The Crown on Your Head

by Nancy Tillman

Summary: A story in rhyme, lovingly expressing that every child is born with a crown of features that gives them unique value as they grow.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. In certain places, the illustrations look realistic, like photographs. In other places, the pictures are dream-like. This is an excellent book for a parent or care giver to read to a child before bed and to close the night by telling the child how they are loved. The story can be used as a conversation starter about self-worth.

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

Snowy Valentine

by David Petersen

Summary: Jasper Bunny spends a snowy Valentine's Day visiting his forest friends in hopes of finding the perfect gift for his beloved Lilly.

This is a sweet story that is excellent to read before discussing creating special gifts and how it’s the thought that counts. Additionally, the message is that love is a great gift in itself.

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

How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box 

by Linda Heller    

Summary: After learning about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah boxes, Dalia shares her knowledge with her younger brother, Yossi, by telling him what her savings can help to provide for someone in need.

This is a sweet story that is great for discussing helping others. It is also appropriate to use this book as part of a unit lesson on world traditions.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

The Pirates of Plagiarism 

by Kathleen Fox

Summary: A pirate crew's plan to capture Mrs. Finch, the librarian, and a treasure chest in the library is foiled when a group of students come into the library to do research.

The humorous aspect of this story will be enjoyed by young ones, but most likely not completely comprehended by primary school students. I recommend this book as a read aloud for older elementary school students. The story is wonderful for discussing values, especially cheating and plagiarism. 

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 4

Benny's Pennies

by Pat Brisson

Summary: Benny sets off in the morning with five shiny new pennies to spend and eventually buys something for his mother, brother, sister, dog, and cat.

This book will be enjoyed by young children for its repetitive and predictable nature. The sweet story is great for helping children understand sharing without being didactic.

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

What Animals Really Like: A New Song Composed and Conducted by Mr. Herbert

by Fiona Robinson

Summary: When the National Animal Chorus gathers to perform the immortal works of Mr. Herbert Timberteeth, the performance doesn't go exactly as planned due to certain preconceived notions of what animals like to do.

This is a silly and humorous tale that could be used to discuss a serious subject matter, stereotyping. The message is that people do not always like what you think they would like. The book has “song lyrics” amongst the text, but does not provide a melody. Nevertheless, a reader could read this book aloud in a sing-song voice or create a melody. This story could be made into a very interactive read aloud by asking children questions throughout the book, such as, “What do you think these animals like?” A great follow-up activity is to ask children to imagine what other animals not mentioned in the story may like. They may use their imaginations to draw a picture and or write about animals’ talents.

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

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

Summary: In 1919, independent-minded fifteen-year-old Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent "home" to London, where she has never been and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts.

I admire the main character, Rosalind. What I consider her strongest character traits, were seen as negative traits in females during this time in British culture  This is a very strong piece of historical fiction; while one may never have considered the types of choices people of this time had to make, the characters’ feelings are relatable. Even as an adult with a good amount of knowledge about the time period, I saw from a new angle how people of this time and place lived. This book may be very eye-opening to grade school students. I found the ending disappointing and inconclusive, but thoroughly enjoyed everything else about this story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8

Reading Level: grade 7

Big Little Brother

by Kevin Kling

Summary: A four-year-old boy explains that his little brother is bigger than he is, follows him everywhere, and is annoying, but his presence becomes indispensable when bullies are around.

This is a sweet story about sibling rivalry and love. Self-perception, specifically size-perception, is effectively addressed in this story.

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

I Want a Party!

by Tony Ross

Summary: Little Princess discovers that she can have a lovely party with just one guest.

A new addition to the A Little Princess Story series, this book is entertaining. I did not like this book in beginning because of the princess’ demanding behavior. However, the ending has a very nice message.

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

Home for Christmas by Jan Brett

Summary: Rollo the troll is tired of chores, but after spending time on the tundra with various animal families, from owls to moose, he realizes that he wants to be home for Christmas even if that means behaving himself.

This is a cute story about appreciating what one has in life, including family. It is also a great story for discussing selfishness or helping others. I liked that the reader must draw some conclusions for themselves from Jan Brett’s usual beautiful illustrations. Especially when read one-on-one to a child, the illustrations can make the book very interactive. A reader can ask questions such as, “What do you see here? What do you think that means? Why do you think is happening in the picture?”

