Alison Keller and her collection

Before I could read or even pick up a book, my family started this collection on my behalf. Before I began school, I was included in making of this collection, picking out the ones with the brightest covers. It started as a collection of books for me, to help me learn to read, to instill a love of reading. Now, as my collection grows, I hope it will help other children, my future students, learn to read and instill a love of reading in them.

The books that were in my collection early were mostly favorite authors, books that were gifts, and other popular children’s books. In third grade, my favorite teacher read my class the BFG. I then went out and rapidly bought Roald Dahl books one after another until I had read all that I could get my hands on. I loved books, pawing through them, seeing them lining my shelves. I always kept my few favorite picture books in my room, even as I entered high school. Throughout the year I would rotate them from shelf to attic box and back again.

Since I decided to become a teacher, having a beautiful and exciting collection of books for myself and the students in my future classes has been a priority. I allocate a part of each paycheck to put towards buying books for this growing collection. It is not just my interests I have in mind now, but also the possible interests of hundreds of children. Now, when I buy books it is creating a diverse library, in subject matter, reading level, cultures, and experiences that is a priority when I choose I keep a running wish list, and try to keep up on new books that come out. It is important to me to include books in my library that act as cultural “windows” and “mirrors” for readers. They should be able to find themselves in my collection, as well as learn about others. For this reason, I am making a continued effort to include books by and about people from different ethnicities, abilities and orientations. I also want meaningful, high quality literature that I can use as part of a future curriculum, books that teach. I have bought several biographies, historical fiction, and sports. Issues such as the holocaust and civil rights, are taught most meaningfully by the voices that experienced it, and literature is one way to provide those voices. One of my interests is art and I also try to have a variety of art related children’s books.

Pawing through my collection now, showing it off to friends or family, I here myself saying, "This is such a great book," "Oh, my, I love this one," etc. again and again. I am proud of the collection I have created, and am happy to say that it is growing even as we speak (Several poetry books from a diverse group of authors, And Tango Makes Three, a highly contested picture book, and a group of books based in the Caribbean are on their way from B&N). Winning this competition would be such an honor, and with a little extra funding, an opportunity for me to cross some more off the wish list.

PICTURE BOOKS

Abiyoyo. Written by Pete Seeger, Illustrated by Michael Hays. New York: Macmillan, 1986.

One of my favorite books as a child about a boy and his father who are shunned from a village. When a giant named Abiyoyo comes to town, the boy and his father play music to make him dance, and then use magic to make him go away. It includes African American characters. This is a hard cover copy, a little worn around the edges from repeated readings.

Alpha Bugs, Written and Illustrated by David A. Carter. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994.

This is a fun alphabet book, It is a hard cover pop up book with all different kinds and colors of insects to teach the alphabet.

Anamalia. Written and Illustrated by Graeme Base. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1987.

A beautifully illustrated and intricate alphabet book. It includes difficult vocabulary that makes it an alphabet book for a more advanced reader.

Annie and the Wild Animals. Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 1985.

Another favorite of mine, this hard cover book is by the very talented writer and illustrator Jan Brett. It includes her signature detailed borders that give hints to the next pages. It is about a young girl who feeds corn muffins to wild animals, and makes lots of animal friends.

The Art Book for Children. New York: Phaidon, 2005.

This book introduces children to art by asking them to look at techniques and then do something with it.

Art Fraud Detective, In Association with the National Gallery, By Anna Nilsen. Boston: Kingfisher, 2000.

This is a book about art that asks a reader to look closely at paintings to determine which are real and which are fake.

Baseball Saved Us. Written by Ken Mochizuki and Illustrated by Dom Lee. New York: Lee and Low, 1993.

An interesting look at Japanese Internment during the Second World War. The young boys played baseball for fun during their times in the camp. Deals with difficult issues in an accessible way for young children. The author is an insider, his parents were placed in an internment camp, and the illustrator is also Asian, from South Korea.

BABA. Written and Illustrated by Tanya Shpakow. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989.

