Thunderboy Jr

Author and Illustrator: Sherman Alexie, Yuyi Morales
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Parents’ Choice Awards, Picture Books Gold, The Kirkus Prize 2016 Finalist, Picture Books, ALA Notable Books for Children Nominee, Charlotte Zolotow 
Grade Level: Prekindergarten - 1st grade

Thunder Boy Jr. is about a little boy who wants his own name. He loves his dad, but he does not want to be known as Little Thunder. Throughout the story, he searches for a new name. He wants a name that celebrates who he is, his new name is Lighting.

This is a good book because it represents the need of identity and ownership of a child, and the relationship between father and son.  I would use this book as a read aloud in my classroom. This book also provides diversity for children through literature.

Tales for Very Picky Eaters

Author and Illustrator: Josh Schneider
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Geisel Award
Grade Level; 2nd- 5th grade

James is a very picky eater, like who enjoys eating disgusting broccoli, smelly lasagna, repulsive milk, lumpy oatmeal, and slimy eggs? Since James is a very picky eater, his father tells him of the outlandish results if he does not eat his food. If James does not eat his smelly mushroom lasagna, the the troll who cooked will have to go back to work at the rat circus. The father tells James chooses the better options and eats the food he is given.

I would not have this book in my Kindergarten class because it is not age appropriate. However it would be a good book for older students because it has humor, it is relate-able, and it is an easy chapter book. This book could be used for independent reading or small group reading.

Big Brothers Don't Take Naps

Author and Illustrator: Louise Borden, Emma Dodd
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards:
Grade Level: Prekindergarten- 1st grade


 Nicholas has an older brother named James. Nicholas tells of all the wonderful and caring things James does for him. James holds Nicholas's hand while crossing the street, lets him try on his way-too-big red boots, and even searches for his favorite animals on the computer. James tells Nicholas a little secret, and together they come up with names for this secret. James, being the generous big brother that he is, lets Nicholas choose the name...for their baby sister.

This book is very sweet and it provides insight on the relationship and 'duties' of a big brother. Big brothers are super busy, therefore big brothers don't take naps. I would use this book in my classroom as a read aloud or for independent reading. I could use this book in my classroom during a learning about relationships and community lesson plan.

The Recess Queen

Author and Illustrator: Alexis O' Neill, Laura Huliska Beith
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Maryland Children's Book, Virginia Young Readers, Junior Library Guild Selection, Los Angeles Times Children’s Bestsellers List,
Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books, Recommended Book, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Bank Street College, Best Books of 2002
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2nd


This book is about a young girl named Jean, she is the recess queen. No one is allowed to play with any playground equipment until Mean Jean  has played with it all. Mean Jean is portrayed as a bully and no one likes to play with her. One day Katie-Sue, a new girl comes to school and plays with the playground equipment before Mean Jean. Mean Jean is shocked and wants to put Katie- Sue in her place. Katie-Sue does something no one has ever done before, she invited Mean Jean to play with her. Mean Jean ends up playing with Katie-Sue and the two become friends at the end.

I would have this book in my classroom because it discusses the topics of bullying and friendships. This book could be used to introduce how students should respond to bullying, the expectations of the playground, sharing, and being kind to one another. This book could also be used to introduce beginning, middle, and end or how characters undergo change.

No, David!

Author and Illustrator: David Shannon
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Randolph Caldecott Medal
Grade Level: PreK- Kindergarten

This book is about a little boy named David who gets into trouble. David is always told no by his mother. David cannot play ball inside the house, he has to chew with his mouth closed, and not be too loud. Although David is constantly told no by his mother; at the end of the book, Davis gets an I love you instead.

I would have this book in my classroom because students can relate to it, and it is an easy read for young students who are trying to read. I would have this book as an option for students in the individual reading center. This book would also be great to introduce rules and correct behavior among students.