Threads: Zlata's Ukrainian Shirt (Lina Maslo)

 

A good story to read about communism and the on-going disputes between Russia and Ukraine. It was published in 2024, so the Russian invasian had started - but it's not mentioned.

Goodreads says:

Threads is an inspiring picture book about a girl’s survival of the 1930s Ukrainian Famine-Genocide, messaging hope, pride for one's heritage, and context for today's War in Ukraine.

The threads on Zlata’s beautiful birthday blouse were knotted by her mother’s hands. “Red is for love, and black is for sadness,” her Papa says. Her Mama warns her not to show it off. Ever since the Communists came from Russia to Ukraine, they prohibited the teaching of Ukrainian culture. They’ve even taken the grain from Zlata's family's fields. But despite the danger, her parents refuse to give up their art, language, or beliefs.

As Zlata works to help her community survive, she finds that the dream of freedom is stitched deeper into the Ukrainian spirit than she could ever imagine.

Drawing from her own family’s experience in the 1932-33 Ukrainian Famine-Genocide, Lina Maslo weaves a thoughtful story that dares us not the forget the pain of the past as it informs the present conflict in Ukraine and inspires hope for the future.

The Fitness Curveball (Tim Borys)

 

I had hopes that this book would talk about how to always be an exercises, even when life throws you curveballs. It doesn't really do that though. It does have some good information on habits and belief systems although some of the practices he suggests are a little weird and a waste of time, if you ask me. Having a good foundation of habits definitely is helpful though for when things go sideways, so I'll give him some credit. There is a lot on proper form for exercise too - which is hard to soak in through reading. I bet he's a good personal coach. He book was just so so if you ask me though. 

Goodreadsa says:

Nothing!! There's nothing on Goodreads and mind was the first review. Now that's new! 

Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of General Relativity (Darcy Pattison)

 

Isaac Newton showed that light bends by taking pictures of the 1919 eclipse. Lots of good scientific info in here! 

Found on Epic

Goodreads says:

In 1915, British astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington was fascinated with Einstein's new theory of general relativity. The theory talks about how forces push and pull objects in space. Einstein said that the sun's gravity could pull and bend light.

To test this, astronomers decided to photograph a solar eclipse. The eclipse would allow them to photograph the stars before and during the solar eclipse. If the star's position moved, then it was evidence that that light had bent. Eddington and his team traveled from England to the island of Principe, just off the African coast, to photograph the eclipse.

In simple language, this nonfiction illustrated picture book explains how the push (acceleration) and pull (gravity) of space affects light.

Back matter includes information on Einstein, Eddington, and the original photograph of the 1919 solar eclipse.

My Tree (Hope Lim)

 

This would work with plant life cycles, extreme weather, storms, etc. It would also be a good topic of discussion in our imagination unit.

Goodreads says:

When a young boy's beloved plum tree falls in a storm, he feels like he's lost both a friend and a connection to his old home.

A young boy, recently arrived from Korea, finds a glorious plum tree in his new backyard. It reminds him of a tree his family had back home, and he names it Plumee for the deep purple plums on its branches. Whenever the boy is homesick, he knows he can take shelter in Plumee's tall branches.

And when a storm brings the old tree down, he and his friends have all kinds of adventures on its branches, as it becomes a dragon, a treehouse, and a ship in their imaginations. But soon it's time to say goodbye when the remains of the tree are taken away. Before long, a new plum tree is planted, new blossoms bloom, and a new friendship takes root.

For Laika (Kai Chng Thom)

 

This story tugs on the heart strings. I guess there was a stray dog that a Russian scientist adopted for an experiment on Sputnik 2. It burst into flames when it returned to earth and Laika, of course, died. The author says it is part fable, part dog story and part history lesson. It is not surprising that a transgender person who is often ostricized and forgotten would have the empathy to write a story about this dog. Oh my heart! 

If I were to read this to a class, it would definitely have to be on a day when there is time to discuss it after.

Goodreads says: 

The heart-rending story of Laika, the brave space traveler, by the co-authors of From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea.

