Terronez Library Blog

  Title: The Teachers March! Author: S.N. Wallace, Rich Wallace, & Charly Palmer Genre: Informational Text/Non-fiction Grade Range: 1-5 Review: This is the real story of how teachers in Selma rose up and fought corruption and racism in the battle for the right to vote.  This is a civil rights story that is both true and one that shows the courage and tenacity of teachers, especially Reverend Brown who brought Martin Luther King Jr. to Selma to support their cause and instill the right to bring about "Good Trouble." The story shows how they marched onto the courthouse and took multiple beatings from the Sheriff and his deputies, but also how the teachers returned victorious to the show and awe of their students.  Teachers can use this story to show how doing the right thing in spite of the consequences can be worth it.  It takes leadership and courage to do the right thing.  This story is inspirational and completely relevant today.  This even inspi...

 

  Title: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost Author(s): Flavia Z. Drago Genre: Fantasy Book Age Level: PK-5 Read Aloud:  This is a great book! It has cute drawings and a story that should inspire others to be themselves and to be brave when it comes to making friends.  All students can enjoy this and find the story affecting them in a positive way.  Be true to yourself and shine (or is it glow) for all to see the real you.  Amazon Link

  The display was designed for the collaboration project that was done with another ELA teacher and two other history teachers.  The Holocaust was a horrific event and students can read both non-fiction and historical fiction accounts.  The display will be used to showcase the supplemental texts that can be checked out for more information, which will help them build their research skills throughout that project. For example, there are copies of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, as well as non-fiction books about the children that were displaced during the war.  The stories that don’t get told as often as they could, but ones that would resonate with children. The different texts are meant to bring both non-fiction and historical fiction texts together.  Books like The Terrible Things and Maus help children understand how an atrocity of this scale could happen without people stopping it.  There are books about the propaganda that was used on children in the...

  Title: Smelly Kelly and His Super Senses Author: Beth Anderson & Jenn Harney Genre: Historical Fiction Grade Range: 1-5 Review:  The story of Smelly Kelly is a wonderful read with adorable illustrations that help drive the story forward.   The real-life story is backed up with a thorough bibliography and explanations of some of the tools and chemicals he used throughout his life serving the New York Public.   The moral of the story is that real people, who may be a bit different, can be real-life heroes when they put their minds to work for a greater purpose.   He didn’t need a superpower, his nose might seem like one, but he was able to train others and learn new skills that would lead to the safety of the people.   A fantastic story for all ages. Teachers can use this story to show how curiosity and the desire to learn can help you move ahead in life and even become a hero. Science classes can talk about the chemicals used and history classes can ...

  Title: Stuntboy, in the Meantime Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Raul The Third Genre: Realistic Fiction Grade Range: 1-8 Review: This quirky story is much deeper than one might initially expect as it deals with issues of anxiety, bullying, and the power of a positive mindset.  The writing by Jason Reynolds accompanied by Raul the Third's artwork creates a visually fun and exciting story that takes place in the big city castle where Portico and his best friend Zola watch tv, hang out, meditate when Portico gets "the frets" which is what they call his anxiety, and deal with social issues like parents separating.  The story is fresh as Reynolds uses different font types and local colloquialisms to bring realism to a story about a boy who sees himself as a superhero whose job is to save other superheroes so they can focus on the real issues.  Raul The Third's comic book style drawing adds a quality to the story that builds on the superhero comic style and brings r...

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  Title: The Undefeated Author(s): Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson Genre: Poetry Book Age Level: K-3 Read Aloud:  This is a fantastic book for all ages.  Yes, it's technically been published for younger students, but this is a text that secondary teachers can use to talk about skills such as Allusion, repetition, the civil rights movement, poetry analysis, and the list goes on.  For students there's imagery that will speak to them and references they'll understand with little background knowledge needed.  

  Read-Aloud Video:  Reading Level: For Grades Kindergarten to 3rd grade (according to the publisher) This is a traditional tale/picture book with a modern twist about how a girl feels lonely in a new country and then her Aunt tells her a story about immigrants who felt the same way and how they resolved the issue with their new country. The art and the contemporary themes are ones that will resonate with all children who want to feel like they belong in this beautiful world.   Link to Amazon:  Sugar in Milk Hardcover

  We are Grateful is an award-winning picture book that takes the Cherokee tradition of Otsaliheliga (we are grateful) and turns it into a lovely snapshot of a culture that may be underrepresented in libraries. The story uses colorful imagery that utilizes texture and a variety of colors to capture the young reader’s attention as it shows how the Cherokee tradition of Otsaliheliga is vital throughout the four seasons of the year.  This story will resonate with young children as parents read to them and provide them with building blocks to focus on the positive things in life throughout life’s many seasons. (For grades PK-2) Book Preview:  Book Preview: Video Link This book can be found in Print, Audiobook, and eBook formats.   Amazon Link

  We are the Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Illustrated by Michaela Goade. Audience Level: K-3 grade.  This is a fantastic Award-Winning Picture Book that will be enjoyed by children and parents alike. The story is from the perspective of a young Native American who is standing up to the Big Snake (Oil Pipeline) that is threatening the land and water of her world. The story does a great job of pulling readers in with its rhythm, repetition, and gorgeous art. 

 This is a place where the school library hosts reviews, and readings/video read-alouds to support all students and faculty.   Please feel free to leave comments and requests!  --Terronez Library Staff