Educational Film
I used this example in a previous reading log as an informational book and am using it again as a film option. I never considered integrating the film into a lesson until I saw it on Common Sense. It is a fantastic film (understatement) appropriate for grades four and above. It is an inspiring true story of African American women at NASA in the 1950s and ’60s and helps shine a light on the need for humans even as technology continues to automate.
Using Hidden Figures in a library lesson can spark discussions on history, STEM, research skills, and representation.
Educational Website
Sora is a new product my school district purchased, and it is a game-changer for elementary schools. It makes reading fun, accessible, and engaging. With a vast digital library, audiobooks, and customizable reading options, it supports all learners. Teachers can track progress and assign books, while students enjoy anytime, anywhere access. Plus, its gamified features inspire a love for reading.
Sora can be used in library instruction to enhance digital literacy, promote independent reading, and support curriculum goals.
Educational App
PBS Kids is a great free resource that makes learning fun and engaging for young kids. Through shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, plus games and activities, it teaches important skills in reading, math, science, and social-emotional growth. It also helps parents and teachers with lesson ideas and activities. Beyond academics, PBS Kids teaches life skills like problem-solving and kindness, making it a valuable tool for both learning and personal growth. This is a great resource to accompany library instruction.
Nonfiction & Informational Books
Hidden Figuresis a picture book adaptation of the adult nonfiction book Hidden Figures. It tells the inspiring true story of four black women who worked as mathematicians. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination in the segregated 1940s-1960s, these brilliant women made groundbreaking contributions to America’s space program at NASA during the Space Race.
This engaging book is sure to capture students’ attention. The compelling story and real-life figures align well with evaluation criteria, making it a strong choice for readers.
A good lesson plan to accompany this title is to discuss facts and opinions. As well as what makes a book nonfiction and where to find them in the library.
eBook
When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat, who has austim, resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently.
Arnold, E. K., & Santoso, C. (2017). A boy called Bat. New York, NY: Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers,.
According to Varedell’s evaluation, this title meets the character criteria. The boy, BAT, is portrayed realistically and is highly relatable for children. The plot also meets the requirements, as the story is both plausible and true to life.
As a lesson for sixth-grade students, it can be a cultural representation reflection. Students can compare, contrast, and develop a connection to their own culture while taking a deeper look at the representation of others. Questions they can answer are: what do you see in the book that you have also seen in your school, home, or community?
Audiobook
In I love You to the Moon and Back a warm celebration of the love between parent and child. A bear and cub experience the seasons and celebrate their love that stays strong all year long.
Hepworth, A. (2023). I Love You to the Moon and Back. Westminster: 2023
This title is a widely used bedtime story for children. The audiobook is well narrated by a voice actor with experience in children’s literature, which enhances its credibility.
This book can be used in a library lesson plan to encourage active listening and comprehension through discussion of the plot and characters.
Historical Fiction
Gone Crazy in Alabama follows sisters Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern as they spend the summer with their grandmother, Big Ma, in Alabama. Coming from Brooklyn, they have to adjust to small-town life, family drama, and an old feud between Big Ma and her half-sister, Ma Charles. The sisters deal with their own sibling struggles, but when a shocking event happens, they have to come together in a big way.
Williams-Garcia, R. (2016). Gone crazy in Alabama. New York: Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
This title meets the authenticity historical fiction criteria by Vardell. The book authentically portrays life during the rural south, especially in terms of family relationships, racial tensions and cultural traditions. The plot is not sugar-coated and is presented accurately where children can understand a historical authentic story.
A good way to incorporate this into a lesson plan would be to discuss what makes a book historical fiction. Also, how historical fiction blends real history with fictional storytelling.
Fantasy
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a magical story about a girl named Luna who accidentally gets powerful magic as a baby. A kind witch, Xan, raises her, but Luna doesn’t realize she has magic until it starts showing up in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, a nearby town believes the witch is evil, and a young man sets out to stop her.
Barnhill, K. (2019). The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Chapel Hill: Algonquin Young Readers.
This title meets Vardell’s evaluation because it contains an imaginary or fantastic element. The characters also extraordinary, but still feel an affinity for them.
On way to implement this book in a lesson plan is to discuss with the higher elementary grades how different characters see the same events in different ways. This can be a written journal entry by the students.
Graphic Novel
Catwad: It’s Me is a funny graphic novel about two very different cat buddies. Catwad is a grumpy, sarcastic, and always annoyed, and Blump is ridiculous happy and clueless. Their silly adventures and over-the-top conversations make for a ton of laughs, with lots of goofy jokes and weird situations.
Benton, J. (2019). Catwad It’s Me. New York: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic
Using Vardell’s evaluation the book the young reader can easily identify with the non-human character of Blump. Additionally, the young reader may be able to relate possibly relate to the theme within the story.
