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NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿
HOUSE OF THE SCORPION, THE
AUTHOR - NANCY FARMER
GRADES - 6-8
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE - WINNER👍🏿
NEWBERY AWARD - 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”.
MICHAEL J. PRINTZ AWARD - Honor 👍🏿
American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".
CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - YOUNG ADULT CHOICES
VOLUNTEER STATE YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARD
NEVADA YOUNG READER'S AWARD - IN THE YOUNG ADULT CATEGORY
PACIFIC NORTHWEST LIBRARY ASSN. - SENIOR YOUNG READERS
CHOICE AWARD
THEMES - EQUALITY, MORALITY OF CLONING
This futuristic sci-fi novel features a young boy who is a clone of El Patron, a 144 year old drug lord. While the boy leads a charmed life, he later learns that his purpose for living is to serve as an organ donor for the drug lord. Now his focus is on how to escape this well protected compound. How do you become a life long reader? This author has the recipe. Anguish, joy and many breath-taking situations are bound to grab the interest of young teens. There is a sequel called The Lord of Opium.
GENRES - SCI-FI, DYSTOPIAN FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.Is cloning humans a good idea? Answers will vary.
2. How would you compare yourself to Matt?
Matt is a risk taker, rebellious, curious, fearless, loves to explore
3. Did Eduardo do Matt a favor by not blunting his intelligence?
Answers will vary. Matt might have been happier if he didn’t know that he
was a clone. However, he might have died.
STONEWALL AWARD - WINNER ☮️
HURRICANE CHILD
AUTHOR - KHERYN CALLENDER
GRADES - 4-6
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ ☮️
STONEWALL AWARD - WINNER - ☮️
The Stonewall Book Award is a set of three literary awards that annually recognize "exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience" in English-language books published in the U.S.
LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD - WINNER- ☮️
Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys", are awarded yearly by Lambda Literary to recognize the crucial role LGBTQ writers play in shaping the world. The Lammys celebrate the very best in LGBTQ literature.
RAINBOW LIST: TOP TEN LGBTQ BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS☮️
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - SELF-DISCOVERY, BULLYING
Caroline is a 12 year old girl who lives on a small island in the Caribbean. Ever since her mother mysteriously disappeared, Caroline was on a mission to find her. She goes to a small school, where she is bullied by the other girls. She lives a rather lonely life until a new girl named Kalinda arrives at her school. They become instant friends and develop a loving relationship, much to the horror of the school community. This coming of an age story, allows readers to get inside the conflicted head of a young girl and wonder what they would do in similar situations. Beautifully written and most appropriate for this age group.
GENRES - MIDDLE GRADE FICTION, COMING OF AGE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If you were Caroline, what would you have done that she did not do?
2. If Caroline and Kalinda ever meet again, what do you think will happen?
3. Do you think it was wrong for Caroline’s mother to leave her? Explain.
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR BOOK ☮️
BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET
AUTHOR - LESA CLINE-RANSOME
GRADES - 3-6
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️👍🏿
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.
CHRISTOPHER AWARD - WINNER - ☮️
This award is presented to authors who "affirm the highest values of the human spirit by making a positive difference in the world."
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR - ☮️
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.
NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE FOR OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK -
CHILDREN☮️
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
BEST BOOKS☮️
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿
THEMES - SLAVERY, RESISTANCE, COURAGE
This beautifully illustrated work of poetry traces Harriet Tubman’s life in reverse order.
GENRE - AFRICAN AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think was Harriet’s most dangerous job?
2. If you had the opportunity to ask her a question, what would it be?
3. Not everyone could do what Harriet did. Can you think of three personality
traits that allowed her to succeed?
Bravery, Intellect, Persistence, Empathy, Strength
NEWBERY MEDAL - HONOR BOOK 👍
INCIDENT AT HAWK'S HILL
AUTHOR - ALLAN ECKERT
GRADES - 5-7
HONORS/AWARDS 👍
NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR - 👍
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”.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE BOOK FOR CHILDREN
THEMES - AUTISM, SURVIVAL, PREJUDICE
This story, based on a true incident, tells about a six-year-old named Ben who can communicate with animals by imitating their sounds. His inability to talk with humans suggests that he might have been autistic. Ben lives with his family in the Canadian wilderness. While exploring the area a few miles from his house, he meets a badger, one of the most dangerous animals in the wild. It doesn’t take long before she trusts him. He feeds her and touches her. A few days later, Ben is wandering around on the prairie, when he gets lost in a storm. Since he is so small, he is able to crawl into a burrow that some animal made. When the animal returns, it starts growling at Ben. It is the same badger that Ben made friends with earlier. As weeks pass, Ben becomes more like a badger than a human. How does a young boy survive without human assistance? How does he get food? Besides bonding with a badger, Ben's family has to keep his gift a secret because neighbors will accuse him of working with the devil.
