NEWBERY AWARD - WINNER 👍

AUTHOR - AVI

GRADES - 4-7  

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”.

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) - “Historical Fiction at its Finest" - 

   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.  

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

BOOK SENSE - TOP TEN

BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION - BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 

     THE YEAR👍

COLORADO BOOK AWARD  

This historical novel is about a fourteen-year-old boy named Crispin who lived in England during the fourteenth century. After his mother died, he became a serf for the estate of Lord Furnival. He did not know that he was really the Lord’s illegitimate son. However, the steward knew this and planned to kill him so that he would not inherit the Lord’s wealth. False charges were made against Crispin and a reward was issued to kill him. This resulted in Crispin being chased all over the countryside as he dodged one narrow escape after another. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats as they follow this boy from town to town, while getting a taste of medieval life. For your adventure lovers, Crispin is pure excitement. It is one of the few books to win the Newbery and receive a Perfect Ten from VOYA. 

1. At the end of the story, Crispin put a knife to the neck of John Aycliffe and they 

    mad a  deal. What would you have done?       

    Answers will vary. If he killed Aycliffe, how would he have  escaped? 

2. Why do you think Crispin placed the cross of lead on Aycliffe’s chest at the end 

    of the story?


    Crispin did not want the inheritance. He just wanted to be free. 

3. When Crispin grows up, what do you think he will be doing?       

    Answers will vary. He could continue working with Bear to 
 promote 

    freedom. 

AUTHOR - PATRICIA C. WREDE

GRADES - 5-7

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - EDITORS' CHOICE

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍

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

Princess Cimorene lives in the kingdom of Linderwall and she hates it.  She likes to fence and learn about magic, but her parents tell her that these activities are not proper for a princess. They want her to practice her sewing and dancing, which she finds very boring. To make matters worse, they want her to marry Prince Therandil. She refuses and decides to run away.  She discovers a cave which is inhabited by dragons. Most of them are rather friendly. They have to be on the lookout for wizards who are trying to steal their magic. Cimorene learns of an evil plan by the wizards which will allow them to control the dragons, however, no one believes her. She enlists the aid of the Stone Prince and a witch to help the dragons. This is the first of a series of four books called The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. It is followed by Talking to Dragons, Searching for Dragons, and Calling on Dragons. Using a female lead, the author portrays dragons as the “good guys” and wizards as the “bad guys.” 

1.  Compare and contrast Cimorene to yourself. Use
 personality and examples of 

     behavior in your answer.      

a) Cimorene is rebellious. She runs away from 
home because she does not 

    like the life a princess 
is supposed to lead.      

b) She is brave. She doesn’t mind living with fire-
breathing dragons. She 

    kills a bird that attacks her.      

c) She is smart. She learns how to make a spell that
 will fireproof her from 

    the dragon’s breath. She 
 acts stupid so she can learn why the wizards

    are in the  cave. She tricks the jinn into giving her a wish.      

d) She is loyal. She tells Kazul everything, and risks
 her life so that the evil

    dragon does not become 
king.      

e) She is friendly. She makes friends with Myron 
 and Kazul. The other 

    princesses enjoy her 
company. Prince Therandil and the stone 

    prince also like her. 

2. Several characters in this story make terrible mistakes. 
Among them are Prince 

    Therandil, the stone prince,
 Woraug, and the wizard king. Which was the worst 


    mistake and how did it affect the outcome of the story?     

a) Prince Therandil accidentally takes a stopper out 
of a bottle and a giant 

    appears. He threatens to kill the prince and Cimorene. This affects the   

    outcome
 of the story because the giant eventually gives them
 two 

    wishes. Cimorene is able to make a fireproof 
 spell so she doesn’t get 

    burned by the dragon’s breath.     

b) The stone prince was turned to stone because he 
wasn’t paying 

     attention. He was supposed to get 
the king a drink from the Water of 

     Healing. He  picked up the gold slipper instead of the tin one.
 This 

     caused him to turn to stone.     

c) Woraug works with the wizards in order to  
become king. Cimorene tells 

    how he did it and  Woraug gets turned into a frog. That is what
 happens 

    to dragons who stop acting like dragons.    

d) The wizard king doesn’t think that Cimorene and 
the others would throw

     water on him because he is 
standing next to Morwen. However, the 

     prince does 
not throw water on both of them and the wizard king
 melts. 

     Morton only gets wet. 

