Mel's Book Corner

Title: Christmas Is... Genre: Nonfiction (Informational) Author: Gail Gibbons Major Awards: None Age Group: Pre-K-1st grade This is a sweet story that highlights what Christmas is. It states that Christmas Is...The Christ Child. It goes on to tell the story of Christ's birth. The book then states different things that Christmas is. Christmas Is...Saint Nicholas who loved giving gifts and helping, and later became known as Santa Claus. It states that Saint Nicholas threw three bags of coal down a chimney where three poor girls lived, landing in a stocking hung by a chimney to dry. This is why stockings are now hung above the chimney, and why people think Santa slides down chimneys to get into homes. The author also states that Christmas Is... the Christmas tree that people bring home to decorate. It also states that Christmas Is...Christmas lights that are used to decorate trees and homes with, reminding people of the light that Christ brought into the world when he was bor...

  Title: Airport Genre: Nonfiction (Informational) Author: Byron Barton Major Awards: None Age Group: Preschool-Kindergarten This is a book explaining the flying process, from the moment people arrive at the airport to the moment their plane takes off. It explains that people arrive in buses and in cars, and they are at the airport because they want to go to a new place. It explains that they sit and wait to board the airplane at a gate. While they are waiting, their plane is loading their luggage in the cargo hold and fuel is going inside the wings. It also says that when people go inside the plane, they find their correct seat. While they do this, the pilot is in the cockpit getting ready for take-0ff. The control tower signals to the pilot when it is clear for take-off. People buckle their seat belts, and the plane rolls to the runway. The plane races down the runway, and in the end, they zoom into the sky.  This is a cute story that I would enjoy havin...

Title: The Reasons for Seasons Genre: Nonfiction (Informational) Author: Gail Gibbons Major Awards: None Age Group: Pre-K-2nd grade This book is about the four seasons of the year: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. It talks about how the tilt of the earth in relation to the sun changes throughout the year, creating seasons. It also talks about how the four seasons take up the amount of time it takes for the Earth to revolve around the sun. Also, different parts of the Earth are closer to the sun than others, affecting how much light and heat they receive. The author also writes about how different parts of the Earth are in different seasons, based on where the Earth is in relation to the sun at that point in time. The book then goes into the four seasons and explains what is happening with the Earth at that point in time. In spring, more sunshine causes the cool air to be replaced by warmer air. In summer, more direct sunlight reaches the ground for longer periods of time, ...

Title: Superheroes Are Everywhere Genre: Nonfiction (Biography) Author: Kamala Harris Major Awards: None Age Group: Pre-K-1st grade This is the story of Kamala Harris' life, told by her. When she was a young girl, she knew that superheroes were just regular people who did good for others. She started finding superheroes as she looked at qualities her family, friends, and others in her community displayed. She stated that her mother was a hero because she made her feel special, her hugs made her feel warm and safe, and she always had encouraging words. Her sister was a hero because she could always count on her to be there. Her father was a hero because he taught her to be fearless and take chances. Her teacher was a hero because she showed her the world, and helped her chase her dreams. Her neighbor was a hero because she was a second mom to her- watching her when her parents were gone and taking her to church on Sunday's. Some heroes she knew were lawyers, and they in...

Title: The Girl With A Mind For Math: The Story of Raye Montague Genre: Nonfiction (Biography) Author: Julia Finley Mosca Major Awards: None Age Group: Kindergarten-3rd grade This is a biography of Raye Montague told in poetic form. Raye was always smart and headstrong, even as a young child. At age seven, her grandfather took her to see a German submarine. Here, she learned that engineers had built this boat, and from then on, she set her sights on becoming an engineer. People laughed at her when she told them her plans. She was such a smart girl, but this was during the time of segregation, so she could not go to the elite schools that the white students could go to. She was determined to reach her goal of becoming an engineer, and became very good at math throughout school. She was crushed when she went to college and was told that African American students could not be engineers. She pursued business instead, and graduated with honors. She was hired to type at a U.S. Navy ...

Title: Diana's White House Garden Genre: Historical Fiction Author: Elisa Carbone Major Awards: None Age Group: Kindergarten-2nd grade This is the story of Diana Hopkins who lived with her father, Harry Hopkins, the chief advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the White House. When the United States was at war, President Roosevelt told his staff that everyone needed to do their part in order to win the war. Diana knew this included her, so she started brainstorming ways to help. She thought of being a spy, but this ended up getting her in trouble with the White House workers. She thought she could be a city official, but a sign she made offended her father. She put pins in satin chairs at the White House, thinking these would defeat the enemies that President Roosevelt talked about. This only got Diana in more trouble, and injured people in the process. One day, President Roosevelt said that he wanted everyone to start growing their own food in their backyards. ...