GENRE -HISTORICAL NOVEL
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. A story was made up about Ben’s disappearance. Do you think that was a good
idea? Explain.
Possible answers - Ben’s parents should have accepted him and
respected his talent to communicate with the animals. It was best to keep
his talent a secret because he would not have been accepted in his
society.
2. Ben’s parents disagreed about how they should raise him. The father wants
him to grow up like a regular boy and socialize with others. The mother wants
her husband to be more patient and kinder with Ben. What do you think?
Explain.
3. If you could have a special power like Ben, what would it be? How would you
use it? Would you want to keep it a secret?
NEWBERY MEDAL - HONOR BOOK 👍🏿
INQUISITOR'S TALE, THE
AUTHOR - ADAM GIDWITZ
GRADES - 5-7
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿
NEWBERY AWARD - 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”.
NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD - Finalist -
Inaugurated in 1950, the National Jewish Book Awards is the longest-running North American awards program of its kind and is recognized as the most prestigious. The Awards are intended to recognize authors, and encourage reading, of outstanding English-language books of Jewish interest.
MYTHOPOEIC FANTASY AWARD👍🏿
Honoring a fantasy book or books in the traditions of The Hobbit of the Chronicles of Narnia
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
E. B. WHITE READ-ALOUD AWARD - FINALIST
BOOKLIST 2016 TOP BOOKS FOR YOUTH, RELIGION, AND SPIRITUALITY
THE WASHINGTON POST BEST CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
OF 2016
THE NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK 0F 2016
THEMES -SHARED HUMANITY, ACCEPTANCE, SURVIVAL
Three children with special gifts are being chased through the French countryside during the thirteenth century to escape prejudice and persecution. The big boy, William, has super strength. He is on a mission from his monastery. The peasant girl, Jeanne, can see into the future. The third child, Jacob, can heal all wounds. He is a Jewish boy who escaped his burning village. He is trying to save a Talmud from being burned. All three have been taught to distrust one another because they are of different races, religions, and classes. However, they overcome these differences in order to survive and continue their quest. Their story is told by a group of travelers who meet in a French inn. The author illustrates the dangers of zealotry and narrow-mindedness. Many of the lessons learned in this tale can be applied to the difficult times we experience today.
GENRES - MEDIEVAL HISTORY, FANTASY, HUMOR
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Which child had the most valuable gift? Explain.
2. What would be a good theme for this story? Possible answers -
Working together to achieve a goal
People should be judged by their behavior rather than their religion or
social class.
Good triumphs over evil
3. Which character would you like to have for a friend? Why?
4. If William, Jeanne and Jacob lived today, what do you think they would be
doing when they became adults?
YOUNG READERS CHOICE AWARD
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
AUTHOR - ROALD DAHL
GRADES - 3-6
HONORS/AWARDS
MASSACHUSETTS CHILDREN'S AWARD
YOUNG READERS CHOICE AWARD
THEMES -OVERCOMING FEAR, DO NOT PREJUDGE OTHERS
After James’ parents were eaten by a rhinoceros, he was raised by two mean aunts who made his life miserable. When he accidentally dropped some magic crystals by a peach tree, one of the peaches grew so large, that James was able to go inside where he met some giant insects. The peach fell and it began to roll, landing in the ocean. After a series of adventures, the peach finally came to a rest on top of The Empire State Building. This story is a roller coaster ride filled with fun and adventure. This great read-aloud will be remembered for years to come.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S FANTASY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. In chapter 8, the two aunts charged money for people to see the giant peach.
What would you have done? Answers will vary.
2. In chapter 10, James climbs into the peach. What would you have done?
Answers will vary.
3. How would this story be different if James’ aunts were very nice to him?
The old man appeared because James was miserable. If he was happy,
there probably would be no giant peach in his yard.
