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NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER 👍
GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES! VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
AUTHOR - LAURA AMY SCHLITZ
GRADES - 4 AND UP
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”.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S TRADE BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
THEMES - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, MIDDLE AGES
This gem of a book depicts life during the Middle Ages by using a series of monologues featuring members of a feudal community. The characters include a falconer’s son, a knight’s son, a blacksmith’s daughter, and about twenty others. Their experiences are thought provoking and provide an excellent understanding of this period in history. The author, a school librarian, originally wrote this book as a play, which accounts for the brilliant dialogue as readers get into the minds and feelings of the characters presented. Do not skip over this one!
GENRE - HISTORICAL FICTION - MIDDLE AGES
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Would you rather live in today’s world or in the Middle Ages?
Explain.
2. If you could trade places with one of the characters, who would
you choose? Why?
3. Who led the happier life - Giles or Drogo? Explain.
Giles was a beggar. He worked a scam with his father to fool
people into giving them food. Drogo was a tanner’s apprentice.
He enjoyed his work, however, he complained about the
negative comments from the townspeople about the smell
coming from the tannery. A case could be made for both
characters, however, I think Giles had more fun.
4. What does Giles mean when he said, “…Look after your foxes as
well as your sheep.”
He was referring to the way he and his father tricked the people.
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
NIGHT DIARY, THE
AUTHOR - VEERA HIRANANDANI
GRADES - 5 -8
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
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
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.
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.
SOUTH ASIA BOOK AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR - NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AMAZON, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL AND OTHERS👍🏿
THEMES - IDENTITY, SURVIVAL
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.
GENRE - HISTORICAL FICTION - INDIA
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
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?
MIDDLE EAST 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
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?
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
SEEING RED
AUTHOR - KATHRYN ERSKINE
GRADES - 5-7
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️👍🏿
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
THEMES - FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE, RACISM
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.
GENRE - REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
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?
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 - 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
GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️
is the nation’s first environmental stewardship book award for children and young adult books.
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👍
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
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 - REALISTIC 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
AUTHORS - PAM MUNOZ AND PETER SIS
GRADES - 4-8
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ ☮️ 👍🏿
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.
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 AWARD - HONOR👍🏿
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 - REALISTIC 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.
LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD ☮️
DANGEROUS ART OF BLENDING IN, THE
AUTHOR - ANGELO SURMELIS
GRADES - 8-12
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️
LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD - FINALIST BEST LGBT YOUNG ADULT
NOVEL 2018 ☮️
Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys", are awarded yearly by Lambda Literary to recognize the crucial role LGBTQ writers play in shaping the world. The Lammys celebrate the very best in LGBTQ literature.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
THEMES - FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, POWER AND CONTROL
This somewhat autobiographical novel pulls no punches as readers are introduced to seventeen year old Evan who dares not to admit that he is gay for fear of the wrath from his abusive mother who beats him and basically destroys his sense of self worth. His only escape is visiting an abandoned monastery where he loves to draw, and spending time with Henry as they become more than just friends. This gut-wrenching story is not for the faint of heart, but it delivers a powerful message of living your own life.
GENRE - COMING OF AGE NOVEL
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think Evan will be doing in ten years?
2. Why do you think Evan took so much abuse for so long?
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - TOP TEN BEST BOOKS
AMONG THE HIDDEN
AUTHOR - MARGARET PETERSON HADDIX
GRADES -5-7
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. TOP TEN BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT YOUNG ADULT READERS
BANK STREET COLLEGE'S CHILDREN'S BOOK COMMITTEE'S" BEST
CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR LIST"👍🏿
CALIFORNIA YOUNG READERS MEDAL
MAUD HART LOVELACE AWARD
NEVADA YOUNG READER'S AWARD
GREAT STONE FACE AWARD (New Hampshire)
NUTMEG CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD ( (Connecticut)
SUNSHINE STATE YOUNG READER'S AWARD(Florida)
PENNSYLVANIA YOUNG READERS' CHOICE AWARD
YOUNG HOOSIER BOOK AWARD (Indiana)
INDIAN PAINTBRUSH BOOK AWARD (Wyoming)
IOWA CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD -
THEMES - POPULATION CONTROL, FREEDOM, SURVIVAL, CARING
This futuristic novel revolves around a twelve-year-old boy named Luke, who is a third child in a country where families are only allowed to have two children. If third children are caught, they face execution. Luke spends his life in hiding until he finds another third child. Together they try to defy the Population Police in their attempt to be free. Note: This is the first book of the series called The Shadow Children. For those who wish to read further, there are six more books - 2. Among the Impostors 3. Among the Betrayed 4. Among the Barons 5. Among the Brave 6. Among the Enemy 7. Among the Free
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT DYSTOPIAN
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Compare and contrast yourself with Luke. Use personality traits and specific
examples of behavior in your answer.
