When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry...

When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry...

Author/Illustrator: Molly Bang

Genre: Children's Literature
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Primary Characters: Sophie

Secondary Characters: Mother, Father, Sister

Publishing: Blue Sky Press, 1999

Awards: Caldecott Honor 2000

Theme: Different people handle emotions in different ways.

Summary: Sophie hates to share. So when her mother makes her share gorilla with her sister, Sophie gets angry- very angry. She screams, runs, and climbs a tree to vent. Once she is calm again she returns home.

In a classroom setting, this book could be used in a lesson of different emotions. The students could write about how they act when overwhelmed with different emotion, i.e. anger, sadness, happiness.

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

Author: Steve Jenkins

Illustrator: Robin Page

Genre: Nonfiction

Sub Genre: Science
Primary and Secondary Characters: Different Animals

Publishing: Houghton Miffin Company, 2003

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book 2004

Theme: The different parts of animals are in charge of different tasks.

Summary: This book teaches children about animals through the function of various body parts. It is an interactive book that keeps the children engaged and thinking.

In a classroom, this book could be used as an introduction to different animals and how they function. Lessons pertaining to this book would most likely be geared towards preschool age students.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Author: Langston Hughes

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Genre: Poetry

Sub Genre: African American Literature

Primary and Secondary Characters: African Americans across the globe

Publishing: Disney Jump at the Sun Books, 2009

Awards: Coretta Scott King 2009

Theme: roots and heritage of African Americans

Summary: A poem about the journeys of the African American race around the world. It relates the many locations by the rivers within each one.

In a classroom, this book could serve as an introduction to Black History Month or the history of slavery.

The Hello Goodbye Window

The Hello Goodbye Window

Author: Norton Juster
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Genre: Fiction
Sub Genre: Childrens' Literature
Primary Characters: Nana, Poppy, and the Narrator
Secondary Characters: Mom and Dad
Publishing: Scholastic Inc., 2005
Awards: Caldecott Medal 2005

Theme: Imagination and family are valuable things.

Summary: A little girl visits her grandparents' house and is intrigued by their kitchen window. She imagines the window allows her to see wonderful things in life. She decides she wants a Hello Goodbye Window when she gets older and owns her own house.

In a classroom, this book can assist in art projects or imagination exercises. The students' could create their own window and then write about what they could see through their magical window.

Giraffes Can't Dance

Giraffes Can't Dance

Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Genre: Fiction
Sub Genre: Rhyme
Primary Characters: Gerald the Giraffe
Secondary Characters: the Cricket and all the other animals of the jungle
Publishing: Orchard Books 2001
Awards: N/A

Theme: Be yourself no matter the circumstances.

Summary: Gerald the giraffe can't dance, and the other animals of the jungle laugh at him. He leaves the dance party feeling lonely, but he runs into Cricket who helps realize he can dance to his own song. The whole jungle then sees how great of dancer Gerald can be.

In a classroom, this book can be used to address the topics of bullying, being yourself, and/or doing your own thing. The students can write journal entries about the tasks and activities they are good at doing.

Ella Takes the Cake

Ella Takes the Cake

Author: Carmela D'amico

Illustrator: Steven D'amico

Genre: Fiction

Sub Genre: Childrens' Literature

Primary Characters: Ella and Ella's Mother

Secondary Characters: Belinda, Mr. Banjo, Mr. Kernel, Mr. Sneed and Mrs. Melba

Publishing: Arthur A. Levine 2005

Awards: Oppeheim Toy Portfolio Award Gold Seal

Theme: Helping reaps good for all.

Summary: Ella the elephant wants to help her mother at the bakery. Along the way, she encounters adventures and challenges in delivering a special cake for her mother.

In a classroom, this book could aid in a lesson on the importance of helping. As an activity, the students could write a journal entry on the many different ways they help around the classroom or at home. 

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed

Author: Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Illustrator: Judythe Sieck

Genre: Fiction

Sub Genre: Realistic

Primary Characters: Ella Sarah

Secondary Characters: Mom, Dad, Big Sister

Publishing: Harcourt Inc., 2004

Awards: Caldecott Honor 2004

Theme: Individuality should be expressed.

Summary: Ella Sarah is getting dressed, and her family has many suggestions for her. However, Ella Sarah has her own ideas. She wants to wear the outfit of her choice. Needless to say her outfit of choice verbalizes her individuality.

In a classroom, this book can be used to express the idea that it's okay to be you. Also, it can help aid in a discussion of the importance of individuality, creativity and/or self expression.

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

Author/Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sub genre: Realistic Comedy

Primary Characters: James and Eamon

Secondary Characters: the grandparents, Bill and Pam

Publishing: Harcourt Inc., 2008

Awards: Caldecott Honor 2009

Theme: Friendship is beneficial and adventurous.

Summary: Two friends, Eamon and James, spend a week of their summer break at Eamon's grandparents' house. During their stay, they attend a nature camp, learn new words, enjoy banana waffles, and visit Antarctica. Essentially, it is the tale of their best week ever!

In a classroom, this delightful book can be used to introduce students to writing memories down so that they can be enjoyed by others. Also, it can initiate a class discussion about each child's summer adventures.