A boy describes the trip he takes with his father to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, they look for the name of his grandfather, who died before he was born.
The Wall
In the 1850s, “Orphan Trains” carried children from New York City orphanages to new homes in the West. Many, like Marianne, hoped to be reunited with their parents. Though not all of the children found happiness, Marianne’s story provides hope and an introduction to an intriguing period in American history.
Train to Somewhere
More than anything, first grader Jim wants to read. Even though his teacher is reassuring, Jim is impatient. But then, one day it happens — Jim reads! Adults and children alike will appreciate the subtle message of different learning rates and styles in this gentle story.
When Will I Read?
Alfie takes his trusty blanket with him when he attends his first party alone, but bravely puts it down to comfort a friend who is frightened by a mask.
Alfie Gives a Hand
Naomi and her younger brother Owen have lived with their grandmother in a small trailer for many years, ever since they were abandoned by their mother. When Mom Terri Lynn suddenly returns, does she really have the kids’ best interests at heart?
Becoming Naomi León
Ever since Peter moved away (We Are Best Friends, 1982), he and his best friend Robert have kept in touch. Now that they’re together during Peter’s visit, the boys learn that while some things have changed, others, happily, have stayed the same.
Best Friends Together Again
Even though they talk by phone every Sunday, Grace has felt an “Aimee-shaped hole in her life” ever since her best friend moved away. But that’s only one of the changes Grace deals with in this engaging novel. Grace and her friends were first introduced in Starring Grace (2000).
Bravo Grace
Chester and Wilson are like peas in a pod. Not only do they do everything together; they do most things in the same way. Then, a new mouse moves in to the neighborhood and things will never be the same! Lilly (Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, 1996) is irrepressible and energetic, as Chester and Wilson soon happily find out.
Chester’s Way
When Danitra leaves the city for a summer with her family in the country, she and best friend Zuri write to each other about their days. The free verse and softly hued, realistic illustrations convey the warmth of both summer and the girls’ friendship.
Danitra Brown Leaves Town
Though her family tries to replace it, Little Flora, a young rabbit, can’t sleep because her blanket is missing. After much anxiety, the blanket is uncovered and all is well again.
Flora’s Blanket
Geraldine’s parents think it’s time for her to give up her old, tattered, but much loved pink baby blanket. Instead, Geraldine comes up with an inventive way to keep it with her always.
Geraldine’s Blanket
When the moving van is all packed, a small bear returns to say goodbye to the old house before moving to his new home. He and his family bid farewell to everything except the memories. Simple illustrations present a possible way to help younger children cope with a move.
Goodbye House
Who would have thought that fruits and vegetables could express a cornucopia of emotions? The expressive produce are labeled with the fellings they are showing. Readers of all ages can identify with this clever book and will gain the words to use when presented with stressful situations.
How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods
Though Jamaica wonders who lost the stuffed dog and struggles with the decision to try and find its owner, she ultimately returns it to the playground where she found it. When the dog is reunited with its rightful and very relieved young owner, Jamaica finds a new friend.
Jamaica’s Find
In this book by Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse, the highly skilled Juice, who can handle everything from power tools to her Pa’s depression, is plagued by an inability to understand letters and reading.
Just Juice
This tender novel describes a loving Japanese-American family from the point of view of the younger sister. Personal challenges and family tragedy, particularly the older sister’s struggle with lymphoma, are set against the oppressive social climate of the South during the 1950s and early 1960s. (2005 Newbery Medal Winner)
Kira-Kira
Trixie enjoys errands with her dad until her beloved stuffed toy, Knuffle Bunny, is left at the Laundromat. It takes her mom’s insight to figure out what made Trixie go “boneless.” Only then is the beloved toy recovered and Trixie utters her first real words! Cartoon characters are imposed on a background of monochromatic photographs portraying a New York neighborhood. The book was awarded a Caldecott Honor.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
What happened to D.W.’s blankie? Though Arthur and her dad try to help, it is D.W.’s mom who solves the mystery and saves D.W.’s day.
D.W.’s Lost Blanket
After years in his home, Mitchell, a dinosaur, builds a new house and plans to move. But Margo, his friend and neighbor, just doesn’t understand. Humorous illustrations combine with a familiar theme for a rollicking story.
Mitchell Is Moving
A young mouse digs in his heels while his mother is packing up their house for the inevitable move. Adults and children will see familiar behavior when the small mouse insists that he’s not going. The satisfying conclusion makes this book especially helpful.
I’m Not Moving, Mama
Owen’s neighbor thinks that Owen is getting too old to take Fuzzy, his beloved yellow blanket, to kindergarten. With a snip, however, Owen’s inspired mom comes up with a creative solution for all.
Owen
Ramona is ready for the challenges of a new school — without her older sister. It’s a year of change for the Quimby family and if everyone else can adjust, so can Ramona. The normal challenges of family life come alive here with verve and humor.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
What Susan does everyday is revealed in a simple, rhyming text and light-lined, colored pencil illustrations. What Susan does and how she behaves is what all children do but she does it using a wheelchair, revealed — without sentimentality — in the final spread.
Susan Laughs
Learning how to read isn’t easy for Trisha. But with the help and support of a wise new teacher, she begins to blossom. Told with warmth and sensitivity, and illustrated in Polacco’s signature style, the story of a girl overcoming dyslexia is based on the author’s own experience.