Luke’s personality - He doesn’t like his life. He wants to go to school like
the other children.
He is curious. He peeks through the cracks in the attic and spies on the
other families.
He is brave. He goes outside during the day to find out who is living next
door. He leaves his family to start a new life with a new identity.
He is smart. He gives his father the idea of growing food indoors. He
studies the other houses and learns that a third child must be living next
door.
He is caring. He wants to go to school and learn how to grow more food
to save the third children. He is against revolutionary tactics.
He is determined. He wants to learn how to save the third children.
To do this, he must lead a secret life.
2.Jen and Luke want to save the third children, but they have different ideas.
Explain their ideas and choose the method you would use. Give reasons for
your choice.
Jen wants to start a revolution to force the government to change its
policy toward third children. Luke wants to solve the food shortage so
there will not be a need to curtail the population.
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR☮️
KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES
AUTHOR - KACEN CALLENDER
GRADES -5-8
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️👍👍
CORETTA SCOTT KING - HONOR BOOK☮️
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.
RAINBOW LIST: TOP TEN LGBTQ BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS☮️
LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD☮️
Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys", are awarded yearly by Lambda Literary to recognize the crucial role LGBTQ writers play in shaping the world. The Lammys celebrate the very best in LGBTQ literature.
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
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.
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.
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 -
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.
BOSTON GLOBE - HORN BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION AND POETRY -
WINNER👍
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - RESPECTING SEXUAL PREFERENCES, LOYALTY, COMING OF AGE, SELF DISCOVERY, DEALING WITH GRIEF
Twelve-year old King is in a state of conflict and grief through most of this coming of age novel. While mourning the sudden death of his older brother, he recalls a conversation with him regarding his best friend Sandy who is gay. His brother told him to end the relationship because others would think he was gay too. King follows his brothers advice, however, he later regrets this decision as he thinks he may be gay.
King’s father complicates matters by imposing his homophobic views on his son.
In the meantime, Sandy runs away from his abusive father, which reunites his friendship with King, who helps him find a place to hide.
While questioning his sexual identity, King is being pursued by a girl who wants to be his girlfriend. He reluctantly agrees even though he does not have romantic feelings toward her. This story is filled with never-ending turmoil that does not get resolved until the very end. This is a fantastic read as tension continually mounts from chapter to chapter. If I were in charge, King and the Dragon flies would be in every middle school library.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT FICTION, COMING OF AGE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think was King’s most difficult decision?
2. What do you think would have happened if King went with Sandy to New York?
3. If you were King, what would you have done differently?
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿
MAIZY CHEN'S LAST CHANCE
AUTHOR - LISA YEE
GRADES - MATURE 4 - 7
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️👍🏿👍🏿
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”.
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿
ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR YOUTH LITERATURE ☮️
is awarded by the Asian/American Library Assn. and focuses on works about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage.
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.
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - PREJUDICE, ACCEPTANCE
After reading the first thirty pages, I began to wonder how this book won so many prestigious awards. I followed my fifty page rule (read at least fifty pages before giving up) and I am glad I did. On page 37, the story takes off and never stops as the author skillfully weaves the history of Chinese immigrants with a fictional story of a tween girl who is visiting her Chinese grandparents. They live in a remote town in Minnesota where young Maizy experiences prejudice and discovers family secrets. She also learns the importance of community, truth and most of all, that people aren’t always what they seem to be as she misjudges them before she got to know them. This is one outstanding novel and it richly deserves the accolades listed above.
GENRE - JUVENILE HISTORICAL FICTION - CHINESE IMMIGRANTS
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1.Maizy told the mayor not to speak at her grandfather’s funeral. How do you feel
about that? What would you have done if you were Daisy?
Maizy learned that the mayor was responsible for a racist incident.
2. What do you think was the best thing that happened to Maizy on her vacation?
3. What do you think was her worst experience?
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE - FINALIST
THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR YOU AND ME - The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie
AUTHOR - ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE
GRADES - 4 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE -
FINALIST👍
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD 👍
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST CHILDREN’S NONFICTION 2022
YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
THEMES - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, WORKERS' RIGHTS
According to Pete Seeger, this is the best book about Woody ever written. Readers will learn about his ability to turn historical happenings into songs as he traveled about the country during the Depression, the Dust Bowl, W.W.ll, and the Cold War period. He fought for the common man as he also sang about unionization and farm workers in California. However, Woody was no saint as his faults and failures are well documented. This book is in my personal collection as I often enjoy looking at the great photos and reading the accompanying text.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT BIOGRAPHY - WOODY GUTHRIE
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If you could ask Woody a question, what would it be?
