Children's Literature with Miss Cornell

2020 Texas Bluebonnet Nominnee   Bluebonnet novel  After being hit by a lightning strike, 12 year old Lucy is now a genius in math, but she now has OCD. Her grandmother pulled her from school initially due to the lack of challenge, but now she has finally decided that Lucy needs some amount of social interaction so she enrolls her in middle school. Lucy must now navigate middle school and hide her uniqueness which proves to be quite unpredictable and difficult. In the end, Lucy has a different perspective on life (it isn't all about math) and she realizes that everyone has problems of their own.  I think this novel would be suitable for students in fourth grade or older, depending on their reading level and interests. It could be used within the curriculum of a middle school English/Language Arts classroom. It introduces different viewpoints that students this age may not be familiar with such as having OCD, family structure differences, and having savant syndrome. These, along wit

Illustrated by R.J. Palacio  Goodreads Choice Award for Picture Books 2017 Special needs topic book  This book is a spinoff from the novel Wonder but is told in a way that is more understandable for young listeners and readers. Auggie knows he isn't an ordinary kid, but that doesn't mean he can't do ordinary (and extraordinary) things. He describes how he feels sad when people say unkind things or think he is different. Auggie's wish in the end is that everyone would change the way they see so they can see themselves and Auggie for the wonders we all are.  This book would be perfect for students in Pre-K through first grade as students are encountering different peers and are more aware of their differences. It could be used as a read aloud for students followed by students telling about what makes them unique, as well as ways they can be kind to others and appreciate their uniqueness. I would definitely include this book in my classroom if I ever taught younger student

illustrated by Oge Mora 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent, 2019 Caldecott Medal  Multicultural book This story was about the importance of having a sharing and giving heart. Omu meets many different people from her neighborhood throughout the day, all of whom she kindly shares a bowl of delicious stew with. In the end, Omu is left with no stew after giving all day, but there is one last knock on the door. Everyone who Omu shared with in the day was back with food to give back to her  This would be most appropriate for younger students in preschool or kindergarten. It teaches students both about different people and walks of life, but also the importance of giving. This could be used as a read aloud and follow with students talking about sharing and what positive things become of giving to others. I would use this in my class if I ever taught younger students because I like the way it teaches such a valuable lesson. 

Illustrated by Rafael López Schneider Family Book Award for Young Children 2o20  Multicultural  This book focuses on the differences in the way we do things that makes us unique and special. Children who have disabilities and other characteristics that make them unique share their stories and what helps them. Children are encouraged to ask their parents, friends, and teachers questions that they may wonder about, but to also respect one another if they don't want to answer. The story ends on the note that our uniqueness is valuable and important.  I think this story could be utilized for many age groups, but mostly students who are in Pre-K to first grade. It teaches a valuable lesson for children who are beginning to interact with others in an educational environment and in general for some students. I would possibly include this book in my class if I taught younger middle school students or young elementary students because I think both groups of students would benefit from liste

illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh  2015 Pura Belpré Honor Book, 2015 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book  Multicultural Book  This story takes place about 10 years before the famous Brown vs. Board decision. A young girl of Latino heritage remembers how difficult of a journey her and her family went through in order for her to attend the “whites only” school nearby. Her father made this possible by filing a lawsuit and involving other families who were also struggling with segregation. In the end, Sylvia attends the second day of school at the predominately white school with her head held high and a sense of pride in the actions that got her there.  This story would be perfect to remind and teach children about the history of the United States and how education was so terribly impacted for all students of color. It could be used within a history/social studies lesson where students discuss how the book made them feel and if it reminds them of anything. I think students in first through fourth gra

illustrated by Danielle Daniel  No major awards  Multicultural book  This story is very simple, focusing on coming together to show love and support for our friends, family, and classmates. The repetition in the story is based on how we can hold each other up in our daily actions by showing our respect for each other in various ways. I think this story would be perfect for young children in Pre-K and even Kindergarten. Students at this age are learning to be kind to others so this book could help to reinforce the idea that we need to love and respect each other everyday. I may include this book in my classroom because I really enjoyed how simplistic the book was while containing such a meaningful message.