A Big Guy Took My Ball

Willems, M.  (2013).  A big guy took my ball!  New York:  Hyperion Books for Children.

When Gerald sees Piggie distraught over a ball that a gets taken away from her, he decides to confront this ‘big guy.’  Unfortunately, Gerald had no idea that the ‘big guy’ was a whale, which made him feel infinitely small and return empty handed back to Piggie.  The whale then comes over to thank them for finding his ball and also reveals that because he’s so big, no one wants to play with him.  Piggie and Gerald then invite him to play a game with them, which makes all three realize that the size of someone shouldn’t prevent them from having fun together.  Though this is a children’s book, it’s theme of acceptance and friendship makes it suitable for both elementary and secondary kids.  Willems captures the reader’s attention with simple, yet engaging text in the word bubbles that represents the emotions and often comical facial expressions of his characters, which are the only illustrations within the book.  This book is a 2014 Geisel Honor Book.

The Three Pigs

Wiesner, D.  (2001).  The three pigs.  New York:  Clarion Books.

Unlike the three little pigs from the past fairytales, these pigs decide to take the story into their own hands.  As the story starts off with the usual huffing and puffing of the wolf, these pigs eventually figure out a way to go outside of their story to escape the big bad wolf.  After visiting two other stories, the pigs finally decide to go home and invite their new companions to stay with them to live happily ever after.  The fact that Wiesner adds a twist to the traditional story of the three little pigs makes this a great read for upper elementary and middle grade kids who know the original story.  To delineate the differences between the two versions of the story, Wiesner uses colorful cartoon-animated sketches to represent the traditional parts of the story and textured life-like drawings with an attention to detail to express what he’s added.  This story is a 2002 Caldecott Medal Winner.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Sweet, M.  (2011).  Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. 

New York:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

This informational book tells the life of Anthony “Tony” Frederick Sarg and how he became the puppeteer for the Thanksgiving Day Macy’s Parade.  As a young boy, Tony was always interested in knowing how things worked and it wasn’t until he moved to New York (where he met Mr. Macy of Macy’s department stores) that his career as a puppeteer took off.  After a few trial and errors over the years with the Thanksgiving Day Macy’s Parade, Tony finally figured out what he needed to do to make his puppets easy to handle and visible for everyone to see.  Sweet’s collage-like illustrations are just as eye-catching as Tony’s puppets, with an attention to detail and vibrant colors on every page that the reader may not even realize they’re reading a non-fiction text.  And though text is used to progress the story, the illustrations are also used to progress the story as they capture the historic making of Tony’s puppets in the parades.  This read would definitely benefit upper elementary and secondary kids, as well as adults, who are interested in knowing more about the parades on Thanksgiving.  This book is a 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner.

It's a Book

Smith, L.  (2010).  It’s a book.  New York:  Roaring Book Press.

When Jackass sees Monkey holding something in his hands, he is curious to know what it is.  And though Monkey constantly tells him that it’s a book, Jackass still can’t seem to comprehend what that is and begins to compare his laptop to the book.  However, once Jackass gets the book in his hands and begins to read it, he seems to finally have a better understanding of what a book is, at least until he tells Monkey that he’ll charge it once he’s done with it.  This book is one that anyone can relate to, especially those that understand what the differences are between a book and a technological device, like the Jackass’s laptop.  Though the book is comprehensible for elementary level kids, older kids might also enjoy this book because of the use and double meaning of the term ‘jackass.’  Smith also makes the interactions between Monkey and Jackass comical, with his bland use of colors in his illustrations to represent the flat responses of Monkey.  Here is a link to the trailer of the book:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4BK_2VULCU

Mirror, Mirror

Singer, M.  (2010).  Mirror, mirror.  New York:  Dutton Children’s Books.

Instead of the usual ‘happily ever after’ line that is received at the end of every fairytale, this book of reverso poems creates a completely different understanding to how we might have originally viewed some of these popular fairytale characters.  With the first poem being a representation of a character and meant to be understood one way, the second part of the poem its reversal and changes how the reader originally comprehended the first poem.  These poems then give a new voice to characters we are all well accustomed to.  In creating a different outlook to familiar scenes and stories.  The illustrations by Josée Masse are rich and vibrant in color with split images that portray the reverso poems, which indicates who the speaker what their point of view is.  Because of the complexity of some of these poems, this would be an upper elementary and middle grade reading; although early elementary would enjoy the illustrations.  This book would also be a great resource for English classes covering various forms of poetry and its use of poetic devices, like rhyme and imagery.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://marilynsinger.net/

Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M.  (1963).  Where the wild things are.  New York:  HarperCollins Publishers.

