Additional November Book Suggestions - Grades 3-6
Stewardship
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Joyce, William. Bently and Egg.
Harper Collins, 1992. (2-6)
Devoted and artistic frog cares for the egg of a wayward duck and reaps hatchling reward.
Melmed, Laura Krauss. Rainbabies.
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Lothrop, 1992. (4-6)
A childless couple takes in and cares for a dozen “rainbabies,” tiny babies found in the grass after a “moonshower.” They shepherd their very little ones through storm at sea, thunderstorm, and other dangers. Their compassion and faithfulness for the young strangers is eventually rewarded with a daughter of their own. Beautifully written. Stunningly illustrated.
Polacco, Patricia. Rechenka’s Eggs.
Putnam, 1988. (2-4)
Poor Russian peasant woman aids and cares for a wounded goose, undergoes trials as result, but is richly rewarded in the end. A tale of hope, rebirth, and miracles as well as compassion.
Rucki, Ani. Turkey’s Gift to the People. Northland, AZ, 1992. (K-4)
Navajo tale of cooperation at a time when Animal People ruled the earth and were threatened by a great flood. Each animal contributes his/her talents to save the group, but only Turkey remem- bers to bring the seeds they will need to begin again after the flood.
Wonder
Anderson, Joan. Christopher Columbus: From Vision to Voyage.
Dial Books, 1991. (4-6)
“He had the sea in his veins and dreams in his heart.” Strong factual presentation with excellent illustrations in this photographic recreation of Columbus—his curiosity about the world, his dreams, and maverick venture.
Brighton, Catherine. The Brontes: Scenes from the Childhood of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. Chronicle Books, 1994. (2-4)
This delightful childhood biography of the Bronte sisters captures their wonder at the richness of life and their unique gifts of imagination. Calling themselves the four genii, they begin to create fantasy kingdoms in their minds and on paper.
Diller, Harriett. The Waiting Day.
Illustrations by Chi Chung. Green Tiger Press, 1994. (4)
A hard-working Chinese ferryman exhausts himself transporting scholars, poets, government officials, and finally the emperor himself across the river. From an aging beggar he learns a lesson about taking time to smell the roses—to wonder at and appreciate the beauty of nature. Splendid illustrations evoke the color and beauty of ancient China under the T’ang or Sung dynasties.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 1998. (2-5)
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Little, 1994. (4-6)
Excellent older reader picture book biography of Eratosthenes whose intellectual curiosity prompted unrelenting (and successful) efforts to measure the earth. Works well with 6th grade review of Greece.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4)
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. Song of Hiawatha.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1983. (3-6)
Longfellow’s Hiawatha is not the Iroquois leader of history, but in this mesmerizing epic poem Longfellow’s words and Jeffers’s art recreate the wonder of a young Indian child exploring nature and his world. Works well with 3rd grade Native American unit.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5)
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary.
Osborne, Mary Pope. “Island of the Lost Children” in Favorite Medieval Tales.
Illustrated by Troy Howell. Scholastic, 1998. (4)
In this Dutch tale young Prince Hagen is carried off to a deserted island by an evil griffin. He fights the griffin and though wounded, manages to escape. Awakening the next morning, he finds himself in the company of three other children—maidens who also had been kidnapped by the griffins and managed to escape. The four live for years in a cave, hiding from their attackers, but through Hagen’s bravery and (quite a bit of luck) manage to escape and find their way back home.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4)
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Atheneum, 1995. (2-4)
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home fur- ther west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Spivak, Dawnine. Grass Sandals: The Travels of Basho.
Illustrated by Demi. Atheneum Books, 1997. (2-5)
Basho, a Japanese poet renown for haiku, “would sit in the doorway of his small house, sit with his breakfast bowl, look out at the river and mountains, and pour his tea in the company of morning glories.” One day Basho closes up his small home and begins his walk across Japan in his grass sandals and black robe. With simple, elegant illustrations and quiet, playful text, Grass Sandals invites elementary school children to experience the gentle beauty of nature, Japan, and the simplicity of haiku. The author’s daughter complained: “Mom, nothing happens in this book.” Your children may also complain, but more likely they’ll be caught up in the wonder and serenity of Demi’s charmingly restrained Buddhist world. Use with Japan unit in 2nd grade. Excellent tie-in with 5th grade unit on Buddhism.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Joyce, William. Bently and Egg.
