Graphic Novels

Title: "Vampires and Cells"

Author: Agnieszka Biskup

Illustrator: Jok

Publisher: Capstone Press

Publication Date: 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4296-6582-7

Rating: 5/5

"Vampires and Cells" is a book that teaches students about the cell theory and the structure of cells. It is narrated by a vampire, who talks about the people who discovered cells. The graphic then goes on to describe how different cells are different shapes based on the function they need, and some cells are unicellular, like the amoeba that can walk in this graphic novel. The novel ends by showing the different organelles that make up a cell and showing how cells metabolize and divide. During the whole graphic novel the vampires are looking for red blood cells. 

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, because I really think it would help students in a Biology class who may struggle with the difficult textbook. This novel uses the same vocabulary and images as a traditional textbook, but it's fun to read and doesn't seem as intimidating. I think this would be great supplemental material for my biology class. 

Title: "Bigfoot and Adaptation"

Author: Terry Collins

Illustrator: Cristian Mallea

Publisher: Capstone Press

Publication Date: 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4296-6579-7

Rating:

"Bigfoot and Adaptation" is a graphic novel that teaches students about evolution and how species who are well adapted are able to evolve. Bigfoot travels back in time to see Charles Darwin and learns about his theory of natural selection. Bigfoot then looks at different adaptations that animals have which makes them better suited to survive whether they be physical adaptations or behavioral adaptations.

Overall, I also really like this book. It doesn't cover as much content as the "Vampires and Cells" book, but I still think this a great way to help struggling readers or students who may not be interested in biology content. This makes the content a lot more approachable, yet they are still able to learn the vocabulary. 

Title: "Leo Geo and the Cosmic Crisis"

Author: Jon Chad

Illustrator: Jon Chad

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Publication Date: 2013

ISBN: 978-1-59643-822-4

Rating: 2/5

"Leo Geo and the Cosmic Crisis" is a graphic novel about Leo the Geo a scientist at Fizzmont Institute for Rad Science. A comet is detected heading straight for the science facility. Leo takes his rocket to go to save the space station. On the trip to the station, they also realize there is a black hole. Leo has to run experiments to try and save the day.

I give this book a 2/5, because I felt that it was really hard to keep track of. It's written in blurbs and conversations, so it's hard to keep track of the information. Also, the story was all over the place. I'm sure some children would find this book very interesting and fun to read, but I am very logical, and this novel gave me a headache. 

Poetry

Title: "Splish Splash" 

Author: Joan Bransfield Graham

Illustrator: Steve Scott

Publisher: Ticknor & Field Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 1994

ISBN: 0-395-70128-7

Rating: 4/5

"Splish Splash" is a book full of children's poems about different things that involve water. The poems are about things such as: icicles, rain-drops, and waves. The author uses creative language to describe each of these things, and even has the words form the shape of the object in question. I give this book a 4/5, because it is a very creative set of poems. The words move throughout the page in a variety of shapes and fonts, which I feel would interest students in the book. Also, it's about different topics that are common in life. Although the poems are written in  way that the words move along the page, the actual artistic elements of this book are slightly bland, which is my only concern. 

Title: "Silver Seeds"

Author: Paul Paolilli and Dan Brewer

Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Francher

Publisher: The Penguin Group

Publication Date: 2001

ISBN: 0-670-88941-5

Rating: 

"Silver Seeds" is a book with a series of short poems. The story follows a little boy and a girl on their daily adventures. Each page is a short poem about some of the things the little girl encounters. For example, there is a poem about trees and leaves.

I give this book a 4/5. The images are spectacular and there is so much you can do with this book in terms of reading comprehension. Not only do the paintings drag you into the poems, but the images and movement in the words helps entice you into the book. 

Title: "What am I? Very First Riddles"

Author: Stephanie Calmenson

Illustrator: Karen Gundersheimer

Publisher: Library of Congress Cataloging

Publication Date: 1989

ISBN: 0-06-020997-6

Rating: 4/5

"What am I?" is a series of short poems and riddles about things that little kids encounter on a daily basis like a telephone. The riddle/poem is very short and describes the object. Then the poem asks, "What am I?" which prompts the little kid to answer and think about the object.

