Picture Books for Teaching Narrative Writing

North Carolina has made changes in the traits scored on the state narrative writing test. The original bibliography information has been changed to reflect the differences. If you are linked to this page, or have this page bookmarked, you may want to switch to the link below: Using Picture Books to Teach Narrative Writing.

Sorted by Trait


Return to Using Picture Books to Teach Narrative Writing Traits

This bibliography is sorted by primary writing trait; traits are color-coded to make them a little easier to find when listed as secondary traits in other entries.

North Carolina scores Personal and Imaginative Narratives using four traits on a four point scale: Main Idea, Supporting Details, Organization and Coherence (Sentence Fluency). Word choice, sentence fluency and voice are considered within these traits. Conventions are scored with a "+" or "-" added to the numerical score depending on number and level of errors.

Six traits: Ideas/Supporting Details, Organization, Word Choice, Voice, Sentence Fluency (Coherence), and Conventions (There are no specific entries for Conventions--most any book can be used to teach this trait).

Plus: A clear moment in time, Beginnings, Endings, Imaginative writing, Sense of Time and/or Place

Sorted Bibliography

Author

Title

Indicates Out of Print

Summary

Writing
Trait(s)

Curriculum 
Connection

Character
Trait

Book of Poetry selected by: Lansky, Bruce Kids Pick the Funniest Poems        
Alexander, Martha Where Does the Sky End, Grandpa?* Grandpa and his little grandchild walk together at the end of the day wondering about all kinds of things. A clear moment in time Science Respect
Aragon, Jane Salt Hands* A young girl’s brief encounter with a deer. A clear moment in time Science Respect
Bates, Artie Ragsale* A family spends Saturday morning going to ragsales.  A clear moment in time Social Studies
Cultural Group: Afro-American
 
Bunting, Eve Night Tree A family makes its annual trip to decorate an evergreen tree with food for animals at Christmas. A clear moment in time Social Studies Caring
Bunting, Eve No Nap Dad’s efforts to make Susie take a nap only exhaust him. A clear moment in time Health Perseverance
Bunting, Eve Smoky Night During the Los Angeles riots a young boy and his mother discover the value of getting along with others. A clear moment in time Social Studies
Multicultural
Respect
Burningham, John Harvey Shumfenburger’s Christmas Present Santa discovers one last gift he must deliver. A clear moment in time Social Studies Responsibility
Cherry, Lynn The Great Kapok Tree Animals convince a man not to cut down the tree that is their home. A clear moment in time Science Responsibility
Crews, Donald Shortcut Children put themselves in danger A clear moment in time Health
Cultural Group: Afro-American
Responsibility
Dooley, Norah Everybody Cooks Rice A young girl exploring her neighborhood discovers that everyone is cooking rice for supper that night.  A clear moment in time Math: Measurement
Multicultural
Respect
Fleming, Virginia Be Good to Eddie Lee Eddie Lee, a boy with Down’s Syndrome, follows Christy into the woods and shares several special discoveries with her. A clear moment in time Science Compassion
Friday, Beverly & David Time To Go* As a family prepares to leave, a child takes one last look at his
farm home.
A clear moment in time Social Studies Caring
Gliori, Debi The Snow Lambs A sheepdog guides a lamb about to give birth to safety during a snowstorm. A clear moment in time Science Courage
Harden, Dan Colliding With Chris A young boy’s first ride on a bike with handbrakes turns out much wilder than he ever thought. A clear moment in time Health  
Herald, Maggie A Very Important Day A group of immigrants become citizens of the US on a winter day in New York. A clear moment in time Social Studies
Multicultural
Citizenship
Hesse, Karen Lester’s Dog A boy overcomes his fear of a mean dog when he has to protect a frail, abandoned kitten. A clear moment in time Health Courage
Hutchins, Pat The Doorbell Rang More and more friends arrive to share a plate of cookies. A clear moment in time Math: computation Fairness
Impey, Rosa Joe’s Café* Big brother Joe comes to understand what the responsibility of being in chargemeans when his little sister disappears while Joe is playing. A clear moment in time Health Responsibility
Johnston, Tony The Promise* A farmer passes down a tradition of making a promise to care for animals with a little girl who helps him birth a calf. A clear moment in time Science Responsibility
Keats, Ezra Jack Apt. 3 On a rainy day two brothers try to discover who is playing the 
harmonica in their building.
A clear moment in time Social Studies
Cultural Group: Afro-American
Compassion
Moore, Clement The Night Before Christmas A narrative poem about Christmas Eve and a visit from St. Nick. A clear moment in time Social Studies  
Munsch, Robert The Dark Jule Ann pounds on the bottom of the cookie jar, and a small lump jumps out and starts gobbling up every shadow in sight. A clear moment in time Science  
Pilkey, Dave The Paperboy A paperboy’s morning delivery routine. A clear moment in time Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
Responsibility
Pinkwater, Daniel Author’s Day A famous author visits a school and things don’t go quite right.  A clear moment in time   Perseverance
Waddell, Martin The Big Big Sea A young girl and her mother take a moonlight walk to the sea. A clear moment in time Science Caring
Weller, Frances and Robert Blake The Angel of Mill Street On a snowy Christmas Eve in the late 1800’s a family waits and worries when their cripple uncle doesn’t come home. A clear moment in time Social Studies Caring
Yolen, Jane Beneath the Ghost 

