A big guy took my ball!

Willems, M. (2013). A big guy took my ball! NY: Hyperion.

A little pig had a problem because a big guy came and took the call he had found. As the little pig told his elephant friend about it, they decided to get the ball back. The whale who had the call came to play with them and they all had a lot of fun together.

Willems' characters allow the story to be humorous. The little guys are upset at first but them they compromise with the big guy and end up with a new friend. This book can teach young children the beauty of sharing and working together to solve a problem.

The three pigs

Weisner, D. (2001). The three pigs. NY: Clarion.

The three pigs had to fight off the big bad wolf by traveling through story land where they meet several characters like the dish and the spoon, even a golden dragon. After traveling through several stories, all the characters return home and live happily ever after.

Weisner's style is unique because the setting of the story changes as the plot unfolds. Characters from other stories travel with their new friends to new stories to resolve their conflict. This style would help young readers establish ideas to help them resolve conflicts in their own life. This story can help to focus on problem and solution skill. This book received the Caldecott Medal.

Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. NY: Houghton

Tony Sarg was a very talented man who created marionettes. R.H. Macy's department store decided to display Sarg's work in a window of their store. People loved his work so much he began making the puppets used in the parade. The first parade was in Thanksgiving Day in 1928 and still takes place annually.

Sweet's design is very appealing especially to a young audience. The images jump off the pages allowing the reader to appreciate the illustrations. This book can help to introduce the history behind having a Thanksgiving parade in New York. This book received the Golden Kite Award for picture book and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlTmh1cNuVs

It's a book

Smith, L. (2011). It's a book. NY: Roaring Brook.

The monkey showed his friend the jackass a book. The jackass questioned the monkey numerous times about whether or not the book had computer capabilities. The monkey re-confirmed to the jackass that it was simply a book.

Smith presents the characters in a way that young children can relate to when it comes to how dependent society has become on technology. It has gotten to the point that we are overrun with technology and children are consumed with computers, tablets, and cellphones instead  of spending their time reading a book. This story can be presented to young children to help them understand the importance of reading books. Here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4BK_2VULCU

Mirror, mirror

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, mirror.  NY: Dutton.

This book is a book of reversible verses that presents both the good and bad side of a story. Using familiar tales like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast the reader is able to see both the positive and negative aspects of the story.

Singer's style is unique because she incorporates the good with the bad and present it to the reader on one page side by side. This helps young readers understand that there can be two sides to a story should challenging their mind in a fun way. This book can be introduced to younger aged children to demonstrate good and bad character traits.

Where the wild things are

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. NY: HaperCollins.

Max's adventure begins after he is sent to bed with no supper. He ventures to the land of the wild things, where he is made the King. This made Max sad and lonely so he returned home where he found his warm supper waiting for him.

Sendak's illustrations allow the reader to travel with Max on his journey to where the wild things are. The illustrations give the reader an opportunity to become familiar with Max and the wild things even though no text is present on the page. This can help young or struggling readers with the elements of the story by allowing them to predict what is best based on the illustrations. This book received the Caldecott Medal and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIK9cRWCEvY

The invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret. NY: Scholastic.

Hugo Cabret was forced to live with his uncle a timekeeper after his father suddenly dies. Hugo's father leaves behind an automaton which connects him to a famous long forgotten filmmaker. Together they repair the automaton and the famous filmmaker Georges Mêlées adopts Hugo.

 Selznick's style of presenting text and illustrations to convey the story allows the reader to understand the life of Hugo Cabret. The illustrations help to explain the things Hugo must go through to survive on his own in the train station. This novel is great for young readers who are beginning to read chapter books because the pages are not filled with text. The combination of text and illustrations will help captivate young readers attention. This book received the Caldecott Medal and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYiumrSxAg8

Good masters, sweet ladies

Schlitz, L.A. (2007). Good masters, sweet ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

The medieval times were difficult for all those who were forced to live in poverty and filth. These were just a few of the difficulties the people had to encounter on a daily basis. Many survived by being dishonest and cheating others out of what rightfully belonged to them.

Schlitz's style of presenting the information first as a poem and then summarizes all the information a few pages later is a different way of structuring a story. The little side notes included on the pages help to explain some of the vocabulary that was used during that time period. This material could be used with older children to introduce poetry and figurative language. This book received the Newbery Medal and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6rVF_J6pyw

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Crown.

Jess Aarons lived on a farm out in the country. Leslie his new next door neighbor changes his life by leading him to the magical kingdom of Terabithia. Leslie's sudden death saddens Jess but he continues to be the King of Terabithia . He even invites his little sister MayBelle along to be the new queen.

