Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz Merced wanted to learn everything she could about the stars. But in college, she started losing her sight. How could she study what she couldn't see? Wanda found a way. She learned to hear the stars using sonification, which converts data into sounds. Listening to those chimes and drumbeats, she made new discoveries about the universe.  Today, Wanda is a leading advocate for inclusive science. She and her friend Amy S. Hansen collaborated on this book to inspire children to follow their curiosity no matter the challenges. As Wanda urges, "Never give up!"

Liz G-Great story for Lunar New Year with activities and explanations that they use for a whole school activity board.

Bianaca-"The skies are gray. The rooftops are gray. The whole city is gray. / Then... one snowflake." Using verbal understatement and perfect pacing, Shulevitz creates a sense of the season's first snowfall, beginning slowly and softly, and gradually leading up to a blizzard of words that expresses a child's delight with snow. Throughout the story, a small boy and his dog revel in the transformation of the gray city into a winter wonderland. He relies completely on his own observations, as his grandfather and the people he meets on the street insist that the snow is insignificant. Here the adults put their faith in news reports which dully predict "no snow." But the child knows better, as he sees with all his senses, as well as with his imagination. That the snow works its magic on ordinary city streets is further enhanced in the illustrations that show Mother Goose characters coming to life and emerging from a book shop window to dance through the snowy streets with the boy and his dog. Winner, 1999 Charlotte Zolotow Award. (Ages 3-7) 

Liz J-A beautiful story on grief.  A young boy spends his mornings with his beloved Baba, his grandmother. She doesn't speak much English, but they connect through gestures, gardening, eating, and walking to school together. Marked by memories of wartime scarcity, Baba cherishes food, and the boy learns to do the same. Eventually, Baba needs to move in with the boy and his parents, and he has the chance to care for her as she’s always cared for him.

Inspired by memories from poet Jordan Scott’s childhood, with beautiful, dreamlike illustrations by Hans Christian Andersen Award-winning illustrator Sydney Smith, My Baba’s Garden is a deeply personal story that evokes universal emotions. Like Scott and Smith’s previous collaboration I Talk Like a River, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, My Baba’s Garden lends wistful appreciation to cherished time with family. 

Liz J-A fun one for this time of year!

Deanna-With poetry month coming up I like to find books that showcase poetry in different ways. This book isn’t new (2014), but I really love to share it because the illustrations are beautiful and complement and work well with the words. Included with the illustrations and the poem is a paragraph sharing true facts about the animal in the poem. It works on a lot of levels; whether its a lesson about winter, or animals in winter, animals in habitats, or poetry, this book can work as a read aloud or example for a display. 

Deanna-In a small school district where our student population isn’t very diverse I find it important to expose students to other cultures that they may not know about. This book does a great job of putting in perspective immigrant experience and how differences in culture are great in a way that a lower elementary student can understand. I can see using this book as a read aloud for upper elementary students as well, in order to have deeper conversations about culture and how we interact within our own culture. This book reminds me of the story Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, which also talks about culture as it relates to food. Amy Wu… by Kat Zhang was a feature in March Book Madness 2025 and was a big favorite among students. I think the relation to food and family is powerful, and something that everyone can relate to! 

Deanna-This book has a similar theme of mental health awareness for an upper elementary audience like the book Popcorn by Rob Harrell. Ziggy struggles with being anxious, and it is through the stories and legends told by Cherokee natives that help him through his struggle. I think that many students can relate to this book, and it also exposes and is a great story about native American heritage and history. I like that the author is using this book as a way of storytelling to talk about the power of storytelling, with focus on native american Cherokee culture. It’s an Amazing read, I hope to convince multiple students to give it a try this spring. 

Peg-Winner of the AIYL award this year.  Tthis is a great Winter/Iditarod story about perserverance.  Graphic novel style and true story about a girl who is lost out in the arctic wilderness for days on her own and how she survives.  Someone else told her story-incorrectly, so granddaughter and she worked together to write this book.   Recommending to all my 3-5 teachers!  Not an iditarod story, but sled dogs are part of the story.  

Peg-This one won the Corretta Scott King Author Honor and Illustrator winner awards this year, and I hadn't heard of it.  Got it from the library and will be reading with ALL my students-cried when I read it.  Perfect for Black History Month.    Will be great to pair with The Oldest Student I think, which I will share next!   About libraries for black people in the south when not allowed in the public libraries-another good pairing here would be Unstoppable John-the story about John Lewis and his library card!

Peg-I love this true story about Mary Walker.  Born a slave and given a bible, Mary took it with her everywhere, but was never able to read it.  She started taking reading classes in her 100's!  Oge Mora's art in this one is so good and my students always love this read aloud at every grade level.

