Annotated bibliography

Children’s Literature Annotated Bibliography

By Brittany Cherrington

Introduction:

            I am a student at Florida Gulf Coast University in the Elementary Education program. I am a senior and will be graduating May of 2015. I moved to Florida the summer going into my eight grade year. I always loved children but never knew I wanted to teach until my freshman year of college. I coached a traveling volleyball team of 11 and under and knew instantly I wanted to teach, I loved how excited they were to learn and I loved seeing the progress they made and to watch how much they grew from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. I continued to coach for my sophomore year as well.

The summer going into my junior year of college I got a job as a preschool teacher, Teaching at a preschool opened my heart and eyes even more and my passion grew. By working at a preschool I did figure out I did definitely prefer older children to teach. This past year I decided that after I graduate I will teach abroad first. I would like to do it for a couple years and then come back and teach in the Florida.

For my annotated bibliography I wanted to choose 30 children books that were different topics and themes. The grade I would like to focus on is second because it is my ideal grade to teach. When choosing books I wanted to make sure the books delivered a positive message. I also looked at the pictures and the text when choosing books.

The library had so many books I had no idea where to start. I did contact teachers I knew and asked for good book recommendations. The librarian was also a great help because she knew everything about books. It was hard not to just pick books that I use to like to use as a child. I wanted to actually find books that I would be able to create lessons with as well.

Thirty literature books is a lot but I was able to find books that I would be able to use in the classroom for lessons and for regular read-alouds. I did learn that genre meant a lot for a child.  According to Johnson (2012) states, “The characteristics of different genres also influence how readers respond to a particular book.” (p. 26)

For not being in a classroom this made it hard to choose books because I don’t know what will work and what will not. Especially picking books that could be used for every student in the classroom including English language learners. This brings me to my next hurdle I had. I felt that it was important to focus on multicultural literature as well. Especially in the school systems we have now because there are so many diverse students.

I wanted books that portrays the different values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of multiple cultures. Johnson (2012) said “Educators must also ensure that children have regular, meaningful, engagements with high-quality children’s books that are culturally authentic and accurate.” (P. 29). This stuck out to me because it was just like the other quote there are so many different things you need to look at when picking books for your students.

In conclusion, I feel you cannot just pick up a book of the shelf without looking at it and hope it works. As a teacher you will want to read the books and make sure if you were to use that book that you would be able to keep your students interested. Make it a goal to teach and motivate your students to learn using literature the best that you can.

Reflection:

            Throughout this class I have explored many books and I am very pleased to say that I have learned so much about literature, I have learned so much about choosing books for your classroom and how to effectively use strategies and how to complete literature circles and even read-alouds. I also learned how to choose books for appropriate ages and for finding multicultural books.

            This assignment was very long and did get confusing at times because it was hard to keep it all straight and when you work too long on it you may find yourself not making sense. I would not change anything about this assignment. I felt it was great and I learned about many books and I was able to read and pick ones I could use.

            I fell in love with many of the books and I cannot wait to try and incorporate them into my own classroom. I found it great to be able to learn more about the bookstores and even the internet when you need to find information on genres or even authors.

            After completing this assignment I know understand how hectic it can be to find books for your classroom. I also now understand why it is important to read the books you want first. There were a few I picked without reading and had to go back because they were not what I needed. I wanted to find books that would keep the students’ interested and give them the motivation to read. Books are so diverse and can be used in many settings, students’ don’t have to get a book just to read independently. You can use them in group settings, read alouds and literature circles.

References:

Reference:

Johnson, D. (2011). The Joy of Children’s Literature, 2nd Ed. Belmont, CA: 

       Wadsworth

      

