Media Matters

 Picture book by Beth Ferry. I really liked this picture book about a girl who uses the scientific method and magnetism to try to “attract” friends. Ultimately she discovers the best way to make friends is by being herself.

 Picture book by Martin Waddell. Classic tale in which a hardworking duck and a lazy farmer get their just reward. Great illustrations too!

 Picture book by Helen Yoon. Charming illustrations with a whimsical storyline.

 Book by Amina Luqman-Dawson. This book tells a bit of history I was previously unaware of. The various short chapters told from different viewpoints made the story interesting and accessible. Recommended for ages 10+

 Book by Pam Munoz Ryan. I really enjoyed this story of four children in different times and places who all come to possess the same enchanted harmonica. Rich themes abound, most notably discrimination on the basis of physical appearance, religion, poverty, and race. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed its renditions of many of the songs mentioned in the book. It would be really fun to gift this book with a harmonica!

 Book by Julie Berry. This was a quick read, utterly compelling and unusual. It defies genre classification as it had elements of dystopian society meets mystery thriller meets romance.  Note: thematically, the town’s judgment/speculation about her virginity following her abduction is a major plot point, but the content is not at all explicit, so it’s very accessible and worthy of discussion for ages 13+. A bit like The Scarlet Letter, but better IMO.

 Picture book by Pat Zietlow Miller. I really liked the story of cooperation over competition, and the additional information at the end about Wilma Rudolph and the first non-segregated event in Clarksville.