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AuthorTitlePublication Date (* indicates they may be older than 5 years)Brief SummaryInterest Level (What grade levels would it appeal to?)ThemesWays to Use The Book With ChildrenElements of DiversityWhere/How did you find it?Any Other Information You Wish to Include
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1Traditional Tales/ Folklore*Pham, WindyThe magic of tet: A vietnamese lunar new year bilingual children's book* 2024 This book shares stories if of Vietnamese Americans celebrating the Lunar New Year. This story shines a light of special stories of how they decorate, food they eat and music. The family uses the moon to help them count the year to the new year. Symbols are used through out the house and decorations of dragons along with other animals used as symbols. Pre-school to third gradeHoliday, traditions, culture, I would use this book to teach about traditionsa and how they are different from our traditions in America. I would have a discussion with the students and create a craft. The family is Vietnamese American Kindle
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2Modern FantasyKurtz, DevinThe Bakery Dragon2024The main themes of this colorful book are dragons and protecting gold.Ember would steal if he wanted a large mountain of gold for himself. While Ember slept, a violent storm passed over the town while he was searching through the night for his own gold. The dragon was invited into the baker's home, where he observed the creation gold. Ember brought the gold—bread that everyone loved home with them. Kindergarten to second gradeGold, dragons, baked goodsCan be used to teach children about how valuable it is to earn what they have and not steal. This book can be read as a discussion and a activity to answer questions about the lessons in the book. smyth county public library
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3Science FictionLoney, AndreaBlast Off! Abby in Orbit2023Abby is just starting third grade and is determined to not make any mistakes. In this book her parents are scientist and she goes to school on the internation space station. Abby one day misses up an important experiement and she has to figure out how to fix it before someone sees. Third grade to 5th gradespace station, science, microgravityThis book is a little bit tougher than the beginner books and can be used for advanced learners. Kindle
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4Contemporary Realistic FictionClark, LetitiaMommy is the Mayor2021This book is a true story about a the mayor of Tucson,California.Through out the book the little girl describes her mothers job and what happened during elections. Her mother always took her to work with her, tells her about the town, about keeping the park safe and helping with emergencies. kindergarten to 5th gradegovernment, raising awareness, diversity A great way to introduce student to diversity and government. Can be a collaboration activity with the teacher to pair with a SOL. Role modeling for black children, non-traditional roles for diverse populationsMy family member had this book
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5BiographyMeltzer, BradI am Jackie Robinson 2023The book discusses how Jackie Robinson recieved his brave name and how to live up to that name. Through out the book it discussed the conflicts he went through as a kid because of the color of his skin even though he was a great athlete. Sports always made Jackie happy and winning did too. Not a single team that paid well wanted him until a big changed happened secrectly. Kindergaten to 5th gradeSports, baseball, athletics, After a read aloud, students can complete a biographiical sketch or discussion questions. Overcoming obstacles, civil rights, discrimination, acceptance Amazon audiobook
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6Historical Fiction Mo, CherryHome in a lunch box 2024This beautiful picture book is about a young girl from hong kung moving to the united states and is struggling to communicate and fit in. Each day when she sits down with her lunch box, she feels the since of belonging. However, she is reminded of her friends and family that makes her feel not so lonely anymore. Pre-k to 5th gradefamily, security, food, friends, sharing In this book there is mostly pictures and i would have students have a interactive story time about what is happening in the story. Towards the end it shows all of the food that is in her lunch box. new friends, Japanese food, immigration, Kindle
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7Informational - ActiveFrench, JessWhat a waste: Trash, recycling, and protecting our planet2019This book is all about recycling and everything you need to know about the environment. on each page it shows listed out materials and how each item we use can impact our environment. Lots of facts in this book and explains water waste, efficient homes, recycling news and single use plastic. first grade to 5th graderecyclimg, planet, animalsWith this book i we would play a waste sorting game. Students will be given a variety of items and must sort them into the correct recycling bins. discusses fashion, recycling aroundthe world, smyth county public library
