For the Love of Literacy

This book’s playful text and illustrations convey to readers that mistakes can be opportunities for learning, growth, and creativity. Illustrations expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the messaging that mistakes can be a stepping stone to an inspiration or a masterpiece. Teachers can use this text to:  teach about Growth Mindset teach lessons about making mistakes ------- Author/ Illustrator: Corinna Luyken Year Published: 2017 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8, Grades PK - 3 Genre: Picture book

This true story teaches young readers that believing in oneself and having courage to persevere is the greatest ability of all. Born with a deformed leg in Ghana, many judged and dismissed Emmanuel due to his disability. Throughout this text, there is a unifying theme of overcoming adversity. Thompson does a fantastic job grounding the story in facts, providing details that are vivid, accurate and linked to the accomplishments of Emmanuel (Galda, 2017). Teachers can use this text to:  explore themes such as overcoming adversity, perseverance, and self-reliance Culturally Response Teaching discuss conversations about privilege  ------- Author:  Laurie Ann Thompson Illustrator:  Sean Qualls Year Published:  2015 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 5-8 , Grades  K-2 Genre: Memoir

Nguyen brings readers an unforgettable story about a Vietnamese American girl whose life in unexpectedly transformed by a California wildfire. The main character, Simone, is multidimensional; changing and developing over time as she experiences evacuating from her home and learning the tale of her mom's experience of evacuating as a kid due to flooding. This powerful tale is one that many can relate to  and has a theme that is intrinsic to the story and applicable to readers' lives. Hope and healing in the wake of generations of displacement is a real feeling for many.  Teachers can use this text to:  explore themes such as hope and healing fictional supplemental to nonfiction learning about wildfires in parts of our country Culturally Response Teaching ------- Author: Viet Thanh Nguyen Illustrator: Minnie Phan Year Published: 2024 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 5-9, Grades K-4 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Culturally Diverse  

Uncle Jed is a talented barber, beloved by many, who even without a shop never gives up on his dream. The setting is integral to the story and evokes a vivid historical time consistent with historical and geographical evidence. Social issues are portrayed honestly, without condoning bias for race, gender, or other differences. "Even though I was unconscious, the doctors wouldn't look at me until they finished with all the white patients" (Mitchell, 1998). This book is a fantastic is a fantastic read aloud for young children to teach them, regardless of time, place, situation, to never give up on their dreams. Teachers can use this text:  to teach about topics such as saving money, segregation, perseverance, and grit culturally Response Teaching use as a read aloud or anchor text for writing ------- Author: Margaree King Mitchell Illustrator: James E. Ransome Year Published: 1998 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-7, Grades K-2 Genre: Historical Fiction  

This story exemplifies characteristics of excellence in narrative fiction. The text and illustrations work together to establish setting, characters, and theme that many students, especially student who move to a new place, can relate to. The way Vo illustrates the characters to look like aliens and the language they speak to look like symbols is a great analogy for what it must look/sound/feel like for students who are from a different place that speak a different language. The problems are believable and are solved in a realistic, culturally grounded way. The "foreign words and people" gradually start to morph into people Dat recognizes and understands. The illustrations clearly expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the text. (Galda,2017)  Teachers can use this text to:  teach lessons of friendship and acceptance of differences inspire students to reach out to students who may be new Culturally Response Teaching ------- Author/Illustrator:  Young V...

Vera Brosgol provides readers of all ages with a heartwarming literary experience. As Freda thinks about all of the things she wants to save in jars, readers are undoubtedly prompted to think about things in their life that they would want to "bottle up" and save as well. Language is rich and Brosgol's extensive use of adjectives and figurative language helps readers connect with how Freda truly feels about Blueberries and other special things. The Illustrations expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the text. The recipe at the end of the book is also a wonderful touch, that young readers with certainly enjoy! Teachers can use this text:  Anchor text for writing about favorite things enjoy a heartwarming read aloud ------- Autho/Illustrator:  Vera Brosgol Year Published:  2021 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8 / Grades PK+ Genre: Picture book

A young boy with Dyslexia loves to write, but struggles to get his ideas down on paper. Through grit, determination, and the support of an inspiring author, Abdul learns a powerful lesson about making mistakes. Illustrator, Tiffany Rose, captivates readers will illustrations that perfectly capture the emotions and experiences of Abdul. They expand on the story appropriately, reflecting and extending the text (specifically when showing what Abdul's stories look like on paper - eraser marks, holes, and all). A powerful text that can be enjoyed by teachers and students alike. Teachers can use this text:  to teach lessons about acceptance and learning differences read aloud featuring characters from Philadelphia ------- Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrator: Tiffany Rose Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8, Grades K-3   Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction 

