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?

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 👍🏿

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👍🏿

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.

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.

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”

THE JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD👍

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

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👍

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👍🏿

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?

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 👍

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?

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR ☮️

NEVER FORGOTTEN

AUTHOR - PATRICIA MCKISSACK

GRADES - 4-7

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿 👍🏿

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR👍🏿

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?

NEWBERY MEDAL - WINNER

GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON, THE

AUTHOR - KELLY BARNHILL

GRADES - 4-6

HONORS/AWARDS

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”. 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF 2016

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

AN ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY - BEST MIDDLE GRADE BOOK OF 2016

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF 2016

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF 2016

AMAZON -TOP 20 BEST BOOK OF 2016

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOK OF 2016

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST BOOKS OF 2016

BOOKLIST - YOUTH EDITORS' CHOICE

THEMES - FAMILY, LOVE, BONDING

The people who live on one side of the woods mistakenly believe that if they do not sacrifice a baby each year, they will be terrorized by an evil witch. However, the witch is very kind and does not know why a baby is left alone in the woods every year. She takes care of these babies and eventually gives them to couples on the other side of the woods that are best suited to raise them. However, on one occasion, the witch mistakenly feeds a baby girl, which she named Luna, with the magic of moonlight rather than starlight. As she gets older, she recklessly uses her magic without even realizing that she is doing harm to others. The real villain is a witch known as the Sorrow Eater, who gains strength from the misfortunes of others. Eventually, she is exposed as the powers of good and evil collide. Your fantasy lovers are in for a real treat with this Newbery Medal winner.

GENRE - FANTASY NOVEL

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. At the end of Chapter 15, Antain felt something flutter in his chest.  What

do you think was happening?  

He is probably experiencing feelings for Ethyne. 

2. What do you think Luna discovered at the end of Chapter 23? 

The location of her mother.

3. Do you think the mad woman was really mad? 

Answers will vary. She lost interest in life when her daughter was taken

from her.

4. Why did the Sorrow Eater enjoy the misery of others? 

She was unhappy and it made her feel better knowing that others  were

just as unhappy.

5. If you could rewrite the ending, what would you change?

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) A PERFECT TEN

HANA'S SUITCASE

AUTHOR - KAREN LEVINE

GRADES - 4 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.

NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD 

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD -

is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD

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.

SKIPPING STONES - HONOR AWARD 👍🏿

DESMOND TUTU "How extraordinary that this humble suitcase has enabled children all over the world to learn through Hana's story the terrible history of what happened and that it continues to urge them to heed the warnings of history." -

THEMES - COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE

Readers will learn how happy Hana was during her childhood. Then the Nazis came and her world was turned upside down. Her parents were taken by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. They would have taken Hana and her older brother, but her uncle saved them. He told the children to pack their suitcases and come with him. However, a year later, just after her eleventh birthday, she and her brother were captured and taken to a concentration camp. Hana never made it out alive. However, if it weren't for her suitcase, this book would not have been written and the world would not have heard of Hana. This story of a brave young girl who was killed in The Holocaust, has been translated into over forty-five languages.

GENRE - NONFICTION - HOLOCAUST

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Hana’s Suitcase won numerous awards and has been translated into forty-five

languages. Why do you think this story is so popular?

2. If you could talk to Hana today, what would you ask her?

3. Why do you think this book was written?

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR BOOK

HIDDEN TALENTS

AUTHOR - DAVID LUBAR

GRADES - MATURE 6TH, 7,8

HONORS/AWARDS

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD -HONOR -

The Michael L. Printz Award is an American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".

MARYLAND BLACK-EYED SUSAN AWARD

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT YOUNG

ADULTS

BOOKLIST TOP TEN - FANTASY FOR YOUTH

THEMES - BULLYING, INDIVIDUALITY

After being expelled from several schools, Little League, and the Scouts, Martin is placed in an alternative school where his new classmates are quite a challenge. They are collection of arsonists, bullies, and thieves in a school which is basically a dumping ground for kids who have not been able to fit the norm. Martin uses his intellectual ability to bring out the best in everyone he meets and makes a positive difference in his new surroundings. This book is an excellent choice for any kid who marches to his/her own drummer.

GENRES - COMING OF AGE, HUMOR

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. You just learned that a student from Edgeview School is moving next door to

you. You hope it will be _________. Why? 

Answers will vary.

2. Is it a good idea to have a school for kids like those who attend  Edgeview?

Explain.  Answers will vary.

3. What hidden talent would you like to have?  Answers will vary.

4. You could say that Martin taught his friends more than their teachers.  Explain. 

Martin made them aware of their hidden talents and how to use  them in

a positive way.