Title: Hope's Gift Genre: Historical Fiction Author: Kelly Starling Lyons Major Awards: 2014 Storytelling World Award, 2013-2014 IRA/CBC Children's Choices Age Group: 1st-3rd grade This is a story about a young girl Hope, and her father having to join the war. On Christmas one year, her father explained to her and her brother that he was being sent to fight in the war. He gave Hope a conch shell as he was saying goodbye and told Hope, "That's the sound of freedom, Hope. And nothing can keep it from coming. Nothing." Hope clung tight to the conch and these words in the coming months whenever she was missing her father. When the canons would roar each night, Hope would desperately pray for her father's safe return and hold the conch to her ear. Many times, Hope's family would get word that President Lincoln was freeing the slaves, but it was always false. Hope continued to miss her father and cried often, with the holidays being the hardest time for...

Title: As Fast As Words Could Fly Genre: Historical Fiction Author: Pamela M. Tuck Major Awards: New Voices Award Age Group: 3rd-5th grade This is a story about a young boy named Mason during the time of segregation. His father was a part of a civil rights group, and he helped them out by taking notes of things his father told him, and then writing letters to President Lyndon B. Johnson. One day, his father surprised him with a typewriter so that he could continue to help his father, but with more ease. Mason started high school, but after a few short weeks, his father said that there was no reason for Mason and his brothers to be going to a school twelve miles from home when there was a high school three miles from home. He stated that they were now registered at the white school three miles away. The boys were fearful, but wanted to please their father. As expected, school life at the new school was tough. The brothers did not get the same amenities as everyone else and were...

Title: Ellen's Broom Genre: Historical Fiction Author: Kelly Starling Lyons Major Awards: Coretta Scott King Honor Age Group: 1st-3rd grade This is a story about a family overcoming slavery. During slavery, husband and wife were sometimes ripped away from each other, and were not allowed to even have a proper wedding ceremony. The husband and wife were only allowed to use a broom and jump over it, signifying that they were "jumping" into a new life together. One day at church, the preacher told the crowd that all former slaves living as husband and wife could now be married in the eyes of the law. Ellen's parents could now be married legally. On their way to the ceremony, Ellen's mother grabbed the broom that was hanging on the wall of the home and asked Ellen to carry it with them on their journey. She said that, since this is all they began with, it should come with them. When they arrived at the office, Ellen noticed that her mother could use something...

Title: Let the Children March Genre: Coretta Scott King Author: Monica Clark-Robinson Major Awards: Coretta Scott King Award Age Group: 2nd-5th grade This is the story of a young girl during the time of segregation. She explains that she could not play on the same playground as the white kids, could not go to school with, them could not drink from their water fountains, etc. One day, her and her family went to hear Dr. King speak about marching for freedom. Her parents explained that they could not march for fear of losing their jobs. The girl and her brother did not have anything to lose, so they told their parents that they would be willing to march. Dr. King urged all the young children in town to march to end the segregation. Havoc struck during the marching-they were sprayed, attacked by dogs, and jailed because of their marching. They did not let any of this stop them, though. In the end, the children were hailed as heroes and they won the fight against segregation. ...

Title: A Voyage in the Clouds Genre: Historical Fiction Author: Matthew Olshan Major Awards: None Age Group: 2nd-5th grade This is the story of Dr. John Jeffries and Jean-Pierre Blanchard and their flight from one country to another. An Italian had flown, a Scot had flown, a woman had flown, and a sheep had even flown in a "manned balloon", but no one had ever flown from one country to another. Dr. Jeffries and pilot, Monsieur Blanchard wanted to be the first ones to do this. They cannot stand each other, though which causes issues. Blanchard does not want Dr. Jeffries to fly with him, so he makes up a theory that the balloon can only hold one person and a dog. Dr. Jeffries knew this was not true because he had already weighed everything to know that it could hold the two of them and their supplies. Dr. Jeffries weighs everything again, and sure enough, it all fits. They take flight and everything goes smoothly until they start to descend. Thinking it could be their ...