Moon*

Poem: follows "‘Twas the night before Christmas"….mice battle mean-hearted creepy crawlies to protect their home. A clear moment in time Science Courage
Rylant, Cynthia When I Was Young in the Mountains Episodic remembrances of the author’s childhood linked by the title phrase. A clear moment in time (each episode), voice Social Studies Compassion
Goode, Diane I Hear A Noise* A little boy’s worst fears are realized. A clear moment in time, imaginative Health Responsibility
Van Allsburg, Chris Bad Day at Riverbend Surrealistic journey into the imagination, set in a western town where things start to go haywire. A clear moment in time, coherence Social Studies Courage
Battle-Lavert, Gwendolyn The Barber’s Cutting Edge Rashaad gets his hair cut and learns the joy of learning new words. A clear moment in time, ending: surprise Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
 
Herman, Emily Hubknuckles Each Halloween a ghost named Hubknuckles dances around the outside of the house. The oldest daughter decides she is not afraid and thinks her mom and dad are just playing a trick. She finds out she is wrong. A clear moment in time, ending: surprise Social Studies Courage
Johnson, Paul Brett The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down Miss Rosemary uses all of her imagination to convince her flying cow to return to her regular station.  A clear moment in time, ending: surprise   Perseverance
Gilliland, Judith Not in the House, Newton! Everything Newton draws with his crayon becomes real. A clear moment in time, imaginative Health Self-discipline
Brinkloe, Julie Fireflies! A young boy is pleased with the jar of fireflies he caught until their lights begin to dim. A clear moment in time, organization Science Respect
Kumin, Maxine The Beach Before Breakfast An adult and child explore the beach early one morning. A clear moment in time, sense of place Science Respect
Yolen, Jane Owl Moon On a winter night under a full moon, father and daughter trek into the woods to see the Great Horned Owl. A clear moment in time, sense of place Science Caring
Viorst, Judith The Good-Bye Book A child begs his parents not to go out to dinner, separation anxiety. A clear moment in time, voice/whining Health Courage
Bunting, Eve Ghost’s Hour, Spook’s Hour Scary incidents at midnight give Biff the dog and his master a frightening time. A clear moment in time, word choice Health Courage
Joose, Barbara M. Snow Day! When school is canceled because of snow, Robby and his family enjoy the day together. A clear moment in time, word choice Social Studies Caring
Young, Ed Night Visitors A young scholar learns respect for all forms of life when he dreams he becomes part of an ant colony. A clear moment in time, word choice Science
Cultural group: Asian
Respect
Harrison, Troon Don’t Dig So Deep, Nicholas Nicholas begins digging a hole in the sand and unleashes a whole gang of animals from New Zealand who go wild on the beach. A clear moment in time Science Self-discipline
Howard, Elizabeth Chita’s Christmas Tree Papa and Chita leave downtown Baltimore in a buggy to find a tree in the deep woods. A clear moment in time Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
 