This is a signed copy, made out to my mom's class (she was a kindergarten teacher). The author and illustrator was a friend of my mom's growing up. Not only is it signed, but she drew a picture in it as well. A lovely story about a girl and her grandmother.

Baby Beluga. Song by Raffi, Illustrations by Ashley Wolff. New York: Crown, 1990.

This is the story song book of the well-loved song Raffi, Baby Beluga. The illustrations are fitting, and the music is included. This is a hard cover copy.

A Bird or Two, A Story about Henri Matisse. Written and Illustrated by Bijou Le Tord. Cambridge: Eerdmans Books, 1999.

A sweet story about the life and art of Henri Matisse. It is very important to me to teach about art and artists, and Matisse is my favorite, The wonderful color illustrations of this hard cover book create just the atmosphere Matisse would hope for in a book starring him. I picked up this hard cover book from the National Gallery in New York.

CDB! Written and Illustrated by William Steig. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1968.

My grandmother and grandfather gave me this book in 1992. They wrote an inscription inside the front cover. We laughed dozens of times over the silly riddles and illustrations. One of my favorites "I M C-N U!" "N-D U R. U R P-K-N." (I am seeing you. Indeed you are. You are peaking.) This copy is a soft cover, incredible worn and faded.

CDC? Written and Illustrated by William Steig. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 1984.

The sequel to CDC, more fun illustrations and riddles. This is a recent printing and is a hard cover copy.

Cendrillon. Written by Robert D. San Souci. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1998.

A fractured fairy tale version of Cinderella, which takes place in Martinique. It is a lovely story with authentic French Creole language infused throughout. The illustrations are magical, and created by the well-known illustrator, Brian Pinkney (member of the children’s literature Pinkey family)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. Illustrated by Lois Ehlert. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989.

A childhood favorite for many, it came out too late for me, but was one of my younger sisters favorite books. This is a hard cover copy and includes bright inviting illustrations.

Chicken Soup With Rice, A Book of Months. Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak. New York: Harper Trophy, 1991.

A Maurice Sendak classic with poetry/songs about the month and enjoying Chicken Soup with Rice all year long. It is a small soft cover copy.

Christmas Trolls. Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1993.

Written and illustrated by the well-known Brett, this is a companion book to Trouble With Trolls, and includes her typical bordered illustrations.

Cleopatra. Written by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema. Illustrated by Diane Stanley. New York: Mulberry Paperbacks, 1994.

A biography of Cleopatra with illustrations that reflect the time period of her life, including mosaic tile-like illustrations. This is a soft cover copy.

The Dot. Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2003.

As an art lover, and future teacher I admire Peter H. Reynolds’ books because they inspire creativity. This one is about the beauty in just a simple dot, and is a hard cover copy.

Duke Ellington. Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. New York: Jump at the Sun, 1998.

This is a 2007 edition of the Pinkney collaboration biography of Duke Ellington. Brian’s signature scratchboard illustrations set the mood for this wonderful book. It received a Caldecott honor and a Coretta Scott King honor.

Ella Fitzgerald, The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. New York: Jump at the Sun, 2002.

Another Pinkney collaboration, this biography of Ella Fitzgerald is told from the story of a jazzy little cat. It is fun and informative, and as always the illustrations steal the show.

Elecciones que Brillan, Written by Silvia Camossa illustrated by Camila Mesquita. Brazil: Camara, 2005.

This book is written in Portuguese, and the pictures are so beautiful I had to have it. It shows works by famous artists, changed.

The Empty Pot. Written and Illustrated by Demi. New York: Henry Holt, 1990.

This example Chinese folklore is written by the well known Demi, who often covers Asian cultures and figures. The detailed and childlike illustrations enhance this story about a young boy who tells the truth.

Encounter. Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by David Shannon. New York: Voyager Books, 1992.

A story of Columbus’ arrival at San Salvador from the perspective of a young Taino boy. It is important for children to get another view of the story of Columbus coming to the new world. This emphasizes how he changed the lives of those who were already here.

Goodnight Moon. Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd. New York: Harper and Row, 1975.

This is a must have in any children’s book collection. This tattered hard cover copy was read dozens of times by many members of my family.

