NutmegAward
Having served on the committee for the Intermediate reads in the past, this was the first time I got to serve on the Elementary Committee (Grades 2-3) and it was so fun. We got to read so many great books from graphics to poetry to picture books and easy fiction, I think we read somewhere in the neighborhood of 140 books and then had to narrow the list down to these fabulous 15! Parents and educators can rest assured that these books were chosen by librarians and teachers with great care, lots of debate and of course, love for reading and readers!
Here's my personal take on the top 15 Elementary choices:
Let the Children March
written by Monica Clark-Robinson
illustrated by Frank Morrison
As a librarian it's tough to know where to put this one because it looks like a picture book but its really a fictionalized account of the Birmingham children's march that took place in May, 1963. It was named a Coretta Scott King Award honor book and rightly so, it serves as an important reminder of the power of children to affect social change. A great choice for teachers and one of the older picture books that parents can talk with their children about when they are at an age to understand.
Alfie
by Thyra Heder
This is just an adorable and unique story about a girl and her turtle who goes on a hunt to find her the perfect birthday present. Told from the perspective of both characters, its sweet and the ink and watercolor illustrations hit the right note. Perfect for all ages!
Anything But Ordinary Addie: the True Story of Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic
written by Mara Rockliff
illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
The best things about this picture book bio are that it's visually stunning and it's about someone that you've probably never heard of before. The length of the text and author's notes are just right to inspire more young girls (and boys) to delve into the world of magic and stage artistry. Bravo!
Robins! How They Grow Up
by Eileen Christelow
Robins! is a non-fiction book that teachers and media specialists must love because of its design. It follows baby robins as they grow, adding in readable text with graphic picture elements and even some text bubbles by the birds themselves - all without being too overwhelming or busy on the page. Another winner from Eileen Christelow.
The Dinosaur Expert
written by Margaret McNamara
illustrated by G. Brian Karas
When Kimmy's class goes on a field trip to the natural history museum, she wants to share all her knowledge with her class until a classmate tells her that girls can't be scientists! Thankfully her teacher and other students encourage Kimmy to follow her passion and become a dino expert. I've probably said it before but G. Brian Karas is one of my absolute favorite illustrators so of course I lobbied for this title, though it wasn't hard because dinosaurs, author Margaret McNamara and Karas are a winning combination.
Bolivar
by Sean Rubin
I literally can't wait for kids to find this book if they haven't already. For those that aren't already reading every graphic incarnation they can get their hands on, this will be such a welcome introduction to the format. The story of Sybil and her neighbor Bolivar, a dinosaur of course, is such a treat and visually appealing to younger elementary students because of color-coded speech bubbles and traditional picture book text. There's so much to see here in this great story of friendship and much more.
If Sharks Disappeared
by Lily Williams
This super non-fiction picture book takes readers on a journey through what would happen to our world if only this one animal disappeared. Williams does it with a light touch through child-friendly illustrations and with information perfect for this age group.
Flutter & Hum: Animal Poems
by Julie Paschkis
Short, accessible animal poems in English and Spanish decorated with folk art-style illustrations makes this a perfect poetry text for classes, projects and just fun reading. The author's note is fascinating and shows how Paschkis came up with the concept and created the poems.
Otis and Will Discover the Deep: the record-setting dive of the bathysphere
written by Barb Rosenstock
illustrated by Katherine Roy
In 1930, an engineer and an explorer got in a hollow metal ball and dove into the depths of the ocean. Even if you aren't an inventor or engineer, you will love following along as the bathysphere descends into the depths, revealing a little of what Otis and Will discovered. The illustrations perfectly match the suspenseful story and the end notes are a great addition.
Her Right Foot
written by Dave Eggers
illustrated by Shawn Harris
This is not an easy book to explain in a blurb. You must hold it in your hands and read it. I fell in love with this book the moment after I read it because it took me a second to absorb how totally awesome it is. What is it about the Statue of Liberty's right foot? I think kids are often mesmerized by monuments like this and this book takes it to a whole new level. A perfect jumping off point for what is happening in our world at this very moment.
written by Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews
illustrated by Bryan Collier
This book has won the Coretta Scott King Award and was named a Caldecott honor book. It's about music and New Orleans and all sorts of great things like making your dreams come true. So we couldn't not include it on our list so that as many kids get to read it (and even hear it if you buy the version with the CD!) because it is really something.
Lola Levine Is Not Mean!
written by Monica Brown
illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Lola Levine is a smart and spunky second-grader who is navigating the world of friendship and school and will steal your heart. The first in a popular series about this multicultural character that every kid can relate to.
The Story of Diva and Flea
written and illustrated by Mo Willems and Tony Diterlizzi
Another tour-de-force, this one combining amazing author/illustrators/friends Willems and DiTerlizzi with a Paris setting and an adorable cat and dog duo. How can this not be amazing? A chapter book destined to become a classic.
written by Uma Krishnaswami
illustrated by Julianna Swaney
A am a champion of the quieter books especially when they are about books and awesome characters like young Yasmin. When her city in India threatens to shut down a rickety old book stand that she frequents, she gets to work and displays some community activism at its most basic and important. Totally accessible to young chapter book readers and with a great message.
written by Elana K. Arnold
illustrated by Charles Santoso
There really was no way we were coming up with this list without having this title on it. It's a longer fiction/chapter book but the character of Bat, a boy on the autism spectrum, was too well done to pass up. This is a perfect book for parents/child reading and for a teacher read-aloud. It offers typical readers a great glimpse into the world of someone not so different from them - and includes an adorable baby skunk in the process!
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