Realistic Fiction: Refers to stories that could happen to people and animals. It is within the realm of possibility that such events could occur.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Gordon C. James
Award: Coretta Scott King, Caldecott and Newbery Award Reading Level: 5th Grade through 8th Grade Summary: This is a poem about a boy who takes a trip to the barber shop and is treated like royalty as he receives a fresh haircut. The boy speaks about his new haircut as if with it he could conquer the world. This book encourages self-affirmation and confidence in young people. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a lesson that explores feelings and what makes one feel empowered. It could also be used in a geometry lesson in regards to hair cuts.
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat Written by Simms Taback
Award: Caldecott Reading Level: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Summary: This is a story about a man who has an overcoat that becomes worn and torn. Instead of throwing out the old coat, Joseph turns it into something else like a vest and then a scarf. This goes on and on until Joseph has no material left to work with. Joseph then decides to write a story about his overcoat. The moral of the story is that you can always make something out of nothing! Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could lead into a lesson on Home Economics where students are taught how to sew. It could also be used in a social studies lesson to learn about Eastern European culture.
Knuffle Bunny Too Written by Mo Willems
Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 3rd and 4th Grade Summary: This story is about a little girls experience when she loses her favorite stuffed bunny. Although tears are shed, a new friendship is formed. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a social studies lesson that focuses on appropriate behavior and making friends. It could also be used in a geography lesson that looks at maps of the students home town.
The Little Island Written by Margaret Wise Brown and Illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. Award: Caldecott Award Reading level: 4th and 5th Summary: This delightfully simple book allow the reader to experience the life of a little island as seasons change and animals come and go, making their home on the island. At one point in the book, a kitten comes to the island and learns by faith that everything is important, no matter how small. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book would be great to use in a lesson on seasons and especially how they effect the lives of animals and plants. It could also be used in a lesson on geography that explores famous islands.
The Napping House Written by Audrey Illustrated by Don Wood
Award: Golden Kite Award Reading Level: 1st and 2nd Grade Summary: An old lady is sleeping in the napping house along with a small boy, a dog, and many others. As they sleep peacefully, little do they know they will be unexpectedly awakened. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a math lesson that focuses on weight and breaking point. It could also be used in an English language arts lesson that looks at sequence of events and cause and effect.
Sarah, Plain and Tall Written by Patricia MacLachlan
Award: Newbery Award Reading Level: 3rd and 4th Grade Summary: Sarah Plain and Tall is about a family of three, a father, a daughter and a son, who send out an add in the newspaper for a wife and mother. The father’s previous wife died in childbirth before the story takes place. Sarah responds to the family’s request, and slowly, she begins to build a relationship with the family through writing letters. She eventually comes to visit the family, and as they get to know each other, Sarah falls in love with the family and the family with her. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a Social Studies lesson that explores the customs of the past, how people used to live, communicate, and travel. It could also be used in an English language arts lesson where students write letters.