By two of the co-authors of the acclaimed children’s book From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea: the moving beautifully told story of Laika, the dog who learned the names of the stars. Laika is an orphaned stray dog who lives in the streets of Moscow in the then Soviet Union. Although she is loved by her pack, Laika longs one day to learn the names of the stars, since she knows that all dogs become stars when they die—including her parents. One day, a Russian scientist named Vlad offers Laika the chance to travel to the stars by helping him with an important experiment, an event that will change the entire world.

Part fable, part dog story, part history lesson, young and older readers alike will find themselves captivated by Laika’s brave and loving heart, and by her story, which holds important lessons about world peace, science, and the deep bonds between humans and every other creature with whom we share the planet.

As Brave As A Lion (Erika Meza)

 

Amazing illustrations! I could feel what it is like to stand at the top of a very high slide.

Kids should do hard things! This is my new motto amidst all the accomodating that seems to be the rage these days.

Goodreads says:

A child and her lion have a one-of-a-kind friendship in this vibrantly illustrated story of overcoming fears—and being there for each other when it matters.

No matter how fast I go, or where I end up, my brave lion sticks with me—my lion’s always there!

When she and her lion are together, one little girl feels like she can do anything. Whether she’s afraid of the dark, or too shy to speak and in need of finding her voice, her big, bold companion always looks out for her. But one day, the inseparable pair decide to climb the new, dizzyingly high rocket slide at the playground together, and the girl discovers that even lions sometimes get afraid. Can she summon the strength to be his lion when he needs her? Joyful, expressive artwork glowing with bright primary colors brings to life the story of a special bond—and a child’s discovery of unexpected courage.

Even The Smallest Will Grow (Lita Judge)

 

This is a beautifully written story. It made me want to put all her other titles on hold! 

Goodreads says:

Beloved author-illustrator Lita Judge reminds readers that even the biggest and bravest were once small...and even the smallest can become anything they choose to be.

There is strength in even
the smallest things.
Just as a bird grows
within her egg,
and a cub becomes
a brave big bear,
you too will grow.
Patience, little one.
And remember…
even the smallest will grow.

This beautiful and comforting book reassures children that the world is not too big but rather a place where there is room for everyone—and time enough to grow.

Falling Back in Love With Being Human (Kai Cheng Thom)

 

Once I realized this was poetry, I could forgive the author for the lack of capitalization (that's the teacher in me!) The book is beautiful. It is almost like therapy. It has a story/poem and then a suggestions for something to do. Some of my favorites were: 

Make a list of five good things that you frequently do for other people. Within a two-week period, do them all, at least once, for yourself.

Design and perform a ritual to release something from your life that you love, but htat is no longer serving you. Throw a handful of dandelion seeds out the window of a moving vehicle, or clip a lock of your hair and leave it on your windowsill for the birds to carry away.

The author is a trans female. She is a Chinese Canadian. It was a beautiful opportunity to get a view of her heart and heartaches. It's very honest and vulnerable. In this day and age, this should be required reading. It would be great for a discussion.

Goodreads says:

What happens when we imagine loving the people--and the parts of ourselves--that we do not believe are worthy of love?

A transformative collection of intimate and lyrical love letters that offer a path toward compassion, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

"Required reading."--Glennon Doyle

Kai Cheng Thom grew up a Chinese Canadian transgender girl in a hostile world. As an activist, psychotherapist, conflict mediator, and spiritual healer, she's always pursued the same deeply personal mission: to embrace the revolutionary belief that every human being, no matter how hateful or horrible, is intrinsically sacred.

But then Kai Cheng found herself in a crisis of faith, overwhelmed by the viciousness with which people treated one another, and barely clinging to the values and ideals she'd built her life around: justice, hope, love, and healing. Rather than succumb to despair and cynicism, she gathered all her rage and grief and took one last leap of faith: she wrote. Whether prayers or spells or poems--and whether there's a difference--she wrote to affirm the outcasts and runaways she calls her kin. She wrote to flawed but nonetheless lovable men, to people with good intentions who harm their own, to racists and transphobes seemingly beyond saving. What emerged was a blueprint for falling back in love with being human.

So Loud! (Sahar Golshan)

 

Cute story about a girl who has a strong voice. Reminds me of some of my students! 
Lesson: it's okay to be yourself! 

