Willems, M. (2013). A Big Guy took my Ball! New York: Hyperion.  A Big Guy took my Ball!  is another installment in the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems.  Piggie is very distraught as he tells Elephant (Gerald) that some big guy took a big ball he had found.  Elephant becomes very angry in hearing his friend's dilemma and thinks aloud about why big guys take advantage of little guys.  He decides to go to the big guy and return the ball back to Piggie.   Once he finds the culprit, he sees that it is a really big guy, much bigger than Elephant, it is a whale.  Elephant is frightened and embarrassed as he tells Piggie that he could not bring his ball back.  As they are talking, the whale joins the conversation and thanks them for finding his little ball.  The whale soon complains that little guys have all the fun and no one wants to play with someone so big.  The friends invent "whale ball" were they all three can play with the ball.  A Big Guy took my Ball! is an easy and fun book where the repetition of the text helps the reader decode words easily.  Mo Willems is a excellent, irreverent author in early childhood books and his texts tell a story while drawing in all that read his books.  Willems follows in the steps of Dr. Seuss creating books students love to read.  Mo Willems has also authored Don't Let the Pigeon series and Knuffle Bunny. He has won many Theodor Geisel Awards, an Caldecott honor award and has been on New York Bestsellers list.  To find out more information about Mo Willems and his creative works, go to mowillems.com.

Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three Pigs. New York: Clarion.  The Three Pigs is unlike any traditional story of the 3 little pigs.  The book starts out retelling the familiar tale but soon the pigs figure out how to exit the story by getting rid of the storyboards in the book.  One pig makes a paper airplane out of the pages and they glide around through several pages.  Finally, the pigs land in a nursery rhyme and eventually they are in the middle of a story set in medieval times with a dragon.  The pigs rescue the dragon who was in danger of being killed by the prince.  They soon notices the pages of their own story and as they set up the storyboard they invite the dragon to join their tale.  All are there as the book continues with the wolf at knocking on the brick house, with the recognizable mandra of, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff...". As the wolf huffs, the dragon pops out of the house surprisingthe wolf changing the fairy tale forever.  The dragon and the pigs decide to stay together and of course live happily ever after.  The Three Pigs won the Caldecott Award in 2001, its creative, imaginative twist on this traditional fairy tale has inspired many fractured fairy tales.  Wiesner has designed a book that challenges the reader to go beyond the ordinary, conventional to imagine what could be different if?. It is an excellent book to be included in any classroom library and can be used as a mentor text in teaching different subjects.  One project is for students to create their own storyboards and write their own fractured fairy tale.  This could done alone or as a group where each student designs a part of the story and a classroom fairy tale is produced.  Other fractured fairy tales included The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs and Seriously, Cinderella is so Annoying.

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true   story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. New York: Houghton. Balloons over Broadway is a lovely book full of intricate details which tells the story of Tony Sarg, the creator of the Macy's Parade balloons.  Tony was inventive even as a small child and constructed his first marionette puppet at six years old.  As he immigrated to New York he was hired to design windows for Macy's department store with puppets from familiar book characters.  These puppets moved with gears  and pulleys. Mr. Macy wanted to create a parade for his employees, many which were immigrants. Tony Sarg helped Mr. Macy's dream come true. The Macy's Parade began with costumes, floats and even real animals from the zoo.  The New York crowds were amazed, so the tradition continued but the animals started to scare the children. Mr. Sarg created types of puppets that were light but large out of the same material they designed the Goodyear blimp.  His first concepts were big but not high enough for all to see.  He soon devised a puppet that is akin to a marionette that would float above the parade audience.  Instead of having strings that manipulated from the top, Sarg's invention had ropes controlling the movement from the bottom.  Every year, Tony Sarg continued to create diverse puppets that filled the parade route for all to enjoy.  Inside the book cover of this book, Sweet, the author tells the backstory of Tony Sarg's life with real life articles, letters and drawings.  The typeface varies at times with pages that appear to have cut out letters.  In back cover of the book, Melissa Sweet tells about how she created the art for the book using all types of materials, watercolor and designing her own toys for inspiration.  She also writes further about the details of Tony Sarg's life, work  and quotes including a bibliography and sources.  The Smithsonian Magazine website has an article and photographs of Tony Sarg's earliest creations for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Doodle Craft has a tutorial on how to make a marrionetee bird at  http://www.doodlecraftblog.com/2013/04/easy-silly-bird-marionette-diy-tutorial.html#.

     

Smith, L. (2011).  It’s a Book. New York: Roaring Brook. In an age of digital technology and gadgets, It's a Book is conversation between Jackass and Monkey and his pet mouse.  Jackass is intrigued by what Monkey has in his hands and why is it so interesting.  Throughout the book, Jackass asked Monkey questions about what he has and to every answer Monkey simply states "It's a Book".  Jackass continues to pester Monkey with questions, "Does it have special features, does it scroll down and where is your mouse?". Monkey finally relents and shows Jackass his book to which at first Jackass seems unimpressed. Jackass takes the book and hours pass as he reads.  Monkey asks if he is going to give his book back and Jackass replies no but he will recharge it. As Monkey and his mouse heads to the library, mouse responses, "It's a book, Jackass."  Lane Smith's work is fresh and bold, books that adults love to read to children.  Their humor is enjoyable with plenty of sarcasm and irony.  It's a Book is no different creating laugh out loud moments reminding the reader of the simple pleasure of reading a book. Lane Smith often collaborates with Jon Scieszka, some of their books include The Math Curse, The Stinky Cheese Man and other fairly Stupid Tales and Baloney. Smith in addition to being an author is more well known for being an illustrator.  He was named by The Eric Carle Museum an Honor Artist in 2012 for "lifelong innovation in the field of children's books".  He received the Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement award in 2014.