The Handmade Alphabet. Written and Illustrated by Laura Rankin. New York: Dial Books, 1991.

Each page includes a wonderful, soft, illustration of a hand (different skin tones are shows) giving the American Sign Language sign for a letter and an associated picture (A holds asparagus). This is a hard cover copy.

Hitler Youth, Growing Up In Hitler’s Shadow. By Susan Cambell Bartolelli. New York: Scholastic Non-Fiction, 2005.

An award winning and chilling book that traces the stories of children involved in Hitler’s youth organization as well as those fighting against it. It is a hard cover copy filled with illustrations that could make today’s youth feel what it must have been like for these children.

Ish. Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Cambridge: Candewick Press, 2004

Another Peter H. Reynolds picture book, which encourages creativity, and tells a young artist its okay if their works of art look “ish” (vase-ish, tree-ish). This is a hard cover copy.

Jazz. Written by Walter Dean Myers. Illustrated by Christopher Myers. New York: Holiday House, 2006.

A collection of related poems about Jazz mixed with the expressive illustrations of Christopher Myers, this father son team has created an important book dedicated to the children of New Orleans. This is a hard cover copy.

The Jolly Christmas Postman. Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1991.

This is a book of letters to and from Fairy Tale characters at Christmas time. It includes actually letters that a reader pulls of envelopes to get more information about the story. This is a hard cover copy.

The Jolly Postman, or Other People’s Letters. Written and Illustrated by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1986.

This is a book of letters to and from fairy tale characters. It includes actually letters that a reader pulls of envelopes to get more information about the story. This is a hard cover copy.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. Written and Illustrated by Simms Taback. New York: Viking, 1999.

This book won a Caldecott medal. It includes colorful die cuts illustrations that include depictions of Jewish tradition and culture. It is by the author of the award winning I Know An Old Lady who swallowed a Fly and is a hardcover copy.

The Journey That Saved Curious George, The True Wartime Escape of Margaret and H.A. Rey. Written by Louise Borden, Illustrated by Allan Drummond. Boston: Houghton Miflin Company, 2005.

The fascinating story of how the writers of Curious George escaped Nazi Germany. It gives an easy to understand timeline of events and includes wonderful illustrations including those by H.A. Rey. It is a hard cover copy.

Journey to Freedom, A Story of the Underground Railroad. Written by Courtni C. Wright, Illustrated by Gershom Griffith. New York: Holiday House, 1994.

A nice story of a family on the Underground Railroad.

Lugalbanda, The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War, An Epic Tale from Ancient Iraq. Told by Kathy Henderson, Illustrated by Jane Ray. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2006.

This is a tale from Iraq, a place left out in most of our Children’s literature, but interesting and relevant to today’s children. It has nice illustrations and an exciting story, and is a hard cover copy.

The Midnight Farm. Written by Reeve Lindbergh and Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1987.

A beautifully illustrated story about a child’s experience on a farm at night. It is a hard cover copy.

Miss Rumphius. Written and Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. New York: Viking, 1982.

One of the first books I was excited to share with my family after I learned to read. It is a wonderful story about making the world a more beautiful place and one that I cherish. It is a hard cover copy.

Miss Spiders Tea Party. Written and Illustrated by David Kirk. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1994.

Initially this seems just a story about bugs, but it is actually about acceptance. The illustrations are charming and colorful, and it is a hard cover copy.

The Mitten. Adapted and Illustrated by Jan Brett. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1989.

A whole bunch of animals fit into a mitten left in the snow. This is one of my favorites and is a folktale retold and illustrated by Jan Brett. It is a hard cover copy.

More Bugs in Boxes, Written and Illustrated by David A. Carter. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1990.

Like Alphabugs, this is a pop up book but focuses on numbers. It is a fun and attention grabbing hard cover book.

The Napping House. Written by Audrey Wood, Illustrated by Don Wood. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1984.

This book is a cumulative rhyme about a family falling asleep and then waking up again. It is a great book for children to learn to read on because of the patterns. The illustrations are lively and give clues to what will happen next.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss. New York: Random House, 1990.

