PETEY

AUTHOR - NORTON JUSTER

GRADES - 4-6

SCHOLASTIC - 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR KIDS #23👍🏿

TIME Magazine - 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #9👍🏿 

AMAZON TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN👍🏿

GOODREADS - 100 BOOKS TO READ IN A LIFETIME #52 👍🏿

KANSAS WILLIAM WHITE MASTER LIST - WINNER👍🏿

TIMEOUTNEWYORKKIDS.COM. - 50 BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

PARENTS CHOICE AWARD👍🏿

Milo is bored with school and bored with life. One day he finds a mysterious package in his garage. He opens it and discovers what appears to be a toy car. He decides to take what he thinks is a fantasy journey, however, he soon realizes that this is not the case. At the end of the story, he returns home with a greater appreciation of life.The author cleverly uses a play on words, which makes this novel so unique and enjoyable. For example, you can actually jump to a place called conclusions. Loaded with strange characters and zany adventures, this Alice in Wonderland type story will not only delight readers in grades 4-6, but mature readers will have a field day with this one. This is a critical thinking treasure trove.

1. Tell me about your favorite place in this story. Why did you like it?  Answers 

     will vary.


2.  What do you think Milo learned from his journey?
      

     At the end of the story, he realizes that there is a lot to do
  without going 

     anywhere. He is now able to pay attention to the things around him and 

     enjoy the little things in life.


3.  In chapter 13, Milo landed on an island by jumping to conclusions. 
How did 

     that happen? Can you think of a time when you jumped to a
 conclusion?

AUTHOR -ROBERT CORMIER

GRADES - 6 AND UP

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS - 

     WINNER👍🏿

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS MASTER LIST - WINNER 

TEXAS TAYSHAS HIGH SCHOOL READING LIST - WINNER

MARYLAND BLACK-EYED SUSAN AWARD 

A seven year old girl is murdered and there are no suspects. The police bring in an experienced interrogator who becomes obsessed in getting a confession out of twelve year old Jason, who was the last person to see the girl alive. When is becomes obvious that Jason did not commit the crime, he continues to undergo brutal manipulation, as a confession and not the truth is the objective. The unbelievable, ironic conclusion will leave readers gasping as this novel defines the term “page turner.” Recommended for mature sixth grade readers and up who will be asking themselves if this could ever really happen.

1. As the story ends you are led to believe that Jason will … 

    Kill Bobo Kelton 

2. Do you think he will do it? The author suggests that he will do it. 

3. What do you think will happen to Jason if he kills Bobo?

AUTHOR -JOYCE SIDMAN

GRADES - 2-6

CYBILS POETRY AWARD - ☮️

Seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens .

BOOKLIST -STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

CALDECOTT AWARD- HONOR BOOK FOR BEST ILLUSTRATIONS

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

CLAUDIA LEWIS POETRY AWARD

MINNESOTA BOOK AWARD
 - TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

ABC “INDIE BEST BOOK"

Beautiful colors, figurative language, captivating illustrations - all make this book a solid winner, as the author takes us on a magical trip through the seasons.

 “In FALL, Green is tired and dusty, crisp around the edges. GREEN sighs with relief: I’ve ruled for so long. Time for Brown to take over.” 

Booklist describes it as a surprise on every page, and that is just one of the features that make this book a wonderful read-aloud. Listeners will take a new look at nature once they experience this imaginative work of art and poetry. 

Beautiful colors, figurative language, captivating illustrations - all make this book a solid winner, as the author takes us on a magical trip through the seasons.

 “In FALL, Green is tired and dusty, crisp around the edges. GREEN sighs with relief: I’ve ruled for so long. Time for Brown to take over.” 

Booklist describes it as a surprise on every page, and that is just one of the features that make this book a wonderful read-aloud. Listeners will take a new look at nature once they experience this imaginative work of art and poetry. 

1. At the beginning of the book, the author describes green as shy. Why does she 

    say that? 
   Green peeks from buds, trembles in the breeze 

2. On the next page, the author says - Yellow and Purple hold hands.
 What does

    that mean?  
    It is a metaphor describing the flowers.


3. In Spring, the author says that Blue needs sun. Without it Blue hides. What 

    does that  mean?
    The yellow of the sun causes the blue to be noticed.


4. In summer, Yellow melts everything it touches. What does that mean?  
   

    The hot sun melts many things. Can you name some of them?

5. How can Black hold secrets in the summer?
    

    You can't see that well at night. You see strange shapes without  knowing 

    exactly what they are.

6. After reading the first page of FALL, what is Green trying to say?
    

    Green has been showing itself for so long, it is tired. Now it is
 happy that 

    the leaves are turning brown.


7. In winter, White whispers,... dazzles day and turns night inside out. What does 

    that mean?
    

    Snow falls silently, makes the day sparkle, and turns everything 
white at

    night. 