I give this book a 4/5. I think this is a genius way to get children more involved in reading, because they have to be able to comprehend what their reading and then answer and predict what the author is talking about. My only concern is that the images in the poems are slightly boring and aren't very unique. 

Historical Books

Title: "Separate is Never Equal"

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 2014

ISBN: 978-4197-1054-4

Rating: 4/5

This historical picture book is about the desegregation of American schools in the 1940s based not he Mendez vs. Westminster School District Case. The story follows Sylvia and other Mexican children as they file a lawsuit against the Westminster School District which forces the Mexicans to attend an inferior segregated school. The case is pushed to the Supreme Court, and eventually Sylvia wins the right to attend Wesminster School where she is welcomed by friends.

I give this children's book a 4/5. I really like the content that is covered in this book, because it shows a true historical situation in the eyes of the child involved. Also, it includes real information and historical facts, while also including a narrative. My only concern is that the narrative is particularly long, and children may lose focus. Also, the pictures are very traditional and one dimensional. The pictures are cartoon style which takes away from the realistic element of the book. 

Title: "The Story of Money"

Author: Betsy Maestro

Illustrator: Giulio Maestro

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: 1993

ISBN: 0-395-56242-2

Rating: 4/5

"The Story of Money" follows the economic history of the world. It shows how over time the lifestyles of humans changed, causing a need for money. People who were once nomadic traders, eventually settled down and specialized into jobs. Silver was then the first metal money, and Chinese were the first to use paper money which The Europeans eventually adopted. Then, when the Constitution was developed in the United States a system of money was developed The book then goes on to show how money is printed and created. 

I give this book a 4/5. The content is very thorough, and it really goes through the progression of the use of the money and trade throughout the world. It even incorporates pictures of real money and coins used in different countries, and the paintings are very realistic and beautiful. On the other hand, this book is extremely look and there is a ton of content and words on each page. I don't think that many students would be able to pay attention to this whole book, even though it is more of a narrative than an information text. I think older students would be able to use this book for a history report, though. 

Title: "The Cats in Krasinksi Square"

Author: Karen Hesse

Illustrator: Wendy Watson

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: 2004

ISBN: 0-439-43540-4

Rating: 5/5

"The Cats in Krasinksi Square" is a children's book about the Holocaust and life in Warsaw. The book is about a young Jewish girl who befriends the cats in Krazinski Square, but knows she cannot feed them, because she herself is starving. One day, there is a plan to smuggle lots of food into Warsaw, but the Gestapo figure it out and arrive with dogs. The men and women release the cats to distract the dogs, and this gives the Jewish people the opportunity to get the smuggled food.

I give this book a 5/5. Although some people may think this topic is too intense to talk about with younger children, I don't think we should hide things like this from young children. This story helps teach the children about the suffering of the Jewish people in the Holocaust, without including some of the more morbid materials. This is more of a narrative from the perspective of an innocent girl. Although the pictures are pretty basic, they are historically correct and definitely set the tone for the book. 

Title"Eating Gluten-Free with Emily"

Author: Bonnie J. Kruszka

Illustrator: Richard S. Cihlar

Publisher: Woodbine House Inc.

Publication Date: 2004

ISBN: 1-890627-62-3

Rating: 5/5

This adorable story is about a little girl who discovers something special about herself. After going through lots of tests on her stomach, Emily realizes that she has Celiac Disease, and she has to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Emily feels uncomfortable at school and at other houses, because sometimes she won't have gluten-free food to eat. Her mom always tries to pack her a gluten-free snack, though. At the end of the story, Emily meets Nate who also is gluten-free, and she doesn't feel so alone anymore.

I give this book a 5/5, because it helps children who are gluten-free feel less alone and uncomfortable. This disease is new and upcoming, and a lot more people are being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This book helps young children who are diagnosed with the disease learn about it and learn that they are not alone. Also, this book could be used to help students without the disease understand why some students can't eat the same things. 

Title" "Coming to America"

Author: Betsy Maestro

Illustrator: Susannah Ryan

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. 

Publication Date: 1996

ISBN: 0-590-44151-5

Rating: 5/5

"Coming to America" is a story about America as a country of immigrants. The story starts by describing how Christopher Columbus came to America which was already inhabited by Native Americans. These new adventurers came over on rocky boats, and eventually brought slaves over from Africa. As time went on, the Americans moved west and created the Trans-Contintental Railroad. Many of these new immigrants struggle in the new country, especially those who are refugees. The book shows, though, that immigrants feel at home when they are accepted by Americans and are given the opportunity for a better life.

