Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler
This is a great picture book for all ages, especially for the beginning of the year when we work on rule setting. It helps build children's empathy and gives them a chance to see how others interpret their playground behavior.
Finding Wonders Three Girls Who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins
This beautiful book is written in verse about three amazing women that shaped the world of science: Maria Merian, who through careful observation discovered the truth about metamorphosis; Mary Anning, who discovered a fossil that changed how people saw the past; and Maria Mitchell, who loved to study the night sky and eventually discovered a new comet. It's a beautiful combination of science, history and prose.
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
This poetic text celebrates our flag and the beautiful diversity that makes up our country. The illustrations are absolutely stunning!
7 Ate 9 by Tara Lazar
Get ready to romp through the numbers in a way you never expected. 7 ate 9, did that really happen? Will this numerical mystery be solved? Get ready for some fun puns along the way too!
Can an Aardvark Bark? by Melissa Stewart
This is such a great book to spark curiosity in our students. Do you know if an aardvark can bark or how other animals communicate? Read this book to immerse yourself in the world of animals and learn some fascinating facts about how they communicate with each other.
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires
Lou loves adventures and there isn't anything she won't try, as long as those adventures are on ground level. This is a fantastic picture book on risk taking and having a growth mindset.
Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
Now I am not a huge fan of bees (being allergic and all), but this picture book captivated, me. It has such voice and has great nonfiction text features for children to explore. It's a great book to spark student curiosity. It will make you want to be a bee champion.
A Small Thing...but Big by Tony Johnston
Lizzie and her mom are at the park where she meets an elderly gentleman with his dog Cecile. Lizzie is afraid of dogs, but her new friend helps her one step at a time to overcome them. Getting over your fears can seem like a small thing...but it sure can feel big. It is a wonderful picture book that reminds us to celebrate the small things in our lives because they are big.
Olympig! by Victoria Jamieson
Boomer the pig has been training hard for the animal Olympics. This is a terrific picture book on understanding how to handle loss and what is truly important (effort and never giving up). It is written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, author of the graphic novel Roller Girl. She makes Boomer come alive throughout the pages.
A Stick is an Excellent Thing Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play by Marilyn Singer
Marilyn Singer does it again. She takes everyday games and makes them magical through poetry. A stick is truly an excellent thing.
The Warden's Daughter by Jerry Spinelli
Cammie, the warden's daughter, has been a prisoner of her own emotions for 12 years. Can she be set free? A riveting middle grade novel about family, loss, strength, growth and love. Jerry's writing is captivating. It makes you root for, cry with and be frustrated at the characters at the same time. Simply spectacular.
It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk by Josh Funk
This gem comes out on September 9th. Jack is not happy with narrator of his fairy tale. He has been told to sell his favorite cow from magic beans, climb an ENORMOUS beanstalk, steal from a GIANT and he has had enough. Jack decides to take control of his own fairy tale and you'll never guess what happens next.
Written by the author of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast!
I Dissent Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
A powerful picture book of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This book will show you how to use your voice to stand up for what you believe in and how to dream big.
That Neighbor Kid by Daniel Miyares
This almost wordless picture book will spark your curiosity and imagination as you fall in love with the characters. It's all about friendship and working together. Daniel Miyares is a genius.
Shine by Patrick McDonnell
A sweet story about changing your perspective and creating a positive mindset, letting your light shine!
Jabari Jumps by Gala Cornwall
Jabari is excited to show his dad that he can jump off the diving board. But when he gets there he's not sure if he can do it. A terrific story about risk taking, about being a little bit braver than you are scared. Perfect pairing with A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord.
Disrupting Thinking Why How We Read Matters by Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst
Teachers if you read only one professional text this year, this should be it. A thought provoking text about the types of readers we want to help shape.
All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Imogene is 11 years old. She has two parents that work at the Renaissance Faire and she is excited to start her training as a squire. She is also starting middle schol after being homeschooled. It captures the trials and tribulations of middle school in the most unique way. It's perfect for fifth grade on up.
Flashlight Night by Matt Forrest Esenwine
What happens when you combine a flashlight with a story - a magical adventure that you will want to devour. You will fall in love with Fred Koehler's illustrations - wow! The perfect book to read on a summer night with a flashlight in hand. Where will adventure take you?
Fergus and Zeke by Kate Messner
These two furry friends jumped off the page and into my heart. Fergus loves being the class pet and does everything that the students do - until they decide to take a field trip to the museum. Fergus doesn't want to miss the fun so he stows away in a backpack. Fergus and Zeke has a little rule following plus some new adventures which equals one great story. Perfect for second grade on up.
Lexie the Word Wrangler by Rebecca VanSlyke
Yeehaw this picture book will have you whooping up some word fun. It is a clever book that will help you explore how words are connected.
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ada captured my heart again in this sequel to The War That Saved My Life, coming out on October 3rd. Ada explores who she is as her life changes and World War II rages on. It will make you want to Ada's special kind of brave. "You can know things all you like, and someday you might believe them."