Rylant, Cynthia The Relatives Came The relatives come from West Virginia, and everyone has a wonderful time. Beginning/ending: circular, word choice (very simple word choice) Social Studies Respect
Meyer, Mercer There’s A Nightmare in My Closet A little boy fears the dark and the monster in his closet. Beginning: begins with the end/flashback Health Courage
Herriot, James Moses the Kitten Dr. Herriot finds Moses near a farm pond in winter nearly frozen to death and takes him home where something unusual happens. Beginning: bold statement by the narrator, ending: surprise Social Studies
Cultural group: English
Compassion
Bunting, Eve  Going Home Carlos and his family travel home to Mexico for Christmas. Beginning: dialogue lead Social Studies
Cultural group: Hispanic
Citizenship
Clement, Rod Grandpa’s Teeth Soon after Grandpa’s teeth disappear from a glass beside his bed, the whole town is under investigation. Beginning: dialogue lead,
ending: surprise
Social Studies Honesty
Dukes, Kate Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One Aunt Isabel and her niece, Penelope, create a story including all the necessary elements. Beginning: dialogue lead, ideas/supporting details    
Munsch, Robert Moira’s Birthday Without her parent’s consent Moira invites the whole school to her birthday party. Beginning: dialogue lead, ideas/supporting details Math: computation Fairness
Rylant, Cynthia Night in the County Describes the sights and sounds of the country. Beginning: dramatic, word choice Social Studies Respect
Hooks, William The Mighty Santa Fe* At Christmas, William has to leave behind his cherished train set when his family goes to visit his frightening great grandmother. Beginning: figurative language, ending: mystery Health Courage
Hoffman, Mary Amazing Grace Grace is determined to be Peter Pan in the school play. Beginning: introduces the character Social Studies
Multicultural
Perseverance
Steig, William Shrek! Shrek, an ugly monster, is sent into the world to do his share of damage. Beginning: introduces the character    
Yorinks, Arthur Hey, Al Al and his dog yearn for a better life.  Beginning: introduces the character Social Studies Respect
Ackerman, Karen Song and Dance Man Grandpa enjoys reliving his vaudeville days for the grandchildren. Beginning: introduces the character, coherence Social Studies Respect
Houston, Gloria My Great-Aunt Arizona Arizona grows up and teaches in the same one room schoolhouse she attended as a child. Beginning: introduces the character, ending: poignant Social Studies Caring
Sharmart, Marjorie Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport A New York City boy’s preconceived ideas of life in the west make him apprehensive about moving. Beginning: introduces the narrator, Stereotype/Reverse stereotype Social Studies Courage
Mendez, Phil The Black Snowman A magical kente brings a black snowman to life and helps a young boy discover his heritage and self-worth.  Beginning: mysterious, coherence Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
Courage
91-Yolen, Jane Encounter A young Indian boy’s tale of Columbus coming to the new world. Beginning: mysterious, voice/serious Social Studies
Multicultural
Responsibility
Pinckney, Andrea  Duke Ellington Biography of Duke Ellington, the jazz playin’ man. Beginning: question, word choice, voice/jazzy Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
 
Howard, Elizabeth Aunt Flossie’s Hats
(and Crabcakes later)
Sunday afternoons Sarah and 
Susan visit Aunt Flossie and hear stories of old times while sharing cookies, crabcakes, and hats.
Beginning: setting Social studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
Respect
Tudor, Tash Corgiville Fair Satirical story about a county fair. Beginning: setting,
word choice
Social Studies Honesty
Yorinks, Arthur Louis the Fish An unhappy butcher from Flatbush finally is happy. Beginning: starts at the end  Social Studies Responsibility
Viorst, Judith The Tenth Good Thing 

about Barney

A little boy must deal with the death of his pet. Beginning: starts in the middle    
Hofsepian Why Not? Original folktale of a solemn man who adopts two cats only to discover he needs two laps. He solves the dilemma and learns how love can grow. Beginning: strong statement Health
Multicultural
Responsibility
Trivazas, Eugene The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig A great version of the old fairy tale Beginning: traditional narrative,
ending: surprise
Science Courage
Arrington, Frances Stella’s Bull Set in the Depression, a child confronts and triumphs over the demons of a young imagination. Coherence Social Studies Courage
Griffith, Helen  Georgia Music A girl and her grandfather share two different kinds of music. Coherence Social Studies Caring
Hopkinson, Deborah Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt A young slave stitches a quilt with a map pattern that guides her to freedom in the North. Coherence Social Studies
Multicultural
Courage
Hesse, Karen Come On, Rain A young girl eagerly awaits a coming rainstorm to bring relief from the oppressive weather. Coherence, A clear moment in time Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
 
