Written by Nancy Werlin
Published by Dial books/ Penguin Group 2006
Genre: Chapter book, Realistic Fiction
Theme:Family Relationships, Child Abuse,, Survival
Summary: This book deals with a very difficult topic, child abuse. Matt, a thirteen year old boy and his step-sister Callie spend parts of their childhood trying to protect their youngest sister Emmy from their abusive mother. While the children attempts to stay strong and find strength in one another, Nikki their mother constantly make their lives unbearable. Can they receive the help they need? Who should they turn to for help when the adults around them choose to ignore their plight?
Book usage: This book should be read by older children or adults. Read it during individual reading times.
Written and Illustrated by Peter Sis
Published by Farrar, Stroux Giroux 2007
Awards:Caldecott Honor Book, Robert F. Sibert Informational book Medal Winner
Genres: Picture Story Book, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction
Summary: Explore Czechoslovakia during the period when they were under Soviet rule. It is written through the eyes of the author as he grows from childhood to adulthood.
Book usage:Use this book as part of an intercurriculum study dealing with multicultures, history or Soviet reign. It is very informative and the author present the fact from the point of view of an adolescent boy.
Written by Uri Orlev
Translated by Hillel Halkim
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company
Awards: Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner 2004
Genre: Chapter book, Translated Book
Theme: Survival, Seperation, Jewish Persecution
Summary: This book explores the trial of a young boy who is a Polish Jew. He gets seperated from his family during the time of the Jewish round up in occupied Poland. Young Srulik takes off from his hometown in search of his family, but must overcome several obstacles along the way.
Book usage: Use this book as part of an intercurriculum lesson plan discussing the Jewish Holocaust and how it affected families throughout the world. It can be use to aid in studies on diversity.
Written and Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Published by Jump At The Sun/ Hyperion Book for Children 2008
Genre: Chapter book, Informational Book
Award: Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009
Theme: Negro League Baseball
Summary:This is a book about Negro League Baseball. It discussed the problems encountered by African-Americans who simply wanted to play and work in a game or profession that would become known as "America's pasttime". Learn about players you may never have heard of, who endured alot and paved the way for baseball as we see it played today.
Book usage: Share this book with anyone who likes the history of baseball. Can be used as part of a lesson on multicultural studies or just enjoy it during individual reading time.
Written and Illustrated by Suzanne Bloom
Published by Boyd Mills Press, Inc. 2005
Genre: Picture book, Fiction
Theme: Friendship
Summary: This a story of how even bothersome friends, can be special too. Its short, but nice, so enjoy.
Book usage: Use this book for family bonding time or with beginning readers.
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books 2004
Awards: Caldecott Honor Winner
Genre: Picture Story book, Fiction
Theme: Family, Precious things
Summary: This is a book about a young girl's toy which was misplaced. Due to her not being able to talk, she tries everything she can think of to get through to her dad. Teaches a lesson, that new dads should be more careful.
Book usage: Read this story during family bonding time or as a bedtime story. Give it to a new parent as a reminder of things they should never forget.
Written and artwork by Oliver Jeffers
Published by Philomel Books 2006
Genre: Picture Story Book, Fiction
Theme: Humor and knowledge
Summary: This book is about a boy who discovers a taste for eating books. During the process he gains knowledge from whatever he eats. That is until eating books makes him sick and he discovers how much fun reading them actually are.
Book usage: Enjoy this book during individual reading time or just for family bonding.