4. If you visited James in his pit, what would you ask him? Answers will vary.
5. Which creature was your favorite - the ladybug, the centipede, the earthworm,
the silkworm, the grasshopper, the spider or the glow-worm? Explain.
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD ☮️
LAND, THE (Logan Family Saga - Book One)
AUTHOR - MILDRED D. TAYLOR
GRADES - 5 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES )VOYA) - A PERFECT TEN - 👍🏿
This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.
CORETTA SCOTT KING - AUTHOR AWARD ☮️
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.
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.
L.A. TIMES AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE👍🏿
SCOTT O'DELL HISTORIC FICTION AWARD👍🏿
PARENTS CHOICE AWARD - GOLD👍🏿
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - TEACHERS' CHOICE
THEMES - RACISM, OPPRESSION, INJUSTICE
The Logan Family saga begins shortly after the Civil War with The Land and ends three books later with The Road to Memphis. The author, who was raised in the South, combines story telling and history to weave an engrossing tale of black life in Mississippi during a span of about 100 years. In this prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Taylor explains how the feuds began between the Logans and the other families. During the post Civil War period, Paul, the son of a white father and black mother, dreams about becoming a landowner. This turns out to be more complicated and dangerous than he expected as he has to overcome betrayal and prejudice to realize his dream. This family story will give readers an accurate picture of what life in the South was like during this time period. An exceptional storyteller writes this amazing historical piece. Teachers of American history should make this set of books required reading.
GENRE -HISTORICAL FICTION - POST CIVIL WAR ERA
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Why do you think Paul took the blame for Mitchell when the horse was
injured?
What would you have done?
He didn’t want Mitchell to get a whipping.
2. Do you think Paul’s father loves his older boys more than Paul? Explain.
3. What do you think was the worst experience Paul ever had? Explain.
4. What do you think Paul’s life will be like in ten years?
He will probably marry Caroline and have children.
He will sell the forty acres and buy the land that he always wanted to
own.
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) NONFICTION HONOR LIST 👍🏿
LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS: HOW PHOTOGRAPHY REVEALED AND SHAPED AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
AUTHOR - MARTIN W. SANDLER
GRADES - 5 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES )VOYA) - NONFICTION HONOR LIST👍
JEFFERSON CUP - HONOR BOOK-
The Jefferson Cup honors a distinguished biography, historical fiction, or American history book for young people.
BOOKLIST – STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – STARRED REVIEW
BANK STREETS CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍
NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
(NCSS/CBC)
ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK - NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH
THEMES - PHOTOGRAPHY, LIFE AND DEATH, ANTI WAR
This is truly an extraordinary book. It is filled with rare photographs as the author traces Lincoln’s life from 1839, when photography first burst upon the scene, to the period following his assassination. Readers will learn about his family life, the stress of the war, and the impact photography had on his life and the way Americans perceived him. Each two-page chapter contains a quote from Lincoln on the top of the page, and focuses on his thoughts and feelings about himself and the people around him. The second page provides a thought-provoking photograph describing the text. Readers will learn how agonizing the war was for Lincoln and the rest of the country. Just perfect for middle school and up.
GENRE - BIOGRAPHY - ABRAHAM LINCOLN
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What is your favorite photo? Explain.
2. During his lifetime, more photographs were taken of Lincoln than any other
person.Why?
3. On page 34, Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want
to test a man’s character, give him power.” What does that mean?
4. Some people say that Abraham Lincoln was our greatest president. What do
you think? Explain.
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
LION OF THE SKY - HAIKU FOR ALL SEASONS
AUTHOR - LAURA PURDIE SALAS
GRADES - K - 6
HONORS/AWARDS👍🏿👍🏿
BOOKLIST- STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS REVIEW - STARRED REVIEW
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH - NOTABLE POETRY
BOOKS - WINNER👍🏿
HORN BOOK TEN TOP BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
PARENTS MAGAZINE - BEST BOOK FOR KIDS 2019👍🏿
DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY -BEST AND BRIGHTEST CHILDREN'S POETRY
OF 2019
THEMES -APPRECIATING NATURE AND THE SEASONS
This is the best children’s haiku book that I have read. The author asks listeners/readers to identify the subject of each poem as they travel through the seasons. The illustrations are icing on the cake for this remarkable read aloud.
GENRE - POETRY - HAIKU
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
Have the children pair off and write their own version of this book using different topics.