During a time when immigration is a controversial issue, I think it's important that we teach children to appreciate immigrants and realize that we are a country of immigrants. By using this book students will learn to appreciate the diversity in our country, and it will help newly immigrated children realize they are not alone. This book teaches the history of the United States, while also teaching children about respect of others. 

Title: "Cells are Us"

Author: Dr. Fran Balkwill

Illustrator: Mic Rolph

Publisher: William Collins & Son Co Ltd.

Publication Date: 1990

ISBN: 0-87614-762-7

Rating: 4/5

"Cells are Us" in an informational science book that teaches children how we were created from a sperm and an egg cell. The book talks about DNA, and how cells divided and specialized to become the cells that make up our body. We can see these cells with a microscope. Then, the book goes through the specialized cells in our body and their functions such as: the skin cells which protect the body, The blood cells which carry oxygen, the immune system cells which destroy infections, and the bone cells which make us strong.

I give this book a 5/5. I think it's important to teach students about science from a young age. My concern is that this book focuses on a lot of very sophisticated science vocabulary and it is extremely long, so it may be difficult for children to stay focused. I think children would take a lot out of this book, though, and would be able to learn a lot about their bodies and what we are made up of. Little kids are often very curious, and I think this book would answer some of their questions. 

Fantasy Books

Title: "The Gruffalo"

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 1999

ISBN: 0-8037-2386-5

Rating: 4/5

While walking through the woods, a little mouse makes up a scary creature called the Gruffalo to scare away all the animals that want to eat him. He tells them that the Gruffalo is coming to meet him and he eats other animals for dinner. Unfortunately, as the mouse is walking, he actually encounters the Gruffalo, who also wants to eat the mouse. The mouse tricks the Gruffalo into being scared of him too, and the mouse goes on in peace. 

This book is adorable, and it has a really good moral to it. I think this is a good book to help children learn to overcome their fears just as the little mouse does in the book. Also, the book is a rhyming book with a lot of repetition, so it's a good book to use with students who are just learning to read and need practice with predictable books. 

Title: "7 Sector 7"

Author/Illustrator: David Wiesner

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: 1999

ISBN: 0-395-74656-6

Rating: 5/5

"7 Sector 7" is a fantasy, wordless picture book about a young boy on a school trip that takes him deep into his imagination. At the top of the Empire State Building, this boy befriends a cloud who takes him to Sector 7 where all of the different types of clouds are. The boy draws fish and other creatures for them, which become the shapes in the clouds. When the boy returns back to Earth, the clouds all look like the fish and animals he made in Sector 7. 

I give this book a 5/5, because not only are the pictures very detailed, but the story is easy to follow. Although this book leaves room for children to use their imagination, it's still easy to understand what is going on throughout the story. Also, David Wiesner uses a lot of detail in his images of the clouds. Finally, this book actually uses the names of specific types of clouds, so it's slightly educational also!

Title: "We are All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy"

Author: Maurice Sendak 

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 1993

ISBN: 0788156454 

Rating: 2/5

The story "We are All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy" is a fantasy story about people living in the dumps. The rats steal their kittens and the little baby boy, and they challenge the people of the dumps to a card game to get the baby and kitten's back. Jack and Guy are taken up by the moon and are taken to the baby and the kittens who are eventually saved.

This is mostly a wordless picture book, and I personally did not like it very much. I thought the plot line was very confusing and it was hard to understand the story. I also didn't like how the "people of the dump" were portrayed, because it seemed to be making fun of homeless people. t think that some students would find this mysterious, funny plot to be entertaining, but I personally found it slightly insulting. 

Realistic Fiction

Title: "Pecan Pie Baby"

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Publisher: The Penguin Group

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 978-0-399-23987-8

Rating: 5/5

"Pecan Pie Baby" is an adorable realistic story about a little girl who is preparing to have a new baby in the household. Her mother is pregnant and will have the baby when winter comes. Although everyone is excited about the baby, the little girl doesn't want to be a big sister. She's like the attention she gets from her mom and will miss their alone time. Finally, at the end of the story, the mother explains that she'll miss those times too. The story ends with snow falling down, signaling that winter is coming.

