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Welcome to
KIDS' LIT - MUST READS

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MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD - WINNER ☮️

NOWHERE BOY

AUTHOR - KATHERINE MARSH

GRADES - 4-7

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️

MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD - WINNER ☮️

The Middle East Book Awards recognize exemplary books for children and young adults that con-tribute meaningfully to an understanding of the Middle East and its component societies and cultures. Books are judged on the authenticity of the portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience.  

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSN. - SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER ☮️

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.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

WASHINGTON POST - BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - FEAR OF FOREIGNERS, RACISM

Ahmed, a 14 year old Syrian refugee boy, seeks a safe haven in Brussels, Belgium. Max, an American teenager, has been uprooted from his home in Washington to live for a year in Belgium. While he is leading a boring and unhappy life, things change instantly when he discovers Ahmed hiding in his basement. The boys become good friends as Max protects Ahmed from the authorities while keeping this relationship a secret. All this occurs during terrorists attacks in Belgium. If Ahmed is captured, he may be jailed or sent back to Syria since he is in the country illegally. This tension filled story focuses on the plight of refugees and the positive results achieved through kindness and empathy.

GENRE - REALISTIC FICTION

Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Max lies to his parents to protect Ahmed. Do you think that was a good 
idea? 

    Should Max have been honest with his parents from the 
beginning? 

2. Why do you think Farah decided to help Max? 

3. Did Claire do the right thing when she betrayed Max and Ahmed? If you 


   were Claire, what would you have done? 

4. Who was more heroic - Max or Ahmed?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

NUBS, THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE & AND A MIRACLE

AUTHOR - BRIAN DENNIS

GRADES - 2-6

BUY NOW $10.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️👍

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 

CHRISTOPHER MEDAL awards to authors that affirm the value of the human spirit by making a positive difference in the world. ☮️

NATIONAL PARENTING PUBLICATION - GOLD AWARD 👍

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW 

BEVERLY CLEARY - CHILDREN'S CHOICE 

CAPITOL CHOICES - SELECTION

THEMES - LOYALTY, CARING

Nubs was a leader of a pack of wild dogs in war-torn Iraq when he first met Major Brian Dennis. The two bonded quickly as Brian shared his rations with the dog, and the dog sat by him during night watch.
When Brian traveled 70 miles, Nubs followed him through the frozen desert. Dogs were not allowed to live with soldiers and Brian was told to get  rid of Nubs. Instead, he raised over $2,000 to get the dog sent to his home in San Diego. This heartwarming story of human kindness is accompanied by photos, which will make your presentation very appealing. 

GENRE - CHILDREN'S NONFICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Who benefited most from this story - Brian or Nubs? 
 Answers will vary.


2. Why do you think the two men reported Brian for having a dog? 
   

    Answers will vary.


3. Why do you think dogs are not allowed at the outpost? 
    Answers will vary.                                      

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD - WINNER ☮️

RAIN, REIGN

AUTHOR -ANN M. MARTIN

GRADES - 4-6

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️☮️

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD - WINNER☮️

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.

DOLLY GRAY CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER ☮️

The Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award recognizes authors, illustrators, and publishers of high quality fictional and biographical children, intermediate, and young adult books that authentically portray individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - TOLERANCE, KINDNESS, LIVING WITH AUTISM

A young autistic girl tries to make sense of her world by adhering to rules and routines. She is also obsessed with homonyms and prime numbers. When her dog gets lost in a storm, she makes a determined effort to locate him. This leads to heartbreak as she reaches a decision that required a great deal of courage. Tolerance, kindness, and caring are central themes in this beautifully told story. 

GENRE - CHILDREN'S REALISTIC FICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Is Rose the type of person you would like to have as a friend? 

2. Do you think Rose deserved to be removed from riding the school bus? 

3. Why do you think Rose’s father sent her to live with her uncle? Will this be a 

    permanent move?

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️

SEVEN BRAVE WOMEN

AUTHOR -BETSY GOULD HEARNE

GRADES - 2-5

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ 👍👍

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. 