I can use this title in a library lesson plan about graphic novels. An example would be how to read graphic novels and show how humor is used in this type of literature.
Picture Books
Oliver Button is a Sissy is a great book for kids who feel different from the usual “boy” stereotypes and for teaching others students to respect those differences. The story is simple an sweet to read, making it perfect for younger elementary students. It is a heartwarming reminder to be yourself while also encouraging others to appreciate and respect individuality.
DePalo, T. (2019). Oliver Button is a Sissy. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Oliver Button is a Sissy hits two key points from Children’s Literature in Action: cultural markers and characters. It keeps it real by showing how society pressures kids to fit into gender roles. Oliver’s love for tap dancing makes him super relatable and memorable. His story encourages kids to be themselves and stick with what they love, no matter what others think.
This book works great for a storytime about “being yourself.” It shows how Oliver stays true to what he loves, even when others judge him. After reading, have the kids share something they love to do that makes them feel unique.
Rosie Revere, engineervis all about chasing your dreams and learning that failure is part of the journey. Rosie loves inventing cool things out of junk, but she’s too afraid of messing up to show anyone her work. When her great-great-aunt Rose visits, she helps Rosie see that failing is just a step toward success. The story encourages kids to keep going and reminds them that quitting is the only way to truly fail.
Beaty, A. &. (2013) Rosie Revere, engineer. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers
The book has an engaging plot that shows failure as a step to success. Rosie is a relatable, creative character whose growth inspires confidence and perseverance. The story is fun, easy to follow, and perfect for celebrating creativity!
This book can provide a great writing activity for students. Rosie learned she can solve any problem she sets her mind to. Students can write about a problem they would like to solve and what machines or tools they would use to solve it.
Jabari Jumps is about a boy named Jabari who wants to jump off the diving board but feels a little scared. His dad encourages him and reminds him it’s okay to take his time. With some courage, Jabari finally makes the big leap and feels so proud of himself. It’s a nice story about facing your fears and having the support you need to be brave.
Cornwall, G. (2017). Jabari jumps. Somerville: Candlewick Press.
Jabari Jumps has a simple, relatable plot about being scared but finding the courage to try anyway. It can really grab kids’ attention. The build-up to his big jump keeps it exciting. He feels super real, and his emotions are ones any kid can relate to. His dad’s calm support makes the story even better, showing how encouragement can help you be brave.
This book can be a great starting point for a discussion about facing fears and how to overcome them. Students can work in small groups with large sheets of paper to draw something they’re afraid to try. Then, each group can share their drawings and talk with the class about strategies for being brave and overcoming those fears. It’s a fun and interactive way to encourage confidence and teamwork!
Traditional Tale
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is famous well known tale about a girl named Goldilocks who finds a house in the forest and decides to go inside. She tries the bears’ porridge, chairs, and beds, looking for the ones that feel “just right.” When the bears come home and find her, she panics and runs away. The story is fun and can be a reminder to respect other people’s stuff and think before you act.
Crow, Nosy. “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a simple well known take , easy-to-follow plot that can keep kids engaged. The characters are relatable and great for starting conversations about making choices. The theme of respecting others’ things and thinking about your actions is clear and meaningful. It’s a fun story that teaches a good lesson in an entertaining way.
This tale is a great way to get kids thinking about respecting other people’s space and asking before using something that isn’t theirs. It’s an easy way to talk about boundaries and how our actions can affect others.
Realistic Fiction
Eb & Flow is about Ebony and De’Kari, two middle schoolers stuck in in-school suspension after getting into a fight. Through alternating free verse, they share their sides of the story, their struggles with anger, and how things got so tense. Along the way, they learn about understanding each other, dealing with emotions, and making better choices.
Babtist, K. (2024). Eb & Flow. New York: A Yearling Book.
The novel starts in a middle school, which is a great way to immediately capture the reader’s attention. The plot in this novel is realistic and seems plausible and something that would happen true to life.
I would use this book in a lesson about dealing with conflict and talking things out. Ebony and De’Kari’s story is perfect for showing how to handle fights and understand where someone else is coming from.
Children’s Poetry
Little Black Crow is about a boy watching a crow and wondering what its life is like. He asks simple questions about freedom and connection while thinking about nature. The chill tone and beautiful pictures make you pause and appreciate the world around you.
Raschka, C. (2010). Little Black Crow. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
The imagery in this book is simple but really effective. It makes the story feel calm and thoughtful. Raschka’s watercolor illustrations match the poetic text perfectly, with soft lines and gentle colors that bring the crow and the boy to life.
This book can be used to introduce poetry to young children. The simple, rhythmic text is an easy way to show how poetry can share emotions and ask thoughtful questions in a way that feels really relatable.