Hoai's Book Island

  About Book Title: We Are Water Protectors Author: Carole Lindstrom Illustrator: Michaela Goade Genre: Fiction Major Book Awards: 2021 Caldecott Medal, 2021 Golden Kite Award Recommended Age Range: 4-6 Appropriate Grade Levels: Kinder to 1st grade Summary This book written by Carole Lindstrom talks about a girl who brings awareness and encourages her people and others to protect the water. Water is sacred, as it gives us life and connects us all.  Gathering everyone together, they're standing up for Earth's water, the people, their land, and all the animals that can't speak up for themselves. As one , they are fighting against the black snake [oil pipeline or other environmental threats] that is slithering within the bodies of water, destroying it and anything that is in its way. This battle will be a tough one, but together as water protectors, the snake should be ready to fight for its life. Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in the classroom? I truly enjoyed r...

  About Book Title: A Wrinkle in Time Author: Madeleine L'Engle Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy Fiction Major Book Awards: 1963 Newbery Medal Recommended Age Range: 10-14 and up Appropriate Grade Levels: 5th to 9th grade and up Summary This book tells the adventure of 3 kids, Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin O'Keefe traveling through time to rescue her father Alex Murry, who'd suddenly disappeared. With the help of 3 celestial beings, the kids are tessered to different planets to find him. During the search, they discovered that these planets, including Earth are being under attacked by an evil dark cloud called The Black Thing. Once they get to planet Camazotz, where their father is trapped on, they learn that life on this planet is under control of IT, an evil energy, that traps their minds to behave a certain way. Their father is stuck there as a prisoner, because he would not allow himself to be controlled by IT. Not too long after, Charles was ...

  About Book Title: Shiloh Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Genre: Realistic Fiction Major Book Awards: 1992 Newbery Medal Recommended Age Range: 10   to 12 Appropriate Grade Levels: 5th to 7th grade Summary This book talks about the relationship between a boy named Marty and the great lengths he is willing to take for a dog. One day a beagle followed him home and he ends up naming him Shiloh. Finding out that the owner of the dog was Judd, an alcoholic who abuses his hunting dogs, his father tells him to return Shiloh back. Marty was then able to witness Judd abusing the dog. Not long, Shiloh ends up escaping going back to Marty and that's when he decides to hide him. He builds Shiloh a pen behind his house and is sure to feed and take good care of him. Unfortunately, one day his mother finds out about Shiloh, and he ends up being attacked by a big dog that night. Eventually, Marty's family found out about Shiloh and takes him to get treated and plans to return him to Judd aft...

  About Book Title: Beautiful Blackbird Author & Illustrator: Ashley Bryan Genre: Fiction, Multicultural Major Book Awards: 2004 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators Recommended Age Range: 3 to 7 Appropriate Grade Levels: Pre-k to 2nd grade Summary This book written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan talks about the colorful African birds that wanted to have markings of black from the black bird. The colorful birds would get together to sing about how beautiful black is. Blackbird says that even if they color themselves with black markings on the outside, they cannot be similar on the inside, but blackbird insists on helping them get the markings they wanted with blackening brew. Getting a touch of black on their colorful bodies were in high demand and all the birds flew out to get it done. All the birds that were lucky enough to get the black markings were all so happy. At the end of the book, the blackbird had all the colorful markings from each bird.  Evaluation - Wo...

About Book Title: The Giver Author: Lois Lowry Cover Artist: Cliff Nielson Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Utopian Fiction Major Book Awards: 1994 Newbery Medal Recommended Age Range: 13+ Appropriate Grade Levels: 8th grade and up Summary This book is written in the pov of Jonas, a boy who later on finds out that he is living in a dystopian society. Everyone within this community is seen as the same. No one experiences prejudice, discrimination, pain, hunger, color, or have strong emotions like love. They all know how to behave & work as their assigned role, either as a nurturer, engineer, etc. Their careers are chosen for them once they turn 12. Jonas was chosen last and was given a respected role as the Receiver of Memory. A person who takes on the responsibility to remember life before sameness. The purpose for him to remember these abandoned memories is to help keep the community within the bubble of sameness and that these "mistakes" are avoided. As Jonas ...

