For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

SAMUEL’S BABY
Written by Mark Elkin, illustrated by Amy Wummer (Tricycle Press)
Preschool and kindergarten teachers will smile as they read about this group of kids who act out their understanding of having a baby. Elkin, a teacher, beautifully captures the innocence and charm of young children.

BUT I WANTED A BABY BROTHER!
Written by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Diane Goode (Simon & Schuster)
Oliver is okay with a new sibling, as long as it’s a boy. When he gets a sister, Oliver tries to trade baby Julie for his friend’s new baby brother. The spin on sibling rivalry in this book is hilarious.

DRUM CITY
Written by Thea Guidone, illustrated by Vanessa Newton (Tricycle Press)
You can feel the rhythm in this book. Kids gather across the neighborhoods, beating their makeshift drums and attracting young and old to join the parade of drums.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

POP! THE INVENTION OF BUBBLE GUM
Written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy (Simon & Schuster)
Gum, or the likeness of this chewable treat, has been around hundreds of years. Bubble gum, an overwhelming favorite version, was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, an accountant who worked for the Fleer Company. Find out more in this entertaining book.

THIS BOOK MADE ME DO IT: COOL THINGS TO MAKE, DO, AND EXPLORE
Written by John Woodward (DK Publishing)
A copy of this book in the classroom and at home could be a great investment to combat boredom. The book is packed with over 175 pages of activities to inspire your imagination. Be smart and use adult help when necessary.

HOW YOU GOT SO SMART
Written and illustrated by David Milgrim (Putnam)
Each of us knows we are smart, but where did it come from? In this surprising book readers will discover one of life’s great mysteries. 

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

A NEST FOR CELESTE: A STORY ABOUT ART, INSPIRATION, AND THE MEANING OF HOME
Written and illustrated by Henry Cole (Katherine Tegen Books)
Almost everyone has heard of or seen Audubon’s paintings of North American birds. But few know the influence one creative and talented mouse named Celeste may have had on Audubon’s work. In this fanciful work of fiction, Celeste befriends Joseph, apprentice to Audubon, and they team up to help Audubon realize the best bird models are kept alive. 

OUT OF MY MIND
Written by Sharon M. Draper(Atheneum)
This book is a must-read to better understand the meaning of inclusion in schools. Imagine being brilliant and unable to communicate. Draper’s riveting novel is told through the eyes of Melody, who has cerebral palsy, and is insightful and an emotional heartbreaker.

JACK’S PATH OF COURAGE: THE LIFE OF JOHN F. KENNEDY
Written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares (Hyperion)
As we head into President’s Day, students might ask their grandparents and elders what they remember about President Kennedy’s term in office after reading this biographical tribute. 

Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman. For more suggestions and reviews, visit his web page at http://education.boisestate.edu/stansteiner.