Deanna-An interesting look at an amazing story. These women would go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the photographer, Kelly Crull, following them and taking images. I usually like to read aloud March Book Madness Contestants to my younger readers, but this book calls for reading in a different way. I think it is going to be fun to share with my classes. I want to highlight that there are many ways to tell a story, like photography and giving facts through graphics, but also show that until someone.

Deanna-This made me laugh out loud. Besides being a good laugh, this can be a bigger lesson on logic and just because one thing happens it does not always mean that it caused something else to happen. I look forward to seeing if students will agree how ridiculous this story is and laugh out loud with me. 

Deanna-One of my favorites of the new year, maybe too early to call but I feel connected to this book. I’ve gone through struggles with anxiety as the character in the book is going through, and reading about him trying to figure it out through making the anxiety files was great. I hope other students will make connections with this book too. Still has not arrived for me to add it to my library, but I hope to update when students start to check it out.  

Peg-This a new one for my Caldecott and Sibert  list.  The art is amazing (reminds me of the surprise under the cover in Nunu-why didn't they do that??) and the story is fascinating.

Peg-This is another late Caldecott arrival for me and the art was spectacular.  I had to include it here because it is similar to Broken in the SEL theme that the main characters get really upset and try to run away from their problems.  In  this one, you don't really know what the problem was, but the resolution had kids spellbound.  And you can pair an origami lesson with it!

Peg-I saw this on a Caldecott list and didn't include it in mine at first, but I kept seeing it promoted and decided to give it a second try and read it with students.  They LOVED it-every grade level! A great SEL one as well about honesty and telling the truth.

Sarah-My students are really enjoying this one.  When Mei Mei accidentally breaks her ama's favorite cup, she's convinced it's the end of the world. What if Ama is angry? What if she yells? What if she kicks Mei Mei out of her house? Mei Mei can't face it. But when Mimi, the innocent cat who witnesses her crime, ends up being blamed, the guilt is too much! Mimi's accusing eyes follow Mei Mei until she just can't take it anymore, and the truth comes spilling out. 

Sarah-Another great SEL on honesty.  Ellie would never dream of taking something from her classroom without asking her teacher first. But the shell she finds during recess is particularly peculiar—and has a mysterious critter living inside it! Surprising even herself, she pops it in her pocket as a little secret when no one is looking. It's not long before the creature outgrows the shell and starts to weigh Ellie down.

Does Ellie have a secret, or does the secret have her?

Sarah-A couple of hundred years ago, on a quiet Indonesian island, a volcano called Tambora erupted with a force and violence that changed history.

It tore apart the island, and in the months and years that followed, its fallout tore apart the world. The sun refused to shine; the rain refused to stop. Everything that everyone assumed would always be there—a world that made sense, a climate that made sense—was suddenly gone.

From this riot of thunder and lightning, a young woman named Mary Shelley conceived of a scientist and his cursed creature. From the nightmare of Tambora, she wrote a nightmare of a book: Frankenstein—a terrifying reminder of how much damage we humans might do, without even realizing it.

This is the story of a volcano that changed the world and a creature that changed us.

Once upon a time, everything was different. And no one knew if it would ever be the same.

In this masterful work, Nicholas Day, author of the Sibert Award–winning The Mona Lisa Vanishes, brings us a story taken from the archives but seemingly scripted for us today: a tale of climate change and human folly and hope—and what happens when the world suddenly goes wrong. 

Bianca-Another Novel Effect pick that was a hit.   I was able to do the book "BE A KING"  and Novel Effect gives you different parts of his speech with his voice saying it. I wanted to tell you guys all about it. It is amazing. Then they provided worksheets and activities with the book. GAME CHANGER!!  

Liz G.  Discover the magic of winter with Fox and Owl's Winter Adventure, a heartwarming picture book which blends storytelling, learning and creative play. 

In a gentle tale set against a snowy woodland backdrop, Ember the fox and her friend Flint the owl explore the excitement and beauty that winter brings. As they journey through the trees, young readers are introduced to winter wildlife, nature's rhythms and the quiet joys of friendship and kindness. After the story, there is more to learn and explore with animal fact files, seasonal eco-crafts and a fun activity – perfect for little nature-lovers. 

Liz G: Really Enjoyed this one! It's such a simple story with beautiful illustrations. I especially loved the crafts in the back to bring this story to life. 

Liz J- They came up with "Happy Birthday to You!" in an effort to make something all children could easily sing. They ended up with a tune the whole world loved.

"Happy Birthday to You!" has been sung to presidents and kings, on big stages and in outer space. And it all started in a kindergarten classroom with a teacher coaxing her children to sing an easy tune all together.

Loved how they included the actual song at the end, kids liked hearing about how it is song throughout the world.