Max, a young boy who loves to get into mischief, gets sent up to bed one night without eating dinner as punishment.  Feeling disgruntled, Max then dreams of leaving his bedroom to go to the place where the wild things are.  While there, Max is crowned king and continues being mischievous with the wild things, but soon realizes that he is lonely and wants to be where he is loved.  After making the trek back to his bedroom, Max is happy to see his mother left a hot supper waiting for him.  Sendak’s illustrations are colorfully detailed and textured, giving the characters an almost life-like appearance.  These illustrations also depict the wild imaginations a young boy can have – the bigger the imagination, the more creative the illustration on the page.  And though the wild things are said to be terrible with their claws and eyes, they appear to be innocently harmless creatures.  A definite read for elementary kids to show them themes of parental love and forgiveness, as well as older kids that need practice in analyzing character.  This is a 1964 Caldecott Medal Winner and has been in publication for 53 years.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B.  (2007).  The invention of Hugo Cabret.  New York:  Scholastic Press.

Hugo Cabret, a young orphan boy who lives within the walls of a train station, tries to repair an old automaton in hopes that it has a message from his father that will guide him to what to do next.  Desperate to fix the automaton to find the answers he needs, Hugo unwillingly becomes involved in the lives of the Mèliés family, who help him realize that they are the missing pieces for his automaton and the answer to his father’s message.  The Mèliés family then adopts Hugo, who became inspired to create his own automaton.  Selznick’s detailed charcoal-like illustrations are beautiful as the actions within the storyline span across pages, incorporating far-away stills and close-ups that provide a dramatic effect.  It seems as if Selznick is using the actual George Mèliés’s filming technique in his sketches.  The themes of friendship, family, and trust make this a great read for upper elementary and secondary kids, especially those into innovative graphic novels and suspense/mystery.  There also always seemed to be a sense of urgency in the tone and voice of the narrator to match Hugo’s desperation to solve the mysteries behind the automaton up until the end, where things seemed to be more lax due to everything being resolved.  This is a 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner.  Here is a link to the book’s website: http://theinventionofhugocabret.com/intro_html5.htm

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Schlitz, L.A.  (2007).  Good masters!  Sweet ladies!  Massachusetts:  Candlewick Press.

The reader gets an inside look of how young people struggled to live and survive in a medieval village in England during 1255, as well as how they are all interconnected with one another, no matter their job or station.  The actions (or inactions) of one character have either a positive or negative effect in how they view themselves and their current living situations.  And though some of these characters are accepting of their station, there are others trying to cope with what will never change, and a slight few doing what they can to have a better life.  Robert Byrd’s illustrations finely detailed and wonderfully done in vibrant colors that are fitting for this historic re-telling of a medieval time period.  With Schlitz providing detailed background information of these historical times, as well as sidenotes, this makes a perfect read for secondary kids and is a great resource for history teachers reviewing the medieval time period.  An interesting aspect of this literary work though is its use of literary elements (such as monologue, rhyme, and meter), which also makes this resourceful for English teachers.  This is a 2008 Newbery Medal Winner.

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K.  (1977).  Bridge to Terabithia.  New York:  HarperTrophy.

Jess Aarons is a young boy who is just trying to make it through another year of school, doing the same thing day in and day out.  But when Leslie and her family move in down the road, the two become inseparable friends and create a mystical place called Terabithia.  Everything seems to be going well for the pair until the day that Jess finds out that Leslie was in a fatal accident, and he has no idea how to handle his grief.  Yet after receiving support from his family and remembering how Leslie taught him to see the world with different eyes, he realizes that she had been giving him strength all along to move on.  Each of Donna Diamond’s illustrations represent the important moments in Jess’s life.  With themes about loss of innocence, family, and friendship, this is an excellent read for upper elementary and secondary grade kids.  Paterson also uses the paints to symbolize Leslie and the new outlook that Jess has about the world around him.  Jess is also a character that has a conscious that most readers can sympathize with, especially when he struggles to face his grief and come to terms with Leslie’s death.  This is a 1978 Newbery Medal Winner, as well as in the 2002 and 2003 Top 10 List for Most Challenged books.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://katherinepaterson.com/

