Media Matters

 Picture book by Gloria Whelan. This darling picture book is based on the true story of the machine Prince Albert designed so that his wife could swim in the ocean. I appreciated the loving way their marriage and family life was depicted. The illustrations with all of their children were particularly fun, and the rhyming prose was hilarious. Activity idea: Swim in the ocean together.

 Picture book by Ed Vere. Leonard the lion is a gentle poet. His lion friends think the only right way to be a lion is to be fierce. Can his poetry convince them otherwise? Activity idea: Write a poem.

 Picture book by Mo Willems. It takes courage to question societal norms (Why not?) Wilbur the naked mole rat likes to wear clothes, so he does, much to the consternation of the other mole rats. My favorite thing about this story is that in the end, some of the mole rats wear clothes, and some of the mole rats don’t, yet they get along and have fun together despite their differences of opinion. Activity idea: Play with some dress up clothes.

 Picture book by Taro Yashima. This story of a boy who doesn’t fit in because he is an outsider and learns differently than others, is a bit melancholy. The ending, in which the villagers learn to appreciate the boy’s strengths and recognize their own faulty assumptions, is sweet. I don’t love the style of the illustrations, but it’s definitely worth a read and discussion.

 Book by Eileen Spinelli. This was a very quick read, written in short free verse poems with a wonderful pencil sketch to illustrate each poem. The poems are written by Diana, a young poet and astronomy enthusiast, who talks about her life and family and having to move to a new city. The tone is both wistful and hopeful. Simple and lovely.

 Memoir by Jacqueline Woodson. This is such a beautifully written memoir of the author’s growing up years. Told entirely in free verse, it touches on divorce, moving, civil rights protests, extended family, life as a Jehovah’s Witness, lead paint poisoning, an uncle in jail, sibling rivalries, friends and neighbors, and most of all, her desire to become a writer. And although my growing up years were different from hers, there are things we have in common. Our humanity, our dreams, our love for our families... these are the things that bind us all together as people, that give me hope for unity rather than racial divisions. Ages 10-adult.

 Picture book by Dan Bar-El. A dragon who doesn’t breathe fire ends up saving the day in his own quirky way. A darling reminder to be yourself.

 Novel by Rodman Philbrick. A tear-jerker with some great discussion points, especially the idea of not judging someone based on their appearance or lineage. Recommended for ages 12+

 Novel by S.E.Hinton. Beautiful, haunting prose, with deep questions about labels, loyalty, violence, and valiance.  In terms of content, it's not for younger readers, but teens and adults will find it a very worthwhile read.

 Memoir by Frank Gilberto and Ernestine Gilberto Carey. Hilarious memoir of their large family growing up. I listened to the audiobook of this one and was very entertained.

 Novel by Vera Cleaver. This was beautifully written with an utterly spunky and determined 14 year old girl as the protagonist. It has all the feel of a pioneer novel set in the 1800s, but in actuality I was surprised to realize that it is set in 1960s Appalachia. It was eye-opening to see what actual poverty looked like in the not very distant past, and makes me wonder what conditions are like now.

 Novel by Ray Bradbury. A dystopian look at censorship and thought policing, books vs. videos, and the dangers of propaganda, to name a few. A great book to read together and discuss.

 Novel by Mildred D. Taylor. This is actually #4 in a series of books about the Logan family, based on the author’s own family. It is absolutely eye-opening for kids to see what racism and prejudice look like. Highly recommended.

 Biography with pictures by Russell Freedman. This is a book that is both accessible to older elementary students and still fascinating for adults to read. Well done!

 Novel by Gary Schmidt. Well-written story with loving nods to Shakespeare.  Activity idea: Watch a Shakespeare play.

 Novel by Richard Peck A hilarious tale of a brother and sister who spend the summer with their outrageous grandma. There is a sequel entitled A Year Down Yonder that is also fun!

 Novel by Theodore Taylor. A boy, who is fairly spoiled and has been taught some racist ideas, loses his eyesight and is shipwrecked with a black man. This is a powerful story about friendship and trust that will stay with you long after you close the book.

 Novel by Johanna Spyri  I really enjoyed this book when I was a girl. Heidi’s faith, hope, and goodness blessed the people around her.

 Novel by Lisa McMann. An exciting dystopian fantasy. This is the first in a series, but I haven’t read the rest of the books. I will update my post when I do.

 Novel by Robin McKinley. Flawless retelling of the fairytale. One of my favorites.

 Novel by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. Really enjoyed this one.  At its core, a book about love and fear, prejudice and acceptance.

 Novel by Jean Ferris. Equal parts fantasy, comedy, and love story, this little gem is beautifully written.  It was recommended to me by my 10 year old son, so 5th grade and up seems about right.