Paterson's style of having the characters begin in a real-life setting and then journey off into a magical kingdom is unique. It alls the reader to use their imagination as they join Jess and Leslie in Terabithia. This book could help students with developing their imagery and comprehension skills. This book received the Newbery Medal and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WA8-hRFs50

We are the ship

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship. NY: Hyperion.

The Negro League Baseball players are the brave African American men who played a sport they loved, baseball. These men made it possible for players like Jackie Robinson to have a chance in the major leagues. Despite all their struggles, these men opened up the door for others to follow.

Nelson's plot of the importance of the Negro League Baseball players is mentioned throughout the nook. Nelson's careful attention to sharing how each player had an impact on the integration of the baseball league despite all the challenges they faced is important to the plot of the story. This book can be used when discussing the topic of segregation and how it was done away with. This book received the Coretta Scott King Award and the Sibert Medal and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwjGyxOxFgA

Rules

Lord, C. (2008). Rules.  NY: Scholastic.

Catherine's brother David is autistic and goes to therapy where she meets Jason a boy who is in a wheelchair. Embarrassed about his condition, Catherine avoids an invitation given to her by her neighbor and friend Kaiti. Jason and Catherine end up going to the dance. They both have a great time dancing and Catherine continues to be very loving a patient with David.

Lord's use of the character's Catherine and David and the relationship they have helps the reader understand the challenges a family must face when having someone with autism. Despite being irritated with David at times, Catherine always remembers her brother's behavior is attributed to his autism. The character's in the story demonstrate how patience and communication is very important in solving problems. This can be used to teach young readers problems solving characteristics. This book received the Newbery Medal and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V3U5eNXIyQ

Skulduggery Pleasant

Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. NY: HaperCollins.

Stephanie realized her uncle Gordon left her some things that put her life in danger. Skulduggery a skeleton detective and Stephanie are to protect the scepter of the ancients because of its great power. Serpine is desperate to get the scepter and in the wrong hands will cause destruction. Stephanie and Skulduggery will do whatever possible to keep it safe.

Landry's plot has you on the edge of your seat as Stephanie and Skulduggery go on this journey to locate the scepter which is actually beneath them. The fantasy world in which Skulduggey is part of collides with Stephanie's world to keep the reader hooked from cover to cover. The plot is well developed and easy to understand for young readers who are interested in crime solving detectives. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFtUp03mTg

Lunch lady and the author visit vendetta

Krocoszka, J. (2009). Lunch lady and the author visit vendetta.  NY: Random House.

Mr. Scribson a famous author went to visit the students and sign books when he meets Coach Birkby. People noticed Coach Birkby was gone so the Lunch Lady decided to investigate. She discovered the author kidnaps coaches to get back at a coach from his past. All the coaches get rescued thanks to the Lunch Lady and a group of kids.

Krocoszka uses the Lunch Lady character as a problem solver. Krocoszka portrays her as someone who find a problem and then goes to whatever lengths to solve it. This book can be used to teach children to work together as a team to find a solution to their problems Here is a link to the book trailer: https://vimeo.com/35860693

This is not my hat

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick.

A tiny little fish decided to steal a hat that didn't belong to him since it didn't fit the fish that had it. The tiny fish made it to where the plants grow close thinking he had escaped the big fish. Then suddenly the big fish reappeared with his hat on his head.

Klassen sets up the theme in a very unique way by allowing the reader to be captured instantly with the theft of the hat. Despite knowing that taking something is wrong, Klassen's character the small fish justifies his actions by explaining his need for the hat. The theme Klassen establishes can be uses to teach young children about the consequences of stealing. This book received the Caldecott Medal and here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbYyEdYWY8

Diary of a wimpy kid: the ugly truth

Kinney, J. (2010). Diary of a wimpy kid the ugly truth. NY: Amulet Books.

Greg was upset at his best friend Rowley, so he set out to find a new one. Things change at home because Greg's mom goes back to school. Greg gets invited to the party of a lifetime but has to go to his uncles wedding instead. After Greg returns he reconciles with Rowley and continue to be best friends.

Kinney's style is unique because the main character Greg is also the narrator for the story as well. The reader is able to experience Greg's everyday life struggles at school and at home. Many young readers are able to connect with Greg because they encounter some of the same challenges. This book can be use to teach author's point of view because Greg is a character who narrates the story. Here is the link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iYerZHvaBg

Babymouse our hero

Holm, J & M.(2005). Babymouse our hero. NY: Random House.

Babymouse's day started off on the wrong foot when she missed the school bus and had to walk to school. Not only did she miss the bus, she forgot her homework, and worst of all her sneaker's for gym class. Babymouse goes up against Felicia and beats her in dodge ball earning everyone's respect.