The Nest

Oppel, K.  (2015).  The Nest.  New York:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Steve is a young boy who just wants to have a normal summer with a normal family.  Unfortunately, Steve’s baby brother, Theo, is constantly in and out of the hospital, his parents are worried, his little sister, Nicole, is talking on the phone to someone who isn’t there, and he starts having weird dreams about wasps giving his family a ‘perfect’ Theo.  But when those dreams start to feel real and he learns more about what the wasps plan to do to Theo, he risks his life to protect him and realizes that there’s no such thing as normal.  Though the majority of Jon Klassen’s dark illustrations symbolize Steve’s fears of the unknown, it is his last illustration of a clear moon that leaves the reader feeling hopeful for Steve and his family.  With themes of morality, family, and survival, as well as dark illustrations and suspenseful imagery, this is a reading for secondary grade kids.  There is also the idea of perfection, and what qualifies as something being perfect.  This is a 2016 Notable Children’s Book.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://www.kennethoppel.ca/index.shtml

We are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball

Nelson, K.  (2008).  We are the ship: The story of the Negro League Baseball.  New York: 

Hyperion Books for Children.

Though African Americans dreamed of playing for Major League Baseball (MLB), they knew it was an impossibility because they were segregated and discriminated against.  However, they never let that deter them from playing and enjoying the sport of baseball, hence the creation of the Negro League Baseball (NLB).  But when the Brooklyn Dodgers drafted Jackie Robinson, who had to overcome discrimination from his team and many others over the years, the MLB eventually opened their doors to African Americans, thus changing the way the game has been played ever since.  Nelson’s attention to detail in his vibrant portrait-like illustrations add faces to the names of these NLB baseball players, which makes the history of the NLB more meaningful.  Because there is a lot of baseball terms and lingo, this is a read for secondary level kids and a definite read for baseball fans and players.  This informational text could also be a resource for history teachers covering segregation, and offers great topics for research.  This is a 2009 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner.  Here is the link to the book’s website: http://www.wearetheship.com/about-the-book.html

Rules

Lord, C.  (2006).  Rules.  New York:  Scholastic Press.

Catherine is a young girl who is constantly looking out for her little brother, David, who has autism.  And though she loves her brother, she can’t help but wish sometimes that David was ‘normal’ and that she wouldn’t have to deal with people’s misunderstandings of David’s behavior.  However, after she befriends Jason, a non-verbal paraplegic boy at her brother’s occupational therapy clinic, she slowly begins to find acceptance for the situations she can’t change and realizes that it doesn’t matter what other people think.  The idiom ‘some rules are meant to be broken,’ along with acceptance and the importance of communication amongst family members and friends, are themes that any secondary kid will be able to connect to.  Many readers will be able to empathize and identify with Catherine’s self-consciousness as she struggles to find her voice within her family and society, especially after she meets Jason and her new next door neighbor, Kristi.  This is a 2007 Newbery Honor Book and a Schneider Family Book Winner for Here is the link to the book’s website: http://cynthialord.com/rules.html

Skulduggery Pleasant

Landy, D.  (2007).  Skulduggery Pleasant.  New York:  HarperTrophy.

When Stephanie’s Uncle Gordon passes away, she meets Skulduggery Pleasant and is introduced to a world of magic that she didn’t even know existed.  After realizing that her uncle actually died from magical beings, she partners up with Skulduggery to solve the mystery of his death.  Along the way though, the pair begin to realize that there are other evil forces at work and it’s up to them to save the world.  Since Stephanie can never return to her normal way of life, she becomes a permanent partner for Skulduggery while he continues to teach her about magic.  With Stephanie’s personality and actions making her seem more mature than a 12-year old, along with themes of friendship and morality, this coming of age of mystery novel would be an excellent read for elementary and secondary grade kids that enjoy sarcastic and sassy characters.  This made the 2008 Best Books for Young Adults List.  Here is the link to the book’s website: http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/us/

This is not my Hat

Klassen, J.  (2012)  This is not my hat.  Massachusetts:  Candlewick Press.