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

A Christmas Spider's Miracle 

by Trinka Hakes Noble

Summary: A poor peasant woman who has no money for gifts or a special meal for her children gets help from a kindly mother spider on Christmas.

This is a heart-warming old Ukrainian tale. The traditionally beautiful paintings compliment the text. The story is somewhat lengthy. I recommend that this book be read one-on-one to a child or independently by an advanced reader.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 5

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

Elmer's Christmas 

by David McKee

Summary: Elmer, the patchwork elephant, helps the excited youngsters prepare for the Christmas visit of Papa Red.

This is a wonderful Christmas book for discussing the deeper meanings of the holiday season, especially generosity. The story seems to be going down a predictable path, but the ending has a twist. I have never seen this type of ending to a Christmas story before. This book may be most enjoyed when an adult reads it with a child one-on-one. However, primary school age children may like it as well. There are other Elmer books by David McKee that also address personal characteristics. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Strega Nona's Gift 

by Tomie dePaola

Summary: Smelling the treats Strega Nona is cooking for her animals for the holidays, Big Anthony can't resist and samples everything, bringing about unexpected consequences.

This is a wonderful tale about generosity. Italian Christmas traditions and other holiday traditions are explored throughout this book. As a read aloud, this book is most appropriate for older primary school children. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Joan of Arc

by Demi

Summary: Presents an illustrated biography of Joan of Arc, from her early vision of Archangel Michael to her military victories, and eventual execution at the stake for heresy.

The illustrations of this book are beautiful, rich illustrations typical of Demi. I like the use of gold and the depictions of characters in this book. The best audience for this book is fourth to sixth graders or older students interested in learning about Joan of Arc. Younger children may not appreciate this story because of its length and sensitive subject matters. However, this story can be used as a springboard into moral discussions.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

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

 

The Wizard Mouse 

by Dean Morrissey

Summary: A field mouse travels far from his home and helps restore a wizard's magic; thus, saving the kingdom of Muddmoor.

This imaginative adventure is ideal for strong readers in primary school to read to themselves. The vibrant illustrations draw the reader deep into this fantasy. The story’s message of following one’s dreams and being true to oneself is truly inspiring and will captivate any young readers’ heart. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Limelight Larry

by Leigh Hodgkinson

Summary: A peacock called Limelight Larry wants to be the star of the book named for him. But soon other animals are cluttering the pages. When the star finally has his moment in the spotlight, what has happened to all his friends?

This is a comedic story about friendship, arrogance, and sharing. This book is best read one on one with a child who is experiencing difficulties in these character areas, but it is also a fun read aloud for primary age children. If a child is starting to get lost in the dialogue, he/she will be drawn back in by the beautiful spread of our peacock star.

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

The Basket Ball

 by Esme Raji Codell

Summary: After the boys won't let her join in their basketball game, Lulu decides to host a Basket Ball, where girls from all over come to participate and, with Lulu as captain, end up forming a special team.

This is fantastic book for discussing gender roles. I admire Lulu’s personality. I am happy that authors, such as Codell, have recently tackled stereotypical gender roles by showing that some girls and boys like a little bit of “girlish” AND “boyish” activities. As a child, I felt we were taught that some girls do boyish things and some girls do boyish things. Teachers told us that this is okay and we were to accept that. No one discussed that a girl, like Lulu, can be a basketball star and enjoy sequins. This story is in rhyme with many cute puns and is an ideal read aloud. However, I do not recommend reading this book to very young children because of the text’s advanced basketball vocabulary. There is a glossary at the end of the book with such terms that may be helpful to elementary children that read this book independently.

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

Oprah: The Little Speaker

by Carole Boston Weatherford

Summary: Documents the disadvantaged but loving preschool and elementary school years of the Emmy-winning talk-show host, describing how as a toddler she performed in churches before adoring crowds and spent time on the family farm.

This book is a short biography with fairly simple language. It is appropriate for discussing the will to succeed and overcoming hardships. The story addresses Christian beliefs; therefore, a reader should asses if it is appropriate to share this book with his/her audience before doing so.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 4