Wonder

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Illustrator:

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre:

Theme: Self-importance; Abnormalities

Primary Characters: Auggie Pullman

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012; Random House Publishing

Summary:

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. Auggie is about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, which is a very scary ordeal for him. If you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard it can be. Auggie is just an ordinary kid; An ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. How can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, even though his face looks different?  Read “Wonder” and find out! I loved this book because it shows other students who might be considered normal, that appearances are not always a reflection of inner- beauty.

Chomp

Title: Chomp

Author: Carl Hiaasen

Illustrator:

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Juvenile Mystery

Theme: Nature; Mystery

Primary Characters: Wahoo Cray

Secondary Characters: Father; Derek Badger

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012. Random House

Summary:

Wahoo Cray lives on a zoo with this father when his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called "Expedition Survival!". When they meet Derek Badger the TV’s star things get a bit rocky. When they were on location in the Everglades, Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm. Search parties head out and get lost searching! What happens to everyone? Will everyone survive? Read “Chomp”! This book is a great read for 10 year olds and up. I would definitely have this book in my classroom for recreational reading purposes.

Carl at the Dog Show

Title: Carl at the Dog Show

Author: Alexandra Day

Illustrator: Alexandra Day

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Camaraderie; Pets

Primary Characters: Carl; Madeleine

Secondary Characters: Mom

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012; D&M publishers

Summary:

In this book, the pictures tell most of the story. Carl is a Rottweiler who is supposed to take care of Madeleine. In this adventure, their family goes to the dog show. He and Madeleine get into some trouble while there. This funny picture book depicts the love that Carl and Madeleine share with one another and how you can be best friends with your pet. This book is a part of a larger series of other books about Carl and Madeleine. This series holds a special place in my heart because my mom used to read these books to me when I was young. We had a family pet that was a Rottweiler, Nicky. Carl reminds me a lot of Nicky, so this book brings back wonderful memories.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Title: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Author: Jon Scieszka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Crime; Truth

Primary Characters: The Wolf

Secondary Characters: The Pigs

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 1989; Viking Penguin

Summary:

This is the story of what really happened to the three little pigs. The ‘Big Bad Wolfe’ was not so bad after all. No, he was tricked into looking like the bad guy, when in reality; all he wanted was a cup of sugar. This book puts a spin on the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, as told from the wolf’s perspective. I like this book because it allows children to see two sides of one story. It can allow them to pursue higher level thinking, which is the ultimate goal in teaching!

The Secret Box

Title: The Secret Box

Author:  Barbra Lehman

Illustrator: Barbra Lehman

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Time; hidden treasures

Primary Characters:

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2011; Houghton Mifflin for Children

Summary:

This book has no named characters. This book is purely pictures. It begins with a man burying a box beneath some floorboards in his house on the farm. The next few pictures show how over time the farmland becomes city. The old house is transformed to an orphanage. Then, the children discover the box under the floor. They then find pictures and go on an adventure to find all the places that were in the pictures. I love this kind of book because pictures can speak louder than words sometimes, and I think it is important for children to understand that. This book is great for K-2^nd grade. They can interpret the story through the pictures which is important for higher level thinking.

Uncle Blubbafink’s Seriously Ridiculous Stories

Title: Uncle Blubbafink’s Seriously Ridiculous stories

Author: Keith Graves

Illustrator: Keith Graves

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: storytelling; imagination

Primary Characters: Uncle Blubbafink

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2001; Scholastic Press

Summary:

In this story, “ole Uncle Blubb” tell YOU several different WILDLY crazy stories. He tells the story of how he and Abraham Sandwich used to surf together back in '67 but only to find themselves lunch-less after a certain George Washing Machine chopped down all of Abraham's ham trees! He then goes into the story of a young volcano raised by squawking chickens! Then he tells the tale of Dave the dragon whose head turned into a station wagon! (SO silly, right?!) And then finally he tells the truth behind how cows completely mowed down the moon. This book is so creative and colorful. The kids that I babysit for love how ridiculous the stories truly are. Even as an adult, you can’t help but laugh at the seriously ridiculous tales!

