40 Great Books For The Classroom
BOOK 1
Genre: Folk-Tale
Title: The Little Red Hen
Level: K – 2nd
Author: Margot Zemach
Illustrator: J.P. Miller
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-307-96030-7
Summary: Little red hen tries to get the rest of the farm animals to help her plant her
wheat. When no one can help her, she “does it herself”. By the end of the story the
animals learn a valuable lesson in helping each other. This would be a great book to
teach about teamwork.
Rating: 4 stars
BOOK 2
Genre: Animal Fiction
Title: Wild About Books
Level: K – 2nd
Author: Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-375-92538-4
Summary: Fun rhyming book about reading. All the animals love reading good books
and the story mentions different genre types of books which would make it a great
book to open discussion about the differ styles of writing we can find in books. The
story follows all the animals through silly rhymes and ends with them making their
own library.
Rating: 5 Stars
BOOK 3
Genre: Tall Tale
Title: BUGS!
Level: K – 3rd (Because it is so silly gross)
Author: David T. Greenberg
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Publication Information /ISBN: 0-439-07779-6
Summary: This is a fun book to be silly with the class, yet it also does a great job at
rhyming words to tell a complete story by time it is over. A little boy is trying to talk
himself out of being scare of bugs and tries to think of ways to make them not seem
so scary.
Older students would also like this book because the story is pretty gross and would
keep them interested. REALLY FUN PICTURES!!
Rating: 5 Stars
BOOK 4
Genre: Realist Fiction
Title: The Quilt Story
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Tony Johnson
Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-698-11368-3
Summary: This story is about the constancy of motherly love, even when everything
else in the world seems to change. The quilt, crafted by a mother's loving hands,
wraps the child in love both physically and metaphorically. The story follows the quilt
from its creation in pioneer days, through to its restoration in modern times. It also
follows two girls through the experience of moving, one in a wagon, one in a moving
van. Of all the books I read to my daughter, this is the one book that I can't get
through without choking up, it touches me so deeply. I think the importance I attach
to this story reflects the importance I attach to rocking my daughter, and my hope
that she will see my love as all-encompassing, and permanent.
Rating: 5 Stars
BOOK 5
Genre: Tall Tale
Title: The Velveteen Rabbit
Level: K – 2nd
Author: Margery Williams
Illustrator: Kirsten Soderlind
Publication Information / ISBN: Ottenheimer Publishers
Summary: A young boy and a toy rabbit he got for a Christmas present are the best
of friends. They are always together and the little boy believes the rabbit is real. One
day the boy gets really sick and the rabbit has to be burned with all of his other toys.
Because of the boys’ true love and belief in the rabbit being real, magic happens and
the rabbit becomes real. I LOVE this story, it is heartfelt and would be great to read
to the students around Christmas time to help them know it is all about what you
BELIEVE
Rating: 5 Stars
BOOK 6
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Title: Time to Sleep
Level: K- 2nd
Author: Denis Fleming
Illustrator: NOT LISTED
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-8050-3762-4
Summary: When bear notices that winter is coming she hurries to tell her friends.
Each animals takes it upon themselves to tell another friend winter is on the way.
The information finally gets back to bear, where she is already sound asleep in her den
for the winter. Fun story to use about animals that hibernate.
Rating: 4 Stars
BOOK 7
Genre: Animal Fiction / Alphabet Book that uses fantasy style pictures
Title: Animalia
Level: K – 3rd (Pictures are fun, could keep the interest of third graders)
Author: Graeme Base
Illustrator: NOT LISTED
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-8109-1939-7
Summary: Within the pages of this book you may discover, if you look beyond the
spell of written words. A hidden land of beast and birds….super fun book with a play
on words that incorporate the alphabet. Extremely vivid pictures and hidden
meanings make this a great book to explore the alphabet.
Rating: 5 Stars because of the pictures
BOOK 8
Genre: Legend – Navajo bilingual book
Title: Ziiniyah: How the Corn Was Saved
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Patricia Hruby Powell
Illustrator: Kendrick Benally
Publication Information /ISBN: 1-893354-38-5
Summary:
A retelling of the Navajo Indian legend which describes a boy, Red Boy, sent on a
quest to find Spider Woman. He talks to a number of animals in this quest and finds
Spider Woman whom tells him of the secret to harvesting an abundance of plants. A
story of adventure! When the Navajo people are on the brink of a devastating famine,
will the boy Red Bird find Spider Woman in time to save the crops?