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8Informational - BrowsableSyed, AnooshaThat's not my name 2022Mirha is a young girl that is excited to start girl and make friends. A lot of the students and teachers couldn't pronouce her name but she was to shy to speak up to correct them. Mirha wanted to change her name and thought of all of the ways she can change her name. Her family explained why he name is special and Mirha gained back her confidence at school. pre-school to first gradefriendship, school, familyInteractive storytime the book shows classmates with various ethnicities and namessmyth county public library
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9Informational - TraditionalDare, CholenaAmerica the beautiful-celebrating america's history, landmarks, parks, artists, food and more 2021This book is filled with fun facts, songs, maps and messages about America. This is a great educational that shows the heart of America children and adults. kindergarten to 5th gradeAmerica, history, landmarks, artists, innovationsTo spark curiousity and discussion i would have student work on a American landmarks worksheet. American families, patriotic songs, mapssmyth county public library
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10Informational - Expository literatureGrace, R.LThe super book of dogs: educational, fu and amazing2024This book is filled with funny jokes, great facts and funny pictures of dogs. In chapter two it discusses all of the odg species and how amazing each one is. second grade to 5th gradefacts about dogs, discovery, respect for the worldStudents can learn interesting facts about their pets at home and discover strategies to bond with their dogs by using this book. I would have students create their own fact book about their animal they have at home. Discussed dogs around the world, different climates and culturesFamily member had this book
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11Information - Narrative nonfictionFrench, JessWhat a waste 2019Everything you need to know about what we're doing to our environment, good and bad, from pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling. This environmental book will teach young ecologists about our actions affect planet Earth. Discover shocking facts about the waste we produce and where it goes. first to fourth grade recycling, ocean, animal, environment In a science station collaborating with a science teacher.smyth county public library
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12Picture StorybooksWalther, MaxDinosaurs2020Dinosaurs are hidden in the colorful pages for kids to discover. The book introduces unique dinosaur children that go swimming, flying and they explore the jungle. pre-school to kindergartenforest, dino, water activities, exploring during a read aloud in this age group students can point out recognizable things, what they think is happening, students can make up their own stories. different types of dinos, treessmyth county public library
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13Wordless BooksMartin, PatriciaBaby Belly2020A little boy who is curious about why his moms tummy is growing. This boy is getting ready to be a big brother with a arrival of a baby sister or brother. Pre-school and up family, older siblingsThis wordless picture book can be used for kids to create imaginations and tell their own story from the pictures. This book can be an interaction story time with students where they tell the story. both characters are white with blonde hair smyth county public library
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14Predictable BooksRedd, Nancy AmandaBedtime Bonnet2020An entire family putting their hair up before bed. The book describes how each family member puts their hair up in different ways even the brother and dad. After the little girl has her hair briaded, she can't find her bedtime bonnet and searches everywhere. The little girl finally finds her bonnet and gets ready to go to sleep. Pre-school to second gradeFamily, hair styles, This is a cute book to read at a read aloud. This book can be an educational book to learn about what other families do when they get ready for bed and learn about bonnets. The family is black and shows what they do before bedsmyth county public library
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15ABC BooksBell, CeceAnimal albums from A to Z2024This is a colorful book filled with music and animals. The book features records and albums. The book features ABCs on each book with information on each song. Pre- school to third grademusic, animal songs, ABCsA great way for kids to learn a song while learning their ABCs. This book will be great with collaborating with a music teacher. Music and intruments smyth county public library
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16Counting BooksSnoek, ConnieCounting book 1232023This book combines animals and numbers. The animals help the kids count on each page forming the number. Pre-school to first gradeCounting, animals, An interactive book for read aloud with kids to learn how to count. Kids can also point out different animals and guess what is on the next page. different animalssmyth county public library
