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. 

Traditional Children's Books

Title: "No Year of the Cat"

Author: Mary Dodson Wade

Illustrator: Nicole Wong

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Publication Date: 2013

ISBN: 978-1-58536-785-6

Rating: 4/5

In this Chinese Folk Tale, we learn why cats have a horrible relationship with rats. The emperor and his advisors realize that they can't remember any of the past dates in history, so they decide to name each year after an animal, but they will only choose twelve animals in total. In order to choose which animals the years will be named after, the emperor holds a race through the great river. Cat comes up with a brilliant plan to ride on the ox's back, since his friend the rat will never make it through the water. During the race, rat becomes a sore loser, though, and he pushes the cat off the ox's back, leaving him to suffer in the race. At the end of the race, the cat is the last to arrive and no year is named after him. Instead, he spends his time lurking for the rat to get revenge.

I think this chinese folktale is very cute and creative for little kids. It touches on important moral issues that children have to deal with, like how to be a modest/humble winner and not a sore loser. Also, the fictional story of why cats hate rats is adorable and is something that children would find a lot of humor in. The pictures are also very authentic Asian-style illustrations, which fit the theme of the book. THey are cartoon style, yet have lots of movement and realistic textures. My only concern with this book is that it uses a lot of extremely difficult vocabulary. Even though this book would be used as an authentic text during a read-aloud, I still think it would be hard for students to understand some of the words. 

Title: "The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece"

Author: Anthony L. Manna and Soula Mitakidou

Illustrator: Giselle Potter

Publisher:Schwartz and Wade Books 

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-375-86691-3

Rating: 5/5

This traditional book is a Greek twist on the traditional story of cinderella. In the story, the daughter loses her mother, but its Mother Nature, the Moon, the Sun, and the Dawn that give her gifts of beautiful dresses and shoes, after she loses her mother and is oppressed by a mean step-mother. Despite her step-mothers cruel behavior, the orphan dresses herself in the beautiful gifts of Mother Nature and decides to attend the service that the Prince will be at, following her mother's advice to return home at the end of the service. The Prince becomes enamored by the orphan, and he comes up with a plan to cover the service floor with honey and wax, so that the orphans shoes will get stuck. The orphan abandons her stuck shoes, but the Prince decides that he will find the maiden who fits the shoe. 

I give this traditional book a 5 out of 5. Every little kid knows the story of cinderella, but this story includes a different cultural perspective. The pictures are painted in the Greek style, and the characters resemble people of Greek origin. Even the dishes on the tables are of Greek origin. I think that this book would be a great way to incorporate multicultural education into the classroom, because it forces students to learn about another culture. It also shows little kids, that no matter what background someone comes from, we all have common life experiences and dreams. 

Title: "Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella"

Author: Paul Fleischman

Illustrator: Julie Paschkis

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Publication Date: 2007

ISBN- 978-0-8050-7953

Rating: 5/5

This story follows your traditional cinderella story, but as the author says, the entire book is structured to act like a chameleon. Each part of the story is told from the perspective of a different culture from a different country including: Korea, Iraq, Laos, and many more. The content of the story, whether it be the clothes Cinderella wears, the work she does for her step-mother, or the food she eats, matches the culture of the country of focus. Also, each page has a main picture which is surrounded by a border of cultural images in a single tone/color. For example, the background for Korea is women working in rice fields and bearded dragons. 

I give this story a 5/5, because it brings cultural awareness to little kids. This book shows that the themes in children's lives and in stories such as Cinderella are universal, and although the clothes and images may change, the moral of the story still remains the same. No matter what background students come from, they will have many of the same experiences throughout their lives. Also, I love the images in this book. The multi-cultural backgrounds are absolutely enticing, and the colors drag you into the photos. I think this would be a great book to use in a  classroom to teach students about other countries and diverse backgrounds.