Barack Obama
Elementary School
Student Bibliography
By Kimberly Long
Spring 2013
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Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ………………………………………………………………….1
Library Bill of Rights……………………………………………………………...2
Picture Books………………………………………………………………………5
Fiction Books…………………………………………………………………..…17
Nonfiction Books………………………………………………………………….24
Magazine /Diversity Section featuring African American Boys………………….32
Notes Page………………………………………………………………………...37
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Dear Students,
This is a bibliography. A bibliography is a list of books, movies, and
magazines. This bibliography was created so that you could get a peek of all the
cool materials that we have in the media center. I want you to get as excited
about reading as I am. One of my favorite books to read is Dr. Suess, “Oh, The
Places That You Will Go!” It is a story about all the amazing places that you will
go in your life. Reading is the key to any dream you have in life. Reading can help
you to do what you want to do as well as be who you want to be. Reading can
take you all the places you have ever dreamed about and give you wonderful new
places to dream of. It opens up new worlds and new opportunities. That is
something to get excited about. And you will get excited when you see what is in
the media center. Everything is right here for you. So do not wait! Let’s get going
on a reading adventure!
Happy Reading,
Mrs. Long
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Library Bill of Rights
Exercise your Freadom
YOU…..
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have the freedom to choose any book.
can learn anything and express any ideas.
can use the library and all of the resources.
can ask any question and find the answer.
will be provided with current materials.
will be treated fairly.
will receive help to learn and grow.
 will have space to read.
 have the freadom to READ.
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PICTURE
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Barnett, Mac. Extra Yarn. New York:
HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.
It was a cold dull winter day when
Annabelle found a special box of
colorful yarn. She soon turns her
dreary town into a cheery place by
knitting for everyone and everything.
The magic yarn never seems to run
out. A greedy duke finds out about her
gift and is determined to have it. Will
she be able to keep her wonderful
yarn?
Buzzeo, Toni. One Cool Friend. New
York: The Penguin Group, 2012.
Elliot thinks a trip to the aquarium
will be will be headache, until he sees
the penguins! He finds one that seems
so perfect that he sneaks it home. Elliot
soon finds out having such a cool
friend is a lot of work. The hardest
part of all is hiding the penguin from
his father.
Evans, Shane W. Underground. New
York: Holzbrinck Publishing, 2011.
Do you want to go for a ride on the
Underground Railroad? The trip is
free but the cost is high. Is it worth it?
Imagine you are running quietly
through the darkness and hiding in the
bushes. Imagine you are sneaking in
fear as you wonder if those who hunt
you will catch up. Imagine what will
happen if they catch you.
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Fleming, Candace. Oh, No. New
York: Random House, 2012.
Aaah! The jungle animals have
fallen in the deep hole and can’t get
out. The elephant is on his way to
save the day. But the hungry tiger
may get there first! Oh, No!
Gerstein, Mordicai. The Man Who
Walked Between The Towers.
Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring
Book Press, 2003.
Philippe dreams and plans of
walking on a tightrope between the
tallest buildings in the city. He has
worked all his life for this. Will he
be able to keep his balance?
Grey, Mini. Three by the Sea.
New York: Random House, 2010.
What a great life Cat, Dog, and
Mouse had until a strange fox came
giving away presents from The
Winds of Change Trading
Company. Suddenly, the friends
can’t stop arguing. Will they ever be
happy again?
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Fleming, Candace. Oh, No. New York:
Random House, 2012.
Aaah! The jungle animals have fallen in
the deep hole and can’t get out. The
elephant is on his way to save the day.
But the hungry tiger may get there first!
Oh, No!
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Gerstein, Mordicai. The Man Who
Walked Between The Towers. Brookfield,
Connecticut: Roaring Book Press, 2003.
U
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Philippe dreams and plans of walking on
a tightrope between the tallest buildings
in the city. He has worked all his life for
this. Will he be able to keep his balance?
E
Grey, Mini. Three by the Sea. New York:
Random House, 2010.
B
What a great life Cat, Dog, and Mouse
had until a strange fox came giving away
presents from The Winds of Change
Trading Company. Suddenly, the friends
can’t stop arguing. Will they ever be
happy again?