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) - CHOICES👍

THEMES - COURAGE, FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

This book is divided into 8 two-page chapters, which coincide with each of the eight wars fought by Americans. The author describes what her female ancestors did during each of these time periods. Ironically, they were all involved in human and/or artistic pursuits. For example, her great-grandmother started a women’s hospital in India. These stories stress pacifism and feminism as readers will learn that there are other ways people could be brave besides going to war. This beautifully illustrated book may inspire readers/listeners to inquire about their own heritage.  

GENRE - CHILDREN'S REALISTIC NONFICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Which of the girl’s ancestors do you think was the bravest? Explain.


2. In chapter 8, the girls says that she will make history the way her  ancestors 

    did. What do you think she will do to make the world a better place?


3.The girl in Chapter 8 received things that were passed along from each of her 

   ancestors. What do you think was the best one? Explain your 
answer. 
   

   She received a white handkerchief, a quilt, painted plates, a brass 
 

   teapot, books, a harp, her father, and stories about her family. 

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️

SILVER PEOPLE: VOICES FROM THE PANAMA CANAL

AUTHOR -MARGARITA ENGLE

GRADES - 5-8

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ ☮️ 👍🏿👍🏿

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. 

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR ☮️

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

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.


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. 

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) - GLOBAL READING LIST AND CHOICE FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS👍🏿

THEMES - RACISM, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

This collection of poetry describes the building of the Panama Canal as told through the eyes and feelings of the workers, the trees, and the animals. Readers will meet Mateo, a fourteen-year-old boy, who escapes from an abusive home in Cuba to work on the Canal. He discovers racial prejudice in housing conditions and pay. He also meets and forges strong relationships with Anita - a local herb collector, Henry - a Jamaican laborer, and Augusto - a geologist. The author allows the flora and fauna to “speak” for themselves as they witness the destruction of their habitat. Over 5,000 people died during the construction of the Canal, as those in charge had little regard for the lives of people of color. 

GENRE - CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION - PANAMA CANAL

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Was the Panama Canal worth building? Explain. 
Answers will vary. 

2. Why do you think the author allowed animals to share their thoughts with you? 

    She wanted readers to understand that the building of the canal involved 

    more than human sacrifice.


3. What do you think was the biggest danger Mateo faced? Answers will vary.
  

    Buried in mud     Getting bitten by a poisonous snake     Dying from 

    malaria     Dying in jail     Getting killed by a wild animal


4. At the end of the story, Mateo and Anita get married. What clues did the 


    author provide that suggested this would happen?
  

    Anita followed Mateo as he walked through the woods. She cared 
for him

    when he had malaria. She was always there for him when he needed 

    assistance. On page 52, he admires her beauty and draws her smile in the

    mud. On page 66, he dreams of Anita, causing him to smile. On page 70, 

    he thinks of Anita as he tries to escape from 
his pain. Anita gives him

    herbs to relieve the pain from his bruises. She helps Mateo get out of jail.

    They escape into the forest. 

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍

DREAMER, THE

AUTHOR -PAM MUNOZ RYAN AND PETER SIS

GRADES - 4-8

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

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍

PURA BELPRE - AWARD - WINNER ☮️

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. 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, POWER AND CONTROL

One of the most famous poets of the twentieth century, Pablo Neruda, is 
the subject of this work of historical fiction. As a child, Pablo, whose real
 name was Neftali, had to deal with an authoritarian father who made his life 
miserable. However, his creative and imaginative mind overcame this
 obstacle as he wrote poetry that resonated with the working class. He was
 a dreamer, who  encouraged others to follow their own dreams. 

GENRE - CHILDREN'S FICTIONAL BIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. In the chapter called FOREST, you read about the chucao bird. Do you 
  

    believe the story Rudolpho told Neftali about the power of the bird to bring good

    or bad luck? Why do you think Rudolpho believed it to be 
 true?
   

    Answers will vary.


2. In the chapter called FOREST, there is a picture of a hatchet cutting 
down a 

    tree. What person in this story can be compared to the hatchet? 
 Explain.
    