2. Suppose Woody grew up with a loving, wealthy family.
Would he have become the famous folk singer we know today?
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”.
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.
BOSTON GLOBE - HORN BOOK - HONOR BOOK 👍🏿
BOOKLIST - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - 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 from the questions at the end of the book.
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - LONG LIST 👍
BOOTS ON THE GROUND - America's War In Vietnam
AUTHOR - ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE
GRADES - 5 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️ 👍
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - LONG LIST👍
CYBILS- ☮️
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 WAR
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 - FINALIST☮️
STAMPED - RACISM, ANTI-RACISM, AND YOU
AUTHORS - JASON REYNOLDS AND IBRAM X. KENDI
GRADES - 7 AND UP
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
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
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.
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.
CYBILS- ☮️
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
USA Today - BESTSELLER
WALL STREET JOURNAL - BESTSELLER
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
2020 NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST TEEN BOOK👍🏿
2020 CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST OF THE BEST TEEN BOOK👍🏿
WASHINGTON POST - BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿
PARENTS MAGAZINE - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿
TIME MAGAZINE - TEN BEST CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF
THE YEAR
BOOKPAGE - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - RECOGNIZING RACISM, HISTORY OF RACISM
While this book is the young adult version of Stamped (For Kids), any adult should find it very informative and thought provoking. For example, I never considered Planet of the Apes and Rocky to be racist films. The authors make their case.
Stamped - Racism, Antiracism and You covers most of the material in the first book, but goes into much greater detail. I highly recommend this book for mature middle graders and up. For those people who want to block Black history from our schools, this book illustrates what students, Black and White, would be missing.
UPDATE: As of today, May 9, 2023, this book has been banned from South Carolina schools.
GENRE - MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP - BLACK HISTORY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. The authors present many controversial issues. Can you list those that you
disagree with and give reasons.
2. Finish this sentence. Before I read this book, I never knew that …
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍
SPEAK
AUTHOR - LAURI HALSE ANDERSON
GRADES - MATURE 8 AND UP
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍👍👍👍
MICHAEL J. PRINTZ - HONOR BOOK 👍
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 - FINALIST 👍
TIME MAGAZINE - ONE OF THE BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF ALL TIME👍
EDGAR ALLAN POE - FINALIST👍
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍
YOUNG ADULT’S CHOICE - INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - TOP TEN BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE - ONE OF 125 BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS EVERYONE SHOULD READ
THEME - SPEAK OUT AGAINST VIOLENCE
A girl attends an end of the summer party and gets raped. She calls the police, but no one understands why she did it. As a result, she becomes ostracized. Her friends consider her a pariah, and the rapist wants to try it again.
While rape is not a pleasant topic, the author, who was raped, dispenses valuable information in this riveting novel. Girls will learn that you cannot effectively deal with rape by being silent. Hopefully, boys will learn that what is a one-night stand for them, is a never-ending nightmare for the girls they abuse.
SPEAK is one of the most banned books in this country.
There is a follow-up book called SHOUT, which is the next selection.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What character helped Melinda the most?
Ivy or her lab partner David
2. What keeps Melinda silent? What is she afraid of?
3. Is it possible to speak without saying anything?
TIME'S BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿
SHOUT - The True Story of a Survivor Who Refused to be Silenced
AUTHOR - LAURI HALSE ANDERSON
GRADES - MATURE 8 AND UP
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKPAGE - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR POETRY
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - LONGLIST👍🏿
SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW
THEME - SHOUTING TRUTH TO POWER
As a follow-up to Speak, the author does not want the victims of abuse to just speak up, but rather to shout out to the world denouncing the perpetrators of violence toward them. This memoir, written in verse, captures Anderson’s difficult journey as she moves from child to adulthood. In addition to being raped, she lived with an alcoholic father. Her passive mother never spoke to her about puberty, which caused much confusion during the author’s first period. She took drugs in high school to relieve her pain. She quit Georgetown University because she would not capitulate to the sexual advances of her professors. Readers will learn the difference between consensual sex and that “No” means no. They are also encouraged to help others who experienced sexual violence. Shout is a thought provoking masterpiece which is must reading, especially for female teens.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Why do you think the author used poetry as a format for her life story?
2. Before reading this book, I thought ……. .
Now I know …. .
3. At the end of the story, the author writes about listening to the trees. What
does she mean by that?
Trees support each other.
