I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
This story allows students who feel different to be happy with who they are and allows them to stand out. The author is able to describe different situations that students face whether it be the way they look or act, but yet giving them the confidence to be unique. Although they do not specify the disability, the author does a wonderful job to reach elementary school kids to feel comfortable in their own skin!
Leaves: An Autumn Pop-Up Adventure by Janet Lawler
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
In this story, the author uses rhyme to teach students about architecture in a fun way.
The students can begin to learn with words and also art. Iggy would always build things with his surroundings and his parents would observe.
Iggy Peck then became an amazing architect and was able to shine his talent!
Clara and Clem in Outer Space by Ethan Long
This story was more for the pre-k, kindergarten levels that are barely starting to read and understand words.
This allows them to start to wonder about science and the different things related to the subject.
With the help of Clara and Clem, the students are able to enjoy learning about space. This story also gives the students an introduction to rhyming and can help them understand how words can connect and sound alike.
If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty
If you decide to go to the move is a fun story for children to read. Along the lines of imagination, there is also truth to it. They are being able to learn about astronauts and different experiences that they take. This can allow the students to take interest in these kinds of subjects.
For me, science was always a much harder topic to enjoy, yet found it easy to read science-fiction because I was able to alter the content with a little imagination!
The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter's effects bring the pictures to life while following along the audiobook. Being able to hear the authors point of view and truly understand the different ways that a character sounds or acts can be very helpful when trying to understand a scenario.
This book is more for the older generations that feel comfortable following a plot that has multiple connections, for the characters found in the story can be tied back to other novels, or tales.
Eager by Helen Fox
A robot comes to life and learns from a past generation. In the book Eager, the children, Gavin and Fleur are losing their beloved robot. They recieve eager which is on a quest that can be funny and also very dark, in order to feel alive.
This science fiction book is a great read for students who enjoy an adventure and technology!
Aliens for Breakfast by Stephanie Spinner and Jonathan Etra
In aliens for breakfast, Jonathan and Stephanie use a great sense of imagination. The very well known idea of aliens comes to life in front of the readers eyes as they begin their journey through the book.
In the story, Richard is a kid who lives a crazy life, just because of a cereal box. This is not an ordinary cereal box, for there is an actual alien inside. A tiny alien names Aric, who must destroy Dorf.
They proceed their day in challenge to do this. Dorf, a cool kid in Richard's class is part of the rival alien race called Dranes. Since he is so close, Aric and Richard go as far as to try and make Dorf disappear. They even give him peppers!
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
In this folk tale, the author uses the idea of fairness. Since the Little red hen was doing all the work, only she got rewarded for it.
After the other animals began to notice and realize that they were being unfair to the little red hen, they began to do their part and work too.
Soup for Breakfast by Calef Brown
Calef Brown uses a pattern during this poem that can be easy to follow. The readers are triggered into imagining what the foods that they are describing taste, look and smell like.
Along with the illustrations, the poet, Calef, creates a fun atmosphere for the children and let's them know that it's okay to be different and to like and try new things!
"I like soup for breakfast.
That's the way I am.
I'm not a fan of toast and jam,
or griddle-cakes with egg and ham,
or even Cream of Wheat.
A bowl of cream and Broccoli,
now there's a morning treat."
- Calef Brown
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Where the sidewalk ends has imagery that can help create a beautiful picture for the readers. This poem also allows the readers, as young kids to learn about the world and safety around where they are.
They can use the poems to be on the lookout and connect the reading of Where the Sidewalk Ends while they are living their everyday lives.
The imagery that is used creates a strong mental picture that the readers can relate to their own lives.
"There is a place where the sidewalk ends,
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight,
To cool in the peppermint wind."
-Shel Silverstein
Cuckoo by Lois Elhert
This Mexican folktale is about a bird who knew her beauty. She was selfish and very self centered. She wanted people to know who she was and flaunt her beauty.
"Even the sweetest song can turn sour."
Cuckoo was constantly given a hard time because of it. When the fire broke out, Cuckoo lost her beauty but gained something much better. The friendship and the deserved recognition for being a hero.
Jack and The Beanstalk by Naomi McMillan
Jack and The Beanstalk is a fairy tale.