Goodreads says:

A fun and touching debut that explores the power of finding your voice.

Rudābeh (Rudy for short) loves to talk, sing, jump and shout. There’s just one problem: the adults in her life are always telling her that she is SO LOUD. When her grandmother (Māmān Bozorg) visits from Iran for the first time, Rudy worries that she might be too loud for her. But as she tries to be quieter, Rudy starts to feel less and less like herself. Listening closely to the many sounds in her world—from husky howls and streetcar chimes to Māmān Bozorg’s roaring sneezes—Rudy tries to figure out the full range of her own voice, discovering along the way the joy in being loud.

With exuberant illustrations by Shiva Delsooz, this charming story will resonate with readers who love to make noise and are still learning where and when to take up space.

The Passover Guest (Susan Kusel)

 

This is a lovely story that teaches some of the Jewish beliefs and traditions surrounding Passover. I always thought it would be marvelous to spend a year observing Jewish celebrations. This would fit nicely in that pursuit! 

Goodreads says:

Muriel assumes her family is too poor to hold a Passover Seder this year-- but an act of kindness and a mysterious magician change everything.

It's the Spring of 1933 in Washington D.C., and the Great Depression is hitting young Muriel's family hard. Her father has lost his job, and her family barely has enough food most days, let alone for a Passover Seder. They don't even have any wine to leave out for the prophet Elijah's ceremonial cup.

With no feast to rush home to, Muriel wanders by the Lincoln Memorial, where she encounters a mysterious magician in whose hands juggled eggs become lit candles. After she makes a kind gesture, he encourages her to run home for her Seder, and when she does, she encounters a holiday miracle, a bountiful feast of brisket, soup, and matzah.

But who was this mysterious benefactor? When Muriel sees Elijah's ceremonial cup is empty, she has a good idea.

This fresh retelling of the classic I.L. Peretz story, best known through Uri Shulevitz's 1973 adaptation The Magician, has been illustrated by graphic novelist Sean Rubin, who based his art on photographs of D.C. in the 1930s. An author note with information about the holiday is included.

Willpower: Rediscovering The Greatest Human Strength (Roy F Baumeister and John Tierney)

I loved this book. This book really explains why diets typically don't work. It also explains why the things n life have to be lined up just right before one can successfully lose weight. It also applies to many other things in life. I loved the focus on how learning new skills and doing things well leads to self-esteem. The importance of taking good care of yourself (have enough to eat, get enough sleep, feel safe, etc.) are key to willpower. 

Goodreads says:

One of the world's most esteemed and influential psychologists, Roy F. Baumeister, teams with New York Times science writer John Tierney to reveal the secrets of self-control and how to master it. In Willpower, the pioneering researcher Roy F. Baumeister collaborates with renowned New York Times science writer John Tierney to revolutionize our understanding of the most coveted human virtue: self-control.

In what became one of the most cited papers in social science literature, Baumeister discovered that willpower actually operates like a muscle: it can be strengthened with practice and fatigued by overuse. Willpower is fueled by glucose, and it can be bolstered simply by replenishing the brain's store of fuel. That's why eating and sleeping- and especially failing to do either of those-have such dramatic effects on self-control (and why dieters have such a hard time resisting temptation).

Baumeister's latest research shows that we typically spend four hours every day resisting temptation. No wonder people around the world rank a lack of self-control as their biggest weakness. Willpower looks to the lives of entrepreneurs, parents, entertainers, and artists-including David Blaine, Eric Clapton, and others-who have flourished by improving their self-control.

The lessons from their stories and psychologists' experiments can help anyone. You learn not only how to build willpower but also how to conserve it for crucial moments by setting the right goals and using the best new techniques for monitoring your progress. Once you master these techniques and establish the right habits, willpower gets easier: you'll need less conscious mental energy to avoid temptation. That's neither magic nor empty self-help sloganeering, but rather a solid path to a better life.

Combining the best of modern social science with practical wisdom, Baumeister and Tierney here share the definitive compendium of modern lessons in willpower. As our society has moved away from the virtues of thrift and self-denial, it often feels helpless because we face more temptations than ever. But we also have more knowledge and better tools for taking control of our lives. However we define happiness-a close- knit family, a satisfying career, financial security-we won't reach it without mastering self-control.