    The father is like the hatchet because he does not want his children 
to 

    follow their dreams.


3. What do you think was the worst thing that happened to Neftali?
   

    Answers will vary.
  When the workers laughed at him for bringing home

    treasures from 
the forest, his father referred to him as an idiot and 

    refused to talk 
with him.
   

    His father forced him and his sister to go into the ocean. A strong 
 wave 

    pulled him under the water. He had nightmares about his 
sister 

    drowning.
    

    He found the wounded swan.
 The day the swan died .  

    His father ransacked his room and threw all of his papers out of 
the 

    window and burned them. His father forbade him to write 
essays and 

    articles.


4. Near the end of the chapter called PASSION, there is a picture of a fire.   

    Above the fire are these words:
  

    “Is fire born of words?
   Or are words born of fire?”
 What do you think? 

    Explain.
     

    The fire was set because the newspaper owner printed articles 
 that 

    angered some people.
 After the fire, the newspaper owner decided to use 

    the power of 
 his pen to fight for justice.


JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️

WOLF HOLLOW

AUTHOR -LAUREN WOLK

GRADES - 4-6

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ 👍🏿 👍🏿

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.

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”.

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍🏿

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES -BULLYING, PREJUDICE

Bullying, prejudice, hate and war are themes the author explores as twelve year old Annabelle tries to save the life of a homeless man who is falsely accused of murder and kidnapping. Just perfect for tweens who have a passion for justice. 

GENRE - CHILDREN'S REALISTIC FICTIONAL

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. If you were Annabelle, would you have done anything differently to 

    save 
Toby? 

2. Why did Toby grab his gun when the police came? 

3. If Toby didn’t get killed, what do you think would have happened to him? 

4. Why do you think the author wrote this story? What message was she trying to

    give to you?


                                             

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD ☮️

BOY AND AND A JAGUAR, A

AUTHOR -ALAN RABINOWITZ

GRADES - 1-4

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD ☮️ 

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

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD ☮️

 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.  

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - Notable Books for Children

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

THEME - SAVING THE JAGUARS

In this autobiography, the author shares his experiences as a stutterer and a lover of animals. As a child, he feels broken and shares his innermost thoughts with animals, as he doesnʼt stutter when talking to them. As an adult, he becomes an advocate for the jaguar as well as a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America.

GENRES - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK, AUTOBIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. At the end of the story, the author looks at the jaguar and says, “We are both 

    whole.” What do you think that means? 

    The jaguar is free and the author feels that he kept his promise. 

2. On the last page, the author says, “Thank you.” Who was he thanking and why

    did he do it? 

    He might have been thanking the jaguar for listening to him, or he might 

    have been thanking the zoo jaguar for inspiring him.

SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD ☮️

GET A GRIP, VIVY COHEN!

AUTHOR -SARAH KAPIT

GRADES - 4 - 6

BUY NOW $16.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ ☮️

SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD☮️

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. 

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD ☮️

 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. 

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

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - CHALLENGES OF AUTISM, BULLYING

Here are the ingredients of this absolutely enjoyable read: 

An eleven year old autistic girl who learned to throw a knuckleball, 

A black major league pitcher (who has issues of his own) who taught the girl how to throw the pitch, 

Her "coming out of the closet" gay brother, 

An overprotective mother, 

A bully for a teammate, 

A well meaning therapist,  

And an understanding coach. 

This is why Vivy needs to get a grip as she has to contend with one “disaster after another.” This is the perfect book for any female tween who thinks she has a tough life.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT NOVEL

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1.If you were Vivy, what would you have done with 
Kyle? 

2.What do you think will happen between Kyle and Vivy next year? 

   Will things get better or worse? Explain. 

3.Would you like to have Vivy as a friend? Explain.                                                

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.

