NEWBERY MEDAL - WINNER

AUTHOR - KWAMI ALEXANDER

GRADES - 5-7

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. 

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”.


CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - 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.

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.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS REVIEWS  - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY  - 100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING

Twelve-year-old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are inseparable not only as brothers, but as stars of their middle school basketball team. However, as they head into the championships, Jordan finds another interest - a new girl in school. Anger, jealousy, and abandonment cause Josh to hurt his brother and get suspended from the team. Their father was a professional basketball player and passes on “pearls of wisdom” throughout the story.  The beauty of this book is the narrative/poetry style of the text. It is the perfect selection for your basketball “junkie.”  This excellent read has won three of the highest awards given to children's lit. 

1. At the end of the section called “Warm-up,” Josh says, “No matter how  good 

    you are, no matter how down you get, always leave your heart on
 the court.” 

    What do you think that means?    

    Play your best, give it 100% 

2. Near the end of the section called “First Quarter,” Josh  takes the blame  
for 

    trying to pass a note his brother gave to him. Why do you think he did 
 that?
    

    Answers will vary. 

3. At the beginning of the section called “Second Quarter,”  Dad laughs when 

    Josh tells him that Jordan is acting 
 weird because of a girl. Read the 

    bottom of page 91.
What do you think Dad is trying to tell Josh?
    

    When a boy is attracted to a girl, there is nothing 
you can do about it.

    You cannot fight nature. 

4. Josh has three main people in his life. Who do you think meant the most to 

    him?   Explain. 

AUTHORS -JASON REYNOLDS AND IBRAM X. KENDI

GRADES - 5 - 8

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿 


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

CYBILS AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿 

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

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION - WINNER 

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK FOR KIDS

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST SELECTION

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

PARENTS MAGAZINE  - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

BOOKPAGE - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

I love this book. While it is written for readers in grades 5-8, I learned a great deal about the history of racism in this country. For example, I never knew that so many of the old Disney films were loaded with racial slurs and stereotypes. Readers will also learn how to identify segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists. Many influential Black and White leaders are mentioned and given one of the aforementioned labels. Abraham Lincoln was not included in the antiracist category, but rather as an assimilationist. The authors refer to assimilationists as people who wanted Blacks to behave like White people so they would be accepted. An antiracist, however, believes that Blacks should be themselves and be treated like White people with no strings attached.

The authors do a magnificent job in relating to young people. This book is not only very readable and  easy to understand, but it should provoke a whole host of questions for class and/or parental discussion. When it comes to understanding the Black experience, I urge you to place this powerful book on the top of your list. There is a follow-up to this book called Stamped - Racism, Antiracism and You. 

This middle school - adult  version is presented on page 24.

1. Name three important things that you learned from reading this book.

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this book? Explain.

3. Do you consider yourself to be a racist, an assimilationist, or an antiracist?   

    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, then this is the book for your child.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - 5-7

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES  (VOYA)

 “Hard to imagine it being any better written” 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

This futuristic novel takes place in an emotionally starved community where technology rules and weakness is not tolerated. It is in this setting where a young girl, Kira, orphaned and lame from birth, emerges. She was born with a deformed leg, however, her mother protected her. As the story opens, about thirteen years have passed, and Kira’s mother just died. Some of the women decide to kill her because she cannot contribute anything to the village.However, she is allowed to live because of her skill at embroidery. Kira meets two other young people who are also very creative. This trio challenges their society and the reader to question what is important in life. Gathering Blue is part two of a four part series

which include The Giver, Messenger, and Son. Having received a Perfect Ten from VOYA, this novel is a the perfect followup to The Giver.

1. Kira lives in a village that is very different from the place
 where you live. She

    hopes to make it a better place.
 What don’t you like about her village? If you 

    could 
change your neighborhood, how would you do it so that
 it would be 

    perfect for you?     

    Answers will vary. 

2. Kira was told to that her father was killed by a beast.  Later, she realizes that

    people have lied to her, as
 there are no beasts. Did you ever think something 

    was 
 true, only to find out that it wasn’t true? 

    Explain. How did
 you feel about it? 

3. Compare and contrast yourself to Kira. Use personality 
and examples of 

    behavior in your answer.
   

    Kira was a survivor. She had to make decisions for 
herself because there

    was no adult to care for her.
    

    Kira was brave. She walked to Annabella alone even 
though she thought that 

    there were beasts in the 
woods. She also decided to stay, rather than return to 

   
 safety with her father.     

    She was creative. She achieved recognition as a 
weaver.     