O
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Juster, Norton. The Hello, Goodbye
Window. New York: Hyperion
Books, 2005.
It doesn’t look like a special
window, but it is. It’s the window
where you can see all the good
things that will happen at Nana
and Poppy’s house. You can see
the dog, the flowers, and the
visitors. The Hello Goodbye
Window lets you see in and out of
the best place in the world.
Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy Day.
New York: Penguin Press, 1962.
Snow! Peter can think of all kinds
of fun things to do and see outside.
He is going to make snow angels,
slide down a hill, and maybe even
have a snowball fight. A snowy day
is the best day ever!
Klassen, Jon. I Want My Hat Back.
Somerville, Mass. Candlewick Press,
2011.
Bear’s favorite hat is gone. He
misses it so much. Bear goes all
over the forest searching. He asks
all the animals if they have seen
the beloved hat. Nobody has seen
it, or have they?
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Lionni, Leo. Frederick. New York:
Random House, 1967.
Four little mice live in the farmer’s
field. They spend all day busily getting
corn and nuts for the winter, except
Frederick. He sits in the sun while the
others work. He is getting a special
surprise ready that will make the long
freezing winter days grand.
Litwin, Eric. Pete the Cat Rockin in My
School Shoes. New York: HarperCollins,
2010.
Pete the Cat thinks school is a super
cool place to be. He has his brand new
red school shoes, a guitar, and a song
that he sings all day. School is “all
good” when you know how to rock out
each day. And nobody rocks like him.
Nelsen, Kadir. He’s Got the Whole
World in His Hands. New York: Penguin
Books, 2008.
There’s a whole world out there ready
to be explored. It is a big, beautiful
place filled with sparkling oceans,
majestic mountains, lush fields, and all
kinds of different exciting people! It has
everything you could ask for. Are you
ready to see what’s waiting?
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Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse.
New York: Hachette Book Group, 2009.
Lion, the King of the Jungle, is too big
and strong to need help from anyone.
That is what he thinks when he lets a
little mouse that he catches go free. But
when he gets trapped by hunters, he
finds out that everyone needs someone
and even a tiny mouse can be a friend.
Polacco, Patricia. Thunder cake. New
York: Philomel Books, 1990.
BOOM! BOOM! The sound of thunder
always sent the little girl hiding under
the bed. But this time will be different.
Grandma will bake a special Thunder
cake that makes children brave. If they
hurry, there is just enough time to bake
it before the storm comes!
Rappaport, Doreen. Martin’s Big Words.
New York: Hyperion Books, 2002.
Martin learned early that words could
hurt. Words like “Whites Only”. His
mother taught him other words, big
words, which made him feel better.
When he got to be a man, he changed
the world forever by teaching others
how to live by those words.
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Rathmann, Peggy. Officer Buckle and
Gloria. New York: Penguin Books, 1995.
Officer Buckle knew more safety tips
than anybody. He went to all the
schools trying to tell the kids, but
nobody wanted to listen. Things change
the day he gets Gloria, the police dog,
for a partner. Suddenly everyone wants
to see the team. Has he suddenly
become really good or is there some
kind of trick going on?
Rocco, John. Blackout. New York:
Hyperion Books, 2011
The lights went out. Oh no! It’s hot and
sticky. We can’t watch TV or play
video games. Instead we will have
to…..have parties on the rooftops and
in the streets with friends and family.
This is one awesome blackout that you
don’t want to miss!
Say, Allen. Grandfather’s Journey.
Boston Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin ,
1993
Grandfather is Japanese. He loves the
mountains, friends, and songbirds that
are there. But he also is American. He
loves the busy cities, the coast, and the
deserts. When he is one place, he misses
the other. Can you have two countries?
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Shannon, David. No, David! New York:
Scholastic, 1998.
David knows how to have fun. The
only problem is the things he does for
fun are things he is not supposed to do.
David steals cookies, gets muddy, and
floods the bathroom All day his mom
has to yell, “No, David!”
Stead, Philip, C. Bear Has a Story to
Tell. New York: Holtzbrinck Press,
2012.