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR☮️

REVOLUTION

AUTHOR - DEBORAH WILES

GRADES - MATURE 4 AND UP

HONORS/AWARDS👍🏿 👍🏿

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR👍🏿

SKIPPING STONES - HONOR👍🏿

NAACP - IMAGE AWARD HONOREE

The NAACP Image Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by the U.S.-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP) to honor outstanding performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature.

GOLDEN KITE - WINNER

The Golden Kite Awards are given annually by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, an international children's writing organization, to recognize excellence in children’s literature.  

JEFFERSON CUP - NOMINEE

Honors a distinguished biography, historical fiction, or American history book for young people.

PARENTS’ CHOICE APPROVED SEAL

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

THE HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - SEGREGATION, CIVIL RIGHTS

This magnificent, powerful story describes the events that occurred in Mississippi during Freedom Summer, 1964. The narrator is a twelve year old white girl named Sunny, who is trying to understand why college students from the north are “invading” her town. They came to register black voters, but in the process, precipitated a great deal of unrest and violence. At first, Sunny is resentful because the public swimming pool closed rather than allow blacks to swim there. Then, the movie theater closed because an angry mob threatened white theater goers because the owner allowed blacks to enter. As time passes, Sunny empathizes with the protesters when she witnesses them getting beaten by the police. By the end of the summer, she joins the activists as she realizes that she is living the “good life” compared to the people who live in “colored town.” Readers will be presented with a plethora of data regarding issues of the time. Attention is given to the war in Vietnam, Muhammed Ali and his refusal to enlist, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which made segregation illegal. Although this book has 500 pages, it is loaded with dozens of great photos which allows readers to visually grasp the tension and emotions that took place during the summer of ’64 in Greenwood, Mississippi. If you are a teacher of American history, you need to take a look at this one.

It is thought-provoking at its best.

NOTE: This is the second book in The Sixties Trilogy. Book one is COUNTDOWN and book three is ANTHEM.

GENRE - U.S. HISTORY, HISTORICAL FICTION, YOUNG ADULT - FREEDOM SUMMER, 1964

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. If you could speak to Sunny, what would you ask her?

2. How would you feel if a group of college students entered your town to make

changes?

3.Why do you think it was important for the rest of the country to learn what was

happening in Mississippi?

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - NEW TALENT

VOICE OF FREEDOM - FANNIE LOU HAMER - SPIRIT OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

AUTHOR - CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD

GRADES - 4-7

HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍👍👍👍

SKIPPING STONES AWARD - HONOR👍

FLORA G. STIEGLITZ STRAUSS AWARD FOR NON-FICTION - WINNER👍

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.

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - NEW TALENT👍

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD - COMMENDED👍

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

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. 

ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year. BOSTON GLOBE -HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

CALDECOTT MEDAL - HONOR

THEMES -CIVIL RIGHTS, BLACK STRUGGLES

Whenever you see a book written by this author, you know that you are in for a real treat. Her biography of Fanny Lou Hamer “tells it like it was” and will provide readers with detailed information describing life in the segregated South. Voting rights, sharecropping, Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, and personal sufferings, are just a few of the issues presented. What makes this book exceptional is way in which the author allows the reader to look at the world through Hamer’s eyes. You feel the pain, the humiliation and the frustrations that plagued her for most of her life.In addition to the excellent writing, the book received a Caldecott Honor Medal for the best illustrations. This one is a gem!

NOTE: While the book looks like it was written for primary grade children, the content is on a much higher level.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1.If you were to meet Fannie Lou Hamer, what question would you ask her?

2.What do you think was her worst experience?

3.Choose one word that would describe her?

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - WINNER

BROWN GIRL DREAMING

AUTHOR - JACQUELINE WOODSON

GRADES - 5,6

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD - HONOR - 👍🏿

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. 

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 - WINNER

ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR

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

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”. 

HORN BOOK - NONFICTION HONOR BOOK

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - A NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - RACIAL JUSTICE, IDENTITY

Jacqueline Woodson is one of the superstars of childrenʼs literature. In her  poetic childhood autobiography, readers will gains some insights about  growing up black in a white dominated society. The author accomplished a rare feat by winning the National Book Award, The Coretta Scott King Award, and a Newbery Honor.

GENRE - AUTOBIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. On page one, the author says “I am born as the South explodes.”  What do you

think that means? 

This was a time of great turmoil as civil rights leaders were  challenging

the unjust laws against African Americans. 

2. This book won many awards. Why do you think so many people liked her

story?

3. At the end of the section called - The Revolution, page 309 (hardcover),  the

author says that she is ready for the ride. What do you think she  means? 

The country is in the midst of a revolution and she wants to be a  part of it. 

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