     

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, Mirror. New York: Dutton.  Mirror, Mirror a book of poetry based on fairy tales.  The unique feature of this book is that each poem can be written in reverso or reversible which means you can read the poem down and up.  Singer uses the same words in each poem but as the reader reads in each direction they have a slightly different meaning. The artwork by Josee Masse is beautiful and inviting worthy of a classic fairy tale.  The first poem introduces the book reading in reverso style with the poem, In Reverse. Marilyn Singer includes poems about Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Goldilocks.  Most traditional fairy tales are portrayed in the poetry of this book. Singer has authored over 100 books.  She has two other poetry books written in reverso style, Follow, Follow and Echo, Echo.  Her poetry books included Rutherford B., who was He? poems about presidents and A Strange Place to call Home, poems about animals that live in difficult habitats.  Josee Masse creates rich illustrations for her books and at http://painted-words.com/portfolio/josee-masse/ there is a link that shows the process as she draws for Echo, Echo.

Sendak, M. (1963).  Where the Wild Things Are. New York: HarperCollins. Where the Wild Things Are is an iconic book by Sendak who had a career in children's literature for over 50 years.  This book is about Max, a boy wearing a wolf's suit who creates havoc of all different sorts. He doesn't follow his mother's instructions and she calls him, "Wild Thing", he answers back, "I'll eat you up.". After which his mother sends him to bed without any supper.  His room gradually changes to a forest and he travels by boat for almost a year to where the wild things live.  At first, the wild things, try to scare him showing their terrible eyes and terrible claws but Max is able to tame them. He soon becomes their leader and king of the wild things.  They create chaos, howl at the moon and act like monsters.  Max says they must stop and sends them off to bed without their supper.  He smells his mother's cooking from far away and decides to return, much to the wild things dismay. When he arrives back in his room, the forest is gone and his supper awaits him...and it is still hot. Where the Wild Things Are has become not only a favorite children's book but a mentor text as well. It was written in 1963 and is at the forefront of modern children's literature.  Sendak didn't necessarily embraces being known as a children's writer, he is quoted in Time Magazine, " I don't write books for children.  I write them for myself. Children happen to like them."  Sendak wrote many classics of modern children's literature and illustrated Little Bear which is inspiration for the children's TV show of the same name. To read his interview by Time Magazine go to http://entertainment.time.com/2012/05/09/from-times-archive-maurice-sendak-on-childrens-books/.

Selznick, B. (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret .New York: Scholastic.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an inventive book with more illustrations than text.  The illustrations play an integral part in sharing with the reader the narrative of the story.  It provides clues to the words written.   The book is thick and often students are nervous about checking out such a huge book, once students realize the vast amount of drawings are inside they are a little less hesitant.  Hugo is the main character who is good with his hands, he lives within the clock at the train station but basically homeless and on his own.  He used to live there with his Dad who tragically died in a fire.  The station inspector is always after him and tries to catch him repeatedly.  George Melies is a storekeeper within the train station and has intricate toys at his stop. He is suspicious of Hugo and does not trust him. His godchild, Isabella is an older girl, eventually Hugo and Isabella becomes friends even though George Melies disapproves.  George's wife is Mama Jeanne Meilies and Isabella lives with them.  Hugo is on a quest to solve the mystery within the clues of the drawings he finds in his dad's possessions. The quest intertwines not only Hugo and Isabella but George and his wife as well.  In unlocking the mystery, Hugo discovers more about his Dad but also the secret previous life and profession of George.  The reader is captivated as the story enfolds and drawn to illustrations looking for clues along with Hugo. Selznick was awarded the Caldecott Award in 2008 for the suburb Hugo Cabret, it is truly unique and is an example of excellent children's literature. The movie, A Trip to the Moon, is the movie created by the real George Melies who was a groundbreaking filmmaker from the 1890s to 1920s.  This amazing film is available on video and Amazon Prime Video. The website http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/ is rich in connection and links related to the book and the characters real and fiction.  A  lovely movie by the same name came out in 2011, it had a 3D feature and was produced by Martin Scorsese.  It stays close to the heart of Hugo Cabret and is a fair representation of the book.

Schlitz, L. A. (2007).  Good Masters, Sweet Ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press. Good Masters, Sweet Ladies is written as plays with seventeen equal voices as the author, Laura Schiltz describes in her forward.  As her students were studying medieval times, she wanted the history and excitement of the time to come real to her students.  She wanted history to be viewed as dramatic not just dates and the history of old men. The setting is in 1255 in England.  The monologues with a few dialogues are set in verse.  She gives several pages of background throughout the book. The perspectives of the monologue range from Hugo - the lord's nephew, Will -the plowboy, Alice - the shepherdess, Thomas - the doctor's son, Constance- the pilgrim, Mogg- the villein's daughter and many more.  Each monologue shares an unique viewpoint and mindset.    Schlitz creates various side notes alongside the verse explaining the character or occupation.  She gives a further insight for the reader to understand each character.  She provides a biography in the back of the book as she authenticates her research and provides for supplementary study. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is the 2008 Newbery Award wubber, Those interested in medieval times should read Newbery Honor Award winner, The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman.