Sarah-When Tanisha spills grape juice on her new dress, her classmate wants to help, but isn’t sure what being kind should look like in this situation.  She thinks about different ways to be kind and how kindness can spread.  

This has grabbed the attention of every kindergarten and first-grade class so far. 

Sarah-This is the third book in the Aven Green Series.  It focuses on Aven’s friend Connor, who has Tourette’s Syndrome.  

Peg-A favorite in this year's Caldecott contest for me.   Another great SEL about conquering your fears and trying new things.   Willow is scared to leave her stump as she has so many fears but she REALLY wants to go to the wildflower festival.  On her journey she conquers many fears and makes new friends.   The art is great in this one.  My PreK class was able to predict by just looking at the pictures and were captivated by this one.

Peg-This one is in my Sibert contest this year and there is a GREAT audio of it on Sora.   I had no idea about this NY City Whale history, or that they have been seen again in the Hudson Bay there.   My 5th graders will be creating a slide show to go with this book and find clips and videos to include of the whale sightings.   From the Amazon summary: Spanning from pre-colonization to today, learn how the industrial revolution, overfishing, and pollution drove whales away from New York Harbor and the Hudson River by the early 20th Century.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Passionate citizens were able to band together and clean up the harbor through activism and legislation. The first whales were spotted in the Hudson after over 100 years in 2019!

Also-According to book jacket, illustrator Groenick lives part-time in Kinderhook!

Peg-A favorite in this year's Caldecott contest for me.   A debut and story based on Gill's real life.  Great SEL story about always including others.

Liz G-From tiny Chihuahua Agnes who loves to burrow beneath cushions, to Holly the Collie, who loves chasing her tail; from Popcorn the Beagle with the very waggly tail, to Poncho the friendly Dalmatian, this book contains a pack of adorable dogs. Each is special in their own way, but which of them is the BIGGEST dog in the book?

With a gatefold that opens out to show just how huge the biggest dog is, this gorgeous book compares lots of different dogs, showing how each is lovable in their own way, but only one of them can be the biggest.

Super cute and engaging! Who doesn't love dogs?

Sarah-A boy steadfastly refuses to take responsibility for any of his mistakes. He just blames everything on his pen, his backpack, his comb, his pillow--whatever happens to be at hand. For a while, this approach works at home and at school. He's positively convinced he has it all figured out until...all the inanimate objects rise up and revolt. What can he do when a talking pen and talking backpack decide to rebel? 

Sarah-At the far reaches of Earth, high upon a mountaintop, a bustling city is under attack by a... cute little furball? Wait--what?! That's not right. The author wrote this book about a "ferocious beast," not a cuddly critter. Turns out, the book's illustrator has other plans. Can the author make a successful book with no pictures? Can the illustrator tell a tale without words? Or will this dueling duo get on the same page at last to create the ultimate happy ending? In graphic novel format. 

Deanna-  Who doesn't love a Katherine Applegate story?  Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.

An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.

Bianca-Perfect for November and paired with next books.  Also used with Novel effect which had great downloadables to go along with it and do with students.  (Senses Venn, Ingredients...)  “Fry bread is food … Fry bread is shape … Fry bread is sound … Fry bread is time … Fry bread is history …” Specific characteristics and cultural importance of fry bread, part of Native American tradition across many tribal nations, is celebrated in a picture book that appeals to the senses while also encompassing complex concepts. Each characteristic of fry bread is expanded on with child– friendly examples described in vivid language. “The skillet clangs / The fire blazes from below … On weekdays and holidays / Supper or dinner / Powwows and festivals … The long walk / the stolen land …” Maillard’s exceptional writing is paired with cozy illustrations by Martinez-Neal that show realistic variety in hair, eye, and skin colors of Indigenous peoples. Her circular shapes exude a sense of home and security, with small children embraced and surrounded by their elders. The end pages echo this diversity with their extensive lists of many Indigenous nations in the United States, both those recognized by the government and those that aren’t, affirming the identities of so many Native children. Maillard’s thorough, fascinating author’s note offers more information and context for each double-page spread in this masterful original picture book.  

Peg-I read Stalactite & Stalagmite this summer as part of my Caldecott project and LOVED it so much, I had to look to see if the author had other books.  The First Week of School was another great one and now I have one more of Drew's on hold at the library!  I shared The First Week of School in September and students could not get enough of it.   It has gone on my to buy list and can be found in Sora as well.  Stalagmite & Statactite are on my Caldecott & Sibert lists and I know kids will have it as a favorite.   Cleverly written and the art is so detailed.  You see more with every look-for both books!