Title: Merci Suarez Changes Gears Genre: Newbery Author: Meg Medina Major Awards: Newbery Medal Age Group: 4th-8th grade Merci Suarez is a sixth-grader navigating school and home life. She is a student at Seaward Pines Academy, where she and her brother, Roli are scholarship students. Merci's family leads a pretty modest life and cannot compete with the wealthy students they attend school with. Merci is very close with her family, especially her grandfather, Lolo. She tells him everything and he is her safe space. She lives in one of the three "Las Casitas" with her family and next door to Tia Ines, cousins Tomas and Axel, and Lolo and Abuela. As she enters the school year, challenges arise. She is assigned a Sunshine Buddy named Michael Clark who is a new student at school who she helps mentor and be a friend to. This does not sit well with Edna Santos, a girl who loves-to-hate Merci, and quickly becomes jealous of after developing a crush on Michael. As if thi...

Title: What a Good Big Brother! Genre: Realistic Fiction Author: Diane Wright Landolf Major Awards: None Age Group: Preschool-Kindergarten This story is about a young child named Cameron who has a new baby sister named Sadie. He is very eager to help with taking care of Sadie, including changing her diaper, patting her head when she cries, patting her tummy, and bringing his parents supplies they need for Sadie. There is one issue, though: she cries a lot! Cameron is confused why she is crying and wonders why nothing his parents do will calm her down. Much to Cameron and his parents' surprise, Sadie stops crying whenever Cameron is near. When she will not stop crying, he kisses her toes and pats her, and she always quiets down! In the end, Cameron gets her to smile for the first time in her life. He is a proud big brother! I would like to have this book in my classroom! Many young children can relate to Cameron in that they want to help with their younger sibling, but al...

Title: Alexander, Who's Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move Genre: Realistic Fiction Author: Judith Viorst Major Awards: CBC/NCSS Notable Children's Book in Social Studies Age Group: Pre-K-3rd grade This story is about Alexander and his resistance to moving away. His father has taken a job in a new city, causing the family to have to move. Alexander states that he, under no circumstances, is moving away. He starts to think of places and people he could live with in his current town so he would not have to move away. He states all the people he will miss and will never be able to replace, including his best friend Paul, his babysitter, his cleaner, his neighbors, and his school. His mother comforts him, saying that it will take time, but he will find new people to love in the new city. In the end, he starts to come to terms with the move after much protesting, but states that he will never again be moving away after this time.  I would love to have this boo...

Title: Why? Genre: Realistic Fiction Author: Richard Torrey Major Awards: None Age Group: Preschool-1st grade Why is a story about six-year-old Jack and the many questions he has. Why are there holes in crackers? Why does healthy food taste bad? Why can't I play with my older brother and his friend? Why can't I have a tail like my dog? Why can't I keep my frog I caught in my bedroom? Why did my goldfish die? Why do I have to take a bath? Why do I have to go to bed if I am not tired? Why?! In the end, Jack falls asleep after asking why he has to go to sleep. His mother replies, "That's why." Jack is a very curious young boy who has many questions for the world, just like a typical six-year-old.  This would be a great book to have in my classroom! Young children like Jack are trying to figure out the world, thus resulting in many questions. I think that children who read this book would totally relate to the questions Jack has!  I believe that this ...

Title: A Letter to my Teacher Genre: Realistic Fiction Author: Deborah Hopkinson Major Awards: None Age Group: 2nd-4th grade This is a sweet story written to a past teacher from a now adult about to start her first job. In the book, she recounts her second grade experience. She writes about how school was tough for her because it meant sitting still and listening, two things she was not fond of, but her teacher made it easy for her to like school. She recalls different times in class where she was a disruption. That one time she escaped into the river while the class was supposed to be there to learn about plants and water, but her teacher rescued her. That one time she took the class mice home, but her cat ate one of them. She bought a replacement, and her teacher could tell, but she laughed it off. That one time she was frustrated because she was not a good reader, but her teacher explained to her that learning takes time. That one time the class went to a museum, and she es...

Title: But I Read it on the Internet! Genre: Realistic Fiction Author: Toni Buzzeo Major Awards: None Age Group: 3rd-5th grade Fourth-grader Hunter knows many facts from reading books. His classmate, Carmen knows many facts from reading them on the internet. One day in school, their teacher asks them to name some facts about United States Presidents. Carmen raises her hand, saying "George Washington had wooden teeth!" Hunter knew this was not true, and got in an argument with Carmen because of it. Their teacher asks them where they found their information. Carmen says she read it on the internet, while Hunter says he read it in a book. For homework that night, their teacher tells them to pick one fact about a US President and prove it is true or not, using the internet. Their teacher explains that they need to find scholarly sources, because not every website on the internet has true facts. Hunter is not a fan of the internet, and does not even know how to use it be...

