ISBN: 978-1406332049
Caldecott Award -- 2010
Audience: PreK-2
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Folklore / Picture Book
Title: The Lion and the Mouse
Author: Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Pinkney, J. (2009). The lion and the mouse. New York: Little, Brown and Co. Books for Young Readers.
Summary: This story is about two friends that will be there for each other no matter the circumstances and shows how kindness goes a long way.
Likes: I really enjoyed the illustrations in the book. The only words in the entire story were animal sounds, but the illustrations told the story in great detail. The author did an excellent job depicting the emotions and kindness in each character in the story.
Dislikes: While the illustrations explain the storyline well, it would have been nice to have a few words added throughout the story. This would provide more entertainment for a variety of ages of children.
Curriculum Connection:
4.RL.2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
4.RL.3: Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 22: Story Retelling - Students use this strategy to read for meaning and language development. Students can discuss details from the story based on the illustrations. The teacher can use this strategy to model and demonstrate story retelling. The teacher can follow this by having students retell the story to a partner.
As told by Mr. Swider's 5th grade reading group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0gtAAQgH6M
Amazon. (2017). The lion & the mouse. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/w97Zcj
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Mr. Swider (2014, January 29). The lion and the mouse. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=w0gtAAQgH6M
Title: Roller Girl
Author: Victoria Jamieson
Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson and Jason Henry
Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller girl. Philadelphia, PA, United States: Dial Books for Young Readers, US.
Summary: Twelve-year-old Astrid thought she had everything figured out. She had one best friend, Nicole, and one definite enemy, Rachel. But then she discovers a new hobby that not only changes her entire summer, but her overall life. Will things ever be the same for Astrid again? Will she and Nicole make it as friends or will Astrid's new hobby change her for good?
Likes: In this book, I liked how the story line was something that students can relate to everyday. Things don't always go as planned and friendships change over time. It shows another perspective of handling life when changes occur. The action involved in the story made you root for the main character and hope that things would work out for her in the end. I also liked how I was able to follow the Roller Derby sport even though I had no prior knowledge of the game. It was not confusing due to the explanations in the story.
Dislikes: I really had a difficult time finding something I did not like in this story. The main factor would be that it is geared towards a female audience only. Having said that, it would be a great book for both genders if given a chance.
Curriculum Connection:
4.RL.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
4.RL.2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
4.RL.3: Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
4.RF.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 21: Story Mapping - This strategy provides students with a visual display of story elements that will assist them in remembering, comprehending, and retelling the story. The teacher can begin by discussing the story after reading is complete. Students can work with a partner to create a story map using Kidspiration to retell the story.
Amazon. (2017). Roller girl. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/8JMiGQ
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
ISBN: 978-0803740167
Newbery Award -- 2016
Audience: Grades 3-8
Reading Level: Ages 7-13
Genre: Realistic Fiction / Graphic Novel
ISBN: 978-0399166150
Coretta Scott King Award -- 2015
Audience: K-5
Reading Level: Ages 5-10
Genre: Fiction / Picture Story Book
Title: Firebird
Author: Misty Copeland
Illustrator: Christopher Myers
Copeland, M., & Myers, C. (2014). Firebird. New York, NY, United States: Putnam Pub Group.
Summary: American Ballet Theater soloist, Misty Copeland, encourages a young ballet student to continue to work hard and learn the basics of ballet in order to succeed someday. The young ballet student has a lot in common with Misty Copeland, including the color of her skin.
Likes: I really liked the illustrations in this story and the diversity. My favorite part of this story is the message that it provides to young children. The author does a great job encouraging young ballet students to work hard in order to achieve their goals. She is very inspirational in her dialogue. I also liked the figurative language used to help visualize events and actions in the story.
Dislikes: The only dislike I have about this book is that it is labeled K-3. I feel the wording of the book is not appropriate for a very young child and may cause some confusion in the comprehension of the text without guidance.
Curriculum Connection:
K.RL.1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
K.RL.3: With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
K.RL.9: With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 23: Book Talks - Students will work with a small group of students to share their readings. They will discuss what they thought of the book and talk about different aspects of the story. The teacher may offer suggestions on the discussions for the story if students are struggling. This type of discussion leads to a higher-level of thinking from students. Students will be evaluating the text in the story and discussing differences amongst their peers.
Amazon. (2017). Firebird. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/6o9lrJ
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Title: This book just ate my dog!
Author: Richard Byrne
Illustrator: Richard Byrne
Byrne, R. (2014). This book just ate my dog! United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
Summary: When Bella looses her dog in the gutter of the book, she seeks help from those around her. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse. Bella calls for additional help from someone important. Will things ever be the same for Bella or will things be different forever?
Likes: I really liked the interaction between the character in the story and the readers. The author does a nice job making you wonder what is happening to everything in the book and keeping you engaged. There is that element of surprise for the reader.
Dislikes: The book was well written, but I did not like how things changed at the end of the story. I think for a young child, this might be a little confusing and may sadden some children.
Curriculum Connection:
K.RL.2: With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.
K.RL.3: With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
K.RL.6: With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
K.RF.5: Identify the front cover, back cover, and title page of a book.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 32: My Web of Questions - Students will work with a partner to generate questions based on the story. The teacher will instruct students that they will first go on a picture walk in order to set a purpose for predictions. Students will generate questions and make inferences while reading the story.