Nolen, Jerdine Raising Dragons In spite of her parent’s disbelief, a little girl raises a dragon. Coherence, voice Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
Caring
Hughes, Monica A Handful of Seeds Forced into the barrio by the death of her grandmother, Concepsion takes with her a legacy of corn, 
chile and bean seeds and finds they hold the key to survival.
Ending: circular, sense of place Social Studies
Multicultural
Courage
Van Allsburg, Chris The Stranger A mysterious stranger recuperates at Farmer Bailey’s house and affects the weather.  Ending: mysterious Science Compassion
Burningham, John Hey! Get Off Our Train  At bedtime a young boy takes a ride on his toy train and rescues several endangered animals. Ending: mysterious, imaginative Science Respect
Howard, Arthur When I Was Five A six year old boy describes things he liked when five and compares them to things he likes now. Ending: personal comment, Beginning: announcement  Social Studies  
Zolotow, Charlotte William’s Doll William’s father resists the idea of his son having a doll. Ending: poignant, stereotype Social Studies Respect
Howard, Ellen Log Cabin Quilt When a family moves to a cabin in Michigan, something even more important than Granny’s quilt pieces makes the house a home. Ending: strong statement by a character Social Studies Respect
Houston, Gloria The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree Since Papa left the Appalachian to go to war. Ruthie and her mom wonder how they will fulfill his obligation of getting the perfect tree for town celebration. Ending: summary ending, sense of place, word choice Social Studies Responsibility
Brown, Marc Arthur’s Computer 

Disaster

Arthur disobeys his mother by
playing his favorite game on the computer.
Ending: surprise Social Studies Self-discipline
Kimmel, Eric Charlie Drives the Stage* Nothing keeps the stagecoach driver from delivering Senator McCorkel to the train station or time. Ending: surprise Social Studies Dependability
Van Allsburg, Chris The Sweetest Fig After being given 2 magical figs that make dreams come true, Monsieur Bobit’s plans for the future are spoiled by his dog. Ending: surprise Health Respect
Hest, Amy How to Get Famous In Brooklyn* A young girl observes the goings-on in her neighborhood and writes notes in her notebook. Ending: surprise, sense of place, prewriting Social Studies
Multicultural
 