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Crown. Jess is a boy that lives in the country, goes to a small town school and wants to be the fastest runner in 5th grade. He has been practicing running all summer getting up early before he has to milk the cow and all the other chores. Jess can't wait to show off his running skills to the other boys at the school.  He is sandwiched in the middle of his sisters, two older and two youngest.  He is partial to his sister, May Belle, who is in 1st grade. Jess loves to draw even though his Dad frowns on him wasting his time creating pictures.  Miss Edmunds understands and appreciates his drawings, he loves being in her music class on Friday.  She is unique and the only female teacher that has dared not wear a dress to school. Soon a family moves into the old Perkin's farmhouse, most people don't stay long. Leslie is the new neighbor girl, skinny, unpretentious and a fast runner.  It is awkward when she first comes to school, she does not follow the social rules.  She beats all the boys running, does not hang out with the girls, she wears cut offs and plain clothes. Jess understands she would like to be his friend but he is not open to it at first.  Slowly, they become friends and Jess does not care what others say about it.  Leslie is so smart, brave and easy to talk to; they create a kingdom in the grove. Only Jess and Leslie are allow in Terabithia, the kingdom within the grove.  Leslie makes it magical saying it reminds her of Narnia and talks like a queen. Jess and Leslie appreciate each other and enjoy their time together. Even when the rain downpours Leslie is insistent that they still go to Terabithia; Jess is hesitant but Leslie's determination wins out.  After several days of unrelenting rain, Jess decides he will tell Leslie he will not go to Terabithia.  His teacher also tired of all the rain stops by Jess's house early one morning inviting him to go to a museum with her.  His sleeping Mom tell him yes and Jess hurries out before she changes her mind.  All day long is spent with Miss Edmunds walking around the museum and eating at a cafe.  Jess wishes that Leslie could be here but really enjoys his time being alone with his teacher.  As she drops him off at home, his family is hushed and worried looking, his Mom had been crying.   One of the girls blurt out that his girl friend is dead and that they thought he was dead too.  Leslie decided  to Terabithia alone, swinging over the stream at the entrance of grove like they always did and she fell.  She must have hit her head and she died.  Jess could not believe that it really happened surely is was all a misunderstanding.  The book continues as Jess processes the emotions of his best friend dying, the care of his family and understanding of his teachers. Jess decides to share Terabithia with May Belle but first he lays out lumber for a bridge so she could walk there like a queen. Bridge to Terabithia is a lovely book of true friendship between an unlikely pair, Jess and Leslie.  They help each other navigate through school, not so nice kids and family. Leslie opens a new world to Jess, her family choose to move to a simpler life and Leslie shares her experiences and family with Jess.  Katherine Paterson is a multi-award winning author that has written over 30 books.  Bridge to Terabithia won many awards including the Newbery Award in 1978. It has also been made into a 2007 movie starring AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson. Her website http://katherinepaterson.com/  is a must visit for all that love Terabithia and Katherine Paterson complete with her Twitter feed and information on her books.

Nelson, K. (2008).  We are the Ship.  New York: Hyperion. Kadir Nelson has created an impressive book unparalleled to any others. We are the Ship tells the story of the history of the Negro League Baseball, it is a nonfiction book that has tremendous artwork that could be in an art gallery included with the informative text.  The book’s chapters are in innings that chronically follow the Negro League and its players.  It provides background on talented but obscure players that most with the exception of historians might not know. The text is comprehensive formatted like a thick picture book, one can spend hours learning about these athletes and the history of the league. When baseball was organized and became a professional sport in the 1860s, a few of its players were Negro.  They were treated poorly as they were in society at that time and by the late 1800s, Negroes were not a part of the league.  Rube Foster was at the forefront of organizing a Negro league.  Some teams were flashy and provided entertainment, sometimes focused more on a show than athletic abilities. Nelson walks the reader throughout the annals and accounts of the players and teams.   The artwork includes a full two-page spread of the first Colored World Series and folds out to a four-page spread of both teams with their players, coaches and management along with their names.  Quotes throughout the book from famous players and managers give the book depth and authenticity.  Kadir Nelson has authored and illustrated a striking biography picture book of Nelson Mandela and has collaborated with many authors with his artwork.

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. New York: Scholastic.  Cynthia Lord has created a book from the perspective of Catherine, a teenager girl that has a brother with autism.  The strain of David's disability is particularly difficult for Catherine.  She is burdened by the brunt of the responsibility for him and feels unseen by her parents.  Catherine has created a list of Rules for David because he does not understand social cues on his own. Every chapter starts with a Rule.  These rules show David how to interact with the world and allow Catherine a way to remind him of the rules.  He does not always follow her set out rules one being, "No toys in the fish tank", toys wind up in the fish tank quite frequently.  Catherine not only has rules for David to abide by but herself as well.  She is a good artist and draws what she sees.  She longs for a close friend and is excited about the possibilities of the new neighbor girl moving in next door. Catherine goes with David and her Mom to his occupational therapy.   There she becomes friends with Jason, a boy that is wheelchair bound and can't talk but has words that he points to communicate with the world. Catherine starts to draw words and pictures for Jason to be included in his wordbook.  Even though she enjoys her friendship with Jason, she is still embarrassed by his disability with her new neighbor, Kristi.  Kristi is seems to have the ideal surroundings and impeccable style, she also has befriended Ryan, the obnoxious boy from the bus.  Ryan is rude and unkind to David.  As Jason and Catherine's friendship develops, they both look forward to seeing each other every week.  Kristi has heard about Jason but does not know he is disabled.  She wants Catherine to invite Jason to the dance so that Ryan and Kristi can go together. She is protective of Jason and his limitations and does not want him or her subjected to Ryan's cruel words. Catherine struggles with being viewed as different because of how David acts in public.  She is frustrated that she dos not have her parents’ attention as David’s care monopolize their time.  Catherine decides not to tell Jason about the dance but eventually Jason finds out and his feelings are wounded.  Catherine wants to make it up to Jason but not sure how to and still have a "normal" life. Rules is an excellent and sympathetic book that gives the reader, Catherine’s perspective of  the struggles in her family. It opens the reader’s eyes to a world they might have not experienced before.  The author, Cynthia Lord is a mother to an autistic son and used the book to help explore some of her own feelings with having member with autism.  Rules was Cynthia Lord's first novel and she received a Newbery Honor Award in 2007. She has since written other novels and authors the Hot Rod Hamster and Shelter Pet Squad Series.  There are discussion guide for  Rules and her other books along with a writing rules download for middle- grade authors on the teachers link at her website. 

