eportfolio413.weebly.com · Web viewKelsey D. LS 577 W02 Children’s Literature Update Summer Reading Lists ALSC 2013 Notable Children’s Books Children’s Literature Update Picture

Kelsey D.LS 577 W02Children’s Literature UpdateSummer Reading ListsALSC 2013 Notable Children’s Books

Children’s Literature Update

Picture and Picture Story Books: (10)

(1) .Lee, S. (2008). Wave. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Title: Wave

Author: Suzy Lee

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Copyright Date: 2008

Genre: Wordless Picture Book

Age Span: 3-7 years

Summary: A young girl and her mother are walking on the beach. The girl plays with the ocean, trying to scare it, hiding from the ocean, and splashing, until the ocean plays back with a wave knocking her down, giving her seashells.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The art of this book truly is what makes it wonderful. Lee uses only one color, blue, and the rest of the story is told through black, white, and grey. The illustrations paint a playful story of a girl enjoying time at the beach. The ocean takes on a personality of its own, the color blue giving it value, and it becomes a story of unlikely friendships. This could be used to introduce a nonfiction book about oceans.

(2). Carle, E. (2009). The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book. New York: Puffin Books.

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book

Author: Eric Carle

Publisher: Puffin Books


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Genre: Engineered Books

Age Span: 3-5 years

Summary: A hungry caterpillar makes their way to finding food before turning into a butterfly.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Eric Carle uses simple vocabulary to instruct readers on numbers, time, and days of the week. The pop up book puts a delightful spin on his original tale. It allows the readers and opportunity to interact more fully with the story, which is boon to any young readers.

(3). Mayer, M. (1973). What do you do with a kangaroo? New York: Scholastic Inc.

Title: What do you do with a kangaroo?

Author: Mercer Mayer

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.


Genre: Predictable Books

Age Span: 3-8 years

Summary: A young girl keeps finding wild animals in all areas of her home, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and outside. Each of the animals demands something only to have the narrator questions the readers “what do you do…” Each time “you kick them out”. Until at the conclusion of the story all of the animals return and are in her bedroom waiting for milk and a story.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This a fun and exciting read aloud. The students will enjoy the pattern and being able to yell, “you throw them out that’s what you do”. One of the best features of the book is the two pages of no words. You see the girl trying to throw all of the animals out until she finally gives up and lets them stay. The illustrations are lush and colorful and give the tone of silliness.

(4). Rylant, C. & Karas, G.B. (2001). The High-Rise Private Eyes: the case of the missing monkey. New York: HarperTrophy

Title: The High-Rise Private Eyes: the case of the missing monkey

Author: Cynthia Rylant Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

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Publisher: Harper Trophy


Genre: Beginning Readers- I Can Read

Age Span: 7-9 years

Summary: Bunny and Jack try to solve the mystery of the missing monkey, that disappeared from their favorite diner.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a well-structured mystery book for beginning readers. The clues are announced and obvious allowing the readers an opportunity to solve the case themselves.

(5). Burleigh, R. & Giacobbe, B. (2009). Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep! Listen to the City. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Title: Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep! Listen to the City

Author: Robert Burleigh Illustrator: Beppe Giacobbe

Publisher: Simon & Schuster


Genre: Concept Books

Age Span: 3-7 years

Summary: Follow a young boy as he moves through the city from dawn to night listening to the sounds.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This book focuses on introducing the main sounds that a city can make. With colorful illustrations and loud big text for the sounds young readers will be able to identify what the sounds are being presented. At the bottom of each page are one to two sentences describing the scenes; this is helpful for reading the story aloud.

(6). Willems, M. (2006). Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late. New York: Hyperion Books.

Title: Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late

Author: Mo Willems

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Publisher: Hyperion Books


Genre: Participation

Age Span: 2-6 years

Summary: The man who takes care of pigeon is leaving and needs a favor. Can you make sure that pigeon goes to bed?

Personal Response and Evaluation: The readers will have the opportunity to say “NO” each time the pigeon asks to stay up late. The illustrations are very simple the main focus being the blue pigeon. Students will love the opportunity to yell “no” as the pigeon keeps pleading, until finally the pigeon falls asleep. Each request is sillier than the previous one and it is sure to make whoever reads it laugh.

(7). Salas, L.P. (2009). A is for Arrrr: A Pirate Alphabet. Mankato, MN: A+ Books.