Rating: 5 Stars, because of its bilingual possibilities
BOOK 9
Genre: Animal Fiction
Title: Good Night Gorilla
Level: K – 1st
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-69-81.1649-6
Summary: This short story is about a mischievous Gorilla that isn’t ready to go to
sleep. He’d rather follow the zookeeper on his rounds and let all of the other animals
out of their cages. Children can identify with the animals, who have toys in their
cages, such as they take a special stuffed animals to bed with them and resist being left
alone in their "rooms" all night;
Rating: 4 Stars, not much available for teaching anything
BOOK 10
Genre: Human Interest Fiction
Title: September 12th... We Knew Everything Would Be All Right
Level: K – 4th – because is it a great book to use if questions arise about 9/11
Author: First Grade Students of H. Byron Masterson Elementary
Illustrator: First Grade Students of H. Byron Masterson Elementary
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-439-44246-X
Summary: This book does two things...it allows the young child to know what
happened on September 11, 2001 without to many gory details and it gives children
comfort in knowing that everything will be all right. This book would be good to read
to children who are asking questions about September 11. As a teacher looking for
the right words to explain it….this book speak for you. Although I don't like to bring
up tragedy, it was written by a group of first graders who did a great job.
Rating: 5 Stars, because kids actually wrote and illustrated this book. So many
useful ways it could be introduced to a classroom.
BOOK 11
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Title: Dog Heaven
Level: K – ?? I would only recommend this book to a child in need of comfort.
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Cynthia Rylant (The 1st book she illustrated completely her self)
Publication Information: 978-0-590-41701-3
Summary: This book is meant to comfort readers who have lost a dog. It could help
bring comfort to a child who as lost a pet. It helps the healing process with pictures of
fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, an ideal
place God would, of course, create for man's best friend.
Rating: 4 Stars, because I would only use it if necessary to help a child that lost
a pet.
BOOK 12
Genre: Realistic Fiction – True Life of Bats
Title: Zipping, Zapping, Zooming BATS
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Anne Earle
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Publication Information: 0-395-77915-4
Summary: This book gives an overview of Bats and their patterns. How bats hunt,
what they hunt and about where and how they live. Describes basic knowledge about
bats. The book includes a plan on how to build a bat house. Bats are useful in
farming areas because they eat insects that threaten plants and vegetables. Would be
good to use to do a small lesson about bats.
Rating: 5 Stars, just because it is useful if you want to study bats.
BOOK 13
Genre: Fable
Title: Grumpy Bird
Level: Kindergarten
Author: Jeremy Tankard
Illustrator: Jeremy Tankard
Publication Information: 978-0-545-01977-4
Summary: This story is about a bird who wakes up grumpy. He was too grumpy to
do anything and decides to take a walk. While taking his walk he encounters several
animals that decide to follow him and put up with his grumpiness. The bird soon
realizes that all these animals are his friends despite his attitude. The bird decides that
having fun and playing games would be a great way to have a better day. Great book
to talk about emotions and the value of being nice so you can have friends.
Rating: 5 Stars, because it could be very useful in a kindergarten classroom.
BOOK 14
Genre: Animal Fiction
Title: Doctor Pig
Level: Kindergarten
Author: Emily Gale
Illustrator: Mark Marshall
Publication Information / ISBN: 978-1-4454-0792-0
Summary: Finley Pig is happy rolling around in the mud, but when Agatha Chicken
calls him lazy, he decides to get a job and become Doctor Pig! This is a charming
story with colorful pictures of children's favorite farm animals is ideal for beginning
readers because of the simple words.
Rating: 4 Stars, very simple book to have in the reading corner only.
BOOK 15
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Title: I Love My Hair
Level: K- 1st
Author: Anne Matheson
Illustrator: Amanda Savo
Publication Information / ISBN: Could not find it 
Summary: Emily LOVES her life! It is a book to encourage readers to celebrate their
uniqueness and embrace the things that make them special. I love feel good books,
and this one is simple in facts, words and emotions.