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. - TOP FIFTY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, THE
AUTHOR - C.L. LEWIS
GRADES - 4 - 6
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍👍👍👍
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. - TOP FIFTY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN👍
TIME Magazine -100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #20 👍
AMAZON'S - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN👍
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - TOP 100 NOVELS FOR CHILDREN #5 👍
GOODREADS -100 CHILDREN'S BOOKS TO READ IN A LIFETIME #3👍
THEMES -GOOD VS.EVIL, THE HORRORS OF WAR
This beautifully written fantasy/adventure classic has been going strong for over half a century. During WW II, English children were sent out of London to small towns and farms in the country, to protect them from German bombs. Lucy and her sister and two brothers were part of this group. One day, while playing a game of hide-and-seek, Lucy enters a wardrobe and discovers another world which is suffering from the spell of an evil witch. Lucy shares this discovery with her siblings. When they learn that a lion by the name of Aslan may have the power to break this spell, they try to make this happen.
GENRE - FANTASY NOVEL
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. In chapter 2, Mr. Tumnus asks Lucy to come to his house and have tea with
him. What would you have done? Explain. Answers will vary.
2. The professor is not surprised when the children tell him about Narnia. He tells
them that they will return someday. How do you think he knows about Narnia?
3. In chapter 10, the children receive gifts from Father Christmas. Which one do
you think is the most valuable - the bow, the horn, or the bottle? Explain.
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #14
LORAX, THE
AUTHOR - DR. SEUSS
GRADES - 3-5
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #14 👍🏿
TIME Magazine - 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #20 👍🏿
GOODREADS - 100 BOOKS TO READ IN A LIFETIME #46👍🏿
THEMES - GREED, RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
The Lorax speaks for the trees as young readers/listeners will learn about ecological destruction when greed runs wild. While the story is somewhat depressing, it ends on a hopeful note. Great read aloud.
GENRE - CAUTIONARY TALE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If you were the Lorax, what would you have done?
2. What do you think you would see, if you visited this area in ten years?
3. When trees are cut down, why should anyone care about the animals that live
in the area?
NEWBERY AWARD - WINNER 👍
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”.
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. - TOP FIFTY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN👍
AMAZON - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN👍
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD 👍
YOUNG READERS' CHOICE AWARD
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -TOP 100 NOVELS FOR CHILDREN #6 👍
RHODE ISLAND CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
BUCKEYE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
PACIFIC NORTHWEST LIBRARY ASSN. YOUNG READERS' CHOICE AWARD
THEMES - RACISM, LOVE, LOST, HOME
When Jeff Magee was three years old, his parents died in a trolley crash. He went to Pennsylvania to live with his aunt and uncle who hated each other so much that they didn’t say a word for eight years. Then, when Jeff was eleven years old, he started to scream during a school assembly program. He pointed to his aunt and uncle and told them to talk. He ran out of school and never returned. He kept running until he came to a racially divided town called Two Mills. Through humor and wit, he tries to bring blacks and whites closer together. When he arrived he was known as Jeff. After doing so many amazing things, he earned the name Maniac. If there was a hall of fame for books that would inspire reluctant readers to read, Maniac Magee would be in it.
GENRE - REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Is it a good idea for blacks and whites to live in different neighborhoods? What
did you learn from the story?
The blacks and whites did not like each other. It was dangerous for a
black to walk in a white neighborhood and vice-versa.
Mars Bar wanted to fight with Maniac because he was in the black area.
The McNabs built a shelter because they didn’t trust the blacks. They
thought the blacks were planning to invade their neighborhood.
The separate living areas created suspicion and hatred on both sides.
2. Jeffrey Magee got the nickname “Maniac” because of all the daring and crazy
things he did. What did he do that took the most courage?
Answers will vary.
He went to an all black neighborhood where whites feared to go.
He knocked on the door of a house that the other kids were afraid to go
near.
He challenged McNab and hit his fastballs for homers.
He took the ball away from the varsity football players and ran right
through the team without being tackled.
He took a bite out of a candy bar belonging to a tough black kid named
Mars Bar.
He slept in a deer pen at the zoo.
He brought Mars Bar into a house belonging to a group of white racists.
