Children

Amos McGee is a good friend to the animals, but when he gets sick the animals decide to return the favor. Simple, lovely story with absolutely brilliant illustrations by Erin E. Stead.

With one of the most unforgettable cast of characters I’ve read in a children’s book since Jeff Kinney introduced us to his Wimpy Kid series, Michael Fry invites readers to a world that the majority of us can appreciate. I guarantee your reluctant boy readers will devour this.

Every father will be able to relate to this book, as a dad recites his own 60-second versions of bedtime stories so that his child will get to sleep (e.g. Goldilocks and the Two Bears). Unfortunately, kids do not always cooperate, so dad has to tell a lot of quick tales. The results are hilarious.

When White Rabbit leaves his hole, he spies the black rabbit following him. Your kids will howl at this silly mystery about overcoming fear of one’s shadow. A terrific read-aloud.

This is book one in the Gameknight999 Series. Does that mean anything to you? Me neither,but if you have a young boy interested in the videogame Minecraft, this is an easy way to get that boyreading.

Is there anything better than Opening Day at a baseball game? Well, for any baseball or comedy fan out there, John Martz has illustrated one of the all-time great comedy routines on baseball that is sure to capture an entirely new generation of baseball fans.

I absolutely love this book! It blends my passion for teaching kids history (this book delves into the Americans at the 1893 World Fair in Chicago trying to create something to rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris). The story is grand, but the story is lifted off of every page by the STUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS by Gilbert Ford. It is a beautiful book to hold in your hands!

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.