JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST ☮️

AUTHOR -LISA FIPPS

GRADES - 4 AND UP

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST☮️

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.


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". 

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION - YALSA - BEST  

    FICTION FOR  YOUNG ADULTS - WINNER👍🏿

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS LIST👍🏿

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS LIST👍🏿

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

The author bases this novel on her own experiences growing up overweight. Her message is clear - accept yourself for who you are and do not let others define you. Ellie is a 12 year old who suffers from constant abuse about her size, not only from middle school bullies, but from her own mother and siblings. As she navigates through her torturous life, she finds solace in two understanding friends and help from a non-judgmental psychologist. Readers will find themselves questioning their own feelings and behavior toward overweight people. It is the author’s intent that those who are inclined to ridicule the obese might change their attitude after learning how Ellie struggled each day. She also gives good advice to overweight kids on how to deal with bullies.This is absolutely must reading for the tween/teen group.

1. Ellie says that her mother will never love her until she is thin. What do you 

    think?

2. If you were Ellie, would you get surgery?

3. Why do you think kids make fun of other kids rather than be friends with 

    them?

AUTHOR -AMELIA ATWATER-RHODES

GRADES - 5 - 8

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - QUICK PICK 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES - VOYA - BEST SCIENCE FICTION, HORROR

    AND FANTASY SELECTION👍🏿

In this fantasy novel, hawk -human shape-shifters and snake-human shape-shifters have been at war for so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting. Danica, an avian shape-shifter princess, and Zane, a snake-human prince, fall in love and decide to do the unthinkable to stop the never-ending war. They plan to get married which offers teens an original angle to the Romeo and Juliet theme. The result is a love story and a plea for peace in a world filled with hatred and anger. Their struggle continues in the sequel, Snakecharm.

 for breath struggling through one gut wrenching experience after another. 

1. What do you think will happen to the traitors?

2. The sequel to this book is Snakecharm. Can you make a 
prediction based on 

    the title?

AUTHOR - GENE LUEN YANG

GRADES - 7 AND UP

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.

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". 

GREAT GRAPHIC NOVEL FOR TEENS - SELECTION

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👍🏿

CARTER G. WOODSON BOOK AWARD👍🏿

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.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOKS - SELECTION

If your middle school child is  a   “basketball junkie,” he/she will love this book. In this graphic nonfiction novel, the author becomes inspired by the basketball team at the school where he teaches. He is a writer and illustrator in real life and in the story. As he becomes friends with the coach and the players, he decides that his next book will chronicle the team’s championship season. As he watches the games, he often hears racial taunting directed players of color. In addition to a variety of personal issues experienced by the coach and his players, the author blends in the history of basketball. Readers will enjoy the energy captured on the court, and the variety of psychological issues that arise on and off the court.

1. Did Mr. Yang make the right decision by leaving the school? Explain.

2. Would you rather play for Coach Phelps or Coach Lou? EXPLAIN.

AUTHOR - ANITA SILVEY

GRADES - 5 AND UP

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW - TOP TEN BIOGRAPHIES FOR YOUTH - 2017

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS - 2016👍🏿

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW - BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2016

In the mid fifties when I was a teenager, I walked into my neighbor’s house and heard a song about a lion. It was Pete singing Wimoweh. I fell in love with the guy immediately. I’ve been to many of his concerts when he was a member of the Weavers as well as his subsequent solo performances. During the nineties, I attended one of the Clearwater festivals. I was sitting on a bench listening to a folksinger, when Pete walked in and sat next to me. Even though I knew what he looked like, I couldn’t believe that he was there. As he left the tent, I introduced myself and we talked as if we were old friends. He couldn’t have been more personable. I share these experiences because I want you to know how impressed I was reading this  biography. Although the book has only 103 pages, the author manages to capture the spirit of Pete’s life as she describes his privileged childhood, his friendship with Woody, blacklisting, singing for civil rights, and cleaning the Hudson. I discovered this book online while I was searching for something else. What a lucky find! If you love Pete, this is the book for your child.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

AUTHOR - ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

GRADES - 8 AND UP

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD - 👍🏿

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

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.

LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD - FINALIST ☮️

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.

WALDEN AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿

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.

PURA BELPRE - 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.

BOSTON GLOBE -HORN BOOK AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - 

WINNER👍🏿

WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS - SELECTION ☮️

recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities

This powerful novel centers on a mid-teen named Xiomara who has a lot on her plate. She is physically mature and has to constantly fend off boys who want to take advantage of her. When she finally meets a boy that appeals to her, they must meet secretly or face the wrath of her mother whose strong religious convictions say no-no to boyfriends.

Xiomara is an angry young lady who is living in an abusive, dysfunctional family. She is able to cope by writing poetry in her journal. Her savior is her teacher who encourages Xiomara to join the Slam Club where she discovers her hidden talent as a poet. This is a deeply moving story that just keeps pounding away at your emotions. The message is clear - have faith in yourself and follow the beat of your own drum. This book has earned a ton of awards, the most prominent are listed above.

1.The author uses Xiomara to deliver a message. What is she trying to 

       say?

2.   What do you think was the most difficult decision for Xiomara?

AUTHOR - JARRETT J. KROSOCZKA

GRADES - 5 AND UP

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - FINALIST👍🏿

CYBILS  AWARD - WINNER☮️

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

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR👍🏿

IN THE MARGINS ☮️

To seek out and highlight fiction and non-fiction titles of high-interest appeal for male or female readers, ages 9-21, who may fit into one or all of the following categories that identify with:

– *BIPOC youth

– youth from a street culture

– youth in restrictive custody

– youth who are reluctant readers

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

YALSA NON-FICTION AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿

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. 


GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS - COMMENDED👍🏿

In this graphic memoir, the author describes how he dealt with a missing father and a mother in jail. He was raised by his grandfather who had problems with alcohol and his grandmother who was often verbally abusive. Turmoil and conflict was a constant, particularly when he graduated middle school and was sent to a parochial school causing him to lose most of his friends. As a freshman, he was tormented by the older kids. His only escape was to take advantage of his artistic ability by drawing cartoons for the school paper and participating in other art activities. He eventually located his father and they became close. His mother was in and out of jail and at one point he told her that his grandmother was his real mother because she was always there for him. Readers will likely gain a better understanding of life’s issues and how to cope with them. They will also see the importance of defining who you are and how you would like to spend your adult life.

1. Why do you think the author wrote this book?

2. Finish this sentence. If I were Jarrett, I never would have ...

AUTHOR - CHRIS CRUTCHER

GRADES - 7 AND UP

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) “Every young adult who reads was dying to read it yesterday.”

PARENTS’ GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S MEDIA, INC. - OUTSTANDING 

      ACHIEVEMENT

ABC CHILDREN’S BOOKSELLERS - CHOICES AWARD

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (YALSA) - BEST BOOKS

     FOR YOUNG ADULTS

PACIFIC NORTHWEST - BOOKSELLERS AWARD

WASHINGTON STATE - BOOK AWARD

Racism, abusive behavior and a host of negative teen attitudes are all woven together by one of the superstars of teen fiction. Chris Crutcher tells the story of a high school senior named T.J. Jones who is the product of a Black Japanese father and a white mother. However, they could not care for him. He was raised by two ex-hippies who showered him with love. Their beliefs rub off on T.J. as he becomes the defender of the underdog.

The novel focuses on two themes - the role of high school sports in our society and acceptance. T.J.’s refusal to participate in high school sports even though he is a great athlete, angers the coaches. He feels that the games are too organized and he doesn’t like the idea of jocks running the school. When one of his favorite teachers asks him for help starting a swim team, he decides to do it because he wanted to bring success to a boy who is at the bottom of the school’s pecking order. As things turn out, the entire swim team consists of loners, rejects and those outside the social scene. 

While helping others, T.J. has to deal with racial issues and adoption concerns. 

Whale Talk is a powerful story which encourages readers to treat others based on their behavior rather than race or physical ability.

1. If you had the opportunity to become a high school sports star, would you allow

    your personal beliefs to prevent that from happening? Explain.