It’s close to winter and Bear is getting
sleepy. He needs to hurry and tell his
story first. He tries to tell each of his
friends, but they are too busy getting
ready for winter. Will Bear get to tell
his story before he forgets?
Stead, Philip, C. A Sick Day for Amos
McGee. New York: Holtzbrinck Press,
2010.
Amos McGee, the zookeeper, always
had time for his friends. One day he
gets sick and can’t go to work. There
are no races, chess games, or stories.
The animals are sad until they decide
to visit him. They are sure they can
turn a sick day into a great day.
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Steig, William. Sylvester and the Magic
Pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster,
1969.
Sylvester loved rocks. One day he finds
an amazing red pebble that makes
wishes come true. On the way home, he
sees a mean lion and wishes he were a
rock. Now Sylvester has to think of
how to change back and see his family
again.
Stein, David Ezra. Interrupting
Chicken. Somerville, Massachusetts:
Candlewick Press, 2010.
Chicken wants to hear a bedtime story,
but she keeps interrupting and
changing the ending on every story she
hears. Chicken’s dad doesn’t know
what to do, so he lets her write her own
bed time story. Maybe now Chicken
will be able to relax and go to sleep.
Swanson, Susan Marie. The House in
the Night. New York: Houghton Mifflin,
2008.
It’s bedtime at the house where the
little girl lives. Her house is snug and
her room is cozy. Her little dog and
favorite book are waiting on her bed.
Her long day has come to an end. She
is ready to enter her night time world.
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Taback, Simms. Joseph Had a Little
Overcoat. New York: Penguin Group,
1999.
Poor Joseph only had one overcoat
that was too old to wear. So he cut it
and made a jacket. When the jacket
gets worn out, he makes it into a
vest. Joseph’s imagination helps him
to make smaller and smaller things
out of his coat until he has nothing
left. But Joseph find out that even
nothing can be made into something.
Van Allsburg, Chris. Jumanji. New
York: Houghton Mifflin Children’s
Books, 1982.
Judy and Peter play a mysterious
game they find left in the park called
Jumanji. The “jungle adventure”
seems boring until the first move
makes a scary lion appear in the
living room! Every roll of the dice
brings a new danger from inside the
game. Will the friends finish the
game or will the game finish them?
Van Allsburg, Chris. The Polar
Express. New York: Houghton Mifflin
Children’s Books, 1985.
Late one Christmas Eve, a magical
train stops in front of a little boy’s
house. “All Aboard!” the conductor
cries. The skeptical little boy hops
on The Polar Express to travel to the
North Pole. The boy finally believes
when he sees Santa and the elves.
But nothing can top when he gets
the first gift of Christmas!
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Weisner, David. Flotsam. New York:
Clarion Books, 2006.
A boy finds a mysterious camera
washed up on the beach. When he
sees the pictures from the film found
in the camera he is amazed. The
wonders, mysteries and puzzles of
the sea are revealed. There are
aliens living in shell houses, dancing
starfish, tiny cities, and much more.
Wiesner, David. The Three Pigs.
New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
The Three Little Pigs knew how the
story went, But they did not like it.
The pigs decide it’s time for a
change! They walk off the pages of
their story to explore other tales.
When they come back they bring a
few new friends. The Big Bad Wolf
is in for a few surprises on his next
visit!
Willems, Mo. Let’s Go For a Drive!
New York: Hyperion Books, 2012.
‘Let’s go for a drive!” shouts
Elephant to his friend Piggie. The
friends happily rush around to get
all the things that they need for a
drive. They get maps, sunglasses,
and umbrellas. Suddenly, they
remember they don’t have the most
important thing. Now their plans are
ruined!
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Creech, Sharon. Walk Two Moons. New York:
Harper Trophy, 1994.
Salamanca Tree Hickle’s mother promised
that she would return soon from her trip to
Idaho. That was more than a year ago and
her mother is not home yet. Sal convinces her
madcap grandparents to drive across the
country to bring her mother home. If they
can get there in time for her mother’s
birthday, Sal is sure she will come back. But
her father has lost all hope.
He believes that her mother is gone forever.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. Mr. Chickee’s Funny
Money. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2007.
