Henry's Heart: A boy, his heart, and a new best friend

by Charise Mericle Harper

Summary: When Henry falls in love, his heart reacts strangely.

This is a neat book. The first half is about the real heart in our chests. Then, the text becomes a story about love and what makes hearts beat faster. The book’s illustrations are cartoonish and include many captions and fun diagrams.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 2

I Love My Daddy Because…

by Laurel Porter-Gaylord

Summary: Many different animal fathers are shown caring for their young.

This is a very sweet story. It is an excellent share for celebrating dads and Father’s Day. The author also wrote I Love My Mommy Because…

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Ruby in Her Own Time 

by Jonathan Emmett

Summary: Ruby, the last of Mother Duck's and Father Duck's eggs to hatch, is slower to develop than her four siblings, until the day that she flies further and higher than any of them.

This is a sweet story about self-perception. I liked that the parents are concerned for Ruby, but also have faith in her. This is a great story to read to a child who is behind his/her peers, or to classmates who may tease such a child.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2 

Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

Interest Level: grade k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Summary: Two children in a small southern town in the l930s are thrust into an adult world of racial bigotry and hatred when their lawyer father chooses to defend a black man charged with raping a white girl.

This book is one of the most frequently banned books of the 20^th century; therefore, it is an excellent book. There is mature content and the story allows for much discussion. However, I do not think it is inappropriate for a secondary education student to read.  I read this story for pleasure in tenth grade. I was very sensitive at that age in comparison to my classmates, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, I found other books we discussed in my English class that year much more disturbing. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading classic literature or understanding the time period in which the book takes place.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Maddie's Monster Dad 

by Scott Gibala-Broxholm

Summary: Maddie loves it when her father plays scary games with her, but when he is too busy with work, she turns into a "Maddie Scientist" and builds herself a monster dad that she thinks will be more fun.

This is not a Halloween story, but reading it around this holiday is appropriate. The book is great for Frankstein or other monster lovers. The story is wonderful for a discussion on working parents, especially fathers. Though sad at times, the silly puns are comic relief to the subject matter. I enjoyed the twist at the end.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

A Mango in the Hand: A Story Told through Proverbs

by Antonio Sacre

Summary: Guided by proverbs from his father and other relatives, Francisco makes several attempts to bring ripe mangoes home for dessert on his saint day, and in the process learns lessons in love and generosity. Includes glossary of Spanish words and phrases.

This is a fantastic book that teaches many morals at once. It is not a bilingual book in the sense that the entire story is written in both English and Spanish. However, this book contains Spanish phrase translated which makes it ideal for older children who are native Spanish speakers and are learning to read English. The book is lengthy and most appropriate for elementary students to read to themselves, but an adult could read this book with a young child with a long attention span one on one.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

 

 

The Daily Comet: Boy Saves Earth from Giant Octopus 

by Frank Asch

Summary; Hayward likes facts. However, he does not like the fact that his father works for a sensationalistic tabloid which he believes is a big fake. This belief is changed when he joins his father on Go to Work with a Parent Day and encounters an enormous fact that he can't explain.

This is a lengthy tale that is most suited for older elementary students. The boy’s sarcastic, cynical thoughts are amusing. This book allows for much discussion on yellow journalism, yet leaves some room for believer’s imaginations.

Interest Level: grades k-3 

Reading Level: grade 5

Daddy Adventure Day

by David Keane

Summary: Daddy Adventure Days are always special, and this one, featuring a boy's first visit to a baseball stadium, is no exception.

This book has fantastic water color and digital collage illustrations. The story is great for celebrating fathers and the small sacrifices they make on a day out. Dads, read this to your child on Father’s Day or any day!

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Baby Badger's Wonderful Night

by Karen Saunders

Summary: Baby Badger is frightened as darkness falls, and so Papa Badger takes him on a walk, pointing out the beauty and wonder of the night.

This is a cute bedtime story for young children. I would not recommend it for anything beyond that.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Hero Dad

Hero Dad

by Melinda Hardin

Summary: A child demonstrates that while Dad differs from a traditional superhero, as an American soldier he is a superhero of a different kind.

This simple story is appropriate for young children who ask about their fathers who are in the military. I think it would be a better story if it was about mothers in the military as well.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Last Song

Last Song: A Poem

 by James Guthrie

Summary: A squirrel family spends the day together--waking, playing, and nestling down to sleep under the eye of a watchful parent. Based on an old Scottish poem.

This book is wonderful for babies because it has very little text and vibrant illustrations. It is also appropriate to read to preschool age children before bed.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Did My Mother Do That?

Did My Mother Do That?

by Sharon Holt

Summary: With the promise of hearing about the day she was born, Holly and her father first imagine the birth of several different animals including chickens, kittens, and kangaroos.

This is a wonderful book for celebrating both mothers and fathers!

Interest Level: age 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers

Dad and Pop : An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers

by Kelly Bennett

Summary: A little girl celebrates her two fathers, who are very different except in one very important way.

This is a very cute, sweet book! I like that she does not specify who her biological father is and who her stepfather is. I also like that the fathers are very different, however, the book does not stereotype a certain male. For example, Dad is an athlete and likes to bake.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Daddy is a Cozy Hug

Daddy is a Cozy Hug

by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Summary: A child celebrates all of the wonderful things a father can be throughout the year, from a wiggling fish in summer to a warm blanket in winter.

This is a very sweet book that is excellent for celebrating Father’s Day.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3