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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

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  Title:  The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read Genre: Non-fiction Author:  Rita Lorraine Hubbard Major Awards: Texas Bluebonnet  Grade Level: Preschool- 3 Age: 4-8 Summary:  In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge Mora comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn. Evaluation:
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The Canyon's Edge

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  Title: The Canyon's Edge Genre: Fiction Author: Dusti Bowling Major Awards: Texas Bluebonnet Grade Level: 3-7 Age: 8-12 Summary:  One year after a random shooting changed their family forever, Nora and her father are exploring a slot canyon deep in the Arizona desert, hoping it will help them find peace. Nora longs for things to go back to normal, like they were when her mother was still alive, while her father keeps them isolated in fear of other people. But when they reach the bottom of the canyon, the unthinkable happens: A flash flood rips across their path, sweeping away Nora's father and all of their supplies. Suddenly, Nora finds herself lost and alone in the desert, facing dehydration, venomous scorpions, deadly snakes, and, worst of all, the Beast who has terrorized her dreams for the past year. If Nora is going to save herself and her father, she must conquer her fears, defeat the Beast, and find the courage to live her new life. Evaluation:
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The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter

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  Title: The Incredibly Dead Pets Genre: Fiction/Mystery Author: Aaron Reynolds Major Awards: Texas Bluebonnet  Grade Level: 3-7 Age:  8-12 Summary: Rex Dexter really wants a dog and has been itching for one.  When Rex's B-Day for Me-Day finally arrives, his parents surprise him with a box. A box with holes. But he realizes that instead of receiving a dog, he got a pet. chicken for his birthday.  One hour and fourteen minutes later, the chicken is dead (by a steamroller), Rex is cursed (by the Grim Reaper), and wild animals are haunting Rex's room (hounding him for answers).  Rex's uninvited ghostly guests are a messy bunch and talk a lot. And they need Rex to solve their mysterious deadly departures from the Middling Falls Zoo before it happens again. Evaluation: Although this a g reat choice for humor-seeking students in grades 3-7, I  wouldn't recommend this as a read aloud if you want the students to learn the moral of the story. Some p a...
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Twins

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  Title: Twins Genre: Fiction Author: Varian Johnson Major Awards: Washing ton Post Best Children's book Grade Level: 3-7 Age: 8-12 Summary:  Twins Maureen and Francine Carter have always done everything together, but things have changed as they’re starting sixth grade. For one, they have nearly all their classes apart from each other, and Francine is dressing differently, trying to stand out from her twin Maureen. Maureen has always been the quieter, introverted one — her parents call her the thinker, and Francine, the talker. So she feels a bit lost when Francine joins different clubs and extra-curricular activities, while she joins cadet training. The girls are still figuring out their new dynamic when Francine decides to run for student council, and by some stroke of fate, her shy, terrified-of-public-speaking sister is also running for president. Despite the ground rules laid by their parents, things get a bit messy as both girls try to establish their personal identities...
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My Awesome Farm Book

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  Title: My Awesome Farm Book Genre: Children's Education Author: Make Believe Ideas Major Awards: N/A Grade Level: Any grade level Age: 3 months and up Summary:  My Awesome Farm Book   is a fantastic new way to introduce children to farm animals. Each page is filled with brilliant pictures and engaging activities. Clear word labels accompany cute illustrations, making this book perfect for adults and children to enjoy together.  With die-cut pages in different shapes, children can explore the book with their hands! Evaluation:
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Who was Hellen Keller?

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  Title: Who Was Hellen Keller? Genre: Non-fiction Author: Gare Thompson Major Awards: N/A Grade Level: 3-7 Age: 8-12 Summary:  Helen Keller became deaf and blind when she was 2 years old. She lived in a world of silence and darkness and she spent the rest of her life trying to overcome these obstacles. With the help of teacher Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write, and do many amazing things. This inspiring illustrated biography is perfect for young middle-grade readers.  There are black-and-white line drawings throughout, sidebars on related topics such as Louis Braille, a timeline, and a bibliography enhance readers' understanding of the subject. Evaluation:
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The Black Flamingo

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  Title: The Black Flamingo Genre: Fiction Author: Dean Atta Major Awards: Stonewall Award Grade Level: 9-12 Age: 14-17 Summary:  A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour. Evaluation:
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