 Novel by Trenton Lee Stewart. A book for kids who love puzzles, mystery, and adventure. This is the first of a series.

 Novel by Carol Ryrie Brink This book is based on the life of the author’s grandmother, a brave and adventurous girl readers will adore! Activity idea: Learn about one of your own grandmothers.

 Novel by Jane Yolen. This is an excellent way to introduce older elementary children to the realities of the Holocaust. 

 Novel by Linda Urban. Zoe is a darling 10 year old protagonist who wants to play the piano but ends up with an organ instead. There is also a charming subplot about an unlikely friendship Zoe forms with a boy from school. Great discussion points: doing what you like rather than doing something because it's cool, hard work/practice are more important than natural talent, everyone makes mistakes/just keep playing, compare/contrast friends Emma and Mara, Wheeler and Colton, etc. One of the most unusual aspects of this book was the portrayal of Zoe's father as someone living with extreme anxiety/mental health issues that limit his ability to do simple tasks like driving and interacting with people. A fast read with very short chapters, this book could be a good read aloud. No objectionable content. Activity idea: Learn to play the organ OR attend an organ concert.

 Novel by Katherine Paterson. This is a book about a toughened foster kid who is changed by the unconditional love of a foster mother. Some readers might be concerned about Gilly’s defects (racist ideas, swearing, etc) being emulated, but I don’t think her behavior is portrayed as anything to aspire to. Instead, I think the messages of growth and change, love and forgiveness, courage and kindness, and hope and healing, ring true, even with the bittersweet ending.

 Novel by Julie Andrews Edwards. A sweet story of an adventurous girl who longs for a home. 

 Short novel by Natalie Babbitt. This quick fantasy asks important questions about life. There is a musical theater version that is delightful as well.

 Novel by Katherine Paterson. A wonderful but sad story about friendship and dealing with grief.

 Novel by Shannon Hale. Another wholly imaginative and exciting fairy tale retelling from a master author.

 Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story of Sara Crewe is one I have loved ever since I was a child. It is definitely my favorite of this author’s books. There is also an excellent movie version from the 90s.

 Book series by Lois Lowry. These books aren’t so much a chronological series as companion novels, showing different dystopian communities. Good books to read together and discuss: what does this community value? How does that compare to what we value? Books include: The Giver Gathering Blue Messenger  Son

 Novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  Great themes: you find what you’re looking for, focus on blessings/gratitude, what makes a good friend, standing up for yourself and others, it’s ok to cry, be authentic/honest with others, trials can bring growth and resilience... Realistic fiction for ages 10+.

 Graphic novel by Kayla Miller Cute graphic novel about a fifth grader who learns that her strength is being friends with lots of different people instead of having a single best friend. Good message about being yourself and doing what you love, even if it’s different from others.

 Novel by Andrew Clements. Very fun story about how words and meanings of words are created.

 Novel by Rebecca Stead. I guessed the surprise at the end, but I still really enjoyed this book. 

 Picture books by Chris Van Dusen. Chris Van Dusen is a modern-day Dr. Seuss. His rhythm and rhyme flow perfectly, and his imaginative ideas and illustrations are delightful. Not only do these books encourage imagination and invention, they are also a joy to read aloud! Books in this series include: If I Built a Car If I Built a House If I Built a School 

 Picture book by Suzanne Collins. Wonderful picture book about a boy learning to unplug and enjoy playing with his little sister. Fun rhymes too! Activity idea: Have a no electricity day.

 Beginning chapter book by Jeff Brown This easy chapter book with pictures is delightful. What would you do if you were only one inch thick? This is the first of a series.

 Picture book by James Thurber The classic story of a princess who wanted the moon. 

 Picture book by Giles Andreae. Rhyming fun about a giraffe who gains confidence dancing his own way. Lots of fun to read! Activity idea: Have a dance party.

 Picture book by Martin Waddell. Cute story of three owl babies who worry when their mother leaves to go hunting and are reassured when she returns.

 Picture book by Ibtihaj Muhammad. Sweet story about two Muslim sisters, it explains the significance of wearing the hijab through beautiful storytelling.

 Picture book by Julia Donaldson. This was a sweet book about a giant who gives away his new spiffy clothes a piece at a time to help strangers in need.

 Picture book by Maribeth Boelts. Loved this one about fads, fitting in, and kindness! Activity idea: Go through your clothes, shoes, and toys and give away what you don’t use.

 Picture book by Emily Belle Freeman. This is a picture book geared toward adults and older children.  A picture book retelling of the story of the woman at the well. Accessible language paired with gorgeous illustrations and thought provoking questions at the end.

 Picture book by Rachel Bright A message about letting go of fears so you can enjoy the present. Great for kids with anxiety, but really enjoyable story for anyone.