An inspirational book about all the world’s possibilities, realistic or not. A hard cover copy of this necessary and wonderful book.

Out of the Ocean. Written and Illustrated by Debra Frasier. New York: Voyager Books, 2002.

This book first published in 1998 is by the author of the widely read, On the Day You Were Born. It is a very special book, with beautiful images, about all of these things, great and small, that come from the ocean. A mother teachers her daughter about their beauty.

On the Way to Christmas. Written and Illustrated by Tanya Shpakow. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1991.

Another book by my mom’s childhood friend. This one is signed to me and hand illustrated with a bear and personal note. This is a story of a bear and a special Christmas gift. It is a hard cover copy.

Over in the Meadow. Written by John Langstaff, Illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky. New York: Voyager Books, 1985.

This is a story song about all of the animals living in the meadow, mother and baby animals. It is a classic and I loved to sign it with my mom as a little girl.

Owen and Mzee, The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. Told by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu. Photographs by Peter Greste. New York: Scholastic Press, 2006.

After the tsunami stuck South East Asia, the massive affects were known around the world. This is the story of a baby hippo that was split form his mother during the tsunami and was saved and placed in a zoo where he befriended a tortoise, it is a story of true and unexpected friendship, and the co-author is a young girl. This is a hard cover copy.

Owl Moon. Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by John Schoenherr. New York: Philomel, 1988.

This is a signed copy of this Caldecott medal-winning book. It is the story of a child who goes owling with her father, and the illustrations make this experience seem magical. This is a hard cover copy.

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle. Saxonville: Picture Book Studio, 1986.

A story that traces the phases of the moon with Carle's signature illustrations. The pages fold out to make the pictures larger. It is a sweet story about a father and daughter and is a hard cover copy.

Promises to Keep, How Jackie Robinson Changed America. Written by Sharon Robinson. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

This is a wonderful book about Jackie Robinson, written by his sister. It is a hard cover copy, and includes pictures and stories that cast Robinson as a normal family man as well as a baseball player and a civil rights figure. It gives a great history of race relations in America.

Rechenka’s Eggs. Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco. New York: Philomel, 1988.

A story about Ukrainian Easter eggs and an old woman who paints them. Palaccos illustrations are beautiful.

Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes. Compiled by Josie Fison and Felicity Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake, New York: Scholastic, 1994.

A series of illustrated recipes based on foods in Roald Dahl’s books.

Seabird. Written and Illustrated by Holling Clancy Holling. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1948.

This book received a Newberry honor and is the story of a carved bird and its journey on the seas.

Seen Art. Written and Illustrated by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. New York, Viking, 2005.

This is the story of a boy’s journey to find “Art” in the MOMA in New York. It gives a great introduction to art and helps children think about what art is. It is a hard cover copy.

Smokey Night. Written by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz. New York: Voyager Books, 1994.

This Caldecott Medal winning book is a story that takes place in the context of the LA Riots. It is about making friends despite differences and the collage illustrations are wonderful.

Somewhere in the World Right Now. Written and Illustrated by Stacey Schuett. New York: Dragon Fly Books, 1995.

This is a story about time zones and people all around the world.

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales. Written by Jon Scieszka Illustrated by Lane Smith. New York: Viking, 1992.

A farce of many of our favorite fairy tales, with funny illustrations. This is a hard cover copy.

Tacky the Penguin. Written by Helen Lester, Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. New York: Trumpet Club, 1988.

A story of one stand out Penguin who acts different from all the others, but is loved for his differences.

The Teddy Bear Picnic. Written by Jimmy Kennedy, Illustrated by Alexandra Day. La Jolla: Green Tiger Press, 1983.

This is a story song about Bears meeting in the woods. There is a 45 Record in back with the song sung by Bing Crosby, and it is a hard cover copy.

The Thanksgiving Story, Written by Alice Dalgiesh, Illustrated by Helen Sewell. New York, Aladdin Paperbacks, 1954.