Steven has always been Mr.Chickee’s
favorite little friend. Yet he is still amazed
when Mr. Chickee gives him a quadrillion
dollar bill and disappears. Now Secret
Government Agents are after him, but they
might have met their match. As president of
the Future Detectives of Flint, he has plenty
of tricks up his sleeve.
Universal Pictures, prod. The Tale of
Despereaux. Netflix. Netflix, 19, December,
2008.Web.3, April, 2013.
Despereaux refuses to be afraid like the other
mice. He is not afraid of traps, cats, rats, or
people. The mice in charge are scared he will
bring danger to the town so they made him
leave forever. But for Despereaux, the
adventure is just beginning. He will rescue a
kidnapped princess, singlehandedly fight off
a city of evil rats, and restore a kingdom to
its former glory.
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Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. New
York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.
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Jack’s summer has ended before it has
begun thanks to his parents grounding him.
The only thing he can do is help his old
neighbor, Miss Volker. Little did he know
that helping her would include poisoning
rats, driving cars, and examining dead
bodies. Things get even crazier when people
begin to suspect Miss Volker of having
something to do with the deaths. Jack will
need to either save Miss Volker or get
someone to save him.
Hesse,Karen. Out of the Dust. New York:
Scholastic Press, 1997.
There is dust everywhere that your eye can
see and everywhere that your hand can feel.
It’s not the life that Billie Jo has planned
for herself. As soon as she is old enough she
will use her musical skills to escape. But in a
blink of an eye, a terrible accident changes
her life forever. Now Billie Jo has to find
the strength to heal and a new way out of
the dust.
Korman, Gordan. Showoff. New York:
Scholastic Press, 2012.
Griffin Bing promised his parents there
would be no plans while they were away.
But his friend’s dog goes crazy at a national
dog show and is put in the pound. Griffin
has to do something, or that dog is dead
meat. The plan is simple: steal the dog from
the pound, hide him in the attic, and get a
reclusive dog trainer to turn him into a
champion! The only hard part is getting it
done before his parents find out.
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Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1989.
Annemarie lives with fear. Nazi soldiers
stand on every corner. But that has not
stopped her family from helping to sneak
Jews to safety. Now the soldiers are after her
best friend’s family. Annemarie, with the
help of her mother, must take her friends on
a dangerous journey. They must reach a boat
that will take them to safety in Sweden.
Soldiers are watching every move they make.
They cannot afford any mistakes or everyone
will die.
Park, Barbara. Dumb Bunny. New York:
Random House Children’s Books, 2007.
The most exciting day ever is finally here!
Junie B. is going to a huge Easter Egg hunt
at a mansion and will get a chance to win a
spectacular prize! Junie B. wants more than
anything to win, but so do all the other kids.
How can she find the most eggs when she’s
stuck playing the Easter Bunny? Somehow
she has got to figure out what to do or wind
up being a dumb bunny.
Park, Linda Sue. A Single Shard. New York:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade Publishers,
2001.
Tree-Ear is content living under the bridge
with his old friend Crane-man, even if there
is not always enough to eat. But things
change the day he breaks a pot and has to
work for Master Min to replace it. What was
a punishment turns into joy as Tree-ear finds
out that he loves his new job and having a
place in the world. Then Master Min sends
him off on a mission to the King, a journey
that will change his life forever.
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Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York:
Simon & Schuster, 1987.
Brian Robeson woke up screaming.
His plane had just crashed in the
middle of nowhere. There are no
survivors and no way to call for help.
The city boy has to figure out fast how
to survive. He has almost no supplies
and winter is almost there. The only
things he has to keep him alive are his
wits and his hatchet.
Giff, Patricia Reilly. Eleven. New York:
Random House, 2008.
While looking for his hidden birthday
present, Sam stumbles across a
startling discovery. He finds a
newspaper article with his name and
the word MISSING underneath the
picture. Sam is desperate to know
what the rest of the article says only he
can’t read. Does he belong with his
family? Is he who he thinks he is?
Who can he trust to help him find out?
Starr, Caroline Rose. May B. New York:
Random House, 2012.