Holm's uses the character Babymouse to overcome challenges that many young preteens face in school. The way Babymouse overcomes her challenges demonstrates good character. Students can learn to be prepared and never give up despite how difficult things appear. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fZbM-3zJKM

It's so amazing

Harris, R. (1999). It's so amazing. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

The beginning of human life starts off with a small sperm and an egg that when joined together form to make a baby. Babies grow to become children, teenagers, young adults, and then a grown-up. Families raise babies all over the world and provide them with love and shelter in order to survive.

Harris' organization of information takes the reader on a journey from the very beginning of the formation of the baby. The sequence of information allows the reader to understand each step necessary to make a baby. It also discusses the care required after the baby is born and taken home from the hospital. This book can be used to discuss the topic of reproduction to middle school or older aged students in a health class. The little comic characters add humor to the information presented in the text.

Rapunzel's revenge

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

Rapunzel was taken by Mother Gothel at a very young age and had been warned never to look over the wall that surrounded their home. Rapunzel disobeyed, found her real mother, and got locked away in a tree for four years. Eventually Rapunzel escapes and takes Mother Gothel's magic and returning the land to what it was.

Hale's plot for Rapunzel to seek and carry out her revenge for everything Mother Gothel does to her family helps the reader understand Rapunzel's choices. Through Rapunzel's patience and persistence, Hale demonstrates how she overcomes Mother Gothel's magic and is happy to be reunited with her real mother. This story can teach students the importance of working hard towards obtaining what you want. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4_Slu5J67M

Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Holt.

Rosa Parks an African American seamstress from Montgomery, Alabama took a courageous stand for colored people to be treated with equality. On a bus ride home, Rosa refused to give up her seat. This got her arrested. She was eventually released and a year later the U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregation was wrong.

Giovanni's organization of details presents the reader with an insight into a historical event that impacted and changed history. Understanding the events that led up to the bus-ride help the reader better understand her actions on the bus. This book is extremely beneficial when discussing the topic of segregation in the classroom. Students will know what events led to the end of segregation. This book is a Caldecott Honor book and here is a link to the book trailer: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/asset/rosa-book-trailer

Magic windows

Garza, C.L. (1999). Magic windows. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press.

Papel picado (cut-paper art) is a craft that has been used by various cultures for many years. The technique required to create papel picado was influenced by Mexican traditions and used for decorations at birthday parties and weddings. These designs can be made by both adults and children.

Garza's unique style is present in the way she explains step-by-step the process of creating papel picado. The brief introduction of how she came up with the design allows the reader to have some background knowledge about the design. This book could be used to expose children to some elements of the Hispanic culture.

The graveyard book

Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. NY: HarperCollins.

Nobody Owens family was killed when he was a small baby leaving him to be raised by some ghosts named the Owens and a caretaker named Silas. Growing up in a graveyard, Bod wondered about life beyond the gates. Bod's life was still in danger but he manages to escape the murder Jack and eventually leaves the graveyard to explore the world.

Gaiman's use of Nobody and all the ghosts in the graveyard as characters adds a special twist to the story. A young living boy having the ability to interact with the dead is intriguing to older aged readers. Gaiman ability to give Bod ghostly abilities while remaining human will call to readers imaginations. Gaimans' use of various ghost and ghouls adds suspense to the plot of the story and keeps the reader at the edge of their seat. This story can be used in the classroom to teach children about character traits. This book receive the Newbery Medal and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_08iP4x-94

Out of my mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum.

Melody is trapped in her body without a way to communicate because of her cerebral palsy. A device that allows herself to communicate uncovers how smart Melody actually is. Melody qualifies for a national competition but gets left behind by her team, which eventually apologizes for their actions.

Draper's character Melody demonstrates what a person who has cerebral palsy goes through on a daily basis. Draper allows the character Melody to connect with the reader on a deeper level despite her disability. This can be used in the classroom to remind students that everyone should be treated equal and to demonstrate that everyone can reach their true potential if they set their mind to it. This would be good to read with upper grade children, here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCG6e2DifxY

The legend of the bluebonnet

de Paola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. NY: Putnam.

A small girl by the named of She-Who-Is-Alone owned a warrior doll that had been made by her mother and father with various items including blue feathers. One day a shaman said a sacrifice would be needed to restore the land. The girl offered her warrior doll to the great spirits and they restored the land for the people.

De Paola's character She-Who-Is-Alone provides the reader the opportunity to connect with the feeling of loneliness by not having a family. This character shows how making sacrifices for the greater good is important for all of her people. This can be used for younger readers to show them that sometimes they must give a little to receive a little. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gcGlxsTrqE

Martina the beautiful cockroach

Deedy, C.A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Martina the beautiful cockroach needed to be wed and her grandmother advised her of a coffee test she must use on potential suitors. At first Martina was hesitant, but in the end her grandmother's advice lead her to the perfect husband.