A traditional story of Thanksgiving that won a Caldecott honor. It is an interesting book to contrast with more modern depictions of the Thanksgiving story or the book Encounter about Columbus. The stereotypical and unfair depictions of Native American can be discussed.

The Train of States. Written and Illustrated by Peter Sis. Greenwillow Books, 2004.

This is a hardcover book where each of the 50 states and Washington DC are drawn as of circus train cars. It is all done with symbols and so much can be learned.

Trouble With Trolls. Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992.

In the front of this book is “Happy 8th Birthday Ali. From, Jimmy.” Jimmy was one of my best friends growing up and he knew I loved Jan Brett. This is a story about some trouble making trolls.

The Velveteen Rabbit. Written my Margery Williams, Illustrated by Michael Hague. New York: Henry Holt, 1983.

This classic story was originally written in 1944. This is a hard cover copy.

The Very Quiet Cricket. Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle. New York: Philomel, 1990.

This is a story about a cricket who cannot chirp until he finds a friend. The book actually makes a chirping noise as you turn the last page.

Vincent’s Colors. Words and Pictures by Vincent van Gogh. Edited by William Lach. New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2005.

The illustrations are Van Gogh’s paintings and the words are taken from letters he wrote. This is a great introduction to this brilliant artist. I actually got this book at the MOMA in New York.

Visiting Langston. Written by Willie Perdomo. Illustrated by Bryan Collier. New York: Henry Holt, 2002.

This is a poetic picture book about visiting Langston’s house and museum and about the poet himself. It won a Coretta Scott King award for the illustrations by Bryan Collier.

Voices in the Park. Written and Illustrated by Anthony Browne. New York: DK Publishing, 1998.

A story from 4 perspectives about a day in the park that teaches us to be careful about the judgments we make. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed, the kind of book where you notice something new each time you pick it up.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Written by Rachael Rosen, Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. New York: Margaret K. McElderberry, 1989.

This is a repeating story about a family going on a bear hunt. The pattern makes it a well-loved children’s book.

When the Chickens Went on Strike, A Rosh Hashanah Tale. Written by Erica Silverman, Illustrated by Mathew Trueman. New York: Puffin Books, 2003.

This is a story adapted from story by Sholom Aleichem about a Rosh Hashanah tradition.

Where the Wild Things Are. Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak, New York: Harper Collins, 1963.

This is a Caldecott medal-winning book, about a boy names Max and his imagination. It is a crucial story to any children’s book collection, written by the highly acclaimed Sendak.

Whose Mouse Are You? Written by Robert Kraus, Illustrated by Jose Aruego. New York: Scholastic, 1970.

This was the first book I ever learned how to read (I actually memorized it), is about a mouse who is missing his family and goes out to find them. The monochromatic illustrations set the stage for this heartwarming story.

The Wild Christmas Reindeer. Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1990.

Another Jan Brett book this one is takes place at Christmastime as the reindeer get ready.

Zen Shorts. Written and Illustrated by Jon J. Muth. New york: Scholastic Press, 2005.

This is such a beautiful book. It is the story of a family and what happens when a Panda tells them stories with Budhist roots. The illustrations are fabulous, and it was a Caldecott honor book for 2005. The messages are important, the story is insightful, and overall it is a wonderful experience.

NOVELS

Al Capone Does My Shirts. By Gennifer Choldenko. New York: Puffin, 2004.

This is a Newberry honor book about children who live on Alcatraz; the main characters sister is autistic.

A Barrel of Laughs a Vale of Tears. By Jules Fiefer. New York: HarperCollins, 1995.

My all time favorite book. I cannot begin to explain the intricacies of this story based on a young prince and his quest.

Becoming Naomi Leon. By Pam Munoz Ryan. New York: Scholastic, 2004.

Naomi learns about her heritage and finds herself against the odds in this novel by the author of Esperanza Rising.

The BFG. By Roald Dahl. Illustrations by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1982.

A story about a friendly giant and the girl who befriends him. This book is so funny.

The Beast. By Walter Dean Myers. New York: Scholastic, 2003.

A story about drugs and making it in a difficult neighborhood.