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17Concept BooksDeepa, LyerWe are the builders!2024The book features community day and all of the kids pitch in to pick what they want to do. The jobs of bbuilders, caregivers, disrupters and the experimenters. It teachers kids differents jobs and what they do in real life. First grade to 5th gradeJobs, helping each otherTake each job and make stations for each. Pair each with a SOL to teach kids about responsibility and different jobs. Different cultures, white, black and muslim Amazon
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18Engineered BooksDriscoll, LauraI want to be an engineer2021The little girls brother Joe wants to grow up to build rockets. The little girls loves robots and the family goes on a tour of a school focused on areospace. The books discusses many different engineer jobs and the little girl finds out her mom is an engineer. pre-school to third gradebuilding, community, jobs This book is very educational and can be used to teach students about different jobs they can have has an engineer. Can use this book with students for a career day with stations. Main characters family is hispanic, mechanical engineer is black, supporting characters are white, smyth county public library
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19Beginning Reader Picture BooksRubin, Adam Dragons love tacos 2 2022In this adorable book, dragons adore tacos, but there are no more tacos available. The book covers various types of tacos, and the small boy and dog chose to plant them in the ground. They discovered a time machine that would transport them back to their taco party and deliver tacos to the dragons. The dragons continue to eat spicy tacos, and the boy must keep going back in time to prevent them from receiving spicy tacos. In the end, the young boy saves one taco to return to the dragons, and everyone enjoys the tacos.

Pre-school to kindergarten tacos, dragons, commmunity, helping, going back in timeI would use the book during spanish heritage month b/c it will be a cute book to read for students to interact with. smyth county public library
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20Participation BooksOlsen, ShannonCollaboration Station2024This book is focused around working together in the classroom. Teaching kids that they are never alone and always have someone to work with them in orchestras, kitchens, playing outside, building together and discussions. Shows students that in school they will workk in small groups, solve problems and teaches children how to deal with conflict. pre-school to 5th gradeskills, working together, discussions, school, small groupsI would use this book at the beginning of the year to teach students what i expect in the classroom and it tells students what they will be doing when working in groups. Lots of different background in this book inlcuding black, white mixed race and hispanic. The characters in the book don't have names. Amazon
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21Graphic NovelsO'Neill, KDewdrop2022About a communuity about underwater creatures and they are preparing for a sports fair. Dewdrop is the main character that is a cheerleader and cheers the team on to keep trying. The water creatures go through different struggles as they prepare and dewdrop visit each friend to encourage them. On the day of the sports fair all of the water creatures recieve medals and dewdrop recieved a warm pie from his friends. Pre-school second grade sports, friendship, encouragment This book has facts about each water creature at the end. It teaches children facts about each characters and what kind of animal they are. I would use this for students who are completing a project about different sea creatures and reptiles. Crystal lake public library on youtube
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22PoetryRogers, FredA beautiful Day in the neighborhood 2019In this book there are 75 songs from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Through out the book there are bright colors of pictures of Mr. Rogers, castles, animals, tree houses and kids playing. The poems discuss how things are different, being who you are and teaches life lessons to children. pre-school to 5th grade poems, songs, being yourselfThis book is great for students to learn poems and how to wwrite a poem. I can create a lesson where students learn about poems and create their own using this book as a example. Audible
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23Multicultural Spillett, TashaBeautiful You, Beautiful Me2022This book is about a young girl who looks different than her mother. Izzy is the main character and loves activities with her mother. Izzy wonders why her skin color is darker than her mothers because her mother eas beautiful. Then Izzy noticed her hair being curlier than her mothers and her mother again reassured her that she is perfect the way she is. Through out the book the author showed mothers and baby animals that are different to teach not all family members look alike. Pre-school to second gradeFamily, diversity, This book is great to teach children about the connections in the book and how to use it in their lives. I would have students have discussions about the character and teach about cultural sensitivity and empathy. Simply wild stories Youtube