Rating: 5 Stars, great book for a lesson about loving yourself 
BOOK 16
Genre: Fable, great lesson about friendship
Title: A Flower in the Snow
Level: K – 2nd
Author: Tracey Corderoy & Sophie Allsopp
Illustrator: NOT LISTED - Scholastic
Publication Information /ISBN: 978-0-545-61151-0
Summary: This is a very cute story about friends and what it means to be a good
friend. The pictures are awesome and the story is heart touching. With very simple
words it would be fun to read to the class and then have it be in the reading corner.
Great book to talk about the value of friends.
Rating: 5 Stars, simple words and sweet story
BOOK 17
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Title: My Forever dress
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator: Liz Murphy
Publication Information / ISBN: 978-1-934706-45-9
Summary: A story about sewing and sharing, recycling and remembering, this book
follows a special party dress a grandmother makes for her granddaughter. When her
granddaughter grows taller, new fabric is added. The next year, the dress is ingeniously
turned into a sleeveless jumper. Finally, when the little girl turns ten and is ready for a
new outfit, she decides to give the dress to her little cousin so it can be her forever
dress.
Rating: 5 Stars, good book about sewing and altering, mixing and matching,
and the rituals that connect generations.
BOOK 18
Genre: Animal Fiction
Title: Little Bear’s New Friend
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Muriel Pepin
Illustrator: Marcelle Geneste
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-89577-417-8
Summary: Little bear is unable to sleep during his family’s long winter nap, so little
bear wanders out of his cave and meets a new friend a little wolf pup. They enjoy a
fun day and find their way back to the bears den. It is a great story to highlight that
anyone can be friends 
Rating: 5 Stars
BOOK 19
Genre: Informational
Title: Glow in the Dark, Book of Ocean Creatures
Level: K – 5th
Author: Nicholas Harris
Illustrator: Elisabetta Ferrers, Mariano Valsesia, Gary Hinks
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-7613-1495-4
Summary: This is a FANTASTIC book to use for a class room lesson about the
ocean. It gives detailed facts about the characteristics of the ocean and the different
zones where fish live. It would be super fun to read as a class and then turn off the
lights to see all the animals that are glowing.
Rating: 5 STARS, this a great informational book that could be used in so
many ways.
BOOK 20
Genre: Realistic
Title: Granny’s Rocker
Level: K- 2nd (I think kids will relate when I tell them this is my friend in the book)
Author: Vickie Drake
Illustrator: Leigh Jochimsen
Publication Information / ISBN: 978-1-936989-61-4
Summary: This is a super sweet story about a Granny who wrote a book about her
granddaughter. It is full of heartfelt words and emotions that will prompt kids to think
about that special someone in their lives. The pictures are in black and white, which
adds character to the sweetness of the book. I would only use this book as a read out
loud to the class and keep it “the teachers’ special book”
Rating: 5 Stars, because it is a special book to me!
BOOK 21
Genre: Legend
Title: The First Strawberries
Level: K- ?? (I think legend style books can be enjoyed by all ages.)
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Anna Vojtech
Publication Information / ISBN: 0140564098
Summary: A gentle story of the Sun's healing of marital discord by a gift of ripe
strawberries that magically grow at the feet of an angry woman as she flees her
husband's harsh words, thus halting her departure long enough for him to catch up
and make amends. Thereafter, the story concludes, whenever the Cherokee eat
strawberries, they are reminded to be kind to one another. Quietly luminous
watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an
open landscape of rolling hills. Small touches dramatize the story's moods: a bouquet
of brown-eyed Susans flung to the ground in anger; an empty nest in a pine tree as the
woman disappears behind the western hills; the glimmer of a single firefly as man and
wife are reconciled. Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely 
Rating: 4 Stars, because I have not read it, but I think it sounds awesome.
“If you are a teacher and want a book that addresses these issues without
being overly complicated or inauthentic, run to buy this book.”
BOOK 22
Genre: Myth
Title: A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology: The Stories of the Gods,
Goddesses, Heroes, Monsters, and Other Mythical Creatures
Level: 4th grade and up
Author: Heather Alexander
Illustrator: Meredith Hamilton
Publication Information /ISBN: 157912867X
Summary: Packed with action, adventure, tragedy, and triumph, A Child'sIntroduction
to Greek Mythologyacquaints kids ages 9–12 with all the fantastic and memorable classic
Greek myths. The book is organized into two main parts. The first section introduces
the gods and goddesses, from Apollo to Hades, as well as nymphs, satyrs, centaurs,
and the mortal descendents of Zeus, such as Hercules and Midas. Part two is
dedicated to the myths themselves: Pandora's Box, Prometheus' Discovery of Fire, the
Trojan Horse and many more. Sidebars feature word definitions and fun facts, as well
as games and projects. As with all of the other books in the Child's Introduction
series, Meredith Hamilton's witty and charming illustrations add yet another
dimension to the excellent and absorbing text.