3. Compare Maniac with yourself. Use examples of behavior and personality.
Great runner and jumper Doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything
Takes chances Loves to read Smart Good at sports Good with
his hands Respects older people Little kids like him Seems to get
along with everyone
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES - (VOYA) A PERFECT TEN 👍🏿
MAPPING THE BONES
AUTHOR - JANE YOLEN
GRADES - 6 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) - A PERFECT TEN 👍🏿
VOYA Founded in 1978, Voice of Youth Advocates, or (VOYA),This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.
BANK STREET COLLEGE - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿
LOCUS AWARDS - TOP TEN FINALIST
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
THEME - SURVIVAL
The author is one of the superstars of young adult literature, so it is no surprise that she penned this emotionally riveting tale of two Jewish children caught in the grips of the Holocaust. Chaim and his twin sister Gittel move with their parents to a Polish ghetto. They eventually escape to a forest where they are rescued by Polish partisans. Their journey ends in a German forced labor camp where they face the horror of horrors. This is historical fiction at its best. It richly deserves a Perfect Ten by VOYA.
GENRES -HOLOCAUST - HISTORICAL FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. How is this story similar to the folktale - Hansel and Gretel?
In both stories the children find themselves in the woods with no way of
returning home. They meet their enemies who treat them nicely at first.
The witch and Jews disintegrate in an ovens.
2. Why do you think the twins developed a system of communication using hand
signs?
They could keep secrets from their parents and others. Chaim stuttered
and spoke very little.
3. If you met Chaim and asked him to name his worst memory, what would he
say?
Answers will vary. He might mention the dead girl with a bullet hole in
her head or the operation on Gregor.
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES - A PERFECT TEN 👍🏿
MARTIN RISING - REQUIEM FOR A KING
AUTHOR - ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY, BRIAN PINKNEY
GRADES - MATURE 6TH AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS☮️ 👍👍👍👍
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS ☮️
a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) A PERFECT TEN - 👍
VOYA Founded in 1978, Voice of Youth Advocates, or (VOYA),This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
WASHINGTON POST - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY -BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍
SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - LOVE, JUSTICE, CIVIL RIGHTS
This unique collection of poems centers on the final days of Martin Luther King Jr. and the sanitation worker’s strike in Memphis, Tennessee. Readers will learn about his eerie "I've been to the mountaintop" speech. Outstanding text and illustrations. This is an awesome book. Not only a must read, but a must read-aloud.
GENRES - POETRY, HISTORY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.Why did the author divide the book into Daylight, Darkness and Dawn?
2. How do the illustrations enhance the meaning of the text?
3. What message is the author trying to deliver?
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
MAXIMUM RIDE - The Angel Experiment
AUTHOR - JAMES PATTERSON
GRADES - 6-8
HONORS/AWARDS
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES - ((VOYA) EDITOR'S CHOICE
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - QUICK PICK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - "BOOKS FOR THE TEENAGE"
A CHILDREN'S CHOICE BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
A BOOK SENSE SUMMER 2007 CHILDREN'S PICK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. AND VOYA -"TEENS TOP TEN PICK"
THEMES - FAMILY, GOOD VS. EVIL, FREEDOM
A group of genetically enhanced kids who can fly and have other unique talents are on the run from part-human, part-wolf predators called Erasers, in this SF thriller. Max, 14, and her adopted family–Fang and Iggy, both 13, Nudge, 11, Gazzy, 8, and Angel, 6–were all created as experiments in a lab called the School. Jeb, a sympathetic scientist, helped them escape and, since then, they've been living on their own. The Erasers have orders to kill them so the world will never find out they exist. Max's old childhood friend, Ari, now an Eraser leader, tracks them down, kidnaps Angel, and transports her back to the School to live like a lab rat again. The youngsters are forced to use their special talents to rescue her as they attempt to learn about their pasts and their destinies. This good vs. evil novel reinforces the belief that all living creatures should be free. Maximum Ride is the first of a trilogy which includes - School’s Out Forever and Saving the World.
GENRE - SCIENCE FICTION FANTASY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.Compare and contrast Max to you. Use physical features, personality, and
examples of behavior.
a. Fourteen-year-old Max is the oldest of the six children. She has taken
the responsibility to raise them care for them. She is intensely loyal
and will do anything to protect her family, especially little Angel.
b. She is caring. On one occasion, she saved a girl from being attacked
by a group of boys. She often hugs family members and treats them in
a kind manner. When Nudge wanted to go to a concert, Max decided to
give him a treat and they all attended the show. Another time she took
the kids into a huge toy store in the city because she knew they would
like it.
c. She enjoys being with her family. When they were in Central Park, she
was thankful that they were all together and safe.
d. She is a smart leader. When the Erasers were chasing them, she
directed the family to join a group of school children so that they would
not be seen.
