Book List: Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and it seems as fitting a time as any for us to share this book list.  These ten titles highlight some of the amazing contributions women have made throughout the course of history, often working to overcome great obstacles.  Whether you read them to your daughters or your sons, we hope you will find a story that resonates, sparks their imaginations, and gives them a little glimpse of what their own lives might become.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

Striking a balance between widely recognized and lesser known influential black women, Harrison has crafted a beautiful book for children.  The pictures will appeal to all children, but the text is best suited to those aged eight and up.  Forty women are featured, including Zora Neal Hurston, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ella Fitzgerald, Ruby Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, and many more.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

Boys were expected to grow up, go out into the world, and do big things.  Girls?  Girls were expected to find husbands.  Ruth’s mother disagreed. With the support of her family and her own tenacious spirit, little Ruth grew up to become the strong woman we know today as Justice Ginsburg.

Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

The ‘Who Was’ series is well-loved by elementary-aged children across the country.  In this book, Zeldis McDonough details the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, famous for her refusal to change her seat on an Alabama city bus.  Her actions sparked a boycott that lasted for more than a year and were a major contribution to the work of ending segregations.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Tiemdow Phumiruck

Children love to be able to relate to people in books.  Counting on Katherine begins by giving readers a glimpse into the mathematician’s childhood, as a kid who loved to count, was fascinated by the universe, and did well in school.  This book tells how she went on to combine her passions while working for NASA, eventually saving lives and making history.

I Am Sacagawea by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos 

Meltzer’s ‘I Am’ series appeals to children who love graphic novels and biographies.  Recommended for children ages 5 and up, this book has a way of telling the story of Sacagawea without ignoring some of the unpleasant facts but is done in a way that is appropriate for young children.  

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women by Lynne Cheney, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

A is for Abigail is a beautifully illustrated book full of influential American women from a wide variety of backgrounds.  Scientists, athletes, artists, politicians are among the many women celebrated in this sweet picture book. 

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët

The only autobiography on the list, Malala’s Magic Pencil was penned by the Nobel Peace Prize Winner herself.  Malala takes readers on a journey through her experiences, first imagining how she might make her life better, then coming to a realization that real action was needed.  While she once wished for a magical pencil, she grew to discover the power in her own writing.  She voiced her support for women’s rights, education, and peace in her home country of Pakistan as it was being controlled by the Taliban.

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood

Each page of this book features a poem about an influential woman, and each mini biography features a different illustrator.  The world-changing women include: Nellie Bly, Frida Kahlo, Maya Lin, and Angela Zhang. 

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Honoring the first African American woman to travel in space, Ahmed and Burrington have created a beautiful picture book about the life of Mae Jemison. Young Mae shares her dreams with her encouraging parents, later to have them dismissed by her white teacher and classmates.  Mae’s own determination, combined with the unwavering support of her family, led her to achieve her dreams and chance history.

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick

Marian Anderson had the kind of voice that one is lucky to hear once in a lifetime.  Her talent was recognized early on, though she struggled to find a teacher and to sing in certain venues because of her race.  She defied the odds, brought people together, and eventually went on to achieve her own personal singing dreams.

We hope you and your children will find these books inspiring.  Let us know if you have others to recommend!

Book List: On Kindness

We are just around the corner from Valentine’s Day!  Before we dive into paper doily cards and candy hearts let’s take a moment to think about the reason we celebrate: love.  And what better way to experience love on a daily basis than to live a life of kindness?  Your children learn kindness by watching others, including their friends, their teachers, and you.  When we take the time to have conversations about the importance of kindness, children understand that it’s something we value.  This month’s book list includes ten titles that will help you get started.  Enjoy!

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

This wordless book (aside from a few beautifully illustrated sound words) is a retelling of the classic Aesop fable.  The majestic and powerful lion shows mercy on the tiny and unassuming mouse, who later returns the kindness.  Children and adults appreciate this classic and gorgeous rendition.  