Rating: 4 Stars, because I did not read it, but it sounds like the perfect book to
introduce the concept of Greek myths.
BOOK 23
Genre: Fantasy
Title: Anni Moon & The Elemental Artifact: An Elemental Fantasy
Level: 1st - ?? (Such a good book, can be appropriate for any age)
Author: Melanie Abed
Illustrator: Hisham Abed
Publication Information/ ISBN: It came as an ebook on my phone/ no ISBN
Summary: The book is hilarious, heart breaking, exciting (especially towards the end),
and always totally imaginative, all wrapped into one. There's a lot of memorable
names in this book, like Brat (which is a combination of a bat and a rat - so cute!),
there's a Zelda Scurryfunge, and an Effie OggleBoggle. The writer is super good with
words and combining things together in a way you'd never think about until you see
that it's obvious they were meant to go together.
Rating: 5 Stars, fun book for all ages.
BOOK 24
Genre: Historical Fiction
Title: Esperanza Rising
Level: OLDER, over 5th grade
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Publication Information / ISBN: 043912042X
Summary: Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in
Mexico--she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden
tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great
Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready
for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their
new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult
circumstances--Mama's life, and her own, depend on it.
Rating: 4 Stars, I enjoyed the book, but there is not much to teach kids from
the story.
BOOK 25
Genre: Realistic
Title: Whoever You Are
Level: K – 1st (mostly a picture book)
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Leslie Staub
Publication Information / ISBN: 0152060308
Summary: ``Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just
like you all over the world.'' Skin color, homes, schools, lifestyles, and languages may
differ, but love and laughter, pain and tears are the same for all. A good book that
acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity.
Rating: 4 Stars, just because I am not a huge picture book fan.
BOOK 26
Genre: Historical Fiction
Title: Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System!
Level: K – 2nd, Just because it is a very short book, packed with info
Author: Kathleen V. Kudlinski
Illustrator: John Rocco
Publication Information / ISBN: 0525469796
Summary: This book takes a look at the mistakes, mishaps, and creativity that are
part of scientific discovery. From the first humans wondering about the night sky to
the demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet status, this book is an entertaining and
informative look at how scientific theories change over time.
Rating: 4 Stars, because it is so short.
BOOK 27
Genre: Informational
Title: Faces of the Moon
Level: K – 4th
Author: Bob Crelin
Illustrator: Leslie Evens
Publication Information/ ISBN: 157091785X
Summary: The phases of the moon are illustrated in a gentle, poetic rhyming text
opposite the linoleum block print and bold watercolor illustrations in this book about
the changing moon shapes. Tabs marked with each moon phase take the reader to
that phase and die cuts show the waxing (increasing in size) and waning of the moon s
shape. Each phase has a sentence telling when the moon rises and sets. Additional
author information about the moon follows the main text and the back matter also
contains 'a fun way to remember Moon facts.' This book provides excellent, basic
information about the moon and its changes and would be a quiet introduction to the
moon s phases in an elementary classroom
Rating: 4, Just because I have not read it. BUT, I will think about getting it for
my classroom. It is a perfect book to do a simple lesson about the moon.
BOOK 28
Genre: Autobiography
Title: Who Was Amelia Earhart?
Level: 3rd – 7th
Author: Kate Boehm Jerome
Illustrator: Nancy Harrison and David Cain
Publication Information / ISBN: 0448428563
Summary: Amelia Earhart was a woman of many "firsts." In 1932, she became the
first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she also became the first
woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937
disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find Amelia
Earhart's life a fascinating story.
Rating: 5 Stars, although I have not read this book, the reviews are amazing
and I absolutely want to use it in my class room someday.
