Listmania!
Great books for young readers
By an Amazon.com customer
Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)
Buy new: $12.23 / Used from: $3.87
Very creative book based on the teachings of Zen Buddhism. Excellent stories that can be read separately if you want to focus on a certain message. In the back of the book there is also a brief on the teachings of Zen Buddhism and the origins of the short stories told by Stillwater.
The Three QuestionsThe Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
Buy new: $10.52 / Used from: $4.25
Historical fiction based on a tale by Leo Tolstoy. General message: we are here to love and live in the now. In the back of the book there is also a brief on Leo Tolstoy and the original work. (for more information see my review)
StellalunaStellaluna by Janell Cannon
Buy new: $11.56 / Used from: $0.01
Very creative book with an interesting twist on the themes of identity and equality. General message: be yourself and respect others for who they are- we are all beautifully unique. In the back of the book there is also a brief on bats and their behaviors.
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Reading Rainbow Book)Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Reading Rainbow Book) by John Steptoe
Buy new: $12.95 / Used from: $3.50
Wonderful tale on the worth of inner beauty and the strength of love. This is excellent for a class on morality, self-worth, and inner beauty.
The Table Where Rich People Sit (Aladdin Picture Books)The Table Where Rich People Sit (Aladdin Picture Books) by Byrd Baylor
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $2.25
A powerful book with powerful messages: be content with what you have, the most beautiful things in life are free, and the importance of a family.
Sophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's TaleSophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's Tale by Eileen Spinelli
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $2.25
A very touching story about one spider's artistic talent and her willingness to share it with others. General Message: sharing is a blessing, we give best when we give from our hearts. (for more information see my review)
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book)Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book) by Carole Boston Weatherford
Buy new: $10.87 / Used from: $1.86
Great representation of Harriet Tubman and her message of social justice. This is wonderful for introducing the strong topic of racism and its injustices. I believe it is our job as teachers to point out the mistakes of our past and show our students how correct them. This book has helped me do this.
Brother Eagle, Sister SkyBrother Eagle, Sister Sky by Susan Jeffers
Buy new: $12.23 / Used from: $0.01
A majestic classic that has never left my bookshelf since I was six years old. This book beautifully illustrates our connection with nature and the simple harmony of American Indian life. General message: respect every person and the world we live in.
Little One, We Knew You'd ComeLittle One, We Knew You'd Come by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Buy used from: $5.75
A wonderful illustration of the Nativity story. Explains the birth of the baby Jesus and shows the true meaning of Christmas. This book can also be read in the light of a parent waiting in anticipation for the birth of their child.
The Gift of the MagiThe Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Buy new: $12.47 / Used from: $3.25
Based on O. Henry's tale by the same name. This book is beautifully illustrated by Zewerger and gives the young audience a window into the true meaning of gift-giving during Christmas time. (for more information see my review)
My Penguin OsbertMy Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Buy new: $11.55 / Used from: $0.01
Hilarious story on a little boy who asked for a little too much for Christmas. General message: live penguins are hard to manage, be careful what you wish for, and the importance of giving something up for the good of someone else.
I Will Hold You 'til You SleepI Will Hold You 'til You Sleep by Linda Zuckerman
Buy new: $11.55 / Used from: $3.20
This book is for both children and parents. This is a wonderful poem by Linda Zuckerman in which she follows the life of a baby boy into adulthood. General Message: Love and be loved in return.
SomedaySomeday by Alison McGhee
Buy new: $10.79 / Used from: $3.00
This book is for both children and adults. It tells of one mother's love for her darling baby and how her love grows and adapts just as her child grows and matures through life.