JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR☮️

AUTHOR - ANITA SILVEY

GRADES - 5 AND UP

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW - TOP TEN BIOGRAPHIES FOR YOUTH - 2017

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS - 2016👍🏿

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW - BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2016👍🏿

In the mid fifties when I was a teenager, I walked into my neighbor’s house and heard a song about a lion. It was Pete singing Wimoweh. I fell in love with the guy immediately. I’ve been to many of his concerts when he was a member of the Weavers as well as his subsequent solo performances. During the nineties, I attended one of the Clearwater festivals. I was sitting on a bench listening to a folksinger, when Pete walked in and sat next to me. Even though I knew what he looked like, I couldn’t believe that he was there. As he left the tent, I introduced myself and we talked as if we were old friends. He couldn’t have been more personable. I share these experiences because I want you to know how impressed I was reading this  biography. Although the book has only 103 pages, the author manages to capture the spirit of Pete’s life as she describes his privileged childhood, his friendship with Woody, blacklisting, singing for civil rights, and cleaning the Hudson. I discovered this book online while I was searching for something else. What a lucky find! If you love Pete, then this is the book for your child.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

AUTHOR - MIRANDA PAUL

GRADES - 1-4

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

WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS☮️

recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities

CHILDREN’S AFRIKANA BOOK AWARD - COMMENDED

When goats die after eating plastic bags, a young woman decides to do something about plastic bag pollution. She collects the bags and washes them. Then she makes plastic threads which she crochets into purses. Other women also follow suit and donate part of their earnings to improve the health of their community. This is a wonderful story that promotes ecological awareness and illustrates how one person can make a difference. The author provides added information about this project along with a short bibliography of similar books.

What can you do to make your community a better place?

AUTHOR - SHARON G. FLAKE

GRADES - 5 - 8

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - NEW TALENT 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.

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.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS👍🏿

Issues of race and self-esteem are developed through the character of Maleeka Madison who feels uncomfortable because her skin is very dark. She also has to deal with a powerful group of nasty girls who tease her about her looks and clothing. When she meets her new teacher who has a birthmark on her face, she discovers that looks aren’t everything. The author plays on the theme of beauty is in the eye of the beholder to create a coming-of-age novel of self-acceptance. 

1. What would you say to a group of girls who judged people by the way they 

    looked?

2. Would you like to have a teacher like Miss Saunders? Explain.

AUTHOR - ANITA SILVEY

GRADES - 5 AND UP

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️

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

NORMAN A. SUGARMAN CHILDREN’S BIOGRAPHY AWARD - WINNER

SB & F PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE BOOKS - FINALIST

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

I always admired Jane Goodall for her dedication and sacrifice as she became a pioneer in the study of chimp behavior. In this National Geographic biography we learn how her childhood fascination with animals influenced her as she later became the leading advocate of preserving endangered animal habitats. Young readers will be able to connect the narrative to the numerous photos  which make this book a pleasure to read. They will also be encouraged to carry on her 

work by joining conservation groups such as Roots and Shoots. This carefully researched book is filled with fun facts that will amaze most readers.

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

2. Jane spent most of her life studying chimp behavior. If you became a zoologist, 

    what animal would you like to study? Why?

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - MATURE 4-8

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

NEWBERY MEDAL - 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”.


MARGARET A. EDWARDS AWARD☮️

Honoring books that help adolescents become aware of themselves and address questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and the world

MYTHOPOEIC FANTASY AWARD

Honoring a fantasy book or books in the traditions of The Hobbit of the Chronicles of Narnia

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR  👍

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

NEW JERSEY GARDEN STATE TEEN BOOK AWARD  

VIRGINIA YOUNG READERS' PROGRAM AWARD

KANSAS WILLIAM WHITE AWARD

Readers are introduced to a "perfect" society, where lying is forbidden, the weather is always the same, and colors do not exist. The inhabitants have no choices as everything is decided by the Council of Elders. The story revolves around a boy named Jonas, who is chosen to receive memories from an old man known as The Giver. The boy discovers some terrible secrets about his world and begins to realize that his society is not so perfect after all. The Giver is a thought provoking story which is bound to please your more able students. The author raises all sorts of issues such as if you cannot contribute to society, should you be allowed to live in it? This book should be read independently. It is part of a four book series - GATHER BLUE, THE MESSENGER, and SON.

1.The Giver has won over a dozen awards. Why do you think this book is so 

   popular?    

   Answers will vary. 

2. Should babies be allowed to live if they are born with a disease that has  no 

    cure? 

    Explain your answer.
    

   Answers will vary.


3. In The Giver, once people become too old to contribute to society, they are

    murdered.  Is this a good idea?  Explain your answer.
    

    Answers will vary.


4. At the end of the story, what do you think happened to Jonas?
    

    I have experienced many lively discussions about this question. It 

    appears as  though he dies, but the author does not give absolute  proof 

    that this was the case. Jonas escapes his community with a 
baby named 

    Gabriel. They sleigh down a hill and enter a world of singing and 

    happiness. Is this a dream,  heaven, or the real thing? 

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - 4-8

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

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

YOUNG HOOSIER BOOK AWARD -  NOMINATED

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

In this third book of the tetralogy, we find Matty, now a young teen, living with Seer, in a place called Village. This utopian town welcomes refugees and admires people with physical disabilities. Everyone seems to get along in this caring place. However, things begin to change. Matt and Seer sense that something evil is happening as the once friendly inhabitants are now acting unkindly toward one another. They feel threatened by outsiders and decide to build a wall to keep them out. Matt, who is the town messenger, is told to post signs throughout the forest warning newcomers to turn around and go back home.

