This is only my second time participating in the August 10 for 10 Picture Book Event. Thanks Cathy and Mandy for hosting this wonderful event!
The 10 books
that I chose represent books that have the potential to elevate the
conversation. I teach first grade
and, yes, my first grade students share their thinking about the books we share. Since these books are read aloud, my students
are able to focus more deeply on characters, themes, and big ideas. My goal is to promote deeper conversations
about the texts.
Here are 10
of my favorite picture books for deepening the conversation. These books have the potential of teaching us
a lot about ourselves and others as we share our thoughts and individual perspectives.
A young boy
is told the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-black squadron of pilots who
served during WWII, through the eyes of his uncle. This book will help readers understand the
part these brave souls played in the history of America.
I love the
last line of this book, “The integrity, the dignity, the quiet strength of Rosa
Parks turned her no into a YES for change.”
This is a powerful story that will undoubtedly have your students
discussing the different themes that are living within its pages.
Back of the
Bus by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
A young boy sitting
in the back of the bus, shares his experience of the day Rosa Parks refused to
give up her seat on the same bus.
The Story of
Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford
This is the
story of the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school. My first graders were enraged by this story
and amazed by Ruby’s courage.
A Nation’s
Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe
Louis by Matt DeLaPena and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is the
story of African American boxer Joe Louis and his bout with German boxer Max
Schmeling for the world heavyweight title.
Here is my favorite line from the last page of the book, “The streets of
Harlem once again dancing for their hero--But all of America dancing this time.”
Unspoken: A
Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
This
wordless picture book about the Underground Railroad will certainly have
students inferring, wondering, and discussing the themes and messages in this
book. This book shares the courage of
everyday people.
Henry’s
Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground
Railroad by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Students
will be fascinated by the story of Henry “Box” Brown who was one of the most
famous runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad and how he mailed himself to
freedom.
Freedom
School, Yes! by Amy Littlesugar and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
This is a
story based on the 1964 Mississippi Freedom School Project. It’s the story of a young girl and a
community who bravely risk everything for a chance to learn.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is a
beautifully illustrated story about Harriet Tubman, a former slave, who was a
conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of helpers and hideaways. She escaped north into freedom and returned
to the south many times to help other slaves escape.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis
This story is
about a new girl who arrives at school and is judged and constantly excluded by
the other kids because of how shabbily she is dressed. After the new girl moves, another student
realizes that she has missed an opportunity to show some kindness.
I'm always looking for new titles...books that will elevate the conversation. I do have several others that I didn't include above. Do you have any suggestions that I should add to the list? I would love to hear from year. Please share them in the comments below.