2. What do you think T.J. will be doing in five years?

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - 5-8

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

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”.

MYTHOPOEIC FANTASY AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿

Honoring a fantasy book or books in the traditions of The Hobbit of the Chronicles of Narnia

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

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR 👍🏿

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR  👍🏿

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. -BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS 

NEW JERSEY GARDEN STATE TEEN BOOK AWARD   

VIRGINIA YOUNG READERS' PROGRAM AWARD 

KANSAS WILLIAM WHITE AWARD👍🏿

Readers are introduced to a "perfect" society, where lying is forbidden, the weather is always the same, and colors do not exist. The inhabitants have no choices as everything is decided by the Council of Elders who tell you what to wear and who you will marry. When you become twelve years old, the Council tells you what your job will be for the rest of your life. The story revolves around a boy named Jonas, who is chosen by the Council to receive memories from an old man known as The Giver. The boy discovers some terrible secrets about his world and begins to realize that his society is not so perfect after all. The Giver is a thought provoking story which is bound to please your more able students. The author raises all sorts of issues which make for great small group follow-up discussions. This book should be read independently. 

1.The Giver has won over a dozen awards. Why do you think this book is 
so 

    popular ? 

   Answers will vary. 

2. Should babies be allowed to live if they are born with a disease that has 
no 

    cure? Explain your answer.
    Answers will vary.


3. In The Giver, once people become too old to contribute to society, they  are 

    murdered. Is this a good idea?  Explain your answer.
    Answers will vary.


4. At the end of the story, what do you think happened to Jonas?
   

    I have experienced many lively discussions about this question. It  

    appears as though he died, but the author does not give absolute 
proof 

    that this was the case. Jonas escaped his community with a 
baby named 

    Gabriel. They sleigh down a hill and enter a world of singing and 

    happiness. Is this a dream, heaven, or the real thing?

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - MATURE 4 -8

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

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

YOUNG HOOSIER BOOK AWARD -  NOMINATED

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

In this third book of the tetralogy, we find Matty, now a young teen, living with Seer, in a place called Village. This utopian town welcomes refugees and admires people with physical disabilities. Everyone seems to get along in this caring place. However, things begin to change. Matt and Seer sense that something evil is happening as the once friendly inhabitants are now acting unkindly toward one another. They feel threatened by outsiders and decide to build a wall to keep them out. Matt, who is the town messenger, is told to post signs throughout the forest warning newcomers to turn around and go back home.

He decides to return to his old home to bring Kira, Seer’s daughter, to the town before the wall is built. However, as he walks through the once friendly forest, it attacks him and Kira. He must use his newly discovered power to bring Kira to safety. In the process he perishes, but is able to bring peace and understanding to his neighbors.

Like the first two books in the series, Lowry offers a plethora of thought - provoking situations which should initiate some lively discussions and debate.

1. Do you think Matty knew that he would not survive his trip back to 

    Village?

2. Beside Matty, who do you think is the most important character in 
the story? 

      Seer - He practically raised Matty and treated him like a son.

3.   What life lessons could you learn from Kira and Seer?

      Don’t underestimate people with disabilities. 
Use your strengths to succeed

      in life.

AUTHOR - KATHERINE MARSH

GRADES - MATURE 5 - 8

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER☮️

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - FINALIST👍🏿

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF 2023👍🏿

This is the first children’s/young adult book that has come to my attention dealing with the Russian atrocities during the Stalin years. The story centers on three Ukrainian girls who are cousins. Two live in Russia and one lives in Brooklyn. We learn about their lives through journals and notes kept by one of the girls who is now 100 years old. She is the great grandmother of thirteen-year-old Matthew. Due to Covid restrictions, Matthew has time on hands and with the help of his GG, the story of the three cousins comes to life. He discovers a life shattering secret as well as a tale of deception, torture, and famine. Readers will learn about life in Russia during the 1930’s and how people suffered as they tried to survive Stalin’s inhumane policies.

1. Do you think Matthew would have discovered his GG’s secret if Covid didn’t 

    occur?

    Answers will vary.

2. Should GG have told the truth when she came to the United States? Explain