A little fish believes it is okay for him to steal a hat from a much bigger fish because it fits him perfectly.  As the thief makes his getaway to an overgrown patch of seaweed, assuming that he will never be found, he has no idea that the owner of the hat is already looking for him.  After a crab snitches on the thief’s whereabouts, the big fish finally catches up to him in the overgrown seaweed.  As the big fish later swims out of the seaweed with his hat, it is clear that the thief was apparently correct in his assumption – he will never be found.  Klassen’s black backgrounds is the perfect layout for his light-colored hued fish and seaweed as it makes the details of the characters and setting stand out.  Though early elementary will be able to comprehend the motif in this story (stealing is wrong, no matter the reasoning), upper elementary and middle grade kids will probably have a better grasp at the meaning of the text and illustrations.  And though the motif is serious, the text and illustrations (especially those of the small thieving fish) add a comical tone to the storyline.  This book is a 2013 Caldecott Medal Winner.  Here is a link to the trailer of this book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbYyEdYWY8

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, J.  (2007).  Diary of a wimpy kid.  New York:  Amulet Books.

Greg is an incoming 6^th grader and has all these plans to become one of the cool and popular kids for once.  However, Greg’s plans to fame don’t seem to really involve his best friend, Rowley, who seems to be totally at ease with his current situation.  As Greg continues to try to find his place in middle school, he ends up ruining his relationship with Rowley who, without even trying, starts to become well-known amongst those in their school.  It isn’t until Greg saves Rowley from an embarrassing situation at school that they both become friends again, which makes Greg realize it’s okay to just be himself.  Kinney’s illustrations, which include his drawings and text style, really give the impression that this epistolary novel is written by a young boy.  And thanks to his inner commentary, Greg becomes a relatable character that the reader is able to empathize with as he struggles to find his place in middle school.  With themes of friendship and personal growth, this is a definite reading for upper elementary and middle grade kids that will enjoy the comical antics and maturity growth of Greg, especially those who might be reluctant readers.  Here is the book’s website: http://www.wimpykid.com/

Comics Squad: Recess

Holm, J., Holm, M., & Krosoczka, J.  (Eds.).  (2014).  Comics Squad: Recess!  New York: 

Random House.

Within these pages are a collection of comics that focus on the adventures kids and grownups take when it’s time for recess.  A boy learns to master the art of what it takes to be a ninja to join a cool group of kids during their secret ninja meetings.  A lunch lady mistakenly creates a pizza monster and she needs to destroy it before recess is over.  A monitor is able to make indoor recess fun for disgruntled kids by creating a kickball game using dice and a sheet of paper.  No matter the challenge that these characters are faced with, they are able to overcome them just in time for recess.  These illustrations use various shades of orange to make certain aspects of the comic stand out, whether they be scenes or characters.  This allows the reader to really notice each individual illustration and the details that went into balancing the colors of white, black, and orange together.  The body language and facial expressions of the characters are comical and overly dramatic to provide tone for the words within the word bubbles.  This is a definite read for elementary kids, although the misspellings from one section of the comic may confuse the younger ones.  Here is the link to the publisher’s website: http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/comics-squad/

It's so Amazing

Harris, R.  (1999)  It’s so amazing.  Massachusetts:  Candlewick Press.

This book is about the amazing creation of life and focuses on answering the many questions that young children ask their parents, such as where babies come from and why their body changes when they hit puberty.  The physiology of the male and female body is introduced at the beginning, which then allows the reader to have a better understanding of how the process of reproduction begins.  The reader is also informed about genetics, the gestation period, and the birthing process, which all leads to the creation of a family.  These creative and colorful comic-like illustrations by Michael Emberley turn an uncomfortable topic into a fun and comical learning experience for all ages.  The informational text to explain the up-close diagrams and cutaways makes this an excellent resource for science and health teachers going over human physiology and the reproductive process.  In 2005, this book made the Top 10 List for Most Challenged books and has been relocated to most adult sections in libraries.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://robieharris.com/

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, D., & Hale, S.  (2008).  Rapunzel’s revenge.  New York:  Bloomsbury.