Hines, Anna When the Goblins Come Knocking A scared little boy watches costumed Trick-or-Treaters 
come to his door. The next Halloween, he’s "the scariest one."
Ending: surprise, word choice (strong verbs) Social Studies Courage
Hoban, Russell Monsters A young boy only paints monsters, different monsters, until parents become concerned and take him to a doctor. "Everything works out" when the monster comes to life. Ending: surprise; word choice Health  
Williams, Vera A Chair for My Mother A mother, daughter and grandmother save money for a comfortable chair after their furniture is lost in a fire. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies
Multicultural
Self-discipline
Buehner, Carolyn Fanny’s Dream "Cinderella" story—a hard-working farmgirl dreams of a better life and finds it—for real. Ideas/supporting detailsv Social Studies Honesty
Allen, Jeffrey Nosey Mrs. Rat Mrs. Rat uses all kinds of tactics to get the "scoop" on all of her neighbors. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Self-discipline
Andrews, Jan Very First, Last Time A young Inuit girl walks alone on the sea floor for the very first last time.  Ideas/supporting details Social Studies
Cultural group:
Native American, Inuit
Responsibility
Bang, Molly The Paper Crane A mysterious man goes into a restaurant and pays for his dinner with a paper crane thatcomes to life and dances. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies
Multicultural
Perseverance
Cherry, Lynn The Armadillo from Amarillo A wandering armadillo explores Texas. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Respect
Cooney, Barbara Miss Rumphius A little girl grows up and makes the world a better place. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Responsibility
Fox, Mem Wilfred Gordan McDonald Partridge A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend. Ideas/supporting details Health Compassion
Hoberman, Mary Ann One of Each A dog with one each of everything in his house thinks his life is perfection but finds that no one else can enjoy its oneness. He solves the problem by getting doubles and sharing. Ideas/supporting details Health Fairness
Hoff, Syd Arturo’s Baton Famous conductor and his baton make beautiful music. He looses the baton; his manager, servants, dog search. Problem: how to lead the orchestra without the baton. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies  
Hoff, Syd Oliver Oliver the elephant is the eleventh elephant and the circus needs only ten. Oliver tries a variety of ways to find a job and home, but ends up with the circus because of his talent. Ideas/supporting details Health Perseverance
Hooks, William The Three Little Pigs and the Fox Three grown pigs leave home with 3 pieces of advice from mom. Appalachian version of classic tale where Hamlet, the youngest pig, rescues 2 greedy brothers from a mean, tricky fox. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Responsibility
Houston, Gloria But No Candy* While her uncle is off in WW II, Lee watches candy gradually disappear from the family store and realizes her entire world has changed. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Patriotism
Hutchins, H. J. Believing Sophie A little girl is accused of shoplifting and tries to prove herself innocent. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies Honesty
Keller, Wallace The Wrong Side of the Bed* A little boy gets up from the wrong of bed and everything goes topsy-turvy. Ideas/supporting details Math: spatial orientation  
Lord, John The Giant Jam Sandwich A village plagues by 4 million wasps makes a giant jam sandwich and traps the hungry insects inside. Ideas/supporting details Math: Big numbers Perseverance
Nixon, Joan If You Were a Writer Advice from a mother who is a writer to her child who wants to be a writer too. Ideas/supporting details   Self-discipline
Pitman, Helena A Grain of Rice A farmer outwits an Emperor and gets to marry the princess. Ideas/supporting details Math: factorial numbers
Cultural group: Asian
Perseverance
76-Slawson, Michele Apple Picking Time Neighbors spend a fall day picking apples with others on a small farm. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies  
Stevens, Janet From Pictures to Words: A Book About Making a Book Animals in an illustration try to help the author write a book. Ideas/supporting details    
Tompert, Ann Grandfather Tang’s Story Grandfather tells stories using tanagrams. Ideas/supporting details Math: Shapes
Cultural group: Asian/Chinese
 
Wilhelm, Hans I’ll Always Love You Friendship between a boy and his dog. Ideas/supporting details Health Responsibility
Zalben, Jane Beni’s First Wedding Beni participates in a Jewish wedding. Ideas/supporting details Social Studies
Multicultural
Compassion
Allard, Harry and James Marshall Miss Nelson is Missing Miss Nelson, the nicest teacher in the school, is replaced by Viola Swamp and the students gain new respect for Miss Nelson. Imaginative Social Studies Cooperation
David, Lawrence Beetle Boy Gregory Sampson wakes up to find 
that he has become a beetle and only one person seems to notice.
Imaginative  Science Consideration
Dorros, Arthur Abuela Grandmother and child take imaginary trip over Manhattan. Imaginative  Social Studies
Cultural group: Hispanic
 
Dorros, Arthur Isla Imaginary trip to the Caribbean Islands Imaginative  Social Studies
Cultural group: Hispanic/Caribbean
 
Floca, Brian The Frightful Story of Harry Walfish When a class goes ape on a field trip, the teacher tells a story about one of her misbehaving classmates who got left in a museum after it closed. Imaginative  Health Self-discipline
 
