Milkweed


Jerry Spinelli - 2003
    Gypsy. Stopthief. Runt. Happy. Fast. Filthy son of Abraham. He’s a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He’s a boy who steals food for himself and the other orphans. He’s a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels. He’s a boy who wants to be a Nazi some day, with tall shiny jackboots and a gleaming Eagle hat of his own. Until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind. And when the trains come to empty the Jews from the ghetto of the damned, he’s a boy who realizes it’s safest of all to be nobody.Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli takes us to one of the most devastating settings imaginable—Nazi-occupied Warsaw of World War II—and tells a tale of heartbreak, hope, and survival through the bright eyes of a young orphan.From the Hardcover edition.

Valentine's Day


Anne Rockwell - 2000
    Madoff's class is ready to celebrate. Everyone is making valentines for their friend Michiko in Japan. Jessica writes a poem, Charlie draws an airplane, and Eveline uses lace and lots of shiny stickers. No matter how far apart Michiko and her friends are, making valentines can bring them together!

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark


Carmen Agra Deedy - 2000
    When the order goes out that all Jews must wear a yellow star on their clothes, the king has an idea that might just work. But it would take the faith and commitment of all Danes.In this retelling of a World War II legend, New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy poignantly remind us of the power of a good, wise leader. Paired with Henri S�rensen's arresting full-color portraits, this is a powerful and dignified story of heroic justice.Teacher's Guide available!Bologna Ragazzi Award for Children's Non-FictionChristopher Award (Books for Young People)Jane Addams Peace Prize (Honor Book)ABC Children's Booksellers' Choices (Non-fiction)Notable Books for a Global Society

Corgiville Christmas


Tasha Tudor - 2003
    Mr. and Mrs. Bigbee Brown warm themselves by the wood stove as they drink their tea. Mr. Chicahominy, his two wives, and mother-in-law live in a house overlooking the pond. During the season he puts his haberdashery on wheels, peddling by wagon all about town. Families make special wreaths for the animals, and age Dundee cake for months. Finally, on December 25, the parlor door opens to reveal a magnificent Christmas tree with lighted candles and shining ornaments.

Bionicle: Rahi Beasts


Greg Farshtey - 2005
    Some of them will be new to fans, some of them will be familiar and all of them are unique! Filled with photographs of actual models, this book will inspire kids to go out and create their own creatures.

The Key from Spain


Debbie Levy - 2019
    When Flory flees Europe during World War II to begin a new life in the United States, she carries Ladino with her, along with her other precious possessions--her harmoniku and her music. But what of the key? The story of Ladino singer, Flory Jagoda.

Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box


Michael S. Bandy - 2015
    history.Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always makes time for play, especially fishing trips. Even when there isn’t a bite to catch, he reminds young Michael that it takes patience to get what’s coming to you. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening—and sure enough, everyone is lined up at the town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn’t be more proud. But can Michael be patient when it seems that justice just can’t come soon enough? This powerful and touching true-life story shares one boy’s perspective of growing up in the segregated South, while beautiful illustrations depict the rural setting in tender detail.

A Year Around the Great Oak


Gerda Muller - 1991
    In the fall, Robin takes them to see his favorite tree -- a giant oak that is 300 years old. The children build a den under the oak tree's giant branches and watch the squirrels hide acorns in its wide trunk.In the winter they ski through the forest and meet the foresters who chose which trees will become firewood this year -- but not their beautiful oak tree!In the spring the children go searching for badgers and see many animals that live in the forest -- nesting birds, gentle deer and shy rabbits. One night, the tree helps Benjamin when he discovers a creature he didn't expect. How can the children say thank you?A beautifully detailed, seasonal story from Gerda Muller, who gave us the beloved Seasons board books and Where Do They Go When it Rains? Children will love to spot the realistic animals and birds that live in the great oak's forest.

Willy and Max: A Holocaust Story


Amy Littlesugar - 2006
    They take everything from Max’s family, including the precious painting that began the boys’ friendship.And though they promise to be friends forever,Willy and Max know that something unspeakable is coming between them, and they may never see each other again . . . .Beautiful and heartbreaking, Willy & Max is the powerful story of two boys separated by circumstance, but held together through generations by a simple painting—and the unbreakable spirit of their friendship.

The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah


Leslie Kimmelman - 2010
    She asksher friends for help planting grains. "Sorry, bub," neighsHorse. "Think again," barks Dog. Of course, the Little Red Hen does it all herself. A classic tale gets a Jewish twist in this hilarious story.

White Bird


R.J. Palacio - 2019
    J. Palacio's collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian's grandmother, Grandmère. Told in graphic-novel form, White Bird is Grandmère's story as a young Jewish girl hidden away by a family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.

Butterfly Kisses


Bob Carlisle - 1997
    "Butterfly Kisses" celebrates the love between fathers and daughters, as well as the shared trust and hope that create this unique and everlasting bond.

Too Many Tamales


Gary Soto - 1993
    Snow had fallen and the streets glittered. Maria's favorite cousins were coming over and she got to help make the tamales for Christmas dinner. It was almost too good to be true when her mother left the kitchen for a moment and Maria got to try on her beautiful diamond ring . . .This is the story of a treasure thought to be lost in a batch of tamales; of a desperate and funny attempt by Maria and her cousins to eat their way out of trouble; and the warm way a family pulls together to make it a perfect Christmas after all.

Queen of Hearts


Mary Engelbreit - 2004
    Making the best valentine box ever for her favorite holiday is Ann Estelle's newest school project.It will have glitter, lace, feathers, and even wheels! There's just one thing that Ann Estelle has forgotten -- what could that be?Valentine's Day will be your favorite holiday, too, when you enjoy this delightful tale with Ann Estelle and her friends as lovingly imagined by best-selling artist Mary Engelbreit.

How to Babysit a Grandpa


Jean Reagan - 2012
    series -- about a child spending time with his grandpa. Written in a how-to style, the narrator gives important tips for "babysitting" a grandpa, including what to eat for snack (anything dipped in ketchup, ice cream topped with cookies, cookies topped with ice cream), what to do on a walk (find lizards and dandelion puffs, be on the lookout for puddles and sprinklers), and how to play with a grandpa (build a pirate cave, put on a scary play). Filled with humor, energy, and warmth, this is a great gift for or from a grandparent, and perfect for lap reading when Grandpa comes to visit!