AUTHOR - CAREN STELSON

GRADES - 5 AND UP

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK 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.

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.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - LONGLIST 👍🏿

ROBERT F. SIBERT AWARD 👍🏿

This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year. 

CYBILS AWARD FOR MIDDLE GRADE NONFICTION☮️

Seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens .

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.


FREEMAN BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️

Identifies quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of East and Southeast Asia

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS

ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR NONFICTION

BOOKLIST - TOP TEN DIVERSE NONFICTION FOR YOUTH

Japanese Emperor Hirohito refused  to surrender which caused President Truman to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The Emperor still refused to surrender which led to the dropping of the second bomb on the city of Nagasaki. The bomb was so powerful, it killed over 70,000 people in one day. Over 100,000 people died from wounds and radiation poisoning in the days and months and years that followed. A survivor of the Nagasaki atomic blast, a young girl named Sachiko,  provides an eye-witness account of this horrible event. 

1. If you could meet Sachiko, what would you ask her? 

2. How did Sachiko’s life change when she wrote about her experience in the 

    school newspaper?      

    The bullying stopped as her classmates realized how poor they 
 behaved 

    toward  her. 

3. Dropping two atomic bombs on Japan was, and still is a controversial  issue. 

    What do you think? Should the bombs have been dropped? 

AUTHOR - CARL HIASSEN

GRADES - 4-6

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️

is the nation’s first environmental stewardship book award for children and young adult 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. 

SKIPPING STONE 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. 

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - CHILDREN'S CHOICES

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL  -BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

IOWA TEEN AWARD - WINNER

In this environmental/mystery novel, readers will be introduced to Nick and Marta, two students in Mrs. Starch’s biology class. This teacher is every student’s nightmare as she is relentless in her sarcasm, which she uses to humiliate her students. On a field trip to a swamp, a fire breaks out, and she gets lost. One of her students, a known arsonist, doesn’t return to school. While the evidence points to him, Nick and Marta do some investigating and help find the real culprit as well as their teacher.

1. Do you think land should be protected from oil drillers and housing
  developers 

    to protect endangered species? Explain.


2. Why do you think Nick’s mother allowed him to wear his arm in a sling 
before it 

    was really broken?
    She knew he was doing it to support his father.


3. How did your feelings toward Mrs. Starch change during the story?
 Do you 

    think she was a good teacher? Explain. 

4. Name something from the story that you think was unrealistic.
 

    Possible answers    

    No teacher could be as bad as Mr. Waxmo.
    

    Returning the baby panther to its mother should have been done 
by a 

    professional, not a student.
    

    Nick and Marta got into a stranger’s car and rode away with him.


AUTHOR - ELIZABETH GEORGE SPEARE

GRADES - 4-6

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”.

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."

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. 

NEW YORK TIMES - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿

SCOTT O'DELL - AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION👍🏿

HORN BOOK - FANFARE

BOOKLIST - EDITORS' CHOICE

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

In this story of survival, twelve-year-old Matt and his father build a cabin in the Maine wilderness. Matt must stay there for six weeks while his dad returns to Massachusetts to get the rest of the family. His inexperience with living in the wild puts his life in jeopardy. He gets rescued by two Indians, a boy and his grandfather. Matt and the boy become the focus of this story as they try to understand their different cultures. 

1. If you had a choice, would you rather live like Matt or Attean? Explain.
 

    Answers will vary. 

2. At the end of the story, Matt learned that Attean was moving because 

    his family  wanted to get as far away from the white man as possible.


    Since they did not like white people then why did they treat Matt 

    as a friend?


    Matt was a boy. He was not responsible for taking the land from the 

    Indians. He was not a threat to anyone. He also needed help to survive. 

3. If you were Matt, would you have gone with Attean and his grandfather when 

    they decided to move? Explain your answer. 

4. If you could ask Matt what was the best thing that ever happened to him, 
he 

    would say 

    _________.


    Possible Answers
   

    When he saved Attean from the bear    

    When Attean called him his brother    

    When his family arrived     

    When he sang and danced at the Indian village 

AUTHOR - DR. SEUSS

GRADES - K-5

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - TOP 100 PICTURE BOOKS #63👍🏿

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSN. -TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN # 51👍🏿

I had great success with this book at the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade levels. The Sneetches encourage children not to pass judgment on the way people look. The Zax shows the value of compromise, and What Was I Scared of illustrates the fear of the unknown. All of the stories can be used as read alouds in grades 1-5. 

1. Discuss the messages Dr. Seuss was trying to send in the above mentioned 

    stories.

AUTHOR - SONYA SONES

GRADES - 6 AND UP

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." 

GRADIVA AWARD - ☮️

Awarded by the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP), the Gradiva awards honor writers and creators of other media whose work advances psychoanalysis.  

