Great Books for Great Kids

Anita said This is the book I give to future moms at baby showers! You will either love it passionately or think it is too quirky! To me it captures the unending love between a mother and her child! Read it yourself and decide!

Anita said A brilliant little CIS figures out a way to save all of his school even after they tease him! This book honors smarts!!!!

Anita said The first book and the best!!!! The illustrations give amazing clues!!! You will love this book and so will your students. The last page gives it away!!!!

Anita said A classic rhyming book that teaches sequencing, colors, animals and reading for early learners who will want to hear it again and again! Use it to encourage students to write their own version!

Anita said Frances will only eat bread and jam. She soon discovers she needs to extend her options... great to get kids to try things

Anita said This iconic rhyming book is magically funny and a must for cultural literacy. It is also a great book to teach reading!!!

Anita said This wonderful box captures a version of a true event whereby a slave mails himself to freedom!!! Important as a means of discussing the desperate need for freedom that motivated this!

Anita said Nothing goes right for Alexander in this tale of woe everyone can relate to.

Anita said What does it feel like to make a decision to look different because of your beliefs.. this book honors the Islamic culture and girls wearing hijabs..essential in our times

Anita said Princess Elizabeth is a fierce and determined hero who comes to see her own worth!!!! This is a spectacular anti- Cinderella culture book!!!!

Anita said This book gently tackles preconceived notions about lions and by definition, about people!

Anita said This sweet book has a mom and her son picking blueberries and a momma bear and her cub doing similar foraging.. and then the littles switch...cute and respectful of animals

Anita said The irrepressible David captures how youngsters see their world!!! Everything is No David!

Anita said This book is so moving and sweet and has a Latina family saving for a new chair for the hardworking mom! It honors working families.

Anita said This book asks the ultimate question...what defines us? Does our outer appearance determine everyone’s expectations? Label us? This simple book says we determine who we are!

Anita said Homelessness is still a reality in our world and this poignant book captures this reality and brings the reader inside that world. I promise you will never forget this book and your students especially those living this will feel vindicated and empathetic

Anita said What can you say about Curious George except it is a must for all children!!!!

Anita said This is the first Strega Nona book and it pairs perfectly with the clip of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia. Kids will love it and make the connections instantly using music film and literature

Anita said Important for city kids to understand that life is different in rural communities

Anita said This book is literally a piece of my heart. You will love it but it is powerful and about losing a loved one. It is thoughtful and moving and kids will relate to it! Please read it first but do not be afraid of it. We need it during these difficult times!

Anita said A biography of young Eleanor Roosevelt whose isolated early life enabled her to develop an empathetic heart and to care for all people!

Anita said This book is a classic that is just culturally icon and fun. It was one of the first books with a feisty female hero

Anita said The courageous and adventurous Miss Rumphius makes a great impact on the world in the way of her own choosing

Anita said This was the first Chris Van Allsburg book I read and I christened it kids Twilight Zone in a really gentle and fun way! It is the perfect introduction to an author study around this unique writer!

Anita said This book speaks volumes about a child who does not fit a stereotypical gender role! Oliver loves to dance and when he performs in a recital he is labeled a sissy! But his love and friends sustain him and he triumphs. We still need this message!

Anita said This wonderful book is full of math language and mixed up concepts that kids and adults will love. It can be the source of dozens and dozens of lessons!

Anita said This wonderful book encourages everyone to appreciate the simple things in life and the value of helping and supporting others!

Anita said Based on an incident in her own life and the song she wrote about it, Dolly Parton chronicles how her coat made her a target for teasing and how she dealt with it!

Anita said What happens when a student does not fit the mold! This spectacular book demonstrates that caring teachers know the answer!

Anita said This book, like all the Anno books teach math in a beautiful and poetic way through I tired that capture concepts

Anita said This book is so much better than the movies. Kids will love it!

Anita said Heartbreaking and yet so important, this book talks to the desire of two little girls to get together though their races and a fence divide them

Anita said This truly special book shows love and caring across racial and cultural divides through the eyes of children. Do not miss this heartwarming book

Anita said This book teaches an interesting lesson about want versus need and the realities of peer pressure. Great discussion starter about financial realities as well!

Anita said If you love silly wonderful poetry you will ADORE this book as will your students!!!!

Anita said Your littles will love the adventures of the incredibly mischievous David

Anita said IEven if you are not a Chris Van Allsburg fan this wonderful book will fill you with wonder! If you are a fan look great the trademarked “Easter Egg; “ the movie is great too

Anita said This wonderful easy to read book chronicles days with two friends with different skills and personalities that hep them to support each other. Your kids will love them

Anita said A wonderful early childhood book for role play, and an introduction to reading! Great for English Language Learners

Anita said Beautiful book that will help parents and students deal with entry to school anxiety

Anita said Sweet book that shares a science lesson in a fantastic way. An easy read as well

Anita said A really important book for building self esteem for girls, women, children of color, all kids!!!

Anita said A classic must read that is perfect for teaching sequencing

Anita said You have to read this hysterical book! A cult classic

Anita said Everyone has to read about Clifford the giant Dog and cultural icon

Anita said An excellent book the brings the alphabet into the classroom through fruits and vegetables! A great way to learn and taste

Anita said This hysterically fun book rolls out backwards as a mother asks what happens on a school trip to the local farm. Great for sequencing like a puzzle

Anita said A oldie but a goody! Babar an orphaned baby elephant anthropomorphized and is raised by an elderly lady! His skills as a leader make him King of the elephants. A great intro into a fantasy writing unit

Anita said Teaching magnetism in absolutely the easiest way. It begs for ole play and experimentation

Anita said A great book about the importance of growing food and the trials of the depression with a female hero

Anita said The second piece in the puzzle... read them in order!!