Throughout the story she guides her family out of trouble and out of
harms way. When the police were chasing them, she guided them into
St. Patrick’s Cathedral where they blended in with the crowd. Another
time, when they were chased by a security guard, Max jammed a pen
into a revolving door, causing it to jam and allowing them to escape.
e. She is determined. During the first half of the story, she was
determined to find Angel. During the second half, she was determined
to find the Institute.
f. She is compassionate. When Gasman became depressed,
Max learned that he wanted to sit down and eat a big dinner
without being in a hurry.
Max took everyone into a fancy restaurant where they ordered huge
amounts of food.
g. She is compassionate. When Gasman became depressed, Max learned
2. What do you think is the theme of this novel?
No one should be controlled. People should be free to live and make
their own decisions.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
MICK HARTE WAS HERE
AUTHOR - BARBARA PARK
GRADES - 5-7
HONORS/AWARDS👍👍
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK PF THE YEAR👍
GEORGIA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
KANSAS WILLIAM WHITE AWARD
RHODE ISLAND CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
VERMONT DOROTHY CANFIELD FISCHER BOOK AWARD
ILLINOIS REBECCA CAUDILL YOUNG READERS' AWARD
INDIANA YOUNG HOOSIER AWARD
IOWA CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - YOUNG ADULT CHOICE AWARD👍
WYOMING INDIAN PAINTBRUSH AWARD
THEMES - DEALING WITH DEATH, ACCEPTANCE, REMEMBRANCE
Mick Harte Was Here is a novel about coping with the loss of a loved one. It is a story of love and death as told by Phoebe Harte, Mick’s sister. She is twelve years old, ten months older than her brother. On the day of his death, he asked her if she would ride his bike home from school because he had to go to a meeting. She couldn’t do it because she had soccer practice and she would be carrying many books. He was hit by a truck and killed that afternoon. Phoebe deals with his death by remembering the good times they had together. She has to deal with guilt, her friends, her parents, and the people at school. In spite of the tragedy, the author brings a great deal of humor to the situation without being insensitive. This book was brought to me attention by a sixth grade girl who told me it was the best book she had ever read.
GENRE -CHILDREN'S FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. As Phoebe remembers her brother, you can tell that he had a good sense of
humor. What evidence can you find to support this personality trait?
When he was in kindergarten he and Phoebe scratched the word
F-A-R-T in wet cement. Mick told his parents that a monkey named
Zippy did it and they chased him all the way back to Africa.
He once put a ceramic eyeball in a defrosted chicken his mother was
preparing for dinner. She could be heard screaming all over the
neighborhood.
When Phoebe found a cigar, Mick named it Helen because on the top of
the cigar was a paper band that said, “It’s a girl”.
While at a neighbor’s barbecue, he took off his flip flop and hit his
neighbor over the head to kill an annoying fly.
At the funeral service, people related funny stories about Mick.
2. Pretend you were a friend of Mick. Write a letter to Phoebe sharing your
thoughts.
3. Compare and contrast Phoebe with yourself. Use personality and examples of
behavior in your answer.
Although Phoebe fought a lot with her brother, she loved him very much.
Phoebe was always getting into trouble as she did many mischievous
things with Mick.
Phoebe enjoyed playing soccer.
Phoebe was not afraid to tell people what she thought. When someone
referred to her brother as the dead kid, she told them that they should
use the name Mick from now on.
Phoebe was brave. After the death of Mick, she stood before the entire
school and reminded everyone about wearing their bicycle helmets.
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED
AUTHORS - VICTORIA JAMIESON AND OMAR MOHAMED
GRADES - 4-7
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ ☮️👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
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.
SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD - HONOR ☮️
is an award given by the American Library Association (ALA) recognizing authors and illustrators for the excellence of portrayal of the disability experience in literature for youth. ☮
JOSETTE FRANK AWARD - WINNER ☮️
This award for fiction honors a book or books of outstanding literary merit in which children or young people deal in a positive and realistic way with difficulties in their world and grow emotionally and morally.
WALTER AWARD - WINNER ☮️
The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.
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.