Boy, Tales of Childhood. By Roald Dahl. New York: Puffin, 1984.

An autobiography about Roald Dahl’s childhood.

Boy Meets Boy. By David Levithan. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003.

A novel set in an almost fantasy world where sexual orientation is not a problem but differences are celebtrated, and gay teens deal with typical high school drama and loves.

Bud, Not Buddy. By Christopher Paul Curtis. New York: Delacorte, 1999.

A Coretta Scott King and Newberry Medal winner about a young African American boy.

The Breadwinner. By Deborah Ellis. Toronto: Groundwood, 2000.

A historical fiction story about a girl in Afghanistan.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. By Roald Dahl. Illustrations by Joseph Schindelman. New York: Bantam, 1984.

A classic about a boy who wins a trip to a magical chocolate factory.

Chasing Redbird. By Sharon Creech. New York: Harper Collins, 1997.

A heartwarming story from an award-winning author about family and loss.

Chasing Vermeer. By Blue Balliett. Illustrated by Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic, 2004.

An intriguing story about children who solve a mystery in the world of art.

Confessions of a Closet Catholic. By Sarah Darer Littman. New York: Puffin, 2005.

A story about a Jewish girl who wants to be catholic but then is forced to look back at her roots.

Cuba 15. By Nancy Osa. New York: Delacorte, 2005.

A young girl learns about her Cuban heritage when her grandmother wants to throw her a quincenera.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. By Mark Haddon. New York: Vintage, 2003.

A story written from the perspective of a child with a form of autism. It was written with an adult audience in mind but many young adults enjoy the book.

Danny the Champion of the World, By Roald Dahl. New York: Puffin, 1975.

Another wonderful story by this imaginative author, about a boy and his father.

Daughter of the Mountains. By Louise Rankin. New York, Puffin, 1993.

First published 1948 this is a Newberry honor book about a young girl that takes place in China.

The Devils Arithmetic. By Jane Yolen. New York: Puffin, 1990.

An award winning holocaust story.

Esio Trot. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1990.

A story about a backwards tortoise.

Esperanza Rising. By Pam Munoz Ryan. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000.

A story about a wealthy young girl in Mexico who must immigrate to the United States and work on a farm in California.

Fantastic Mr. Fox. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Tony Ross. New York: Puffin, 1988.

Another imaginative story by Roald Dahl.

Gathering Blue. By Lois Lowry. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2000.

A companion book to her famous The Giver, this similar book has an artistically inclined female main character that must overcome the constraints of her community.

George’s Marvelous Medicine. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1981.

A wonderful book by Roald Dahl.

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1985.

An imaginative book about unlikely friends.

The Giver. By Lois Lowry. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1993.

This Newberry medal winning book is about a young boy who grapples with the problems of his society and must risk everything to make things right.

Going Solo. By Roald Dahl. New York: Penguin, 1986.

An autobiography about the author’s life as a fighter pilot.

Habibi. By Naomi Shihab Nye. New York: Simon Pulse, 1999.

A story of a Palestinian-American girl and her time in Israel.

Happy Endings are all Alike. By Sandra Scoppettone, New York: Laurel-Leaf, 1978.

One of the first young adult novels with GLBT themes. Although problematic, it is historically significant.

Harry Potter (1) and the Sorcerers Stone. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 1998.

Harry must keep the sorcerer’s stone out of Voldemorts hands.

Harry Potter (2) and the Chamber of Secrets. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

Harry must keep Voldemort from gaining strength.

Harry Potter (3) and the Prisoner of Azkaban. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

Harry meets his godfather as a criminal is on the loose.

Harry Potter (4) and the Goblet of Fire. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 2000.

Harry must compete to win a contest and save his life.

Harry Potter (5) and the Order of the Phoenix. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 2003.

A group of Harry’s allies join to fight Voldemort and his cohorts.

Harry Potter (6) and the Half Blood Prince. By J.K. Rowling. New York: Scholastic, 2005.

Harry must try to thwart Voldemort and his associate is revealed.

