Traditional Literature

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books

Written by Lucille Colandro

Illustrated by Jared Lee with watercolor

Published in 2012 by Scholastic

32 pages

Traditional Literature

Believe it or not, this popular story (and all its sequels) have been passed down for generations. Newer versions have come about, and it seems that there is a "there was an old lady" story for every occasion now. These books are fun stories that children are used to and can easily laugh at any day. This book could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. Sequencing would likely be the go-to way to incorporate this text. It could also be used as an inspiration for writing; students could write their own "old lady" story, complete with illustrations. This could spark their creativity and add interest to writing, especially for students who usually do not enjoy it.

Poetry

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Written by Fred Rogers

Illustrated in watercolor by Luke Flowers

144 pages

Published by Quirk Books in March 2019

Poetry

This book is a collection of poems written by Mr. Rogers himself. The poems are written on all the topics Mr. Rogers discusses and the morals and values he encourages, such as friendship, community, and bravery. This book would be a great way to expose children to poetry as well as character education. This book also includes bright illustrations and short stanzas to keep children interested. I would love to have this book for my classroom. The poems it includes are simple but meaningful. I could easily read one poem each day to my students during a morning meeting or some downtime throughout the day. It would be a great way to not only incorporate poetry, but also teach values to my students through a beloved character.

I Survived Hurricane Katrina

I Survived Hurricane Katrina

by Lauren Tarshis

Published by Scholastic in 2001
112 pages
Historical Fiction

In this story, a young boy names Barry resides in Louisiana with his family. Warned by many to leave due to the predicted hurricane, Barry and his family are indecisive about evacuating until his sister's sickness concinces them to stay home. At first, the storm's severity seems to lessen. However, overnight the levees break, and Barry's world is torn apart by Hurrican Katrina. He is swept away from his family by floodwaters and is forced to survive the storm alone. This story could be used in a classroom to promote weather awareness. I might use this to give children a realistic example of how weather can impact our lives negatively and to persuade them to heed the warnings when storms or hazardous conditions arise.

So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President?

By Judith St. George

Illustrated by David Small

Published in 2000 by Philomel Books

56 pages

Watercolor illustrations
Nonfiction

800 × 960

This children's book gives insight into the lives of the U.S. Presidents up until 2000. Each president's page tells of their previous careers, personalities, and family lives. The book closes with an unidentifiable silhouette being sworn into office, allowing each child to imagine himself or herself in this position. This book allows children to see political figures as real people as opposed to untouchable individuals that they can never become. It also puts political concepts in children's terms so that they can understand the figures and processes. I might use this in social studies, especially in election years, to help children understand who a president is and what they do.

Wonder

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

316 pages
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers in 2012

Realistic fiction

Wonder is a story about a boy named Auggie Pullman who was born with a facial deformity. The story begins as Auggie is about to enter middle school after being homeschooled his entire life. His fears of being ridiculed and excluded come to life as he goes to school. As he struggles, the story switches perspectives to detail the challenges also faced by his sister, his parents, and even one of his bullies. The story ends with Auggie accepting who he is and his classmates realizing that kindness is the most important characteristic a person can have. The unique thing about this story is that it is told not only from the victim's perspective but also from the bully and the victim's family members. I would use this in my classroom to show that while we often focus on the drastic struggles faced by people who are facing serious misfortunes, we forget the hardship of everyday life that other people are facing daily. This is a great message to reflect on, especially for the people who might identify as the "Auggie" in life. This book sends the message that everyone is fighting a battle, and we all need kindness, whether we are facing a chronic illness or just a tough day at school. This story opens up a plethora of opportunities for discussion in the classroom.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Written by J.K. Rowling

784 pages
Published by Scholastic in 2007

Modern Fantasy

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is book seven in its series. It features the beloves character, Harry Potter, and details his quest for the Horcruxes. The finale of its series, this book does not disappoint. It contains intense battles and shocking surprises, eliminating predictability and making readers hungry to turn the pages. This final book is not the typical journeys of past stories but rather details Harry's final development of childhood into adulthood. As the story unfolds, Harry must constantly decide between "what is easy" and "what is right." This topic offers students an opportunity to make a text-to-self connection and contemplate this controversy in their own lives. Since not everyone enjoys or approves of Harry Potter, I would use this book as a part of literature circles for students who seemed interested.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

Written by Susan Collins

Published by Scholastic in 2008

384 pages

Science Fiction

The Hunger Games is the first book in its three-part series. Book one introduces its readers to a place called Panem, which is located on the North American continent where the past nations have since fallen and been destroyed. Panem rules harshly over twelve districts, and the society is overall an unhappy one with significant socioeconomic differences. Each year, all twelve districts choose one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18 to fight to the death on national TV. Similar to the popular TV show Survivor, their games take o inhumane brutality as the public passively watches in awe. This novel and its following books follow sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who becomes a part of the games voluntarily when she insists on switching places with her sister. A plethora of more mature topics are tackled in this novel, such as the importance of dignity,  the value of human life, the dangers of an all-powerful government, and the dangers of desensitization. This book would definitely only be appropriate for an upper-elementary grade, and only for its more mature students. If I taught fifth or sixth grade, I might use this book as a part of literature circles and allow only certain, appropriate groups to choose it. It would be a great book to connect to social studies that would allow students to see the importance of democratic government and the vitality of political and social awareness.