MYRA COHN LIVINGSTON POETRY AWARD - WINNER👍🏿

CLAUDIA LEWIS POETRY AWARD - WINNER👍🏿

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE

AMAZON -  TOP TEN TEEN - EDITORS' PICK

SCHOLASTIC TEEN AGE BOOK CLUB SELECTION

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK  PRIZE - FINALIST

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD👍🏿

This book of poetry represents an autobiographical slice of the author’s life when her sister was placed in a psychiatric ward. Ms. Sones was thirteen at the time and the event had a devastating effect on her. Fortunately, she kept a journal and the result is a beautiful book of feelings, compassion, and insights that come from the heart. The author reveals how her normal, fun loving life was turned into a nightmare by her sister’s nervous breakdown. Her parents began to fight with each other and her friends deserted her. Most of all, she missed her sister. Holidays, school activities, social activities, and daily routines had all changed as little sister chose to live in a world of gloom and doom. Gradually, with some assistance from her parents, a guidance counselor, and a very understanding boyfriend, she made her way back into the world. Her experiences are so gut wrenching, that once you start reading, you are absolutely hooked.

1. Would you want your friends to know if you had a family member in
a mental 

    institution?  Explain. 

2. Who do you think was the most important person in the author’s life while her 

    sister was in the hospital? Explain.


    Answers will vary. Most likely her new boyfriend, John or her 
art teacher.

3. On the last page of the story, father does not put down a real word. Why?


    He wants to bond with his daughter who just made up a word. 

AUTHOR - BRIAN JACQUES

GRADES - 4 AND UP

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. 

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. -TOP TEN FANTASY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 

   AND YOUTH

SMARTWRITERS.COM- “ONE OF THE BEST REDWALL BOOKS” 

BOOK CRITICS SOCIETY - TOP TEN CHILDREN'S BOOK - FANTASY

Triss is the 15th book in the REDWALL series. 

The entire collection was written for mature readers starting at fourth grade. There are 22 books and they do not have to be read in chronological order. These books have a common theme of love, peace, and living in harmony with each other and nature. They feature advanced vocabulary, subtle humor, subplots, accents, and descriptions.

In this novel, Triss, a squirrel warrior, and her two friends escape from slavery at Riftgard and are pursued across the sea toward Redwall by Princess Kurdah, Prince Bladd, and a band of freebooters who seek the rumored treasure of Brockhall. Although there is fighting and killing throughout this adventure/fantasy, the author takes great pains to portray the heroine, Triss, as a humane warrior. She is determined to do whatever it takes to destroy the Pure Ferret dynasty, however she is not a killer. In addition, the creatures, who inhabit Redwall are depicted as fun-loving and friendly. There are no gray areas in terms of characterization. Everyone is either a force of evil or a force of good. A message of peace and living in harmony is clearly delivered by Triss. 

1. What would you like most if you were living in Redwall? Answers will vary. 

2. In chapter 1, the old squirrel, Drufo, told Triss not to escape because it 

    was too dangerous. In chapter 4, he helps her to escape. Why did he

    change his mind? 

    Answers will vary. Perhaps he realized that she would die as a prisoner, 

    and that she had nothing to lose by escaping.

3. What are some of the characteristics that make Princess Kurda so unlikable? 

    She loses her temper very easily. She has slaves and is very cruel to 

    them. She will do anything to become queen, even if it means humiliating 

    her brother and getting rid of him. She is selfish and arrogant. She is a 

    braggart. She claims to be a great sword fighter but she loses her nerve 

    when Triss comes after her. She is a spoiled brat. 

4. When Triss returned home, she gave the queen’s crown to a child. She said 

    that it could be thrown into the sea if he gets tired of it. Why didn’t Triss 

    become the new queen? 

    She knew how that kingdoms did not treat animals fairly. She wanted the 

    animals to be free. 

AUTHOR - LISA YEE

GRADES - MATURE 4 - 7

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”.


NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍🏿

ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR YOUTH LITERATURE ☮️

is awarded by the Asian/American Library Assn. and focuses on works about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage.

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.

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

After reading the first thirty pages, I began to wonder how this book won so many prestigious awards. I followed my fifty page rule (read at least fifty pages before giving up) and I am glad I did. On page 37, the story takes off and never stops as the author skillfully weaves the history of Chinese immigrants with a fictional story of a tween girl who is visiting her Chinese grandparents. They live in a remote town in Minnesota where young Maizy experiences prejudice and discovers family secrets. She also learns the importance of community, truth and most of all, that people aren’t always what they seem to be as she misjudges them before she got to know them. This is one outstanding novel and it richly deserves the accolades listed above.

1. Maizy told the mayor not to speak at her grandfather’s funeral. How do you feel

    about that? What would you have done if you were Daisy?

    Maizy learned that the mayor was responsible for 
a racist incident.

2. What do you think was the best thing that happened 
to Maizy on her vacation?

3. What do you think was her worst experience?

                                                        PAGE 15