  About Book Title: A Big Mooncake for Little Star Author & Illustrator: Grace Lin Genre: Fiction Major Book Awards: 2019 Caldecott Medal Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8 Appropriate Grade Levels: Pre-k to 3rd grade Summary This book written and illustrated by Grace Lin talks about a mother who baked a big mooncake for her daughter named Little Star. Little Star's mom warned her not to touch it until she tells her to. But on the first night, all Little Star could think of was the big mooncake and so she went and took a teeny bite. Thinking her mother wouldn't notice, Little Star continues to take a nibble of the cake each passing night. Until one night, her mom went to look for the mooncake but it was all gone. Mama asked if she ate the cake and Little Star said yes. And so, at the end of the story Little Star and her mom baked another one together.  Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in the classroom? This was a very cute book between a mom and her daughter...

  About Book Title: Kitten's First Full Moon Author & Illustrator: Kevin Henkes Genre: Fiction Major Book Awards: 2005 Caldecott Medal Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8 Appropriate Grade Levels: Pre-k to 3rd grade Summary This book written by Kevin Henkes illustrates a kitten experiencing her very first full moon. In her eyes, the moon was a bowl of milk sitting in the tall sky and she was very tempted to get some. And so, she ran, climbed, and jumped to the tallest tree with all her might just to reach it, but still kitten couldn't even get close! It even caused her to fall into a pond. As she went back home feeling down, there was a bowl of milk waiting for her at the porch. Kitten licked some and fell asleep under the bright moon. Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in the classroom? Kevin Henkes did a great job writing and illustrating this book. The story was super cute and the illustrations went well with it. I loved the black and white contrast colors, depicting ...

  About Book Title: Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin  Author & Illustrator: Gene Barretta Genre: Nonfiction [Informational] Major Book Awards: No major book awards Recommended Age Range: 6-9 Appropriate Grade Levels: 1st to 4th grade Summary This book explores the many inventions that Benjamin Franklin has invented more than two hundred years ago and how these things are still used today. Some of his notable inventions are the lightening rod, the grabber, flippers, chairs, and clock with a second hand. The book also explains his other inventions as well and how it has been redeveloped over time, with the pattern of now and then. Although his inventions were life-changing, his greatest contribution to the world came in the form of a document. These documents had a strong impact globally. He helped shaped America's Constitution, Treaty of Alliance with France, Treaty of Peace with England, but most importantly, the Declaration of Independence. Without ...

  About Book Title:  If Sharks Disappeared Author & Illustrator: Lily Williams Genre: Nonfiction [Informational] Major Book Awards: No major book awards Recommended Age Range: 4-8 Appropriate Grade Levels: Kinder to 3rd Grade Summary This book written by Lily Williams explores the importance of why we need sharks in our oceans. They may seem scary to most, but just like other animals big or small, each play an important role. Sharks have existed for 450 million years at the top of the food chain and today they still continue to help keep the ecosystem in balance. Unfortunately, like many other animals, sharks are vulnerable to extinction due to overfishing. The book then goes into realistic scenarios that may happen if sharks did disappear, which will eventually affect us and other inland wildlife. Towards the end of the book, the author reminds us that we as living organisms connect in some way and if we work together, the planet in which we call home will continue t...

  About Book Title: Parrots over Puerto Rico Author & Illustrator: Cindy Trumbore & Susan L. Roth Genre: Nonfiction [Informational] Major Book Awards: America's Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, Robert F. Silbert Informational Book Medal Recommended Age Range: 7 to 10 Appropriate Grade Levels: 3rd to 6th Grade Summary In this vertical format book written by Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth, talks about the brief history of Puerto Rico, as well as the Puerto Rican Parrots that lived in it. However, these birds nearly became extinct due to the foreign explorations in their islands, where many sought after them and along the way destroyed their habitat. After a while, people soon realized that these birds were decreasing as time go by. So, a group of scientists worked together to try and save these birds from going into extinction. With this book, Cindy and Susan depicts the efforts that these scientists do to save these birds through their Puerto Rican Par...