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

CYBILS AWARD - WINNER☮️

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 - SLAVERY

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.                                              

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE - FINALIST

THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR YOU AND ME - The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie

AUTHOR -ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE

GRADES - 4 AND UP

BUY NOW $14.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - 

    FINALIST 👍🏿

GOLDEN KITE AWARD - NONFICTION WINNER👍🏿

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍🏿

A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD 👍🏿

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST CHILDREN’S NONFICTION 2022

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

THEMES - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, STANDING UP FOR THE LITTLE GUY

According to Pete Seeger, this is the best book about Woody ever written. Readers will learn about his ability to turn historical happenings into songs as he traveled about the country during the Depression, the Dust Bowl, W.W.ll, and the Cold War period. He fought for the common man as he sang about unionization and farm workers in California. However, Woody was no saint as his faults and failures are well documented. This book is in my personal collection as I often enjoy looking at the great photos and reading the accompanying text.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT BIOGRAPHY - WOODY GUTHRIE

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. If you could ask Woody a question, what would it be?

2. Suppose Woody grew up with a loving, wealthy family.

    Would he have become the famous folk singer we know 
today?                                             

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR BOOK 👍

FIGHTING WORDS

AUTHOR -KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY

GRADES - 4 - 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”.

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST☮️


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. 

BOSTON GLOBE - HORN BOOK - HONOR BOOK 👍

BOOKLIST - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 👍

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 👍  

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍

BOOKPAGE - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

THEMES - DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE AND BULLIES

As I was reading this book, I wondered how the author was able to write so informatively about child abuse. I later learned that she wrote from personal experience. 

The narrator is a ten year old girl named Della who lives with her older sister, Suki, in a foster home. They were placed there because their mother is in jail and the father is unknown. However, before entering the foster home, the girls were living with a friend of their mother who pretended to be their father. He was actually a monster  who used the older girl for his sexual needs. While Suki was experiencing difficulty trying to cope with her horrible memories, Della was being tormented by the class bully. Suki eventually succumbs to the pain and tries to kill herself, while Della  uses her fists to deal with the bully. As time passes, the girls learn more acceptable ways of dealing with these issues. Hopefully, readers will also learn to speak up if or when bad things happen to them.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S REALISTIC FICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

Select questions from the end of the book.                                        

BOSTON GLOBE - HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

BOOTS ON THE GROUND - America's War in Vietnam

AUTHOR -ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE

GRADES - 5 AND UP

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️👍🏿

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE -   

     LONGLIST 👍🏿

CYBILS AWARD - WINNER☮️

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

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

BULLETIN FOR THE CENTER OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS - BCCB - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - WAR IS HELL, RACISM

The author tells it like it was as she reveals in the soldiers’ own words their war experiences. She interviewed eight men and women who gave first hand accounts of what it was like to serve in a war that never should have been fought. I should warn you that Boots On the Ground is not for the faint of heart. Here is an example. One soldier named Jan Scruggs recalls what happened when a mortar round exploded.

“Suddenly there was an earthshaking blast as one of the mortars exploded. Scruggs ran to the mortar pit and was first to arrive. The men torn apart by the blast were all his friends, his combat brothers.’ There were brains, arms, legs all mixed together. It was like you would imagine hell. Some of them were on fire, some were moaning….’ said Scruggs. “Billy Moore, his brains were lying out of his head. … . Scruggs dropped to his knees next to John Kroeger and desperately tried to bandage a big hole right in the middle of his head. Someone told Scruggs to stop. It was no use.”

Partridge covers all the bases as she presents chapters on  refugees, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford, Woodstock and the Vietnam Memorial Wall. She also makes it very clear that as the war dragged on there were really two wars, the one in Vietnam and the one within our country as mass protests, violence, and civil unrest were common occurrences. 

Readers will also learn how, black and Asian Americans soldiers had to deal with racist officers as well as fighting in a war that seemed to have no purpose and no end. 

This well-written, informative book should be mandatory reading in all middle schools or high schools. It is that good!

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT, HISTORY, VIETNAM

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. What did you learn about this war that surprised you?

2. After WW ll, returning soldiers received a hero’s welcome.

    Why do you think this did not happen after the Vietnam War ended?