 Mirha, the main character, is very excited for her first day of school. Unfortunately, when her classmates cannot pronounce her name, she contemplates changing it to an "easier name". As in all contemporary realistic fiction books, Mirha is a multidimensional characters, who's feelings change and develop overtime. Her problem is believable and is solved in a realistic, culturally grounded way, when she has a conversation with her mother learning the heritage of her name and the powerful meaning behind it. What a powerful book to use at the beginning of the school year to teach the power of one's name and how to stand up for yourself. Teachers can use this text:  as a beginning of the year read aloud/ discussion about names discussions about standing up for yourself and loving your name ------- Author/ Illustrator: Anoosha Syed Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Grade PK - 1 Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture books   

  Known for her groundbreaking research and determination to change people's perspective on sharks, Eugenie Clark dedicated her life to discovering the truth about sharks that no other person was able to do. In this awe-inspiring biography, themes of grit and overcoming obstacles shine through. Readers will be able to tell that the story is grounded in fact as noted through the timeline included of Eugenie's life and many unknown shark facts.  Teachers can use this text:  to teach about inspiring women, STEM,  a narrative nonfiction supplement to learning about sharks ------- Author: Jess Keating Illustrator: Marta Alvarez Year Published: 2017 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 3-8, Grades K-4 Genre: Biography

  In this masterfully crafted memoir, written from the perspective of a four-year-old, Curtis captures the simple joys that come from "growing up" and the pride that comes with it. Children and adults will love sharing in the little girls celebration as she tells the tale of all of the things she has accomplished in her four and a half years. Cornell's illustrations help the reader visualize the time and place and illuminate the memories and moments the little girl shares.  Teachers can use this text:  as a mentor text for narrative writing to teach about perspective, craft, and other writing skills discuss themes of developing freedom and independence ------- Author: Jamie Lee Curtis Illustrator: Laura Cornell Year Published: 1995 Target Age/ Grade Level: Grades PK-3 Genre: Memoir, Picture book

  Authors John Skewes and Michael Mullen have created a series of nonfiction narrative style texts for children. This parallel text with a fictional story matches factual information in the captions to introduce young children to the beauty and history of the city of brotherly love in a fun and engaging way. The intriguing illustrations of historical sites and whimsical characters enhance and extend the understanding of Philadelphia and all of his history.  Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud during a social studies lesson to teach about the city of Philadelphia ------- Authors: Michael Mullin and John Skewes Illustrator: John Skewes Year Published: 2013 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 3-7/ Grades PreK - 2 Genre: Nonfiction, PictureBook

Kelly Yang brings young readers an awe-inspiring book about Asian American change agents who did everything they can to achieve their dreams and inspire others. Each illustration, created by a different Asian American artist, helps readers visualize the information presented in the text. The narrative style structure answers the questions can "we accomplish whatever we dream"  while simultaneously presenting facts about Asian Americans who helped shape our country (Yang, 2022). Readers can retrieve information in captions while also learning more about each person in the detailed authors note at the end of the book.  Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud for culturally response teaching  during Asian American Heritage Month  as an anchor text at the beginning of the year (hopes and dreams discussion) ------- Author: Kelly Yang Illustrator: (See text cover) Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8/ Grades PreK - 3 Genre: Nonfiction

  In Tomie DePaola's version of Mother Goose young readers can enjoy the magic of the rhythmic nursery rhymes that have been handed down by word of mouth for generations in combination with his illustrations that fans have come to love. "The illustrations complement and extend the narrative" of each rhyme providing readers with vivid images that enhance the meaning DePaola wants his readers to take away (Galda, 2017).  Teachers can use this text to: help children develop early literacy skills such as rhyming, letter-sound correspondence, and print awareness.  build phonemic awareness and oral language fluency ------- Author/ Illustrator: Tomie DePaola Year Published: 1985/2011 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8/ Grades Preschool - 3 Genre: Folklore

In  Toy Dance Party, readers will fall so deeply in love with a courageous buffalo named Lumpy, an ever so bossy StingRay, and a little round ball named Plastic, that they will almost forget that the characters are not real people. "Children like to see animals dressed like people and believe in them readily. Young children often are willing to invest in any kind of creature or object with human characteristics" making this a perfect fantasy novel (Galda, 2017). Jenkins does a magnificent job weaving in relatable themes like friendship and the meaning of life, while connecting with any child who has ever had a deep connection to an inanimate object. Stingrays do not play cards and washing machines do not sing so it is very easy for young readers to decipher between fact and fantasy, while still enjoying this imaginative tale.  Teachers can use this text: as a "feel good" read aloud for students to connect with and enjoy to teach themes of friendship, imagination, an...

