Children

When a librarian suggests to an active third grader that he write his own book, he directs his energies writing about something he knows plenty about – mucus! Hilarity ensues.

Too often kids who are good at math are turned off from reading, so here is a funny way to entice mathematicians to read. A great introduction to geometry.

Teacher Sophie Donnelly referred me to this book that all teachers and parents should use in prompting their children to find their creative voices through writing. Many college English professors could probably use this, too (unfortunately).

I have Linda Nelson to thank for this book recommendation. A funny story of a boy who finds he loves to sew; students can learn a valuable lesson about breaking stereotypical roles of men and women.

On August 7, 1974, French daredevil Philippe Petit, then 24, performed an astonishing high-wire act on a cable that he and his accomplices had rigged between the north and south towers of the World Trade Center.

He talks about the feat in his 240-page autobiographical account, To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers.

Gerstein’s shorter 2004 Caldecott Medal-winning story memorializes the twin towers and inspires children with one man’s crazy yet romantic stunt. A positive and triumphant story to read this 9/11.

With wonderful illustrations by Andrea U’Ren, this Irish retelling of the classic Chinese tale is great for teaching students about the value of compounding interest, something all of us would like to see in our bank accounts again. A funny interactive read aloud.

Erin go bragh! I just love all of Gail Gibbons’s books. She is very dependable with simple illustrations and texts, and this is a great book for students interested in learning the basics of this essential holiday for the Irish (why is it important, what do certain symbols represent, etc.).

If you have not read any of the Junie B. Jones books, you are in for a treat. I hear all sorts of stuffy shirts gripe about Junie’s poor grammar. Whatever! Barbara Park should be commended for getting a lot of kids interested in reading with one of today’s most delightful characters…and this recommendation works perfectly for the holidays.

If you are a teacher or a parent, if you breathe air or eat, YOU MUST PURCHASE THIS BOOK. I love it! It is loaded with great activities for kids (and adults) to better understand how their brains work. I’d like to send a copy to every Federal official in charge of education policy in this country, as DiSpezio never once mentions the relationship between standardized testing and optimal brain function. Very kid-friendly, and – for that matter – parent-friendly, as well. By the way, DiSpezio has loads of other great science books.

Beneath the title of this hilarious book are the words: honor, loyalty, tinsel. That sold me on the book, and it did not disappoint. More and more kids are fascinated with manga, graphic novels that read like bound comic books. Your child will delight in this funny tale about Kris Kringle battling a disgruntled elf.

Not that he needs my help, but Jon Scieszka is one of my favorite children’s authors, and this is yet another example. Melvin is a cement truck and a constant worrier who makes even the trucks around him worry. The illustration dream team of David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon makes this an easy purchase for any parent or teacher.

Filled with the rudest kids you’ve ever seen, this book will delight your children with hilarious prose and silly artwork. Always a hit – especially with the boys.

Yet another great book in San Souci’s “Clubhouse Series.” Wonderfully illustrated, perfectly silly and just the right touch of ghosts to keep kids at the edges of their seats (but not too scared). I use this book and the others in the series to get my students excited about writing, as San Souci is one of those rare authors who includes interesting tidbits about his own childhood in his backflap biography. Great for showing students that their experiences can be made into wonderful books.

I grabbed this book because of the beautiful artwork on the cover by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. McDonnell treated me to the lovely story of a little girl from Korea who comes to live with her new American family. She cannot speak any English and bonds with a cat, who goes missing. Let me just say that if you make it through the ending without crying, you are a stronger person than me. Beautiful book.

Annoyed by California’s drought, I picked up this book and was entranced by the true story of two Sudanese children living at different times in a wonderfully-crafted tale by master storyteller Linda Sue Park.