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

Create a free scrapbook design

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

Thank You, Mr. Falker- Patricia Polacco

This story by Patrica Polacco is one that I heard about last semester. After reading this book once, I knew it was worth another look. The book tells the story about the author herself as a young girl who wasn't able to read and write well in school. After years of fooling teachers and acting as if she knew what she was doing, a gentle spirited Mr. Falker sees through her inabilities. This teacher not only encourages her where she is but continues to show her that she can and will succeed.

This story is one, that in my opinion, should be in every classroom. The continued support of Mr. Falker and the perseverance he demonstrated in helping Tricia, is the kind of help students long for. Not only does this book teach educators how to perform but this story also provides students with the drive to move forward in all that they do. Of course there is still the sense of bullying within the story that can also be used to teach those lessons that are often taught often in the elementary setting on being encouraging and not negative towards others.

Fiction

Beatrice's Goat- Page McBrier

This story is about a young girl living in a West African village who only hopes to attend school, even though she knows that probably won't happen due to her family's lack of money. As she works to help support her family, one day she receives a young goat as a gift, and from that day on, the goat was a helpful way for Beatrice and her family to make money. As she continues to bring home money made from selling the goat's milk, she has enough money to help buy her siblings some new clothes, however, her mother wants her to go to school. Because of the generosity of someone she did not even know, Beatrice was able to make enough money in order to attend school.

This book would be a beneficial text to use in talking with students about other cultures and the ways that we as the United States might differ from people all over the world. This type of story would be very useful in talking with students about being the change in the world; encouraging both students and teachers to be more intentional in how they give.

Multi-Cultural/International

OWLY -Andy Runton

Owly was a new experience for me as I had never once read a graphic novel. This story about friendship and how it goes beyond appearance encourages anyone who reads to accept differences and encourage change. Though this book is different from many others because of a lack in text, the pictures, expressions, symbols, etc. provide the reader with a new way to approach the story.

This book would be a great addition to the classroom because of the diversity that it brings to common classroom genres. Through implementing graphic novels, students are exposed to the different kinds of literature that don't necessarily fit the norm for a must read. This story could also be used in discussing with students the many differences that people have and the depth of friendship, despite appearance.

Graphic Novel

Betsy Who Cried Wolf- Gail Carson Levine

We all have heard the story about the little boy who cried wolf, this story by Gail Carson Levine was a little different. Like many authors who add a modern twist to traditional and folk literature, this story is one to keep around. Although Betsy really does see a wolf near her sheep and the rest of the town doesn't believe her, she is able to befriend him in the end.

This story would be another one that is appropriate for a book pass or book talk as it allows students to see a collection of stories that have been altered by various authors, to create a more diverse sense of literature. And of course, in implementing this story into the classroom, there will always be the lesson taught about morals and what were to happen if one were "crying wolf."

Traditional/Folk

Hatchet-Gary Paulsen

A trip to visit his father turned bad for Brian Robinson, as the pilot of his personal plane suffered a massive heart attack. After experiencing near death situations on multiple occasions, this young boy learns how to survive in the wilderness. Using the mere tool his mother had given him before he left, Brian seems to overcome the natural beasts, weather, events that characterize the wild.

This text would be a valuable within the classroom not only for the way the author keeps you on the edge of your seat constantly, but also for subltle undertones of perseverance and hope that Brian's sense of endurance brings about for all who read.

Using wordle was a way that technology was incorporated into the classroom. By providing words that characterized this novel, students could begin to identify the book by the adjectives they can best recall the story by. http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1862489/Hatchet









Fiction/Chapter Book

Food for Life- Kathleen V. Kudlinski

Healthy eating is an important aspect of life, no matter what your age may be. This short text provides information on varying aspects of food including, vitamins, minerals, when one should eat, etc. Every few pages, there are facts about food that will provide students with the thoughtful thinking that is necessary for healthy living.

This non-fiction text on healthy eating, the body and things thereof, can help teach students about the importance of maintaining good eating habits and keeping up with exercising. The facts that this book provides can give students the knowledge they need in an abbreviated format, without the intense library books.

Non-Fiction

jambo means hello-Muriel Feelings

This West African book written and illustrated by a husband and wife living among the culture, is one that is intriguing not only because of its factual information but also for its insight into African culture and the Swahili language.

Although this book is not telling a story, it would be a great text to be used within the classroom because of the way it introduces the reader to the West African culture and the language spoken therein. By exposing students to cultures other than their own, we can broaden their knowledge on other ways of life and help them to combat misconceptions. This could also be beneficial if there were a student within the classroom that could relate to this text, however the teacher must be mindful of how they are teaching with it and must be prepared and well informed of the culture to the best of his/her ability.

