Tuesday, March 13, 2018

2018 TOP 50 ELEMENTARY 2

Here are a few more of the titles from our best books for elementary schools from all of our reviews this last year!

Animals Do Too! How They Behave Just Like You by Etta KanerKaner and Faucher combine text and illustrations to paint a picture of what members of the animal kingdom do that is something you do too.  Each page has a paragraph of text explaining a bit more in depth about each animals habits, creating a perfect science lesson for many different ages.

The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibbs, the First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon by Frances Poletti and Kristina YeePoletti and Chapman, along with illustrator Susanna Chapman combine words and pictures that exude Gibbs’ love for running into a simple book about a woman breaking a significant barrier.  Gibbs is a role model in many ways with her quiet persistence and leadership without fuss.

The Infinity Year of Avalon James by Dana MiddletonAvalon is funny, resilient and struggling.  Highly recommended for upper elementary students; full of great lessons on dealing with friends, bullies, secrets and family.

Iron-Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill - Flawless storytelling coupled with read emotions drive the plot off the pages of this book.  Violet’s emotional reaction to her mother’s death and blaming herself, feels real and poignant.  Her poor choices that follow her mother’s death, to her eventual realization that she can make a difference, is excellent character building.  The illustrations, maps, and chapter art help create the magical world of Violet and her kingdom.  Author Kelly Barnhill, turns the traditional princess archetype on its head to create a story and mythology that is unforgettable.


Ghost Girl by Delia Ray - 11yo Alice is thrilled to hear that the president and his wife are opening a school nearby! This may be her first, and only, chance to learn to read and write, ever! But her family is in poverty, her mom can barely function with the accidental death of her little brother Riley, and her dad is always away at any job he can get his hands on, trying to survive.

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story by Suzanne SladeThis was a lovely book and would be nice read to show young girls that insects are not just a ‘boy’ thing. It was be fascinating to pair this with Anna’s actual book and/or a lesson on science drawing. I am going to show this to our art teacher right away. Also great for a lesson on contributors to our modern day education system.

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue by Patricia NewmanUpper elementary students will be fascinating by the stories in this book and a teacher could use them for a read-a-loud. The pages are large enough to share the images with a group. I learned quite a bit from reading this book and thinks its one of the best books I have reviewed this year.

Who wants to be a Princess? What It Was Really Like to be a Medieval Princess by Bridget HeosTo illustrate the difference between popular fairytales and what the middle ages were really like for princesses, the author uses two-page spreads—one side the fairytale and the other the reality.  Illustrator Migy does an excellent job of contrasting the fairytale illustrations with the more realistic ones.  The fairytale illustrations are very pink and very bright.  The more real-life illustrations have darker colors and the princess had hilarious expressions.  A charming book for any aspiring princess

Wonderful Winter by Bruce GoldstoneThis is now my favorite informational winter book. It is just perfect for a younger grade introduction to winter season. Its engaging, especially with the 5 senses pages, and it large and bright enough to share the entire book with a class. It includes everything I would love to see in a book like this and more.

Dave's Cave by Frank Preston-GannonThis could be a great springboard for discussion about being content with what we have.  The story is told in caveman-type language. “Dave like cave. This cave perfect.” The illustrations are unique and fun.   Children will love this great book. 

Crash Course by Landry WalkerElara Adele Vaughn has everything it takes to become a top planetary designer: skills, talent, and a one-way ticket to the Seven Systems School of Terraforming Sciences and Arts. But for all her excitement, life at her new school is a lot tougher–and stranger–than she ever thought possible.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee StewartReuben is an unlikely hero on a grand adventure.  He’s a shy, likeable kid, that loves his mom and dreams of a better life.  Over the course of the story, his character develops from a mouse to a confident young man.  Penny Meyer creates a strong female protagonist who is smart and adventurous.  The secondary characters are also well developed.  His mom’s character is a spunky, hard-working, and funny.  The entire Meyer clan is a hilarious bunch of strictly upright individuals.




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