Anita said The emotional trials of an immigrant are captured in this beautiful and poignant book that can be the springboard to rich discussion

Anita said This sequel to Thank You Mr. Falker chronicles a special needs class with a truly exceptional teacher! Read it first and read the epilogue! You will never forget it!!!

Anita said If you have never read Knuffle Bunny it is a must for new parents, young kids and everyone who has a beloved object! It was even a SNL skit!

Anita said Wonderful multicultural understanding of how food brings us all together

Anita said An excellent and inspiring book about the Underground Railroad

Anita said In seeking his Mama, a young llama has a sweet adventure talking to his animal friend!

Anita said Gorgeous thoughtful and touching book and short video that captures the love and connection between a Black father and his young daughter as he tries to do her hair!

Anita said This fabulous book is a great way to teach perspective! I used to have kids read this and then conduct a debate in first and second grade!!!! Hysterical and a real learning experience

Anita said LeRn the alphabet in a fun and engaging way. Works with all ages and all students

Anita said This true story honors a young man who overcame poverty and a disability to become an activist and leader in his community

Anita said Just a magical tour of snow covered Brooklyn during a record breaking snow storm!

Anita said Beautiful poetic and wonderful way to talk about nature and the importance of the natural world

Anita said If you have never read this book, be prepared to be upset. Based on true instances, it chronicles a very systemic response to the Civil Rights Act. It is important because it is written from a child’s perspective

Anita said This wonderful book deals with teasing and how a thoughtful teacher honors a child who is being a victim

Anita said This book is so small but important in that it will leave students with an eye-opening experience in understanding the world may be a very different place for other young kids

Anita said Implicit bias and the role of girls is at the core of this amazing book. Pairing this with a book about Misty Copeland would be a great discussion starter!

Anita said A true masterpiece that can be used to teach counting, days of the week, metamorphosis and the life cycle of a butterfly

Anita said Really sweet rhyming book about everyone taking an afternoon nap until.....,

Anita said The third book in the trilogy! Read them in order and know the illustrations are key!

Anita said A great way to showcase American diversity and connections!

Anita said Verdi does not like the behavior of the adult snakes and so he decides not to grow up! Imagine his surprise when he does and begins to understand them!

Anita said One of David Adler’s excellent biographies that enable younger students to access the timely leader

Anita said An easy read for little ones dealing with new sibs

Anita said If you have not read this book, be prepared to know that it will be with you forever! It is an allegory and maybe a parable in its teaching! Read it before you share it because you may cry, but know that it is an incredible way to talk about selflessness

Anita said What append when a young many unintentionally bucks authority? This is Dr. Seuss’ answer! Wonderful for upper elementary kids... longer than most picture books

Anita said Colorism is a real issue within all communities and this lovely book is a way to address it head on!

Anita said As a teacher in elementary school and in my grad school classes, I use this amazing book to help people understand learning disabilities from a child’s perspective! Read this book and do not forget to read the epilogue. I cry every time!

Anita said This surprisingly timely book was actually written about the LA protests post Rodney King. We are still in that place

Anita said One of the Strega Nona ( Grandma Witch books) this her biography. Perfect for following up

Anita said This classic book is a great way to talk about urban growth for young children!

Anita said A must read from the slightly off centered world of Maurice Sendak! A true classic. Do not use the movie which was really inappropriate

Anita said What happens when girls are forbidden to go to school? This book follows a young girl who is learning in secret and how it sustains her through terrible times

Anita said This foldout Eric Carle book is just fun and beautiful. Very good for fantasy versus reality

Anita said Sweet and beautifully illustrated book about how animals in a forest use a lost mitten

Anita said New sibling jealousy handled in a funny, thoughtful way! Pair it with Tomie DePaola’s Baby Sister and A Baby Sister for Francis for a real discussion on sibs

Anita said A great way to showcase how all cultures value literacy and break down some pre-conceptions

Anita said This book is an excellent into to large numbers! Math in an organic way!

Anita said Subtle and powerful reflection on color and sharing!!!

Anita said A great introduction to NYC and the deep connection between a Latina grandmother and her granddaughter

Anita said This poignant book is an incredible way to teach immigration and the development of mult-cultural families. Told from the perspective an Eastern European Jewish family.

Anita said Another gorgeous Faith Ringgold book about a family that uses the roof of their apartment house as a means of escaping the summer heat. The daughter’s dream tours NYC

Anita said An I spy book with fairy tales that supports close investigation of illustrations

Anita said A real classic! A little African American boy just enjoys snow!

Anita said Anything that uses Faith Ringgold’s gorgeous quilted illustrations honors Black history and makes it a truly engaging learning experience

Anita said This wonderful book thoughtfully acknowledges that some adults cannot read!

Anita said What happens when you find a toy that doesn’t belong to you? Do you give it back? Jamaica finds a great solution

Anita said Beautiful version of the classic story that makes kids realize the grass is not really greener elsewhere

Anita said A beautiful and thought provoking book about how slaves were able to escape!

Anita said An important book for parents and kids. It honors different learning times and styles! A must read

Anita said Great non-fiction about dinosaurs and their comparative size!!! Kids will love it!

Anita said Old school book about perseverance and success

Anita said Hate to teach grammar... this is a gorgeous book that teaches plural nouns and develops vocabulary

Anita said Sweet book that enables kids talk about things that worry them