When Rapunzel realizes that Mother Gothel kidnapped her as a child and sees that she has been ruining the lives of people, she decides to put a stop to Mother Gothel’s cruelty.  After Rapunzel is able to escape from a tower and partners up with Jack, they run into people along the way that are in need of help.  And, every time the pair help someone, they get closer to finding out how to put an end to Mother Gothel.  In the end, Rapunzel and Jack are able to rid the land of Mother Gothel and live happily ever after.  Nathan Hale’s comic-drawn illustrations are a perfect fit for this graphic novel that put an alternative spin on the fairytale story about Rapunzel.  Hale’s attention to detail, and sharp facial expressions assist the reader in determining the voice and mood of the characters, making them life-like.  This particular tale of Rapunzel would be best for upper elementary and secondary kids, especially those with an interest in adventurous heroines that rescue themselves and still get a happily ever after in the end.  And no matter the age of the reader, they will be able to comprehend the motifs of bravery, standing up for what is right, and the importance of family in this alternative telling of a well-known fairytale.  This is a 2009 Notable Children’s Book.

Rosa

Giovanni, N.  (2005).  Rosa.  New York:  Henry Holt and Company.

This is an informational re-telling of the day Rosa Parks took a stand against segregation when she boarded a bus after getting out early from work.  Seeing no available sitting in the Colored section of the bus, she sits where the seats are neutral and refuses to give up her seat when she is told to move by bus driver.  The arrest of Rosa Parks then sets off a series of events that leads to the Supreme Court ruling segregation to be illegal.  The dark hues of Bryan Collier’s illustrations represent a difficult time in our history, as well as correctly portray the events that took place during that time period.  The information being presented would be a great resource for history teachers or any educator covering segregation or historic American figures.  Because the information is also very condensed, upper elementary and middle grades will be able to easily grasp the information and comprehend the importance of Rosa Parks.  This is a 2006 Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner.  Here is a link to the trailer of this book: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/asset/rosa-book-trailer

Magic Windows

Garza, C.L.  (1999).  Magic windows.  California:  Children’s Book Press.

Carmen introduces the reader to cut-paper art, which is a skill that she learned from her grandmother.  To Carmen, these pieces of art are like “magic windows” that tell a story about what has been captured within the designs of the paper.  Using her skills, Carmen is also able to tell the reader about important Mexican histories, as well as cultural and familial traditions that she continues to pass down to younger generations.  Garza’s illustrations are colorful images of her very own cut-paper art designs that show just how intricate and complex the art form is.  However, with each design is also a brief description that details its significance and meaning to Garza and her culture.  This informational text would be an excellent read for middle grade kids of Latino/Mexican decent that know or want to know about their culture.  And because of the Spanish translations being provided alongside the English text, this is also perfect for English Language Learners.  This is a 2000 Pura Belpré Medal Winner for Illustration.

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, N.  (2008).  The graveyard book.  New York:  HarperCollinsk Publishers.

After his family is murdered, Nobody ‘Bod’ Owens is adopted by the residents that live in a graveyard that is a nature preserve.  Over the years, the ghosts and other mythical beings of the graveyard help him grow and educate him about their world.  And though he’s told not to leave the graveyard, the few times that he does puts him in grave danger, especially when he comes across Jack, the murderer of his family that wishes to continue where he left off.  After Bod is able to defeat the Jacks, he begins to lose his ability to talk to the dead, among other things, and is told that it is time for him to live experience life.  Dave McKean’s illustrations are fitting, with eerie sketches that represent the setting and how solitary Bod is living in the graveyard.  And though Bod is raised in an unconventional manner (an allusion of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book), this is still a coming of age story that has Bod leaving the comfort of his home once there is no more to teach him.  Bod’s character will also have audiences sympathize with him as he learns the truth about his family and tries to find his place outside the graveyard, but fails at every attempt (being friends with Scarlett and going to school).  The themes of death and loss of innocence make this a secondary grade book, but is also promotes motifs of friendship and family.   This is a 2009 Newbery Medal Winner.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

dePaola, T.  (1983).  The legend of the bluebonnet.  New York:  G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

A young girl known as She-Who-Is-Alone becomes distraught for her Comanche tribe because they are all suffering from lack of water and food.  To end their suffering, the shaman is told by the Great Spirits that a valued possession must be sacrificed because of his People’s selfishness.   She-Who-Is-Alone decides to sacrifice her doll, which is her only keepsake of her family that died long ago, to the Great Spirits.  To commemorate her sacrifice, her tribe now refers to her as One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People and the Great Spirits cover the hills and valleys every spring with bluebonnets.  dePaola’s use of earthly tones and hues in his stencil-like illustrations capture the cultural heritage of the Comanche with an attention to detail.  The theme of sacrifice and reward trumping selfish acts makes this an excellent read for all elementary and secondary kids, especially those with an interest in Texas tales and folklore.  Many children, teens, and adults will also find this story compelling because it is a young girl, who willingly puts others before herself, that saves her tribe.  This book received the 1984-1985 Texas Bluebonnet Award.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Clearly, B.  (1983).  Dear Mr. Henshaw.  New York:  Morrow Junior Books.

