Leaving the Next*
by Mordicai Gerstein (author and illustrator)
ISBN: 978-0-374-34369-9
This story is about coming of age...and it is told through a young girl's persepctive AND a number of small yard-dwelling animals. Follow the young girl gain confidence with riding a bike, a baby blue jay learn to fly, a kitten learn to chase and pounce, and more! At the end, everyone wants to fly!
I'm Not*
by Pam Smallcomb
Illustrated by Robert Weinstock
ISBN: 978-0-375-86115-4
This book highlights true friendship found between two unlikely candidates. Evelyn is a high-energy free spirit. The narrator ("I") is disciplined. The book starts by highlighting the artsy and crazy characteristics of Evelyn, and the narrator comparing himself to her states "I'm not." In the end, we find out that the narrator is good at many things, too...like spelling "friends" correctly. Ultimately, when it comes to being a good friend, the narrator finally proclaims, "I am."
Also, when you read this book, notice the details on the bottom of the title page. How creative is that!
Flotsam*
by David Wisner (author and illustrator)
ISBN: 978-0-618-19457-5
Follow the adventure of a curious science-minded lad as he makes some discoveries at the beach that will take him to new places and new times.
Weisner exquisitely unfolds the plot of his story without the use of words. Therefore his attention to detail, sequencing of pictures, and expressions of the characters allow the reader to make predictions and inferences and relate with the characters…those same reading skills utilized with text-based stories. With this picture book, I found it more challenging to, well, read between the lines.
Here are more resources to search! Don't forget that a more comprehensive list of websites can be found on the Resources at Your Fingertips page.
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride*
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
ISBN: 978-05-90-96075-5
This informational book celebrates the friendship between two of the most influencial women of their era: Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. This book documents a White House dinner in which Amelia convinces Eleanor (and it didn't take a lot of arm-twisting) to go for a evening flight over Washtington, DC. The illustrations in this book have wonderful perspective to the reader. You'll want to duck out of the way of these ladies!
The Juice Box Bully*
by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
Illustrated by Kim Shaw
ISBN: 978-1-933-91672-9
"I will speak up instead of acting like a bystander."
Pete, new to a school, relys on his bullying ways to get what he wants. At this school, however, bullying isn't accepted. Learn how others react to Pete's ways, and find out what the whole "promise" is! I love the ending of the book, too. Even though Pete's behaviors were poor the first days at his new school, the others didn't automatically shun or label him. It is not only about standing up against bullying, it's about moving on in a positive way, too.
Fireflies*
By Julie Brickloe (author and illustrator)
The mood of this book is very cozy. The narrator of the story (a young boy) catches fireflies on a warm summer evening. He enjoys watching his glimmering jar until he notices that the fireflies are losing their glow. Then, he has a serious decision to make.
Picture books are just plain fun. I enjoy the illustrations and the kinship experienced in the sharing of these books.
These books can be much more succinct because the illustrations tell much of the story. They're useful at all levels, because you can get to the point or main idea of the book in no time flat.
My moment of revelation while reading the books highlighted on this page was really pretty superficial. I was surprised how many picture books are 32 pages long. Is that a standard for publishers or something? Huh? Who knew?
Beyond the Great Mountain
by Ed Young
ISBN: 978-0-811-84343-0
This book is essentially a 14-line poem. Each line of the poem is illustrated by its own double-page layout. The book has pages of graduated lengths, and it is intended to be read vertically. The illustrations are from torn paper collage and rich paint colors, and the results of the three characteristics is stunning. The richness and formality of China is blended well with its mystery.
Let's Talk About Race*
by Julius Lester
Illustrated by Karen Barbour
ISBN: 978-0-064-46226-6
This book reminds us that one's race is just one tiny contributor to who we are as a whole person. Simple put, and not that "preachy," this book could move middle school students (and younger) to realize that making a fast judgment about a person based on skin color is truly unfair.
The Arrival*
by Shaun Tan (author and illustrator)
ISBN:
978-0-439-89529-3
A man leaves his homeland in search to make a better life for his wife and daughter. It appears that the homeland has something ominous hovering over it (as indicated by the dark serpent-like tales woven throughout the pictures). The man takes a ship to an unknown new land where he encounters new written language, new creatures, industrialism, and unique architecture. You watch the main character find a place to stay, find a job that he understands, meet new friends, and finally reunite with his family.
This visual literacy selection is a challenging "read." It may take your middle schooler a couple of readings to put the pieces together.
Dedicated to Bacon, our rescue dog (son) with nothing more than a name and a terrible past. This story is touching for all ages, as it shows the tenacity, strength, and compassion that surfaced out of a horrible situation. Animal lovers, this book should come with the following warning: best if read near tissue box.
Two Bobbies*
by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
Illustrated by Jean Cassels
ISBN: 978-0-802-79754-4