The crop has failed, so the Betterlys
are in trouble. Pa finds a couple who
need help on their farm. This is May’s
chance to help out, but she would
rather go to school. Although she
struggles to read, she still hopes to
become a teacher. But Pa accepts the
job for May. Things aren’t bad, until
Mrs. Oblinger runs away and her
husband dashes off after her. They
never return, leaving her stranded.
Now May has to begin to believe in
herself or she will never survive the
harsh winter.
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Disney, Prod. Holes. You Tube. You Tube,
18, April, 2003. Web. 4, April, 2013.
Stanley Yelnats” family Has been under a
curse for more than 100 years. Stanley has
not escaped it. He is wrongfully accused of
stealing and sent to a terrible camp for
boys. The boys are forced dig deep holes
in the hot desert all day by their mean
wardens. Is this a punishment or is there
something hidden underground?
Ryan, Pam Munoz .Becoming Naomi Leon.
New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.
Naomi Leon Outlaw thought her biggest
problem was boys teasing her about her
name. Then her long lost mother appears.
Her mother has drug problems, a creepy
boyfriend, and she won’t spend time with
her “special” brother. Worst of all, she
wants to take her away and leave her
brother. Her only chance is to find her
father in Mexico. But will she have the
courage?
Scieszka, Jon. The Time Warp Trio: Da
Wild, Da Crazy, Da Vinci. New York:
Puffin Books, 2004.
The Time Warp Trio has done it again.
They have traveled back in time and
landed in trouble. The boys just wanted to
meet Leonardo Da Vinci to learn how to
use their time traveling notebook better.
Instead they are scrubbing toilets for
Captain Nassti. They have to come up
with an invention for his army to use soon
or they will be his prisoners forever.
Unless they escape first.
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Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me.
New York: Wendy lamb Books 2009.
Sal’s been Miranda’s best friend since 1st
grade. But everything begins to fall apart
the day a kid punches Sal in the stomach
for no reason. Now Sal won’t talk to her,
the extra set of house keys are missing,
and strange notes appear in her house.
Notes that tell Miranda future events.
Notes that say only she can stop a friend
from dying.
Taylor, Mildred. Song of the Trees.
Dial Books: New York, 1974.
Times were hard for everyone, and
Cassie’s family was no exception.
Mama was sick, the food was low,
the family’s money had been stolen,
and Daddy was working out of town.
Cassie felt better every day when
she heard the songs from the trees.
But one morning the trees are not
singing. There are huge paint marks
on some, and strange men
trespassing on their land. Someone
means them harm and Daddy is far
from home.
Enjoy
Your
Reading!
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Informational
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Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. Jefferson’s Sons.
New York: Dial Group for Young Readers,
2011.
“All men are created equal” were the words
that made Thomas Jefferson great. But it is
hard for his children Beverly, Harriet,
Madison, and Eston to feel equal when they
are his slaves and their existence is kept a
secret. When they are older, he promises
they will be set free, but will the price of
freedom be too high?
Marrin, Albert. Flesh & Blood So Cheap.
New York: Random House Children’s Books,
2011.
The young women at the factory were
eagerly looking forward to their workday
ending. Tomorrow was their day off and
everyone had fun plans. But panic replaces
excitement when a fire quickly blazes up and
out of control. The doors are locked. Only
minutes are left. How will they get out?
Arnosky, Jim. At This Very Moment. New
York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2011.
Every hour, every minute, and every second,
an animal is living its life doing the very
same things you do. Finback whales are
diving into the deep to swim. Owls are
swooping in the air to find food. They are
eating, running, playing, and sleeping.
Incredible things are happening in the
animal kingdom at this very moment.
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Fradin, Judith Bloom. Tornado. National
Geographic Society: Washington,D.C., 2011.
Killer Tornadoes! Huge, twisting, monstrous
funnels smashing everything in path within
minutes. See fantastic photos and hear amazing
stories of survival. Learn how storm trackers
race around and follow these deadly twisters
Find out where they are, how to stay safe, and if
they are coming your way.
Gourley, Robbin. First Garden: The White House
Garden And How It Grew. New York: Clarion
Books, 2011.
The White House has always had a garden.