Amazon. (2017). This book just ate my dog! [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/OG7FL1
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
ISBN: 978-1627790710
KY Bluegrass Award -- 2016
Audience: PreK-K
Reading Level: Ages 4-6
Genre: Fiction / Picture Book
ISBN: 953-6613377
International Book -- 2001
Audience: Grades 2-3
Reading Level: Ages 7-9
Genre: Fiction / Modern Fantasy
Title: The Blue Sky
Author: Andrea Petrlik Huseinović
Illustrator: Andrea Petrlik Huseinović
Huseinović, A. P. (2001) The Blue Sky. Croatia: Kasmir Promet.
Summary: This story is about a young girl who doesn't fit into the world she lives in. She finds it difficult to get and give love to those around her. The one thing she really wants, she can't have....to have the love of her birth mother again. She lost her mother at a young age. One day, she meets a bird that may be able to help her reconnect with her mother. The little girl continues on this journey throughout the story.
Likes: I really enjoyed the illustrations in this story. The colors kept with the mood of the story and included many pictures.
Dislikes: I believe the overall message of the story may be a little heavy and depressing even though students deal with abandonment and independence daily. The ending of the story had a meaning, but I disliked the ending as it may be confusing to children.
Curriculum Connection:
2.RL.1: Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
2.RL.3: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
2.RI.8: Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.
2.RF.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
2.SL.2: Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 29: Connect It - Students focus on prior knowledge on a topic enabling them to make connections using this strategy. The teacher will first present the topic and assess prior knowledge. Students will read the story with a partner and summarize the story making any connections they may have on the topic. Students will discuss any new learnings with their peers.
Amazon. (2017). The blue sky. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/WilZF7
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
ISBN: 978-0547199450
Orbis Pictus Award -- 2012
Audience: Grades 1-5
Reading Level: Ages 5-11
Genre: Nonfiction / Informational
Title: Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
Author: Melissa Sweet
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s parade. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Summary: Tony Sarg loved making people smile. He was a very talented puppeteer. When he became an adult, his quest to make bigger and better marionettes made history. Today, Tony Sarg's inspiration continues to be America's gift every year in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This story provides a great explanation on how this important day came to be in America's history.
Likes: I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The author did an excellent job explaining and illustrating the history of puppeteering and creating marionettes that would become so popular and huge in a yearly celebration.
Dislikes: The only think I disliked about this story was the seriousness throughout the story. It would have been nice to have a little more humor added in the creation of the balloons or the making of the parade.
Curriculum Connection:
4.RL.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
4.RI.5: Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.
4.RI.8: Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 16: Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy - Students are actively engaged in identifying important words from their reading to share with their peers. Students choose words while reading, write the word, its meaning, and the reason for selecting the word on paper. Students discuss with their peers how they figured out the meaning of the word chosen.
Amazon. (2017). Balloons over Broadway. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/aeMbLO
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Title: Amazing Land Animals
Author: John Farndon
Illustrator: Cristina Portolano
Farndon, J. (2016). Amazing land animals. Hungry Tomato.
Summary: This book provides an abundance of information on many different land animals on Earth. It teaches how they communicate, survive, and use tools in a all sorts of environments.
Likes: I really liked how the author focused on the animals' abilities and survival strategies in this book. The many illustrations in the book represented the text well. It was easy to see what the author was explaining.
Dislikes: The only dislike I had with this book was the mix-up of illustrations and actual photos. I think having either all illustrations or actual photos throughout the book would have made it more of a reality and not cartoonish.
Curriculum Connection:
4.RI.2: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
4.RI.8: Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
4.RF.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 26: Visualize It! - Students comprehend informational text through the use of imagery. Students will create "movies in their heads" as they read to construct meaning. Students will read the informational text with a partner, visualize, and discuss their understanding of the text.
Amazon. (2017). Amazing land animals. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/aPnoih
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
ISBN: 978-1512409215
E-book -- 2016
Audience: Grades 3-7
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Genre: Nonfiction / Informational
ISBN: 978-1467726498
E-Book -- 2015
Audience: Ages 6-9
Reading Level: Grades 1-4
Genre: Fiction / Picture Book
Title: Chips and Cheese and Nana's Knees
Author: Brian P. Cleary
Illustrator: Martin Goneau
Cleary, B. P. (2015). Chips and Cheese and Nana’s Knees: What Is Alliteration? Millbrook Press.
Summary: In this book, you will find the answer to alliteration. It includes silly sentences and wacky words that start with the same letter or sounds. Brian P. Cleary works wonders with rhyme and the illustrations by Martin Goneau provides a visual for children.
Likes: I really liked the bright and colorful illustrations. The characters were a great touch to the story. The story is easy to read and understand. The rhymes never seem forced in the story.
Dislikes: The only dislike I have for this e-book is the fluency of the reader. The voice-over was slow even at the fastest setting.
Curriculum Connection:
RL.2.4: Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or son.
RF.4.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
Promoting Literacy Development:
Strategy 8: Phonics Through Shared Reading - Students use this strategy to apply their phonics skills while reading. Students read for fluency and meaning. Students will target sounds that determine alliteration. Students can use words found to create new sentences.
Amazon. (2017). Chips and cheese and nana's knees. [digital image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/6hkBUI
Antonacci, P. A., & O’Callaghan, C. M. (2012). Promoting literacy development: 50 research-based strategies for K-8 learners. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.