Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, S., Hale, D., & Hale, N. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.

A retelling of Grimm's fairy tales set in the Wild West, Rapunzel is more than a girl that gets away from evil Gothel. It is creatively written in a graphic novel format which tells of her and her adventures along with Jack and the goose. They are highly sought after and threatened at gunpoint and are imprisoned and escape. It's thrilling and action packed as she fights a boar, killer coyotes, and sea serpents, as well as outlaws as she uses her long hair as a mane and lasso. She eventually frees her real mother, deals with Gothel and finds love with Jack and it is until then that the goose lays a golden egg! This is a perfect book for upper elementary grade level girls who will be able to relate to every emotion Rapunzel experiences to anyone who enjoys humor in comic/graphic novel formats!

Rosa

Giovanni, N., & Collier, B. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt.

A story about Rosa and her life as a hard -working seamstress on her way home to eagerly make a homecooked meal for her husband and the encounter she has with the bus driver as she sits in a forbidden section and believes she shouldn't have to give up her seat and move to the back. The bus driver calls the police on her and is tired of the mistreatment that Black people were facing in those times. She was frustrated with the inequalities. As the police approached her, she mustered the courage and remembered all those who had been voicing the need for equality. Rosa formed and gathered a council of 25 women who shared the same beliefs and created flyers to boycott the bus that emphasized Separate was not Equal. The citizens walked for their freedom in a non violent movement. She then became known as the Civil Rights abolitionists as they over ruled segregation. A great story about a courageous woman who fought for change is sure to inspire anyone who reads it.

Magic Windows

Garza, C. L., Rohmer, H., & Schecter, D. (1999). Magic windows. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press.

The creative story is depicted through these magic windows Garza has created that tell all about the Mexican culture told in both English and Spanish. Her cut-paper window images are magical and tell of the hummingbird that flies across the border to drink nectar. The text is repeated;however, one may forget that with such intricate detail that is given to each paper cut image. The contrasting colors are genius. This is an excellent book for those that want to learn about the traditions of the Mexican culture that will definitely inspire an intrigue for this art!

Comics Squad

Krosoczka, J., Yang, G. L., Wight, E., Holm, J. L., Holm, M., Vernon, U., . . . Pilkey, D. (2014). Comics Squad: Recess! New York: Random House Books.

A humorous graphic novel that incorporates all Sunday Comics all in one. This book cover hilarious stories of character from Dinozilla, bad guys, good guys, secret ninja clubs, aliens and their stories all based on tales of reccess that includes jokes, ridiculous plans, and sacrcasm like no other. This book is perfect for the comic lover in need of a laugh till you drop episode.

Skulduggery Pleasant

12-year old Stephanie is thrown into a world of fantasy as she inherits his money and property and meets people she would have never imagined. She meets Skulduggery, a mage who believes he can save the world from the evil forces, but needs a partner to do so. He also happens to be a skeletal man with powers that her uncle interacted with. She decides to team up with him in efforts to conquer her boredom, investigate who the killing of her uncle and conquer the Faceless Ones whose sole purpose is to obtain the Sceptre of the Ancients, which also happens to be her Uncle's most prized possession. They conquer the evil ones and in the end becomes his student of sorcery and learns that she is a descendent of the Ancients and posseses magical abilities herself. Their playful, teasing remarks carry the story along. This book is perfect for anyone who craves magic and adventure.

We are the Ship

A fictional, visual narrative that conveys a collective voice of what it was like to be a Negro in the baseball league when Rube Foster created the Negro National League from the beginning in the 1920s to Jackie Robinson's times. It depicts the hardships they endured through, anecdotes, jokes and the history through full page oil paintings that capture the eye. A book perfect for every baseball fan that shows how African Americans have succeeded and evolved in the sport.

Nest

Oppel, K., & Klassen, J. (2015). The nest. New York: Simon & Schuster.