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION - TEACHERS' CHOICES
REMEMBER THE BRIDGE - POEMS OF A PEOPLE
AUTHOR -CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD
GRADES - 4 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES - NOTABLE BOOK
BANK STREET COLLEGE - BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS
CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS - BEST BOOKS
VOICES OF YOUTH ADVOCATES - POETRY PICK
THEME - INJUSTICE
The author uses poetry to bridge the gap from the jungles of Africa to the civil rights movement. Readers will visit the auction block and get a glimpse of black history as they travel through time. Along the way they will meet sport legends, musicians, and activists. Since many of these emotionally charged poems lend themselves to discussion and interpretation, I would only read two or three at each presentation.
GENRES - CHILDREN'S HISTORY BOOK, POETRY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. In the poem called “The Capture”, the author says that Ayo will never be his
own man. What does that mean?
He is about to be captured and become a slave for the rest of his life.
2. In the poem called, “Jake’s Plea”, what is the plea and what is his dream?
His plea is to keep his family together. He dreams of escaping.
3. In the poem called, “The Conductor and the Woman”, what do you think the
last line means?
The North Star was a guide for the slaves to follow during their escape to
freedom.
4. In the poem, “The Mother of the Movement”, the author says that
segregation is a stubborn old mule. What do you think she means by that?
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER ☮️
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER☮️
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.
JUNIOR LITERARY GUILD SELECTION
YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (YASLA) BEST BOOKS
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW
SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION - STARRED REVIEW
THEME - CONQUERING WHITE SUPREMACY
A mom and her teenage daughter team up to prevent a white supremacist from carrying out a terrorist plot against people of color. Readers will learn why light skin Latinos choose to pass as white and the struggles that ensue. While minorities will identify with the protagonist, hopefully white teens will get a better understanding of what it is like to not be a part of the privileged class.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Before reading this book, I never knew …. .
2. Do you think Andrea wished that she did not blow her cover?
Yes. If she did not blow her cover, she could have continued being a field
agent.
No. Now that her true identity is known, she can see her boyfriend.
SKIPPING STONES HONOR AWARD ☮️
TELL THEM WE REMEMBER - The Story of the Holocaust
AUTHOR -SUSAN D. BACHRACH
GRADES - 6 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️👍👍👍👍👍
SKIPPING STONES HONOR AWARD☮️
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.
COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍
A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK
SOUTH ASIA BOOK AWARD👍
The South Asia Book Award, administered by the South Asia National Outreach Consortium, is given annually for up to three outstanding works of literature, from picture books to young adult novels, which accurately and skillfully portray the experience of individuals living in South Asia, or of South Asians living in other parts of the world.
WALDEN AWARD👍
The Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, presented by The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English (ALAN), is an annual award in the United States for a book that exemplifies literary excellence, widespread appeal, and a positive approach to life in young adult literature.
SIDNEY TAYLOR AWARD👍
is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.
YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (YALSA) NONFICTION AWARD👍
YALSA's Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18)
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - POINTER REVIEW
THEME - LIFE DURING THE HOLOCAUST
A picture tells a thousand words and this is exactly what you will find when you read this sad, but highly informative Holocaust story. The author worked at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum where she gathered data for this book which is filled with family photos of Holocaust victims and survivors, as well as their belongings. Readers will remember the photographs and the accompanying stories long after the book is put down. They will also find it hard to believe that such a horrible crime against humanity could have occurred.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT HISTORY - THE HOLOCAUST
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
Why is it important for people to remember The Holocaust?
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR ☮️
LONG WAY DOWN
AUTHOR -JASON REYNOLDS
GRADES - 8 AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️ 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR☮️
The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
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.
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.
CYBILS- ☮️
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - LONG
LIST 👍🏿
NEWBERY AWARD 👍🏿
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”.
MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR 👍🏿
is an American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".
NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD
WALDEN AWARD - FINALIST 👍🏿
The Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, presented by The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English (ALAN), is an annual award in the United States for a book that exemplifies literary excellence, widespread appeal, and a positive approach to life in young adult literature.
THEMES - A DESTRUCTIVE CODE OF HONOR, DEALING WITH GRIEF, UNDERSTANDING LIFE'S OPTIONS
When Will’s older brother gets shot and killed, his life is turned upside down. However, gun violence is nothing new to him. So what does he do? He follows the unwritten community code of not crying, not snitching, and revenge. As he sets out to find the killer, he meets the ghosts of his father, uncle and brother. After talking with them he is left to decide whether to follow the code and join them or take a different path.
GENRE - YOUNG ADULT REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think Will will do? Explain.
2. What do you think of the neighborhood code?
Is it one that you could follow?
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