Deedy's use of the various characters as potential husbands allows the reader to understand Martina's choice in a husband. Deedy's use of the grandmother as the one who offers important advise on how to choose a husband follows the tradition of seeking advice from those older than us. This story could be used to teach young children about listening and respecting those who are older. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z28ChgqayU4

The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963

Curtis, C.P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY: Delacorte.

Kenny Watson and his family decide to go to Birmingham in 1963 because his older brother Byron kept getting into trouble. Kenny has a close call with death and witnesses some young children being injured in a church explosion. Kenny's family returns home where Kenny deals with his emotions with the help of his older brother.

Curtis' theme of the power of a families love is evident throughout the entire story. Curtis portrays the Watsons as being very close and this allows them to be able to work through their problems. This teaches them to work together through difficult times and overcome them with the love they have for each other. This book can go along with the topic of segregation for older children. This book received the Coretta Scott King award and is a Newbery Honor Book. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://vimeo.com/13895187

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

Leigh Botts is an aspiring author who loves writing letters to his favorite author when he realizes how much he misses his dad  a truck driver and their dog Bandit. Leigh writes a story that allows him to meet a famous author and he loves it. One day his father returns from a trip and realizes there is no chance of getting together with Leigh's mom.

Cleary's theme of a young boy having to deal with the fact that his parents are divorced is an issue several children have to deal with. Cleary allows the reader to understand the struggles Leigh faces through his diary entries. This story can help students discuss and understand the different feelings/emotions one experiences because of divorce or separation. This book received the Newbery Medal in 1984 and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuEQKFc6NqQ

How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous

Bragg, G. (20011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. NY: Walker

From royalty, scientist, leaders, writers, and even presidents are people who have different talents or skills and one day must meet their maker. Just like normal people die, famous and even historical people die. It is understandable how people like Christopher Columbus passed away from something that could have been cured with antibiotics.

Bragg's organization of information takes the reader on a journey while explaining the events that led up to their death. Bragg's detailed explanation found at the end of the chapter aids the reader in understanding some of the procedures performed on the corpse. This could be used to present the events that led up to the ending of all these famous people's lives. Definitely goes along with a history lesson for older students. Here is a link to the book trailer: http://watchthebookreadthemovie.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-they-croaked-awful-ends-of-awfully.html

Spiders

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. NY: Scholastic.

Spiders are predators that have been on the hunt for more than 350 million years. These spiders use their silk webs to capture prey, and even to move from one location to another. There are over 38,ooo types of spiders that live in areas all over the world.

Bishop is an expert in the field of spiders. The accuracy present indicates Bishop tool the time to study and observe these creatures interacting in their natural habitat. Bishop's level of knowledge of spiders is immense. Capturing the spiders molting, courting, and even laying eggs presents the reader with a closer look at the life of a spider. This information can be used n the classroom to introduce the topic of spiders during a science lesson. This book is a Sibert Honor Book and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj6OeYmxAZA

Hitler Youth

                                                       Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth. NY: Scholastic.

Adolf Hitler had a strong influence over the young people in Germany in the 1930's and 1940's. Hitler's promises brainwashed many young people into committing horrible acts of crime towards Jewish and non-Jewish people. A few brave citizens banned together to exploit Hitler, but they were immediately silenced. World War II came to an end and Hitler committed suicide.

Bartoletti's use of photographs allows the reader to take a closer look into history. The level of accuracy in this book is important to educate society about the terrible acts of crime that took place back in history. These accounts are important  to prevent something like that from ever happening again. The information can be used in the classroom to discuss several historical events that led up to World War II. Received the Newbery Honor and Orbis Pictus Honor award in 2006 and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.schooltube.com/video/3b981d5ee19b4e119b34/

The Underneath

Applet, K. (2008). The underneath. NY: Simon and Schuster.

A mother calico cat and her two silver kittens Sabine and Puck along with Ranger a bloodhound, try to make the best of life in the Piney Woods forest. Gar-Face, Ranger's cruel owner makes their lives very difficult. Eventually, they are reunited with the help of a 1,000 year old snake who freed Ranger from his chain in the name of love.

Applet's plot allows the reader to have sympathy for Ranger and the two kittens. Despite their most difficult challenges, they are able to overcome them. Applet does an excellent job with the characters in the story because they help the reader understand the plot as it unfolds. After experiencing the loss of his mother, Pucks determination eventually frees them all. Great story to use when teaching the purpose of working towards something even when it seems impossible. This book is a Newberry Honor Book and you can view the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ4Ds1Yub3Q