Landry, D. (2007).   Skulduggery Pleasant. NY: HarperCollins. Stephanie's uncle, the famous author has died and left most of his belongings to Stephanie along with his house, all the royalties from his books. At his funeral, she notices a strange looking man and feels eerily connected with him but not afraid.  Her uncle's house has always been intriguing to her and she is looking forward to exploring it further.  Soon she has the chance due to a dangerous storm and flooding that keeps her mother away.  She is alone overnight and someone is demanding that she open the door and give her a key.  Stephanie doesn't understand what he is talking and becomes frightened, something is terribly wrong.  The man breaks down the door and attacks Stephanie.  Suddenly, Skulduggery Pleasant appears and fights off the man with unusual power.   Stephanie soon discovers a new underworld that her uncle was connected to and realizes that he didn't die of normal causes but was murdered.  She along with Skulduggery Pleasant, a detective, search for the true answers to what is really going on around them.  They are joined by a cast of diverse characters; some enemies and few friends from this parallel world.  Does Stephanie has magical powers like most she meets or is doomed to maintain her normal boring life? Skulduggery Pleasant is full of action, mystery and fights as Skulduggery Pleasant searches to find the answers to the mystery at hand.  He reluctantly includes Stephanie in his adventures but feels that she is peculiar and not just a normal girl.  Derek Landry is an author from Ireland where Skulduggery Pleasant is set, he has created a series based on this unique character.

 Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my Hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick. This is not my Hat is a picture book that provides suspense as a little fish swims away from the owner of the hat.  The little fish acknowledges it isn't his hat but is sure that he will get away with taking the hat. He says the big fish was asleep when he took it, so he won't know who took it.  The illustrations tell another story to the cocky little fish's narrative. It shows us the big fish waking up seeing the little fish swimming away.  The little fish continues that even if the big fish wakes up and goes to look for it that no one will tell where he went, the illustrations again shows the reader that the little fish is wrong. A crab points the big fish towards way the little fish went and is voiceless on the pages he is on.  Little fish says he will hide where no one will find him soon the big fish follows.  After a double page spread with no text or action just an illustration of big and tall plants, the big fish emerges wearing the hat.  Jon Klassen is the author-illustrator of this book, he is an award winner and on the New York Times bestsellers list.  Klassen provides an easy to read text that is enjoyable for all the read.  It and other books in the Hat series provides repeated text and easy to decode words,  Klassen won the 2013 Caldecott Medal for this book, he is also an illustrator. He made a short animated film with Dan Rodriques and work on Kung Fu Panda and Coraline.

Kinney, J. (2007).  Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  New York: Amulet Books. Jeff Kinney has written some of the bestselling children's books in his series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  This book is the first in a series which introduces us to Greg, a middle school boy.  He is clear that this is a journal and not a diary; also, that it is his Mom's idea and not his.  In true journal style, the pages are lined and dated by month.  It opens in September at the beginning of the school year, we are introduced to his closest friend, Rowley. Rowley and Greg have a strange relationship, they do things together but Greg feels a little sorry for the unpopular, uncool boy.  Greg is not very popular himself but is quick to share his ideas and thoughts in his journal.  Greg has an older brother, Rodrick who has a van and plays in a rock band with his friends. His younger brother, Manny is his parents’ favorite and is still a little kid.  Fregley is the nerd of the school that somehow always seems to work himself into Greg's life. Once his Mom makes up her mind that Greg will do an activity it happens regardless of how much Greg begs.  At his Mom’s insistence, he has to take part in the school play.  Despite the tireless work of his teacher, Mrs. Norton, it does not end well.  We follow Greg throughout the school year via his journal, a few lines and then a drawing of Greg's life.  In the fall, Greg is sure he wants a weight set to help him with the wrestling unit but by Christmas, it is not important.  He and Rowley sign up for Safety Patrol helping the kindergartens walk home midday.  They are able to have hot chocolate in the morning and be out of most of the Pre-Algebra class.  Everything was going well, when a neighbor reported that Rowley was unkind to the younger students, he is suspended from his safety duties.  Greg was actually the culprit that was chasing the kids with worms.  He owns up to it with Rowley but not anyone else, he is eventually found out and it relieved of his duties permanently.  Rowley ignores him now despite the past mutual friendship, hours of video games, Halloween, comic strip creations and snow fights. Greg is now the outsider as Rowley become more popular with the safety patrol team and comic strip series in the school newspaper. Eventually, after an unfortunate event with a group of teenagers, Greg and Rowley start to hang out again when Greg deflects Rowley from being embarrassed from the whole school. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a delightful journey seen through the eyes of Greg. There are at least eight more books in the series, many tie-in books and basis of two movies. It is an excellent series and enjoyable to share and read aloud with others.

Holm, J & M (eds). (2014). Comics Squad Recess!. New York: Random House. Comics Squad Recess! is an amusing introduction to graphic novels, it is collection from some of the best loved authors that write graphic novels. Authors and editors include Jennifer and Matthew Holms who have created the series - BabyMouse and Squish. Others authors are Jarrett J. Kronsock who created the Lunch Lady Series, Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man graphic novels and Captain Underpants series, Dan Santat, illustrator and author with his contribution of 300 Words, Raina Telgemeier, creator of Smile & Dave Roman, author of the Astronaut Academy series, Ursula Vernon, author of Dragonbreath series, Eric Wight, author of the Frankie Pickle series and Gene Luen Yang, author of the graphic novel American Born Chinese. Most of the authors/illustrators produce work from their graphic novel series but a few include original work for thiscollaboration work based on recess or school. Dav Pilkey's typewritten letteron school letter head from Ms. Construde, the frustrated 1st Grade teacher, addressed to the parents of the unruly student creators of Dog Man is one of the highlights of the book. Dan Santat's, 300 Words is about three boys that have a paper of 300 words due, two of them forgot and have different ways to complete the assignments. Inventive Jiminy Sprinkles in Freeze Tag is a new cupcake in school that battles the bullies from The Mean Green Gang, a gang full of vegetables. An additional treat is the extras between the comics that have ideas and one page tie ends to the characters. Comic Squad Lunch! is another installment in this series.