Title, Author, Copyright Genre, Pages	Theme Summary Awards	Personal Response to the Book	Classroom Use
Picture Books                            primary general, Sci or SS focus
Sun up, Sun Down By: Gail Gibbons Copyright: 1983 Pages: 32 Science                         Grade Level: K	Theme: Astronomy And Space Awards: National Science Teaching association American Institute artist award	I loved this book, the illustrations were very bold and the language was easy for the students to understand. The book was very fun and informational. It will be a book kindergartners will love and be able to learn all about the sun. This book is about a little girl and how the sun affects her life daily.	For the classroom use of this book I would develop a simple writing activity about the sun and have the students write about how the sun affects their life. Students could also say the things they love to do in the sun. This activity is easy and the students will be able to be creative and use their own personal connections.
I Fall Down By: Vicki Cobb Illustrated by: Julia Gorton Copyright: 2004 Pages: 40 Science Grade Level: 1st	Theme: Force, Gravity motion, weight Awards: Outstanding Science Trade  Books for Students k-12	When I first saw this book I had no idea that it would be explaining gravity. The illustrations are great. The pictures and the texts are age appropriate and the students will connect with it. The texts through the book is very creative and sometimes the text is going in a circle, dripping off a spoon etc. This book explains weight, gravity force and motion in a way that is easy for students to understand.	Multiple things could be done with this book. In the classroom I would use this for a science lesson about gravity. For an activity I would have students participate in dropping races and record their results. This way students can do it hands on and connect with the concept even better.
How To See An Apple Pie and See The World By: Marjorie Priceman Copyright: 1996 Pages: 40 Social Studies                                                    Grade level: 2nd	Theme: Adventure comedy Awards: Reading Rainbow Feature Book American Library Association	This book was funny to read and funny. Students will enjoy this book as the read about a girl who travels the world to get ingredients to make an Apple Pie. The baker searches far and wide and finally finds her ingredients. This story will keep the students laughing.	For this activity I would have the students mark on a map where the girl in the book traveled to get the ingredients. The students will be given there on map and mark on the map the places she went and the ingredients she picked up.
The Lily Cupboard By: Shulamith Levey Oppenheim Illustrator: Ronald Himler Copyright: 1995 Pages: 40 Social Studies Grade Level: 3rd	Theme: Holocaust Friendship Awards: None Listed	When I picked up this book in the library I read it twice. The illustrations were cute and could tell the story themselves without the text. The storyline was cute and easy enough for a 3rd grader to understand. This beautiful story of a brave family that risked their lives to save another. Although It is about a very sad time in history this story was inspiring by all the lives that were saved from courageous families.		This story would make a good classroom connection because of how informative it is. This story is a great way to teach your students about the holocaust. Also to discuss the topic of World war II and the huge impact it had.
When Jessie Came Across the Sea By: Amy Hest Illustrator: P.J. Lynch Copyright: 1997 Pages: 40 Social Studies                                                      Grade Level: 4th	Theme: Immigration Awards: 3x winner of Christopher Medal Winner of Boston Globe Horn Book Award	This book is a great picture book. It is leveled for 3-5th grade but I would use it in fourth. The illustrations were very real and made the story even more touching. The storyline is great, Jessie who is only 13 is separated from her grandma so she can go to America. Leaving Europe she goes to New York. She eventually meets a guy, starts working and year’s later saves up enough money to get her grandma to America.		This book could be used in the classroom to teach students about immigration and why they came to America. I would have students write about if they were an immigrant where would they choose to live in America and why.
Traditional Literature          Folk Tale, Myth,  Epic, Multicultural Cinderella
Johnny Appleseed By: Steven Kellogg Copyright:1998 Pages: 38 Folktale 3rd Grade	Theme: Informational Biography Awards: None listed	This book is separated into nine short chapters and explains the life of Johnny Appleseed. Johnny was a kid who liked to read aloud to animals and talk to the stars in the sky. Johnny has a friend who teaches him all about apples. When Johnny is 18 he leaves to plant his own orchard. This story will explain the life of the caring and loving Johnny Appleseed.	For this book I would do a science activity. I would bring apples to class and have the students take apart the apple and we would learn all about them, how they grow and take a look at the core of an apple. After I would have a Johnny Appleseed day where we bring in and eat different things made with apples and even drink apple cider. This will be an activity where students can be hands on, learn and at the same time have fun.