 Picture book by Gale Sears. A true story based on the author’s father as a boy. A story of family love and gift giving at its most thoughtful. This is a wordier picture book, better for older children.

 Picture book by Kevin Henkes On the surface, this is just a funny story. At its core, this is a story about forgiveness and mending relationships.

 Picture book by Dr. Seuss. Horton must stand for what he knows is true, even in the face of mockery and persecution. 

 Picture book by Kevin Henkes. Story of a girl who is at first self conscious of her unusual name after a classmate makes fun of it, then regains her self confidence.

 Picture book by Jon Scieszka. This is a picture book for older kids, with humorous revisions of classic fairy tales. Guaranteed to make you laugh!

 Christmas Picture book by Charles Tazewell. This was a favorite story for me as a child. Although of course the depiction of heaven is completely inaccurate, the story and sentiment and message about Jesus and love and gift-giving are wonderful!

 Picture book by P.D. Eastman. My kids loved this story of the baby bird who fell out of his nest and was eventually reunited with his mother. The language is very simple as it’s intended to be a beginning reader. It’s fun to read aloud with different voices and sound effects.

 Book series by Arnold Lobel. The Frog and Toad books are beginning readers with short “chapters” and charming illustrations. The stories are humorous and heartwarming. First graders LOVE reading these! There are four books in the series: (the order doesn’t really matter) Frog and Toad are Friends Frog and Toad Together Frog and Toad All Year Days with Frog and Toad

 Novel by Gail Carson Levine. Another winning fairy tale retelling.

 Novel by Gail Carson Levine This is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella story, and a great discussion starter about the principle of free will.  There is a movie version, but IMO not nearly as good as the book.

 Picture book by Sarah Weeks. A funny tale that is a joy to read because of the quality rhythm and rhyme.

 Novel by Deborah Wiles. This was a gem of a book (but also a tear-jerker)! A wonderful examination of dealing with death and finding joy in life. I particularly loved the family motto "We live to serve" and the emphasis of sometimes putting aside your own wants or feelings to serve someone else. I also loved the strength and love portrayed within their immediate and extended family.

 Novel by Diane Stanley. This was a fantastic book! There’s fantasy, adventure, friendship, and a courageous heroine. I simply loved it!

 Novel by M. M. Kaye. This little book was utterly charming! A great lesson in the joys of work, play, nature, friendship, and enjoying life's everyday moments, all blessings of being ordinary.

 Novel by Brandon Mull. A very fun fantasy story! Activity idea: A trip to the candy shop.

 Small novel by Patricia MacLachlan. Historical fiction about a woman who travels to the prairie in response to an advertisement for a wife and mother. A story about loss and love. This is the first in a series.

 Novel by Lois Lowry. Historical fiction about a Danish girl during WW2 saving her Jewish friend’s life. This is a great book to introduce younger readers to this subject because it doesn’t focus on  the horrors of concentration camps. 

 Novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Charming historical fiction about the occupation of the Channel Islands during WW2.

 Picture book by Judith Viorst. This funny story is a great way to talk about what to do when things don’t go the way you want them to. 

 Picture book by Virginia Lee Burton. A classic tale of loyalty, hard work, and ingenuity.

 Novel by Kathi Appelt. The writing in this book is some of the most poetic, lovely prose I have ever come across in a children's novel. This requires a bit more time to savor and digest the words, so the author brilliantly divided it into unbelievably short chapters. This also makes it perfect for a read-aloud. It was also an interesting mix of animal story and american folktale, with a lot of heart and a surprising amount of suspense. My only complaint is that in telling so many stories simultaneously, jumping back and forth between all the different characters, sometimes it felt hard to keep interest in all the plotlines.

 A memoir by Terry Ryan about his mother. I really enjoyed this book.  I could relate to her love of wordplay, especially her pithy little rhyming poems.  There were several that I  wished I had written.  I also enjoyed the contesting part of it, as I grew up with a grandpa whose hobby was entering sweepstakes.  He had many of the same strategies, and we often received as gifts some of the random things he had won. He always told us, "You can't win if you don't enter", and I think Evelyn Ryan would have agreed. I also appreciated her optimism, the way she could put a positive spin on just about anything. Above all, the miraculous timing of some of her wins made you believe that the Lord was really looking out for her and her family.  Recommended for ages 12+

 Religious book by C.S.Lewis. Insightful book with the premise of a more experienced devil training a new devil on the best ways to tempt and snare humans.

 Novel by Meindert DeJong. Lovely tale of some Dutch schoolchildren who, having noticed the storks don’t come to their village to nest anymore, come up with a plan and follow through with it. Activity idea: Visit an aviary.