newspaper, the two use their imaginations to tour the neighborhood stores. With their pretend money in tote and scissors in hand, the pair "walks" through the stores and cutting out their purchases along the way. A story of grand imaginations, this book was definitely a memorable favorite!

I was in awe of the imagination that it took to illustrate this book. As the pair moved through the stores, the use of perspective really helps to immerse the reader in the story and tells exactly what is going on. Evie and Grandma's bodies are enlarged and they carry big scissors in their hands. I love how this story is a little bit playful in that what is actually being said in the book is not actually what is happening in the illustrations. We're fooled into thinking that they may actually be shopping with real money, however we recognize the irony when the illustrations are paired with the text.

Another thing I love about this book is the inclusion of a female figure in the army. Evie's mother is overseas, so she "purchase" flowers for her grandmother and places them on her night stand next to the picture of her deployed mother. A great testament to women and members of the armed forces, this book brings those realities into understandable, kid-friendly terms that help bridge a gap for difficult conversations.

Overall, I really loved this book! I think that it took a lot of imagination and it would be perfect to share with students who need some inspiration in their writing.

Sunday Shopping  
By: Sally Derby
Illustrated by: Shadra Strickland
Published in 2015

Blackout

This heartwarming story was really fun to read! Blackout is a clever book about a summer night when all the lights in a neighborhood go out. A young boy wants to play a board game with his family, but they are too busy with household chores and technology to pay attention. When the power shuts down, though, they discover a block party on the rooftops of neighboring buildings. Everyone is out in the streets having fun with one another! Soon, the power is restored and all is back to normal. Instead of returning to their devices, however, the boy shuts off the lights, turns on some candles, and the family plays a boardgame together like the power is still out.

I absolutely loved this book! I was really intrigued by the illustrations, as they reminded me a lot of a graphic novel. The realistic looking setting was brought to life with beautiful blues, greys, and blacks that gave unexpected depth to each illustration's frame. The flashes of color that were a result of a flashlight or candle were genius, drawing the reader in and focusing attention on what the setting might look like beyond the darkness. The author also used some unique illustrative techniques, isolating pictures and bringing characters out of the frames to draw interest and focus.

I think sweet message of disconnecting to form closer bonds with one another is a great thing to talk about with students! This is also a great read for parents as it gives some perspective about a child's desire to just hang out with family. I noticed that the family was a multicultural family, so I think that it is really important to feature books like these in a classroom, especially ones that have high levels of diversity. Having books that serve multiple purposes is an intelligent way to reach several students with just one book.

Blackout 
By: John Rocco 
Published in 2011

When You Reach Me

When a friendship between two friends unravels and a mystery is unveiled, sixth grader, Miranda, must work to figure things out. Set in New York City in 1979, When You Reach Me follows Miranda and her mother as they prepare for her mother's appearance on $20,000 Pyramid. After Miranda's best friend, Sal, is punched in the stomach and stops talking to her, she receives a letter. The letters continue to come, leaving her confused and intrigued at the same time. Concerned for the safety of her friend and consumed by the mystery, Miranda pieces together clues to discover who is writing these letters. With a mixture of magic and time travel, all is solved and the mystery is revealed to everyone involved.

As much as I wanted to like this book, as it has wonderful reviews that praise it for its brilliance, I was extremely disappointed in my experience. I found it difficult to follow the storyline, as it jumped back and forth from past to present. Upon reading the back cover, I was so excited to delve into this story because I love mysteries! However, I felt as though the author took a long time to get to the point. The book moved so slowly and jumped from one time period to the next, I just could not follow or keep up with the message.

Although I did not like this book, I did like some of the characters and found them to be extremely likable, relatable and profound. I do think that students can relate to the children in this book and would be wowed by the wonders of mysterious time travel.

I may have to give this book another try at a different time to truly appreciate what others see in it.

When You Reach Me  
By: Rebecca Stead 
Published in 2009 

Pool

Pool is a interestingly illustrated wordless picture book that tells the story of a very shy boy that wants to take a dip in the pool. The pool is crowded with people that seem to be loud and too overwhelming for the shy boy. The boy dives in, only to swim far below the surface and discover a girl. The children explore and play below the bodies, discovering imaginative schools of fish, large creatures, and underwater habitats. Although no words are spoken between the two, it is clear that these children have become friends upon resurfacing and share a bond with their secret adventure.