AUTHOR - ORSON SCOTT CARD

GRADES - 6 AND UP

NEBULA AWARD - WINNER 👍

HUGO AWARD - WINNER 👍

MODERN LIBRARY - READERS' 100 BEST NOVELS

MARGARET A. EDWARDS AWARD - WINNER👍

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

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -STARRED REVIEW

BARNES AND NOBLE-NEARLY 2000 EXCELLENT REVIEWS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - 100 BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS 1966-2000

This science fiction classic places a young child named Ender in a position to save the Earth from aliens known as “buggers”. Ender is a genius and a superb military strategist. In the end, he accomplishes his mission. However, he learns along with the reader, that the war was unnecessary and many aliens and humans died for no reason. Ender spends the rest of his life making amends to the civilization he helped destroy. 

1. Do you believe that the government should lie to people like they did to  Ender 

    and the people of Earth?  Explain

2. What did Ender do that impressed you the most?  Answers will vary. 

3. A great deal of pressure was put on Ender. Was it necessary?
 Explain.
     

    Ender is only six years old. The intense pressure resulted in Ender
 killing 

    one of his competitors. He also becomes obsessed with 
beating the 

    Giant’s game. He has to cope with the emotions of a child and the  brain

    power of a genius. 

4. Why does every chapter begin using bold print?     

    The start of each chapter is a conversation between the adults 
involved in

    the battle school. These are secret meetings. Ender has  no idea that 

    these talks are occurring.


AUTHORS - LAURA ATKINS AND STAN YOGI

GRADES - 4-8  

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK 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. 

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

NEW YORK'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE -WINNER  👍

CARTER G. WOODSON BOOK AWARD  👍

KIRKUS REVIEWS  - STARRED

CYBILS AWARD - ☮️

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

This very readable book centers on the life of Fred Korematsu, who was deprived of his civil liberties before and after WW11. Readers will understand how fear and discrimination caused thousands of Japanese-Americans to lose their homes, jobs and their freedom.

1. Japanese-Americans who were sent to prison received $20,000 each in 

    
reparations.What do you think about that? 

2. What do you think was Fred Korematsu’s message to you? 

3. When his third grade teacher couldn’t pronounce his name, she decided to call 

    him Fred. What do you think about that? 

AUTHOR - DAVID LUBAR

GRADES - MATURE 6TH, 7,8

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

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. 

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. 

AUTHOR - CARL HIAASEN

GRADES - 5-8

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR BOOK 👍

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) TOP SHELF FICTION FOR MIDDLE  

      SCHOOL READERS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST - WINNER

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS MASTER LIST  - WINNER

MAINE STUDENT MASTER LIST - WINNER

KEYSTONE STATE READING ASSN. BOOK AWARD  

CONNECTICUT NUTMEG CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD

As the title suggests Hoot is about a group of burrowing owls. Since they are a protected species, permits are needed to build in their nesting area. A pancake company bribes a town official as they try to build their restaurant on protected land. When some middle school students learn that the owls are in jeopardy of getting killed, they try to sabotage the project. However, Hoot is more than an environmental story. The protagonist is a new boy in town who finds himself at the mercy of the school bully. Since he cannot outmuscle the boy, he uses his wits to gain the upper hand. Before the arrival of the new boy, a young teen from an abusive home ran away to live in the woods. He becomes a friend of the endangered owls as well as the new boy. Together, they work to defeat the bully and save the owls. 

1. Explain how Roy’s behavior caused people to like him. Be specific. 

    He was kind. He brought sneakers for the running boy and he provided a 

    place for Beatrice to sleep when things got out of hand at her home. 

    He was considerate. He developed a passion for saving wildlife. After

    his mother had a miscarriage, he wanted to be sure that nothing 

    happened to him. 

    He tried to avoid risks or do anything that would put himself in danger. 

    Roy was loyal. After he brought the running boy to the hospital, he lied to

    help him. He also took care of him after he ran away from the hospital. 

    Finally, he protected him by not revealing who he was to the authorities. 

2. Roy was a very determined boy. Give specific examples to support this 

    statement. 

    He never gave up trying to find out the identity of the running boy. He 

    chased him all over the place and even got hit in the head by a golf ball 

    during the chase. 

    He was determined to stop the owners of the Pancake House from 

    destroying the  owls’ nesting place. He went to the town hall and learned

    that the necessary permits for building the house were missing. 

    He went to school and told his class about the owls during current 

    events lesson. 

    He was able to elicit the support of his classmates to protest the 

    construction of the Pancake House.

    Roy also helped save the owls by giving the running boy his digital 

    Roy also helped save the owls by giving the running boy his digital 

    Roy used Dana as a distraction so that the running boy could 

    remove seats from the bulldozers. 

    Although he didn’t succeed, he tried to become friends with Dana. 