Multi-cultural/International

Estela's Swap-Alexis O'Neil

This short story is one that has a way of warming the heart. Estela, a young girl who is attending her first swap meet with her father at the market place, is trying hard to sell her music box to be able to afford dancing lessons. As she continues to watch her father sell various things to customers, she herself tries to barter with people and convince them to buy her music box. In the end however, a neighboring woman who is working on a skirt and making flowers has her booth blown away by the wind. As Estela seeks to help her, she realizes her need to give the woman her music box so she can continue making her flowers to make money and keep her booth going. At the end of the story, the woman brings Estela the skirt she had been working on.

This book would be a great use of multi-cultural literature to allow students to experience stories based off of Hispanic culture. This would also be a positive resource in encouraging students to be kind and giving with the things that they have, providing evidence with the story as to the effects of doing so.

Multi-Cultural/International

The Giver- Lois Lowry

Growing up in a society in which life is the same in almost every respect, where people are numb to the effects of "real life," young Jonas' eyes are gradually opened to the truth about the world he and the people he loves are living in. After being given the responsibility of the community receiver, Jonas begins to meet with the giver, an old man who is able to pass on the memories, feelings, etc. that are being and have been experienced but not exposed within the society. The relationship that develops between Jonas and the giver is a sweet one that continues to grow throughout the book as they both experience the memories and see things differently than others within the community. After being enlightened and realizing what it means to be released and desiring to put an end to it, Jonas desires to experience and travel to elsewhere.

This story would be a great one for implementing into the classroom because of the undertones that it provides. Through analyzing the society and the effects of sameness and uniformity within, students will be able to compare the lifestyles of characters within the story to his/her own life and the world we live in. This could also be a great book used in discussing how texts compare based on genre.

Fantasy/Science Fiction

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963-Christopher Paul Curtis

This historical fiction novel about a witty family living in Michigan who decides to travel down south to Birmingham, Alabama in order to try and solve some familial issues with the oldest brother Byron. Byron and Kenny seem to always be at each others throats throughout the book. During the time that the family is down in Birmingham, the civil rights movement was taking place and while the family was there, they witness a few tragic events that affect the family and the stories narrator, young Kenny Watson. Throughout the story, Kenny continues to see a strange being he calls the wool pooh that seems to always be bringing him down. After the summer had passed, its evident that there was so much growth in each of the characters, even resulting in a reconciled relationship between Kenny and Byron.

This book would be a good text to implement within the classroom in talking about the civil rights movement and the history taking place at that time. Helping students to see history from a different perspective, depicted through a unique style of fictional story. This could even be used in talking about the importance of family and how, even through hard times we must seek to restore relationships.

Historical Fiction

Sleeping Beauty- Christine San Jose

After looking through a number of classic fairy tales, the story of sleeping beauty won my affections. However, this version of the story was a little different from the original text I grew up reading. This story, creatively inspired with mice characters, depicts the story of sleeping beauty in an animated way-different from other stories of the same content.

This book could be implemented into the classroom during a lesson on fairy tales, fables, myths, etc. This may be a story that students who normally don't like the typical fairy tale editions may better enjoy. I felt that the way Dr. Wiseman had us choose three different types of fairy tale stories was a good way to diversify the classroom discussion and even help us in understanding the differences among similar writing styles.

Traditional/Folk

Music and Dance- Neil Morris

In this non-fiction book by Neil Morris, the realities of world wide dances and musical instruments are discussed in brief detail. The author connects cultural traditions within music and dance from across the globe with the common musical instruments and dances that many know well. Much of this short book encompasses a great amount of information that can be traced back to historical occurrences and/or traditions related to different regions. This book would be beneficial within the classroom because of the diversity that is introduced all throughout the pages. There are also great pieces of accurate information that can be used for homework assignments, classroom discussion or projects throughout the school. year. In different grade levels, particularly fourth and fifth grade, students are focusing more on musicality and thus this book may be helpful in "bringing to life" the melting pot of world wide music and dance.

Non-Fiction

Falling Down the Page- Georgia Heard

This recently discovered book composed of various poetic styles was quite intriguing to me, a poetry lover at heart. Throughout the brief entires, authors use the simple, everyday aspects of life to create exceptional pieces of literature for readers of all ages. I found myself captivated by certain styles draped across the pages as I continued to read from page to page. Although this collection is unlike other literary books, in that there is no storyline, the collaboration of stories, ideas, emotions and aspirations that are expressed within these peoms, provide everyone who reads with an enjoyable experience, all their own.

Traditional/Folk