Thomas Jefferson grew fruit trees. Andrew
Jackson built a greenhouse and Eleanor
Roosevelt planted a Victory garden. Recently,
Michelle Obama and local students planned a
kitchen garden full of delicious fruits and
vegetables. They show how you can, too.
Hopkinson, Deborah. Titanic: Voices From The
Disaster. New York: Scholastic Press, 2012.
The night began with laughter and good times.
Little did the people on board know that in a few
hours most of them would be gone, lost at the
bottom of the sea. The Titanic was supposed to
be an unsinkable ship, so what happened?
Stunning photographs and real life accounts
from the people who were there tell the tragic
story.
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Krull, Kathleen. Kubla Khan: The Emperor of
Everything. New York: Viking, 2010.
China was the greatest country on Earth
long ago. Kubla Khan was the fierce emperor
of China. He built amazing palaces,
commanded terrifying fighters, and traveled
in a room carried by elephants. The whole
world was in awe of Kubla Khan and the
wonders of his fabled kingdom.
Lewis, J. Patrick & Kelley, Gary. And The
Soldiers Sang. Mankato, MN: Creative
Editions, 2011.
The horrible fighting had left soldiers dead
on both sides. The long days were filled with
the sounds of guns and shouting. The war
seemed like it would never end. But on
Christmas Eve, a miracle happened. The
sounds of gunfire were replaced with carols
as both sides. Enemies made peace for one
day to celebrate Christmas.
McKissack, Patricia. Never Forgotten. New
York: Schwartz and Wade Book, 2011.
Mufasa is happy living with his blacksmith
father and the Mother Elements. Who are
Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water. Until one day
slave traders catch him and take him far
away. His family frantically tries to save him
but they fail. What will happen to him now?
This free verse poem tells the story of a boy
who is lost to his family, but never forgotten.
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Menendez, Shirley. B is for Blue Crab: A
Maryland Alphabet. Chelsea, MI:
Sleeping Bear Press, 2004.
Maryland is awesome! You can visit
historic Glen Echo Park, the National
Aquarium, or the Maryland Zoo. You
can ride on the B&O Railway or catch
the Orioles playing. Then, you can relax
at Ocean City on the beach. Discover all
the exciting things Maryland has to offer.
Messner, Kate. Over and Under the Snow.
San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2011.
A trip to the woods in the winter snow
seems quiet and peaceful on the outside,
but deep underground there is a different
story! Animals are living beneath your
feet. There is a whole secret kingdom
hidden away below the snow waiting to
be found.
Napoli, Donna Jo. Mama Miti. New York:
Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers, 2010.
The people of Kenya had troubles. There
was not enough food or firewood. The
cattle were sick and the water was dirty.
They had nothing to build houses with
and wild animals were eating the crops.
The people did not know what to do and
were losing hope. But Wise Mama Miti
had the answers to all their troubles. Her
answers saved this country.
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Newman, Mark. Polar Bears. New York:
Henry Holt and Company, 2011.
Polar Bears are fascinating animals.
Babies weigh only one pound at birth.
They can swim faster than any land
animal and they can eat 100 pounds of
seal fat in one sitting. And every single
polar bear born is a twin. Get ready to
explore the amazing world of these
creatures.
Prelusky, Jack. I’ve Lost My
Hippopotamus. New York: Green Willow
Books, 2011.
Let the silliness begin! This book has 100
of the most hilarious poems that you will
ever read with funny pictures to match.
Hear about juggling bowling balls, riding
on snails, building robot rabbits, and
more. Pick up this book and get in on the
fun.
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Sit-In: How Four
Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down. New
York: Little Brown and Company, 2010.
In the days of segregation, four friends
decided to fight for justice. They went to
the lunch counter for “Whites Only” and
sat down to be served. They only wanted
a doughnut, coffee, and fair treatment.
What they got was hundreds of people
willing to stand up for equality by sitting
down at lunch counters across the nation.
These friends inspired a nation to
change.
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Rubin, Susan Goldman. Irena Sendler and
the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto. New
York: Holiday House, 2011.