I really enjoyed this children's book, because I think it is extremely relevant for children. Many children will have to cope with the addition of a new baby brother and sister, and this can be hard for a child to deal with if they are used to being an only child. This book shows them that it's okay to be upset about this, but having a new baby won't change the relationship they have with their family. 

Title: "Show Way"

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: Hudson Talbott

Publisher: The Penguin Group

Publication Date: 2005

ISBN: 0-399-23749-6

Rating: 5/5

"Show Way" is an inspirational book that follows little girls throughout a family history which started in slavery. The story starts with the young girl's great grandmother, living in slavery, and creating quilts with clues for the underground railroad. As the generations move on, the quilt-making tradition follows the family as they become involved in the Civil Right's Movement and move towards freedom and equality. 

Although this is a tough topic to cover with young children, I think this book is beautiful. The colors match the moments in the lives of the characters. During the times of slavery, the book is full of somber colors, with breaks of bright colors of hope. Also, I like how this book covers the full history through a little girls great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother. It follows her family history and shows how the girls were apart of it. Also, this book includes a lot of historical content. Throughout the background images are pictures of historical figures and quotes from people like Martin Luther King. I think this book is a little mature and sophisticated for younger students, but could definitely be used at a higher elementary level. 

Title: "This is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration"

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: James Ransome

Publisher: The Penguin Group

Publication Date: 2013

ISBN: 978-0-399-23986-1

Rating: 5/5

"This is the Rope" follows the history of the family of a little girl. It starts with her grandparents, migrating from the oppressive South to the New York City, where her mother grew up. They take with them a rope from back home, and it is used for a variety of things and passed on through the family to the little girl. The little girl follows her family history as they embrace the freedom of their life and how far they've come.

I think this is a very hopefully book and shows children how important it is to know about your family history. Ever family has something that is passed down from generation to generation, and it is important for children to realize how much their family has sacrificed to give them the life they live. Also, I find the pictures in this book to be very enticing. The paintings are bright and catch your eye. Also, they are very soft and comforting. 

Beginner Readers

Title: "Frog and Toad are Friends"

Author/Illustrator: Arnold Lobel

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Publication Date: 1970

ISBN: 0-06-023957-3

Rating: 5/5

"Frog and Toad are Friends" features short stories about a patient, caring frog and his carefree, crazy best friend Toad. The story opens up with the Frog tricking Toad into waking up for Spring, and the story follows the two through their crazy adventures including: an endless search for Toad's missing button, Toad's fail attempt at telling Frog a story, and an embarrassed Toad in a bathing suit. It ends with the pair waiting for a slow snail to bring Toad a letter written for his good friend.

I give this book a 5/5, because it an easy read for beginners, and it has adorable illustrations. The story also gives a very truthful depiction of true friendship, which is selfless and patient, just as Frog is selfless and patient with his friend Toad.

Title: "Frog and Toad Together"

Author/Illustrator: Arnold Lobel

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Publication Date: 1972

ISBN: 0-06-023959

Rating: 5/5

This story starts with the ever patient Frog following Toad through the routines listed on his strict "To-do" list. The calm Frog helps Toad plant a garden, with the help of Toad signing to the plants. The story continues art the pair tests their willpower to stop eating cookies and challenges their bravery. Finally, this beginner reader ends when nervous Toad wakes up from a nightmare to find he has not lost his best friend after all.

I give this book a 5/5. Once again, it's an easy read by Arnold Lobel, and it really shows the true love of friendship as the two friends go through life's challenges together. 

Title: "Only the Stars"

Author: Dee Boyd

Illustrator: Anna Rich

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Publication Date: 2004

ISBN:  0-439-56862-5

Rating: 5/5

"Only the Stars" is a beginner reader about a little girl named Tia who has a love for the stars in the sky. She loves them so much, she wants her Nana to find a way to keep the stars in the sky all day long. Tia and her Nana get creative, and decide to cover her windows with black paper and make paper white stars, so that Tia can see the stars all day long. 

I give this beginner reader a 5/5. The story is very inspirational and adorable. I also like how the story has the grandmother as a main character, and not a mother or father. Some children live with their grandparents, so they'd be able to relate to this book. Finally, the illustrations are amazing. They are painted, so they are very smooth and soft.