Leigh Botts is a young boy who writes a letter to Boyd Henshaw, his favorite author, as an assignment.  However, instead of ending the correspondence after completing the assignment, Leigh continues to write to Mr. Henshaw, who continues to give him tips on how to improve his writing.  When Mr. Henshaw recommends for Leigh to get a diary, the reader finds out about Leigh’s struggles to adjust to a new school while trying to understand his parents after they divorce.  Through writing in his diary, Leigh is finally able to come to terms about his father’s behavior and finally make a few friends at school.  The illustrations from Paul O. Zelinsky are wonderfully sketched with details and textures to add more expression to Leigh’s diary entries.   These illustrations are also meant to reinforce important and meaningful moments in Leigh’s life, a symbol of his transition from childhood to adulthood.  The themes of family life, acceptance, and loss of innocence in this epistolary genre would make a great read of upper elementary and middle grade kids.  Leigh’s consciousness also allows readers to relate and empathize with him as he expresses his fears, hopes, and mood in each of his letter and diary entries.  This is a 1984 Newbery Medal Winner and has been in print for 33 years.

Out of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010).  Out of my mind.  New York:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Melody, a young girl who is a non-verbal with cerebral palsy, is excited to get a Medi-Talker as a Christmas gift because it now means that she’ll be able to finally communicate with her family and her friends, especially those at school to show them that she belongs.  Unfortunately, when Melody finally proves to those around her that she’s just as capable as anyone, even after she helps her team win a competition, the skepticism of her classmates and others prevents them from accepting and understanding her as she is.  Yet, it is because of Melody’s determination that she realizes she will always have voice, no matter what form it takes.  Melody is a character that any reader will empathize with as she shares what her life is like having cerebral palsy, especially the frustrations she feels when she’s with those that think she’s incapable.  Draper also just doesn’t focus on Melody’s situation, but she also puts a focus on how her family struggles to come to terms with her having this debilitating disease.  This is a reading for secondary kids since within this novel are themes about family and heart-breaking friendships, as well as overcoming hardships and finding acceptance in yourself and amongst others.  This book was on the New York Times Bestsellers List for almost two years.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://sharondraper.com/

How they Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous

Bragg, G.  (2011).  How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous.  New York: 

Walker and Company.

Within these pages are a list of historic and very well-known people who have had an impact on history around the world.  The reader is given background information on each person discussed in this literary work, such as what their lives were like when they were alive and the events that lead up to their death.  There are also interesting tidbits about how they had an influence in society, which has had an impact on the way things are today in the present.  These cartoon-like sketched illustrations by Kevin O’Malley are comical, which fits with the sardonic tone of the narrator.  Bragg makes the learning of historic figures fun with her witty sense of humor and brief straight to the point details.  This is an excellent resource for secondary level kids needing to do research on one of these famously dead people, especially because it has an explanation about how they all became connected throughout history.  This is a 2012 Notable Children’s Book.

Martina: The Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C.A.  (2007).  Martina the beautiful cockroach.  Georgia:  Peachtree Publishers.

Martina, a beautiful cockroach, needs to find a husband and, in order to find the right one, is told by her Cuban grandmother to spill coffee on the men’s shoes to see how they will speak to her when angry.  Agreeing to the Coffee Test, Martina experiences three failed proposals and believes all hope is lost until she notices a mouse named Pérez, who ends up performing the Coffee Test on her instead.  Finally, Martina has found the right husband to marry.  Michael Austin’s glossy illustrations cover the entirety of each page and are rich in color with an attention to detail that supports this Cuban folktale.  Not only do the illustrations support and represent a Latino culture, but also Deedy’s incorporation of Spanish terms into the story, making this a great read for English Language Learners that may know how the story goes in Spanish.  This book would also be great for both elementary and secondary kids as the motif of this story is that humble and kindness are attributes that are rewarded compared to those that are arrogant and conceited.  This work of literature is a 2008 Pura Belpré Honor Book for Narrative.  Here is a link to the book’s website: http://beautifulmartina.com/

Spiders

Bishop, N.  (2007).  Spiders.  New York:  Scholastic.

