Resources Available in Elementary Library

Yellow hates Red, so does Green, and no one likes Orange! Can these crayons quit arguing and learn to cooperate? Shane DeRolf's deceptively simple poem celebrates the creation of harmony through diversity. In combination with Michael Letzig's vibrant illustrations, young readers will understand that when we all work together, the results are much more colorful and interesting.

Enter into the daily life of children in the many countries of modern Africa. Countering stereotypes, AFRICA IS NOT a COUNTRY celebrates the extraordinary diversity of this vibrant continent as experienced by children at home, at school, at work, and at play.

Following the formation of the United States in the late 18th century, the vast land of the West began to beckon the immigrants who had settled in the East. They were lured by opportunities the land and its resources could offer, the possibility of wealth, and a place free from religious persecution. This book details events such as the Louisiana Purchase, the Mormon Trail, and the gold rush in California to explain the development of Americas West.

Follow an errand boy through colonial Boston as he spreads word of rebellion. It?s December 16, 1773, and Boston is about to explode! King George has decided to tax the colonists? tea. The Patriots have had enough. Ethan, the printer?s errand boy, is running through town to deliver a message about an important meeting. As he stops along his route? at the bakery, the schoolhouse, the tavern, and more?readers learn about the occupations of colonial workers and their differing opinions about living under Britain?s rule. This fascinating book is like a field trip to a living history village.

Every girl tells a story. Every girl wants to be heard. Listen to these stories, look into these pictures, and be dazzled by American girls:"If your heart's in it, you'll keep going. Girls can do anything. Girls rule.""The best thing my parents have done for me is to show me that it's okay to be myself.""I'd like to open a clinic for women and children. That has always been my dream."Working in close collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA, documentary photographer Carolyn Jones has captured in words and pictures a lasting portrait of eighty-five American girls -- the girls who are our future. As First Lady Laura Bush says in her foreword, "My hope for every girl, everywhere, is that she, too, will find her voice and achieve her dreams."This is a book for women of all ages, who will recognize the girls they once were and still can be. It is a book for fathers and mothers, who hear -- but may not always listen to -- what their daughters are saying. But most of all it is a book for girls, who will find themselves reflected in this joyous celebration of their complexity, depth, honesty, and glorious, soaring optimism.

Children discover a world of colors all around them. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin, but all are universal in appeal. With rich illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this playful concept book will reinforce the colors found in every child's day.

After years of being home schooled, Amy Hodges is excited to start fourth grade at a ?real? school. On Amy?s first day, she gets teased not only because she is new, but also because she looks different. Amy is part Asian, Caucasian, and African American. Eventually, Amy meets a group of nice kids and one of them even affectionately gives her the nickname ?Amy Hodgepodge? since she?s a mix of so many races. But when their teacher announces that the annual talent show is coming up, Amy wonders if her new friends will want to include her, too.

The extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller that has captivated over 1 million readers and inspired a movement to choose kind. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out. Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder Be sure to look for R.J. Palacio's upcoming Pluto: A Wonder Story on sale this February!

WINNER OF A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR! Each kindness makes the world a little better This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they've put it down. Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya.  

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - everybody knows the Golden rule. But where does it come from and why is it important? It's easy to say, but what does it mean? Why is it called Golden? Here, a grandfather explains to his grandson the importance of this simple rule and demonstrates the wonderful effect following it.