Ms. Saenz (Librarian)

• Favorite children's book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane , by Kate Dicamillo

• Why is this your favorite?: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a tender story created for readers of all ages. Kate Dicamillo takes readers on a journey with Edward in hopes of finding the true meaning of life, to love.

• My favorite place to read is on my patio snuggled with my dog, Astro!

Ms. Martinez (2nd Grade)

• Favorite children's book: Pinduli, by Janell Cannon

• Why is this your favorite?: Pinduli is a powerful story about being true to yourself and valuing each other's differences. The book's beautiful illustrations and deep message remind readers to practice kindness above all, and to use the power of your voice to stand up for yourself and others.

• My favorite place to read is in a hammock! :)

Ms. Ciampi (Kindergarten)

• Favorite children's book: The Adventures of Taxi Dog , by Debra and Sal Barracca

• Why is this your favorite?: I grew up right across the Hudson River from New York City, so some of my fondest memories are of trips into the city with my mom and younger brother. We walked around different neighborhoods, and visited museums and beautiful, famous buildings. I was always amazed by all of the different people that you see in NYC; it is still one of my favorite parts about it. The Adventures of Taxi Dog has always made me feel like I'm back in the heart of New York City.

• My favorite place to read is on the beach under an umbrella. I find it easier to focus on reading with a little bit of noise in the background.

Ms. Stolinksy (3rd Grade)

• Favorite children's book: Amelia’s Notebook, by Marissa Moss

• Why is this your favorite?: This is one of my favorite childhood book series because of the excitement I had turning each page. The story comes to life through fun adventures, humor, and amazing storytelling that makes you feel every emotion as the characters feel them. I remember going to the library and taking home huge piles of books from this series every single visit. The fun format made me feel like I was right there with Amelia and had me always hooked to keep reading more!

• My favorite place to read is on a picnic blanket at Auditorium Shores or at the Austin Public Library downtown. I love being in a great atmosphere that allows me to focus, get cozy, and become lost in my book.

Ms. Forrest (Fourth Grade)

• Favorite children's book: A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

• Why is this your favorite?: A Long Walk to Water is a life changing book about resilience, hope, and the power of compassion. I have read and re-read it over 12 times with communities of readers in my classroom where we have savored every word together. It is a historical piece that brings the experience of refugees to life as well as the essential need for water in Sudan, Africa. Salva and Nya will be characters readers will never forget.

• My favorite place to read is anywhere - especially if other readers are there with me!

Ms. Mangels (Fourth Grade)

• Favorite children's book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

• Why is this your favorite?: I first read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle when I was in 3rd grade. The characters seemed like real people with interesting struggles and the various settings made me feel like I was in the middle of a movie as I turned each page. I was intrigued by the journey through space and time, but finished the story with many questions still lingering. So I reread the book as a 4th grader and countless other times through my life. Each time I reread, I understood the science concepts differently and the author's themes of resilience and awareness of the greater good became more clear to me. Plan to read and reread this book if you enjoy thinking about space, ordinary kids, magical creatures, and the knowledge that our differences can also be our strengths.

• My favorite place to read is... I love to read in lots of spots, but especially in the swinging chair on my back patio.

Ms. Grotte (Third Grade)

Favorite children's book: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Why is this your favorite?: The story is an adventure and a mystery all rolled into one! It is about a brother and a sister who run away to live in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have a younger brother like the main character and I always loved the idea of going on a wild adventure with him. Then they have to solve a mystery which makes it even more of a page turner.

My favorite place to read is in my bathtub! I love a hot bath and a good book at the end of the day!