Children’s Lit All Time Faves!

Top 10 Reads of the Semester

1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin’s Bears #1)

I am able to see enjoyment in the children when this book is read to them. They squirm, giggle and are become excited to hear the colorful story over and over again.  I will use this in any classroom that is 3^rd grade and under.

2. Navajo Code Talkers: Secret American Indian Heroes of World War II by Brynn Baker

I came across this book during our week learning about the lack of diversity in children’s literature. This is a historical nonfiction book that 5th-7th graders are able to comprehend.

Due to the successful use of the Navajo Language in WWII that lead to America’s victory, I think this book is an asset to any library.

3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt (Introduction), M. Mooyart-Doubleday (Translator)

I have the utmost respect for this devastating life events that Anne Frank suffered, however, I do not recommend this book  for students do the life events being so devastating.  However, it is available, historical and is worthy of dignity and ‘Top Shelf’ placement in all libraries.

4. Albert’s Impossible Toothache by Barbara Williams

I found this story to be applicable to early elementary children preschool – 2nd grade.  I was reminded of the frustration of those who lack the vocabulary or ability to form the words needed to express their needs.  This story would be helpful to ELL students, SPED students and toddlers who feel the weight not being able to communicate effectively on a daily basis.

5. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson (Goodreads Author), Sean Qualls (Illustrations)

This story is useful in my local library where our community has a significant population of  African children so that they can find themselves in a book about a Black Boy. The  main character Emmanuel’s is courageous in his efforts to reach his potential.  He has the passion, and desire to lift not only himself but his family out of poverty.  I appreciated reading the story and look forward to sharing it with my teaching team in the future.

6. Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon

This historical story is the history of the atom bomb during and after WWII. I learned a great deal about various historical individuals who were interrelated in the creation and use of the atomic bomb.  This long read may be a rewarding challenge for gifted students in 5-7th grades.

7. At Home in the City/Mi Casa En La Ciudad by Sharon Gordon

This is a simple read picture book.  Meant to teach early learners a few vocabulary words in Spanish as multiple uses and would be an excellent addition in a ELL classroom.  As well as  Kindergarten – 3 grade library.  The pictures and dual language used in the book complement each other well.

 

8. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Seuss

This is a light read for early elementary students but as I read it, I felt motivated myself!  As an adult I felt stronger and bolder, and want children to benefit in the same emotional way.

9. Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton put together on of my favorite books from this semester.  It is a well crafted story of the sounds that animal make.  I LOVE reading the sing song story over and over to my grandson who enjoys listening each time we read it. He is a 15 month old baby who interacts (mimics) the animals sounds.

10. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Goodreads Author)

This is a captivating story of a young friendship during WWII, in Europe.  I think that is important for children to know the suffering and selflessness of children in the history of the war. A mature friendship is built and maintained in this story and the strong character traits of those in the story are valuable for children to read about.