He decides to return to his old home to bring Kira, Seer’s daughter, to the town before the wall is built. However, as he walks through the once friendly forest, it attacks him and Kira. He must use his newly discovered power to bring Kira to safety. In the process he perishes, but is able to bring peace and understanding to his neighbors.

Like the first two books in the series, Lowry offers a plethora of thought - provoking situations which should initiate some lively discussions and debate.

1. Do you think Matty knew that he would not survive his trip back to 

    Village?

2.   Beside Matty, who do you think is the most important character in 
the story? 

      Seer - He practically raised Matty and treated him like a son.

3.   What life lessons could you learn from Kira and Seer?

      Don’t underestimate people with disabilities. 
Use your strengths to succeed 

      in life.

AUTHOR - CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD

GRADES - 3 - 6

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.

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST☮️

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

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.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work  with young people.

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

In 1936, eight grader MacNolia Cox became the first black contestant to win the state spelling bee in Ohio. When she left to compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, thousands of people gathered at the train station to wish her luck. However, her happiness began to fade when the train entered Maryland and she and her mother were forced to sit in the back of the train because of their race. During the spelling bee, MacNolia sat at a separate table from all of the white contestants. When she advanced to the final round of five, officials began to get nervous at the prospect of a black girl becoming the winner, so they broke the rule which caused her to misspell a word. The title is most appropriate.

1. Why did the judges want MacNolia to lose?

    They didn’t want her to win because that would mean that blacks are just 

    as smart as white people.

2. Do you think MacNolia would have gone to Washington if she knew what was

    going to happen to her?

    Probably. She enjoyed the sightseeing and the welcome home parade. 

    She also won $75.00.

AUTHOR - CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD AND ROB SANDERS

GRADES - 4 - 6

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER☮️

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD - FINALIST☮️

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 - 

        COMMENDED☮️

NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEWNATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG 

While many Americans are familiar with the 1963 march on Washington and the “I Have a Dream” speech, they are probably unaware of the organization and planning that allowed hundreds of thousands of people to come and leave this historical event. The man behind the scenes was Bayard Rustin, a gay black man who experienced prejudice on both fronts. He was even shunned by King’s closest advisors. Yet, he was not deterred as he enlisted singers and speakers, raised money, created banners and posters, encouraged people to volunteer, and scheduled various means of transportation. This is a wonderful read for children who are trying to get a handle on the Civil Rights movement and why it was necessary.

1. What do you think was the hardest part of organizing the march?

2. What do you think the title of the book means?                     

AUTHOR - JERRY CRAFT

GRADES - 4 - 7

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.

NEWBERY MEDAL - 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”.

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

GREAT GRAPHIC NOVEL FOR TEENS - COMMENDED

A list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18 prepared yearly by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association)

EMPATHY LAB SELECTION☮️

Imagine every single child knowing what empathy is, and isn’t, and why it matters. Being skilled at putting themselves in others’ shoes, able to articulate and share their feelings. Being wonderful listeners, inspired to put empathy into action. Imagine the world being run by such a generation, with empathy a priority in their decision making and leadership! We dream of that world. 

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY - SELECTION☮️

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


CHILDREN’S FAVORITE AWARD - SELECTION
👍🏿

Recognizing books evaluated and voted on by children as books they really enjoy reading.

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.

KIRKUS PRIZE FOR YOUNG READERS’ LITERATURE - WINNER👍🏿

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - SELECTION

What happens when Jordan, an Afro-American  seventh grader leaves his Washington Heights neighborhood to attend an prestigious private school in Riverdale? He receives a bad case of culture shock as he is one of the few kids of color in the school. Very often his teachers and classmates make stereotypical comments and gestures that are racially motivated. However, this is not always the case. Learning how to deal with race relations and interpreting the behaviors of classmates and staff becomes quite a challenge for Jordon and his few friends. He also has to decide if he should be himself or adapt to the social norms of the school. This story is based on the author’s own experiences.

.

Do you think Jordan should enroll in the art school or continue going to Riverdale Academy?                                                                                                

AUTHOR -JASMINE WARGA

GRADES - 4-7

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY - SELECTION AWARD☮️

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


WALTER DEAN MYERS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - HONOR
☮️

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.


EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION - SELECTION
☮️Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children


ARAB AMERICAN BOOK AWARD - HONOR
☮️

is an annual literary award to celebrate and support the research of, and the written work of, Arab Americans and their culture. The Arab American Book Award encourages the publication and excellence of books that preserve and advance the understanding, knowledge, and resources of the Arab American community by celebrating the thoughts and lives of Arab Americans. The purpose of the Award is to inspire authors, educate readers and foster a respect and understanding of the Arab American culture.☮️


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”.


CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS - SELECTION
☮️

a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - SELECTION
👍🏿

The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people.

Jude is a twelve-year-old who moves to the United States with her pregnant mom to escape war-torn Syria. While living with her aunt and uncle, Jude becomes a victim of Islamophobia as she tries to adapt to a new culture. She continually struggles to find her identity as emotional turmoil is part of her everyday life. OTHER WORDS FOR HOME provides a a sense of understanding and compassion for Arab Americans who are just trying to fit into a society that is very different from what they have been accustomed to. This award winning story should be on every elementary and middle school bookshelf.

Why do you think Sarah finally apologized to Jude?

Answers will vary. Perhaps what happened to Layla and her family caused Sarah to change her ways.

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