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth

Based on the classic tale by Leo Tolstoy, a small boy is searching for the answers to his three questions.  What is the best time to do things?  Who is the most important one?  What is the right thing to do?  His own journey leads him to the answers, which are of course, based in being kind and present in the moment.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

CJ is a bouncy young child who is traveling across the city with his grandmother one Sunday.  A bit annoyed that they must ride the bus instead of hopping into a car, he is full of questions which his grandmother patiently answers.  CJ learns many things and meets many different people before arriving at their final destination: a soup kitchen where he and his grandmother will help people less fortunate than themselves. 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Many of us are familiar with Silverstein’s timeless treasure of a book.  While the tree in the story is exceedingly kind to the boy, this is a good book to teach children about the limits of kindness.  We can be kind to others without putting our own happiness and well-being at risk.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow

Molly Lou Mellon’s buck teeth, short stature, and deep voice may not be what many consider to be the standard of perfection, but Molly’s grandmother has instilled a strong sense of positive self-esteem in the young girl.  When Molly moves away and is teased by another child in her new school, fierce determination and pride in her unique qualities help her shine through the challenge.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud, illustrated by David Messing

This beloved book encourages readers to visualize a bucket that we all carry around with us.  When the bucket is full, we feel happy and content.  When we are sad, lonely, or upset, the bucket may be empty.  The story talks about different ways our actions can affect one another, either emptying or filling each other’s buckets.  This book also helps children understand that negative actions that may empty a bucket, such as teasing, are not permanent or definitive of who we are.  There is always room for us to grow and love others.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A little girl tells the story of working toward a simple yet special goal in the aftermath of an apartment fire.  All the family’s belongings were destroyed, and while their neighbors and friends donated what they could, something important was missing: one soft, comfortable chair for her to share with her mother and grandmother.  The three save every coin they are able in a large glass jar, until they are finally able to make a trip to the furniture store together.

Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

One hot day, Elephant Gerald hears the enticing call of Ice Cream Penguin.  He happily purchases a cone, but just before he takes his first bite, he thinks of his best friend, Piggy.  Would Piggy want some of his ice cream?  Should he wait and share?  Would she ever know if he ate it without her?  His big heart wins the internal battle, but there is a twist ending.

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

Willems says this tale is written for those as young as 3 and as old as 36, but frankly, we think those age limits could be extended a bit.  Leonardo wants nothing more in life than to scare the tuna salad out of someone, but he doesn’t seem to be able to.  He finally finds some success, but might he discover that friendship is a lot more satisfying?

We hope you and your family enjoy these books about kindness.  Please let us know what you think, and if there are any others you think we should add to the list!

Book List: The Passing of Time

As we welcome a new year we thought it would be the perfect time to share a book list about the passing of time.  Throughout human existence we have generated ways to record time, and while many of our earlier innovations are no longer used, the old has been blended with the new.  Most children are curious about time, yet it can be a tricky subject to comprehend for younger ones.  Check out our list for some helpful suggestions.

About Time: A First Look at Time and Clocks by Bruce Koscielniak

This fabulous book teaches children about the history of timekeeping.  Throughout time, humans have needed to track the passing of time and have discovered many creative ways of doing so.  This book is sure to delight children in the elementary grades and beyond.

The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons

Gibbons writes books for children that are beautifully illustrated, clearly written, and tend to mesh very well with the style of Montessori education.  The Reasons for Seasons can be appreciated by younger and older children; it contains simple text that explains the science behind our seasons.  It differentiates between the Northern and Southern hemispheres and teaches kids about solstices, equinoxes, and why the Earth’s axis plays an important role.

I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Julia Denos

We believe that representation matters, and having children’s books that feature children of color is a good thing for all kids.  This is a fun days-of-the-week book in which the main character begins by telling readers about her favorite dress that she wears each Tuesday, which happens to be her favorite day of the week.  One day she discovers the dress is too small, but her creative mother transforms the dress into a shirt that the girl then wears every Wednesday.  That is, until it no longer fits...