READ FOR EMPATHY COLLECTION - EMPATHY LAB☮️
Recognizing literature recommended by children, teachers, and librarians to help build children’s empathy
CYBILS- ☮️
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍🏿
TIME MAGAZINE- BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 👍🏿
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF 2020 👍🏿
CHILDREN’S AFRICANA BOOK AWARD - HONOR
AMAZON - BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK OF 2020👍🏿
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE, NEVER LOSE HOPE
This moving true story takes place in a Kenyan refugee camp where Mohamed and his younger brother Hassan are struggling to survive after escaping from war-torn Somalia. Their father got killed and their mother is missing. Food is scarce and the living conditions are barely tolerable. As the months and years pass, Mohamed clings to the hope that he will be one of the few children selected by social workers to relocate in the United States. This unique book will give readers a new perspective and a realistic view regarding the less fortunate. The awards listed above are totally justified as the author tells his story in a manner which most young readers will understand. It is presented in a graphic format.
GENRE -CHILDREN'S GRAPHIC NOVEL
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If you were Omar, would you have left the refugee camp if you could not take
your brother?
2. If Omar could change one thing in the refugee camp, what do you think that
would be?
3. Why do you think some children got on the list and not others?
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ 👍
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.
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD - FICTION AND POETRY HONOR
BOOK👍
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW
NCTE/CLA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST FICTION FOR YOUNG READERS
THEMES - UNDERSTANDING NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE, ACCEPTANCE
The author is a scholar of Native American culture. In his latest book, Rez Dogs, he presents a Native American girl who is visiting her grandparents on a reservation when Covid put a restriction on traveling. Unable to return home, she uses this time to learn about her heritage from the stories her grandparents tell that were passed down from generation to generation which include caring for people and the planet. She also becomes best friends with a local dog as they both adopt each other. The author touches on current social issues without being too preachy. Just right for upper elementary.
GENRE -CHILDREN'S REALISTIC FICTION, NATIVE AMERICANS
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Finish the sentence. Before reading this book, I never knew that …
2. After reading Rez Dogs, I felt mad when I learned that …
3. At the end of the story, the dog disappeared. Why do you think he left? Where
do you think he went?
4. Some people could say that being quarantined at her grandparents' house was
a good thing for Malian. What do you think?
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
SIT-IN HOW FOUR FRIENDS STOOD UP BY SITTING DOWN
AUTHOR - ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY
GRADES - 3 - 5
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ 👍🏿 👍🏿
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.
FLORA G. STIEGLITZ STRAUSS AWARD FOR NON-FICTION☮️
Flora Straus stood for the values of courage, hard work, truth, and beauty while adapting to a changing world. She believed that books about varying cultures enrich and help all children in their growth.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
PARENTING PUBLICATION - GOLD MEDAL WINNER👍🏿
CARTER G. WOODSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL WORKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE👍🏿
ANNE IZARD - STORYTELLER'S AWARD
THEMES - NON-VIOLENCE, DEFENDING CIVIL RIGHTS
Based on the historic sit-ins at Woolworth’s, the author dramatizes these events illustrating the difficulties four black students faced as they tried to order coffee and donuts in this segregated store. These peaceful protests led to the 1966 Supreme Court decision against racial discrimination.This story offers a good introduction to the Civil Rights Movement by depicting nonviolence as the method of defeating hate..
GENRE -CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.The students ordered doughnuts and coffee, with cream on the side. This is a
metaphor. What do you think it means?
Coffee is dark and cream is white. The students wanted whites and
blacks to sit at the counter together.
2. The author says, “If black people and white people could break bread
together, everyone would pass the test.” What do you think that means?
3. What do you think was the hardest thing the four students at the counter
had to do?
They had to remain calm and not get angry when the white people
poured food on them.
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍🏿
NO PRETTY PICTURES - a child of war
AUTHOR - ANITA LOBEL
GRADES - 6 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ 👍
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍
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.
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK
THEME - SURVIVING THE HOLOCAUST
This outstanding account of life during The Holocaust was written by a survivor. The author was five years old when the war began and sixteen by the time she came to America from Sweden. Hitler stole her childhood as she spent her time escaping and hiding. She was finally captured and sent to several concentration camps. Lobel shares these memories so readers will become informed adults who will not allow this to happen again.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT NONFICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If you had the opportunity to speak with the author, what would you ask her?
2. Who do you think is (was) the most important person in her life? Explain
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