JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️

AUTHOR - VEERA HIRANANDAN

GRADES - 5-8

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. 

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”.


MALKA PENN AWARD FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE -☮️

This award is given annually to the author of an outstanding children's book addressing human rights issues or themes such as discrimination, equality, poverty, justice, war, peace, slavery, or freedom. 

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.

WALTER AWARD - 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.

SOUTH ASIA BOOK AWARD - WINNER👍

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR - NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AMAZON, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL AND OTHERS👍

When India achieved its independence from Great Britain, it was divided into two parts - Pakistan and India. This was done primarily to separate the Muslims and the Hindus. During this turbulent  period hostilities broke out between these groups. The author focuses on one young girl named Nisha who gets caught up in this conflict. Her happy existence abruptly changed as she had to leave her friends to take a dangerous journey to her new home in Pakistan. She reveals her feelings through her journal, where she speaks to her deceased mother. This compelling story allows readers to empathize with this young girl who is trying to seek her identity as she is half Muslim and half Hindu. Before independence, she never judged people on the basis of their religion. Now, she cannot understand why that is an issue. 

1.Why do you think religion often divides people? 

2.What do you think Nisha’s biggest problem will be now that she is in Pakistan? 

3. What would you tell someone who hated you because of your religion?                                         

AUTHOR -JASON CHIN

GRADES - 3-6

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD☮️ 

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

GIVERNY AWARD - BEST CHILDREN'S SCIENCE PICTURE BOOK 👍

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW 

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW 

AMAZON - TOP TEN EDITORS' PICK - 2009

At first glance, Redwoods appears to be a primary grade picture book, however, the concepts and vocabulary presented are more appropriate for upper elementary students.  As a matter of fact, after reading the book, I learned quite a bit about redwoods and all the wildlife that inhabit these magnificent trees. The illustrations provoke the imagination as readers are presented with prehistoric and Roman scenes to depict the age of the redwoods. In addition, the trees are placed in a city skyline and by the Statue of Liberty to convey their tremendous height. The story of the redwoods is told through the imagination of a boy who finds the book while waiting for a train. After reading it, he leaves it on a park bench, where a girl discovers the book and starts her own adventure. An environmental warning follows the story describing the depletion of these trees by human activity. This is one beautiful book that is certain to provide readers with an appreciation of one of nature's finest accomplishments.   

1.Redwoods are often cut down to make furniture. Is this a good idea? 
 

   Discuss the fact that redwoods are unique trees in terms of their size, 

   beauty, and longevity. They cannot be easily replaced. There is no 

   practical reason to make furniture out of a redwood.


2. Redwood won the award as the best children's science picture book. 

 
   Describe some of your favorite pictures and tell why you like them.


3. At the end of the story, the boy leaves the book on the bench. Did he do

    this on purpose? Explain your answer.
    

    He appears to be in a hurry to get away from the girl and
 leaves the book 

    there accidentally. 
He may be shy, so he decides to leave the book for the

    girl, rather 
than give it to her.                                               

AUTHOR -KATHRYN ERSKINE

GRADES - 5-7

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - HONOR ☮️

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. 

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. 

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW 

The setting for this story is a small town in Virginia. The year is 1972 and racial prejudice is alive and well in this area. The protagonist is a twelve-year-old boy named Red, whose father, his idol, just died. He wants to carry on his dad’s legacy by fighting injustice. Besides his grief, he must confront abusive neighbors and religious intolerance. In the space of a few months, Red matures quite a bit as he has more on his plate than boys his age should handle. 

1.  In this story, the author shows how one person could make a difference. 

     How did Red, a twelve-year-old boy, make a difference in his 
 community? 

     Red was determined to prove that Miss Georgia was cheated out of 
her 

     land. His persistent effort was rewarded when he found the 
church altar 

     on his property. 

     He also fought to protect Rosie from
 her abusive father. At the end of the

     story, the sheriff threatened to 
remove Rosie from her home if her father

     didn’t change his ways.  

2.  Do you think Miss Miller should have been fired? Explain.
  

     Miss Miller was a history teacher who was fired because she 
 

     encouraged her students to think, rather than telling them what to
 think. 

     Her classes was often noisy as her students were debating 
issues. The 

     principal felt that classrooms should be quiet places.
 A local clergyman 

     complained about her because he felt that she 
 was causing children to

     question racial injustice. 

3. Red tried to correct many things he felt were wrong. Is there anything
 in your 

    community or your school that you feel is not right? What can
 you do about it?


AUTHOR GRAEME BASE

GRADES - 1-4

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - ☮️

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

WINNER WILDERNESS SOCIETY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD - WINNER ☮️

AUSTRALIAN BEST BOOK AWARD - WINNER - PICTURE BOOK ☮️

This is a cautionary tale of environmental destruction. Uno loves the forest with  all the plants and strange inhabitants. As time passes, more people begin to move into the area. They cut down the trees to make room for their homes. The scales begin to tip and the balance of nature leans toward human activity. Eventually, just about all the plant and animal life disappears. Although the story ends on a happy note, readers/listeners learn the importance of environmental awareness. In addition to the message, the illustrations are simply dazzling. This is one beautiful book. 

1. This story is mainly about balance. What does that mean? 

2. Can you find examples of this story in your neighborhood? 

3. What would happen if all the trees were cut down?       

    There would be no places for birds and squirrels to live.       

    There would be no source of oxygen left and all living things would die.       

AUTHOR - JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS

GRADES - MATURE 3 - 6

JANE ADDAMS PEACE 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.

CYBILS☮️

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

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.