A Second, a Minute, a Week with Days in it: A Book About Time by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Brian Gable

The title of this book says it all: it’s a simple and straightforward explanation about simple units of time.  The illustrations help give children a clear visual representation of these abstract concepts.

The Story of Clocks and Calendars by Betsey Maestro, illustrated by Guilio Maestro

Like Koscielniak’s book, The Story of Clocks and Calendars fills the important role of teaching children about the history of time.  Maestro details the differences in calendars from different societies, along with descriptions of various types of clocks.

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak

“In January it’s so nice while slipping on the sliding ice to sip hot chicken soup with rice.  Sipping once sipping twice sipping chicken soup with rice.”  This classic Sendak book will help young children learn the names of the months while being delighted by his poems and illustrations.

Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back by Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London, illustrated by Thomas Locker

A young Abenaki child is treated to a lesson and storytelling from his grandfather.  The grandfather explains that just as there are thirteen scales on the old turtle’s back, there are thirteen moons during the year.  This book honors the Native American tradition of storytelling, and each page teaches about a different nation’s moon story.  This book would be best appreciated by elementary-aged children.

When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollock, illustrated by Mary Azarian

Another book about the Native American lunar year, the illustrations in this book make it come alive.  Poetry and tradition guide the reader through twelve moons.  While older children would likely enjoy this book, it easily appeals to younger children as well. 

A Child’s Calendar by John Updike, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Updike’s poems carry readers through the months of the year, highlighting seasons, holidays, and favorite childhood pastimes.  A Child’s Calendar is a Caldecott Honor Book.  

Me Counting Time: From Seconds to Centuries by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable 

As a child prepares to celebrate her seventh birthday, she pauses to think about time.  This story is relatable, informative, and entertaining for kids.  Written at about a second-grade reading level, the content would be best enjoyed by children ages 4-7.  They will learn all about units of time, from a second to a millennium.

We hope you and your family enjoy these books.  Let us know what you think!

Book List: Inspiring Independent Thinkers

As parents and educators, we want the best for our children.  We want them to be happy, to feel the joy of learning, and to live rich lives.  Many of us value creativity and innovation, and we admire the great thinkers throughout history.  This often leads us to wonder how we might instill similar values in our own children.  How do we cultivate independent thought?  One way to start is by teaching them about people who have changed the world for the better.  Read on for a list of books you might enjoy together. (Click on the book image to go to the book’s page on Amazon)

Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives, by Gene Barretta

Thomas Edison was arguably one of the influential inventors of modern times.  Often credited with inventing a refined, marketable version of the incandescent light bulb, he also worked to create batteries, movie cameras, and record players.  This book is geared toward elementary children but could be enjoyed by both younger and older students as well.

Darwin and Evolution for Kids, by Kristan Lawson

This multifaceted book covers biographical information related to Darwin beginning with his childhood, but also touches on a variety of content areas including botany, geography, history, and genetics.  This book gives information while also detailing 21 fun explorative activities for kids. 

Leonardo da Vinci: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #10: Monday with a Mad Genius, by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Sal Murdocca (fact tracker series)

The Magic Tree House series is wildly popular with older primary and elementary aged students.  While the original series has elements of history blended with fantasy, the fact tracker series is completely nonfiction.  For extra fun, pair this book with Monday with a Mad Genius!  Learn all about the fascinating man that was Leonardo da Vinci.

William Shakespeare & the Globe, by Aliki

Beloved author and illustrator Aliki brings us a book to learn about one of the world’s most famous playwrights.  Recommended for children in kindergarten through elementary, this book details the life of Shakespeare through the building of the modern Globe.  This gorgeous book will entertain kids and the adults who read with them.

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, by Kay Winters, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

It’s not often that biographies take the time to revel in the childhood of a famous figure.  This book does just that, giving kids a chance to relate to one of the greatest political figures in the history of our nation.  Parents will love that Abe loved books!  The books he read shaped him into the courageous man he became and led him to make decisions that would prove to change the course of history.

