An “A” from Miss Keller by Patricia Polacco

Polacco, Patricia. An “A” from Miss Keller. New York: Penguin Young Readers Group, 2015.

This is a great book about a girl named Trisha who is nervous about having one of the most strict teachers. Her teacher, Miss Keller, has never given any of her students A’s. Trisha is desperately trying her best on all of her assignments and is still not getting the best grades! Trisha faces a tragedy in her neighborhood during her troubles of getting an A. Will she ever get an A?  

This book will get an A from your students! It is perfect for teaching kids to be persistent. It is also a great book for teaching kids how to include more detail in their writing.  

By guest bloggers Kirsten and Naiya, 4 Chaddock

Zero by Kathryn Otoshi

Otoshi, Kathryn. Zero. Novato: Ko Kids Books, 2010. 32p.

This fun, playful book is about the number zero. He has a big hole right in the center of him! He is sad, and he feels left out because he thinks he has no value. He tries twisting and turning into other numbers, but it does not work. He has to watch the numbers count every day and it makes him feel even more depressed. Will he find his own value, or will he stay the same?!

This book would be good for kindergarten through first grade. It teaches kids math and place value in a fun way! It also teaches kids character education and shows that everybody matters, even if you feel you are different. The creative rhyming in this book will teach kids how to write poetry. 

                                                   

By guest bloggers Olivia and Katrina, 4 Chaddock

I’m My Own Dog by David Stein

Stein, David. I’m My Own Dog. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2014. 32p.

In this book, a little dog is prideful and he thinks he can live without anyone. But there is something he notices that he can’t do all by himself. He is still prideful and acts like a boss, but something about him changes!

This is a highly recommended book for kids with a love of animals. It is a hilarious book for teacher read-alouds in kindergarten through first grade. It’s also great for teaching kids how to use punctuation as they read and write. It will give your students good writing ideas for their own stories too!   

By guest bloggers Carter and David, 4 Chaddock

Pig Is Big on Books by Douglas Florian

Florian, Douglas. Pig Is Big on Books. New York: Holiday House, 2015. 24p.

Pig is big on books. He reads every day, everywhere. When he cannot find any books one day, he devises a clever plan to solve the problem!

This brief book, featuring one sentence on most double-page spreads, will give beginning readers confidence. It could also serve as a mentor text for writing personal narratives and as an example of author's craft (using the same sentence as a story lead and conclusion).  

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt

Daywalt, Drew. The Day the Crayons Came Home. New York: Philomel Books, 2015. 48 p.

In this highly anticipated sequel to The Day the Crayons Quit, Duncan receives postcards from the crayons that he has abandoned in various locations. This hilarious book, great for read-alouds and independent reading, is perfect for teaching the skill of inferring (as much of the humor comes from readers' inferences). It will also make an outstanding mentor text for teaching writing from someone or something else's perspective.   

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

Sisson,Stephanie. Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2014. 40p.

As a young boy, Carl Sagan was curious about everything around him. His imagination took him everywhere. But then, he saw some stars. Not knowing what they were, he looked at them every day. How did he find out what they really were? How did he become one of the world's most famous astronomers? Read this interesting book to find out!!! 

This book teaches kids about creativity and some basic facts about space. It's perfect for science and for reading and writing biographies. Its illustrations show some important facts as well.

By: Guest bloggers Jaden, Jake and Zack F., 4 Chaddock

Uni the Unicorn: A Story About Believing by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Rosenthal, Amy. Uni the Unicorn: A Story About Believing. New York: Random House Children's Books, 2014. 48p.

Uni the Unicorn is like all unicorns except for one thing...  She believes in little girls. She knows there's a little girl somewhere out there. Not far away, there is a little girl who believes in unicorns. Will they ever meet? Or will their dreams be crushed?

We think this would be a good book for teaching students to avoid bullying by not judging people by their beliefs and by liking people for who they are! It is also great for giving students writing ideas and inspiration. Finally, it's a book with amazing illustrations!!!

By: Guest bloggers Alora and Ruthie, 4 Chaddock

Winter Is Coming by Tony Johnston

Johnston, Tony. Winter is Coming. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014. 40p.

A little girl is exploring outside in autumn. She draws pictures of every animal she sees while watching them from a tree house. All of the things she sees and draws are signs that winter is coming. The little girl feels that winter is coming- but will it?

This beautifully illustrated book is great for kindergarten through fourth grade. It's the perfect book for teaching about the environment, seasons and writing that paints a picture in your mind. Last but definitely not least, this book is wonderful for art. We hope you enjoy this majestic book!    
     
By: Guest bloggers Amanda and Brooke, 4 Chaddock           

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. 320 p.

This 2015 Newbery Honor Book is moving, inspirational and essential for writing workshop in grades 4 and up! Through free verse poems, acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson shares her childhood with readers, giving us glimpses of the moments that shaped her development as a writer. While highlighting memories of life in Ohio, South Carolina and Brooklyn during the 1960s and 1970s, she expresses the frustrations and triumphs of desegregation, the joys of time spent with family and friends, the pain of losing loved ones, the excitement she feels when she begins emulating famous authors, and her gradual realization that, "Words are my brilliance."