3. Should we ever go to war with a country that has not 
attacked us?                                             

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD☮️

OCEAN SPEAKS - How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret

AUTHOR -JESS KEATING

GRADES - 4-6

HONORS/AWARDS☮️

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR BOOK☮️

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.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOOK AWARD

AMAZON - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL - BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS 

     AND TEENS

SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW

ONTARIO LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS - 2020 BEST BETS SELECTION - 

     JUNIOR NONFICTION CATEGORY

CANADIAN CHILDREN'S BOOK NEWS' BEST BOOKS OF 2020

THEMES - EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN, PERSEVERANCE

This simplified biography of Marie Tharp debunks the myth that woman are not as qualified as men in the science field. While Marie was not allowed to explore the ocean because of her gender, she used the findings of explorers to map the ocean floor. She discovered a rift in the ocean which supported the theory of a continental drift which was not accepted at the time. Marie helped break the sexist barriers that prevented women from reaching their full potential.

GENRE - JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY - MARIE THARP

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. What personality trait did Marie have that allowed her to succeed?

    She did not give up.

CORETTA SCOTT KING - AUTHOR - HONOR☮️

CROWN - AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT

AUTHOR -DERRICK BARNES

GRADES - 3-6

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️👍🏿

CORETTA SCOTT KING - AUTHOR - 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.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.

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.

CORETTA SCOTT KING - ILLUSTRATOR - HONOR

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”.

EZRA JACK KEATS - NEW WRITER AWARD

EZRA JACK KEATS - NEW ILLUSTRATOR AWARD

SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS - GOLD MEDAL BOOK

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

HUFFINGTON POST - BEST BOOKS OF 2017

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST PICTURE BOOKS OF 2017

THEMES - SELF-ESTEEM, CONFIDENCE

An African-American boy describes the joys of getting a haircut and the

positive vibes that follow. This is a "feel good" book that should bring smiles to the face of any reader. Children need to see more books like this one.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Have you ever felt this way when getting a haircut?

2. Have you ever felt this way when doing something

    else? Explain.

3. Why do you think the word crown is in the title?                                             

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION - WINNER 👍

STAMPED (For Kids)

AUTHORS -JASON REYNOLDS AND IBRAM X. KENDI

GRADES - 5 - 8

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

BUY NOW $12.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️ 👍 👍

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST☮️


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 - WINNER ☮️

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


NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION - WINNER 👍

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK FOR KIDS

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST SELECTION

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

PARENTS MAGAZINE  - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 👍

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

BOOKPAGE - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - RECOGNIZING RACISM

I love this book. While it is written for readers in grades 5-8, I learned a great deal about the history of racism in this country. For example, I never knew that so many of the old Disney films were loaded with racial slurs and stereotypes. Readers will also learn how to identify segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists. Many influential Black and White leaders are mentioned and given one of the aforementioned labels. Abraham Lincoln was not included in the antiracist category, but rather as an assimilationist. The authors refer to assimilationists as people who wanted Blacks to behave like White people so they would be accepted. An antiracist, however, believes that Blacks should be themselves and be treated like White people with no strings attached.

The authors do a magnificent job in relating to young people. This book is not only very readable and  easy to understand, but it should provoke a whole host of questions for class and/or parental discussion. When it comes to understanding the Black experience, I urge you to place this powerful book on the top of your list. There is a follow-up to this book called Stamped - Racism, Antiracism and You. 

This middle school - adult  version is presented on page 24.

GENRES - UPPER ELEMENTARY, YOUNG ADULT BLACK HISTORY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Name three important things that you learned from reading this book.

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this book? Explain.

3. Do you consider yourself to be a racist, an assimilationist, or an antiracist?   

    Explain.                                              

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR ☮️

SANCTUARY - Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women

AUTHOR - CHRISTINE MCDONNELL

GRADES - 4 - 6

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️

JANE ADDAMS PEACE 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.