Title: How to Trick the Tooth Fairy Genre: Fantasy Author: Erin Danielle Russell Major Awards: None Age Group: Pre-K-1st grade Kaylee is the queen of pranks. She pulls pranks day-in and day-out, and even pulled one on Santa Claus! She knows that nobody can perform pranks better than she can until...she meets the Tooth Fairy! She pranks the Tooth Fairy by putting a fake frog under her pillow instead of her tooth. This causes the Tooth Fairy to cast a spell and fill Kaylee's room with real frogs. The Tooth Fairy and Kaylee try to outperform each other in pranks, and then realize what a mess they have made in Kaylee's house. In the end, they clean up their mess and decide that they should become friends instead of trying to be better than the other.  I am unsure about if I would want this in my classroom. Sure, it is a silly story about the antics of a Tooth Fairy, but it did not really have a big impact on me. The main character, Kaylee, and the Tooth Fairy pulled some...

Title: Corduroy Genre: Fantasy Author: Don Freeman Major Awards: Indie's Choice Book Awards Picture Book Hall of Fame, Top 100 Picture Books for 21st Century- School Library Journal  Age Group: Pre-K-1st grade Corduroy is a story about a bear named Corduroy who lives on a shelf at a department store. He desperately wants to be purchased and loved by someone. One day, a young girl spots Corduroy and wants to buy him. Her mother says no, and tells her that Corduroy is missing a button. Corduroy had no clue he lost one of his buttons, so in an attempt to find it, he runs around the department store searching for his lost button. A security officer finds him causing a raucous, and takes him back to his spot on the shelf. At the end, the same young girl from the day before comes to buy Corduroy and they become best friends forever.  This is a classic children's novel that is loved by young children, so I would like to have it in my classroom! Corduroy just wants to love ...

Title: The Twelve Dancing Princesses Genre: Fantasy Author: Alison Jay Major Awards: None Age Group: 3rd-5th grade This story is about a group of twelve princesses who are sisters. Each morning when they awoke, their father noticed that their shoes looked like they had been danced in all night. The father asked them what they did at night, and they assured him that they slept in their beds. The father did not believe them, so he sent in princes to spy on them as the slept. The father said that whoever could discover what these princesses were up to at night could marry the princess of their choice. The first prince was given wine from the princesses upon entering their room. This wine made him sleepy, so he fell asleep each night instead of spying on the princesses. One day, a wounded soldier was riding through the kingdom when he met a woman. She handed him an invisible cloak and told him to not drink the wine when it was offered at the door of the princesses' room. Upo...

Title: Georgia's Terrific, Colorific Experiment Genre: Science Fiction Author: Zoe Persico Major Awards: None Age Group: 1st-3rd grade This story is about a girl named Georgia. Georgia's family are all artists, and she is amazed by everything they create. Georgia is not like them, though. She loves space, learning about cell structure, and is in awe of what famous scientists have done. She always imagines herself traveling to space and traveling the world to meet famous scientists. Georgia wants to be just like the scientists she learns about, and sets out to create her very own experiment. All of her family members doubt her because all they know about is art. Their doubt pushes her even harder to create an experiment. One day, she goes deep into the forest and starts dreaming about what she can create. She gets discouraged and wonders how scientists come up with their experiments, when she gets an idea. She decides to mix art and science and starts filling beakers wi...

Title: Giant Tess Genre: Science Fiction Author: Dan Yaccarino Major Awards: None Age Group: Pre-K-1st grade This story is interesting because it is set in "Mythhattan", and in this town there is "Centaur Park", "Grand Cyclops Station", "The Lower Beast Side", along with other spin-off names of places in New York City. Giant Tess is a story about an extraordinary girl named Tess.  Tess was adopted and quickly realizes she is not like anyone else she knows: she is a giant. She struggles to fit in with her peers, and desperately wants to be "normal." One day, she tries to help set up for the annual parade when havoc strikes; she breaks everything in sight because she is so giant. Defeated, she runs to a park where she meets a dragon named Smokey. She becomes best friends with the dragon because they are both the same size. In the end, she and the dragon help rescue the mayor who starts to float away in the parade. Tess never aga...