Harper Collins, 1992. (2-6)
Devoted and artistic frog cares for the egg of a wayward duck and reaps hatchling reward.
Melmed, Laura Krauss. Rainbabies.
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Lothrop, 1992. (4-6)
A childless couple takes in and cares for a dozen “rainbabies,” tiny babies found in the grass after a “moonshower.” They shepherd their very little ones through storm at sea, thunderstorm, and other dangers. Their compassion and faithfulness for the young strangers is eventually rewarded with a daughter of their own. Beautifully written. Stunningly illustrated.
Polacco, Patricia. Rechenka’s Eggs.
Putnam, 1988. (2-4)
Poor Russian peasant woman aids and cares for a wounded goose, undergoes trials as result, but is richly rewarded in the end. A tale of hope, rebirth, and miracles as well as compassion.
Rucki, Ani. Turkey’s Gift to the People. Northland, AZ, 1992. (K-4)
Navajo tale of cooperation at a time when Animal People ruled the earth and were threatened by a great flood. Each animal contributes his/her talents to save the group, but only Turkey remem- bers to bring the seeds they will need to begin again after the flood.
Wonder
Anderson, Joan. Christopher Columbus: From Vision to Voyage.
Dial Books, 1991. (4-6)
“He had the sea in his veins and dreams in his heart.” Strong factual presentation with excellent illustrations in this photographic recreation of Columbus—his curiosity about the world, his dreams, and maverick venture.
Brighton, Catherine. The Brontes: Scenes from the Childhood of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. Chronicle Books, 1994. (2-4)
This delightful childhood biography of the Bronte sisters captures their wonder at the richness of life and their unique gifts of imagination. Calling themselves the four genii, they begin to create fantasy kingdoms in their minds and on paper.
Diller, Harriett. The Waiting Day.
Illustrations by Chi Chung. Green Tiger Press, 1994. (4)
A hard-working Chinese ferryman exhausts himself transporting scholars, poets, government officials, and finally the emperor himself across the river. From an aging beggar he learns a lesson about taking time to smell the roses—to wonder at and appreciate the beauty of nature. Splendid illustrations evoke the color and beauty of ancient China under the T’ang or Sung dynasties.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 1998. (2-5)
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Little, 1994. (4-6)
Excellent older reader picture book biography of Eratosthenes whose intellectual curiosity prompted unrelenting (and successful) efforts to measure the earth. Works well with 6th grade review of Greece.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4)
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. Song of Hiawatha.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1983. (3-6)
Longfellow’s Hiawatha is not the Iroquois leader of history, but in this mesmerizing epic poem Longfellow’s words and Jeffers’s art recreate the wonder of a young Indian child exploring nature and his world. Works well with 3rd grade Native American unit.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5)
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary.
Osborne, Mary Pope. “Island of the Lost Children” in Favorite Medieval Tales.
Illustrated by Troy Howell. Scholastic, 1998. (4)
In this Dutch tale young Prince Hagen is carried off to a deserted island by an evil griffin. He fights the griffin and though wounded, manages to escape. Awakening the next morning, he finds himself in the company of three other children—maidens who also had been kidnapped by the griffins and managed to escape. The four live for years in a cave, hiding from their attackers, but through Hagen’s bravery and (quite a bit of luck) manage to escape and find their way back home.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4)
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Atheneum, 1995. (2-4)
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home fur- ther west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Spivak, Dawnine. Grass Sandals: The Travels of Basho.
Illustrated by Demi. Atheneum Books, 1997. (2-5)
Basho, a Japanese poet renown for haiku, “would sit in the doorway of his small house, sit with his breakfast bowl, look out at the river and mountains, and pour his tea in the company of morning glories.” One day Basho closes up his small home and begins his walk across Japan in his grass sandals and black robe. With simple, elegant illustrations and quiet, playful text, Grass Sandals invites elementary school children to experience the gentle beauty of nature, Japan, and the simplicity of haiku. The author’s daughter complained: “Mom, nothing happens in this book.” Your children may also complain, but more likely they’ll be caught up in the wonder and serenity of Demi’s charmingly restrained Buddhist world. Use with Japan unit in 2nd grade. Excellent tie-in with 5th grade unit on Buddhism.