Who Was Gandhi? by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Jerry Hoare

Long after his death, Gandhi remains a symbol of peace around the world.  Children will learn about his fight against discrimination and attempts to dismantle India’s caste system.  This book is part of a large series of popular biographies for kids, so if your family likes Who Was Gandhi? know that there are plenty more to explore!

Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams), by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Frau Isa

Available in hardcover and board book versions, this book appeals to toddlers as much as it does to second graders.  Charming illustrations accompany simple yet informative sentences, with the aim to inspire youngsters to break boundaries and follow their dreams.

Nelson Mandela, by Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson’s book has received the Coretta Scott King Honor award.  It tells the story of an inspired boy who worked his whole life to create a more just and equitable world for all people.  This is a tale that clearly illustrates the difference one person can make.  We may have to work hard and endure sacrifices, but Mandela persevered and stood firm in his convictions, leaving the world a better place.

What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis, illustrated by Phyllis Hornung

Is your child enamored with math, geometry, and solving problems?  This cute book might be just the one for them.  Join young Pythagoras as he considers different ways to solve real problems, and how math can be applied to help the process along.

The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin, by Cheryl Harness

Not many people can be expert candle makers, printers, and political activists simultaneously.  Introduce your child to the marvelous Ben Franklin with this factual book that is perfect for kids in grades 2-5.

What other famous independent thinkers should be on this list?  Happy reading!

Ten Fabulous Fall Titles

Each month we like to provide you with a timely booklist to inspire daily reading at home.  This month we focus on fun fall books.  Between falling leaves and ripening pumpkins, what’s not to love about autumn?  Visit your local library or click the book images below to find these titles that your children are sure to love.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert

This book by Ehlert is simple but provides gorgeous illustrations and informational text for our youngest children.  Perfect for toddlers and primary students, Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf details the life of a tree.

The Pumpkin Book, by Gail Gibbons 

Gibbons is known for creating books that draw children in with beautiful illustrations and clear, factual information.  The pumpkin book does not disappoint!  It covers such information as types of pumpkins, the process of planting, growing, and harvesting pumpkins, the parts of a pumpkins seed, history of this amazing squash, and so much more.

The Reasons for Seasons, by Gail Gibbons 

Once again Gibbons delivers a perfect book for Montessori (and all) children.  She uses clear, bright diagrams and short but accurate paragraphs to explain why certain regions of the earth experience four seasons.  

Yellow Time, by Lauren Stringer 

“Yellow time comes before white time.  Every time.”  Stringer uses words and images alike to paint a picture of the final days of fall.  The variety of color among the leaves has gone, along with many of the animals.  The ones that are left are so busy preparing for winter that they don’t notice the beautiful yellow that remains.  That is, except for the crows.

Apple Cider-Making Days, by Ann Purmell, illustrated by Joanne Friar 

This wholesome tale follows two children as they pick apples to be made into cider on the family farm.  Readers learn about the process via this charming realistic fiction, and several pages of interesting cider facts follow the story.

Autumn is Here!, by Heidi Pross Gray

Young children will enjoy chiming in with the alternate pages of predictable text.  Between exclamations of “Autumn is here!” Gray inserts classic hallmarks of the season, such as the potential futures of acorns and the busy work of squirrels.  Her whimsical watercolor paintings that illustrate the pages are a perfect fit.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn, by Kenard Pak 

In this charming book a young girls is taking a walk through her town and nearby woods on a crisp fall day.  She greets the plants and creatures she passes; they, in return, return her greeting and explain the changes they are undergoing during autumn.  

Autumnblings, by Douglas Florian

Florian writes poetry that is silly, surprising, and teaches us new things.  While he has books (with really cool collage and paint illustrations) on a variety of subjects, Autumnblings is all about fall.  This book would be best enjoyed by children in kindergarten and lower elementary, and covers a wide range of topics from apple picking to trick-or-treating to baseball.

Fall Walk, by Virginia Brimhall Snow 

This book is a unique two-in-one.  The story takes readers on a walk through the woods with a grandmother and her grandchildren.  On each page a different tree is introduced, along with a detailed picture displaying the shape of the tree’s leafs.  This compliments the Montessori botany work beautifully.

