SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - A TOP 100 CHILDREN'S NOVEL👍🏿

AUTHOR - WILSON RAWLS

GRADES - 5 AND UP

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - A TOP TEN CHILDREN'S NOVEL

OVER 7 MILLION COPIES IN PRINT

MASSACHUSETTS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD

GREAT STONE FACE AWARD

NORTH DAKOTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD 

MICHIGAN YOUNG READERS' AWARD

NOTE: This book was published in the early 60's as an adult novel, which accounts for the fact that it did not win any children's awards at that time. In addition, there was no category for young adult literature.

There are a handful of classics in children’s literature and WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS certainly belongs on that list. Set in The Ozarks during The Depression, a ten-year-old boy named Billy Coleman desperately wanted two coon hound pups. However, his family was poor, so Billy had to work and save his money to buy the pups. Throughout this story, Billy faced adversity as he had to overcome bullies, mountain lions, blizzards, and death.
The author used his life experiences which he incorporated into his novel. This is the best young adult book I have ever read. If I were a school superintendent, I would require all students to read this book as the author sends a powerful message of love, loyalty, hard work, fairness, acceptance, and responsibility. It is one amazing story that will never be forgotten.

1. Did you ever want something so badly that you couldn’t eat or sleep
 properly?

    If yes,describe the experience. Is there anything you want 
now that compares 

    to Billy and his dogs? If yes, write about it.


2. This story contains many adventures. Describe your favorite part.
    

    Answers will vary.


3. Billy’s mother wants to move so that he could get a good education. Did she 

    make the right decision? Explain.


4. If the dogs didn’t die, what would have happened to them when the 
family 

    moved to town? How would that have affected Billy?


5. Little Ann died of a broken heart? Is that possible? Explain. 

AUTHOR - R.J. PALACIO

GRADES  - 4-6

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

TIME MAGAZINE - 100 BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF ALL TIME

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -BEST OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS - 2012

PARENTS MAGAZINE -TOP TEN BOOKS OF THE YEAR

E.B WHITE - READ-ALOUD AWARD  - WINNER

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - TEACHERS' CHOICE

BOOKLIST - EDITORS' CHOICE

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS - 2012

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY - 10 GREAT KIDS' BOOK SELECTION

MARK TWAIN AWARD

USA TODAY -  TOP 100 BESTSELLER

August Pullman never went to school because of a facial deformity. Now, that he is ten years old, his parents decide to enroll him in a private middle school. In spite of the best efforts of the school administrator, August suffers from bullying, name calling, and intolerance. The story is told by August, his sister, and a few of his friends. As he experiences his fifth grade year, the other students gradually learn that they have more in common with August than they originally thought. 

1. Suppose August had Julian’s parents. How would his 
life been different?


2. Why do you think Julian does not like August? 

3. Who do you think August likes the most? Explain. 

4. At the end of the story, August gets an award for being 
great. Do you think he

    deserve it?
 Why?

5. Did August’s parents wait too long to send him to 
school? Explain. 

AUTHOR - ANGELA JOY

GRADES - 4 - 6

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - WINNER👍

aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.

WALTER DEAN MYER 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.

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

ORBIS PICTUS - HONOR BOOK 

The Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children recognizes books which demonstrate excellence in the "writing of nonfiction for children." It is awarded annually by the National Council of Teachers of English to one American book published the previous year.

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK

Caldecott Honor Book The Randolph Caldecott Medal, frequently shortened to just the Caldecott, annually recognizes the preceding year's "most distinguished American picture book for children". It is awarded to the illustrator by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The Caldecott and Newbery Medals are considered the most prestigious American children's book awards.

ROBERT F. SIBERT INFORMATIONAL BOOK - HONOR 

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

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

CORETTA SCOTT KING - JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR ILLUSTRATIONS

KIRKUS REVIEWS - BEST OF THE YEAR LIST

HORN BOOK FANFARE BEST OF 2022 LIST

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOKS OF 2022

SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS OF 2022

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

In 1955, I was fourteen years old, the same age as Emmett when he was brutally murdered. I remember looking at his body in the casket and wondering why anyone would do such a thing. This biography of Emmett’s mom tells of the strong relationship she and Emmett had together. Readers will also learn about her accomplishments after the death of her son as she worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive during the civil rights movement. I do not know what a perfect book looks like, but this is about as close as one could get. Not only is the story of Emmett and his mom well written, but the excellent illustrations resulted in winning the Caldecott Award - Honor. (See above.) In addition, there are notes from the author and illustrator at the end of the book, as well as a timeline of historical data regarding the crime. Do not miss this one!