Title: A is for Arrrr: A Pirate Alphabet

Author: Laura Purdie Salas

Publisher: A+ Books


Genre: Alphabet Books

Age Span: 5-7 years

Summary: Each letter of the alphabet represents something to do with pirate facts.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The topic will be high interest, but around the middle of the alphabet it becomes too text heavy. If reading aloud to a group I suggest not saying all of the definitions or blocks of text for the letters. Continue to say “Q is for…” but you will lose the group if you spend time on each letter.

(8). Johnson, S.T. (2003). City by Numbers. New York: Puffin.

Title: City by Numbers

Author: Stephen T. Johnson

Publisher: Puffin

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Genre: Counting Book

Age Span: 5-8 years

Summary: Paintings of the city inscribe the numbers 1-21 in counting order.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is an interesting book to explore, because some of the numbers are harder to find than the others. Students will enjoy the opportunity to look for each number and see how it is represented in the city. In a school library this could be used with a “city” section where it can be paired with fiction or nonfiction stories about the city.

(9). Battut, E. (2011). The Little Pea. New York: Sky Pony Press.

Title: The Little Pea

Author: Éric Battut

Publisher: Sky Pony Press


Genre: Picture Story Book

Age Span: 3-10 years

Summary: A little green bean pea doesn’t want to be like the other peas. He wants to be different so he journeys out of his pod and encounters animals that inspire him to be different.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The illustrations are beautiful. Battut uses a white background to emphasize the different colors that the little pea adds to himself. When he goes back to his pod he is rejected and teased, but Battut uses this moment to say that self-acceptance is more important than society or peer acceptance. As the pea settles into the earth a new pod grows and all of these peas are different and unique. Through simple and colorful words and illustrations Battut is able to convey a strong message of being yourself, and that being the same as everyone is not good or ideal.

(10). Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. New York: Atheneum Books.

Title: Olivia

Author: Ian Falconer

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Publisher: Atheneum Books


Genre: Board Book

Age Span: 2-7 years

Summary: Olivia is a piglet that gets into trouble with her mischievous games, dressing up, singing, painting, and dancing.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Olivia is a charming pig. She gets into trouble easily, but charms her way through it. Falconer draws the pig in fantastical way, not realistic, but makes the pig look cute. They wear clothing and act like humans, which is part of the charm. The illustrations show a lot of talent and seems as if they could be hanging in a museum of modern art. This book is published as a hardcover and as a board book. The illustrations seem more vivid in the hardcover as opposed to the board book, however the board book makes the book easier to handle for young readers.

Juvenile Fiction (Chapter) Books: (5)

(1). Sachar, L. (1988). There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom. New York: Random House.

Title: There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom

Author: Louis Sachar

Publisher: Random House


Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Span: 10 years+

Summary: The book follows Bradley, who is the worst kid in the school. He tells lies; he doesn’t do his homework, gets into fights, and has no friends. However the school counselor starts talking to Bradley and through those sessions Bradley becomes a better son, friend, and student.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a book that can be enjoyed by boy and girl readers. The writing is witty and relatable. Many students have felt that no one

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likes them and have given up when something was hard. Even though it talks about difficult things, bullying and learning disabilities, the book doesn’t read slowly. There is humor scattered throughout that makes the book fun for students and adults. (2). Russell, R. R. (2009). Dork Diaries: Tales from a not-so-fabulous life. New York: Aladdin.

Title: Dork Diaries: Tales from a not-so-fabulous life

Author: Rachel Renée Russell

Publisher: Aladdin



Age Span: 12 years+

Summary: Much like Diary of a Wimpy Kid this book centers on a student in school and the daily occurrences that happen to them, but this time a girl is the main character. Often humorously and cringe worthy, Dork Diaries incorporates drawings in the text.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a mature book. Not for younger elementary readers. It is set in a middle school so there will be mentions of kissing and liking boys. However for the appropriate audience this book is sure to be a hit. It has lots of humor with a character that young girls will relate to.

(3). Weeks, S. (2005). So. B. It. New York: HarperTrophy.

Title: So. B. It

Author: Sarah Weeks

Publisher: HarperTrophy



Age Span: 12 years +

Summary: Heidi is a twelve year old girl who has incredible good luck. She lives with her mentally disabled mother who is only able to say 23 words and a neighbor

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who helps take care of Heidi. She finds an old camera, which sends her on a quest to find out who she is and who her mother, was in the past.

