Classics, Nonfiction, and Children's Literature
It’s heartbreaking for me to think back on September 11, 2001. Where were you on that day? Everybody remembers. It’s one of those defining moments. The Only Plane in the Sky by Garret M. Graff (Simon & Schuster, 2019; audiobook) is an “Oral History of 9/11” and provides a necessary and thorough account of the
The Sound of Kindness by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and illustrated by Teresa Martinez (Magination Press, June 2023) is a glimpse at the good and kind parts of the communities around us. In the beginning, a child asks what kindness sounds like. Her father answers that we can “hear” kindness as we listen. The rest of
I checked out Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note by Courtney Sheinmel and Susan Verde, illustrated by Heather Ross (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2022) from the library on a whim and now I don’t want to return it! Inn Sallie’s story, Sallie is so excited about her new scarf from her grandma that she
Super Red Riding Hood by Claudia Dávila (Kids Can Press, August 2014) is a twist on the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood, with an emphasis on the super powers of Ruby, a girl who has no fear … or does she? With delightful cartoon-like and friendly illustrations, Ruby’s story shows us that sometimes our
Rosie Sprout’s Time to Shine by Allison Wortche and pictures by Patrice Barton (Knopf, 2011) is a book about selflessness and overcoming jealousy. Rosie is tired of being overshadowed in her class by Violet, whom everyone believes is the Best in everything she does. When it comes time to begin the class unit on growing a
Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein (Candlewick, 2012) is a circular book to emphasize our individual and unseen influence on others. When Amelia smiles, Mrs. Higgins smiles too and makes cookies for her son in Mexico. When he eats the cookies, he teaches his class a song about cookies and his student makes a decision.
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell and illustrated by Paul Micich (Worthy Kids, 2006) is the story of a little angel in heaven who wants to give a special gift to the baby Jesus. I love the beautiful illustrations, and the story resonates with the rest of us who long to make a difference, but
I reread The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry a few months ago, but I appreciated reading an adapted version, illustrated by Carol Heyer (Guidepost books 1994), in celebration of the Christmas season. The adaptation takes out some of O. Henry’s tedious wordiness, thus emphasizing the true message and spirit of the story. Heyer’s
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