  Holidays & Celebrations is wonderful introduction to multicultural celebrations around the world.  Brown and Konak offer readers a creative way to explore and engage with the text. The shine-a-light format literally illuminates the facts and concepts in both the illustrations and the words. Not only do the authors present facts in an age appropriate way, readers are encouraged to engage by answering the question on each page. Children and adults alike will be excited to learn about different cultures and explore more books in this series.  Teachers can use this text to: launch conversations about different cultures, celebrations, and traditions increase engagement during independent reading analyze the creative ways authors and illustrators engage their readers discuss how illustrations can extend and enhance the meaning of the words in a text ------- Author(s)/ Illustrator(s): Carron Brown & Ipek Konak Year Published: 2021 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 5-8...

  In this fun, narrative style nonfiction picture book, young students will be drawn in by the creative way Shaskan teaches about capital letters. She clearly describes how to use a capital letter and gives explicit examples. The text and illustrations are attractive as well as informative, clearing revealing the author's enthusiasm about the subject. The format of the book is appropriate for young learners and provides them with pages of examples of how to use a capital letter.  Teachers can use this text to: introduce conventions of writing integrate reading and writing during a literacy block showcase different types of nonfiction texts ------- Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan Illustrator: Sara Gray Year Published: 2010 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 7-10/ Grades K-2 Genre: Nonfiction, Picturebook 

  As soon as the text is opened, readers embark on a captivating journey through Hawaii and it's beautiful culture. With it's stunning hand-painted illustrations and delightful rhyming poetry, "Aloha Everything" transports readers through the colorful and breathtaking islands that hold so much history and meaning to it's people. George and Waite weave stunning hand-painted illustrations and language that is innovative, blending 25 Hawaiian words seamlessly into the English text, offering a unique experience for children and adults alike.  Through lyrical verses and vivid imagery, the authors masterfully convey the significance of aloha, inviting readers to delve deeper into the connections between language, culture, and traditions. Additionally, the authors have included a helpful pronunciation guide and glossary, at the end, further enriching the reading experience, providing valuable insights into the language and heritage of Hawaii.  Teachers can use this text ...

The classical song,  The Carnival of the Animals, has been recognized for years for it's playful melodies, humor, rhythm and cadence. Prelutsky and    GrandPré, have artfully crafted a poetic anthology that brings the silly habits of animals to life. "Poetry draws young readers into listening. Students pay attention to poetry because it plays with the sounds of language; uses interesting, intriguing words; deals with fascinating topics" (Galda, 2017).  Children love animals. The content of these verses are interesting and can easily be understood by children. The use of  rhyming, alliteration, repetition, and word choice enhances the meaning behind the musicality and poetry.   As children are introduced to this musical classic, so too are they to the art of mixed-media illustrations. The way   GrandPré artistically illustrates the birds made of music notes and the donkeys hee-haws cracking the night sky is exquisite.  The language and carefu...

When I Wrap My Hair, is a lyrical masterpiece that offers an intense outpouring of emotion and connection that any reader can feel. Grant's rhythmic word choice and use of metaphors combined with  Mohammed's creative use of curved lines and textures/ colors that resemble head covers often seen used among African woman,  helps create a beautiful poetic experience for young readers. The traditional act of hair wrapping is clearly celebrated and this tradition that spans generations is positively portrayed. The rich word choice and vivid illustrations work together to "enhance and extend the [joyful] feelings established by the text (Galda, 2017).  Teachers can use this text to: introduce and make connections to African cultures showcase how illustrators convey meaning and feelings using a variety of colors, lines, shapes, and other design elements teach figurative language introduce poetry launch discussions about family and cultural traditions ------- Author: Shauntay Gran...

  A Cinderella story like no other. This captivating folklore picture book delves into the classic tale across various cultures, including Mexico, Korea, Iraq, France, Germany, India, Appalachia, and more. With 17 diverse versions from around the globe, readers will encounter familiar elements like glass slippers and an awful stepmother alongside unique twists such as lentils in the fire and a breadfruit coach. Fleischman is able to maintain a captivating storyline that "preserves the straightforward structure of oral stories" (Galda, 2017), while weaving in a variety of cultural nuances. Readers will also notice how Paschkis thoughtfully uses colors and themes in his illustrators to convey authentic cultural details that beautifully enhances the tale. Two beautiful aspects of this story, conveyed through the illustrations, is the framing around a mother and daughter reading together, as well as a richly colored map highlighting the origins of each story. A fresh take on the ...