Personal Response and Evaluation: There is an element of fantasy, Heidi’s lucky streak, but I classify it as realistic fiction because the core elements of the story are issues that many people deal with in our society. Weeks handles the sensitive issues of mental disability, disappointment, runaways, and family dynamics with a skilled verse. This book would be best used in a classroom or intervention setting where the students would have opportunities to discuss it and ask questions.

(4). Choldenko, G. (2006). Al Capone Does My Shirts. New York: Perfection Learning.

Title: Al Capone Does My Shirts

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Publisher: Perfection Learning


Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Span: 10 years+

Summary: The book is set in 1935. Moose Flanagan, his mother, father, and older sister move to Alcatraz Island where is father starts work as an electrician and prison guard. All Moose wants to do is move back home and be with his friends to play baseball, but his sister Natalie needs a special school. The family doesn’t know what is wrong with her, but they have tried everything except for this special school that helps difficult children. When Natalie is rejected from the school Moose starts to take care of her and he learns about family relationships.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The main conflict in the story is the family dynamic. Natalie is autistic and in 1935 no one knew what that was. So her family has been trying everything and the family world revolves around Natalie. This creates tension for Moose, and while he loves Natalie, he just wants her to be normal. The author includes a great author’s note in the back of the book that should be read before the book. It gives historical context for the novel and talks more about autism. There are also discussion questions that the author included that can be used in the classroom or in the home for family readings.

(5). Riordan, R. (2010). The Red Pyramid. New York: Disney Hyperion Books.

Title: The Red Pyramid

Author: Rick Riordan

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Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books


Genre: Fantasy

Age Span: 10 years+

Summary: Carter and Sadie Kane are brother and sister who have been separated since their mother died. Sadie was sent to live with their grandparents and Carter was taken by his father, an Egyptologist, they see each other twice a year when their father visits Sadie in England. Now events have thrown them together, their father was kidnapped by an evil Egyptian god, a society of wizards are hunting them down, and they are trying to learn their magical skills so they can save the world and their missing father.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The story is told in both of the siblings’ point of views. It is a high rolling adventure. There are some scary parts with fighting scenes. A small bit of romance (the siblings are attracted to minor characters). The only problem with the story is the length. At 500+ pages the story drags towards the end. A lot of subplots were being thrown in and while the main conflict is resolved the book sets up the rest of the series.

Multicultural and International: (2)

(1). Young, E. (1996). Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China. New York: Puffin.

Title: Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China

Author: Ed Young

Publisher: Puffin


Genre: Multicultural and International

Age Span: 5 years+

Summary: Three sisters are left alone in their home as their mother left to take care of their sick grandmother. As the night settles a hungry wolf knocks on the door determined to trick the girls into letting him in.

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Personal Response and Evaluation: This is great way to introduce Chinese culture. Most children are familiar with the popular red riding hood tale (girl lost in a forest) and while this uses common themes (girl, wolf, sick grandmother) it also uses a few traditional Chinese words or phrases.

(2). Climo, S. & Heller, R. (1992). The Egyptian Cinderella. New York: HarperCollins.

Title: The Egyptian Cinderella

Author: Shirley Climo Illustrator: Ruth Heller

Publisher: HarperCollins


Genre: Multicultural and International

Age Span: 5 years +

Summary: This is the story of Rhodopis who was a Greek slave that married Pharaoh Amasis. While the story is based in fact the details are fiction. It follows common Cinderella themes, young serving woman, bullied and teased by other, magic, lost slippers, and marrying royalty.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Rhodopis’ story is sure to entertain and is a wonderful way to explore Egyptian culture at the time. Readers will see the traditional clothing and lifestyle. The Egyptian gods are the source of magic and it could be used to introduce a unit on Egyptian mythology.

Children’s Periodicals: (2)

(1). (1982-). Zoobooks. San Diego: Wildlife Education.

Title: Zoobooks

Author: N/A

Publisher: Wildlife Education

Copyright Date: 1982-

Genre: Periodicals


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Summary: Zoobooks focuses on high interest nonfiction animals. Some of the magazines will have a theme such as “animal babies” or it can focus on one animal such as “lions”. In each Zoobook there will be photographs of the animals, drawings, diagrams, and factual information.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Zoobooks are timeless. They answer all types of questions that children could have about animals. The layout of each magazine is attractive with its photographs and colored diagrams. The vocabulary and sentence structure can get too high level. Kindergarten-Second grade students may have trouble reading all of it, but they can still enjoy the photos and drawings.

