Please Write in This Book
By Mary Amato
A teacher leaves a blank book in her classroom’s writing corner for her students to “talk to each other” in its pages. There are only two rules: don’t tell anyone about the notebook (it’s much more exciting to discover it on your own) and sign your name to your writing. What follows is a flurry of stories, poems and pictures as the students work together to try to figure out their teacher’s intentions. (Grades 3-5)
The World According to Humphrey
By Betty G. Birney
Humphrey is the class hamster in room 26 at Longfellow School. Each day brings new adventures as he learns to read, write and so much more. And he spends his weekends at the homes of different students, helping them through their problems. (Grades 2-5)
A Fine, Fine School
By Sharon Creech
Principal Mr. Keene loves his school so much that he decides to have school every day. At first he just adds classes on Saturdays, then all weekend, then on holidays. It’s up to Tillie to show him that even though school is a fine place, everyone needs free time with their families and friends. (Grades K-3)
The Bad-News Report Card
By Nancy Poydar
On the day her teacher handed out report cards, Isabel talked out of turn in class and forgot to put her name on one of her papers. Now she’s sure her report card will be full of “bad news.” (Grades K-3)
Each Kindness
By Jacqueline Woodson
When Maya starts attending a new school, she has trouble making friends because she wears shabby clothes and plays with old toys. Eventually she stops asking to join in with the others and, one day, stops coming to school altogether. Then Ms. Albert teaches a lesson about how even small acts can change the world, causing the class to think about how much better it could have been for everyone if they’d shown Maya a little kindness. (Grades K-5)
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
By Barbara Demick
Barbara Demick, a former L.A. Times correspondent, interviews six North Korean defectors to give us a glimpse into the life they led while citizens of North Korea. Nothing to Envy is a sad but interesting read as it includes many stories about the struggles North Koreans faced during the famine of the mid-1990s, their life in prison camps and their transitions into South Korean life. Readers interested in learning more about North Korea will find this book strongly written and fascinating.
The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates
By Brita Belli
Author and journalist Brita Belli follows the lives of three families living with autistic children. She theorizes there is a connection to environmental toxins, such as flame retardants, with some vulnerable children. Flame retardants are used in electronics, clothing and some furniture. With the alarming rise in autism diagnosis, she calls for banning some of these toxins.
State of Wonder
By Anne Patchett
Dr. Marina Singh is sent to the Amazon to search for the elusive Dr. Anneck Swensen, who is doing research on an important drug for a pharmaceutical company. Singh soon discovers the research and researchers are pursuing something very different from the study the drug company thinks it is funding. This is a gripping adventure story and a profound look at the difficult choices we make in the name of science and love.
The Tucci Cookbook
By Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci’s cookbook is chock full of family stories, gorgeous photographs and easy Italian recipes. He provides a plethora of information on living, breathing and cooking Italian. Read this and you will be arranging an Italian dinner party soon.
The Complete Photo Guide to Felting
By Ruth Lane
This step by step approach to felting is great for a beginner or advanced fiber lover. The book covers terms, types of wool/felting materials, felting products, felting artists at work and easy instructions for felted projects. Plus each felted project has detailed photos illustrating step-by-step instructions for all techniques.
7 Years Younger: The Revolutionary 7-Week Anti-Aging Plan
By the editors of Good Housekeeping
Scientists at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute researched products for over two years to find anti-aging products that really work. This book shares their findings on how to reverse the signs of aging.