3. What makes the running boy so different from other boys his age? 

    He can catch a fish with his bare hands. He does not go to school. He

    lives in a junkyard by himself. He doesn’t wear shoes. He captures

    alligators and poisonous snakes.  

AUTHOR - ALLAN ECKERT

GRADES - 5-7

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR 👍

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. -NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

This story,  based on a true incident, tells  about a six-year-old named Ben who can communicate with animals by imitating their sounds. His inability to talk with humans suggests that he might have been autistic. Ben lives with his family in the Canadian wilderness. While exploring the area a few miles from his house, he meets a badger, one of the most dangerous animals in the wild. It doesn’t take long before she trusts him. He feeds her and touches her. A few days later, Ben is wandering around on the prairie, when he gets lost in a storm. Since he is so small, he is able to crawl into a burrow that some animal made. When the animal returns, it starts growling at Ben. It is the same badger that Ben made friends with earlier. As weeks pass, Ben becomes more like a badger than a human. How does a young boy survive without human assistance? How does he get food? Besides bonding with a badger, Ben's family has to keep his gift a secret because neighbors will accuse him of working with the devil.

1.  A story was made up about Ben’s disappearance. Do you think
 that was a 

     good idea?  Explain.


     Possible answers - Ben’s parents should have accepted him and 

     
respected his talent to communicate with the animals. It was best

     to
 keep his talent a secret because he would not have been accepted

     in his society. 

2.  Ben’s parents disagreed about how they should raise him. The father wants 

     him to grow up like a regular boy and socialize with others. The mother wants 

     her husband to be more patient and kinder with Ben.  What do you think?

     Explain.

3.  If you could have a special power like Ben, what would it be? How would 
you 

     use it? Would you want to keep it a secret? 

AUTHOR - KEKLA MAGOON

GRADES -Mature 6th AND UP

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. 

WALTER DEAN MYERS AWARD - FINALIST☮️

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.

MICHAEL J. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR 👍

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". 

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE -

      FINALIST 👍

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

During the fifties and sixties I was a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent approach to civil rights. When the Black Panthers emerged, they were portrayed as a militant group, causing me to be somewhat confused as to how they were trying to accomplish their goals. I never really understood their purpose until I read this book which chronicles their history mainly from 1966-1982. I was astounded to learn how wrong I had been back in the day, as the media failed to give honest coverage to the Panthers. I was not aware of all the social services that they provided for their communities such as health care, food, clothing, shelter, education and more.

The first two chapters provide a history of racism in America which slowly caused the pot to boil over leading to the riots in the years following the King assassination. This crucial information allows readers to understand why the Black Panthers were formed. 

Revolution in our Time is not a casual read, as there are mountains of detailed information to  be digested. However, for the serious reader who wants to learn about the Black Panthers, this is the book as the author left no stone unturned. It is ideal for young adults who will find captivating photos on most pages. The author deserves a ton of credit for doing the research and for allowing people like me to understand the humane side of the Black Panthers. Hopefully, readers will be influenced by this work and become contributing members to society.

1. Are there people in your neighborhood that are not getting the care they need. 

    What can you do about that?

2. If you were in charge of the Black Panthers, what would you have done 

    differently?

AUTHOR - PADMA VENKATRAMAN

GRADES - 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☮️  

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 one of the girls 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 - KWAME ALEXANDER

GRADES - 4 AND UP

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED.😪

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”.


READ FOR EMPATHY COLLECTION - EMPATHY LAB☮️

Recognizing literature recommended by children, teachers, and librarians to help build children’s empathy

CALDECOTT MEDAL -  BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK - WINNER👍

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.

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 FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - LONG LIST👍

CARTER G. WOODSON BOOK AWARD - WINNER

The Carter G. Woodson Book Award is presented to exemplary books written for children and young people each year at the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference.

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

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

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

KIDS’ BOOK CHOICE AWARD - WINNER

GOLDEN KITE AWARD - HONOR


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.

CHILDREN’S FAVORITE AWARD

TEACHER FAVORITE AWARD

Reading this book is like going to an art exhibit. The illustrations take your breath away as they depict famous Black Americans who achievements are honored. The text is short, but the meaning is deep as you make the visual connection. The artist, Kadir Nelson, takes center stage as he does in all of his books. The Undefeated is not a one time read. You will find yourself returning  again and again as you realize that Black history matters. This book begs to be shared. If you are a teacher, check to see if it is on your school banned book list. If you are a parent, get the book yesterday.

1, What is the title of your favorite illustration? Why did you choose it?

2. While reading this book, I learned …   .

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