This is a book that you and your students will revisit often! It's a beautiful read and a powerful mentor text.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Bell, Cece. El Deafo. New York: Amulet Books, 2014. 248 p.

This Newbery Honor book, presented in graphic novel format, features the story of Cece, a girl who tries to navigate school, family and friendships after losing her hearing at an early age. Based on the author's childhood, the story portrays the hilarity and heartbreak of growing up and is sure to open readers' hearts while helping them become more empathetic, understanding people.  

My Blue is Happy by Jessica Young

Young, Jessica. My Blue is Happy. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2013. 32p.

A young narrator shares her family members' thoughts about various colors and contrasts them with her own. While her sister's blue is "sad like a lonely song," the narrator's blue is "happy, like favorite jeans and a splash in the pool on a hot day." This is a wonderful book for inspiring creative, descriptive writing or for exploring colors and their effects in art classes.  

Someday by Eileen Spinelli

Spinelli, Eileen. Someday. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2007. 32p.  

A young girl dreams of the many incredible things she will do in the future. Whimsical illustrations support two-page spreads alternating between "Someday" and "Today" in this wonderful book for discussing hopes, dreams and the path to achieving them. 

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Graff, Lisa. Absolutely Almost. New York: Philomel Books, 2014. 288p.  

Albie is going into fifth grade and has always been told that he is almost successful. School is a struggle for him, as is making new friends. When he is forced to attend a public school, he is faced with the challenges of math club, spelling and reading difficulties, and tough decisions about which classmates to trust. Ultimately, he must decide whether or not being "cool" is worthwhile. With the help of a new nanny and an inspirational math teacher, Albie begins to discover that there are many things he does know after all.

This is a powerfully reflective book and one without easy, happy solutions. It will lead to many class discussions about the way that we treat one another and about how and why people are persistent despite major disappointments. One of the book's most memorable quotes, "You can't get where you're going without being where you've been," will make an especially poignant springboard for writing and conversation. Students could even create their own "Things I Know" lists after reading the book's final chapter!      

The Story of Fish & Snail by Deborah Freedman

Freedman, Deborah. The Story of Fish & Snail. New York: Viking, 2013. 40p.

Fish and Snail are best friends who share adventures inside a book together until Fish finds a new book of adventures and Snail is reluctant to join him. Soft, beautiful pencil and watercolor illustrations accompany this memorable story of working through disagreements within friendships and finding the bravery to try something new. 

Night of the Veggie Monster by George McClements

McClements, George. Night of the Veggie Monster. New York: Bloomsbury, 2008. 32p.  

In this humorous book, a boy describes in detail what happens to him when he is forced to eat peas for dinner. He later realizes that peas aren't so bad after all, but broccoli poses a real threat! 

Kids will love the colorful, unique mixed media illustrations and will have fun reading the parents' speech bubbles. This is a wonderful book for teaching young writers how to describe a small moment with vivid details.  

The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco

Polacco, Patricia. The Art of Miss Chew. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2012. 32p.

In this autobiographical book, author/ illustrator Patricia Polacco shares the "defining moment" in her childhood when she knew she would grow up to become an artist. This is the inspiring tale of a classroom teacher and an art teacher who, despite Patricia's difficulties reading and taking tests, recognized her strengths and fought for her ability to develop them.  

How to Train a Train by Jason Eaton

Eaton, Jason Carter. How to Train a Train. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2013. 32p.

This fictional, imaginative guide teaches train lovers how to choose, capture and care for a pet train. Jason Eaton's text, which speaks directly to readers, combines with John Rocco's beautiful cartoon illustrations for a fun read! It's also a great model for "How To" writing units (despite its fiction status).

Note: Since some of the text and illustrations depict dangerous situations, be sure to read the author's note at the end of the book to children and/or explain why it is never ok to stand on train tracks.    

Ice Bear: In the Steps of a Polar Bear by Nicola Davies

Davies, Nicola. Ice Bear: In the Steps of a Polar Bear. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2005. 32p.

This beautifully-written account of a polar bear's life includes many interesting facts on adaptation. The conclusion highlights lessons humans have learned from this amazing species and a couple of ways in which we can protect polar bears' habitat by making eco-friendly choices in our everyday lives. 

Note: This version also includes a read-along CD with music and additional polar bear facts. 

Picture Yourself Writing Poetry: Using Photos to Inspire Writing by Laura Salas

Salas, Laura Purdie. Picture Yourself Writing Poetry: Using Photos to Inspire Writing. North Mankato: Capstone Press, 2012. 32p.

This writing guide, filled with tips, examples and prompts, will help students develop as poets. They will learn how to include sensory details, write metaphors, choose "emotional nouns" and "moody verbs," develop voice and character within their poems, experiment with different styles of poetry and much more. 

Use portions of this book in your mini-lessons, or share it with individual students for inspiration!  

Spoon by Amy Rosenthal

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. Spoon. New York: Hyperion Books, 2009. 40p.

Spoon thinks that his friends Knife, Fork and Chopsticks have much better, more exciting lives than he does. With the help of his mother, Spoon finally realizes how fortunate he is and what makes him truly special.

This is a wonderful community-building book, as it will lead to conversations or writing pieces on recognizing and appreciating each classroom member's unique abilities.