A powerful narrative told from a young boy named Steve with OCD that worries about his infant baby brother who has a congenital disease. Then, angels appear in his dreams and promise to fix his baby brother and wait for him to utter, yes! But,with that yes comes consequences, meaning his sick sibling could be replaced with a healthly baby. He is also worries about his parents' state of mind as they struggle to cope with the devastating reality of their sick child.. The wasps are more than just insects they symbolize something more that is left to the imagination of the reader. It's a grappling tale that channels every child's fear of the dark, death and what cannot be controlled. Klassen's powerful, yet dark illustrations set the tone for this somewhat gothic novel.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret: A novel in words and pictures. New York: Scholastic Press.

A story about 12-year-old orphan, Hugo Cabret, who must carry on with life as he tends to 27 clocks as an apprentice timekeeper under the direction and care of his uncle. Eventually his uncle dies and he must continue with his work discreetly bringing no attention to himself as he fears being kicked out due to a lack of guardianship. Simultaneously he is working on an invention his father was working on before he died and feels the need to finish fixing the automaton by stealing toys until he is caught by the storeowner as he takes his notebook which contains drawing and notes he took as his father worked on the invention. Then the plot takes a turn when he befriends the storeowner's goddaughter who promises to get the notebook back from him who owns a heart-shaped necklace, the missing piece to the get the automaton to work. In the end, it turns out that the drawing the automaton revealed was from a film Georges, the storeowner, created. Georges reveals to Hugo that he left the film industry behind after so much competition and tragic events. Georges then develops a beautiful relationship with Hugo, who both share a passion for mechanics. Eventually, he and his wife adopt him. The plot and illustrations go hand in hand, thus developing a sense of mystery.

Balloons over Broadway

Sweet, M., Newborn, R., & Paquette, C. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Parade. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

A colorful and informative picture biography book that tells the story of Tony Sarg, the master puppeteer. Intrigued by the idea of making still objects and shapes come to life, he was led to create marionettes, which then made him famous and known by Macy's. The department store asked him to create a window display which then gave him the opportunity to showcase his imagination at the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.His growing imagination and creativity then led to the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great book for children and adults like who will be fascinated with the Master behind the scene of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Pub.

Nobody Owens has become an orphan after a man named Jack murders his parents and sibling. He is a toddler at the time and crawls out of his crib to a graveyard where Mr. and Mrs. Owens decide to adopt and protect him from the murderer. The story chronicles his life from toddler to adolescent and how he acquires the gift of "fading" which will protect him from the ever-seeking Jack, the murderer. Nobody develops great friendships with his tutor, Silas who obtains food for him and helps him survive. He also befriends Miss Lupescu who also protects him from the ghouls, Lisa the witch who he goes to all ends to give her a rightful headstone, to Scarlett which allowed him to meet his fate and conquer the last Jack of all trades, the one who pursues him. When he is about fifteen his ability to tap into the supernatural begins to fade, a sign that it is time for him to return to the living world. He says goodbye to the dear graveyard life that save him! This book is perfect for kids who enjoy the supernatural worlds and adventure. A great story that teaches about the importance of family and friendship.

Out of my mind

Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

An incredible story about Melody Brooks, an 11 yr.old with cerebral palsy that can't speak but has a brilliant mind. Throughout the book, Melody's monologue conveys frustration, a desperation as all she longs for is to be understood and accepted by others. However, due to to her condition and the fact that she depends on others for survival because she is strapped to a wheelchair only making her feel even more helpless. She constantly faces ridicule and people looking at her different. Finally, when she is able to prove herself and how she qualifies for the Whiz-Kids competition with the aid of her, best gift ever, Medi-Talker, she "accidentally" gets left behind by her teacher and classmates, she's left devastated. Another devasting moment is when her mother hits her sister and tries to warn her mother, but is unable to articulate herself. This book will bring awareness about what special needs can actually do and how they just want to be given a chance. A perfect read for upper elementary and up.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet: An old tale of Texas. New York: Putnam.

A great drought and famine has taken over the land of a young girl named She-Who-Is Alone. The terrible drought has taken her parents and grandparents and all she has left is her most prized possession, her warrior doll, given to her by them. The people dance and cry to the Great Spirits to end the disaster until a runner comes and says the Great Spirits want something in return because the people have become selfish taking and taking from the earth. A great sacrifice must be done, whose ashes must be spread to the four points of the earth. While everyone questions and hesitates to offer up a sacrifice, the young girl decides to offer up her warrior doll and spreads the ashes to all four points. It is then that the land comes back to life as blue flowers grow throughout the land of Texas, known as the bluebonnet. Her name then changes to the One Who Dearly Loved Her People.The famine is now over. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys Texas based historical fiction.

