Charlene’s Comments (group member since Aug 28, 2025)

Charlene’s comments from the 5183 Fall 2025 Information Resources and Services for Children group.

1. Silverstein, S. (1996). Diving board. In Falling up (p. 26). HarperCollins.

2. The poem describes someone who climbs up a very tall diving board, but is too scared to jump. It captures both bravery and hesitation in a very relatable moment.

3. I would recommend "Diving Board" for use with children because it captures the all too common predicament of wanting to brave, but feeling scared at the same time. This feeling is universal and children will easily relate. Kids will connect to the humor and honesty in the poem, and will be engaged by she short, playful rhyming scheme. I would use the poem to start a discussion about courage and moments when we feel nervous to try something new. Children could then draw or write about a time in their lives that they too were "at the top of the diving board." The poem is a great way to show kids that poetry can express real feelings in lighthearted ways.

1. DiCamillo, K. (2000). Because of Winn-Dixie. Candlewick Press.

2. A young girl named Opal adopts a stray dog that helps her find ways to connect to people in her new town. DiCamillo brings humor and heart to to show how loss and community can shape a child's world.

3. Because of Winn-Dixie does honestly portray the realities that many children today face; loneliness, family changes, making new friends, and understanding people who are different than they are. The book doesn't sugar coat the harder parts of life, like absent parents and adults with complicated pasts, but brings an understanding with gentleness and hope. I believe it benefits children when books are real enough that kids feel seen, but written in a way that is age appropriate. Realistic portrayals don't harm children but help them learn empathy, resilience and discover that they are not alone in their struggles.

1. Holm, J. L. (2021). The lion of Mars. Random House Children’s Books.

2. Eleven year old Bell has lived his whole life in a small American colony on Mars, surrounded by strict rules and routines that keep everyone safe, but also isolate the colony. When a mysterious illness strikes the adults, Bell and the other kids must work together to survive.

3. The story is set inside an American settlement called the U.S. colony on Mars in the year 2091. The enclosed/underground environment shapes every part of the characters’ lives, from their food and communication to their friendships. The isolation on Mars reflects issues we face on Earth, like fear of outsiders and dependence on technology. The setting is essential to the story, not just a backdrop, because it creates the tension between survival, community, and curiosity that contribute to Bell’s growth arc and the colony’s ultimate reconnection with others.

1. Gaiman, N. (2010). The graveyard book (D. McKean, Illus.). HarperCollins.

2. The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody “Bod” Owens, a boy raised by the ghosts of the graveyard after his family is murdered. In a world that straddles life and death, this book explores identity, courage, and belonging through a mix of humor and mystery.

3. The Graveyard Book is not real, but it is “true” in the way LeGuin describes. While the story is filled with ghosts, magic, and fantasy, the emotions at its core are completely human. Through Bod’s experiences, Gaiman reveals the truth about growing up, facing fear, and finding your place in the world. The graveyard becomes the place where lessons about love, loss, and courage are learned. Even surrounded by his ghost family, Bod’s feelings of loneliness, curiosity, and connection directly tap into what it means to be alive. The story reminds readers that truth is not only found in reality, but in our imaginations as well.

Fleming, C. (2011). Amelia lost: The life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Schwartz & Wade Books.

This biography alternates between Amelia Earhart’s personal life story and her life as a pilot, including the events surrounding her well known disappearance. Fleming uses photographs, news articles, and firsthand accounts to tell the story of Amelia's incredible life.

Before reading this book, I knew that Amelia Earhart was a famous pilot who disappeared while trying to fly around the world. I wanted to know more about her personal history, her achievements, and mostly what might have really happened to her plane. From reading, I learned how fearless and independent she was, breaking multiple flying records at a time when few women were pilots. I also learned that her disappearance sparked one of the largest search efforts in history. The book shows Amelia’s courage and tenacity that continues to inspire girls and women to never give up on their goals.

1. Kashiwaba, S. (2021). Temple Alley Summer (A. F. Udagawa, Trans.; Illustrated by M. Satake). Yonder. (Original work published 2011)

2. A heartwarming story about friendship and the boundary between life and death. Kashiwaba’s imaginative storytelling accompanied by Satake’s illustrations create a world in which readers can lose themselves in Kazu’s mysterious, and a little spooky, summertime adventure.