 
Johnson, Doug Never Ride Your Elephant to School Boy rides his elephant to school and gets into lots of unusual problems that he must solve. Imaginative Health Responsibility
Small, David Fenwick’s Suit Fenwick buys a suit that comes to life and takes over everything. Imaginative  Health  
Anderson, Hans C. The Emperor’s New Clothes An Emperor is made to look foolish. Organization Social Studies Integrity
Blaine, Marge The Terrible Thing That Happened at Our House* Life as the family knows it changes suddenly. Organization Health Fairness
Bunting, Eve How Many Days to America? Refugees from a Caribbean island embark on a dangerous boat trip to America. Organization Social Studies
Multicultural
Courage
Burningham, John Cannonball Simp An abandoned dog, captured by the dogcatcher, finds a
new life in the circus.
Organization    
Carlson, Nancy Arnie and the Skateboard Gang Arnie has to decide how far he will go to be "cool." Organization Health Courage
Cole, Joanna  Magic School Bus Series Mixture of fact and fiction in the classroom. Organization All Responsibility
English, Karen Big Wind Coming! People prepare for and wait out a fierce storm. Organization Science Responsibility
Hoffman, Mary Boundless Grace Young black girl faces dealing with her father’s new family with her grandmother’s help. Organization Social Studies
Cultural group: Afro-American
Courage
Johnson, Elizabeth The Three-In-One Prince Prince John, a middle son, uses his wits to win a Princess’s hand. Organization Health Perseverance
Johnson, Ryerson Kenji and the Magic Geese A Japanese family whose love of beauty and belief in miracles defy hunger. Organization Social Studies
Cultural group: Asian/Japanese
Courage
Kaldhol, Marit & Oyen, Wenche Goodbye Rune When her best friend accidentally drowns, a little girl, with the help of her family, tries to come to terms with death and sadness. Organization Health Compassion
Lobel, Arnold Fables One page fables  Organization   All
Sendak, Maraca Where the Wild Things Are Maxi misbehaves and is sent to his room. Organization Health Self-discipline
Hoffman, Mary Henrys Baby Henry wants to belong the "in" crowd and thinks he has to act tough and cool. Thinks his baby brother doesn’t help his image, but a surprise is in store. Organization, ending: circular Social Studies
Multicultural
Responsibility
Halberd, Katherine Alexander and the Magic Boat Imaginative Alexander pushes two armchairs together and persuades his mother to join his fantastic voyage. Organization, beginning: strong lead Social Studies  
Sisulu, Elinor The Day Gogo Went to Vote Thembi and her great-grandmother, who has not left the house for many years, go together to vote on the momentous day when black South Africans are allowed to vote for the first time. Personal Narrative Social Studies
Cultural Group: South African
Patriotism
Lyon, George Ella Come A Tide Too much rain and snow cause flooding in Kentucky. Personal narrative Science Courage
56-McLerran, Alice Roxaboxen The author remembers a town neighborhood children created and played in. Personal Narrative Social Studies Patriotism
(citizenship)
Ringold, Faith Tar Beach A young girl dreams of flying and claiming all that she can see for herself and her family Personal Narrative Social Studies
Multicultural
Compassion
Gray, Libba My Mama Had a Dancing Heart A ballet dancer recalls how she and her mother welcomed each season with a dance outdoors. Personal narrative, word choice Social Studies Caring
Harvey, Brett My Prairie Christmas Papa goes out to get a Christmas tree and doesn’t return. A family’s first Christmas on the prairie. Personal narrative, word choice Social Studies Courage
Heath, Amy Sofie’s Role A young girl helps out in her family’s bakery. Personal narrative, word choice (especially onomatopoeia) Social Studies Responsibility
DePaola, Tommy The Art Lesson Author remembers his art teacher from elementary school. Personal narrative/
3rd person
Social Studies Perseverance
Yolen, Jane Letting Swift River Go The town of Swift River is dismantled and flooded to create a reservoir. Personal narrative/1st person. ending: poignant  Social Studies Compassion
Albert, Richard Alejandro’s Gift A powerful environmental lesson about life in the dessert. Sense of place Science
Multicultural
Respect
Joseph, Daniel M. and Mendel, Lydia J. All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go Spending Christmas in Florida with his grandparents, David is surprised that there is no snow and his winter clothes are too warm for him. His grandparents help him adjust to change. Sense of place Social Studies Respect
Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie The Bear That Heard Crying A fictional retelling of the true story of 3 year old Sarah Whitchard, who lived in 1783, became lost in the woods of New Hampshire and was protected by a bear until her rescue four days later. Sense of place Social Studies Courage
Binch, Caroline Gregory Cool A boy visits his grandparents in Tobago and sees a different way of life. Sense of place, word choice Social Studies
Multicultural
Respect
Willis, Jeanne Earthlets This book describes babies from the alien point of view. Voice/"factual" Social Studies Compassion
Hines, Anna When We Married Gary Story of a second marriage from a child’s point of view Voice/child-like  Health Compassion
Hewitt, Kathryn Two by Two: The Untold Story Noah sends invitations to family and animals to come on a romantic vacation cruise. Voice/cunning Social Studies Responsibility
Viorst, Judith Alexander, Who’s Not…Going to Move Alexander refuses to move if it means giving up his favorite friends and special places. Voice/determined Health Courage
Blood, Charles The Goat in the Rug This is the true story of a  Weaver and her goat. Voice/factual Social Studies
Cultural group: Native American/Navajo
Loyalty
Joseph, Lynn An Island Christmas Rosie’s preparation for Christmas on the island of Trinidad. Voice/lyrical Social Studies
Cultural group: Hispanic/Caribbean
 