The illustrations in this book are beautifully subdued, using simple neutrals that convey exactly what the author wants the reader to to know. Beginning with shades of black and grey, the author shows that the situation at the pool is not an ideal situation for the boy. The light blue of the water is enticing and the reader almost wants the young boy to jump in because it is the only color on the page. Under the water the colors brighten, almost as if the children's imaginative adventure is what colors the pages. The animals that are found underneath the surface are illustrated in an interesting way, which almost reminds me of Dr. Seuss illustrations. In many ways, the fish and underwater creatures look scary and unapproachable. In other ways, they look silly and huggable. As a result, there is a bit of intrigue and mystery but a sense of safety for the characters.

A gentle story, this book deals with issues of shyness and imagination and I think that many students relate to these issues. Everyone has felt shy before, so students would really be able to use the illustrations to understand the boy's perspective. Additionally, students all daydream and use their imaginations—especially at a young age. Being able to tap into creativity and converse about imagination in the classroom is always a great springboard for any sort of arts lesson.

Pool
By: JiHyeon Lee
Published in 2013

Bluebird

Bluebird follows the story of a boy that does not have any friends at school and feels lonely. At school, he is bullied and excluded, experiencing great sadness as a result. After school one day, however, the boy is followed by a bluebird. The two become fast friends, playing at the park, sharing a cookie, and sailing a boat on a pond. The pair encounter the bullies in the park and the bluebird is caught in the middle of an unfortunate accident that leads to its death. Out of the woods comes a flock of colorful birds that carry the boy and bluebird into the air and away from the bullies that caused them harm.

A book that highlights the ideas of bullying and loneliness, Bluebird is a story about an unlikely friendship. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I just could not come to like it as much as I thought I would. Although I think that it is a heartwarming story, there were so many aspects of it that made me question why it is so highly praised. Overall, I think that I am having trouble understanding the intended audience. It is a gorgeous book with beautiful illustrations that made me feel like I was reading a graphic novel, however I don't see how this book tells a story about friendship in a way that is relatable or teachable in a classroom.

Most likely the reason that I cannot picture using this wordless picture book in my class is that it does not really teach a lesson of any sort. That is not to say that books must teach a lesson every time, but when a bird is killed as a result of negligent bullying, it seems as though there should be some repercussions or a message that shows the readers that killing animals is wrong. Instead, the author takes a odd turn, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusion about what ultimately happens to the bluebird.

Despite my confusion, I could see how this book would be used in a way that asks students to predict what happens to the bird at the end of the story. The violence that's displayed, however, almost overshadows the positive message that the author attempts to send.

I'm not sure that I see this author's vision and, therefore, I do not believe that I would ultimately use this book in my classroom.

Bluebird
By: Bob Staake
Published in 2013

Quest

This book follows two young boys who find themselves on an incredible journey. Led by a mysterious map and colorful objects in their hands, the boys work together to accomplish their quest. After some time, we realize that the colorful objects they've been armed with are colored markers that help them make their way through a portal, under the sea, to a tropical island, over a very scary bridge, and through the air. Ultimately, their quest leads them to find every color marker and they free a king from darkness.

Although this is the second book in a trilogy series, this book truly stood on its own and told a story that did not depend on the other books in the series to be successful. Quest, a Caldecott Honor book, explores themes of mystery and bravery in a beautiful and visually captivating way.

Through the author's use of color, the story was brought to life in unsuspecting ways. The reader's eye was drawn to certain parts of the images, establishing focus and cluing readers into the important parts of images that would be ultimately important overall. The author also used framing in this story a lot. On several pages, illustrations were set to white backgrounds that allowed the reader to focus on the movement and imagery that pushed the story along. In many of these examples, a sequence or passing of time was evident, so this made it easy for the reader to infer what was going on, without the need for words.

I think that this is a great adventure book and I am interested in reading the rest of the series! Although there were no words, I believe that students would be incredibly interested in the idea of a quest and this would be an ideal book choice for students that have a high interest in mysteries or fantasy.

In the classroom, this book—like all wordless picture books—would serve as a wonderful medium for a lesson on predicting or questioning. Students could stop throughout the book, noting the different pictures and interpreting what they mean. This would also be a great model for a wordless picture book writing assignment, in which students look at this book for inspiration or ideas. Overall, I think that this is a great book for students beginning in second grade. Children of all ages, however, will have a great time immersing themselves in this story and using illustrations to make meaning.