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C. A., & Austin, M. (2007). Martina, the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Martina is a beautiful cockroach who lives in Old Havana with her family in a streetlamp. Upon her 21st days old she is ready to give her hand in marriage. All give her tips including the most important advice from her Grandmother regarding a coffee spill test that will really test any suitor's patience and temper. From the Rooster who grows infuriated, to the lizard that turns livid, to finally meeting her perfect love, the adorable Perez mouse who beats her to the coffees pill test. He, too, has a Cuban grandmother. This hilarious story is sure to entertain anyone who loves folktales especially early elementary grade levels.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: W. Morrow.

Leigh Botts enjoys writing letters to his favorite author, Mr. Boyd Henshaw in efforts of becoming a better writer. He begins writing letters when he is in 2nd grade and pens letters all up to 6th gd. Leigh expresses his feelings,writes about his family situation, his parents' divorce and how it has led to his sadness, as well as being the new kid in town. Mr. Henshaw encourages him to keep a diary, and finally finds somewhat closure with his father after so many disappointments and not seeing him for a very long time. He does so by giving him Bandit. He begins to deal with change a bit better. This would be a great read and very relatable for kids, upper elementary level to middle grades, going through similar situations and how things ultimately will get better, slowly, but surely. Clearly cleverly writes about his situation in the form of a diary.

How They Croaked

Bragg, G., & O'Malley, K. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. New York: Walker &.

A very intriguing book about how famous and iconic people "kicked the bucket" due to a lack of medical advances. Stories about Christopher Columbus dying of Reiter's syndrome, which is a disease acquired due to living in tight quarters where bad hygiene is present, how Queen Elizabeth resisted being beheaded and would not take off her ring , despite the swelling ,and how eventually she died from pneumonia, to how Albert Einstein died due to, perhaps, a larger than normal cranium. These stories will definitely make one feel grateful about the medical advances and the simple things we take for granted such as anesthesia, medicine, lab work, and state of the art hospitals. This book is sure to delight the history buff.

Hitler Youth

Bartoletti, S. C. (2005). Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction.

In this nonfiction children's book Bartoletti writes about the youth organisation of the Nazis and how the youth were made to idolize Hitler and the roles and positions they possessed during the Third Reich. This book is so informative and chilling it explains how these German youth were taken advantage and were manipulated due to their youth and hope for change,thus also promoting ant-semitism. Hitler's hope was that they'd all fall under a spell of National Socialism in order for the Final Solution to be possible. The photos are stiking,yet chilling to the bone. This book is perfect for upper elementary grade levels to middle and even high school grades as they delve into the historical account of the Holocaust.

Spiders

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction.

Bishop does a fantastic job talking all about the different colors, sizes and types of spiders. Bishop explains how long they've existed dating back to prehistoric times. Bishop is very informative be teaching about some spiders being as big as the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula from South America, to its main parts, to how they eat, to how they build their webs, to how they jump dance for a female. His up close photography provides a realistic,under the scope type of experience. This book would be great for any Life Science class, any lesson associated with spiders, or any arachna-fanatic.

It's so Amazing

Harris, R. H., & Emberley, M. (1999). It's so amazing!: A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies, and families. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Harris's informative book about sexual reproduction is a kid friendly book for just about any kid who begins with curiousity about how a baby is formed and what is needed for the conception such as an egg and sperm. Harris does a brilliant job explaining it in a non-explicit manner..not too much detail but just enough. Emberley's illustrations provide the perfect visual for children to make connections with Harris's explanations. The human cell growth comparison to other animals development as well as others are perfectly paired with the bird and bees conversations throughout the book.

Mirror, Mirror

Singer, M., & Masse, J. (2010). Mirror mirror: A book of reverso poems. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.