Viorst, Judith Alexander …Bad Day Nothing goes right for Alexander. "Some days are like that," Mom says. Voice/pouting  Health Responsibility
Meddaugh, Susan Cinderella’s Rat A rat tells the story from his side
as a coachman.
Voice/surprised   Loyalty
Adoff, Arnold Flamboyan Magical prose describes life on a Caribbean Island. Word choice Social Studies
Cultural group: Hispanic/Caribbean
Respect
Base, Graeme Animalia Alliterative ABC book Word choice Science  
Hazen, Barbara Turkey in the Straw A farmer had rather fiddle than farm. At the worst time for the farm, he throws a fiddling party. Word choice Social Studies Responsibility (lack of)
Helldarfier, M.C. Gather Up, Gather In: A Book of Seasons A prose-poem book of the seasons of the year. Word choice Science Respect
Hol, Adelaide The Runaway Giant* Forest animals react to a melting snowman they believe is a giant. Word choice Health Courage
Holder, Heidi Carmine the Crow Carmine helps a swan caught in a snare. The swan gives Carmine a box of stardust that he shares, but begins to worry about it being used up before he gets to make a wish. Word choice Science Kindness
Hoopes, Lyn L.  The Unbeatable Bread Poem about Uncle Jon baking an "unbeatable bread; whose aroma takes on a life of its own with magical results—the power 
of creativity.
Word choice Social Studies Determination
Hubbard, Woodleigh C is for Curious An ABC book of feelings Word choice Health  
Johnston, Tony The Cowboy and the Black-Eyed Pea Western version of The Princess and the Pea Word choice Social Studies  
Seeger, Pete Abiyoyo Banished from town for misbehavior, a little boy and his dad are invited back after they conquer the giant Abiyoyo. Word choice Social Studies
Cultural group: African
Self-discipline
Shannon, David A Bad Case of Stripes In order to ensure her popularity
Camilla Cream always does what is expected until one day she no 
longer recognizes herself.
Word choice Math: patterns Integrity
Heller, Nicholas Goblins in Green Monster book Word choice (alliterative ABC book)    
Wilder, Laura Ingalls  Dance at Grandpa’s A little girl and her family attend a wintertime party at her grandparent’s home in the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Word choice, A clear moment in time Social Studies  
Ketteman, Helen Aunt Hilarity’s Bustle* Hilarity tries with disastrous results to make the best of things when too poor to buy the latest fashions. Word choice, funny cause and effect Social Studies Determination
Turner, Patricia The War Between the Vowels and the Consonants Funny book about letters and which are most important. Word choice, Ideas/supporting details   Courage
Kimmel, Eric Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Hershel relates how he outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah Word choice, imaginative Social Studies
Cultural group: Jewish
Courage
Hurd, Edith The Day the Sun Danced Follows the seasons in a forest Word choice, poetry Science  
Gelsanliter, Wendy Dancing in the Kitchen Radio music livens things up as a family enjoys preparing dinner at Grandma’s. Word choice, rhyme Social Studies Caring
Keillor, Garrison The Old Man Who Loved Cheese Wallace P. Flynn loves smelly cheese so much that his family leaves him, dogs and cats can’t stand to be around him, and even skunks have to move. Word choice, rhyme Health Loyalty
Hirshi, Ron Harvest Song Story of a girl spending time with Grandma on the farm. Covers the changing seasons. Word choice, sense of place Science Respect
Zolotow. Charlotte Say Hi! Mother and daughter take a walk on an autumn day. Word choice,sense of place Science Respect
Steig, William Brave Irene Irene braves wind, ice and snow to deliver a ball gown. Word choice variations of "said,"
Coherence
Science Perseverance


 

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