(2). (1989-). Sports Illustrated for Kids. New York: Time Inc.

Title: Sports Illustrated for Kids

Author: N/A

Publisher: Time Inc.

Copyright Date: 1989-

Genre: Periodicals


Summary: Sports Illustrated for Kids is a month periodical that highlights what is happening in the professional worlds of sports. Each month will have tear out posters and trading cards.

Personal Response and Evaluation: High color photographs and short articles are the main focus of the magazine. The ads are all catered towards children, which is appropriate. The articles themselves are for a middle reader. A lower level reader will have difficulty interpreting the text.

Literature Related Videos or DVDs: (2)

(1). Hoin, K. (Producer), & Rogers, C.W. (Director). (1991). Jack and the Beanstalk [Motion Picture]. United States: Rabbit Ears Productions.

Title: Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: N/A

Publisher: Rabbit Ears Productions

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Genre: Literature Related Videos or DVDs


Summary: Follow Jack up the beanstalk as he steals from the evil man eating giant.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The video is thirty minutes long and uses illustrations and a narrator to convey the story. The music that accompanies the scenes sets the tone perfectly and matches each theme. Great short video to go with fairy tales.

(2). Seuss, Dr. (Author). (2003). The Best of Dr. Seuss [Motion Picture]. United States: Warner Home Video.

Title: The Best of Dr. Seuss

Author: Dr. Seuss

Publisher: Warner Home Video


Genre: Literature Related Videos or DVDs.


Summary: The Best of Dr. Seuss includes three Seuss tales, “The Butter Battle Book”, “Daisy-Head Mayzie”, and “Horton Hatches the Egg”.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Horton Hatches the Egg should not be shown to children. In the middle of the story a fish puts a gun to their head and commits suicide. It’s violent and unnecessary and not in the book at all. The Butter Battle Book is better suited for grades four and up because of the theme of war, and how war is silly and pointless. Daisy-Head Mayzie is perfect for Kindergarten and first grade. It’s a fun and goofy story that uses catchy songs.

Newbery Winners: (1)

(1). Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins.

Title: The Graveyard Book

Author: Neil Gaiman, Illustrator: Dave McKean

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Genre: Newbery Winner

Age Span: 10 years+

Summary: Nobody Owens was raised in a graveyard. An assassin killed his parents and sister in the night and he was able to escape into the nearby graveyard. The ghosts of the graveyard have raised and protected him, but now he needs to know why his family was killed…and if the killer is still out there looking for him.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is scary and intense novel. In the first chapter we meet the assassin and see him wiping his blade clean of blood. On some of the chapters Dave McKean will illustrate a scene from the story. These illustrations help the mood and tone of the story. On Gaiman’s website you can listen to the whole book for free. His voice combined with the reading of the story is a perfect creepy combination that should please any students looking for a “scary story”.

Poetry: (1)

(1). Coombs, K., & So, M. (2012). Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Title: Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems

Author: Kate Coombs, illustrator: Meilo So



Genre: Poetry


Summary: Here you will find poems about all the parts of the ocean from the sailboats to the sand on the beach.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The poems are lyrical and provide great imagery for the readers, but what really make this book stand out are the illustrations. The colorful and detailed illustrations breathe life into the book and

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captures attention. There is a whimsy to each painting that soothes the reader and does remind them of the calm ocean.

Biographies: (1)

(1). Rappaport, D. & Collier, B. (2001). Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Hyperion Books.

Title: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Author: Doreen Rappaport, illustrator: Bryan Collier



Genre: Biography


Summary: Introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Rappaport uses her words with King’s to make a lyrical and creative biography. The illustrations are an excellent addition to the narrative. Colorful and detailed illustrations contribute to the mood of each part of King’s life.

Informational: (1)

(1). Jenkins, M. & White, V. (2007). Ape. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Title: Ape

Author: Martin Jenkins, illustrator: Vicky White

Publisher: Candlewick Press


Genre: Informational


Summary: Explore the five great apes of the word, orangutan, chimp, bonobo, gorilla, and humans.

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Personal Response and Evaluation: Each of the apes is presented with smooth illustrations. Facts surround the colorfully drawn pictures in a story narrative. At the bottom of each page are more details about the great apes. The back of the book provides a good map and small index. What could be controversial about the story is the fifth ape being humans. The author spends two pages on humans and how they are apes, however there are no illustrations. If this is being read in a religious setting then that last part of the book can be ignored easily.

