CA Recommended Reading Lists The California Department of Education has recommended these books for 3-5 graders. Adler, David A. B. Franklin, Printer. Holiday House, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. This biography of Benjamin Franklin is filled with original quotations by Franklin. The text is accompanied by archival prints and includes maps, chronologies, source notes, recommended Web sites, a bibliography, and index. History/Social Science. Agra, Carmen. Yellow Star, The: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Illustrated by Henri Sorensen. Peachtree, 2000. Historical Fiction. This legend relates how King Christian X of Denmark sewed a yellow star onto his clothing, thus defying Hitler's orders and empowering his people to proclaim solidarity with their Jewish friends and neighbors in World War II. An author's note separates fact from fiction. Jewish/Jewish American Culture. Picture Book. Christopher Award. Alvarez, Julia. Before We Were Free. Knopf, 2002. Historical Fiction. Twelve-year-old Anita is faced with the average adolescent obsessions: boys and her appearance. She becomes aware of the mounting political danger to her family in the Dominican Republic of the early 1960s. With her mother, Anita goes into hiding and keeps a secret diary as a means of coping with traumatic events. The first-person narrative and suspenseful plot will elicit thought-provoking discussions about growing up, family ties, courage, the cost of freedom, and political views. Useful in the study of Latin American history and culture. Latino/Latino American Culture. Pura Belpre Narrative Winner. English-Language Arts/Writing, History/Social Science. Andrews-Goebel, Nancy. Pot That Juan Built, The. Illustrated by David Diaz. Lee and Low Books, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book biography explains how Juan Quezada rediscovered the art of pottery making practiced by the ancient Casa Grandes people of Mexico and how this discovery led to the revitalization of the village of Mata Ortiz. The left-hand pages tell the story with the cumulative pattern similar to "The House That Jack Built," and the right-hand pages describe in narrative text details about Juan's life and work. Includes photographs and explanation of Quezada's work. Luminous illustrations enhance the text. Useful for learning about pottery, economics, and cultures. California author and illustrator. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book. Pura Belpre Illustration Honor. Visual and Performing Arts. Avi. Secret School, The. Harcourt Brace, 2001. Historical Fiction. In 1925, fourteen-year-old Ida Bidson secretly takes over as the teacher of the remote one-room schoolhouse after the trained teacher quits. Ida's dream is to become a teacher, but in order to do that she must pass entrance exams to high school at the end of the year. Could Ida be the "secret" teacher to all of the students for the rest of the year? An inspiring story about finding a way to follow a dream. California author. History/Social Science. Avi. Silent Movie. Illustrated by C. B. Mordan. Atheneum, 2003. Fiction. This black-and-white picture book fives the reader the sense of watching a silent movie. At the turn of the twentieth century Gustave's Papa immigrates to the United States and later sends for his wife and son. Because of the large crowds of immigrants, Papa does not find them after the ship arrives. Papa searches for them, while Gustave and his mother try to survive in the city. How they come together again is heartwarming, and the reader catches a realistic glimpse of life as an immigrant in the large city. California author. Small-group read-aloud. Multicultural Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Bang, Molly. My Light. Illustrated by Molly Bang. Scholastic, 2004. Narrative Nonfiction. This richly illustrated story relates the journey of sunlight to earth and its connections to various types of energy generated by water, wind, and plants. Endnotes provide background information and should be read first to support concepts and ideas for small-group read-aloud and discussion. California author. Picture Book. Science. Barasch, Lynne. Knockin' on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates. Illustrated by Lynne Barasch. Lee and Low Books, 2004. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book tells the story of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, an African American who lost his leg in a factory accident at the age of twelve and went on to become a world-famous tap dancer. The watercolor and ink illustrations are full of movement and flair. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. History/Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts. Batt, Tanya Robyn (reteller). Fabrics of Fairytale: Stories Spun from Far and Wide, The. Illustrated by Rachel Griffin. Barefoot Books, 2000. Folklore. Folktales from seven cultures are told using fabrics and woven materials as a storytelling vehicle. The story and artwork go hand-in-hand. The cultures included are Armenian, Swahili, Chinese, Hawaiian, Swedish, Jewish, and Indonesian. The border patterns are especially interesting as sewing materials are used to illustrate the stories. Multicultural Culture. Picture Book. Visual and Performing Arts. Bierhorst, John (reteller). People with Five Fingers: A Native Californian Creation Tale, The. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Marshall Cavendish, 2000. Folklore. This creation myth explains why every valley in California had a separate Native American nation, each with different customs and languages. In the beginning, Coyote and all the animals busily prepared California for people. Upon the people's arrival, there was so much laughing and talking, all in different languages, that the animals went to the woods, waters, and sky and never spoke again. Good read-aloud. Native American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. History/Social Science. Bishop, Nic. Forest Explorer: A Life-Size Field Guide. Illustrated by Nic Bishop (photographer). Scholastic, 2004. Nonfiction. Each large picture (made of more than 60 different photographs that have been combined to make a realistic illustration) in this book depicts in detail several different deciduous forest habitats, with field notes about the insects and animals shown, as well as tips on how to explore a real forest. Photo-Essay. Science. Britton, Susan McGee. Treekeepers, The. Dutton Books, 2003. Fantasy. Bird is a tough, little street urchin who sets out to find her real father. When her protectors are captured by the evil Lord Rendarren, she and three other children, a friendly chimera (part lion, part snake), and a kitten set off to the Kingdom of Wen to rescue their protectors. Read Aloud. Literacy/Motivation. Browne, Anthony. Shape Game. Illustrated by Anthony Browne. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. In this autobiographical account, Browne describes how his mother's wish to spend her birthday visiting the art museum with her family changed the course of his life. His surreal style is once again evident in art and text. Young readers can do the drawing exercise the author/illustrator shares in the endpapers. This book can also be used as a picture book for older readers. Picture Book. Visual and Performing Arts, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Bruchac, Joseph. Jim Thorpe's Bright Path. Illustrated by S. D. Nelson. Lee and Low Books, 2004. Biography/Autobiography. This biography of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe focuses on how his boyhood education set the stage for his athletic achievements, which gained him international fame and Olympic gold medals. Author's note details Thorpe's life after college. This inspiring American portrait is illustrated with acrylic paintings. Native American Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Byars, Betsy Cromer. Keeper of the Doves. Viking Press, 2002. Fiction. In the late 1800s in Kentucky, Amen McBee and her four sisters both fear and torment the seemingly sinister Mr. Tominski, yet their father continues to provide for his needs. Amie's own love of words is central to the story. The plot moves with gentle tension to its poignant conclusion and the truth about Mr. Tominski and Amen's own family. This book is a good choice for small groups and book clubs. