JANE ADDAMS BOOK AWARD - FINALIST

AUTHOR - JERRY SPINELLI

GRADES -  5 AND UP

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

     SCHOOL READERS 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

MICHIGAN LIBRARY ASSN. - HONOR BOOK

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

Based on a true story, readers will learn about life in the Warsaw Ghetto from the narrator who is recalling his experiences. 
The protagonist is named Misha. We do not know where he came from. We do not even know his real name. He is an uneducated orphan who has to steal in order to survive. He thinks his name is Stopthief because that is what people are always yelling at him. During WW II, he was forced to live in the Warsaw Ghetto, where he witnessed torture and murder. His life was always in danger. Just perfect for middle schoolers who are studying The Holocaust.

    Contrast and compare Bobby with yourself. Use personality and examples of 

    behavior in your answer.     

    Bobby is outgoing. He is a good salesman. He speaks before the entire

    student body.     

    Bobby has had his share of problems and he appears to be dealing with 

    them. His mother died and he lives with his dad in a trailer. He has been 

    called many names because he is fat. However, he seems to have a good 

    outlook on life.    

    Although Bobby is an outgoing person, he becomes nervous when he 

    has to deal with girls. He has to work up enough nerve to ask Kelsey to

    help with the posters. When he talks to her on the phone, he begins to 

    stumble over his words.    

    He is a good listener. He always listens to Addie as she talks about the

    problems in the world. He walks home with Mr. Kellerman who practically 

    tells him his life story.    

    He is a good speaker. He gave a great election speech. When he was 

    nervous, he told a joke and everyone laughed. When he was done, he 

    received many compliments.    

    He is brave. He stands up for his beliefs. It took courage to discuss name 

    calling in front of the entire school.

AUTHOR - CHRIS CROWE

GRADES -  6-9

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.

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSN. (YALSA)  - BEST BOOKS FOR

     YOUNG ADULTS

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. -  CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD👍

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN.  - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

The author uses fiction to retell the story of Emmett Till and bring awareness to America’s racist past. A strong picture of life in the South during the fifties is presented as sixteen-year old Hiram Hillburn, a white boy, travels from Arizona to visit his grandfather in Mississippi. Hiram used to live there, before his family suddenly moved. During the summer of 1955, he meets Emmett and discovers that his beloved grandfather is a racist. He now realizes why his father wanted to be far away from Mississippi. Readers will learn the facts that led to the bogus trial, and hopefully will come away with the idea that it is best to practice understanding and love when faced with the forces of hate and prejudice. 

 1.  What would you have done when R.C. tormented Emmett Till while he was 

      fishing? 

      What might have happened if Hiram said something?       Answers will vary.

2.   In chapter one, why did Grandpa get so angry when Hiram picked up the 

      hoe?


      He  believed that Negroes should do manual labor. 

3.   Why do you think Grandpa was so nervous during the trial?


      He was afraid what would happen to him if Hiram testified. 

4.   Would this story be different if Hiram never moved to Arizona?     

      He might have had different feelings about black-white 
relationships.  

AUTHOR - KAREN HESSE

GRADES - 5 AND UP

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”.


PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BOOK OF THE YEAR

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR👍🏿

BOOKLIST -EDITORS' CHOICE

SCOTT O'DELL AWARD - HISTORICAL FICTION👍🏿

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY “100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING” 

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

This is the story of The Dust Bowl as seen through the eyes of a fourteen year old girl. During W.W.1, the farmers of Oklahoma made much money selling wheat to Europe. They continued to break up the sod and plant more seed without realizing that sod held moisture. When the drought came, the land turned to dust, and the wind blew it away. The dust became so thick, that people had to place rags by their doors and windows. However, the dust still got into their homes. Dust was on and in everything. Dust was in their food and in their beds. When people sneezed, they blew out mud. Many people died of dust pneumonia. A fourteen-year-old girl named Billie Jo tells what happened to her family during this terrible time. You can taste the dust and feel the grime as you read this outstanding piece of historical fiction.  

1. Compare and contrast Billie Jo with yourself. Use personality and 
examples of 

    behavior.  

    She is not a very happy person. Her mother dies and living in
 the Dust 

    Bowl is very difficult.
    

    She is very lonely. Her best friend moves away.
    

    She has a crush on a local singer.
    

    She loves music and playing the piano.
    

