JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️

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 - LUCIA GONZALEZ

GRADES -1-4

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.

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

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.

PURA BELPRE - HONOR👍🏿

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.

AMERICAS AWARD - HONOR

Pura Belpre was the first Latina librarian in New York City. Readers/listeners will learn how she made the library the heart and sole of the community by celebrating Latino culture. The large illustrations should encourage group discussions. The text is written in English and Spanish.

1. Why do you think Pura Belpre was a good librarian?

AUTHOR - KADIR NELSON

GRADES - 4 AND UP

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.

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.

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD👍🏿

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.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOKS IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Kadir Nelson book. His award winning illustrations enriches the text and allows the reader to emotionally grasp Nelson’s messages which, in this book, is the rarely told history of African Americans.  Do not rely on your child’s school to provide the information found here. Heart and Soul is an eye opener and a great introduction to black history. It is must reading as it just might encourage children to read more on this subject.

Before I read this book, I did not know that …__________________________

Before I read this book, I did not know that …__________________________

What was your favorite chapter? Why?

I would like to learn more about _____________________________________

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?

                                               PAGE 22

AUTHOR - ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY

GRADES - 3 - 5

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. 

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

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.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

PARENTING PUBLICATION - GOLD MEDAL WINNER

CARTER G. WOODSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL WORKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

ANNE IZARD - STORYTELLER'S AWARD

Based on the historic sit-ins at Woolworth’s, the author dramatizes these events illustrating the difficulties four black students faced as they tried to order coffee and donuts in this segregated store. These peaceful protests led to the 1966 Supreme Court decision against racial discrimination.This story offers a good introduction to the Civil Rights Movement by depicting nonviolence as the method of defeating hate..

1.The students ordered doughnuts and coffee, with cream on the side. This 
 is a 

    metaphor. What do you think it means?
    

    Coffee is dark and cream is white. The students wanted whites and 

    
blacks to sit at the counter together.


2. The author says, “If black people and white people could break bread 
 

     together, everyone would pass the test.” What do you think that means?

3. What do you think was the hardest thing the four students at the counter

    had to do?

    They had to remain calm and not get angry when the white people 

 
    poured food on them.

AUTHORS - VICTORIA JAMIESON AND OMAR MOHAMED

GRADES - 4-7

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. 

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD - HONOR 👍🏿

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.

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. 

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.


READ FOR EMPATHY COLLECTION - EMPATHY LAB👍🏿

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

CYBILS- 👍🏿

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

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 

TIME  MAGAZINE- BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF 2020 

CHILDREN’S AFRICANA BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

AMAZON - BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK OF 2020 

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

This moving  true story takes place in a Kenyan refugee camp where Mohamed and his younger brother Hassan are struggling to survive after escaping from war-torn Somalia. Their father got killed and their mother is missing. Food is scarce and the living conditions are barely tolerable. As the months and years pass, Mohamed clings to the hope that he will be one of the few children selected by social workers to relocate in the United States. This unique book will give readers a new perspective and a realistic view regarding the less fortunate. The awards listed above are totally justified as the author tells his story in a manner which most young readers will understand. It is presented in a graphic format.

1. If you were Omar, would you have left the refugee camp if you could  not take

    your brother?

2. If Omar could change one thing in the refugee camp, what do you think that 

    would be? 

3. Why do you think some children got on the list and not others?                                                      

AUTHOR - KWAME ALEXANDER

GRADES - MATURE 4  AND UP

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

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

NEWBERY MEDAL - 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”.

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 …   .