Jack purchased magic beans for his mother due to them running out of food. The boy trusted the man that was selling the magic beans, in hopes to be able to eat.
When he woke up the next day, an enormous beanstalk growing next to his bedroom. He climbed the beanstalk and found that there was a castle. The castle had a giant man eating the dinner, soon after he fell asleep. Jack stole the bag of gold, and his mother was happy because the giant had stolen that money from Jack's father.
Jack returned and got rid of the bad giant. This shows that whatever is wrongfully done will have its punishment, whether it be now or later.
This is a fun story, although it is not real an only imaginary, the children can have fun learning that there is consequences to negative actions.
The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop
The Magic Pot by Pleasant DeSpain
The Magic Pot is a Chinese folktale that speaks on being blessed with good fortune.
The man did not know that a pot he had found on the side of the road would bring so much fortune to his home. The woodcutter's wife was so happy because they realized that the pot would duplicate each item that was in the pot.
This meant that they would be able to have more of the things they needed. They put dinner and coins into the pot and they doubled. They became more and more rich, the woodcutter planned a great future thanks to the magic pot. The man doubled the wife, and did not know what to do.
The wife's were smart and put him in the pot so that there could be two of the husbands. Since there were two of each, they formed another couple.
They worked together to build a beautiful future and home and give thanks to the relatives who had given them the good fortune.
This shows that we should always be grateful for the unexpected blessings and to not take the little things for granted!
The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman
This poem is one that could be used before bedtime, it relaxes and allows the child's brain to rest. They can relate to them because everyone grows and wears out their clothes at a point.
And though for adults it wouldn't be a big issue, children could look at this as a big problem.
It also creates a connection with the parents because they allow the parent and child to bond because the child can see the parent as a helpful hand.
This also let's the child feel comfortable in their own body and to not try to be like everyone around them.
"When he woke up in the morning,
To his mama he said with delight,
What a wonderful sleep I've been sleeping all night,
my head feels so clear and my eyes feel so bright.
When we looked for pajamas how foolish we were,
for I sleep so much better in nothing but fur.
It fits me so nicely, it's light as the air
it's the practical thing for a llama to wear."
-Mary Ann Hoberman
One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Mannis
This is a Haiku, and Celeste uses the numbers that we know to create a whole book out of Haikus!
With the use of the numbers, children are able to learn them better and have connections to the animals and nature that surround them on a daily basis.
The repetition and reiteration of the numbers allow the readers to practice their counting and their words! Also, the images lay out the exact amount that the child is reading in order for an easy follow and book interaction.
"8,
What do flowers dream?
Adrift on eight pond pillows,
pink-cheeked blossoms rest."
- Celeste Mannis
Once I Laughed My Socks Off by Steven Attewell
The personification found throughout the poem was so fun to listen to! Steven Attewell does a great job at personifying and putting the readers into the socks perspective.
It is a great fit for students who are at young age and find life entertaining and fun. I believe it gives a more brighter look at the smaller things.
When one looks at socks, they wouldn't think of something serious. Yet, steven changes the look on them.
He relates it to running and then slipping them on to his feet which is what one does everyday. Sometimes socks can also be tricky! We can tend to lose a pair or one sock. Especially when we move around a lot and one slips off!
"Next time I laugh, I will ensure,
My shoes are firmly on,
That should stop my naughty socks,
From such a carry-on."
- Steven Attewell
Wonder By R.J. Palacio
"Such a simple thing, kindness. Such a simple thing. A nice word of encouragement given when needed. An act of friendship. A passing smile. (pg.300)."
The quote I placed above stuck with me as I finished reading Wonder. I believe it is because I realized how much it tied into the book and the way August was treated and the differences between kindness and bullying or simple judgement.
I enjoyed reading Wonder because there was many things that one can see as we face working with children and especially the middle aged ones. As I work with middle schoolers, I am able to see how judgments affect them and their self-esteem. There's feelings that go beyond words, and negativity that can be passed despite the words that one says.
For example, being in the position of not having the choice to look the way one looks and having to live with the way one is and getting judged for it can be hurtful. Yet, with one act of kindness, can change the way one sees life and the impact and affect in the way we being to live the life we were given.
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont This story allows students who feel different to be happy with who they are and allows them to stand out....
