The Lorax- Dr. Seuss

From one of the most well known and loved authors of all time, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a book that could be read by children of all ages. This story takes place among the among the forest in which the lorax is seeking to defend the life of the trees before the greedy once-ler. Seeking to build upon his own success and avarice, the once-ler is overtaking the environment and the trees therein. But through devotion and by having a hopeful spirit, the lorax is able to persevere for the survival of the environment. After having a failing business and a desolate area with no more trees, the once-ler decides he better change his ways.

This story would be a good text to incorporate into the classroom, although the undertones may be somewhat controversial, in speaking with students about the care for the environment. Through entering the imaginary world of Dr. Seuss, students are able to see in metaphorical ways, how the world can be affected by the ways we as humans, choose to care for it.

Fantasy

Who was Harriet Tubman- Yona Zeldis McDonough

This biography about Harriet Tubman simply tells the life long story of the woman who was considered the Moses for ending African American slavery.

After not only being born into slavery, Harriet was a slave for most of her life. As she continued to hear about the Underground Railroad from other field workers she became courageous and intrigued, longing to find freedom. She took the railroad up north to Philadelphia and from then on helped rescue and lead to freedom over seventy slaves. Her life is evidence of what determination and hope can lead to, not only in her own life but in our society today.

Through implementing this text and biographies like this into the classroom, students will be able to learn from real life events that took place long ago. By reading about the real hardships, struggles, and journeys people have taken and endured to obtain the different rights and privileges we have today, students can grow in appreciation for these heroes, the history they have made and the future they have set for us as a latter generation.

Non-Fiction

Number the Stars- Lois Lowry

This story about a young girl growing up during the stressing time of WW II and jewish persecution is a story that will continue to grip minds and hearts of readers for years on end. The realistic events portrayed by Lois Lowry in Number the Stars, will help students to always remember the horrific events that took place long ago.

This story can be used within the classroom to talk through historical aspects of the holocaust, WWII, or even used as way to restore unity among people. Using Smilebox as a means of technology, students can depict this real life tragedy of events in a heartfelt way.

Historical Fiction/Chapter Book

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Out of the Dust- Karen Hesse

This historical fiction verse novel is set during the mid 1930's during America's great depression and the Oklahoma dust bowl. Billie Jo is a young girl who continues to suffers remorse over the death of her mother and baby brother, whose life she felt was taken by her own doing. After continuing to grow more and More distant from who father, Billie Jo almost seems to have lost hope. When she finds out that her father might be sick and could potentially leave her behind alone, Billie Jo finds the need to flee all that she knows to avoid any more pain. While traveling on a train she meets a man who is wanting to do just as her-leave the family that he has. As she realizes that sticking together is what needs to happen, she quickly returns home to her father. The next fall, life begins to look better for Billie Jo and her father. He isn't sick, he meets a woman and becomes engaged and more than this-IT RAINS! Billie Jo perseveres in her efforts to play the piano she always loved, disregarding the pain that her hands have felt.

This story would be a good one to read in studying the history of America throughout the great depression. Incorporating texts like this one would give students a perspective into history that would take them into the heart of familial times and struggles that were overcome by perseverance and hope.

Historical Fiction/Chapter Book

Petey- Ben Mikaelsen

This story is one that warms the heart. A little boy named Trevor moves to a new place and when he does so, he comes across an elderly man in a wheel chair who often times is picked on by passerbys. Trevor seeks to befriend Petey, who not only is elderly but suffers from Cerebral Palsy. As the story continues, the two become great friends-sharing in life together. Even with the pigeons that continue to make the pages of the story :)

This book would be a great text to be used within the third through fifth grade classroom (or even beyond) as it is such a rich story, addressing aspects of friendship, bullying, physical illness, differences, etc. This story goes beyond age and ability to show what true friendship really is.

Fiction/Chapter Book

Hooway for Wodney Wat- Helen Lester

Having been introduced to this story at the beginning of last semester, I had to reread the story of Wodney Wat. This short story about a rat named Rodney who has trouble pronouncing his r's, encounters the real life of bullying and being different because of the way that he talks. After a new bigger bully moves into town, Rodney soon realizes that he isn't the only one who is bullied. Although his speech was something that he was constantly picked on for, his impediment actually leads Rodney to save the class from the biggest bully yet, Camilla Capybara. As he mispronounces the word rest, and in actuality says, "go west," the class is saved from Camilla. Rodney is a hero!

This story will be used in my classroom not only because I think speech impediments are endearing, but also because of the subtle ways that Helen Lester uses this story to portray differences and the need for acceptance. I can assure that this book will be used to teach children the importance of loving others for who they are, and embracing differences because that it is what makes us all unique!

Fiction

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe- C.S. Lewis

This classic story by C.S. Lewis is one for readers of all ages because of the subtle undertones the tale portrays. After being sent to live with a professor during WWII, they discover that the house in which they are staying is full of adventure. After playing hide-and-seek one day, Lucy discovers an old wardrobe as a hiding place. Little did Lucy know the world that would be discovered and the heroes that she and her siblings would become as they entered the world of Narnia. Throughout the story Edmund, Peter, Lucy and Susan all listen to the characters of Narnia who tell them how the white witch is seeking to overtake the place that once was full warm and full of life but is now seemingly dead and cold. As the follow the lead of Aslan to help save Narnia, they are able to see the fruition of their perseverance and love for all of Narnia.

This story will be used within my classroom as it is a classic that will never grow old. The way that this series depicts a different world brings to light deeper thoughts that often can make children ponder life in areas unknown. This can also be used to encourage the curiosity of young learners as they see the courage of Lucy and the other siblings throughout the story, pursuing the things that their first caught their attention.

Fantasy