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24InternationalDiaz, NataliaA ticket around the world2022In this book students will leave about different countries incliuding Africa, Canada, Australia, China and India. The book begins with Costa Rica and many more discussing facts about animals, food, and their culture. On each page there is a country with vibrant color mapping out each fact about it. first grade to 5th gradeculture, countries, maps, I can connect this book to teach global competence. I can collaborate with a geography teacher for a interactive map lesson. how children from different countries live and experience different aspects of life. Amazon
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25Controversial*Roman, DaveUnicorn Boy, 1* 2024A bump appeared on a little boys head and couldn't stop growing. It was a unicorn horn with magical powers. Now with the horn on his head, he was different from everyone else and he became a hero with his powers. 4 to 5th grademagic, embracing being different, heroI could use this book to introduce graphic. novels to students. On kindle from amazon
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26John Newbery Medal*Ortego, AliciaKindness is my Superpower* 2020A book about a little boy who learns what kindness is and his mother teaches him how to be kind to other people. On each page it teaches children the definition of kindness and how to do kind acts. The little boy starts helping his classmates, sharing, saying hello to everyone and continued to be kind at home too. At the end of the book, the author list out simple acts of kindness ideas for childrent o follow. Pre-school to first gradekindness, friendship, familyThis is a great book to read aloud at teh beginning of class becuase it reminds students to be kind to one another. This is a good book to also teach the rules and how to treat each other in the classroom. Reading pioneers academy youtube
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27Randolph Caldecott Medal*Harrison, VashtiBig* 2023The book Big is about a girl who has a big heart and big dreams. Everyone made comments on her size and called her a big girl. The girl felt sad, the words stung and invisible. She started to see more things clearly and was able to see a way out. The little girl gave the bad words back to everyone and accepted the way she was. kindergarten to third grade acceptance, A great read aloud to boost a childs confidence and to learn about how word can affect someones feelings. Classmate during readings
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28Robert F. Sibert Award*Montgomery, SyThe Book of Turtles* 2023A book all about turtles! The book is filled with famous turtles and tortoises and facinating facts about tortoises that were a couple for 115 years. pre-school to 5th gradeturtles, A fact-filled book all about turtles. Students will be able to find factual information for a project using this book. smyth county public library
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29Theodor Seuss Geisel Award*LaRochelle, DavidSee the Cat: Three stories about a Dog * 2020This book has three stories about a dog, but the dog is upset because the book keeps referring to him as a cat. This is a funny story that desribes the cat wearing a dress, being blue, riding a unicorn. The next story is about a snake and about then it talks about a dog needing to run, jump and fly. Pre-school to second gradeannimals, comedy A funny story to read aloud to students to interact with students to point out different characters. Youtube
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30Coretta Scott King Award*Dawson, AminaFreewater * 2023In this book a little boy runs away from a plantation and had to leave his mother behind. on his journey he finds fREEWATER where he realizes that he can make a difference and that he matters. He decides to return to the plantation to recue his mother thorugh many opticals. 5th grade plantation, history, adventureThis would be a great story to pair with a history project and create a craft or answering observation question. African American historyAmazon Kindle
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31Pura Belpré Award*Cisneros, ErnestoEfren Divided * 2021Efren the main charcater often worries about his parents that are undocumented from Mexico. Efren was born in the United States and takes care of his younger sublings. Through out the book Efren has to becomes a superman and has to reunite his family. 5th gradehispanic culture, family, I would coolaborate with the spanish teacher and do a vocabulary activity using the book. Smyth county public library
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32Schneider Family Book Award*Reynolds, JasonStuntboy, in the Meantime* 2021A boy living a double life named Portico gains superpowers that nobody knows about. A similar story like batman, nobody knows his big secret. Portico tries to fight his bullies at school and tries to save his parents marriage. third grade to 5th gradefamily, hero, friends, secretsIn my lesson I would have students work on their imagination by creating tehir own story about what they think will happen next after reading the book. Audio book from amazon