Folklore: (1)

(1). MacDonald, M. R. & Paschkis, Julie. (2001). Fat Cat: a Danish Folktale. Little Rock, AR: August House.

Title: Fat Cat: a Danish Folktale

Author: Margaret Read MacDonald, illustrator: Julie Paschkis

Publisher: August House


Genre: Folklore


Summary: Fat Cat is a hungry cat that will eat anything or anyone that bothers him.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a great read aloud. The cat eating everything from kings to elephants is ridiculous enough that everyone will be laughing. The author uses repetitive phrases and that invites the students to speak with the story. An exciting story that ends happily for everyone, it’s a great one to include in any folklore unit.

Graphic Novels: (2)

(1). Phelan, M. (2011). The Storm in the Barn. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Title: The Storm in the Barn

Author: Matt Phelan



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Genre: Graphic Novels

Age Span: 12 years+

Summary: Set during the dust bowl in Kansas, 1937, Jack faces the everyday struggles of finding enough food to eat and watching over his sister. He begins to see a shape in an abandoned farm, and that leads him on a quest to save his family.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This graphic novel won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. While historical fiction is its main genre there is a bit of fantasy and “Jack” tales in it as well. The panels are beautifully done with watercolors. This does have an intense scene where the townspeople kill rabbits, but nothing truly graphic is drawn.

(2). Gaiman, N. & Russell, P.C. (2008). Coraline: graphic novel. New York: HarperCollins.

Title: Coraline: graphic novel

Author: Neil Gaiman, illustrator: P. Craig Russell



Genre: Graphic Novels


Summary: Coraline and her family just move into a new apartment. One day when Coraline goes exploring she finds another world hidden behind a locked door. In the other world everything seems better, her “other” parents let her eat all good food and play with her. But Coraline’s other mother may have some sinister plans.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This was originally published as a novella. The graphic novel is simply another medium to the story. This is great for readers who hesitate at reading full novels, but are still looking for a solid story that provides scares and adventure.

Traditional Literature: (1)

(1). Grimm, The Brothers. & Egneus, D. (2011). Little Red Riding Hood. New York: Harper Design.

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Title: Little Red Riding Hood

Author: The Brothers Grimm, illustrator: Daniel Egneus

Publisher: Harper Design


Genre: Traditional Literature


Summary: Little Red Riding Hood goes through the woods only to encounter danger from the wolf.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is the brother Grimm’s tale that originates from French folklore. The story remains scary and interesting, but that illustrations are the best thing about the edition. With abstract and fluid drawings the illustrator is able to convey to story’s thrill and romanticism.

Summer Reading Lists

Grades K-2: (2)

(1). Klassen, J. (2011). I want my Hat Back. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Title: I want my hat back

Author: Jon Klassen



Genre: Picture Books

Age Span: 5-7 years

Summary: A bear has lost his hat and travels through the forest to get it back.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Very simple vocabulary. It’s a good read aloud because the bear goes right by the hat only to realize that he had seen someone else with it. The ending is a bit graphic (you are lead to believe that the bear eats a rabbit), but by using a light tone the students shouldn’t be upset or scared by the story.

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(2). Willems, M. (2010). We Are in a Book! New York: Hyperion Books.

Title: We are in a book

Author: Mo Willems



Genre: Picture Books


Summary: Elephant and Piggie discover that they are characters in a book and decide to have fun playing with the reader.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The humor is a bit higher-level thinking so this would not be good for Kindergarten or first grade. They will still enjoy the reading of the book, but the older students will “get” it more.

Grades 3-5: (2)

(1). George, J. D. (2011). Tuesdays at the Castle. New York: Bloomsbury.

Title: Tuesdays at the Castle

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury


Genre: Fantasy


Summary: Castle Glower has a personality of its own. Every Tuesday the Castle adds or takes something away from the infrastructure. New rooms will appear or old rooms will disappear. Princess Celie is one of the four royal children and she loves the castle. Until one day when her parents disappear while they were away and suddenly other countries are coming to the castle to try and take control.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a delightful story. While there is danger in the story none of it is graphic enough to traumatize a younger reader. It

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has humor, adventure, and magic. This would be good for readers that enjoy Howl’s Moving Castle, or any type of high or epic fantasy stories.

(2). Pennypacker, S. & Frazee. (2006). Clementine. New York: Hyperion.