Peg-As far as I know, this is Ferry's first chapter book and it is AWESOME!  I love her Stick and Stone series as well as her other picture books (The Umbrella, Swashby & the Sea)  and this one did not disappoint.  It is on my 26 Mock Newbery list and I am reading it to all classes grades 2-5.  They burst out laughing every time.  Funny, creative and great friendship themes.

Deanna-I had this book in mind for readers who are entering upper elementary grades or for students that might not quite be on target. It has great illustrations, and is so fun and colorful which is engaging for students. But I’ve found that strong readers in 1st grade have been checking this book out like crazy! I think it is a good choice for any student that is eager to learn facts, but can still find other elements like humor in this book. Also the author, Mike Lowery has  two other books in similar fashion. One is about space, the other on dinosaurs, they are both on my to buy next list! 

    Sarah- Ravi can't wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe's duo suddenly becomes a trio. Ravi's not so sure about Ellie--she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she's Joe and Ravi's best friend. All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship. From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins , this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends. 

Liz J:  Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award

ALSC Notable Children's Book

Anna Dewey Read Together Award Finalist

Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2025 List

From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.

It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.

Liz G:  Meet Bob. He's the all-time favorite library book at Wisdom Hill Elementary. But Sebastian is nothing like Bob's previous enthusiastic borrowers. In fact, Sebastian completely forgets about Bob! Will Bob ever feel the love of a contented fan again, or will he be lost and alone forever? In this harrowing tale told from a book's point of view, author and librarian Gloria Koster showcases the joy of reading and the importance of taking care of books.

Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.

Liz

Liz

Peg-Such an inspiring story of pereserverance that students really responded to.  From India, to the US, growing up and becoming a marathoner and finally, the Ironman.

Simone

Peg-I read this one every year for Black History Month in conjunction with Rosa Parks stories.  FROM AMAZOM:  Hall-of-famer Baylor was one of basketball’s greatest players—an innovative athlete, team player, and quiet force for change. One of the first professional African American players, he inspired others on and off the court. But when traveling for away games, many hotels and restaurants turned Elgin away because he was Black.

One night, Elgin had enough and staged a one-man protest that captured the attention of the press, the public, and the NBA. With lyrical, moving text from an award-winning author and exquisite, slam-dunk illustrations from an award-winning artist, Above the Rim is a peek into the early days of the NBA, a poetic telling of the life of an under-recognized African American athlete, and a celebration of standing up for what’s right. 

Casey-This story is about siblings named Ivan and Estie. It is Ivan's birthday and Estie has planned a big and exciting party for him. However, Ivan is overwhelmed by it all and instead wants to be by himself. This story explores the differences between extroverts and introverts and includes a sweet sibling relationship where each child is appreciated for who they are.  

Casey-This beautiful story is written in Spanish and in English. This tells the story of a father who gets up early and goes to bed late to help to feed the world. It shows the father working in the heat and in the cold. The book ends with the child explaining his father works hard so he can have a better life and that he is proud of his father.   

Deanna-Limitless tells the story of a young girl named Harper who can’t quite find something she is good at.  She tires several different things but nothing feels right to her.  Then she comes across a group of children with a broken kite and uses her creativity to fix the kite.  Harper realizes using her creativity is what she’s good at.  She also learns that with creativity her options are limitless. 

https://thelimitlessclassroom.com/

Adam Gidwitz

***Sarah is going to read this with an enrichment group and the research the NJ and Albany Pine Bush

(from Amazon)  Unicorns are real. (At least we think they are.)

Are you ready to protect the creatures of myth and legend? Then you belong in The Unicorn Rescue Society. HURRY–THE CREATURES NEED YOU!

Elliot Eisner isn't exactly thrilled with the first day at his new school. His class is going on a field trip to a creepy forest called the Pine Barrens. The trip is being led by Professor Fauna, the weirdest teacher

Elliot has ever met. And the only kid who will talk to Elliot, Uchenna Devereaux, isn’t afraid of danger. She likes danger.

Elliot and Uchenna are about to become part of a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.

Join Elliot and Uchenna on their very first quest as members of the Unicorn Rescue Society in this fantasy-adventure series from Adam Gidwitz, the beloved bestselling and Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitors Tale and A Tale Dark & Grimm.

Illustrated throughout, this is the perfect fit for newly independent readers looking for a story full of adventure, fun, and friendship. 

Jessixa Bagley

Stacey is doing this with a Newbery group and they are loving it.  (from Amazon)  A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats.

When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi’s way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she’ll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.

As the clock ticks down to the girls’ fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids’ allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further? 

Aisha Saeed/LeUyen Pham

Peg-This is one in our Caldecott contest and every grade level presents at the end of class as a favorite of theirs.  They love the art and are drawn to the story.  Great SEL themes of forgiveness, upstander, friendship and more