    She was caring. She worried about the girl singer and
 tried to help her. She

    also worried about Matt’s 
 disappearance and tried to find him. 

AUTHOR - LOIS LOWRY

GRADES - 4-8

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

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOKS

ASSOCIATION FOR LIBRARY SERVICE TO CHILDREN (ALSC) - NOTABLE 

      CHILDREN’S BOOK

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

In the fourth and final book of this dystopian adventure, the author takes us back to “the scene of the crime” where we learn about Gabe’s mother, as well as bringing us up to date regarding Jonas. Most of the story centers upon Claire who, after giving birth to Gabe, has strong maternal feelings toward him because she did not take the meds which controlled these impulses. She escapes from her village to find her son. I think most readers will be satisfied by the manner in

which all the loose ends have been tied together. I recommend that the books be read sequentially as I found myself returning to incidents in the other books. This tetralogy is a total page turner. If you enjoyed The Giver, the other three are must reads.

1. What do you think about the way the novel ended? Explain.

2. Why didn’t Jonas bring Gabe with him when he visited his ailing mother?

3. What do you think Gabe will be doing in ten years?

AUTHOR - LISA FIPPS

GRADES - MATURE 4 AND UP

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.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY👍

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 - SUSAN D. BACHRACH

GRADES - 6 AND UP

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.

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

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - POINTER REVIEW

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.

Why is it important to remember The Holocaust?                

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.

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 - ANN M. MARTIN

GRADES - 4-6

😪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”.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK 

BOOK SENSE TOP TEN PICK

BOOKLIST - EDITORS' CHOICE

This novel centers around eleven-year-old Hattie Owens who lives in a small town where her parents own a boarding house. Little did Hattie know that her routine life was about to change dramatically when the previously unknown Uncle Adam comes to live with her. For years Adam had been living at a school that housed people with mental disorders. Now that the school was about to close, Hattie meets her “new” uncle. The two become good friends as they enrich each other’s lives. The author uses this setting to encourage readers to accept people for who they are and to understand how people with mental illness live. More books like this need to be written as knowledge brings understanding.

1. Hattie can be described as a caring person. Give examples.


a. During the summer, Hattie takes breakfast to Miss Hagerty’s room every morning. She also has lemonade on the porch for her guests almost every night during the summer.


b. She tries to make Adam feel comfortable as soon as he arrives. When he spills soda on her, she told him it cooled her off so that he would 
feel better.


c. When Adam begins to cry about the party, she puts her arms around him to comfort him. 


d. When Hattie learns that Adam will be spending the night in his room, she takes him to the carnival. 


e. Hattie makes friends with her new boarder. She talks to the girl and 
 tries to make her feel at home.      

f. Hattie enjoys helping everyone at the boarding house.       

g. Hattie accepts Adam even though she is aware of his limitations. She goes out of her way to try to be his friend. 

2. Compare and Contrast Hattie to yourself. Use personality and examples of 

    behavior.
      

a. Hattie is responsible. She does her chores before she leaves the 
house. 

    Each week she winds one of Mr. Penny's clocks. She brings breakfast to

    Miss Hagerty each morning.        

b. Hattie is a caring individual. (See answers to #1.)      

c. Hattie loves to read.       

d. Hattie is eleven going on twelve.       

e. Hattie has only one friend her age, until she meets Leila        

f.  Hattie feels very comfortable around adults. She has more adult friends 

    than friends her own age.       

g. Hattie is helpful around the boarding house. She also helped Miss 

    
Conroy put price stickers on her china animals.       

 h. She is protective. When Nancy calls Adam a big freak, she comes to  his 

     defense.  

                                                         PAGE 27

AUTHOR - SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI

GRADES - 5-9

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD - SELECTION👍 

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

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST
👍 

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.
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS - SELECTION👍 


a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR


The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people.


NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - WINNER
LIBRARIAN FAVORITES AWARD - SELECTION

This is a novel of conflict upon conflict upon conflict. Kareem, a seventh grader, desperately wants to make the football team, but at what price. Should he become friends with a Syrian refugee and run the risk of being teased by his classmates? Should he give in to a bully so that he can make the football team? Kareem is trying to find an identity as he navigates in and around parental issues, societal issues, cultural leanings, and the importance of playing football. Middle school kids who love football should find this a great read as the author constantly compares football terminology to life situations.

1. Did the group do the right thing by keeping Darren’s death a secret? Explain.


2. Would you date a (girl, boy) that did not have the same color skin as you? 

    Why?