BOOK 29
Genre: Biography
Title: The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Natalie Standiford
Illustrator: Donald Cook
Publication Information / ISBN: 0679880291
Summary: A compelling account, told in easy-to-read format, of Balto, a sled dog
who led his team through snow and ice over 53 miles of northern Alaska wilderness
to deliver some medicine. The story is based on an actual event that occurred in 1925
during an outbreak of diphtheria, when the closest medicine was 800 miles away in
Anchorage. When the train bearing the important cargo became buried in the snow
still 700 miles from its destination, a dog sled relay was used. Cook's softly colored
illustrations are expressive and enhance the drama of the story--a proud and heroic
story that young readers are sure to enjoy
Rating: 5 Stars, I have not read this book, but the reviews are awesome and I
really think kids will resonate with the fact that it is true and has animals in it.
BOOK 30
Genre: Non-Fiction
Title: From Caterpillar to Butterfly
Level: K – 3rd
Author: Deborah Heiligman
Illustrator: Bari Weissman
Publication Information / ISBN: 0064451291
Summary: A caterpillar comes to school in a jar and the class watches the caterpillar
each day as it grows and changes. Soon, it disappears into a hard shell called a
chrysalis. Where did it go? This is a perfect beginner's guide to the mystery of
metamorphosis. This book explains the life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly with
easy-to-follow colorful illustrations from.
Rating: 5 Stars, I love the butterfly life cycle, it is perfect for kids.
BOOK 31
Genre: Science Fiction
Title: The Alien Next Door
Level: It lists K-7……But I would never read this long of a chapter book to
kids in kindergarten. I would say after looking at it 3rd – 5th
Author: Donna Trueman
Illustrator: Marvin Alonso
Publication Information /ISBN: This was a kindle listing, could not find #
Summary: Lukas Matthews has been eager to get a new neighbor ever since his old
neighbors moved away. But the day the moving van shows up next door, Lukas learns
that his life is about to change forever. His new neighbor is not the kind of neighbor
he was hoping for at all. His new neighbor, Ms. Weggley, is not the sweet little old
woman she appears to be. The old woman has a secret--a secret that only Lukas
seems to know . . .
As the resident alien expert in his school, Lukas can spot a being from outer space
when he sees one. His new neighbor looks like a sweet little old widow, but there are
telltale signs that she could be something other than human. The old woman refers to
Lukas and his friend as "specimens," she makes jokes about eating spiders, and, when
most people aren't looking, her eyes glow an eerie green!
Concerned for his safety and the safety of his best friend Kianna, Lukas hatches a
plan to prove his case and expose his neighbor's true identity. Will Lukas be able to
thwart his alien neighbor before she can carry out her devious plans or will it be too
late to save his family and friends and the entire neighborhood.
Rating: 4, I have not read it, but it has good reviews.
BOOK 32
Genre: Mystery
Title: The Mystery of the Hairy Tomatoes
Level: Seems 1st and 2nd grade readers give it the best reviews.
Author: George E. Stanley
Illustrator: Salvatore Murdocca
Publication Information / ISBN: 068982209X
Summary: Hair, Hair, Everywhere
Someone's been digging up Mrs. Ruston's tomatoes. She thinks it's Noelle's dog,
Rover, and unless Noelle can find the real thief, Rover's in big trouble.
It's the hairiest case yet for Mr. Merlin's Third-Grade Detectives. Hair in Mrs.
Ruston's tomato patch, hair in Amber Lee's hamburger -- can Noelle and Todd comb
through the evidence and solve the mystery?
Rating: 4 Stars, I am looking forward to reading it to Brooklyn
BOOK 33
Genre: Adventure
Title: Adventures of Jack: The Agent with a Bone to Pick
Level: Kindergarten
Author: Dan Jackson
Illustrator: Could not find one listed
Publication Information: Kindle Book, no ISBN number listed
Summary: A well written book about the habits of dolphins from the perspective of
a sleeping 6 year old dolphin names Floppy. The author Dan Jackson tells a story and
underneath are educational facts in the form of "Do you know" statements. Children
can definitely read this book over and over again memorizing the facts they learn
about dolphins which are not widely spoken about, the name of a group of dolphins
(a pod) or how long dolphins live. This book leaves an open question at the end
"What are dreaming about?" to engage a conversation between you and your child
and at the end are 8 pages you could print out to color if you desire.