3. While the story is rooted in Japanese culture and folklore, the universal themes of courage and compassion would certainly appeal to American children as well. Readers can relate to Kazu’s feelings of uncertainty and curiosity as he uncovers a mystery about the street he lives on and the people he loves. Supernatural elements grab the reader's attention and create a sense of wonder as middle schoolers imagine what it would be like if their own neighborhood held such magical secrets. The emotional warmth and mystery invite American children to appreciate cultural differences while connecting to the global human experience of seeking belonging and fighting for those you love.

1. Brown, M. (1961). Once a mouse...A fable cut in wood. Anthem Books for Young Readers.

2. This book is a retelling of an ancient Indian fable in which a hermit transforms a frightened mouse first into a cat, then a dog, then a tiger in order to protect it. The tiger becomes arrogant which leads to his downfall as the hermit changes him back into a mouse.

3. When comparing to Betsy Hearne’s Cite the Source countdown, Once a Mouse lands firmly at level 1 because there is a clear and specific source note. Brown notes that the story is an ancient Indian fable from the Hitopadesa and gives context to its purpose and history. Her illustrations and style preserve the cultural tone of the original tale as well. By explicitly naming the source and culture, Brown prevents the “cultural chaos” Hearne warns about and shows how traditional tales can be retold for new audiences while preserving cultural respect and integrity.

1. Willems, M. (2014). Waiting is not easy!. Hyperion Books for Children.

2. Gerald is frustrated when Piggie tells him he must wait for a surprise. After much impatience, Gerald finally realizes the surprise was worth waiting for when he discovers that it is the beautiful night sky full of stars.

3. This book works really well for beginning readers because the text is simple and repetitive, and the illustrations clearly show what’s happening. The entire story is told through speech bubbles, which makes it easy for young readers to follow the conversation and to pick up on the characters’ feelings. The predictable structure and emotional clues help new readers figure out words from context. Willems mixes sight words with easy to sound out words, helping children build fluency and confidence. The funny, relatable story keeps them engaged while also teaching a gentle lesson about patience.

1. Walsh, E. S. (1989). Mouse paint. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2. Mouse Paint is a concept picture book that introduces color mixing through three white mice who fall into jars of paint. It is a simple and engaging book for preschoolers learning about colors.

3. The illustrations in Mouse Paint are cut-paper collage. They are bold and simple, making the book a great tool for teaching young children color concepts. Walsh uses large swaths of bright primary colors against a white background to draw the eyes of children toward the changes of colors as the mice mix red, yellow, and blue into secondary colors. The mice help visually demonstrate the concept of blending and mixing colors. The simplicity of the illustrations and pages themselves help show how color mixing works making it easier to understand than if the author had described it with text alone.

1. Rogers, A. L. (2024). Chooch helped (R. L. Kunz, Illus.). Heartdrum.

2. 2025 Caldecott Medal

3. Little Chooch is eager to “help” his family, which often creates more mess much to his older sister’s dismay. After another frustrating mess made by Chooch, Sissy finally discovers that patience and being her little brother’s teacher is its own gift.

4. Chooch Helped won the Caldecott Medal because of the heartfelt storytelling combined with the beautiful illustrations that bring to the forefront Cherokee family life and traditions. The book captures an all too well known sibling experience; the older sibling frustrated by the ‘baby’ wanting to help, but instead causing more problems. Andrea Rogers’ story is cloaked in tender humor and remains culturally authentic. Rebecca Kunz pairs the words with stunning illustrations. I would recommend this book to children because it explores the ups and downs of sibling relationships, and promotes representation of Cherokee people, their language, and traditions.

1. Goodluck, L. (2022). Forever cousins (J. Nelson, Illus.). Charlesbridge.

2. 2024 AILA – American Indian Youth Literature Award
2023 Charlotte Huck Book Award - Honor
2022 Junior Library Guild Selection

3. Two young, Native cousins find letters, traditions, and memories keep them connected when one moves from the Rez to the city. The story celebrates family, identity, and the enduring bond of love that stretches across any distance.

4. Forever Cousins won awards and recognition because it demonstrates the resilience of family bonds with a focus on Native voices, voices that are often underrepresented in children’s literature. It is a relatable story about finding love even across distance. Laurel Goodluck’s tender storytelling and Jonathan Nelson’s vibrant illustrations show both the pain of separation from and the joy of connection with those you love. I think the book is particularly award worthy because it authentically represents Native American culture, while remaining inclusive to any child experiencing similar circumstances of missing a loved one. I would absolutely recommend this book to children because it helps foster empathy, cultural awareness, and reassurance.