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury. Rapunzel's Revenge is a graphic novel full of adventure; it is a fractured fairy tale with a young adult feel. Rapunzel grew up in a great villa; it was beautiful but since she was little, Rapunzel felt something was not right and that she didn't belong. She has distant dreams of a simpler happier time. Every time she told her mother about her dreams, she is forbid to speak of them again, her mother said if you ignore the dreams they will go away. On Rapunzel's 12th birthday, she rebelled from her mother's clutches and escapes beyond the wall. The great wall hid the desolate wasteland where people work like slaves. As she was watches the people line up for water she sees a face that looks familiar. Rapunzel and the woman realize that she is her true mother, taken away by the woman that raised Rapunzel named Gothel. Rapunzel is brought back within the wall by Gothel's henchmen and eventually banished within a magical tree Gothel has created. After years of being there, Rapunzel with the help of her extremely long hair escape the tree that was a prison. The escape soon led to more trouble, all Rapunzel wants to do was to free her mother. She meets up with Jack and has a series of misadventures where kidnapping, criminals and lies are around every corner. They devise a plan to enter back into Gothel's lair and confront the evil witch woman. After a battle with Gothel, her evil stepmother is defeated and the curse of her magic is broken. The kingdom is saved after Gothel is entrapped by her own magic. The affliction of the years of Gothel's rule was destroyed and the land eventually turns back to a green as it was before Gothel's havoc. Rapunzel is reunited with her Mother, who calls her Annie and Jack steals a kiss. Shannon and Dean Hale along with Nathan Hale have created a visual stunning graphic novel with scenes from the Old West to a castle garden surrounded by a dessert. It is reminisce of a dystopian novel with Rapunzel as its hero. Rapunzel is not a perfect heroine but is brave and ready to defend herself and correct the wrongs in a very Katniss meets a fairy tale way. Nathan created the illustrations for this novel has a website called spacestationnathan.com complete with a blog of his upcoming work. He has illustrated other books notably a graphic novel series, Hazardous Tales.

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Rosa is the true story of Rosa Parks, the woman that refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. The book opens to the backstory of Rosa's day and what she was doing prior to the historic event. Rosa was a seamstress and where she worked was gearing up for the busy Christmas season of alterations. It was December 1 and Rosa was thinking of her mom who was sick as she boarded the bus. As Mrs. Parks went down the bus aisle she noticed that the black section at the back of the bus was full but there were seats available in the neutral section at the center of the bus. As more passengers arrived, Rosa along with other blacks in her section are ordered to sit in the back of the bus. Others in her area complied by Rosa was tired, tired in her body but also tired of injustice refused. She was arrested and women in her area of the Women's Political Council decided to create a campaign that demanded support for Mrs. Park by staying off the buses. People in the South had enough of the unequal treatment and brutality of blacks. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the leading voice of this movement.The campaign soon became national recognize and people of all races joined together to invoke change. Many people across the nation sent coats and shoes to the people of Montgomery to stand in solidarity with those there. Almost a year afterwards, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of those that said segregation was wrong. This helped fuel the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Rosa is a 2006 Caldecott Honor Award winner and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award for its impressive illustrations. The important story Rosa tells the rich history of this significant event that helped change the course of the Civil Rights in the South. The illustrations are a vibrant reminder that adds to the text beautifully. Rosa can be used as a teaching tool throughout various grade levels. BrainPop has a movie sharing about Rosa and this event along with lesson plans and activities.

Garza, C. (1999). Magic Windows. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press. Magic Windows is a bilingual book that share about cutout paper art and the rich history it has in Mexico. Garza is an artist and talks about the the different cutouts that she has done, she explains that the cutout have to all be connected somehow. Systematically, she reveals each cutout - magic windows' story and how it relates to her life and culture. She tells of the size and what inspired each of the magic windows. Outdoor scenes, holiday celebrations to pictures of her family and wildlife are include in the book. Carmen Lomas Garza is a recognized artist in Mexico, she has authored two other bestsellers and award winning books. Family Pictures/Cuadoros de familia and In My Family/En mi familia have won Pura Belpre Honor Awards and Magic Windows was the 2000 Pura Belpre winner. Garza's art is feature throughout North America in many galleries and museums. In her book, she talks about her new workbook, Making Magic Windows that tells how to make pural picado (cut-paper art). http://www.designsponge.com/2013/02/25-amazing-papercut-artists.html shows some amazing examples of cut paper artists and art.

