There's A Book For That

  Airport by Byron Barton Nonfiction/Informational PreK-1 Summary: This is a very simple book with minimal words. This book follows almost the entire process of going somewhere on a plane (except for getting off at the destination). This book also tells about the components of a plane.  Evaluation: This book is great for teaching younger students about planes and flying, because it is simple. I would use this book to introduce flying, and even to teach the parts of a plane. This would also make for a great discussion starter (have you ever been on a plane?). 

  Be A Friend to Trees by Patricia Lauber illustrated by Holly Keller Nonfiction/Informational PreK-3 Summary: This book is about everything trees, from the parts of a tree to what trees are used for. Throughout the book, the illustrations show you different trees and labels what kind of tree they are. The book even includes some more complex concepts like photosynthesis.  Evaluation: This is a great book to introduce science concepts, such as photosynthesis and recycling. This book also contains many diagrams that show different parts of trees and processes using parts of trees. This book also includes the animals that live in trees, which makes it a great book for talking about ecosystems and different animals. 

  What If You Get Lost? by Anara Guard illustrated by Dani Jones Nonfiction/Informational  PreK-3 Summary: This book has different scenarios and what do do if you get lost at different kinds of places. The book also has safety tips for each scenario. The book also includes fun ways to memorize phone numbers and rules to follow to help you stay safe.  Evaluation: I think this is a great book to share with students, because it contains information that every child should know. I would definitely share this book before having a field trip, since it includes what to do if you get lost on a field trip. I would also have my students to the phone number activity to help them remember their parents' phone numbers.

  I Am Albert Einstein by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos Nonfiction/Informational K-3 Summary: This book tells the story of Albert Einstein growing up and ,well, becoming the Albert Einstein we know today. It follows from him being born to us learning about him today. It provides a lot of information on Albert Einstein, but in a more narrative fashion, and ends with a quote.  Evaluation: This is a great book for teaching about Albert Einstein. I love that the books shows how he was just a regular person who did some great things. There is a lot of humor in the book, which I believe will help keep the students engaged. This is just a great book that can be used to teach about Albert Einstein, but I think it can also be used as just a read aloud. 

  Clothesline Clues to Sports People Play by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook Nonfiction/Informational PreK-2 Summary:    This book looks at different sports uniforms and equipment, and tells what sports the people might play. This book shows baseball, soccer, tennis, fencing, basketball, football, and archery. The book ends by asking what sport would the reader like to try out today.  Ev aluation: This is a great book for introducing different sports to younger students. This book also includes athletes that are male and female, showing that sports are not limited to one gender. I like that this book includes some sports that you do not always see, such as archery and fencing. 

  Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Gwen Strauss, and Floyd Cooper Historical Fiction 1-4 Summary: This story is about an African American (A/A) girl named Ruth and her family taking a trip. Ruth was very excited for this trip, because they were taking their new car. Her excited was over soon, when she discovered how poorly A/A travelers were treated in some towns. A lot of hotels and gas stations refused service to African Americans because of Jim Crow Laws. Eventually, they stop at a gas station where the attendant shows her family The Green Book, this was a book that listed places that would welcome the family. Using this book and depending on the kindness of others, Ruth and her family safely make it to her Grandma's house in Alabama.  Evaluation: This is a great book for teaching history. This is especially great for teaching about segregation and Jim Crow Laws. This book offers a good look into what life was like for African Americans in the past, and h...

  Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson Historical Fiction K-4 Caldecott Honor Book Summary: This is a story about a slave boy named Henry, who finds a way to freedom. Henry was given to the son of his master as a young boy, but found a wife as he got older. Henry and his wife were lucky, since they were allowed to live together even though they had different masters. Henry and his wife, Nancy, had children together and were as happy as they could be given the situation. Until one day, his children and wife were sold at an auction, and Henry was devastated. A little while after this, Henry came up with an idea. He would put himself in a box and mail himself to somewhere without slavery. This was a risky plan, since he had to be very quiet so he did not get caught. Henry managed to get out of a day at work and has was successfully mailed to Philadelphia, and lived with some people he knew there and that is where the story ends.  Evaluation: I think this is a grea...