Quest
By: Aaron Becker
Published in 2014

The One and Only Ivan

A heartwarming tale of friendship and bravery, The One and Only Ivan is a tale that people of any age would be happy to hear. A story told from the first-person perspective of Ivan, an old gorilla living in an enclosure at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Although the mall was once a popular spot, attendance has dwindled and money is tight. The mall's owner, Mack, knows that he needs to do something big before he loses all of his money. 

All of a sudden, a new animal has arrived at the mall—a thin, wrinkly elephant named Ruby. She is young and has a lot to learn, but the animals help her make sense of her new home. When tragedy strikes and Stella, a wise and loving elephant, dies Ivan knows that he needs to protect Ruby and find her a better life. Using his art skills and his keen ability to understand humans, Ivan concocts a plan to save Ruby. Unknowingly, his plan saves all of the animals at the Big Top Mall. 

This story, although aimed for children, is one that anyone can relate to. The author, Katherine Applegate, has an ability to broach serious topics with great wisdom and bursts of humor that make the subject of misunderstanding animals approachable and understandable. 

Best for students in upper-elementary and middle school, this book serves several great purposes in the classroom. It is a historical-fiction novel, so it models the way an author has taken a true story and morphed it into a story that's written from a gorilla's perspective. This is a great writing example for students that may be having trouble coming up with ideas for their writing pieces, as writing from the perspective of others is a great strategy! 

Additionally, there are a lot of hidden meanings in this book. The author uses prose to get her point across, but does so as efficiently as possible. This leaves a lot of the information to be discovered, which I think is a great way to get students involved in the book. Students can predict what will happen next in the story, discuss what they think has already happened to the animals in the story, and decipher what the author means by certain phrases that she uses. 

I also think that this would be a great way to introduce persuasive writing in a classroom. Students can choose a side of the issue in the book—whether they are for the animals to stay at the Big Top Mall or whether they feel as though they should be moved to a different place—and argue in favor of it, practicing citations and supporting their argument with evidence from the text. 

Overall, I thought that this was such a touching story and one that any child would want to read. It serves several purposes in the classroom, aside from the fact that it is an enjoyable read, and I believe that it would be a wonderful addition to a classroom library! 

The One and Only Ivan 
By: Katherine Applegate 

Published in 2012

Winner of the 2013 Newberry Medal 

Before We Were Free

This suspenseful novel kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it! It is a historical fiction tale of a pre-teen, Anita, whose family becomes involved in a plot to overthrow a vicious dictator, El Jefe, in the 1960s. As a result, her extended family flees their compound and Anita, her mother and father, and her two siblings are the only people left. Although Anita's world is turning upside down, she struggles with typical adolescent thoughts as she begins puberty. Her feelings for boys develop, she gets her period, and she begins keeping secrets from her own parents. 

She also begins to uncover the world around her. She once believed that her country was free. Anita quickly realizes she is clueless about the difficulties in her country and matures, learning the atrocities that her people are facing. The once worshiped dictator becomes a whispered code name in her house, as her father and his group of rebels plot to kill the ruler and end the dictatorship all together. 

Although I have never really been a fan of historical fiction novels in the past, I really enjoyed Julia Alvarez's take on the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. Coming from a Latin American family, many of the traditions and sayings that were used in the book were authentic and I could identify with them, so I felt especially connected to Anita and her family. 

In terms of use in a classroom, this book deals with relatively mature themes including puberty, war, and death. I would recommend students in seventh grade and beyond read this book, as it may be a little confusing and challenging to younger readers. 

I particularly liked the Author's Note in the back of the book, explaining the inspiration for this story. This actually happened to Julia Alvarez's family and this was her tribute to her uncle who successfully escaped imprisonment and death after getting involved in a coup plot. The story felt genuine and realistic and I think that it truly puts the reader in Anita's perspective at the time. 

This would be a great book to use when talking about the difference between democracies and dictatorships. Many people from the United States were involved in helping Anita and her family escape from the Dominican Republic when they were in danger, so I also think that students could learn about consuls and embassies as well. In my opinion, this novel would do a great job of rounding out a social studies unit on types of government in order for students to visualize and feel how a government other than their own may influence their thoughts and decisions. 

Before We Were Free 
By: Julia Alvarez 

Published in 2004 

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys

This book is a historical fiction story based on the author's ancestors and stories of their childhood. Narrated by the author's grandfather, C.C., this book tells the story four brothers that go to great lengths to attend school after their parents were recently freed from slavery after the Civil War. 