Gaiman, N. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. The book opens to a frightening scene in a house where three people, a family has been murdered. A man named Jack is headed up the stairs to murder the final member, a baby. When Jack arrives to the room at the top of the stairs the baby is gone. Jack doesn't know it but the baby has escaped and headed up the hill to a graveyard. Jack has an unusual ability to smell and believes the baby's smell is headed to the graveyard. The baby is soon discovered by Mrs. Owens and her husband, they along with the other members of the graveyard decide they will protect the baby. After much deliberation, the inhabitants agree that the baby will by named Nobody Owens and be given the Freedom of the Graveyard. His parents will be the childless couple, Mr. and Mrs. Owens and his guardian will be Silas. Silas is a mysterious man that is neither alive or dead, he will be able to protect and care for Nobody moving between the living and the dead seamlessly. The Graveyard Book follows Bod (Nobody) through various times in his childhood. A visitor, a little girl named Scarlett visits the graveyard frequently as her mother sits far off and grades papers. Scarlett and Bod become friends and explore the graveyard together. Scarlett's parents are convinced that Bod is her imaginary friend and tolerate her babblings about him until a fateful day. Bod and Scarlett investigate the oldest tomb in the graveyard which is hidden within a hill. Untold secrets are discovered deep within intricate tunnels and darkness. The children only about 5 at the time are gone for quite a long time and the police are called and Scarlett only visits one more time before she moves away to Scotland. Silas his guardian has to leave for awhile but as promised when he is gone, he will provide a guardian to feed and teach Bod. His part-time guardian is Miss Lupescu a peculiar character that Bod does not care for at first. Miss Lupesca teaches him innumerable ways of the dead and in an unexpected twist not only saves Bod from the ghastly ghouls but reveals she is more than just a odd spinster lady. Bod makes many friends throughout his childhood, Liza Hempstock, a girl burned at the stake for being a witch that resides in the Potter's Field of the graveyard. She too is able to help save Bod from danger after being trapped by two men that want the riches of the oldest tomb. As Bod becomes a teenager, he tries to go to school for awhile but after confronting bullies Silas and he determine maybe traditional schooling is not best for Bod. Bod slowly learns about his true identity and what happened to his family, the graveyard community understands that Jack will be back looking to kill Bod for good. As the story continues Scarlett moves back to town with foggy memories of their childhood. She and her mother are soon befriended by Mr. Frost. Scarlett joins Bod on his quest to find out what really happened to his family and Mr. Frost seems to have the answers they are searching for. Mr. Frost, the tame harmless man is hiding his true identity and Scarlett leads him right to Bod. The Graveyard Book captivates the reader anxiously hoping that Bod is able to outsmart and escape the trap laid out for him. Neil Graiman is a masterful storyteller that slowly unfolds the adventures of Bod with his curious cast of characters. The reader is mesmerized by this remarkable tale, Graiman has created. Graiman has authored many books both for adults, young adults and children. He is an award winning British novelist that is multifaceted and has worked most areas of the entertainment including film and TV. He has a journal on his website with glimpses of his personal life but it probably best suited for a more mature audience.

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my Mind. New York: Atheneum Books. Melody loves words, words surrounded her, she remembers all the words ever spoken to her. She has a photographic memory and retains all information. Even though Melody is a 5th grader, she has never spoken one word, she has cerebral palsy. While her body sometimes jerks when she doesn't want it to and her parents have to help her with basic tasks, her mind is quick and ready to learn. Most of the world think that Melody as stupid but her Mom and Dad along with neighbor Mrs. V can tell that she is listening and very intelligent. Melody goes to Spaulding Street Elementary and is now in inclusion classes with regular students. Her aide and friend, Catherine brings her from class to class and assists her. A few kids are kind to her especially Rose but most are distant. As Melody is researching for a project, she discovers an unique computer especially designed for people with her disability. After much red tape, she finally has a Medi-Talker computer. Melody is finally able to share her words and all the knowledge she has by pushing on keys that allow her to talk. Her computer allows others to see how truly intelligent she is which allow her to compete on the quiz team. If they win they have a chance to go to Washington D.C. to compete and even be interview on Good Morning, America. Out of my Mind has many ups and downs which is written in the first person perspective by Melody. It is a ground-breaking book that gives the reader a perspective of what it might be like with someone with cerebral palsy. The reader is drawn into Melody's world and empathize, cringes and celebrates with her. Melody's family is at the heart of the story, her Mom, Dad, Penny -her little sister and dog, Butterscotch. This book is remarkable and gives a voice to those that have no voice. Other books that speak to a similar theme is Rules by Cynthia Lord.

dePaola, T. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. The Legend of the Bluebonnet tells the tale based on Comanche folklore. The Comanche tribe calls out to the Great Spirits asking what they have done wrong; their land is dying along with many of their people. They ask what they can do to for the gods to send the rain. After much ceremony and a harsh winter,  the rain had not fallen and drought overcomes the land. Only a few children are left and She-Who-Is-Alone watched her people search for answers. The only reminder she has of her parents is her warrior doll. Her doll's headband has colorful blue feathers from a Blue Jay bird. The shaman told them that the Great Spirit said they must sacrifice their most valued possession and life will be return to normal. Several adults did not want to make the sacrifice of their most prized possession but She-Who-Is-Alone knew what had to be done. Alone at night as an appeasement to the Great Spirits, she sacrifices her most treasured possession- her warrior doll. She burned the doll with fire and scattered the ashes in all directions. As she awakes, beautiful blue flowers greeted her. Wherever the ashes had gone, there were blue flowers as colorful as the feathers in her doll's headband. The flowers were a sign of forgiveness and soon the rain began to fall. Her people changed her name from She-Who-Is-Alone to One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People. The Great Spirits remember the little girl's sacrifice and every spring in a land called Texas the beautiful blue flowers grow. The retelling and illustrations of Tomie DePaola in muted watercolors produces a warm story to share with students and all that love Texas. The subtle blues throughout the story provide a rich backdrop to the legendary folktale. DePaola is the master at retelling folktales and legends. In The Legend of the BlueBonnet, he creates a book that should be included in every Texas school library. DePaola is an award winning author, one of his most popular books is Strega Nona an original tale that many mistaken for Italian folklore.