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep, by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

Few things delight children in quite the same way as squirrels.  They always seem to be having fun scampering around or furiously preparing for winter.  This book lets children in on all the action as it describes the many tasks of this familiar neighborhood mammal.

We hope you enjoy our fall book suggestions.  Let us know if you have any favorites that were not included on this list, and happy reading!

Author Spotlight: Grace Lin

So it’s halfway through the summer and you’ve been enjoying lots of reading time with your kids.  You’ve been through all their favorites in the bookcase - many, many times.  Looking for some new ideas?

Grace Lin is a Newbery-winning author whose work appeals to children of all ages.  Read on for a partial list of her books that will pull your family out of a book rut and provide hours of reading enjoyment!

(Click on the book image to go to the book's page on Amazon)

Picture Books

The Ugly Vegetables

A child admires the flowers in her neighbors’ gardens, while wondering why her mother insists on growing veggies that look so different than everyone else’s.  When harvest time rolls around she realizes the beauty in diversity and how a delicious pot of soup can bring people together.

Dim Sum for Everyone!

The bright illustrations and minimal text in this story will appeal to preschoolers and new readers.  A child describes the magic of going out to eat dim sum, and how special it is to share a meal with family.

Kite Flying

A family works together to make and fly a kite.  While the story honors the Chinese tradition, it is relatable for any family who likes to fly kites.  Much like Dim Sum for Everyone!, the pictures and short text make this book ideal for preschoolers and early readers.

Lissy’s Friends

Being the new girl at school can be pretty lonely.  Lissy decides to solve her problem by creating a tiny friend using origami.  Her collection grows quickly and brings her much needed joy.  Eventually, she is able to share her love of origami with her new human friends.

Early Readers

Ling and Ting: Together in All Weather

Ling and Ting are twin sisters who take readers through their fun, silly, and relatable lives in this early reader series.  From thunderstorms to rainbows to selling lemonade, the girls have fun together in all seasons.

Ling and Ting: Twice as Silly

Ling and Ting take readers through six ridiculously silly stories, including high hopes for planting jelly beans and devising intricate plans to pick the apples from the top of a tree.

Ling and Ting: Share a Birthday

Of course the twins share a birthday, but they love sharing lots of other things, too!  This book begins with a tale of two pairs of shoes and takes readers through the fun of birthday cake, shopping, gifts, wishes, and a special story at the end.

Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same

While Ling and Ting are alike in almost every way, they are not exactly the same.  This book takes readers on yet another series of silly adventures.

Chapter Books

Year of the Dog

This is Grace Lin’s first book featuring a character named Pacy and her family and friends.  The book begins with Pacy and her family working to prepare for their Chinese New year celebration.  It is the year of the dog which Pacy’s mom describes as a good time to find oneself.  Throughout the rest of the story readers follow along as Pacy does just that.  As with many of her other books, Lin manages to blend cultural traditions with modern family lives.

Year of the Rat

The Pacy series continues as Lin crafts books based on her own childhood experiences.  Pacy is not feeling as lucky as she did in Year of the Dog, as she deals with her best friend moving and struggles to work toward her goals to be a writer and illustrator.  As with many of her books, Grace Lin tells many stories within this story, layering traditional tales within modern realistic fiction.

Dumpling Days

This third installment in the Pacy series has readers traveling to Taiwan as Pacy and her family prepare for her grandmother’s birthday.  Pacy continues to navigate her way through new cultural traditions and life experiences.  As with the other books in the series, nurturing relationships is an underlying theme.

Novel

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

This novel will transport older readers to a world of fantasy.  Min Li embarks on a journey to meet the old man of the moon in hopes of asking him how she might change her family's’ fortune.  Throughout her journey she meets an array of fascinating characters - including forming a friendship with an unconventional dragon - and learns more about herself than she ever dreamed she might.

Grace Lin has written and illustrated many other books.  We hope this list will help you and your family discover a new author for everyone to enjoy!