Picture Books
by Peter Sis
While on a skiing holiday in Prague, Nicholas Winton learned of the impending invasion of the German army. Determined to help as many fellow Jews as possible, he devised a plan to dispatch Jewish Czech children to England. He made lists of names, mapped routes, and advertised for foster families willing to host underage refugees. One such child was eleven-year-old Vera Diamantova, who left all she had to find safety in the home of a stranger. She was the only member of her family who survived the devastating occupation.
In 1988, on live BBC television, the story was told of how Nicky had helped 669 children escape to safety, many of whom were secretly placed in the studio audience to thank their 100-year-old rescuer. This book is an illustrated summary of what was shared on the show.
After enjoying the story, readers can watch an archived clip of That's Life dedicated to thanking Holocaust hero Nicholas Winton.
The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln
by Raymond Arroyo
There's a reason Abe Lincoln named his youngest son Tad. He was wiggly from the start, "Just like a tadpole." During some of the most trying years of the Civil War, Tad Lincoln was known to roam wild with his animals, both in and out of the White House, even racing his pet goat down the hallways. When his older brother Willie died from fever, Tad became despondent. It was not until a turkey was brought onto the grounds in preparation for Thanksgiving that he perked up. The bird soon became a wonderful playmate, earning an official presidential pardon just before the celebratory feast.
This colorful story will give readers an interesting glimpse into the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln as they tag along with the precocious Tad.
by Peter Spier
Beautifully illustrated, this book gives a visual picture of the nation's beloved anthem. Readers will better understand the rich language depicted by the watercolor sketches. Each page contains one line of the song from verses one, two, and four. Additionally, a photograph of Francis Scott Key's original hand-written copy of the poem, a complete history of the Battle of Baltimore, a map of the military advances, a bill of sale for the publishing rights of The Star Spangled Banner, and a pictorial directory of US Military flags are also included as supplemental materials at the end of the book.
by Jim LaMarche
While watching a small stream flow through an abandoned gravel pit one spring day, Matt wondered what would happen if he and his friends cleaned up the area and built a dam. Together, they collected and discarded trash, moved rocks, and constructed a natural levee. Weeks went by, and slowly, the water began to fill the once desolate landscape, creating a pond. As the seasons changed, animals migrated to the area. The trio restored a boat and enjoyed leisurely afternoons floating along the shoreline. In winter, the pond froze, making the perfect backdrop for skating parties and hockey tournaments. Eventually, spring returned with the promise of many more pond adventures together.
The striking sketches of this book will inspire young readers to go outside and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Leveled Readers
by David LaRochelle
Each page of this hilarious modern take on the Dick and Jane books of yesteryear is divided into two parts. On the left-hand side, a narrator gives the simple details of the dog's actions. On the right-hand side, the dog disagrees with the narrated commentary. The two voices banter back and forth, creating a story within a story. Upset by the misrepresentation, the dog eventually uses a pencil to change the narrator's portion of the text.
With its divided passages, this book would make a great "read with me" story. An emergent reader could decode the simpler and more repetitive text of the narrator, while an adult or older sibling could read the part of the dog, or vice versa.
by Nancy Smiler Levinson
Clara is a farmer's daughter. She doesn't know how to read. She has no time to learn nor no one to teach her. But oh, how she wants to know what the words on the pages say! While at the general store one day, she discovers that someone has set up a library station on one of the shelves. Anyone may borrow a book. For free! Papa reminds her that there's no use bringing a book home that will never be read. Clara walks away from the shelf, empty-handed and broken-hearted. Then, one day, while picking berries in the woods, she sees a funny wagon coming down the road. Little does she know that it's filled with books and a woman determined to bring literacy to the rural farmers of Maryland.
This is the story of the country's first traveling librarian, Mary Titcomb.
Illustrated Chapter Books
by Matthew Cordell
Winter has come to the woods, and unfortunately, Poppy is unprepared. She has been playing when she should have been preparing. Her best friend Cornbread, who has spent months stashing away berries, nuts, and cheese, agrees to go with her to the top of Holler Mountain in search of more food to harvest. On trembling feet, the pair set out, fearful of the weather, the terrain, and the potential for mouse-eating owls. Will they find what they are looking for, and more importantly, will they make it back home safely?
First, in a great three-part series about friendship, this particular title introduces the concept of stewardship and, although not faith-based, echoes the sentiments of Proverbs 6:6-8.
McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm
by Sid Fleischman
When Josh McBroom discovers that the eighty acres of farmland he purchased are actually eighty one-acre plots all stacked on top of each other, he thinks he's been swindled. Not to be outwitted, he plants corn on his one-acre farm and watches as the rich 80-acre-deep soil produces a faster-growing and better-quality harvest than any single-layer field ever could.
This hilarious story is divided into three stand-alone chapters. Fans of Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed will appreciate the laugh-out-loud silliness of this modern tall tale.
Parents, Be Aware
by James Howe
Other than their name, these two neighbor boys have nothing in common. One is big, and one is little. One likes to play loud and rough, the other likes to play quietly. With all of their differences, can they even be friends? It's not until a unique girl moves down the street that the pair begins to see that, like her, they can enjoy each other's company despite their dissimilarities.
Things to know: Big Bob is presented as a "traditional" boy who likes to play with trucks and dig in the dirt. Little Bob, however, is an example of fluidity in gender roles. He likes to dress in girl's clothes, put flowers in his hair, and play with dolls. The new girl reminds him that both boys and girls "can do whatever they want."
Just for you, Mom
by Lisa Wingate
Tennessee, 1939. Rill Foss is the oldest of five kids born to a poor riverboat couple. When her dad must take her mom to the hospital, Rill is put in charge. All is well until the authorities show up and take the small brood to a children's home with the promise of a better life. But, the orphanage is not at all what it seems.
South Carolina, present day. Avery Stafford has a promising future as a newly appointed federal prosecutor. Just before her lavish wedding, she returns to her childhood home and unearths a long-hidden secret that makes her question everything she's ever known about her family.
Based on the true events surrounding one of America's most notorious trafficking rings, The Tennessee Children's Home, that stole children from poor families and sold them to wealthy couples, this is a powerful but heart-wrenching read you won't soon forget.