Deedy, C. (2007). Martina the Beautiful Cockroach.  Atlanta, GA: Peachtree. Martina is a beautiful cockroach that is ready to be married; all of her female family members give her items for her trousseau in preparation for her upcoming marriage. The only problem is she does not know whom she would marry; her Cuban Abuela (grandmother) knew finding suitors would not be a problem because of Martina's beauty. She devised a coffee test for those that would come to show the true character of admirers and how they would treat her in marriage. First, comes the cocky rooster in love with his looks, a drop from the coffee test and he was enraged that she damaged his shoes. Next, the smelly pig, Martina spilt some coffee on the pig to which he fusses and runs off. Then, the charming lizard appeared he was trying to charm Martina with his lovely words, something was creepy about him. Martina wastes no time with a double cup coffee test, he soon ran off with his intentions of eating her revealed. Martina is ready to give up by her Abuela suggested she look close by at the little mouse. He is cute and sweet and Martina's heart is beating faster, she does not want to give him the coffee test. Abuela insists but before Martina could give the test, quick as a mouse, he dropps coffee on Martina's shoes. She laughs and asks how he knew about the coffee test, he answered, he too had a Cuban Abuela. Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is fun to read with its lyrical text and amazing illustrations. The loveliness of the language and the rich folktale makes it a classic to share with others. It teaches the importance of listening to elders and examining closely others' true intentions and actions. Deedy won the 2008 Belpre Honor Award for this book along the Notable Children's Book Award for the same year. A popular library program from Waco, Texas created a video link https://vimeo.com/44832855 where the host colorfully read the story with the illustrations in the background.

Curtis, C. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963.  New York:  Delacorte Press. Kenny is the middle child of the Watsons, he has an older brother Bryon and a younger sister, Joey. They along with their parents live in Flint, Michigan and their Momma who was raised in the South does not like the cold of the area. Bryon is out of control and keeps on getting in trouble in the neighborhood, his parents are unsure on what to do. The fact that Kenny had a lazy eye, smart in school causes bullies to pick on him, and call him names. Bryon does not take up for Kenny and sometimes even caused some of the hassles Kenny has to endure. Rufus Fry is a new kid, he was poor and from the South. Bullies switched from picking on Kenny to Rufus and his brother, the boys become secret friends. Rufus is hurt by Kenny when he believes Kenny is like everyone else making fun of him being poor. Kenny tries to repair and eventually wins Rufus over. Kenny is in charge of taking care of Joey pulling her layers of coats and even helps her put her shoes on during the winter time. Bryon keeps hanging out with the wrong crowd until Kenny's parents decide he is going to stay the summer with Kenny's grandma, Grandma Sands in Alabama. Kenny's parents meticulously save their money and plan the long journey down South. Kenny's Dad tunes up their car, the Brown Bomber, to run smooth and adds a special touch of an Ultra-Glide record player. He has his own plans on how he will drive the route. Once in Alabama with straight talking Grandma Sands, Bryon is not a cocky as he used to be. Momma loves being back with her family and the Watsons settle down for a long visit. The South is different from Flint, blacks are treated poorly. The culture and the places there give Kenny some concerns and Bryon even rescues him from the whirlpool he was warned to stay away from. Joey joins the neighbors as they go to church and Kenny still tired from almost drowning decides to rest under a tree. There is a huge noise and the house is frantic because they heard a bomb went off at the church where Joey was attending. Kenny runs through the wreckage of the bombing and believes he sees Joey's frilly sock and shoe. He sees the carnage of the aftermath of the bomb and believes Joey is dead. He is in a daze and wanders back home to find Joey safe with her parents. Christopher Paul Curtis is a masterful storyteller writing from the perspective of Kenny and the struggles of being a middle child and picked on by a big brother. He shows the kindness and dynamic between Kenny's parents with a familiar feel of life in a family. Curtis intertwines the historical event of the church bombing and deaths of the little girls in 1963. All who read are sure to be touched by the incredibly written story. The author provides an epilogue explaining the environment of the 1960 in the deep South. Curtis has authored many books including the exceptional, Bud, not Buddy.

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Scholastic Inc.. Dear Mr. Henshaw tells the story of Leigh Botts with letters to his favorite author and eventually his journal. Leigh writes to his favorite author as an assignment in school. He enjoys Mr. Henshaw's book Way to Amuse a Dog, it remind him of his dog Bandit. Bandit doesn't live with him right now, he stays with his Dad that drives an 18 wheeler. His Dad is gone most of the time and his parents are divorced. Leigh and his Mom struggle financially and she has a job with a caterer who lets his Mom give Leigh amazing food for his lunch. Others are aware of his wonderful lunch and Leigh's lunch is stolen several times, Leigh determine to create a sort of alarm to protect his lunch. Mr. Fridley is the janitor at the school and is kind to Leigh, it is his idea for Leigh to discover how to arm his lunch with an alarm. Leigh writes to Mr. Henshaw over the course of several years and is annoyed when the author answers Leigh's letter full of questions with questions of his own. His mom makes him answer back and Leigh lets Mr. Henshaw know that if his Dad was here he would tell him to climb a tree. Leigh does most of the writing, Mr. Henshaw replies infrequently. Leigh tells him all about his life, struggles and his budding writing skills. He was included to meet a famous author based on his work but unfortunately it was not Mr Henshaw. Leigh misses his Dad and he learns that his Dad despite his promises to come home to see his boy has another family he stays with when he is off the road. He confronts his Dad with his pain and his Dad tries to make it better by visiting him with Bandit. Leigh is so excited to see them both but realizes Bandit belongs on the road with his Dad instead of with him. Beverly Cleary in this 1984 Newbery Award winner constructs a lovely book that is a classic for several generations of students. The layout of the book with the dates in the corner engages the reader to flip back to see how long ago the previous letter was written. The simple revealing look into Leigh's life to an outside speaks to the common theme of being heard. Leigh and his Mom struggles to make ends meet and her care for him reminds the reader of how life is difficult but better together. His disappointment and hurt with his Dad and sometimes even Mr. Henshaw helps articulate words to similar feelings. Teaching with Favorite Newbery Books by Lori Licciardo-Musso has different ideas on how to incorporate Dear Mr. Henshaw with teaching including students keeping a diary, outlining and labeling a map of California, vocabulary study and meeting authors of other books by research and connecting with them.