The Heart of a Chief. By Joseph Bruchac. New York: Puffin, 1998.

Story about a Native American teen who fights to change an offensive team mascot.

Holes. By Louis Sachar. New York: Frances Foster, 1998.

A boy is sent as punishment to dig holes, and a mystery unfolds.

Island of the Blue Dolphins. By Scott O’Dell. New York; Yearling, 1960.

This is a Newberry medal-winning novel.

Life of Pi. By Yann Martel. Orlando: Harcourt, 2001.

A boy must cross the ocean in a boat with a tiger.

The Little Prince. By Antoine De Saint-Exupery. San Diego: Harcourt, 2000.

Originally written in 1943, this is a children’s classic.

The Magic Finger. By Roald Dahl. Illustrations by Tony Ross. New York: Puffin, 1993.

A finger that grants wishes is the subject of this Roald Dahl novel.

The Man in the Ceiling. By Jules Feiffer. New York: Harper Collins, 1993.

A wonderful story about a boy who writes comic books.

Matilda. By Roald Dahl. Illustrations by Quentin Blake. New York: Viking, 1988.

A magical little girl who uses her anger and magic to help others.

Maus I and II. By Art Spiegelman. New York: Pantheon, 1991.

A graphic novel about the author’s father’s experience in the Holocaust.

Monster. By Walter Dean Myers. New York: Harper Tempest, 1999.

An award-winning book about a young boys trouble with the criminal justice system, and prejudices that exist related to it.

Miracle on 49th Street. By Mike Lupica. New York: Philomel, 2006.

A basketball story by this acclaimed author.

My Side of the Mountain. By Jean Craighead George. New York: Puffin, 2000.

This won a Newberry honor in 1959. It is about a boy who must life on his own in the mountains with the help of a hawk.

Number the Stars. By Lois Lowry. New York: Bantam, 1989.

This is a Newberry medal winning holocaust story.

Pleasing the Ghost. By Sharon Creech. New York: Harper Collins, 1996.

Another wonderful novel by this award-winning author.

Project Mulberry. By Linda Sue Park. New York: Clarion, 2005.

A story about Asian American teens and their silkworm experiment.

Revolting Rhymes. By Roald Dahl. Illustrations by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1995.

Poems by Roald Dahl based on familiar tales.

The Slave Dancer. By Paula Fox. New York: Yearling, 1973.

A Newberry medal-winning book about slavery.

The Tale of Despereaux. By Kate DiCamillo, Illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering. Cambridge: Candlewick, 2003.

A Newberry medal-winning book about a little mouse with a big heart.

Toad Triumphant. By William Horwood. Illustrated by Patrick Benson. New York: St. Martin’s, 1995.

This novel is based on the Wind and the Willows.

Travel Team. By Mike Lupica. New York: Philomel, 2004.

Another story about basketball by this sports themed author,

The Twits. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1980.

A story about an utterly disgusting couple.

Upon the Head of the Goat. By Aranka Siegal. New York: Puffin, 1981.

A Newberry honored holocaust story.

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke. By Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New
York: Puffin, 1993.

A funny story about a dyslexic vicar.

The View from Saturday. By E.L. Konigsburg. New York: Antheneum, 1996.

An award-winning novel about a group of students who find friendship and acceptance.

Walk Two Moons. By Sharon Creech. New York: Harper Trophy, 1994.

A moving story about loss, love, and family that won a Newberry medal.


The Watson’s go to Birmingham – 1963. By Christopher Paul Curtis. New York: Yearling, 1995.

A family from Flint moves to Alabama and must deal with the racism of the south.

The Westing Game. By Ellen Raskin. New York: Puffin,2004.

This mystery story about how people are related and how a wealthy man distributes his estate won a Newberry medal in 1978.

Where the Red Fern Grows. By Wilson Rawls. New York: Bantam, 1974.

A classic story about a boy and his dogs.

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. By Kimberly Willis Holt. New York: Yearling, 1999.

A National book award winner about a young boy who faces his problems.

The Witches. By Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake. New York: Puffin, 1983.

