This is a book of fourteen songs which are turned upsides down. These are classic songs. "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Farmer in the Dell, are turned into Tiny Baby Brother" and "I'm in My Room and Bored."
I think children will enjoy these funny songs and memorize some of them. I would use this book to teach songs during circle time. It would be a time for students to relax after a day at school.
This book could suit students aged five through third grade.

Fancy Nancy is all about Nancy who loves being fancy. She likes to embellish her outfits, and talk in French. One day Nancy decides that her family is not fancy, so she decides she should teach her family how to be fancy. While trying to be fancy, she slips and becomes frustrated. Nancy realizes she loves her family just the way they are.
I chose this book because it was my little sister's favorite book, she constantly begged me to read it to her. I also think it teaches the lesson that a family is perfect just the way they are.
This book would be appropriate for students in Kindergarten to third grade.

This toy book features a different animal on each page. Included on the page is a fact about the animal. The book has eye holes which allow the animal to become a mask for the child.
I chose this book because young children like to interact with what they are learning about. In addition playing makes the book fun and interesting for children. Also by the book turning into a mask, children can learn in a different a way.
This book is suited for children age three to age five. At this age they cannot read the book, but they will have fun learning and playing with the book.

This book uses Spanish and English to list the alphabet. The each letter of the alphabet is described by a vegetable or a fruit. The book takes place in fields and orchards told by Alma Flor Ada and Simón Silva.
I chose this book because it showcases English and Spanish. Students who read it can learn spanish or vice versa. The alphabet is simple enough so the Spanish does not get too overwhelming.
This book could be used for children in Kindergarten to third grade.

This book is all about dolphins, providing factual information on these ocean animals! It fully describes the dolphin starting with what a dolphin is, a dolphin family tree, water wonders, close up on the dolphin. There are four main parts of this book: meet the dolphin, life of a dolphin, a big, blue world, and fun with dolphins.
I chose this book because the layout is perfect for students who want to learn about a specific topic concerning dolphins, such as learning how to speak dolphin. In addition, this book would work great for a research paper, since the information is credible coming from The National Geographic.
I think this book could be used from second grade to sixth grade, the younger ages might need some assistance though but it would be interesting information for them.

This book recounts the life of Django Reinhardt, who at a very young age taught himself how to play guitar. He then became famous, playing in Paris and at other prestigious events. However, one day when he was on a train, the train caught fire and Reinhardt injured his arm. He thought his days of playing guitar were over. However, he taught himself how to play in a new way.
This book displays an important lesson for students, persevere. Students will learn that even when they do not think they can do something, they need to keep trying in order to succeed.
Students in grades third through fifth grade would enjoy this book.

This book details the life of Syvia during WWII in Germany. Syvia's family was forced out of the Lodz Ghetto in 1939. In the beginning of the book, Syvia is only four years old, the story describes he life in the camps until she comes to America when she is ten years old. The book is written as if Syvia was telling the story.
The book gives students a picture of what life was like during the Holocaust. Students will be able to sympathize with Syvia because they are closer to her age than if a adult was recounting the story.
This book would be appropriate for students in grade 6th through 8th because of violence that would frighten younger students.

Joey Pigza is a young boy who suffers from ADD and ADHD. He is going to be spending 6 weeks with his father, who he has never met before. However, his father does not like that he has issues, and forces Joey to not take his medicine. Instead Carter Pigza, his Dad, wants Joey to play baseball, which Joey is actually pretty good at. His father is very similar to Carter wired for hyperactivity. The book details the different relationships that Joey has with both his mother and father over one summer.
I think this book shows that families are not always perfect. It also displays how a child with a mental struggle lives.
This book would be appropriate for students grades 6th and up.

This poetry book provides examples of all of the kinds of poems. On each page there is an example of the type of poem, and there is also a short definition of the type. The definition includes the structure of the poem.
I think this book is good at presenting the different poetry forms. It provides examples that students could use as inspiration in writing their own poems. In addition the definitions provided, help to a student learn how to write a poem in the form that they are aiming to write in.
I think this book could be effectively used with students in third to sixth grade, during the poetry unit.

This book recounts the life of the slave, Sarny, who is a young female African American slave. She works at a plantation in 1850. She is introduced to Nightjohn, a new slave to her plantation. He teaches Sarny how to read at night, even though slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. The master of the plantation catches Nightjohn teaching the slaves to read and write, and is severely punished. Nightjohn runs away from the plantation and then later comes back to the plantation to teach the slaves how to read.
I think that this book effectively displays the life of the slaves. The book additionally shows what the slaves went through during the 1850's.
This book would be appropriate for students grades 6th through 8th grade. It would not suit younger ages because it is graphic in nature when it recounts Nightjohn's consequences.

This book is all about how the birds in Africa got their colors, the blackbird was considered the most beautiful because he was different than all of the others. After the other birds wanted to be like him; so he makes blackening brew to paint all the other birds. The birds are overjoyed, however blackbird told them "I'll be me and you'll be you."
I first chose this book because I was drawn to the pictures, but I enjoyed the storyline and learning how the birds got their colors. I would use this story as a part of my folktale unit in the classroom.
This book is suitable for students in kindergarten to third grade, because it can teach the students to be themselves. Students at this age are constantly trying to fit in, by playing with the same things or wearing the same clothes. However it is not what you look like that makes you special, but it is who you are in in the inside that makes you special and unique.

The doll people is all about Annabelle doll and her search to find her long lost Aunt Sarah. However, in the dollhouse there are rules about moving around and talking, Annabelle has to figure out a way to find her aunt and not get caught. She does eventually find Sarah but it wouldn't have been possible without her new friend Tiffany.
I chose this book because it was one of my favorites as third grader. I loved that there was an alternative world outside my own. I would like to use it my teaching to show that stories can be about any subject, even about a dollhouse.
This book is appropriate for students in third to fifth grade. It could be used to show the affect of friendship and teamwork because of the special bond formed between Tiffany and Annabelle.

This story is all about a pigeon who wants a puppy. She promises that she will take care of it, and spend time with it. Throughout the story she becomes obsessed with the idea of having the puppy. However, when she actually gets the puppy she decides she does not want the slobbery dog, instead she wants a walrus.
I choose this book because of the illustrations. It looks like crayons were used to draw the pictures. This would appeal to students. Additionally, the pictures are indicators of what is happening, for example when the pigeon, sees the dog, she looks terrified! This book would be for students in kindergarten to second grade. The book would be able to capture their attention and keep them interested in the plot.

This book is all about "Runny Babbit." All of the poems in the story are about his life, the people and experiences that he encounters.The book mixes up the first letter in the word by swapping it out, for example the poem entitled, "Runny Bakes a That."
I choose this book because I think it is a great book to use as an introductory poetry book. The poems are fun and creative which will capture the students attention. I also think the style of poetry used could be used for the students first poetry assignment. The students could swap the letters and make their own poem. This book would be best for students in second grade to fourth grade. Younger students might not be able to understand what is happening with the letters.

The book tells the life of a caterpillar as he grows each day, each day he eats more and more food. Eventually the caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. As a child I liked reading this book because it helped me learn about the days of the week, and I would use in my classroom to aid with this as well. This book is perfect to teach preschool and kindergarteners that everyone is special and unique; besides for the educational purposes of the book.