Sunny Holiday

When I think about books I want many of my female students to read, Sunny Holiday comes to mind. This series, by Coleen Murtagh Paratore, is about a headstrong, spunky fourth grader who always makes the most out of any situation, good or bad. She lives in a poor community in upstate New York. Her mother works long hours at a hotel and goes to school at night, and her father is in prison, making up for a big mistake he made trying to get rich quick. Regardless of these obstacles, Sunny stays positive and true to her name, of course!

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

Coleen Murtagh Paratore's writing is playful and creative, but her message she sends to her readers is quite simple: a positive attitude and hard work, combined with patience will lead to great things. Sunny is a good role model for young readers and there's an important message to learn. The author has a unique tone to her writing, creating a strong voice for Sunny. She starts the book by having Sunny quote her father saying, she is strong like a dandelion, which is a strong message shown throughout the novel. I would recommend this read to any young girls looking to learn from a resilient and positive character!

Last Stop on Market Street

I had written a previous post about Matt de la Peña's book titled Love; he is an author I have truly grown fond of and knew I had to share more of his writing on my blog. Last Stop on Market Street is a book all elementary teachers should have in their classroom libraries. This 2016 Caldecott Honor Book is about a little boy and his grandma’s bus trip that they take together every Sunday. CJ, the main character, wonders things like why they don’t own a car like his friends or why he doesn’t have an iPod like the other boys on the bus. Through Peña’s poetic writing, his grandma answers each of CJ’s questions encouragingly to help him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

The tone of Pena's writing is very playful and simple, but the themes he sends to his readers is quite profound. The tone of his writing makes it easy for younger students to understand, but the figurative language and themes Peña creates also makes this a perfect book for upper elementary readers as well. CJ's grandmother helps him appreciate the unexpected beauty in the city, especially in the people. For teachers, this message and book can be a wonderful starting point for discussions about values and empathy towards others. I recommend this book to any (and all) teachers trying to educate their students on the importance of appreciating people and the world around them.

The Name Jar

The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi, is a delightful story about a girl from Korea and her experience as a new student in an American classroom. After being made fun of on the school bus, Unhei grew anxious that many of her new American classmates would also think her name was strange, so she didn't share her name with the other students at first. The classmates gave Unhei a "Name Jar" and eventually she realized the other kids were interested in knowing more about her real name and Korean culture. She learned to appreciate the meaning of her name as well as the friends who are interested in learning about it, and her culture. She found that the kindness and understanding of the other students welcomed her and made her feel more at home in America.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

This was a great story that would help to make any child feel more comfortable about coming to a new school especially if there are cultural and racial differences. This book would be perfect to use in the beginning of the school year, particularly with younger students, as a tool to teach children about tolerance, being themselves, and taking pride in where they might come from. Teachers can use this book to engage students on creating ideas to make new students feel welcomed in their class. Remember The Name Jar as a great book to use when teaching students about the acceptance and understanding of other cultures.

My Brother Charlie

Actress Holly Robinson Peete is perhaps most well known for her role in the Fox television drama, 21 Jump Street, or Hangin' with Mr. Cooper on ABC. Besides her appearance in these popular television shows, she is also known for authoring the picture book My Brother Charlie with her daughter, Ryan. This story is written based on their own experiences because Ryan is the fraternal twin of a brother with autism. This story is written from the point of view of a little girl whose brother, Charlie, has autistim.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

This story can be a great tool to use when teaching students more about what it is like to interact with someone who has autism. This book will show readers having a sibling with autism can sometimes be difficult, but can also bring joy and love. Kid friendly language like, “I love cuddling and snuggles from Mommy, but Charlie doesn’t.” is used to show the experiences someone may encounter with a child with autism. The sweetest part of this book is descriptions of Charlie's strengths and characteristics that make him unique. These characteristics make Charlie so lovable, like his special way with animals and his shell collection. For many youngsters, getting to know someone who has autism may seem difficult. My Brother Charlie would be a wonderful resource and great introduction of the autism disorder to use in any classroom.

Malala's Magic Pencil

Malala's Magic Pencil is a sweet story that will show students the simple, yet profound message of treating all people with love and respect. This book shows the true story of Malala Yousafzai's life. As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to wish for more simple things like to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala realized there were more important things to wish for. She might have never found a magic "pencil", but she quickly learned there was magic in her voice.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

The simple, yet intricate message of the power of your voice will teach students the impact of empathy and compassion. This book could lead to a rich conversation about courage and standing up for others. A lesson of symbolism ( What does the magic pencil really symbolize? ) could lead to a great discussion with students of all ages. A teacher's guide can be found through the Penguin Random House website.

I am Not a Number

Based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis’ grandmother, I am Not a Number is Irene Couchie Dupuis' true experience about being removed from her First Nations family to live with a different family and go to a residential school. Unfortunately, this was not uncommon in Canada during the 1870s. I am Not a Number shows this awful truth and a girl's fight to save her true identity. It is a moving story of one young girl who is sent away from home, and her father's unconditional love of his children. It would be an excellent addition to any classroom or home library.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

As mentioned in my last blog post, Henry's Freedom Box could be used in your classroom to teach students about what slavery was like during this difficult time in history. I am Not a Number would be a great book to use with Henry's Freedom Box to discuss and connect difficult times throughout North American history. Students could compare and contrast both of these stories. I am Not a Number could also be used to teach students to uncover the theme, or message, of a story the author wants them to learn. An obvious theme of "identity" is shown throughout this story. Determination and being true to yourself could also be taught well using this sweet story. Reading this book in the beginning of the year, could lead to numerous teaching points that extend throughout the whole school year.

Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box is a true and honest tale about Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to freedom. The text and the illustrations complement each other and tell not just Henry’s story, but the story of all slaves. This book could be used in a study during Black History month or a social studies piece on the Civil War or the Underground Railroad.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

The most obvious reason to use Henry's Freedom Box in your classroom would be to teach students about what slavery was like during this difficult time in history. Henry's Freedom Box could also be used to teach important plot elements, character traits, and theme. Comparing this historical fiction text with a real account of Henry "Box" Brown would be a great way to introduce paired texts to students. Reading this book in the beginning of the year, could lead to numerous teaching points that extend throughout the whole school year.

Teachers looking to use this book for more in depth teaching points should visit Scholastic for more discussion ideas: Scholastic Teaching Guide.