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

CHILDREN’S FAVORITES AWARD👍

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

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - LONGLIST

BANK STREET CHILDREN’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

AMAZON.COM - BEST BOOKS OF THE MONTH

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST👍

BOOKLIST EDITOR’S CHOICE: BOOKS FOR YOUTH

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL’S - CHILDREN’S FAVORITES AWARD👍

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL’S - LIBRARIAN FAVORITES AWARD👍

THE HARVEY AWARD 👍

The Harvey Awards are one of the comic industry’s oldest and most prestigious awards. “As a reader, seeing a book acknowledged by the Harvey Awards should ensure you’re picking up the best our industry has to offer.


THE EISNER AWARD👍

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books, referred to as the comics industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards. The awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious, significant awards in the comics industry.

When middle schooler Bree enters her new school, she finds herself placed on the swim team. However, she cannot swim. Not only must she overcome her fears, but she has to deal with team members who do not understand how to work cooperatively. She also has issues with her father who does not attend her meets. An underlying theme is wether or not kids from a lower socio-economic class can beat the swim team from a wealthy area who feel that they are better than everyone else. This story is presented in a graphic format. This heart-warming book is just perfect for reluctant readers.

1. At the end of the story, Bree says “piece by piece, it’s all coming together.

    ”
What does that mean?


     She compares solving life’s problems to putting a jigsaw puzzle together.

2. Besides Bree, who do you think was the bravest person in this story.


    Her father as he learned to swim after he almost drowned.


    Mari. She apologized to her old friends for leaving them.

AUTHOR - PADMA VENKATRAMAN

GRADES - MATURE 4 -7

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD - WINNER☮️

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

WALTER AWARD - WINNER☮️  

The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.

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.

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

GOLDEN KITE AWARD FOR FICTION - WINNER👍

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

Two girls run away from an abusive home in India and find two boys about their age living under a bridge. The four become good friends as they care for each other while trying to survive by scavenging the city’s trash heaps and selling recyclables. When one of the girls becomes very ill, her sister has to decide whether or not to trust adults who have not been kind to them in the past.

Readers will learn about what it is like to be homeless, and the value of friendship. They will also be inspired by the protagonist who is determined to become a teacher against all odds. The author wants everyone to know that a home is more than just a structure. It needs to be filled with loving and caring people.

1. Should Viji have gone back home with her father? What would you

    have done?

2. Do you think Viji would make a good teacher? Explain.

AUTHOR - LOUISE ERDRICH 

GRADES - 3 - 5

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.

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.

AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD👍

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - 

     FINALIST 👍

NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD

This book was written to illustrate how Native Americans lived during the mid nineteenth century. She wanted to portray them in a positive light as an answer to The Little House On the Prairie books which did not treat them kindly. Here is the first line of the story - “
The only person left alive on the island was a baby girl.” She was rescued and named Omakayas.  By the time she turned seven, she began to develop a talent for healing. The story revolves around her as readers will learn about the culture of the Ojibwa Tribe and how they survived smallpox. While there are many tender, loving situations, there are also those which seem harsh. For example, the children capture crows and break their necks before bringing them home for dinner.  A pet dog receives a rather unpleasant death after it attacked Omakayas. This is a wonderful story. Children will understand that in many ways Native Americans had the same feelings and concerns as everyone else.

1. Would you like to have Omakayas as a sister? Explain.

2. Would you rather grow up living on an island

    like Omakayas or living where you are now? Explain.                                  

AUTHOR - ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY

GRADES - MATURE 3 - 6

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

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.

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.

NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

TEACHER FAVORITES AWARD

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST BOOKS 2022👍

When John Lewis was a boy,  he was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr..

When Tybre Faw was a boy, he was inspired by John Lewis. This pictorial biography combines the two scenarios. Young readers will be introduced to Lewis and learn how he put his life on the line to fight racism. The author also sends a message that it is never too young to stand up for your beliefs.

1. What do you think John Lewis meant by “getting into good trouble?”

2. If you could ask John Lewis a question, what would it be?

AUTHORS - MOLLY BANG AND PENNY CHISHOLM

GRADES - 1-6

SKIPPING STONES HONOR AWARDS☮️

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.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AWARD

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER
👍

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

BOOK LINKS LASTING CONNECTIONS - SELECTION


Book Links magazine is designed for teachers, youth librarians, school library media specialists, reading specialists, curriculum coordinators, and others interested in connecting children with high-quality literature-based resources.

What appears to be a primary grade picture book, is a pleasure to read at any age. I would read and discuss it with K-2 children and offer the book for independent reading to those in grades 3-6. At the end of the book is a more detailed description of the topic for those who seek more information. The authors, a writer and an ecology professor, offer an easy to understand explanation of how humans depend on sunlight and plant growth. They combine the text with eye catching illustrations which will keep even the most reluctant readers interested. This is clearly one of the best environmental books for children that I have ever read. 

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO PROTECT PLANTS?

AUTHOR - JULIUS LESTER

GRADES - 5 AND UP

CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK 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.

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍

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

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

This story revolves around the largest slave auction in American history. The owner is deeply in debt and sells over 400 people. One of them is Emma, who is the main character in this book. She is the caretaker of the owner’s children. As the story unfolds, readers are presented with multiple perspectives by slaves, owners, abolitionists and others. However, Emma is the key figure. Through flashbacks and flash-forwards, the author demonstrates how every action has its consequences. The feelings and emotions by all parties are clearly expressed using the language of the day. Readers will experience the heartbreak of separation as children are taken from their parents and a woman about to get married is sold. Day of Tears tells it like it was, leaving its audience gasping for breath struggling through one gut wrenching experience after another. 

1. Do you think Mr. Butler ever regretted selling Emma? Explain.

2, When Emma was sold, who suffered more Emma or Sarah? Explain.