A book written in a very poetic form that Singer created in reverso about fairy tales. A 2-in-1 poem about several classical fairy tales read down one way and read back up changing only in capitalization and punctuation. Fairy tales like In the Hood that channel The Little Red Riding Hood and Mirror, Mirror which is the main book's poem which also channels Snow White offers a creative way to read classic fairy tales again to just about anyone that appreciates them in this unique style.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Curtis, C. P. (1997). The Watsons go to Birmingham. London: Orion Children's Books.

Kenny is an 11-year-old boy who happens to be the middle child in the tight-knit humorous Watson family. Kenny witnesses the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement as social injustices begin to unravel that begins in Flint and ends in Birmingham. Not to mention, is constantly bullied due to his lazy eye by Buphead and his older brother,By. By seems to be the black sheep and delinquent in the family, who happens to be a disappointment in his parent's eyes. Climatic events occur when Kenny almost drowns, his brother continues to get into trouble and gets sent to live with his very strict Grandmother Sands where a bombing occurs in a church that leaves four little girls dead. tjis tragic event does something to By and leaves the family devastated. A great book with important themes about the importance of family and acceptance of others.

It's a Book

Smith, L. (2011). It's a book. London: Macmillan Children's Books.

Jackass comes along one day and asks Monkey what he has in his hands as Monkey explains it's a book. Jackass asks if he can do several things with it such as: text, tweet, blog with it, if it has wifi, etc. Monkey repeatedly exclaims "It's a book!" Monkey then decides to show him a climatic part he's on and all Jackass can say is the text is too long and says he can fix the letter problem. He translates it all into text language. Monkey grows with frustration.Spurred by curiosity he begins to read it himself. Hours go by and Monkey wants his book back and Jackass tells him not to worry that he'll charge it. The story ends with Monkey frustratingly telling him he doesn't have to because "It's a Book!" This is a great story for anyone that needs to be reminded that sometimes tangible books are just as great!

Rules

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press.

12-year old Catherine just wants a normal life, but finds it difficult when her family's lives revolve around her 8- year old autistic brother. She constantly finds herself avoiding embarrassing moments with her brother. She just wants to be normal and "cool", when she meets the fashionable next door neighbor, Kristi. Caught up with what Cristi and others might think of her friend,Jason, who is a paraplegic boy she met while attending therapy sessions with her brother. Catherine develops a friendship with both, yet will never allow them to meet each other, due to rejection. Kristi wants to double date and asks Catherine to bring Jason, however,is saved by Jason's party which happens to be on the same day as the dance. That same day he asks if she'd like to go and senses she doesn't want to with him. Later, she ends up asking him if he'd like to go, and just as she suspected Kristi is not accepting Jason for who he is. In the end, Catherine realizes what friendship really is and that there is no such thing as normal. This is a great book for the latter elementary grades to middle grades with powerful lessons of acceptance and friendship.

A Big Guy Took My Ball

Willems, M. (2013). A big guy took my ball! New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

The story is about a Piggie finding a big ball and a big guy taking it from him. Gerald, the elephant, gets upset that someone as big as him has all the fun and attempts to take the ball back. He then finds the "Big Guy" is bigger than he thought when he sees it's a whale, and runs back empty-handed. The whale comes to thank them for finding his little ball and thinks they are so lucky for being so little because no one will play him due to his size. So, all three of them decide to play together and put aside their differences. This is a great book for elementary level grades with a powerful theme about embracing differences.

The Crossover

Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. New York: Houghton Mifflin Court.

A beautiful story of brotherhood. Twins Josh and JB are inseparable and both share basketball, however, Josh hopes to follow his basketball superstar dad's footsteps. Things begin to change and they begin to grow apart especially when JB gets a girlfriend. The tension and friction rise between them through multiple instances and then suddenly something pivotal happens, their father tragically dies after having suffered mild heart attacks. The brothers realize all they have is each other and their family is strengthened. This creative story is told in Josh's rap- like verse. This story has a powerful theme about the lasting bond of a family and the importance of it. It is perfect for middle grades.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Schlitz, L. A., & Byrd, R. (2007). Good masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a medieval village. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

This story highlights 23 unique characters each with their own monologues set in the year 1255 in an English medieval manor. For example, Hugo, the Lord's nephew who must prove himself to his uncle and hunt a wild boar and does so, to Jack, the half-wit who is teased because of his demeanor and kindness towards his friend that is also mocked. Then, of course Giles, the beggar on his crutch, who deceives the gullible for a penny, a morsel,alongside his father and in the end ask the Lord for mercy and to send more fools to them. Each character is between the ages of 10-15 and has a lesson to learn or something to prove. Byrds's detail pen and ink as well as watercolor bring life to each character. This book is perfect for middle grade students that enjoy acting.