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33Virginia Readers' Choice*Smith, ReneeHugo and the Impossible thing* 2021In the forest there were cliffs, boulders, and animals that wonders what was beyond the impossible thing. The boulders were the impossible things and a curious dog sat next to it thinking to himself how to get through it. The dog Hugo visits all of the animals and nobody thinks he can make it trhough the impossible thing. Hugo and his animal friends decided to go across the boulders and they eventually were able to get trhough to the other side. pre-school to third grade friends, animals, helping each otherThis is a great lesson to teach students about helping each other will in need. I woiuld read this story and have student answers qquestions along the way on how his friends can help him move the big boulder. smyth county public library
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34VA Reads (Picture Book Nominee or Winner)*Cotter, SachaCannonball* 2020A book of a kid creating a cannon ball and studying them forever. Swimming is a big topic in this book and every family member is involved. Sometimes right before he goes for a cannon ball, he freezes and everyone gives advise. After studying his own moves, he eventually hits a perfect cannon ball! Pre-school to third gradefriends, family, swimming, skillsThis book is very similar to a poem with lots on ryhming. Students can learn how to ryhm using this book pointing all of the words that ryhm. Kindle Amazon
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35American Indian Youth Literature Award*Day, ChristineWe still belong* 2024This book figures indigenous peoples' Day. Wesley writes a poem in class but didn't get the best reaction from her teacher. Her family is very supportive of her goals and expresses herself. Through out the book Wesley feels not native enough and her friends and family help her embrace her wn place within the Native community.. Fourth grade to 5th grade family, cultureDiscuss the books themes of community and inclusion. Discus moments of being unfair and come up with solution to these scenarios in the book. Indigenous communitySmyth county public library
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36Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature*Leung, JulieThe Truth about Dragons * 2023A story filled with dragons and the little boy connects with hismothers bedtime story. His mother tells her son about dragon tales from chinese culture. The little boy goes on an adventure and found a old women that tells him all about dragons and where they live. Pre-school to third gradeculture, family, animals I would have a interactive story time playing hide and seek during story time. Meeting dragons early on in the story and animals inu the book. Asking students questions about if they see a certain animal to practice identifying objects or animals. Western culture and eastern culture audio book from amazon
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37Mildred L. Batchelder Award*Yoshida, SejiHouses with a story: Dragon's Den* 2023A book about building filled with contents of rooms and houses. Very colorful pictures through out the book qith descriptions of characters and their pets. Each house has a story inside that told stories of people that lived there. 5th gradedesign, adventure, fantasy This would be a good book for students that are interest in building and place to put near the markerspace station. Smyth county public library
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38ChoicePurtill, Sharon It's OK to be different: A childrens picture book about diversity and kindness2019This books discusses all of the differences we have and to be kind to others. The book has vibrant colors on each page of hiking, dancing and ridng bikes. The author insures children that is it ok to be different and shows how we all have different hair and skin color. Kindergarden to 3rd grade. Diversity, kindnessThis book is great to read to children to teach kindness and to be respecful to other classmates. Diversity in the book inlcuded different hair colors and types., multiple races through out the book. Storyvision studios UK youtube
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39ChoiceBinns, DaniaMy Super Self Esteen: An affirmation book for kids. 2024Ths book introduces children to positive words and to build their self-love. This book teaches kids about self-esteem inu each page by alpabet with vibrant colors. Pre-school to second gradeconfidence, growthThis is a great book to read to teach student about self esteem and being kind. I would use this book in the library to create a positive affirmation display for students with positive words and have them add to it. mixed race Kindle Unlimited
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40ChoiceRamsey,EllenA book for bear2023This book is about a bear who loves books. A. little girl becomes friends with this bear when she catches him spying on her read her favorite book. She takes the bear to school with her to find a book and he dressed up as a superhero so nobody knows he is a bear. The bears costumes failed and they had to eventually make the book for bear and finally the bear was happy. Pre-school to second gradecrafts, books, confidence I would use this book with a craft for pre-school or first graders. First doing a read aloud then completing our craft with making a short story book of our way. smyth county public library