The Nazis have taken over Poland. The
soldiers have imprisoned the Jewish
people and now they are in terrible
danger. Irena is determined to rescue as
many as she can, even though it could
cost her life. With the help of her friends,
she is able to sneak almost 400 children
to safety.
Schanzer, Rosalyn. Witches: The
Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in
Salem. Washington, D.C.: National
Geographic, 2011.
Witches! That had to be the reason that
the pastor’s two young girls’ were
twitching, choking, and contorting their
bodies into hideous shapes. But who has
cast a spell on them? It could be babies
or crippled old people. It could be
anyone. But whoever it is will pay…with
their lives.
Sill, Cathryn. About Hummingbirds: A
Guide for Children. Atlanta, GA:
Peachtree Publishers, 2011.
Hummingbirds are not like any other
bird in the world. They can fly
backwards, sideways, and upside down.
They are able to hover in one place.
Some are only about two inches long and
others have feathers that change colors.
Read all about these fascinating birds.
30
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Singer, Marilyn. Mirror, Mirror. New
York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2010.
It must be magic! These poems are
written so they can be read both
backwards and forwards. You may think
it is impossible until you see it with your
own eyes. Ordinary fairy tales have been
turned into incredible new verses that
are exciting to read.
Jenkins, Martin. Can We Save the Tiger?
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2011.
You have never seen an Eastern Elk or
an Arizona Jaguar because they are
extinct. There are other animals you will
never get a chance to see either if we do
not fight to save them. Find out why
animals are in danger and what you can
do to help. We all want to be in a world
with bison, polar bears, and tigers.
Zelinsky, Paul, O. Rapunzel. New York:
Dutton Children’s Books, 1997.
A lonely witch steals Rapunzel from her
parents when she is a baby. Then she
locks her in a high tower deep in the
dark woods to hide her from the rest of
the world. One day a prince finds
Rapunzel and falls in love with her. They
long to run away to live happily ever
after, but first they will have to escape
from the powerful witch.
31
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MAGAZINES
AND
DIVERSITY
BOOKS
This section contains some of the award winning magazines that are
available. There is also a list of books featuring an area of diversity.
Diversity means a group of people that are unique and different. The
group chosen was African American males. The list was created to make
it easier to find fiction books written with African American males as
the main character. This is an often overlooked area in literature. These
titles are highly recommended award winning books for grades 3-6.
32
Cricket Magazine
www.cricket magazine.com
This magazine’s purpose is to
provide poems and stories for
children. There are also puzzles, art
projects and recipes. Children can
share their original work and book
recommendations.
M
A
G
A
Z
Faces Magazine
www.cobblestonepub.com
This magazine features nonfiction
stories of how different people live
all over the world. It shows how they
dress, eat, and customs that they
might have. They feature folktales,
art activities, and contests as well.
Jack and Jill
www.uskidsmags.com
This magazine has it all. It has
articles, stories, crafts, recipes,
puzzles, and riddles. There is
something in it for every kid. It also
has a website with all kinds of fun
activities.
33
I
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Ranger Rick
www.nwf.org/ranger rick
Ranger Rick is a magazine for
nature lovers. It features engaging
articles and full sized pictures of
animals all around the world. It
promotes conservation. There are
cartoons and puzzles as well.
M
A
G
A
Z
Ranger Rick, Jr
www.nwf.org/ranger rick
Ranger Rick, Jr. follows the same
format but it is geared towards a
younger child. Ranger rick also has
an excellent website that children
are bound to enjoy.
Sport Illustrated for Kids
www.sikids.com
Sports Illustrated for Kids is a
magazine that specializes in
providing all the excitement and fun
in sports. The features include news,
games, and interviews. There is also
a website that is updated throughout
the day.
34
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Curtis, Gavin. The Bat Boy & His Violin. New
York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young
Readers, 1998.
Reginald is an excellent violin player. In fact,
he will be having a recital in a few weeks
featuring just him. Papa wished he would
become inspired to be a baseball player like he
was. So Papa makes him a batboy for the
losing team he manages in the Negro Leagues.
When Reginald gets there and plays between
hits, something amazing happens. They start
to win!
Myers, Christopher. Wings. New York:
Scholastic Press, 2000.
