Children's Books discussion

I would like to host a Girl's Summer Book Club for 1st-3rd graders. My original plan was easy Newbery Award chapter books, but I have been requested to use picture books (A New Coat for Anna was used as an example of reading level.) I'm having trouble finding possible titles - any suggestions that will ignite a life-long love of reading? Thanks!

Do they need to be Newbery award winners? Or award winners of some kind?

I'd prefer, but not necessarily - if it will get them hooked on reading - just trying to avoid some of the junk that's out there.

Why don't you check in the picture book club threads? There are both thematic monthly reads (either the club reads and/or the Caldecott Award threads). Just click on the topics icon to see the topics listed and check out the ones that appeal to you.

I have a great illustrated chapter book suggestion (not a picture book, but lovely), Anna Maria's Gift

For more scientifically inclined readers, Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea and Coral Reefs are wonderfully informative.

How about some Caldecott Award fairy tales retellings,

Rapunzel

Rumpelstiltskin

Hansel and Gretel

And perhaps consider juxtaposing Rumpelstiltskin with the West Indian The Girl Who Spun Gold (there is actual blame in the latter for the bragging parent and the greedy king, something not seen in most European versions of the tale).

There are so many wonderful picture books -- definitely look through the various picture book threads here. Since your book club is for girls, you might want to check the booklist at A Mighty Girl: http://www.amightygirl.com/books. The Schneider Family Book Awards often has overlooked gems: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/award.... And the list of multicultural books at CCBC has fabulous books: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books.... There's no junk on any of those lists. :-)
Are there particular topics or themes you're interested in?

For summer books, Blackout is sweet, and I think it would be appealing to kids that age. It's illustrated like a graphic novel.

Picture book biographies can be wonderful. I adore When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson and Firebird, both about women achieving their dreams.

Maddi's Fridge, Last Stop on Market Street, and A Chair for My Mother are just absolutely lovely books, if you want to talk about social issues.

It sounds like a fun project -- and I'm glad you're using picture books. They're better, I think, than easy chapter books for igniting a love of reading.

As Charlotte has already mentione, picture book biographies can be great.

The Little Piano Girl: The Story of Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Legend is great.

About music in general, I really like Gabriella's Song and The Chinese Violin (although this might not be all that readily available).

And by Kathryn Lansky, this time not about music,

She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head! and The Most Beautiful Roof in the World: Exploring the Rainforest Canopy

And most books by Patricia Polacco would work well.

Thanks for the suggestions - MightyGirls is wonderful! I now have lots of choices!

Marie wrote: I think this book will fit your needs nicely. This book is beautifully illustrated and exceptionally well written. The story and images flow seamlessly griping your attention all while teaching a valuable lesson, to obey your parents and the rules they set for you and your good.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Bike-Wise-...

Beverly wrote: "Marie wrote: I think this book will fit your needs nicely. This book is beautifully illustrated and exceptionally well written. The story and images flow seamlessly griping your attention all while..."

? broken link...

Cheryl wrote: "Beverly wrote: "Marie wrote: I think this book will fit your needs nicely. This book is beautifully illustrated and exceptionally well written. The story and images flow seamlessly griping your att..."

Link fixed. I guess it didn't copy and paste from the original post.

Charlene wrote: "Hello! Check out my new book Magnificent Macie! It is a very colorful story about a little girl who discovers that she is a superhero. It is based on real world issues such as poverty and crime in ..."

I thought I had made it clear in a previous conversation that you are ONLY allowed to promote your own books in the author section. Please follow group rules.

Charlene, you've had your warning. Next time any mod sees any promotion from you outside the author's group, we'll have to remove you from the group. Sorry, but it's only fair to have the same rules for all the authors.