NEWBERY MEDAL - HONOR
WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON
AUTHOR - GRACE LIN
GRADES - 3-5
HONORS/AWARDS
NEWBERY - HONOR BOOK -
The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW
NEW YORK TIMES - BESTSELLER
BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION - JOSETTE FRANK AWARD
AL ROKER'S TODAY SHOW KIDS' CLUB PICK
MYTHOPEIC FANTASY AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
PARENTS' CHOICE - GOLD WINNER
SCHOLASTIC- TOP 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR KIDS
THEMES - BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE, LOVE, ACCEPTANCE
Minli and her parents live in a barren area, where growing anything but rice is a challenge. Her mother constantly complains about their poor existence, while her father tells stories to brighten up the evenings. Through these stories, Minli learns about the old man on the moon who can change destinies. She decides to find him and bring happiness to her family. Along the way she encounters a talking goldfish, nasty monkeys, a flightless dragon, and an orphan boy. However, when she reaches her destination and gets the opportunity to change her life, she discovers something more important than material goods. The chapters are short and the adventures are nonstop. As noted below, the story received the E.B.White honor award for read-alouds.
GENRES - FICTION - ADVENTURE, FANTASY, FOLKLORE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Did Minli make the right decision? What would you have done?
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
WHIFF OF PINE, A HINT OF SKUNK, A FOREST FULL OF POEMS, A
AUTHOR - DEBORAH RUDDELL
GRADES - K-6
HONORS/AWARDS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN.- NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS
BANK STREET COLLEGE - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH -NOTABLE
CHILDREN'S BOOKS IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS
BULLETIN FOR THE CENTER OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - ANIMALS IN THE FOREST, APPRECIATING NATURE
Walking through the woods will never be the same after listening to A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk A Forest of Poems. It is a book for all ages as the illustrations and the text combine to make this an excellent read-aloud. Ask yourself this question - Is there anyone in your class who will not enjoy listening to this poem?
“The squirrel’s life is run, run, run - It seems her work is never done.
Those flying leaps, those frantic trots. Those teeny shoulders tied in knots.
So I propose a squirrel spa- Someplace very la-di-dah,
with all the walnuts she can eat and pedicures for all four feet.
She’ll have the time to ease her mind to let her curly tail unwind.
A week of lounging in the grass and possibly a yoga class.”
I would keep this book on my desk for instant use when celebrating animals, nature, or for the enjoyment of listening to rhyming poetry.
GENRES - POETRY, HUMOR
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Before reading Spring Welcome, ask the class what they think “a million
arms in woody sleeves” means. Then read the poem and discuss the
phrase.
2. Before reading Woodpecker Feud, ask the class what they think the title
means. Then read the poem and discuss the meaning.
3. Before reading October Surprise Party, ask the class what they think the title
means. Then read the poem and discuss the meaning.
4. After reading Chipmunks, Inc., ask the class what the Acorn Savings Bank is.
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR ☮️
SWIM TEAM - SMALL WAVES, BIG CHANGES
AUTHOR - JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS
GRADES - MATURE 3 - 6
HONORS/AWARDS👍👍👍
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD👍
The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.
CYBILS AWARD👍
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens
EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/ EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS - SELECTION👍
Highlights diverse children's books to honor the cultures and languages of all
children
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - LONGLIST
BANK STREET CHILDREN’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
AMAZON.COM - BEST BOOKS OF THE MONTH
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST
BOOKLIST EDITOR’S CHOICE: BOOKS FOR YOUTH
CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL’S - CHILDREN’S FAVORITES AWARD
CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL’S - LIBRARIAN FAVORITES AWARD
THE HARVEY AWARD
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic industry’s oldest and most prestigious awards. “As a reader, seeing a book acknowledged by the Harvey Awards should ensure you’re picking up the best our industry has to offer.
THE EISNER AWARD -
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books, referred to as the comics industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards. The awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious, significant awards in the comics industry.
THEMES - OVERCOMING FEAR, BELONGING, PERSEVERANCE, COOPERATION
When middle schooler Bree enters her new school, she finds herself placed on the swim team. However, she cannot swim. Not only must she overcome her fears, but she has to deal with team members who do not understand how to work cooperatively. She also has issues with her father who does not attend her meets. An underlying theme is whether or not kids from a lower socio-economic background can beat the swim team from a wealthy area who feel that they are better than everyone else. The story is presented in a graphic format. This heart-warming book is just perfect for reluctant readers.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S GRAPHIC BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. At the end of the story, Bree says “piece by piece, it’s all coming together.” What
does that mean?
She compares solving life’s problems to putting a jigsaw puzzle together.
2. Besides Bree, who do you think was the bravest person in this story.
Her father as he learned to swim after he almost drowned.
Mari. She apologized to her old friends for leaving them.
PURA BELPRE AWARD - HONOR
MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH
AUTHOR - MONICA BROWN
GRADES - K - 3
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION 👍🏿
Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children.
WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS👍🏿
recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities
SKIPPING STONES AWARD - HONOR👍🏿
promote an understanding of cultures, cultivate cooperation and/or encourage a deeper awareness of nature, ecology and diversity. Award winning books foster respect for multiple viewpoints and closer relationships within human societies.