    She is strong willed and determined. After she badly burns her  hands, 

    she enters an amateur contest playing the piano.
    

    She is a forgiving person. She forgives her dad for causing the fire
 which

    injured her mother.
   

    She is an accepting person. When her dad brings home a woman, 
Billie 

   Jo likes her and she stays with them. 

2. When Billie Jo ran away, why did she return? Do you think that was a 
good 

    idea? What would you have done?


3. Some people have bad luck. What do you think were the three worst 


    things that happened to Billie Jo? 
   

    Possible Answers.
    She accidentally burned her mother.
    

    Her hands got burned during the accident.
 

    Her best friend moved away.
 

    Her mother died.
    Her father stopped talking to her.

AUTHOR - BEN MIKAELSEN

GRADES -  5 AND UP

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S LIST - 100 BOOKS FOR READING AND 

     SHARING

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA AWARD - WINNER

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

After reading Petey, I was so impressed that I ordered a classroom set for my students. It is the perfect book for developing understanding and awareness for people who have physical impairments. Petey is one of those rare books that has no age limits. It is a story of tolerance and the ever enduring human spirit to survive. Petey was born with a damaged brain which is defined today as cerebral palsy. However, in 1920, doctors thought that these children were idiots and consequently, Petey was placed in an insane asylum. Although he was intelligent, his physical appearance and his inability to speak understandably convinced most people that his diagnosis was correct. However, some caring people, one of whom was a middle school boy, were able to see beyond his appearance and develop a close relationship with him.  Although this is a work of fiction, it is based on a real life story. PETEY would make an excellent read-aloud for fifth or sixth graders. 

1. Compare and contrast Trevor with yourself. Use personality and 
examples of 

    behavior in your answer.
    

    Caring - He visited Petey everyday and opened up a whole new  world for 

    him. 

  
  Determined - He worked tirelessly trying to raise money for a new

    
wheelchair; he worked hard to locate Calvin.
    

    Clever - He told Petey to pretend he was dead so the bullies would 
 go 

    away.
 

    Sensitive - He knew Petey would be embarrassed so he told the
 others to

    leave the van so he could change Petey.
    

    Patient - He had to learn Petey’s language so he could understand 
 him. 

2. Maybe there is a "Petey" living in your neighborhood. Why not contact 
your 

    local or state cerebral palsy association and find out what you can 
do to assist 

    people with this disease? Google United Cerebral Palsy and
 find your local 

    affiliate.


AUTHOR -MILDRED D. TAYLOR

GRADES -  5 AND UP

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☮️

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.

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.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿

BOSTON GLOBE -HORN BOOK AWARD 👍🏿

NEW YORK TIMES - BEST OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS  

BOOKLIST -STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK 

The author takes advantage of stories she heard as a child to write four books describing the hardships faced by African-Americans in the South. In this book, the second in the series, readers will enter the mind of Cassie Logan, a young black girl who lives in rural Mississippi. She doesn’t understand why blacks are treated differently from whites, and she tries to fight the system. In the end, she realizes that life is not fair, particularly if you are black. The story takes place during The Depression. The prequel, The Land, does not need to be read first. Let the Circle be Unbroken and The Road to Memphis are the sequels. This classic has the unusual honor of winning the Newbery and the National Book Award - the two most prestigious awards for children's literature. 

1. The worst day of Cassie’s life was when she had to 
apologize to 

    Lillian Jean. 

    What was the worst day of 
 your life? Was your experience as bad as 

    Cassie’s 
experience? Explain.    

    Answers will vary. 

2. What do you think will happen to T.J.? Explain your 
 answer.
  

    T.J. gets blamed for killing Mr. Barnett, even though
 he didn’t do it.

    He will probably be charged with 
 murder because he is black and the

    police are white. Blacks have not been treated fairly, so this seems to 

    be the logical outcome.


3. Cassie’s mama gets fired for teaching the truth about
 slavery, rather than the 

    version presented in the 
textbook. She feels terrible because she always 

    wanted 
 to be a  teacher. Did she make the right decision? What 
would you 

    have done?    

    Answers will vary.


AUTHOR - CAREN STELSON

GRADES -  5 AND UP

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK 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 AWARD FOR MIDDLE GRADE NONFICTION  - ☮️

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

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.

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.