The spiders being presented in this non-fiction book allow the reader to become more knowledgeable and understanding of the environments they live in, as well as their way of life.  Because there is not a focus on any type or species of spider, the reader gets to become familiarized with spiders from all different parts of the world.  And though each spider is similar to having eight legs, fangs, and the ability to spin silk, Bishop focuses on what makes each one different and unique.  The illustrations of Bishop are nicely done with up-close images of the spiders in their natural habitat, with captions that explain the various aspects of the spider in the image.  And because this non-fiction literary work uses the appropriate terms to discuss the physiological make-up of the spiders, this a great reading selection for any upper elementary or middle grade kids.  Bishop’s book could also be useful to science teachers who are doing a lesson on spiders.  This book is a 2008 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book.

The Watsons go to Birmingham - 1963

Curtis, C.P.  (1995).  The Watsons go to Birmingham – 1963.  New York:  Delacourte Press.

Kenny is young boy who tells the story about his family, mainly his brother, and their time in Flint, Michigan and Birmingham, Alabama.  While the family lives in Flint, Kenny can’t help but talk about how much trouble his older brother, Byron, gets into, which eventually forces the family to visit Grandma Sands in Birmingham in hopes to straighten him out.  While there, Kenny starts to notice how different his brother is becoming, even when Byron saves his life when he almost drowns and then comforting him in the very end after they return home.  Secondary grade kids who have an understanding of segregation will enjoy this coming of age story that is at times comical just as it is serious as it focuses on race and social standing, along with family, friendship and morality.  Many kids will also be able to relate to the inner thoughts of Kenny, as he struggles to find his place and make sense of the world around.  What some kids will also be able to appreciate is that the love this family has for one another, no matter how many wrongs Byron did or the mistake Kenny made with going swimming, they are always there to support one another.  This is a 1996 Newbery Honor Book.

Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's Shadow

Bartoletti, S.C.  (2005).  Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s shadow.  New York:  Scholastic.

The Hitler Youth was created when Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany in 1933.  This informational text tells of how the organization came to be, which was from youth that believed and trusted in Hitler’s ideals of how to make Germany the greatest nation anyone has ever seen.  The experiences of certain Hitler Youth survivors are shared as they all reveal their reasoning for joining Hitler Youth and how the creation of organization impacted their lives and the lives of others around them.  These survivors then tell about their struggles with coming to terms of how blindsided they were to the truth once the organization 1disbanded.  The historic black-and-white photographs expose the life that many of these youths had under Hitler’s regime.  And though many of these photographs capture smiling individuals, it is easy to see how people became ignorant to the reality of what was really going on within Germany.  With the provision of more informational resources, such as what became of those who shared their experiences, is an excellent resource for history teachers or those researching the effects and aftermath of Hitler’s rule.  And though Elie Wiesel’s Night is an autobiography about his survival of the Holocaust, English teachers may use this information text to add more background information of life during that time.  With themes about morality and loss of innocence, this is a read for secondary grade kids.  This is a 2006 Newbery Honor Book and a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book.

The Crossover

Alexander, K.  (2014).  The crossover.  New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Josh Bell and his twin brother, Jordan, are young basketball players with mad skills and so far, everything seems to be perfect.  However, the relationship between the two brothers becomes strained and when Jordan starts paying more attention to the new girl, the dynamics between the brothers changes, and neither one knows how to fix it.  Unfortunately, it isn’t until the passing of their father that they realize just how much they will always need each other.  Alexander does an excellent job in creating a rhythmically poetic novel, with uses of alliteration and onomatopoeia, to create the real-life illustrations he wants the reader to see.  The various text styles, sizes, and fonts also assist in creating the tone and mood of the characters within the story.  The Bell family is also brought to life with Josh’s interactions with his family and the thought process he has when making conscious decisions.  With more mature themes about family and brotherhood, this coming of age telling is a definite reading for secondary grade kids, whether they love the game of basketball or not.  This is a 2015 Newbery Medal Winner.  Here is the link to the author’s website: http://kwamealexander.com/