PURA BELPRE AWARD - HONOR👍🏿
This award is named after Pura Belpre, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The award is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
THEMES - BEING YOURSELF, DEALING WITH PEER PRESSURE
Marisol is not your typical primary grade girl. She wears clothes that do not match, eats peanut butter and jelly burritos, and makes up her own games. While this creative little girl loves being different, she is criticized by her friends. When she tries to conform, her zest for life diminishes. Some kind words by her art teacher saves the day for Marisol.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Would you like to have Marisol as a friend? Why?
2. Do you think you are like Marisol or very different from her? Explain.
NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD
WE ARE GRATEFUL - OTSALIHELIGA
AUTHOR -TRACI SORELL
GRADES - 1 - 4
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍👍
EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION 👍
Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children
NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD👍
This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.
WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS👍
recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities
ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR
This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.
BOSTON GLOBE -HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR
COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)
A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.
THEMES - APPRECIATING NATURE, APPRECIATING EACH OTHER
The author, a member of the Cherokee Nation, takes readers on a journey through the seasons as experienced by her people. She also provides the Cherokee alphabet designed by Sequoia and historical notes. Readers will learn that people can exist very happily without being connected to Wal-Mart and Amazon.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK - NATIVE AMERICANS
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.The Cherokees enjoyed doing many things. What looks like the most fun to
you? Why?
2. What is your favorite season? Why?
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - WINNER
FREEWATER
AUTHOR - AMINA LUQMAN-DAWSON
GRADES - MATURE 3 - 6
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿
NEWBERY AWARD - WINNER
The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - WINNER👍🏿
The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
CYBILS- 👍🏿
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - FREEDOM, SURVIVAL
Not all slaves escaped to go North. Some lived in the swamps that bordered the plantations. In Freewater, we meet Homer, his younger sister, Ada, and their mother, Rose. While running away, Rose gets captured, but her children are rescued by escaped slaves who live deep in the swamps. They are taken to a secret community known as Freewater. When Homer learns of a threat to destroy Freewater, he decides to not only help the town, but to find his mother. Readers will find adventure, and excitement throughout this novel, as well as learn about plantation life and the hardship of slavery.
GENRE - JUVENILE HISTORICAL FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Do you think Nora will run away or stay on the plantation? Explain.
2. Which character in the story is most like you? Explain.
SCARECROW, THE
AUTHOR -BETH FERRY
GRADES - PRE-1
HONORS/AWARDS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
INDIE - NEXT LIST PICK
AMAZON BEST 3-5 BOOK
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST - 2019
THEME - ACTS OF KINDNESS
A lonely scarecrow sits in the field season after season, as he scares away the other animals. One day a wounded baby crow falls next to him. He cares for it, and eventually the bird heals and flies away. As time passes the scarecrow becomes bent over as his pole breaks. The crow returns and fixes it and builds a nest in the scarecrow’s chest. A recipe of love and kindness, along with magnificent illustrations = one excellent read aloud.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think will happen to the farmer’s crops?
They will be eaten by the birds and animals.
2. Why did the crow return to the scarecrow?
3. What things in this story could really happen?
A scarecrow scaring away animals / A wounded bird falling to the
ground / A pole breaking on a scarecrow
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK
OTHER SIDE, THE
AUTHOR - JACQUELINE WOODSON
GRADES - K-3
HONORS/AWARDS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING YOUNG READERS' CHOICE AWARD - HONOR - OLDEST BOOK AWARD CHOSEN BY CHILDREN
THEMES - FRIENDSHIP, ACCEPTANCE
In a small, segregated town, a fence divides whites from blacks. One day a white girl sits on the fence and gradually becomes friendly with the black girls on the other side. Sometimes, children need to lead the way.
GENRE - REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. At the beginning of the story, the girls did not want to play with Annie? Why do
you think they changed their minds?
Answers will vary. They saw that she made friends with Clover, and
perhaps they thought that if it was okay with her, then it was okay for
them, too.
2. When the girls passed each other in town, what do you think they were
thinking?
Answers will vary. They were probably wondering why they couldn’t be
friends.
3. At the end of the story, Annie says that someday someone will knock the fence
down. What will happen then?
Since the fence separates blacks from whites, all children would able to
play together. Families of both races would probably become friendlier.
SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD
WE RISE, WE RESIST, WE RAISE OUR VOICES
EDITED BY - WADE HUDSON, CHERYL WILLIS HUDSON
GRADES - 3 AND UP
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍
THE SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD - RECOMMENDED - 👍
is presented to honor books that address social responsibility towards individuals, communities, societies, and/or the environment as well as invite reflection and socially responsible action by the reader.”
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - HONOR - 👍
The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.
LATINO BOOK AWARD - WINNER -
International Latino Book Awards. Recognizing greatness in literature. Honoring authors, translators, and illustrators for their books written either in English, Spanish y Portuguese.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS REVIEWS -Best Book - 2018
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOK 2018
NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
THEMES - LOVE, PEACE, KINDNESS, ACCEPTANCE
What happens when fifty authors and illustrators who believe in diversity and social justice, share their thoughts in one book? You strike gold! This beautifully illustrated, easy to read work of art should be in every classroom and in every home. It is written for children with the hope that they can spread love and kindness throughout their travels. There is something for everyone in this book where each page is a “feel good” page.
GENRE - SOCIAL JUSTICE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Which selection was your favorite? Explain.
2. Write a poem about one of these topics: bullying, love, kindness, racism
3. What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly because
of their physical appearance?
PAGE 12