Title: Clementine

Author: Sara Pennypacker, illustrator: Marla Frazee

Publisher: Hyperion




Summary: Clementine is a mischievous eight year old girl who likes trying different hairstyles and playing with her father.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a humorous and fluffy book. There is not a lot of substance to it, but it is written well. The verse is tight and detailed and the illustrations add a touch of whimsy.

Grades 6-8: (2)

(1). Riordan, R. (2010). The Red Pyramid. New York: Disney Hyperion Books.

Title: The Red Pyramid

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books


Genre: Fantasy

Age Span: 10 years+

Summary: Carter and Sadie Kane are brother and sister who have been separated since their mother died. Sadie was sent to live with their grandparents and his father, an Egyptologist, took Carter, they see each other twice a year when their father visits Sadie in England. Now events have thrown them together, their father was kidnapped by an evil Egyptian god, a society of wizards are hunting them down,

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and they are trying to learn their magical skills so they can save the world and their missing father.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The story is told in both of the siblings’ point of views. It is a high rolling adventure. There are some scary parts with fighting scenes. A small bit of romance (the siblings are attracted to minor characters). The only problem with the story is the length. At 500+ pages the story drags towards the end. A lot of subplots were being thrown in and while the main conflict is resolved the book sets up the rest of the series.

(2). Shulman, P. (2010). The Grimm Legacy. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Title: The Grimm Legacy

Author: Polly Shulman

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons


Genre: Fantasy

Age Span: 12 years+

Summary: Elizabeth just wants and after school job but she doesn’t know what she has signed up for when she starts working in the New York Circulating Material Repository. The objects stored there have a magical and long history originating with the Grimm brothers.

Personal Response and Evaluation: This is a must read for anyone who enjoys fairy tales, adventure, mystery, and romance. Elizabeth is a likable character and when she makes mistakes the audience can understand why she chose that route. Great story, but for mature readers.

ALSC 2013 Notable Children’s Books

Younger Readers: (1)

(1). Willems, M. (2012). Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. New York: Balzer & Bray.

Title: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

Author: Mo Willems

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Publisher: Balzer & Bray


Genre: Picture Book

Age Span: 5 years+

Summary: Goldilocks unwittingly stumbles into the wrong house! Instead of bears it is dinosaurs.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The story is quirky because it is close enough to the original phrasing that you think you know what is coming, but Willems changes the details. The younger readers might not immediately understand that the dinosaurs are trying to eat Goldilocks so they may need some guided questioning.

Middle Readers: (1)

(1). Rusch, E. (2012). The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Title: The Might Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity.

Author: Elizabeth Rusch

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children


Genre: Informational

Age Span: 12 years+

Summary: The story of two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and their discoveries on Mars.

Personal Response and Evaluation: The topic is high interest, space and technology. However the book is lengthy and the vocabulary aims for higher-level readers. This would be for a person who is curious about space, but is willing to committee time to slowly reading all of the facts.

Older Readers: (1)

(1). Hartman, R. (2012). Seraphina. New York: Random House.

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Title: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman

Publisher: Random House


Genre: Fantasy

Age Span: 14 years+

Summary: Seraphina is a music mistress with a dangerous secret. In an uneasy world with dragons and people Seraphina is the one thing that should not happen-a half-breed. Her mother was a dragon and her father a human. Seraphina navigates the royal court with uneasiness and suspicion, but when the country is threatened she will do her best to protect it.

Personal Response and Evaluation: Seraphina won the YALSA 2013 William C. Morris Award. It’s a fabulous fantasy novel that uses music to communicate emotion and stories. Seraphina’s journey to self-acceptance and self-knowledge is a long and hard one, but the book chronicles it perfectly. The audio book is a great thing to check out as well because it will play the music that is often referenced in the book, it truly adds another level of appreciation.

All Ages: (1)

(1). Coombs, K., & So, M. (2012). Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Title: Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems

Author: Kate Coombs, illustrator: Meilo So



Genre: Poetry


Summary: Here you will find poems about all the parts of the ocean from the sailboats to the sand on the beach.

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Personal Response and Evaluation: The poems are lyrical and provide great imagery for the readers, but what really make this book stand out are the illustrations. The colorful and detailed illustrations breathe life into the book and captures attention. There is a whimsy to each painting that soothes the reader and does remind them of the calm ocean.

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Documents

eportfolio413.weebly.com · Web viewKelsey D. LS 577 W02 Children’s Literature Update Summer Reading Lists ALSC 2013 Notable Children’s Books Children’s Literature Update Picture