1. Why was it brave for Emmett’s mom to show the world his body in an open 

    casket?

2. Some people say that Emmett did not die in vain? What do you think that 

    means?                                                     

AUTHOR -DEBBIE LEVY

GRADES - 3-5

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - HONOR👍

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

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL  SOCIETY  

 - BEST CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS OF 2016👍

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


ORBIS PICTUS AWARD - HONOR - OUTSTANDING NONFICTION FOR CHILDREN - (awarded by the National Council for Teachers of English) 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW 

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW 

NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD 

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS - 2016 

HUFFINGTON POST - BEST PICTURE BOOKS - 2016 

This biography focuses on Ginsburg’s unyielding fight against discrimination. In her personal life, she was not accepted because she was Jewish and a woman. These experiences inspired her to become one of the best in her field.

1. How did being a woman help her to become a Supreme Court judge? 
       

    She had to work twice as hard as a man to succeed.
 

2. What do you admire most about Ruth Bader Ginsberg?
 

3. Ruth took a stand against things that she felt were 
unfair. What do you think

    needs to be changed?
 

4. How do you go about changing things to make them 
better?                                                                                                      

AUTHOR -ASHLEY BRYAN

GRADES - 4-6

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”.


CORETTA SCOTT KING  AUTHOR AWARD  -  HONOR BOOK - 👍

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Corretta 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.

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.

CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD - HONOR BOOK

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 - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

This is a story of eleven slaves who worked on the Fairchild Estate. The author discovered some slave related documents and was inspired by what she read to bring to life eleven slaves who were sold at auction. In each two page section, the slaves describe their skills and their dreams. This moving account allows readers to see slaves as intelligent, caring people who  had hopes and dreams just like anyone else.  For children to understand the issues of today, this part of our history is a must read.

1. What do the slaves’ dreams have in common?
    

    They all dream about freedom.

2. If you could talk with Mrs. Fairchild, what would you tell 
her?                                        

AUTHOR - BRIAN DENNIS

GRADES - 2-6

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 

CHRISTOPHER MEDAL 👍

awards to authors that affirm the value of the human spirit by making a positive difference in the world. 

NATIONAL PARENTING PUBLICATION - GOLD AWARD 

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW 

BEVERLY CLEARY - CHILDREN'S CHOICE 

CAPITOL CHOICES - SELECTION

Nubs was a leader of a pack of wild dogs in war-torn Iraq when he first met Major Brian Dennis. The two bonded quickly as Brian shared his rations with the dog, and the dog sat by him during night watch.
When Brian traveled 70 miles, Nubs followed him through the frozen desert. Dogs were not allowed to live with soldiers and Brian was told to get  rid of Nubs. Instead, he raised over $2,000 to get the dog sent to his home in San Diego. This heartwarming story of human kindness is accompanied by photos, which will make your presentation very appealing. 

1. Who benefited most from this story - Brian or Nubs? 
 Answers will vary.


2. Why do you think the two men reported Brian for having a dog? 
   

    Answers will vary.


3. Why do you think dogs are not allowed at the outpost? 
    Answers will vary.                                     

AUTHOR -ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE

GRADES - 4 AND UP

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - 

    FINALIST 

GOLDEN KITE AWARD - NONFICTION WINNER

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

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST CHILDREN’S NONFICTION 2022

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

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 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.

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?                                     

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. 

AUTHOR - NIKOLE HANNAH JONES AND RENEE WATSON

GRADES  2-5

😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪

PHYLISS WHEATLEY BOOK AWARD - NONFICTION WINNER👍

given to the best book written about slavery in the past five years

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.

CYBILS- 👍

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

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 0 2021

A TIME MAGAZINE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2021

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS OF 2021

NW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS 2021

BARNES AND NOBLE BEST PICTURE BOOK - 2021

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF 2021

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

A young black girl is asked to trace her roots as part of a school assignment. She doesn’t know anything about her family tree. She seeks help from her grandmother and learns about the lives her ancestors led before they were kidnapped and taken to America. Young readers will discover the hardships endured by slaves and how they kept the faith over many years in their struggle to be free. If you are searching for a way to explain “Why Black Lives Matter,” this book is a good way to begin your presentation.

1. If you were kidnapped and taken to another country, what would be your 

    biggest concern?

2. What do you think Black Lives Matter means?                                           

AUTHOR - AYA DE LEON

GRADES - 5 - 8

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.

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 (YALSA) BEST BOOKS 

     FOR 
 YOUNG ADULTS


KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW


SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION - STARRED REVIEW

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.

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.