The Three Pigs

Weisner, D. (2001). The three pigs. New York: Clarion Books.

The story is creative spin on the traditional tale of The Three Little Pigs. The story begins with the three pigs building homes of straw, sticks, and bricks and being blown away by the big bad wolf, but then the tradiotional story shifts to the pigs being blown off the pages by the wolf's huffing and puffing and travel to other stories and visit characters from other classic tales and finally help a dragon that's about to be slain by a prince. The dragon then protects them from that wolf from that taunting story and they all live happily ever after. Wiesner's use of cinematic and 3D effects make the humorious story come to life as each page is turned.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, J., Kinney, J., & Beckerman, C. (2011). Diary of a wimpy kid. New York: Amulet Books.

This book is about Greg Heffley's jounals of his first year adventures of middle school and his desire to become popular. In his efforts, he decides he must change;however, he and his best friend Rowley always seem to find themselves in a negative limelight drawing unwanted attention. Greg also journals about how he does not agree with his family and how uncool he views them, how he blames Rowley for many of his doings, resulting in a broken friendship, and the inevitable "Cheese Touch" he must claim to habe touched in order to save Rowley's reputation in order to appease his unloyal behavior to Rowley. In the end, he realizes the importance of his relationship with Rowley, even if others labeled him as being "infected"! This book is recommended for the late elementary grades and early middle grades and the journal style of the story is very creative making it an easy read. A humorous story that teaches about the value of friendship and loyalty

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to terabithia. NY:Crown.

Jess is a fifth grader that wants the spotlight and a chance to stand out by being the fastest runner. In his efforts to do just that, he quickly comes to meet Leslie, a new girl, who dares to race all the boys and beats them all. They develop a fast friendship by creating a fantasy in the woods of Terabithia. There they conquer their imaginary beasts that represent their insecurities and fears and play in a land where they rule. They teach each other valuable lessons and Jess grows the confidence to continue to develop his artistic abilities as Leslie teaches him all about literature, creativity, and imagination. They continue their fantasy in Terabithia and at school always fighting off intruders. One rainy day, Leslie stays behind in Terabithia, while Jess goes on an art gallery trip with Miss Edmunds, that he thoroughly enjoys.Upon his return, he finds Leslie tragically drowned in the creek. Jess is torn and downcast and decides to build a bridge in their beloved Terabithia and crown his sister as queen in honor of his beautiful friend, Leslie. This is a beautiful story of friendship that proves that 2 is better than one. It proves to all that you can be whatever you want to be without fear of rejection and the beauty of friendship. A powerful theme and lesson to be learned by students of middle grades.

Where the Wild Things Are by: M. Sendack

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. New York: Harper & Row.

Max slips on his wolf suit , gets in trouble, and gets sent to bed without supper. His imagination slips away as he slips away for over a year where the wild things are. The "wild things" become afraid of him as he commands them to be still. The animals make him king of all wild things. He sails back home after a year and finds his supper waiting for him. It is a wonderful that depicts the power of the imagination. A book and an island kids will love to wander to and visit perfect for elementary grades. The illustrations are rich with such detail and texture. The illustrations compliment the plot perfectly.

This Is Not My Hat

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Somerville: Candlewick Press.

A small fish takes a hat from a big fish while he is sleeping and thinks he can get away with it. Small fish plans on hiding in the plants which may keep him safe from the big fish. Just when he thinks he's safe, the big fish comes, with help from the crab,and takes his hat back. The reader is left to infer that big fish also ate him up. The moral of the story is never take anything that does not belong to you, or else trouble may follow. Klassen's illustrations follow the storyline well with his neutral color pictures. It's definitely a great lesson for children and all ages alike!