Virgie, their youngest sister, can't wait to begin school and spends all summer insisting that she is ready to join them. Soon, Virgie's parents decide that all people deserve an education and Virgie is ready to attend school with her brothers. On the first day of school, the children pack their bags for the week and take a seven-mile journey to school. Virgie was so excited to be there and she couldn't wait to bring all of her new knowledge home to her parents. 

I absolutely loved this book because of the inspiring and positive message about the power of education. It is an opportunity for students to examine the influence of race, gender, and social issues and their effect on education in the past and present. Additionally, the illustrations in the book are beautiful and truly draw the reader in, giving them a glimpse of the difficult journey these children had to take for the sake of their education. 

I think that this book would fit nicely in a classroom because it deals with ideas of determination and would be a great book for students that find it hard to stay motivated at school. Being able to understand the hardships that students in this time period had to overcome to get an education may push a child to value the education they are receiving more. Additionally, this book would be wonderful to incorporate into a social studies lesson on the Civil War and slavery. 

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys 
By: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard 

Illustrated by: E. B. Lewis   
Published in 2000 

This Is the Rope

Based on the author's own family history, This is The Rope is a historical fiction text telling the story of a family's journey during The Great Migration. The story begins in South Carolina with a little girl who finds a rope under a tree. The rope becomes part of the family's history as it is passed down to each generation, serving multiple purposes throughout their lives. 

There are several things that I really like about this book and they all serve as great reasons to have this book in a classroom library. The first is that this book is a multicultural book that deals with the time of the Great Migration, when African American families were moving north for better opportunities. Not only is this an important part of history, but African American students may be able to relate their family history to this book. Additionally, students that are not from an African American background may learn to better understand the history and African American students in their classroom.

I also think that this is a great book to use as a mentor text when working with students on their own writing. The author, Jacqueline Woodson, uses a lot of repetition in this book, creating a pattern throughout the story that is easy to follow and predictable. I think that students could learn from this and would be able to use it in a unique way independently. 

This Is The Rope 

By: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrated by: James Ransome 
Published in 2013

Georgia In Hawaii

This historical fiction text tells about Georgia O'Keeffe and her artistic journey through Hawaii. Originally commissioned to paint a pineapple for The Hawaiian Pineapple Company, O'Keeffe traveled to several places in Hawaii and painted everything but a pineapple. She was a stubborn woman and didn't let anyone tell her what to paint. At the end of her trip, the company was disappointed that there was not a pineapple painting in her breadth of work. After some thought, O'Keeffe decided to respect their wishes and finally sent them a pineapple painting to celebrate Hawaii's pineapples!  

Aside from the fact that it is an enjoyable read and its illustrations are gorgeous, this book would be a great book to have in my classroom. It is a wonderful book to engage students who are interested in art, and it could also inspire some students who may have trouble tapping into the artist inside of them! 

Additionally, I think that the use of adjectives throughout the book was really interesting. The language that the author chooses to describe the Hawaiian flowers is very beautiful and could serve as a model to students learning about how to shape their message with the use of descriptive writing. Combined with an art project in which students could draw or paint like O'Keeffe, this book could be used for an ELA/Art lesson. It is also quite possible that you could use O'Keeffe's paintings to talk about the features of a flower, integrating science topics as well. 

Georgia In Hawaii 
By: Amy Novesky

Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales 
Published in 2012

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

This non-fiction tale follows Captain Duffy St. Pierre and his barge filled with 3,168 tons of garbage. Departing from Islip, a city on New York's Long Island, this barge traveled for 162 days to many cities along the coast of the United States and South America in order to find somewhere to put the garbage. After gaining significant national attention, the Garbage Barge was not allowed to dock at any port. Almost six months later and over six thousand miles, the trash was incinerated and and justice was served! 

I think that this book would be a wonderful way to introduce recycling in a classroom and highlight the different things that we as a society did before we knew what to do with our garbage. What is extremely interesting about the pictures in the book is that they were actually created with real garbage! I found this extremely interesting and I truly believe that students would love to look at the pictures or use the recyclables that we collect in our classroom to create art with trash. 

Overall, I think that this is a really interesting read! Students would get a kick out of the pictures in the book and it could be tied to several subjects across curriculum, including history, science, and art! 

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!
By: Jonah Winter
Pictures by: Red Nose Studio
Published in 2010