FREEMAN BOOK AWARD☮️

Identifies quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of East and Southeast Asia

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - LONG LIST 👍

ROBERT F. SIBERT AWARD 👍

This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.  

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS

ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR NONFICTION 👍

BOOKLIST - TOP TEN DIVERSE NONFICTION FOR YOUTH

Japanese Emperor Hirohito refused  to surrender which caused President Truman to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The Emperor still refused to surrender which led to the dropping of the second bomb on the city of Nagasaki. The bomb was so powerful, it killed over 70,000 people in one day. Over 100,000 people died from wounds and radiation poisoning in the days and months and years that followed. A survivor of the Nagasaki atomic blast, a young girl named Sachiko,  provides an eye-witness account of this horrible event. 

1. If you could meet Sachiko, what would you ask her? 

2. How did Sachiko’s life change when she wrote about her experience in the 

    school newspaper?     

    The bullying stopped as her classmates realized how poor they 
behaved 

    toward her. 

3. Dropping two atomic bombs on Japan was, and still is a controversial  issue. 

    What do you think? Should the bombs have been dropped? 

AUTHOR - INGRID LAW

GRADES -  4 - 7

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”.


CYBIL AWARD - NOMINEE - ☮️

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

MYTHOPOEIC FANTASY AWARD

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

ANDREW NORTON AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION AND 

     FANTASY - FINALIST

BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR 👍🏿

NEW YORK TIMES - BEST SELLER 

OPRAH READING LIST PICK 

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - “100 BEST BOOKS FOR READING AND SHARING”  

LAMPLIGHTER AWARD  

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOK OF 2008 

MIDWEST BOOKSELLERS ASSN. - HONOR AWARD

CHICAGO TRIBUNE - "BOOK NOT TO MISS" 

BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR👍🏿

If you are a member of the Beaumont family, you will acquire a special power or savvy on your thirteenth birthday. One family member can control the weather. Another does everything perfectly. As Mibs turns thirteen, her father gets seriously injured in an automobile accident. In her attempt to use her new power to save his life, she sets a number of wheels in motion that lead to unexpected results. The author challenges readers to examine their own lives and use their strengths to make themselves better people.This is a powerful story as indicated by the praise listed above. Don't pass this one up!  

1. What do you think is the main message of this story?   

    We all have a “savvy” and we need to find it to become better people.  

    Sometimes bad things lead to happy endings - a blessing in disguise. 

2. If you could have a special power what would it be? How would you use it to 

    make the world a better place?   

    Answers will vary. 

3. What do you think would have happened if Lester decided not to take the 

    children to the hospital?     

    Answers will vary. 

4. Mibs believed that everyone has their own special “savvy.” Do you have one? 

    If yes, can you describe it? 

5. Whose life changed the most in this story? Explain.     

    Possible answers     

    Lester and Lill. They led boring, unhappy lives until fate brought 

    them together. 

    Mibs. She was confused about her life and as time passed she

    began to understand who she was and how everyone had their own 

    version of a savvy. 

AUTHOR - Sonya Sones

GRADES -  6 AND UP

CHRISTOPHER AWARD -WINNER-  ☮️

This award is presented to authors who "affirm the highest values of the human spirit by making a positive difference in the world."  

GRADIVA AWARD -

Awarded by the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP), the Gradiva awards honor writers and creators of other media whose work advances psychoanalysis.   

MYRA COHN LIVINGSTON POETRY AWARD - WINNER 👍

CLAUDIA LEWIS POETRY AWARD - WINNER 👍

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SOCIAL STUDIES - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

AMAZON -  TOP TEN EDITORS' PICK

SCHOLASTIC TEEN AGE BOOK CLUB SELECTION 

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK  PRIZE - FINALIST

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD👍

This book of poetry represents an autobiographical slice of the author’s life when her sister was placed in a psychiatric ward. Ms. Sones was thirteen at the time and the event had a devastating effect on her. Fortunately, she kept a journal and the result is a beautiful book of feelings, compassion, and insights that come from the heart. The author reveals how her normal, fun loving life was turned into a nightmare by her sister’s nervous breakdown. Her parents began to fight with each other and her friends deserted her. Most of all, she missed her sister. Holidays, school activities, social activities, and daily routines had all changed as little sister chose to live in a world of gloom and doom. Gradually, with some assistance from her parents, a guidance counselor, and a very understanding boyfriend, she made her way back into the world. Her experiences are so gut wrenching, that once you start reading, you are absolutely hooked.