Rating: 5 Stares, because of this review “I would definitely recommend this
book for animal lovers and children who love to learn facts about animals.”
BOOK 34
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Title: Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea
Level: K- 3rd, it is a great first chapter book for new readers.
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
Publication Information/ ISBN: 0-15-20091-9
Summary: Mr. Putter lives all alone in a big white house with a porch. He has no one
to listen to his stories or share his tea. Mr. Putter is tierd of living alone. He wants
company. But company is hard to find, until he meets Tabby 
Rating: 5 Stars, Brooklyn and I LOVE this book!
BOOK 35
Genre: Tall Tale
Title: The Day the Crayons Quit
Level: K – 2nd
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publication Information/ ISBN: 978-0-399-25537-3
Summary: A little boy named Duncan finds a stack of letters from his beloved
crayons. They all tell them how they feel and what they would like to see happen in
the future as his crayons.
Rating: 4 Stars…..ONLY because Brooklyn loves this book, but I do not care
for it. For some reason I don’t like reading it aloud, I would still have it in my
class room for independent reading.
BOOK 36
Genre: Informational
Title: The Surprise Garden
Level: K- 3rd
Author: Zoe Hall
Illustrator: Shari Halpern
Publication Information /ISBN: 0-590-10076-9
Summary: This is a fun book about planting different seeds and seeing what
they grow into. It would be a great book to lead into the plant life cycle.
Rating: 4 Stars, It is a good book for a lesson plan starter, but not that
interesting of a story.
BOOK 37
Genre: Tall Tale
Title: Only One You
Level: K- 2nd
Author: Linda Kranz
Illustrator: Katie Jennings
Publication Information / ISBN: 0-87358-901-7
Summary: A little fish promises to remember his parents words of wisdom about
how to live his life. I love the inspirational statements and vivid pictures, they are a
great combination.
Rating: 5 BIG Stars, this is a great book to make a kid feel empowered about
how awesome they are  !!
BOOK 38
Genre: Fairy Tale
Title: Frozen
Level: K- 3rd
Author: Victoria Saxon
Illustrator: Grace Lee
Publication Information/ ISBN: 978-0-7364-3051-7
Summary: This is a beloved tale of two sisters and the power of true love. This story
combines action, adventure, fairy tale and fantasy. This is a great book to keep
students interested and I think it would be so loved by all, that it could be a special
reward type book.
Rating: 5 Stars, Brooklyn LOVES this book 
BOOK 39
Genre: Teacher Reference Book
Title: The New Kindergarten: Teaching Reading, Writing & More: A Mentor Teacher
Shares Insights, Strategies, and Lessons That Give Kids a Strong Start in Learning
How to Be Successful Learners
Level: Kindergarten
Author: Constance Leuenberger
Illustrator: N/A, just pictures that say copy written all over them
Publication Information/ ISBN: 0439288363
Summary: Come into Connie’s kindergarten classroom and learn how to plan
literacy-rich learning experiences all year long. This complete resource includes
activities to build phonemic awareness and phonics skills, mini-lessons on shared
reading and writing, and learning-filled morning messages and meetings. Plus, tips on
introducing and managing materials, establishing classroom routines, setting up
sensational centers, creative ways to connect with parents, photos, student samples,
reproducible activity sheets, forms, and more! For use with Grade K.
Rating: It looks like a 5 Star book, if I end up with a job as a kindergarten
teacher, I think I would immediately order this book…..if nothing else just to
calm my nerves as I prepare my first class room 
BOOK 40
Genre: Teacher Resource
Title: Promoting Literacy Development: 50 Research-Based Strategies for K-8
Learners
Level: Teacher Resource
Author: Patricia A. Antonacci AND Catherine M. O'Callaghan
Illustrator: Not Listed
Publication Information / ISBN: 1412987083
Summary: Fifty research-based literacy strategies designed for busy K-8 classroom
teachers. Organized around 10 key areas for teaching and learning literacy—phonemic
awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, story comprehension,
comprehension of informational text, questioning for understanding, discussion for
understanding, narrative writing, and writing to learn-Promoting Literacy
Development offers 50 clearly written, step-by-step strategies for developing
proficient readers and writers. The authors also include suggestions for differentiating
instruction for English language learners and for students with special needs.
Rating: I hope I will give it 5 stars, after I order it and apply it to my classroom!