A boy must deal with a witch convention in this hilarious novel.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More. New York: Puffin1977.

A series of stories by Roald Dahl.

The Wright 3. By Blue Balliett. Illustrations by Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic Press, 2006.

A companion book to Chasing Vermeer, this art mystery is set around Frank Lloyd Right.

A Year Down Yonder. By Richard Peck. New York: Dial, 2000.

An award winning heart-warming story by this acclaimed author.

POETRY

A Rocket in my Pocket: The Rhymes and Chants of Young Americans. Compiled by Carol Withers, Illustrated by Susanne Suba. New York: Henry Holt, 1948.

A collection of fun rhymes sung by children in America.

For Laughing Out Loud, Poems to Tickle Your Funny bone. Selected by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. New York: Alfred A. Knoft, 1991.

My grandparents gave me this book for Easter in 92. It is a collection of silly poems by a range of poets.

I Feel A Little Jumpy Around You: Paired Poems by Men and Women. Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye and Paul B. Janeczko. New York: Simon Pulse, 1999.

These poems are paired by the editors to spark discussion about the themes of the poems and how different people look at them.

It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles. Poems by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrated by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 2000.

Poems by this well-known and funny poet.

Poetry for Young People, Langston Hughes. Edited by David Roessel and Arnold Rampersad. Illustrated by Benny Andrews. New York: Sterling, 2006.

A beautifully illustrated collection of this amazing African American poet.

Sing a Song of Popcorn, Every Child’s Book of Poems, With Illustrations by Caldecott Medal artists Marcia Brown, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Eqielski, Trina Schart Hyman, Arnold Lobel, Maurice Sendak, Marc Simont and Margot Zemach. New York: Scholastic Press, 1988.

A collection of poems, with great illustrations, by many well-loved children’s poets.

The Other Side of the Door. Poems by Jeff Moss, Illustrated by Chris Demarest. New York: Bantam, 1991.

Poems by this well known children’s poet.

The Random House Book of Mother Goose. Selected and Illustrated by Arnold Lowbel. New York: Random House, 1986.

A collection of favorite mother goose rhymes,

The Random House Book of Poetry for Children. Selected by Jack Prelutsky, Illustrated by Arnold Lowbel. New York: Random House, 1983.

A great collection of all kinds of poems for children.

This Same Sky: Poems From Around the World. Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye. New York: Aladdin, 1996.

Poems from poets all over the world.

COLLECTIONS

The New Junior Classics, The Young Folk’s Shelf of Books. Edited by Mabel Williams and Marcia Dalphin. De Luxe Edition. P.F. Collier and Sons. 64th Printing, 1960.

Volume 1: Fairy Tales and Fables
Includes The Three Little Pigs, Three Bears, Hansel and Grethle, Red Riding Hood, and Aesop’s fables. Separated by country of origin

Volume 2: Stories of Magic and Wonder
The Magic Fishbone, Charles Dickens, Aladdin, Hans Christian Anderson stories

Volume 3: Myths and Legends
Greece and Rome like the Argonauts by Charles Kingsley, Norse Myths, Jataka Tales of India, Stories of the American Indian, Old Legends such as William Tell

Volume 4: Hero Tales
The Adventures of Odysseus, Beowulf, King Arthur, and Robin Hood

Volume 5: Stories that Never Grow Old
Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, Gulliver’s Voyage to Lilliput, Don Quixote, Rip Van Winkle, A Christmas Carol.

Volume 6: Stories About Boys and Girls
Tom Sawyer Whitewashes the Fence by Mark Twain

Volume 7: The Animal Book
Includes Jim Crow by Margery Bianco, Brown Wolf by Jack London, and Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight.

Volume 8: Stories from History
Daniel Boone’s Rifle by Stewart White, and The Devil and Daniel Webster by Steven Vincent Benee.

Volume 9: Sport and Adventure
Jack London’s Chased by the Tail, New York to Paris by Charles. A. Lindbergh.

Volume 10: Poetry, Reading Guide, and Indexes
Tons of poems by poets from Shakespeare to Dickinson, and nursery rhymes