GODDARD RIVERSIDE CBC YOUTH BOOK PRIZE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ☮️

the Goddard Riverside – CBC Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice recognizes nonfiction books for children and teens related to urban life and issues that support values such as community, equality, opportunity, mutual understanding, respect, caring and justice – in accordance with Goddard Riverside’s mission.

SEPTIMA CLARK BOOK AWARD - WINNER☮️

Honoring the most distinguished books appropriate for young readers that depict women's issues globally

HORN BOOK FANFARE - BEST BOOKS OF 2022

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST BOOKS OF 2022

BOOK PAGE - STARRED REVIEW

THEME - HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED

When Kip Tiernan was a child, she helped her grandmother feed the homeless. She noticed that women were disguised as men to get food because there were no shelters for them. This experience inspired Kip as she later founded the first homeless shelter for women called Rosie’s Place. Sanctuary is the story of how small acts of kindness led to the caring of over 12,000 women each year.

GENRE - CHILDREN NONFICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. What do you admire most about Kip?

2. How can you make your town a better place now?                                              

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - WINNER ☮️

UNDERCOVER LATINA

AUTHOR - AYA DE LEON

GRADES - 5 - 8

BUY NOW $16.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️

JANE ADDAMS PEACE 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.

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.


JUNIOR LITERARY GUILD SELECTION


YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (YALSA) BEST BOOKS 

     FOR 
 YOUNG ADULTS


KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW


SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION - STARRED REVIEW

THEME - CONQUERING WHITE SUPREMACY

A mom and her teenage daughter team up to prevent a white supremacist from carrying out a terrorist plot against people of color. Readers will learn why light skin Latinos choose to pass as white and the struggles that ensue. While minorities will identify with the protagonist, hopefully white teens will get a better understanding of what it is like to not be a part of the privileged class.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT FICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Before reading this book, I never knew ….  .

2. Do you think Andrea wished that she did not blow her cover?
      

    Yes. If she did not blow her cover, she could have continued being a field

    agent.
      

    No. Now that her true identity is known, she can see her boyfriend.                                             

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - WINNER ☮️

IDA B. WELLS, VOICE OF TRUTH

AUTHOR - MICHELLE DUSTER

GRADES - MATURE 3-6

BUY NOW $12.00 HARDCOVER, NEW 😊POSTAGE INCLUDED

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️👍🏿

JANE ADDAMS PEACE 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.

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.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 👍🏿

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S

       LITERATURE AWARD☮️

THEME - FIGHTING INJUSTICE

Although this biography is a picture book, the vocabulary and the concepts are best suited for upper graders. Readers will learn that Ida B. Wells was born into slavery during the Civil War. She became a teacher and realized that separate but equal was not really equal. When her African American friends were lynched because they operated a successful business, Ida became a civil rights activist. She later became one of the founders of the NAACP. The book’s format is perfect for those children who have reading issues. It was written by Well’s great granddaughter.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. The author said that Ida refused to make herself small. What
 did she mean?

2. What word would best describe Ida? Explain.                                              

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR ☮️

NEVER FORGOTTEN

AUTHOR - PATRICIA MCKISSACK

GRADES - 4-7

HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️👍

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.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.

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.

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.


COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍

A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

THEMES - GRIEF, LOSS OF A CHILD, THE HORRORS OF SLAVERY

The author takes the reader back to Africa during the early days of the slave trade. We meet Dinga, the village blacksmith. He recently lost his wife during childbirth, but his son survived. He eventually becomes an apprentice to his father. One day he does not return home and his father learns that he was captured and sold as a slave. Dinga, becomes heart-broken and is unable to work. For the next three years he does nothing but think about his son. He calls on fire, water, and wind to help him find the boy. At last, wind using the force of a hurricane takes Dinga to Charleston as a spirit. He sees his son who is now a successful blacksmith. Dinga returns to Africa overjoyed. This is a powerful story that needs to be read and discussed. No guilt here - only anger.

GENRE - AFRICAN FOLKLORE

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Why were stories like these told over and over again?

    They gave comfort to parents who lost their children.

2.  Why did wind succeed while fire and water failed?


                                                       PAGE 18                                               

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