Ikarus Jackson is not like any other boy in his
school. He is considered “strange” by the kids
in school. He has tall straight hair, colorful
shoes, and white wings that can carry him high
into the air. Everybody whispers, complains,
and stares so much that Ikarus starts to feel
really bad. Will anybody stand up for someone
as different as he is?
Myers, Walter Dean. Looking Like Me. New
York: Egmont, USA, 2009.
When you look in the mirror what do you see?
Jeremy sees a handsome dude, a brother, a
writer, an artist, and more. Better yet , the
people he comes in contact with thinks that
Jeremy is a really terrific guy. And they
celebrate him by giving him a fist bam.
Jeremy’s friends and family help him to
discover the many layers of himself that make
him unique.
35
D
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Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Bird in a Box. New
York: Little Brown and Company, 2011.
D
Otis, Hibernia, and Willie each feel like a bird
in a box. They want to fly free, but they are all
trapped. Otis’ parents were killed in a car
accident. Now he lives in an orphanage with
only a radio and memories left of his old life.
Willie has both his parents. But his abusive
father has ruined his life. Hibernia dreams of
being a singer. She won’t if her strict preacher
father has anything to do with it. All the kids
are trying to hold on to hope and their hero,
Joe Louis, is helping them to do it.
I
Woods, Brenda. Saint Louis Armstrong Beach.
New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2011.
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach loves his life in
New Orleans. He loves the playing jazz for the
tourists on Moonwalk. He loves friends and
neighbors like Money, Smokey, and Miz
Moran. And he really loves the neighborhood
dog, Shadow. Little does he know his life is
about to change forever with a storm called
Katrina.
Enjoy
Your
Reading!
By Kimberly Long
\
Spring 2013
36
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Notes Page
I.
II.
All images in the document were found in Goggle Images and
Yahoo Images.
The books were selected from the following professional
booklists that specialize in identifying quality literature:
Coretta Scott King Award- This award is given every year to
exceptional African American authors and illustrators for books
that show appreciation of black culture and human values. The
award was created in honor of Coretta Scott King, the wife of
Martin Luther King, to acknowledge her work in civil rights.
Parents’ Choice Awards- This awards program was formed by
the Parent’s Choice Foundation, the nation’s oldest non- profit
guide to quality children’s media and toys. The judges are
experts in areas of industry. There is a parent committee that
helps in the selection process as well. The goal of the award is
to provide quality books that are educational and benefit a
child’s social and emotional growth. The awards are given
every year.
Newbery Medal - This award is given annually to the author
that has the best contribution to American literature for children.
It is named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John
Newbery. A committee for the Association for Library Service
to Children is responsible for giving the award.
37
Caldecott Medal – This award is given by the Association for
Library Service to Children each year. It is given to the best
illustrator of children’s picture books for American children. It
was named for nineteenth century artist Randolph Caldecott. A
committee chooses the winners.
Notable Books Lists – This book list is developed by a
committee of librarians that represent the Association for
Library Service for Young Children. The books on the list have
been given other awards and show the best books that are out
each year for children.
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People – This
list comes out yearly. The books on this list are selected by a
Book Review Committee that is appointed by the National
Council for the Social Studies as well as the Children’s Book
Council. The purpose of the list is to showcase books that
feature human relations, diversity, sensitivity to cultural
experiences, easy readability as well as high quality literary
value.
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 – The
National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book
Council. This list is compiled yearly. These books are
representatives of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics. They represent the best in worldwide science
practices.
38
Cooperative Children’s Book Center/ University of WisconsinMadison: 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should KnowThis list is provided as a service by this book center. The center
has been in existence since 1963. It specializes in research,
examination, and the study of library sciences. It is committed
to making the professionals who provide children with books
aware of excellent literature. Lists are not given out on a
schedule.
Wilson’s Children’s Core Collection – This is a professional
bibliography that is updated weekly that is used by librarians to
maintain and develop a quality body of literature. This resource
features the most highly recommended books that are available.
The books are selected by a core of editors and a committee of
librarians. They use over 100 resources to develop their
bibliography.
Kimberly Long
Spring 2013
39