Leprechaun in Late Winter (Mary Pope Osborne)

 

I'm gaining more and more of an appreciation for Magic Treehouse books! They really teach a lot about history and the real world. This was our read aloud for St. Patrick's Day week. After, we did a google search just like Jack did in the story and found some great information about her. Everyone in my class was so surprised to see that she really was real! Now the question is, what about the leprechauns?! Maybe they're real too! 

Goodreads says:

Jack and Annie are on a mission to find (and inspire!) creative people. This time, Jack and Annie meet an Irish girl and go on a magical adventure that changes the girl’s life—she grows up to be Lady Gregory, who helped bring back the Irish legends, started a theater, and helped the Irish people regain both their heritage and their pride.

Did you know that there’s a Magic Tree House book for every kid?

Magic Tree Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Super A longer and more dangerous adventure
Fact Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!

Conferring With Readers (Jennifer Seravello)

 

I've heard lots of people talk about the importance of having reading conferences with students. This book lays out exactly what to say, how to do conferences, what to conference about, how to take notes. It's really helpful! It'll be on my list of books to read again and again.


Goodreads says:

A great reading conference only takes five minutes, but its impact can last a lifetime. That's because conferences are the critical, one-to-one teaching that forms the backbone of reading instruction. Conferring with Readers shows you how to confer well and demonstrates why a few moments with students every week can put them on the path to becoming better, more independent readers.

Conferring with Readers is a comprehensive guide that shows you how to determine what readers have learned and what they need to practice, then provides suggestions for targeting instruction to meet students' needs. It provides explicit teaching methods for use in effective conferences. You'll learn how to:

research a student's use of skills through questions and observations
compliment to support and build upon successes
follow up on prior instruction for accountability and depth of understanding
explain a reading strategy by providing an explicit purpose and context
model the strategy to make the invisible brainwork of reading more visible
guide a readerinpracticing the strategy
link the strategy to independent reading. Conferring with Readers presents repeatable frameworks for conferences that focus on six specific purposes of reading instruction:
matching students to just-right books reinforcing students' strengths supporting students during whole-class studies helping students move from one reading level to the next holding students accountable for previous learning deepening students' conversations about books in order to deepen their thinking. What's more, each purpose is bolstered by an appendix of conference transcripts that support your teaching. With all this plus ideas for planning instruction, keeping records of your conferences, and even conducting group sessions, Conferring with Readers will make a big difference in how you teach reading-helping you feel confident and well equipped to foster each student's growth and independence as a reader.

Tonight on the Titanic (Mary Pope Osborne)

 

I decided to change my approach for read-alouds for a while and try to read books that are really accessible for my students. I'm hoping it will inspire them to continue and read these books together. They really enjoyed this one. The countdown to 2:20 when the Titanic sank really had them on the edge of their seats.  I love that they love the facts this series teaches while still reading fiction. 

Goodreads says:

Jack and Annie are in for an exciting, scary, and sad adventure when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the decks of the "Titanic." Is there anything they can do to help the ill-fated ship? Will they be able to save anyone? Will they be able to save themselves?

Dear Muslim Child (Rahma Radaah)

 

The grade I teach is often the age when children join in fasting during Ramadan. Since today is the start of Ramadan, I thought it would make a great discussion starter. The Muslim students in my class LOVED sharing about Ramadan. 

Goodreads says:

This inspirational picture book from the author of Dear Black Child encourages Muslim children to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith. Perfect for fans of In My Mosque and The Proudest Blue . Dear Muslim Child, your story matters. In this lyrical ode to Islam, Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions. 

The Magical Yet (Angela DiTerlizzi)

 

Great story for character, goal setting and more. Awesome message.

Goodreads says:

Award-winning author-illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler presents an inspiring picture book about overcoming challenges and frustrations with the Power of Yet .

“I can’t do it!”
“Can’t do it YET.”

This charming picture book tells the story of one small piglet who uses the Power of Yet to conquer frustration. While it may not be possible to perfectly flip pancakes or play the violin yet, with practice and patience and courage and grit, anything is possible!