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41ChoiceRuzzier, Sergio Fox & Chick 2020In this book there are three stories inside, first starting with The Party, Good Soup and the Sit Still. Each story is about the fox and chick friendship with the chick visiting the foxs house. With bathroom parties, picking veggies from the garden and painting. Pre-school to first gradepainting, frindship, animals A cute book to introduce students to graphic novels in short stories. Kindle
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42ChoiceIwai, MelissaGigi and Ojiji2022The main charcter Gigi is about a Japanese family and Gigi is excited to see her Ojiisan that means grandfather is Janpanese. Gigi's grandfather was visiting them from Japan. This book teaches children words in Japanese. Pre-school to third gradefamily, Japn, language I would use this book to collaborate with a Japanese forign language teacher and have students point out words they recognize as we read. The family is Japanese Kindle
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43ChoiceBailey, JennHenry, like Always 2024Henry went to school looking for a friend as he evaluated each classmate to find the perfect friend. Henry made friends with Katie and they would build, paly on the playground and shared toys. This story is about Henry's experience in a classroom. Second to fourth gradeclassroom, sharingA relatable book to use for a story time for students and have a discussion of what is similar to them in the book. Kindle
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44ChoiceHiggins, RyanWhat about worms!? Elephant & Piggie like reading 2020A funny story about a tiger who isn't afriad of anything except worms. The tiger describes the worms as slimey, liek to wiggle and cannot tell tehir tops from their butts. Completely terrified of worms and the worms are scared of tigers but eventually the worms start to love tigers. The worms go and give the tiger a big hug and it ends with the tiger frantically running away. Kindergarten to third grade tigers, worms, facing your fearsThis is a good lesson to teach students about reading about what they are afraid of to not be afraid annymore. Smyth county public library
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45ChoiceJarrett, PumphreyIt's a sign! an elephant and piggie like reading! 2022A book about a sign for their club. One, Two and Kat are all in the club and they are working togther to spell words for the sign. The club is all about thier favorite things and it becomes a favorite things club. K-3club, spellings,working togetherThis is a great book for students that are beginning to spell out words. smyth county public library
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46ChoicePortis, AntoinetteA Seed Grows 2022A seed grows is all about how a seed grows isto a beutiful flower. This picture book is filled with color and examples of how a plant grows. The book discusses how the birds eat the seeds from the flowers and how the cycle starts all over from the seeds on the ground. Pre-school to first gradeplants, seeds, birds Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to growKindle
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47ChoiceMorris, J.E.Flubby is not a good pet2020The little gil in the story has a pet cat named flubby. All of her friedns have pets that can sing, jump, and catch but flubby can't do any of that. She starts to think flubby is not a good pet but an awful storm comes and they both realize they need each other. pre-school to first gradepetsThis can be a cute read aloud with students using puppets of the animal characters to tell the story. Smyth county public library
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48ChoiceTatsukawa, MayaThe bear in my family2020A main character thinks the bear is messy, always hungry, really loud and strong. The family thinks the bear is family but the little boy doesn't think so until the bear comes in handy. Pre-school to third gradefamily, friendship This is a cute book to read aloud to students that discusses friendship and describes a bear. We can do an arts and crafts of the students version of the book. Smyth county public library
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49ChoicePizzoli, GregThe Book Hog2019This book is all about a hog that loves book and tells about all of the places he takes them. This hog gets a book everywhere he goes and he had a big secret. The shocking secret is that he loves books but he can't read. The hog finds a library and Ms.Olive reads his whole book collection to him. pre-school to third grade books, helping each other This book is great to read to show students how asking for help is okay. I would do an interactive reada loud with the students. Smyth county public library
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50ChoiceTabor, CoreyFox has a problem2023The main character in the story is a fox and it has a problem. His kite got stuck in a tree and he gets a giant fan to blow the kite out of the tree. Now the bear and other animals have a problem from all of the blowing in the trees. All of the animals work together to help the fox get all of the kites out of the tree. pre-school to third grade animals, solving problems, repetitionTo encourage students to keep trying with they have a problem and this book is good to use to teach repetition. Smyth county public library
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