Bragg, G. (2011). How they Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. New York: Walker & Company. How they Croaked is an irreverent fun book that tells about the demise of the famous. Interesting facts with a bit of gore and gross, Bragg explains in detail about each off these famous character in history. Included are Cleopatra, Caesar, Elizabeth I, Maria Antoinette not all are questionable presidents Washington and Garfield and Einstein are also a part of the macabre collection. She gives the epitaph on each subject with jobs, where and when they were born and died and the age at the time of death. Bragg tells a brief history of the person and what was happening around the time of their death. She examines in depth the gorey details of what happen to their body in the aftermath of the injury that causes the death. She also give background and interesting facts related to the subject's job or connection with others. It is a fascinating read and has many eww moments that after the initial gross out understanding will be shared with others as a fun fact maybe even over the dinner table. Bragg provides for a book rich in unknown facts with a impressive amount of research to each death and history of each subject. Georgia Bragg has also written How they Choked, a book about how the famous have failed and ideas flopped. Bragg and O'Malley partner in How they Choked, O'Malley has authored many books of his own. Georgia Bragg has an interesting website with her work, fan videos and obscure facts and opinions.

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York: Scholastic. Spiders provides a fascinating look at spiders and has remarkable photographs that Nic Bishop did himself. He explains his technique and traveling experiences at the end of the book. Spiders is a nonfiction and an award winning book. It is well written and beautiful photographed. Bishop gives an in depth understanding about all things spiders. Topics include their history and hunting patterns and methods, spiders have a variety of approaches in catching their prey. He also describes in detail about the various types of webs and how spiders create them. Bishop chronicles the sizes of spiders from the smallest that can be as small as a grain of sand to the biggest, the Goliath birdeater tarantula. He explains the differences between spiders and insects and their specific body parts. Spiders have pale blue blood. It reveals the way a spider eats and how silk is integrally designed along with how it helps the spider capture their prey. Bishop includes several pages of a three page fold out spreads, one showing a jumping spider. He tells the lifespan of a spider and when is the most dangerous time for a spider. Mating methods and caring for their young are included in the exceptional book. While the text is compelling and informative the photographs Bishop acquires are outstanding and amazing. Bishop also has books on other species including snakes, butterflies and frogs. He has collaborated for a series called Scientist in the Field that have several offerings on animals. Nic Bishop has been a world traveler since he was young with biologist parents and first started his career photographing adult nature books.

Bartoletti, S. (2005).  Hitler Youth. New York: Scholastic. In this nonfiction book author, Susan Bartoletti writes about the young people in the Hitler Youth Organization. She provides detailed personal accounts from those that were a part of this movement of indoctrination of the young in Germany. Bartoletti includes the pictures of 12 individuals who were Hitler Youth and gives a synopsis of where they lived and their roles. The unbelievable unimaginable movement had organization which focused on the young people of Germany. It gives those who examine history a warning of how easily the masses can be lead to something incomprehensible. One can argue without the strength of the Hitler youth that history might have played out differently. Some joined on their own with and without parents’ permission and some once they were in the organization rebelled against Hitler regime. Hitler Youth includes chapters on Hitler's rise to power, Organizing the Hitler Youth, A Nazi education, Nazi persecution of the Jews, Preparing for war, The German war machine, The Holocaust begins, Hitler Youth and resistance, Hitler's boy soldiers along with a conclusion chapter. Bartoletti has an Epilogue, Timeline of the Hitler Youth, Author's note, explanation of the photographs, quote sources and bibliography as well as acknowledgements and a detailed index. One cannot be a student of this era should Hitler Youth in their studies.  It is an excellent resource in understanding the climate of prewar times in Germany. The historical photographs and meticulous text tells the story of the Hitler youth with great attention to research. Scholastic has a link with how to connect with Bartoletti for an educational visit or virtual at http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/visitkit/susan-campbell-bartoletti-author-visit-kit.

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Josh Bell and his twin brother, JB are amazing basketball players, their Dad, Chuck was a professional basketball player when he was young. Their Mom is a non nonsense type of person and is the Assistant Principal at the school they attend. All Josh can think about is basketball, he works hard on his skilsl day in and day out. Josh is a little better at basketball than JB but they work well as a team. Josh's Dad has nicknamed Josh - Filthy McNasty because he is so talented, Josh can even dunk at 12 years old. JB starts to get distracted with basketball when a new girl comes to town. She is cute but Josh is a little jealous of how JB spends more and more time with her. Dad's health makes his Mom nervous, she wants him to go to the doctor due to his bad eating habits and that his Dad died at a young age. Dad refuses to go, he just doesn't like doctors. He continues to coach the boys even from this stands usually as his Mom has to make him sit down and not yell. Sometimes Dad even starts to sweat and has to take a break, this is happening more frequently. Josh continues to excel in basketball and his schoolwork but has to sit out games due to the pass he threw at his brother's face in anger. Josh, JB and their friend is in 3 on 3 tournament, Dad plays with Josh pre-game, suddenly Dad pass out, he is rushed to the hospital. The Crossover is written in verse rather than typic novel form. The format and text of the book is compelling and visually interesting to read as the typeface changes to caps and sometimes stagger across the page. It is written with the language of a cocky basketball loving kid, the reader is invested in the main character and worried a little about his Dad. It won the 2015 Newbery Award and is a 2015 Coretta Scott King honor winner. Kwane Alexander is an author, poet and educator, he has created a page-to-stage workshop that encourages young writers and shares how to self-publish. He has written other books, most recently Booked.

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