Tales From The Odyssey By: Mary Pope Osborne Copyright: 2010 Pages: 288 Myth Grade Level: 4	Themes: Greek Mythology Awards: None Listed	This book is one of many different series. This story is volume 1. As Odysseus is a long way from home and is cursed by a one eyed giant. If he ever wants to see his family again he will have to face cannibals. Outsmart a witch and make it past a six headed serpent. This story is a test of courage and endurance.	I would use this book when teaching mythology. I would have the students’ research about Odyssey and Greek mythology.
Yeh-Shen A Cinderella Story from China By: Ai-Ling Louie Illustrator: Ed Young Copyright: 1996 Pages: 32 Multicultural Cinderella Grade Level: 3rd	Awards: None Listed	In this Cinderella story Yeh-Shen goes to the king’s ball in a gold dress that looks like fish scales and is wearing gold glass slippers. When she runs away to get home on time one of the slippers fall off. The king displays the shoe for the owner to come get it. When Yeh-Shen tries to steal it the king does not believe it is hers until she shows the other shoe.	For this activity I would have students compare and contrast our Cinderella version to the China version. I would also have students research China and their traditions and the clothes they have compared to the clothes we wear in America.
Modern Fantasy:                    ( primary, intermediate,  upper)
Where the Wild Things Are Written and Illustrated by: Maurice Sendak Copyright: 1988 Pages:48 3rd Grade	SLJ Best Book Award Caldecott Medal	If you want children to use their imagination and be creative, I would say read this book. Max is a little boy whose mom yells at him for acting wild. She sends him to his room and when he is in his room he uses his imagination and turns his entire bedroom into a forest. Max escapes his mom and his emotions by using his imagination.	I would use this book and create a creative writing activity. There are many writing props, students could finish the story. Students could tell the story as themselves. I would try to let the children come up with their own story and create a place using their own thoughts.
Charlotte’s Web By: E.B. White Illustrator: Carth Williams Copyright: 2001 Pages: 184 Grade Level: 4th	Genre: Classic Theme: Grief Friendship Farm Life Awards: None listed	I picked this book because I love it when I was little and it is a classic. This is a tale of a little girl who wants to save her pig. She works with a spider to help save her pig Wilbur from trouble. E.B. White helps remind students how much the simplest things matter.	This was harder for make up an activity for. I felt that a writing assignment is almost the only thing that fits other than possibly taking aa field trip to learn about animals. I decided to put them together and have students find three farm animals they would want to learn about and then write facts about the animals.
The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe By: C.S. Lewis Copyright: First published 1950 Pages: 206 Grade Level: 5	Theme: Courage, Bravery, heroism Awards: Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel	This was one of the first chapter books that I ever read and liked besides Junie. B. Jones. I was excited to read it again. This story is great it is heroic, adventurous and imaginative. As four brother and sisters wonder into a wardrobe they will discover a world where there is magic and where they all become hero’s.	An activity I would do with this book is break the class into groups. I would have the students then pick characters out of the book to be and develop their own story of Narnia. Students will then write a script using the characters and present their own Narnia.
Poetry Books                       (primary, intermediate, upper)
In The Sea By: David Elliot Illustrator: Holly Meade Copyright: 2012 Pages:32 Grade Level: k-3	Theme: Sea Life Poems Awards: New York best-selling author	This is a book of poems about the sea and all the different sea life. There are many diverse sea creatures and the illustrations are great. Students will love this book!	An activity I would do for this book is having the students pick their favorite sea animal from the book and then drawing their own sea creature and making their own poem about it. They may even pick one that was not in the book as well.
Falling Up Written and Illustrated by: Shel Silverstein Copyright: 2003 Pages: 178 Grade Level: 4-5th	Themes: Poetry Awards: Grammy Awards for Best Children's Recording was for Where the Sidewalk Ends in 1984	I picked this poem book because Shel Silverstein has great work. The author is funny and delivers great poems that the children will love.	For this activity I thought the students could research the author and find another poem/book the author has. Then the students will then present their favorite poem and why it is their favorite to the class.
Button Up By: Alice Schertle and Petra Mathers Copyright: 2009 Pages: 40 Grade Level: 5-7	Theme: Poetry Awards: None Listed	This poem book brings clothes to life. Throughout the poem book shoes, jackets and even hats have personalities and the clothes are displayed on various animals.	An activity I would do with the students is have them work in groups and create their own animal and dress it. Then the students would have to explain the personality of the clothes.
Realistic Fiction:                   (primary, intermediate, upper)
Holes By: Louis Sachar Copyright: 2000 Pages: 233 Grade Level: 5	Awards: Newberry Medal National Book Award for Young People	This is a great chapter book for 5th and higher. Stanley’s family has bad luck. Stanley gets accused of stealing and ends up going to a Juvenile camp. Stanley has to dig holes at the new camp, all day long. This book will take you many adventures and Stanley finds a family secret while being there and eventually his luck turns from bad to good.	For this book I would have students create a response journal. During the reading students will write about the chapters they have read and any questions they have about the book. There will also be class discussions to discuss their responses.
Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl By: Barbra Park Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus Copyright: 2001 Pages: 72 Grade Level: 3	Themes: School Awards: None Listed	This is a series that could go on forever and the children will love. The series is age appropriate and funny. As Junie B. Jones gets her graduation gown she can’t help but take it out of the box even though the teacher said no. She gets herself in a mess, will she be able to get out of it before graduation?	For this activity I would have students write about a time they didn’t follow instructions and what happened. Then I would have students complete a project like a jigsaw puzzle following the instructions given. It could even be like drawing a picture and the students have to follow instructions and see if they did it correctly and got the right picture at the end.
Bridge To Terabithia By: Katherine Paterson Illustrator: Donna Diamond Copyright: Pages: Grade Level: 5th	Awards: None Listed	This is a great book about friendship but does end sadly. I remember reading it in school and I loved it. It was full of adventure and easy to read. In the story Jess and Leslie start to become close friends and discover a magical place in the forest.	I would use this book in literature circles. Giving the students a different strategy each time as well as different roles. This way every student is reading, discussing and will be participating.
Wonder By: R.J. Palacio Copyright: 2012 Pages: 315 Grade Level: 5-7	Theme: Middle School Disabilities Friendship Awards: None Listed	This book is about a boy who was born with a craniofacial abnormality which causes his facial features to be deformed. Being home schooled until 5th grade his parents decide to put him in a private school. August is worried about what people will think and if anyone will like him. August impacts more lives than he thought he would.	This is such a touching book and will remind students that everyone is the same. For this book I would do as a literature circle book. Students would be able learn about the different things you can do to make people feel welcomed. There could also be a writing or discussion about people that have made an impact on them. I would maybe have thee students write something nice about another student in the class and we could make a class book.
Historical Fiction                (primary, intermediate, upper)
Mama Played Baseball By: David A. Adler Copyright:2003 Pages:32 Grade Level: K-2	Theme: Social Studies Sports Awards: None Listed	I thought this book was adorable. I actually ended up buying it. This story is about a girl whose dad is fighting in World War II and her mom has to get a job. Her mom doesn’t get a regular job but she becomes a professional baseball player in the first women’s league. While Amy’s mom travels she works on a special surprise for when her dad gets home.	For this book I would do a read aloud and a picture walk. I would ask students what they know about baseball and after the story I’ll ask them what they learned that they didn’t know. The students can fill out a KWL chart about baseball.
These Hands By: Margaret H. Mason Illustrator: Floyd Cooper Copyright:2001 Pages:38 Grade Level: 3	Themes: Discrimination Awards: None Listed	This story is a powerful story about discrimination. Joseph’s grandfather is quite the handy man. He can play piano and throw a curveball. But in the 1950’s and 1960’s he was not allowed to bake bread at the Wonder factory because he was black. Joseph and his grandfather put their hands together and fight discrimination.	For this activity I would have students work in groups and make a comparison chart of how much discrimination has changed. Students may use the internet to look up historical events that happened during the 1950’s and 960’s.
Pink and Say By: Patricia Polacco Copyright: 1994 Pages: 48 Grade Level:4th	Themes: Historical Fiction, American Civil war, courage, bravery Awards: None	This is a powerful story with amazing illustrations. It takes place during the civil war. Say is lying in the middle of the battle field and Pink finds him. Pink takes Say back to his house where Pink’s mother takes care of Say. Pink and Say become great friends, they have to head back to war. On their way back they get captured and separated.	For this I would do a read aloud and a picture walk. This book is a great story and I feel it would be good to have a whole group discussion. The students will be able to respond about the reading and if they have questions. After the discussion students will write a summary about the book and the class discussion.
Annie and Helen By: Deborah Hopkinson Copyright:2012 Pages: 100 Grade Level: 5th	Theme:   Motivational Awards: None Listed	This is an inspiring story about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan her teacher. The book takes the readers through both Annie's and Helen's early lives and their quest to find a way for young Helen to communicate with the world around her.	For this book I would have students write a creative piece on what it would be like if they were Helen Keller.  Student’s good choose to make a presentation and explain their own story and include pictures. I would also use this book as a read aloud, one that we do daily for a week.
Non Fiction                       (primary, intermediate, upper)