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Byrd, Robert. Leonardo, Beautiful Dreamer. Illustrated by Robert Byrd. Dutton Books, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. This biography about Leonardo Da Vinci is filled with detailed illustrations and interesting facts about both Da Vinci and the Renaissance, as well as quotations from his notebooks. Da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, scientist, mathematician, and architect. However, he had little formal schooling and throughout his lifetime left many projects unfinished. An author's note, timeline, and bibliography are included. Picture Book. Golden Kite Author Winner. Visual and Performing Arts. Chandra, Deborah; and Comora, Madeleine. George Washington's Teeth. Illustrated by Brock Cole. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Nonfiction. Throughout his life George Washington had bad teeth and worked hard to keep them. Rhyming text and whimsical water colors relate how Washington lost his teeth and the eighteenth-century solution that finally resolved his dilemma. The book includes a bibliography. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Christelow, Eileen. Vote! Illustrated by Eileen Christelow. Clarion Books, 2003. Realistic Fiction. Using a town's mayoral election as a model, this lively introduction to voting covers every step in the process: from the start of the campaign all the way to the voting booth, complete with a recount and a timeline of voting history. Humorous cartoon-style art complement the informative text. A glossary, timeline, and resource list are included. History/Social Science, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Clements, Andrew. Janitor's Boy, The. Simon and Schuster, 2000. Realistic Fiction. Fifth grader Jack finds himself the target of ridicule at school when it becomes known that his father is one of the janitors, and he turns his anger onto his father. The novel is engaging and establishes a good jumping-off point for classroom discussions about social class and economic status in America. Creech, Sharon. Granny Torrelli Makes Soup. Illustrated by Chris Raschka. HarperCollins, 2003. Fiction. Twelve-year-old Rosie and Bailey, the boy next door, have been best friends since infancy. When their friendship is strained because of a new girl in their neighborhood, Granny Torrelli knows just how to smooth over the rough spots. Readers will learn much about Italian cooking, family love, and friendship. Read Aloud. Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. Joanna Cotler Books, 2001. Fiction in Verse. Told in free verse, this story tells of a boy who comes to enjoy poetry through a wise teacher's introduction. His reluctance becomes interest, then enjoyment, and finally a passion for reading and writing poetry. Through poetry he is finally able to communicate his feelings and thoughts. Read Aloud. Christopher Award. English-Language Arts/Writing. Cummings, Pat (reteller). Ananse and the Lizard: A West African Tale. Illustrated by Pat Cummings. Henry Holt and Company, 2002. Fairy Tale. Ananse the Spider and scheming Lizard both are determined to marry the chief's daughter and get half of his kingdom. The bridegroom will be selected if he can correctly guess the princess's name. This is a variation of the Rumpelstiltskin story. African Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. Clarion Books, 2003. Historical Fiction. Twelve-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anatazya Brodski is an orphan whose only home is the Little Wanderers' Refuge in Chicago. When she is told she is going west on an Orphan Train, Rodzina is sure that a family will not want a large, unpretty, standoffish girl to love, but they want a slave instead. California author. History/Social Science. DeFelice, Cynthia. Cold Feet. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. D. K. Publishing, 2000. Folklore. This tale is a retelling of an old Scottish legend. When a poor, wandering bagpiper steals a dead man's boots and uses them to play a trick on an unfriendly farmer, he finds the trick turned back on him. The cool gray tones of the watercolor illustrations add spookiness to this ghostly legend, which is a good read-aloud. Western European Culture. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Delaney, Michael Clark. Birdbrain Amos. Illustrated by Michael Clark Delaney. Philomel Books, 2002. Fiction. When Amos the hippopotamus advertises for a bird to help him with his pesky bug problem, the tick bird who answers his ad creates new problems by building a nest on Amos's head. Droll illustrations in a cartoon style add humor to the story. Literacy/Motivation. Demi. Gandhi. Illustrated by Demi. Margaret McElderry Books, 2001. Biography/Autobiography. This story of Gandhi's life and work is told in a simple, straightforward manner, presenting his social and political goals with reverence. Includes author's notes. The author/illustrator's signature artwork using gold borders and accents of brilliant color evoke the East Indian culture. Can be used as a picture book for older readers. East Indian/East Indian American Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science. DiCamillo, Kate. Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread, The. Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. Candlewick Press, 2003. Fantasy. This tale tells the adventures of a very small mouse who is ridiculed because he is different, the princess that he loves and vows to protect, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin. The simple style and short chapters make this a good choice for reluctant readers. Good read-aloud. Read Aloud. Newbery Winner. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Ellis, Sarah. Several Lives of Orphan Jack, The. Illustrated by Bruno St. Aubin. Groundwood Books, 2003. Fiction. When Jack is placed in the Opportunities School for Orphans and Foundlings, he learns to be optimistic and to do his best. When things don't work out for the best, Jack runs away and finds himself selling ideas, whims, concepts, opinions, and plans. Jack is a wonderful success but soon sets off again to find his fortune and see the world. Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Farris, Christopher. My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet. Simon and Schuster, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. The early life of Martin Luther King, Jr., the fun-loving and often mischievous boy, is told through the eyes of his older sister. The realistic, full-page watercolor illustrations are handsome additions that bring this family to life. Includes a poetic tribute to Martin Luther King by Mildred D. Johnson, an afterword, and an illustrator's note. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. History/Social Science. Fleming, Candace. Boxes for Katje. Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Historical Fiction. In post-war Holland Katje receives a care package from Janie in Mayfield, Indiana. The care packages progressively become larger and larger as the whole community of Mayfield contributes to the effort. To repay the kindness, Katje's village sends a box of tulip bulbs to their American friends. Based on a true story. Western European Culture. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Writing, History/Social Science. Fletcher, Ralph. Uncle Daddy. Henry Holt and Company, 2001. Realistic Fiction. When his long-absent father suddenly reappears, nine-year-old Rivers struggles with conflicting feelings and reexamines his relationship with the great-uncle who had served as his father. Christopher Award. Fraustino, Lisa Rowe. Hickory Chair, The. Illustrated by Benny Andrews. Scholastic, 2001. Fiction. Warm illustrations support the story of a blind boy and his close relationship with his grandmother and the gift she leaves him after her death. This story reverberates deeper and truer than what can merely be seen as Louis and his Gran read together in the cozy hickory chair. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Freedman, Russell. Confucius: The Golden Rule. Illustrated by Frederic Clement. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. This book acquaints readers with Confucius, who was born in 552 B.C. in China. Freedman weaves facts, legends, and the philosopher's words to reveal a man of deep beliefs and great humor. It includes many of Confucius' wise sayings. Beautiful collage paintings and designs add to this outstanding work. Useful in character education and for investigating religions, philosophy, biographies, ancient Chinese culture, and Confucius' influence. Chinese/Chinese American Culture. History/Social Science. Fuchs, Bernie. Ride Like the Wind: A Tale of the Pony Express. Illustrated by Bernie Fuchs. Scholastic, 2004. Historical Fiction. Known for their courage, self-confidence, speed, and willingness to face adversity, the riders of the Pony Express quickly became legendary heroes. Dramatic oil paintings by award-winning artist Bernie Fuchs capture the spirit, strength and stamina of one young rider, Johnny Free, as he and his beloved pony, JennySoo, face an unusually dangerous journey. Includes front and endnotes about the Pony Express and the Paiute Indian people. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Fuqua, Jonathon Scott. Darby. Candlewick Press, 2002. Historical Fiction. Set in the 1920s, this novel portrays nine-year-old Darby, who stirs up trouble in her small South Carolina town when she writes a story for the local newspaper promoting racial equality. The Ku Klux Klan responds by burning a cross in her front yard and pelting her father's store with bricks. Written in the first-person narrative. Black/African American Culture. English-Language Arts/Writing, History/Social Science. Gerstein, Mordicai. Man Who Walked Between the Towers, The. Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. Roaring Book Press, 2003. Narrative Nonfiction. In 1974, when the World Trade Center was being completed, a young French tightrope walker could not resist the challenge and spent over an hour walking, dancing, resting, and doing tricks a quarter of a mile above pedestrians on the streets below. Fascinating ink work and oil paintings provide a real sense of perspective and daring to the story. A picture book for older readers. Picture Book. Caldecott Winner. English-Language Arts/Writing, History/Social Science, Literacy/Motivation. Gerstein, Mordicai. What Charlie Heard. Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. Twentieth-century composer Charles Ives wrote music that was so revolutionary it was mostly ignored by his contemporaries. In his old age he found an audience. Gerstein's flowing illustrations rendered in pen and ink are infused with color, vividly portraying the sounds that become the inspiration for his music. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary, Visual and Performing Arts. Greenberg, Jan. Romare Bearden: Collage of Memories. Illustrated by Romare Bearden. Abrams, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book biography illustrates the lifetime memories of Romare Bearden through his collages. His bold art form shows the influences of his childhood in the South, life in New York and Paris, and his love of jazz. Includes author's note, important dates, bibliography, text notes, glossary, and some places to view artwork by Romare Bearden. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Visual and Performing Arts. Greenberg, Jan; and Jordan, Sandra. Action Jackson. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Millbrook Press, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. In May and June of 1950, Jackson Pollock painted one of his most famous works, Lavender Mist. Through the illustrations and text, the reader learns about Pollock's unique painting method. Includes a short biography with archival photos. Notes, sources, and a bibliography are included. Picture Book. Visual and Performing Arts. Grimes, Nikki. Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Orchard Books, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. An imagined monologue on each page tells about the life of Bessie Coleman by those who knew her best. As a young girl, Bessie was determined to be the first African American female pilot. This picture book biography for older readers is filled with facts about a brave woman and enables young readers to understand her spirit. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winner. Gutman, Dan. Million Dollar Shot, The. Hyperion Press, 1997. Fiction. Eleven-year-old Eddie, who lives in a Louisiana trailer park with his widowed mother, gets a chance to win a million dollars by sinking a foul shot at the National Basketball Association finals. California Young Reader Medal. Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Girl with 500 Middle Names, The. Illustrated by Janet Hamlin. Simon and Schuster, 2001. Fiction. Janie's parents move to the suburbs so she can go to a better school, but when she discovers that all the other students are richer than she is, she feels out of place until she realizes that there are more important things than money. Hamilton, Virginia. Girl Who Spun Gold, The. Illustrated by Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon. Blue Sky Press, 2000. Fairy Tale. In this West Indian version of Rumpelstiltskin, Quashiba, a young spinner, is married to Big King, who insists that she produce gold. A cruel-looking little creature appears and says he'll spin gold for her if she can guess his name. The acrylic illustrations use gold lavishly, and the easygoing West Indian text makes this a fun read-aloud. Multicultural Culture. Read Aloud. Hesse, Karen. Witness. Scholastic, 2001. Historical Fiction, Poetry. Two young girls move to a small Vermont town in 1924, become best friends, and turn into targets of the Ku Klux Klan because of their race. Leonora, twelve, is black, and Esther, six, is Jewish. Eleven residents speak of personal experiences, fears, and prejudices and reflect on happenings: murder attempts, a dramatic rescue, a teenager on the run, and a suicide. This play in free-verse style weaves prejudice and hatred, the lure of the Klan, and the response of the people who desire to learn tolerance. Opportunities for reader's theater abound with this title. Black/African American Culture, Jewish/Jewish American Culture, Multicultural Culture. Christopher Award. History/Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Hill, Kirkpatrick. Year of Miss Agnes, The. Margaret McElderry Books, 2000. Realistic Fiction. Ten-year-old Fred (short for Frederika) narrates the story of school and village life among the Athabascan people in Alaska during 1948. This was the watermark year when Miss Agnes arrived in the village as their new teacher and changed their lives. This is a wonderful story about learning, trust, and friendship. Good read-aloud. Native American Culture. Hines, Anna Grossnickle. Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts. Illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines. Greenwillow Books, 2001. Poetry. Pieces of the seasons appear and disappear in a patchwork pattern making up a year. Poems about the four seasons, as reflected in the natural world, are accompanied by photographs of the quilts made by the author. Good read-aloud. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Writing, Visual and Performing Arts. Hollyer, Belinda (selector). Kingfisher Book of Family Poems, The. Illustrated by Holly Swain. Houghton Mifflin, 2003. Poetry. The 159 poems in this anthology explore the dynamics of families and family situations. The poems are poignant, funny, sad, and insightful. Includes index of poets and index of first lines. Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Writing. Hopkins, Lee Bennett. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States. Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn. Simon and Schuster, 2000. Poetry. The diversity found in the United States is captured in this anthology of poems that represent each section of America. Included in the collection of 51 poems are some by Carl Sandburg, Langston Hughes, and Myra Cohn Livingston. Each poem is accompanied by a full-color stylized painting. Useful for integrating literature with history/social science. History/Social Science. Hopkinson, Deborah. Bluebird Summer. Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. Greenwillow Books, 2001. Realistic Fiction. The farm isn't the same after Grandma's death. Her grandchildren work to restore the garden that Gramps had to let go. By placing a birdhouse in the garden, they bring bluebirds back to the garden. Includes brief information about bluebirds. Picture Book. Golden Kite Author Honor. Hopkinson, Deborah. Under the Quilt of Night. Illustrated by James E. Ransome. Atheneum, 2002. Historical Fiction. A young girl flees from the farm where she has been worked as a slave and uses the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom in the north. Told in first-person narrative, her story tells of the treacherous flight. Illustrated with rich, dark oil paintings that lend realism to the setting. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Writing, History/Social Science. Horvath, Polly. Everything on a Waffle. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2001. Realistic Fiction. Eleven-year-old Primrose lives in a small fishing village in British Columbia. She recounts her experiences and all that she learns about human nature and the unpredictability of life in the months after her parents are lost at sea. Newbery Honor. Howitt, Mary Botham. Spider and the Fly, The. Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi. Simon and Schuster, 2002. Fiction, Poetry. This cautionary poem was written in 1829 about a vain, silly fly and the cunning spider who does her in. The black-and-white artwork evokes the era of silent films, and the gothic flavor and details will appeal to older readers as well. Older readers will identify the macabre details and appreciate connections with the likes of Charles Adamms, Edward Gorey, and Lemony Snickett. Picture book for older readers. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Caldecott Honor. Visual and Performing Arts. Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane. Celebrating a Quinceanera: A Latina's 15th Birthday Celebration. Illustrated by Lawrence Migdale (photographer). Holiday House, 2002. Nonfiction. This easy-to-read text describes ten-year-old Ariana helping cousin Cynthia prepare for her upcoming quinceanera. Includes index, glossary, some terminology in Spanish, and information about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Useful for units on religious celebrations, family and community life, traditions, and diversity. California author. Latino/Latino American Culture. Easy Reader, Photo-Essay. History/Social Science. Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane. Celebrating Ramadan. Illustrated by Lawrence Migdale (photographer). Holiday House, 2001. Nonfiction. This book provides a thorough but brief introduction to Islam and the holy month of Ramadan. American fourth grader Ibraheem and his family live in New Jersey and follow the teachings of the Koran. Color photographs and inserts illustrate the customs. Useful for learning about religions, Islam, Muslims, Ramadan, and respecting differences. California author. Multicultural Culture. Photo-Essay. History/Social Science. Jenkins, Steve; and Page, Robin. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Nonfiction. A fun and interactive science lesson that looks at the different ways 30 animals use their ears, eyes, mouths, noses, feet, and tails. The artist's characteristic cut-paper collages add interest and realism. Endnotes offer more information on the 30 animals. Picture Book. Caldecott Honor. Science. Johnson, Angela. I Dream of Trains. Illustrated by Loren Long. Simon and Schuster, 2003. Fiction. The son of a sharecropper dreams of leaving Mississippi on a train with the legendary engineer Casey Jones and his fireman Sim Webb, away from his life of picking cotton. An afterword suggests a link between the trains that Jones and others ran through the Mississippi Delta and the Great Migration. The poetic text is complemented by intense acrylic paintings. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. History/Social Science. Johnson, D. B. Henry Climbs a Mountain. Illustrated by D. B. Johnson. Houghton Mifflin, 2003. Fiction. This is the third in a series about a bear named Henry whose activities are based on incidents in the life of Henry David Thoreau. There are many faces of courage, and in this story Henry goes to jail rather than sacrifice his principles even though freedom is something he highly values. Others in the series are Henry Hikes to Fitchburg and Henry Builds a Cabin. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Johnston, Tony. Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio. Illustrated by Raul Colon. Blue Sky Press, 2001. Realistic Fiction. After moving from Mexico to the barrio of East Los Angeles with his family, Arturo and his friends share experiences dealing with a teacher who wants to Americanize their names, playing basketball, and championing the school librarian. Short, upbeat vignettes make this a good read-aloud choice. Includes a glossary of Spanish words. California author and setting. Latino/Latino American Culture. Read Aloud. John and Patricia Beatty Award. Johnston, Tony. Isabel's House of Butterflies. Illustrated by Susan Guevara. Sierra Club, 2003. Fiction. Eight-year-old Isabel creates a plan to spare her favorite tree, keep the monarch butterflies coming, and provide an income for her poor family in Mexico. A well-crafted story, illustrated with richly textured paintings, bordered with frames that are reminiscent of folk art. California author and illustrator. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Science. Johnston, Tony. Sunsets of the West. Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Putnam Publishing, 2002. Historical Fiction. Pa wants to see the endless prairie, so the family packs up and undertakes the difficult journey to a new life in the West. A quiet, gentle story that presents details about what it was like to leave everything you know and go into the unknown. Illustrated with handsome, realistic watercolor paintings. California author. Picture Book, Read Aloud. History/Social Science. Jones, Lynda. Kids Around the World Celebrate!: The Best Feast and Festivals from Many Lands. Illustrated by Michele Nidenoff. John Wiley, 2000. Nonfiction. "Welcoming the New Year," "Celebrating Before and After Fasts," "Giving Thanks," and "Renewing the Spirit" are the four main headings. Festivals and holidays of various countries are divided into those topics. Jones describes each celebration and related hands-on projects. Useful in the studies of cultures around the world and holidays. Multicultural Culture. History/Social Science. Kalman, Maira. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey. Illustrated by Maira Kalman. Putnam Publishing, 2002. Nonfiction. A story of a fireboat launched in 1931 that is resurrected by new owners in the 1990s and called into service again on September 11, 2001. It is told with Kalman's hip, energetic, expressionistic illustrations. This book on New York's response to the September 11th disaster is age appropriate. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Kay, Verla. Homespun Sarah. Illustrated by Ted Rand. Putnam Publishing, 2003. Fiction in Verse. Written in verse, this is the story of Sarah who lives in Pennsylvania in the early eighteenth century. Sarah is in need of a new dress because she is outgrowing her only dress. The steps for making clothes are presented: the sheep is shorn, the dye is made, the cloth is woven, and a new dress is sewn and fitted. Author's note explains how different it was to be a child living in Colonial times. California author. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Kerley, Barbara. Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer, The. Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2001. Nonfiction. This is the true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, who built life-sized models of dinosaurs in the hope of educating the world about what these ancient animals were like. The text is illustrated with Victorian paintings. Extensive notes from the author and illustrator convey the thrill of research to young readers. Picture Book. Caldecott Honor. History/Social Science, Science, Visual and Performing Arts. Korman, Gordon. No More Dead Dogs. Hyperion Press, 2000. Humor, Realistic Fiction. Eighth-grade football hero Wallace Wallace is sentenced to detention attending rehearsals of the school play. In spite of himself, he becomes wrapped up in the production and begins to suggest changes that improve not only the play but his life as well. Visual and Performing Arts. Krull, Kathleen. Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss. Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Francher. Random House, 2004. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book biography focuses on Ted Seuss Geisel's first 22 years of life in Springfield, Massachusetts. It lays the background knowledge for Dr. Seuss fans to understand how he came to be a writer and illustrator. Includes bibliography, illustrations index. California author. English-Language Arts/Writing. Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Harcourt Brace, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book biography relates the life of Cesar Chavez and his efforts to organize the National Farm Workers Association to improve working and living conditions for migrant farm workers. The illustrations evoke the settings and the Hispanic culture. The Spanish version of this book is Cosechando esperanza: La historia de Cesar Chavez, translated from the English by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada. California author, illustrator, and setting. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book. Pura Belpre Illustration Honor. History/Social Science. Lasky, Kathryn. Man Who Made Time Travel, The. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. In 1714 Great Britain offered the Longitude Prize to anyone who could create an accurate and reliable means of measuring longitude. There were many attempts but only one man, John Harrison, a carpenter and clock maker, was able to unlock the secret of measuring longitude. Picture Book. Science. Leedy, Loreen; and Street, Pat. There's a Frog in My Throat: 440 Animal Sayings a Little Bird Told Me. Illustrated by Loreen Leedy. Holiday House, 2003. Speech. The authors collected 440 animal sayings that are similes, metaphors, idioms, or proverbs. The inventory of animals includes household pets, farm animals, wild animals, birds, insects, underground creatures, and fish. All of the sayings are illustrated for better understanding and additional humor. Includes index. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Lester, Julius. Ackamarackus: Julius Lester's Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny Fables. Illustrated by Emilie Chollat. Scholastic, 2001. Fable. This is a collection of six original animal fables, laced with humor, absurdities, wordplay, and alliteration. Each fable includes both a silly and a serious moral. Acrylic and collage illustrations are bright and exhilarating. Useful for reading aloud and discussing individuality, acceptance, and expression of negative feelings. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Lewis, J. Patrick. Shoe Tree of Chagrin, The. Illustrated by Chris Sheban. Creative Editions, 2001. Tall Tale. In this tall tale, a frontier woman of legendary height and fame journeys across the plains making shoes and telling of her adventures. The illustrations are executed with a fine line and use of tans and browns in a misty palette. Picture Book. Golden Kite Author Winner. Lindsey, Kathleen D. Sweet Potato Pie. Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb. Lee and Low Books, 2003. Fiction. During a drought in the early 1900s, a large, loving African American family finds a delicious way to earn the money they need to save the family farm. Everyone in the family pitches in to help Mama bake sweet potato pies to sell. Acrylic paintings are done in an Impressionist style. Includes a recipe for sweet potato pie. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Locker, Thomas. John Muir, America's Naturalist. Illustrated by Thomas Locker. Fulcrum, 2003. Biography/Autobiography. This illustrated biography of John Muir focuses on his time in Yosemite National Park. Each page has a few lines of text and a quote from Muir's writing and faces a full-page lush landscape painting. A fine introduction to the naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Macaulay, David. Angelo. Illustrated by David Macaulay. Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Fiction. While restoring the front of a church, Angelo, an old master plasterer, rescues an injured pigeon. In spite of his dislike for pigeons, Angelo finds himself spending all his spare time nursing her back to health. Years later the favor is returned twofold. Picture Book. Literacy/Motivation. Mannis, Celeste Davidson. One Leaf Rides the Wind: Counting in a Japanese Garden. Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Viking Press, 2002. Poetry. A young girl makes her way slowly through a Japanese garden where she spots one leaf, two carved temple dogs, and three miniature bonsai. This counting book with haiku poetry introduces the youngest readers to the beauty of a Japanese garden and to haiku. Lush watercolor illustrations enhance the ten haiku poems. The book can be used as a writing model of poetry for students up to middle school. California author. Japanese/Japanese American Culture. Counting Book, Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Writing, Mathematics. Mannis, Celeste Davidson. Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet, The. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Viking Press, 2003. Nonfiction. Every summer, Elizabeth I, Queen of England, goes on a holiday known as the royal progress. As she and her entourage travel through the English countryside, they meet with Adventure (A), Bear (B), and so on until all of the letters of the alphabet are presented. Both the illustrations and the text bring to the reader many details of country and courtly life in Elizabethan England. California author and illustrator. Alphabet Book, Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary, History/Social Science. Markel, Michelle. Cornhusk, Silk, and Wishbones: A Book of Dolls from Around the World. Houghton Mifflin, 2000. Narrative Nonfiction. This book presents a collection of dolls from 1000 B.C. to the present, from all the continents. The dolls are arranged in alphabetical order according to type, accompanied by an informative paragraph about the doll, including its origin and time period, as well as cultural and historical information. A full-color photograph helps to reveal clothing and the culture of the time. A section on the art of doll collecting is included along with a bibliography and a two-page map showing the origin of each doll. Multicultural Culture. Visual and Performing Arts. Martin, Ann M. Corner of the Universe, A. Scholastic, 2002. Realistic Fiction. With the surprising arrival of a mentally disabled uncle, twelve-year-old Hattie's world is turned upside down. Set in the 1960s, this novel by Ann Martin draws on her own childhood. Newbery Honor. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish: Based on a True Story, The. Illustrated by Beth Krommes. Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Narrative Nonfiction. In 1913 a Canadian research vessel named Karluk, Aleutian for "fish," became trapped in Arctic ice. The group, including two children, survived using Inupiaq Indian cultural traditions. Scratchboard illustrations provide details in hues of brown and ice blue. Native American Culture. Picture Book. Golden Kite Illustration Winner. History/Social Science. McDermott, Gerald. Jabuti, the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon. Harcourt Brace, 2001. Folklore. This trickster tale from the Amazon is about a flute-playing tortoise who wants to play for the King. Vulture offers him a ride but deliberately drops him, causing his shell to break. Other animals gather him up and glue his pieces back together. Vivid colors and geometrically drawn shapes help to tell the story. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book. McKissack, Pat. Goin' Someplace Special. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Atheneum, 2001. Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction. In segregated 1950s Nashville, a young African American girl braves a series of indignities and obstacles to get to one of the few integrated places in town where "all are welcome" - the public library. The watercolor paintings realistically represent southern city streets and sidewalks in the 1950s. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winner. History/Social Science, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Medina, Tony. Love to Langston. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Lee and Low Books, 2002. Biography/Autobiography, Poetry. Fourteen free-verse poems written from the point of view of the African American poet Langston Hughes, provides an overview of key events and themes in his life: childhood, dreams, love of words, travels, and overcoming obstacles. Vivid, colorful, and exaggerated illustrations accompany the engaging poems. The notes at the end of the book interpret each poem. Can be used as an introduction to the life of a Harlem Renaissance poet and/or for biography and poetry units. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Miller, William. Joe Louis, My Champion. Illustrated by Rodney S. Pate. Lee and Low Books, 2004. Realistic Fiction. After listening to the radio broadcast of the heavyweight championship boxing fight of his hero, Joe Louis, a young African American boy realizes that he can emulate the boxer's persistence and strive to become whatever he wants to be. Illustrated with realistic oil paintings. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Montes, Marisa (reteller). Juan Bobo Goes to Work: A Puerto Rican Folktale. Illustrated by Joe Cepeda. HarperCollins, 2000. Folklore. This Puerto Rican folktale tells how a boy tries to do exactly as his mother tells him, but keeps getting things all wrong. Some Spanish words and phrases are incorporated into the text. The award-winning illustrations use varied perspectives and bright Caribbean colors. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book. Pura Belpre Illustration Honor. Mora, Pat (editor). Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers. Illustrated by Paula S. Barragan M. Lee and Low Books, 2001. Poetry. Thirteen Latin American poets present a collection of works that combine English and Spanish and describe the bonds between mothers, grandmothers, and children. Mixed-media illustrations capture the cultures of the Latin American themes. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary, English-Language Arts/Writing, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Chronicle Books, 2003. Fiction. Senor Calavera comes to Granma Beetle's door and asks that she leave with him. Grandma Beetle delays him by finishing her chores: sweeping, boiling tea, and making tortillas. This goes on until she is able to spend her birthday with her grandchildren. California author and illustrator. Latino/Latino American Culture. Counting Book, Picture Book. Pura Belpre Illustration Winner. Literacy/Motivation. Myers, Walter Dean. Blues Journey. Illustrated by Christopher Myers. Holiday House, 2003. Nonfiction. Text and image are combined into a work of art as the story explains and defines the blues by taking fragments of blues songs and creating poetry with them. A call-and-response accompanies each painting. Beautiful poetry and collage artwork in blue ink and brown paper will entice. Includes a timeline and glossary of blues terms. Useful for units on music and poetry. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Visual and Performing Arts, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Nolen, Jerdine. Thunder Rose. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Harcourt Brace, 2003. Tall Tale. Unusual from the day she is born, Thunder Rose performs all sorts of amazing feats, including building metal structures, taming a stampeding herd of steers, capturing a gang of rustlers, and turning aside a tornado. Oil, watercolor, and pencil illustrations capture the vistas of the Wild West and the spunky personalities. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Nye, Naomi Shihab. 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East. Greenwillow Books, 2002. Poetry. Features 60 new poems about the Middle East in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The author draws on her Palestinian and American heritage to look at both the Middle East through the eyes of an American and the United States through the eyes of a Palestinian. The poems explore universal issues of hope, conflict, war, peace, people, and relations. Middle Eastern Culture. English-Language Arts/Writing. O'Connor, Barbara. Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Fiction. Sixth-grader "Bird" Weaver is pretty much ostracized by her classmates and when Harlem Tate, a new student, comes to school, it's clear that this glaring, silent, smelly boy will be ostracized too. That's when Bird decides to make him her friend, and she soon discovers a wealth of things in him to like. Bird and Harlem, with the help of Miss Delphine Reese find fame and glory, friendship, and worth in Freedom, Georgia. Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Old, Wendie. To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Clarion Books, 2002. Narrative Nonfiction. The story of the Wright Brothers is portrayed in brief, accessible chapters, beginning with their childhood fascination with flight and love of problem solving to their stunning achievement. Parker's loose, airy watercolor illustrations are suited to this story of flight. Picture Book. History/Social Science, Science. Osborne, Mary Pope. Kate and the Beanstalk. Illustrated by Giselle Potter. Atheneum, 2000. Fiction. This retelling of the classic folktale features a gutsy, resourceful heroine who climbs the beanstalk to outsmart the greedy giant. Potter's signature expressionistic illustrations, rendered in ink, gouache, and watercolor with a large-sized format, perfectly enhance this feminist version. Picture Book. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Park, Linda Sue. Kite Fighters, The. Clarion Books, 2000. Fiction. In Korea in 1473, eleven-year-old Young-sup overcomes a rivalry with his older brother who, as the first-born son, receives special treatment from their father and combines his kite-flying skill with his brother's kite-making skill in an attempt to win the New Year kite competition. Korean/Korean American Culture. Perdomo, Willie. Visiting Langston. Illustrated by Bryan Collier. Henry Holt and Company, 2002. Biography/Autobiography, Poetry. The vibrant voice of a young girl with richly textured watercolor and collage illustrations illuminate a poem celebrating the life and work of poet Langston Hughes. It also evokes the images of Harlem as well as the blues, dreams, Africa, and other subjects of Hughes' poetry. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. Perez, L. King. First Day in Grapes. Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Lee and Low Books, 2003. Fiction. All year long, Chico's family moves up and down California to pick fruits and vegetables. Every September, Chico begins the school year in a new school, and often the other kids pick on him - maybe because he's always new or because he speaks Spanish sometimes. But third grade promises to be different: he likes his teacher, and she recognizes his excellent abilities in math. When fourth-grade bullies tease him, he surprises them with strengths of his own. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Pura Belpre Illustration Honor. History/Social Science. Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Jump at the Sun, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. Ella's inspiring story is told in the voice of Scat Cat Monroe, a feline fan whose imagined narrative sings with infectious scat rhythms. The dramatic perspectives of the fantastical scratchboard illustrations offer jazzy improvisations of their own. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary, Visual and Performing Arts. Pinkney, Jerry. Noah's Ark. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. SeaStar Books, 2002. Narrative Nonfiction. This book retells the biblical story of the great flood and how Noah and his family faithfully responded to God's call to save life on the Earth. Spectacular pencil-and-watercolor illustrations bring detail of the crowds of animals and of the drowned Earth. Picture Book. Caldecott Honor. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary. Rappaport, Doreen. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Illustrated by Bryan Collier. Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2001. Biography/Autobiography. This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King pairs words from his speeches with striking collage illustrations to present important moments in his life. Each collage combines cut-paper, photographs, and watercolor to interpret the big words spoken by Dr. King. Black/African American Culture. Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Author Honor. History/Social Science. Rumford, James. Dog-of-the-Sea-Waves. Illustrated by James Rumford. Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Historical Fiction. Manu and his four brothers are the first humans to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands. The brothers plan to return to their old island home and bring their families and domestic animals back to make a new home. Manu does not like this plan until he befriends a sick Hawaiian monk seal, or as Manu calls him "Dog-of-the-Sea-Waves." Sequel to The Island-Below-the-Star. In English and Hawaiian. Pacific Islander Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science, Science. Rumford, James. Nine Animals and the Well. Illustrated by James Rumford. Houghton Mifflin, 2003. Fable. The reader learns that the nine number signs and the zero came from the Europeans, who got them from the North Africans, who got them from the Arabs, who got them from India. Nine animal friends each want to bring the perfect gift to the raja-king's birthday party but end up taking only their friendship. East Indian/East Indian American Culture. Counting Book. Mathematics. Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. African American classical singer Marian Anderson perseveres during the vicious segregation era. The story covers her rejection from music school, her triumphant concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, and her performance with the Metropolitan Opera. Selznick's compelling artwork adds drama. Includes afterword, discography, and bibliography. Useful in the study of singers, singing, American history, civil rights, prejudice, and courage. Can be used as a picture book for older readers. California author. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book. History/Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts. San Souci, Robert D. Cinderella Skeleton. Illustrated by David Catrow. Harcourt Brace, 2000. Fairy Tale. This unique and humorous version of Cinderella is told in rhyming verse. Cinderella is a skeleton living in a graveyard with her stepmother. The illustrations conjure up the worst in each person, making the entire book spooky, gruesome, and very funny. California author. Picture Book. San Souci, Robert D. Reluctant Dragon, The. Illustrated by John Segal. Scholastic, 2004. Fairy Tale. This is a classic story about friendship, compassion, and loyalty retold with humor and engaging dialogue. After Jack's father finds a fire-breathing dragon nearby, Jack discovers the dragon is really a gentle, poetic giant who would rather read and write than fight knights and breathe fire. The miniature, watercolor paintings add to the growing camaraderie between Jack and the Dragon and the satisfying conclusion. California author. Good read-aloud. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Literacy/Motivation. Sierra, Judy (selector). Can You Guess My Name?: Traditional Tales Around the World. Illustrated by Stefano Vitale. Clarion Books, 2002. Fairy Tale. A collection of 15 folktales from all over the world, including stories that resemble "The Three Pigs" and "The Bremen Town Musicians." Good to use in comparing different versions of the same story. California author. Literacy/Motivation. Slaymaker, Melissa Eskridge. Bottle Houses: The Creative World of Grandma Prisbrey. Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Henry Holt, 2004. Biography/Autobiography, Narrative Nonfiction. When Grandma Prisbrey decided to settle down on her land in California, she didn't have the money to build a house. A visit to the dump leads to the construction of several buildings from found material, especially bottles. The gouache illustrations portray the beauty of the buildings. Includes an author note and photographs of the Bottle House. California setting. Visual and Performing Arts. Smith, Jr., Charles R. Tall Tales: Six Amazing Basketball Dreams. Dutton Books, 2000. Short Story. Six short stories about basketball are told with the use of brightly colored print, various fonts, and words splashed across the pages in energetic arrangements. The photographs in the background depict mostly inner-city basketball and include all sizes, genders, and abilities. This page size is extra tall, making these truly "tall" tales. Basketball lovers will enjoy the action and energy. Physical Education. Soto, Gary. Chato and the Party Animals. Illustrated by Susan Guevara. Putnam Publishing, 2000. Humor. When Chato the Cat discovers that his best friend, Novio Boy has never had a birthday party, he plans a surprise party. Everything is set except that Chato forgets to invite the guest of honor. The mural-like acrylic-on-scratchboard artwork extends the story with vitality and color. Humor and Latino symbolism are embedded in the illustrations. California author, illustrator, and setting. Latino/Latino American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Pura Belpre Illustration Winner. Stanley, Diane. Michelangelo. HarperCollins, 2000. Biography/Autobiography. In this extended-text picture book, Stanley uses the chronology of Michelangelo's life to explain the style, technique, and meaning of his sculpture, architecture, and paintings. Computer-manipulated drawings of his actual work and Stanley's original watercolors work together to make this a thorough, easy-to-understand, and informative biography. Picture Book. History/Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts. Stanley, Diane. Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam. Illustrated by Diane Stanley. HarperCollins, 2002. Biography/Autobiography. This biography depicts the life of Saladin, an influential Muslim leader and sultan who led his people during the time of the twelfth-century Crusades. It discusses the Crusades and the political and religious history of the Middle East and Western Europe. The author's detailed color paintings are inspired from Islamic art of the period. The text includes a glossary and a bibliography. Middle Eastern Culture. Picture Book. Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Green Dog: A Mostly True Story, The. Frances Foster Books, 2003. Fiction. This story is based on the author's childhood in northeastern Pennsylvania and tells the story of Jeff, a black-and-white dog who comes into a young girl's life as a stray. Love between them is instant, but after awhile it is apparent that Jeff has a nose for trouble and tough decisions must be made. Read Aloud. Stockton, Frank R. Bee-Man of Orn, The. Illustrated by P. J. Lynch. Candlewick Press, 2003. Fantasy. The Bee-Man lives humbly in a hut that resembles an immense beehive. He is visited by a young sorcerer who tells him he is not what he seems. The Bee-Man begins a quest to discover his true identity. The text of Stockton's 1887 short story is accompanied by Lynch's watercolor-and-gouache paintings that reflect this mysterious world. Includes a DVD showing the artist at work in his studio. Picture Book, Read Aloud. Visual and Performing Arts, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Taylor, Debbie A. Sweet Music in Harlem. Illustrated by Frank Morrison. Lee and Low Books, 2004. Fiction. C. J., who aspires to be as great a jazz musician as his uncle, searches for Uncle Click's hat in preparation for an important photograph and inadvertently gathers some of the greatest musicians of 1950s Harlem to join in on the picture. The text is jazzy with hip dialogue and is illustrated with bright acrylic paintings that show elongated characters. Includes author's note and the 1958 Art Kane photograph. Black/African American Culture. Picture Book, Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Vocabulary, Visual and Performing Arts. Taylor, Theodore. Boy Who Could Fly Without a Motor, The. Harcourt Brace, 2002. Fiction. It is 1935, Franklin Roosevelt is President, and Jon Jeffers is nine years old. He is also stuck on a small, rocky island off the coast of San Francisco with his mother and his lighthouse-keeper father. Jon's desire for friendship and interest in ghosts and magic lead him into adventure, disaster, and more when an ancient magician arrives on the beach and offers Jon the secret of human flight. California author. See other award-winning titles by this author. Testa, Maria. Becoming Joe DiMaggio. Illustrated by Scott Hunt. Candlewick Press, 2002. Fiction in Verse. In this verse novel, Joseph Paul, born in 1936 and named after the great Joe DiMaggio, learns about his namesake from his beloved grandfather, Papa-Angelo. From these two figures, Joseph Paul learns to overcome the fact that his father is in prison and that he can realize his dream of becoming a doctor. Read Aloud. Literacy/Motivation. U'Ren, Andrea. Mary Smith. Illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Biography/Autobiography, Narrative Nonfiction. This historically based picture book recounts how Mary Smith performed her duties of waking up key citizens of the community by blowing her pea-shooter at their windows in the early industrial age before the advent of alarm clocks. The thick black lines and muted colors are reminiscent of early twentieth-century illustrations. Picture Book. History/Social Science. Van Allsburg, Chris. Zathura. Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Fantasy. Left on their own for an evening, two boisterous brothers find more excitement than they bargained for in a mysterious and mystical space adventure board game in this sequel to Jumanji. The black-and-gray sketched illustrations are highlighted with textured paper. Picture Book, Read Aloud. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Weisner, David. Three Pigs, The. Illustrated by David Weisner. Clarion Books, 2001. Fiction. The three pigs escape the wolf by going to another world where they meet the cat and the fiddle, the cow that jumped over the moon, and a dragon. The artwork shifts into various illustrative styles as the pigs step out of the pages of the book and leave the wolf behind. Picture Book. Caldecott Winner. Visual and Performing Arts, English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. White, Ruth. Tadpole. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. Realistic Fiction. When Tad, the thirteen-year-old cousin of Kentucky, Georgia, and Carolina, suddenly comes into their lives, they and Mama welcome him even though they can hardly afford to feed another person. After they discover that Tad's Uncle Matthew is an abusive guardian, they do all that they can to keep him safe. Set in the South in 1955. Good read-aloud. Read Aloud. Literacy/Motivation. Winters, Kay. Voices of Ancient Egypt. Illustrated by Barry Moser. National Geographic Society, 2003. Poetry. Individual workers who live in ancient Egypt during the time of the Olden Kingdom describe the work they do. The text is free verse and expressed in the voices of a scribe, a farmer, a bird netter, a weaver, an embalmer, a carpenter, and seven other workers. Each page has the title of the occupation in English and in hieroglyphics. Includes a historical note. African Culture. Read Aloud. History/Social Science. Woods, Brenda. Red Rose Box, The. Putnam Publishing, 2002. Realistic Fiction. On her tenth birthday, Leah receives a traveling case decorated with red roses from her glamorous Aunt Olivia. This is a touching story of a girl and her younger sister growing up between two worlds, the deep south of Louisiana and Los Angeles in the 1950s. Black/African American Culture. Coretta Scott King Author Honor. English-Language Arts/Literary Elements. Woodson, Jacqueline. Locomotion. Putnam Publishing, 2003. Realistic Fiction. Eleven-year-old Lonnie Collins Motion has had a rough life - both parents are dead, and he and his little sister are sent to different foster homes. Then in school, he learns to express himself through poetry. In learning to communicate, he learns to cope with his present and even look forward to the future. Black/African American Culture. Coretta Scott King Author Honor. English-Language Arts/Writing. Yee, Lisa. Millicent Min, Girl Genius. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2003. Realistic Fiction. |
grade_finder.doc | |
File Size: | 103 kb |
File Type: | doc |