1. Would you want your friends to know if you had a family member in
a mental 

    institution? Explain. 

2. Who do you think was the most important person in the author’s life while her 

    sister was in the hospital? Explain.


    Most likely her new boyfriend, John or her
 art teacher. 

3.  On the last page of the story, father does not put down a real word. Why?


     He wants to bond with his daughter who just made up a word. 

AUTHOR - BRIAN JAQUES

GRADES -  4 AND UP

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) A Perfect Ten VOYA  👍🏿

Founded in 1978, Voice of Youth Advocates, or (VOYA),This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.  

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. -TOP TEN FANTASY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

SMARTWRITERS.COM- “ONE OF THE BEST OF THE REDWALL BOOKS”  

BOOK CRITICS SOCIETY - TOP TEN CHILDREN'S BOOK - FANTASY

Triss is the 15th book in the REDWALL series.   The entire collection was written for mature readers starting at fourth grade. There are 22 books and they do not have to be read in chronological order. These books have a common theme of love, peace, and living in harmony with each other and nature. They feature advanced vocabulary, subtle humor, subplots, accents, and descriptions. In this novel, Triss, a squirrel warrior, and her two friends escape from slavery at Riftgard and are pursued across the sea toward Redwall by Princess Kurdah, Prince Bladd, and a band of freebooters who seek the rumored treasure of Brockhall. Although there is fighting and killing throughout this adventure/fantasy, the author takes great pains to portray the heroine, Triss, as a humane warrior. She is determined to do whatever it takes to destroy the Pure Ferret dynasty, however she is not a killer. In addition, the creatures, who inhabit Redwall are depicted as fun-loving and friendly. There are no gray areas in terms of characterization. Everyone is either a force of evil or a force of good. A message of peace and living in harmony is clearly delivered by Triss. 

1. What would you like most if you were living in Redwall?
   Answers will vary. 

2. In chapter 1, the old squirrel, Drufo, told Triss not to escape because it was too

    dangerous. In chapter 4, he helps her to 
escape. Why did he change his mind?


   Answers will vary. Perhaps he realized that she would die as
   a prisoner, 

   and that she had nothing to lose by escaping. 

3. What are some of the characteristics that make Princess Kurda so 
unlikable?
    

    She loses her temper very easily.
  

    She has slaves and is very cruel to them. 

    She will do anything to become queen, even if it means 
humiliating her 

    brother and getting rid of him.
    

    She is selfish and arrogant.
    

    She is a braggart. 

    She claims to be a great sword fighter but
 she loses her nerve when Triss 

    comes after her.
 

    She is a spoiled brat.     

4. When Triss returned home, she gave the queen’s crown to a child. 
 She said 

    that it could be thrown into the sea if he gets tired of it. 
Why didn’t Triss 

    become the new queen?
   

    She knew how that kingdoms did not treat animals fairly. She wanted the

    animals to be free.                                          

AUTHOR - RUSSELL FREEDMAN

GRADES -  4 -8

ONCE UPON A WORLD BOOK AWARD☮️

This award was established by Sonia Levitin and her family to “support and perpetuate the values and mandate of the Simon Wiesenthal Center & Museum of Tolerance by honoring children’s books … which deal with issues of tolerance, diversity, human understanding and social justice, thus inspiring a young reader to promote positive change in the world.”

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. 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.

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.

ORBIS PICTUS - HONOR👍

The Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children recognizes books which demonstrate excellence in the "writing of nonfiction for children.”

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

THE HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

Russell Freedman is an award winning writer and photojournalist. He combines the two in his easy to read, detailed account of the Montgomery bus boycott. Readers will learn about the participants, the events that led up to the boycott, and the sacrifices people made to override local laws regarding bussing rules and regulations which demeaned African Americans. Victory was achieved through the non-violent tactics that were introduced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. .

1. Why do you think there was so much resistance to treating African Americans 

    fairly?

2. Many black people were angry at the way they were treated. However, they 

    chose not to become violent. Why do you think this tactic worked?

3. Dr. Martin Luther King helped organize the boycott. Would they have 

    succeeded without him?

AUTHOR - KIM JOHNSON

GRADES -  7 - 12

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.

NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE


BEST FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS - 2011 - 2023 - TOP TEN 
SELECTION

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD - YOUNG ADULT FICTION NOMINEE

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO - BOOK OF THE YEAR

Seventeen year old Tracy Beaumont is on a mission. She wants to save her father, an innocent black man, who is on death row. She contacts an organization called Innocence X for assistance. During this time, her high school friend gets murdered and her brother was set up to take the blame. Not trusting the police, Tracy investigates the crime and uncovers some dark history as racial tensions begin to rise in this small Texas town. Throughout the novel, the author explores the unjust treatment of black people by our justice system.

1. What do you think Tracy will be doing in ten years? 

    She could be a lawyer or someone working on behalf of 
black people 

    who need legal advice.

2. Should Tracy have shared her father’s problem and ruined 
Jamal’s day on the 

    television show? 

AUTHOR - KADIR NELSON

GRADES -  4 AND UP

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR☮️

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.

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.

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.

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 _____________________________________

AUTHOR - DENNIS BRINDELL FRADIN

GRADES -  5 AND UP

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

You will not find this book in Florida schools, as the author provides gut punching experiences of slaves who tried to escape. These breathtaking escapes will capture the attention of students in middle and high school. All data was supplied by the escapees and/or witnesses. The author clearly delivers the message of the horrors of slavery, as well as the high value of freedom. These twelve thought provoking stories are combined with the author’s message about modern day violations of human rights. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.

 If you could go back in time, which escapee would you like 
to visit? Why?

                                                  PAGE 27

AUTHOR - AVI

GRADES - 4-7  

NEWBERY AWARD - WINNER 👍

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

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

   PERFECT TEN 👍

VOYA Founded in 1978, Voice of Youth Advocates, or (VOYA),This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.  

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

BOOK SENSE - TOP TEN

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

     THE YEAR👍

COLORADO BOOK AWARD  

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

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

    mad a  deal. What would you have done?       

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

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

    of the story?


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

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

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

    freedom. 

AUTHOR - 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 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.

AUTHOR - PATRICIA C. WREDE

GRADES - 5-7

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

BOOKLIST - EDITORS' CHOICE

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)👍

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

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

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

     behavior in your answer.      

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

    like the life a princess 
is supposed to lead.      

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

    kills a bird that attacks her.      

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

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

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

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

    dragon does not become 
king.      

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

    princesses enjoy her 
company. Prince Therandil and the stone 

    prince also like her. 

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

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


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

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

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

    outcome
 of the story because the giant eventually gives them
 two 

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

    burned by the dragon’s breath.     

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

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

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

     caused him to turn to stone.     

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

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

    to dragons who stop acting like dragons.    

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

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

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

     Morton only gets wet. 

AUTHOR - JOYCE MCDONALD

GRADES - 6-8

A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY  - BOOK FOR THE TEENAGE 

BANK STREET COLLEGE - BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 

     (STARRED)👍🏿

SEQUOYAH YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARD  👍🏿

HEARTLAND AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE - 

     FINALIST  

SOUTH CAROLINA YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARD - NOMINEE

This historical fiction page turner depicts life in a racially divided Florida town during the late fifties. The cast of characters includes Dove Alderman, the fifteen-year-old white daughter of a prominent orange grower, Dove’s black friend, Gator, who stirs the pot by dating a white girl, angry Mexicans who are upset by the conditions at the migrant camp, and the menacing members of the KKK. Dove’s secure world gets shattered when she learns how her black housekeeper lost her husband in a hit-and-run. A man who worked for her father killed him. To further complicate matters, Dove finds a KKK membership card with her father’s name on it. She now faces enormous conflicts and decides to take matters into her own hands by attempting to stop the Klan from going on a murderous rampage. This powerful novel leaves no stone unturned as emotional turmoil, violent behavior, and the bravery of a young teen to make matters right, will keep readers totally engaged. 

1. Did Dove do the right thing by telling Delia what happened to Gus?

    
Answers will vary. When Delia learned that Dove’s father knew how her 

    husband died and never told her, she refused be his housekeeper .

2. At one point In this story, Dove rejects her boyfriend, the most desired boy in 

    her high school, because he lacks courage to take a stand against the KKK. 

    What would you have done?
 Answers will vary. .

3. Who showed the most courage in this story? Explain.      

    Answers will vary. It could be Dove when she tried to save  Gator 

    from the KKK. It could be Chase when he tried to save Gator from 

    the KKK.