Maybe (Kobi Yamada)

 

Beautiful! This would be perfect for the last day of school. The question is, could I read it on the last day of school without crying?

Probably not. 

Still worth it. 

Goodreads says:

You are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. You are unique in all the universe. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that it will never happen again.

Written by the New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Do With an Idea?, this is a story for everything you will do and everything you can be—for who you are right now and all the magical, unbounded potential you hold inside. With rich, enchanting illustrations, it’s a reminder that you were meant for incredible things. And maybe, just maybe, you will exceed your wildest dreams.

The Iheards (Emily Kilgore)

 

We have a Mason in our class so we had to change the name of the main character. Ivan! 

This book struck a chord. We ran out of time so we will have a discussion about it tomorrow. The good news was right after we read it, some boys decided to spread positive iheards. It warmed my heart! 

Goodreads says:

Mason is struggling with his Iheards in this picture book about gossip from the author/illustrator team behind The Whatifs .


It didn't matter if the Iheards were true or made-up, harmless or hurtful.
As soon as Mason thought about them, the Iheards burst out.

Mason is constantly gossiping about everyone. Because of this, the Iheards love him. They sneak up to him and whisper all kinds of rumors in his real things or pretend, innocent or mean. As he prepares for an upcoming history presentation, the Iheards buzz all around, making him blurt out more rumors than usual. Will he be able to change from spreading gossip to sharing something more positive?

Macca the Alpaca (Matt Cosgrove)

 

Super cute! Good for talking about the difference between alpacas and llamas (alpacas are smaller). The llama in the story is a bully but the alpaca is clever. He even tricks the llama by using a simple machine.

Goodreads says:

Macca the Alpaca is the alpaca-llama mashup of the year! Perfect for fans of Oi, Frog! and You Can't Take anElephant on the Bus. Macca is an alpaca. He loves splashing in puddles, and he gives the very best cuddles.
Harmer is a llama. He's tall, strong and woolly, but he's also a BIG BULLY. When a friendly alpaca comes face-to-face with a meanie llama,he soon realises that LLAMA DRAMA lies ahead.
But, who knows, perhaps the differences that separate the two will be exactly what brings them together in the end. A heartwarming story of friendship, acceptance and the value of being yourself.

Late Lunch with Llamas (Mary Pope Osborne)

 

I decided it's time to read books aloud that students can also read. I'm hoping it will entice more of my kids who don't quite love reading yet to try some. This one fit well with our Peru unit as well. Bonus: It only takes a week to read a Magic Treehouse book aloud! I can't say it's riveting like some of our other read alouds, but I think it was well worth it.

Goodreads says:
The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away through time with Jack and Annie--this time to South America!

When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to a mountainside, they are surprised to find farmers nearby. Then they learn that the farmer's baby llama has been stolen, and Jack and Annie vow to bring the little animal back to its owners. But the journey is treacherous--they must climb to the peak of Machu Picchu and climb back down in order to complete this mission. Jack and Annie have been on many dangerous travels, but can they survive this one?

Track the facts with Jack and Annie in the nonfiction companion to this Llamas and the Andes .

Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #34: Season of the Sandstorms , it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #6.

Snow Globe Family (S.D. Schindler)

 

Perfect for a snowy day like today! Today our world is like a snow globe! The little family and the big family live parallel lives. Good review about what parallel means! 

My class loved the little family. The picture are hilarious - especially when the snow globe is being shook and all the family goes flying. They also loved the small man in the tub getting flung out and the baby peering into the snow globe. He was HUGE!

Goodreads says:

"Oh, when will it snow again?" wonders the little family who lives in the snow globe. They long for a swirling snowstorm--if only someone in the big family would pick up the snow globe and give it a great big shake. Baby would love to. She alone notices the little family. She gazes longingly at their snowy little world, but the snow globe is up way too high for her to reach. Then, when a real snowstorm sends the big children outside sledding in the moonlight, Baby finds herself alone in the parlor. . . . Will the snow globe family at last get a chance to go sledding too?

As readers follow the parallel adventures of both families, big and little, they will take special pleasure in the miniature world of the snow globe, where the skating pond is the size of a shiny quarter and a snowman is no bigger than a sugar cube.