If I Had A Robot

Title: If I Had a Robot

Author: Dan Yaccarino

Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Imaginations, technology

Primary Characters: Phil

Secondary Characters: Phil’s mom

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 1998; Puffin Books

Summary:

This book, “If I Had a Robot” Phil doesn’t want to eat his Brussels Sprouts, do his homework, take his bath, or do his chores! Phil starts imagining what his life would be like if he had a robot! The pictures bring the story to life and help illustrate just how handy a robot would be to Phil. This book is a familiar tale and really makes a hit with kids! I mean, what kid hasn’t wished for a robot before?! This book could be used to get children to use their imagination and create robots that would best suit them. This book is for children 3-8 years old.

Solider Bear

Title: Solider Bear

Author: Bibi Dumon Tak

Illustrator: Phillip Hopman

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical Non-ficiton

Theme: Wartime; friendship in unlikely places

Primary Characters: Voytek

Secondary Characters: soldiers from camp

Awards: Mildred L. Batchelder award

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2011; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Summary:

This book is based on a real series of events that occurred during World War II. Soldier Bear is about a bear who was orphaned but adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran. The Polish soldiers Voytek and eventually enlist him as a soldier! They wanted to make sure that he stays with their company. He travels with them all over the world. Voytek's mischief gets him into some trouble along with way, but his trouble is offset with comedic relief and comfort to the soldiers during the terrible war. Throughout the book Voytek learns to carry bombs for the company. Having this knowledge, will he be able to save the camp from a spy? Find out, when you read “Solider Bear”. I liked this book because it was based on a true, touching story. I also liked the end because it had Voytek’s pictures in the back, along with photos of his soldiers that he loved. I would definitely use this book in my classroom to help my students learn about World War II.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Title: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Author: Mordicai Gerstein

Illustrator: Mordicai Gerstein

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical Non-fiction

Theme: Fearlessness

Primary Characters: Philippe

Secondary Characters: his friends, the police

Awards: Caldecott Medal winner

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2003; Roaring Book Press

Summary:

“The Man Who Walked Between the Towers” is a book about the Twin towers, located in New York City. The young man, Philippe, is a wire walker. He walks on wires in the park and even Notre Dame Cathedral. One day, he decided to walk between the towers under the fall of night. Will he make it across? Find out when you read this thrilling book! This book could be used when studying the tragedy of 9/11. Since this book is not directly linked to the devastation of the twin towers, teachers could use this book for more creative thinking and to help students realize that the towers were famous before 9/11!

So You Want to Be President?

Title: So You Want to be President?

Author: Judith St. George

Illustrator: David Small

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical non-fiction

Theme: Becoming president

Primary Characters: none

Secondary Characters:

Awards: Caldecott Medal winner

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2004; Philomel Books

Summary:

This intriguing book about presidency is a fantastic read. The book asks the question “So you want to become president?” throughout. The book goes through a series of things and tasks that presidents have to do. It also tells facts about past presidents, like where they grew up, past jobs that they had, number of siblings, and even hobbies. I found this book to be super interesting. Most children don’t realize how much work being president really is! I feel like this book is realistic and down-to-Earth. I would definitely use this in my classroom when studying Presidency of the United States.

The Giants and the Joneses

Title: The Giants and the Joneses

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Greg Swearingen

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Action and Adventure

Theme: Giants; Survival

Primary Characters: Colette, Poppy, and Stephen Jones

Secondary Characters: Jumbeelia

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Henry Holt and Company; 2004

Summary:

One day, Jumbeelia throws a bimple over the edge of Groil. Down Jumbeelia climbs, right down into the land of the iggly plops. This is where she discovers Colette, Poppy, and Stephen Jones. Not seeing any harm, she puts them into her canvas bag and carries them back to Groil. Soon, the Joneses find themselves shut in her dollhouse, with no means of escape. With danger surrounding them at every turn, the children must use all their wits to survive and figure out a way to get back to their home. I liked this book because it was so creative and imaginative. I like books that can take you to a different place, and this book definitely will transport you. This book can be compared to Jack and the Beanstalk.

Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones

Title: Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones

Author: Judy Schachner

Illustrator: Judy Schachner

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre:

Theme: Dinosaurs

Primary Characters: Skippyjon Jones

Secondary Characters: Dolly Doohiggy, Darwin, Mama

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Penguin; 2007

Summary:

This book is one of several “Skippyjon Jones” books. In this adventure, Skippyjon Jones finds himself Mrs. Dolly Doohiggy’s yard digging up bones that belong to her dog, Darwin. His takes the bone into his closet, the jungle. Skippyjon meets a large dinosaur- T. Mexito! How will Skippyjon make it back home in one piece? Read “Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones. This book is for 4-6 year old dinosaur fans! I know the kids that I watch love reading the Skippyjon Jones books and this latest edition is another great, imaginative story.

The Sloppy Copy Slipup

Title: The Sloppy Copy Slip Up

Author:  DyAnne Disalvo

Illustrator: DyAnne Disalvo

Genre:  Fiction

Sub-Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Theme: Storytelling; Authorship

Primary Characters: Brian Higman; Miss Fromme

Secondary Characters: Brain’s classmates

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Holiday House; 2006

Summary:

The Sloppy Copy Slipup is a book about Brian Higman (The Big Hig). Brian doesn’t turn in his writing assignment and worries that his teacher, Mrs. Fromme, will be mad at him. He and his classmates call her “The General”. As the story goes on you can see his story begin to fall in place. Will he get to tell his story after all? Read this book and find out! This is a perfect story for 4^th and 5^th graders to read. Brian, himself, is in the fourth grade. This book has illustrations that help animate the story and bring it to life. This book is entertaining and humorous. Great read!

Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One

Title: Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One

Author: Judy Blume

Illustrator: James Stevenson

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: young adut fictionTheme: Brother and sisters

Primary Characters: Abigail and Jake

Secondary Characters: Mom, Aunt Diana, Soupy, Fluzzy,

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Random House; 2007

Summary:

Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One is a book for 4^th or 5^th graders. The book takes place only on Saturdays. Siblings, Abigail and Jake have adventures on these days ranging from haircuts to dog sitting. The story visits issues between siblings and the challenges they face growing up together.This book is fun and energetic and is perfect for 8-10 year olds. Although this is a chapter book, the book contains pictures which compliment the story and bring the characters to life. I enjoyed reading this book. Again, Judy Blume hits it out of the park!

A Bad Case of Stripes

Title: A Bad Case of Stripes

Author: David Shannon

Illustrator: David Shannon

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub-Genre: Social issues/ Emotions/ feelings

Theme: Nutrition, Illness

Primary Characters: Camilla Cream

Secondary Characters: her mother, Dr. Bumble, the experts

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Blue Sky Press; 1998

Summary:

A Bad Case of Stripes is a book about Camilla Cream who loves lima beans. But Camilla won’t eat them! She wants to fit in with her friends who don’t eat lima beans. From her lack of eating lima beans Camilla becomes sick and has a bizarre case of stripes! All of the doctors don’t know what’s wrong or what happened to poor Camilla. This book is so creative and could easily fit in a classroom. This book is imaginative and can encourage children to think outside of the ordinary.

Detective Blue

Title: Little Boy Detective Blue

Author: Steve Metzger

Illustrator: Tedd Arnold

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Mystery

Theme: nursery rhymes; searching and finding

Primary Characters: Detective Blue (little boy blue)

Secondary Characters: dish and spoon, Mary and her lamb, Jack Sprat, Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Jack Corner, Goldilocks

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Orchard Books; 2011

Summary:

Little Boy Blue runs a detective agency now. He calls himself detective Blue. He then utilizes his friends (other characters from popular nursery rhymes) to help solve the mystery of the missing Miss Muffet. This book would be perfect in a 3^rd grade classroom after a lesson or unit on nursery rhymes or new stories that are based on old or original stories. Since this book is written as a comic strip, there is humor that only older children would understand. You could use this book as a new spin on the classic nursery rhymes. Also, this book has a “You be the detective” activity on the first page where the students can help find all of the nursery rhyme characters!