I am Amelia Earhart By: Brad Meltzer Illustrator: Christopher Elicpoulos Copyright: 2014 Pages: 30 Social Studies Grade: 2nd	Theme: Motivational, biography Awards: N.Y. Best-selling Author	The illustrations for this book were great. I felt students would love a biography about someone that almost looks like a cartoon, which every child can connect with. This story tells the life of Amelia from childhood to becoming an adult. Amelia was someone who didn’t take no for an answer and ended up being the first woman to fly.	For a classroom activity I would want to make this as creative as possible. I remember in elementary when we read biographies we would write facts about the person and make something that stood for them. For example; I might have students write facts about Amelia on piece of paper that would then fold into an airplane.
On a Beam Of Light By: Jennifer Berne Ilustrator: Vladimir Radunsky Copyright:2013 Pages: 56 Grade: 3	Theme: Inventor Awards: None Listed	This book tells the story of Albert Einstein. It starts how a little boy dreams to be traveling on a beam of light. His brilliant mind will one day offer the most revolutionary ideas.	I would do a picture walk with this book and then a read aloud. After we will fill out a chart about Albert Einstein and at the end of the chart the students can write something they would like to invent and what it would do.
Freedom Train By: Dorothy Sterling Copyright: 1987 Pages: 192 Grade Level: 5	Theme: Slavery Underground railroad Awards: None Listed	This is a biography about Harriet Tubman who led hundreds of slaves through the underground railroad.	I would use this book in literature circles. Students will fill out journals and complete activities that will teach them about woman history and leadership.
The Breaker Boys By: Pat Hughes Copyright: Pages: Grade Level: 6	Theme: Child Labor Culture and diversity Awards: None Listed	As Nate gets sent to boarding school he is so angry that he won’t make friends. Eventually he gets kicked out, to avoid his family he disappears on his bike every day. Nate runs into the breaker boys who do coal work for his father. Nate admires the immigrants and wants to become friends. In order to become friends he must hide that he is the boss’s son. He soon learns the boys are going to go on strike. What will Nate do?	For this book I would have the students read it and fill out a response journal. What they learned and have them answer questions from the book in the journal that I give them.
DIVERSE POPULATIONS                 (primary, intermediate,upper)
Whoever You Are By: Mem Fox And Leslie Staub Copyright: 2006 Pages: 32 Grade: K-2	Theme: Diversity Cultures Awards:	This book is a unique way of delivering that every child is the same. All over the world children are crying, laughing, playing and learning. Even though not all children look the same they are still alike.	For this activity I would first do a read aloud. Then have students pick two different cultures and then fill out a comparison chart. The students will figure out differences and similarities of the different cultures.
Henry’s Freedom Box By: Ellen Levine Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Copyright: 2007 Pages: 40 Grade: 3rd	Theme: Abolition, Determination Awards: None Listed	Henry is a young boy who has no idea how old he is because slaves do not get their birthdays recorded. Henry is torn from his family to work in a warehouse. Eventually Henry gets married but again his family is torn apart and sold at the slave market. Then one day he picks up a crate and realizes he needs to mail himself to the North. Henry mails himself and eventually has his own birthday, his First day of being free.	For this assignment I would have a read aloud and a picture walk. Next the students will find facts about slavery. On the board there will be a section for post it notes. One side will be for facts and the other side will be for questions. Once the students put their post its on the board there will be a class discussion about any questions and the facts.
Inside Out & Back Again By: Thanhha Lai Copyright: 2011 Pages:272 Grade: 5-6	Theme: Immigration Awards: National Book award winner	This book is actually about the author’s childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam and immigrated to Alabama. Ha only ever knew Saigon, the excitement of the market, traditions and her friends close by. The war has reached her home and now her family must flee to America. Alabama is a new culture and a new world to her,	This book would be used in literature circles. The students will do multiple activities learning about immigration and the culture in Saigon compared to our culture. Students will put any information into their journals,
Esperanza Rising By: Pam Ryan Munoz Illustrated by: Tricia Tusa Copyright:2000 Pages: 262 Grade: 5	Awards: Jefferson Cup Award/Honor;  Publishers Weekly Best Book;  Smithsonian's Notable Book;  Americas Award for Children's Literature;	I chose this book because it was one I had to read and I loved it. I also knew a teacher who used it and she said the children loved it. This book talks about the Depression in America, migrant workers and Mexican people. When Esperanza and her family are forced to leave Mexico and go work in California she finds it hard to live in the United States. Esperanza has to learn how to accept the new society she is in.	For this book I would use an activity that is whole group. I would use this book in literature circles or whole group. The book covers a lot and may have the students confused. If they work in groups they will be able to help each other. For this activity I would have many discussions.