  About Book Title: Hidden Figures Author: Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling Illustrator: Laura Freeman Genre: Nonfiction [Biography] Major Book Awards: 2019   Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrator Recommended Age Range: 8 to 12 Appropriate Grade Levels: 3rd to 7th Grade Summary This book written by Margot Lee Shetterly is based on a true story of 4 African-American women that goes by the name of Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Christine Darden, who've contributed immensely in the Space Race. It took place during WW2, in Virginia, where there are still laws for segregation, so being an African-American woman at the time was tough. All of the 4 were really good at math and they wanted to help America win the race, so each applied to be a "computer" at NASA and landed the jobs. They all had to go through racial and gender discrimination during their times working there, but nothing was unachievable for them. Being told many things were impo...

About Book Title: A Ticket Around the World Author: Melissa Owens & Natalia Diaz Illustrator: Kim Smith Genre: Nonfiction [informational] Major Book Awards: No major book awards Recommended Age Range: 7 to 9 Appropriate Grade Levels: 2nd to 4th grade Summary This book written by Melissa Owens and Natalia Diaz follows a young boy taking many trips to visit his friends in 13 different countries, all located in 6 continents. The first country he visits is Costa Rica, where he introduces his friend and share interesting facts about their country such as the foods, culture, environment, language, population, wildlife, landmarks, etc. And for the next 12 countries that he stops by, he does the same as well, each coming with a small map that allows the reader to visualize everything he talks about.  At the end of the book, the boy reminds us the places he has visited and asks a question about each country for the readers to think about and eventually answer. Evaluation - Would I ...

  About Book Title: Wonder Author & Illustrator: R.J. Palacio Genre: Realistic Fiction  Major Book Awards: Texas Blue Bonnet Award Recommended Age Range: 8+ Appropriate Grade Levels: 4th to 12th grade  Summary This book tells the story of a boy named August [Auggie] Pullman, a ten-year-old who has a rare facial deformity called Treacher Collins Syndrome. This required him to have multiple surgeries done on his face ever since he was born up until now. He's been homeschooled by his mom ever since due to this, but his parents have decided to finally have him attend school with other children in the upcoming school year at Beecher Prep. August initially did not agree at first, but he ends up going anyways. The story starts off with August's perspective, as he talks about how it feels to live with his face. He also shares how  many people have glanced at him when he isn't looking and looks away when he looks back. Because August has dealt with this his whole life, th...

  About Book Title: Ruby's Wish Author: Shirin Yim Bridges Illustrator: Sophie Blackall Genre:  Historical Fiction  Major Book Awards: No major book awards  Recommended Age Range: 4-8  Appropriate Grade Levels: Kinder to 4th grade Summary This book written by Shirin Bridges is based on a true story, inspired by her grandmother named Ruby. The story starts off by taking place in old China, a very long time ago. A little girl named Ruby came from a big family, because her wealthy grandfather had many wives and his wives had many children, and therefore he had lots of grandchildren. Because Ruby and her cousins came from such a huge family, they were able to be educated at home with a teacher. This was unusual, since girls at the time were never taught to read or write. On top of learning in school, the girls had to learn how to cook and keep house as well. Because they had so much to do, many of them decided to stop coming to class, but that wasn't the case for Ru...

  About Book Title: Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led her People to Freedom  Author: Carol Boston Weatherford Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Genre: Historical Fiction Major Book Awards: 2007 Caldecott Medal, 2007 Coretta Scott King for Illustrators, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work Recommended Age Range: 5 to 9  Appropriate Grade Levels: 1st to 4th grade  Summary In this picture book, Weatherford tells the story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and how she makes it a mission to lead others to freedom as well. After hearing that her master would sell her South, Harriet talks to God and has made up her mind to escape. Leaving her family and old life behind, Harriet takes nothing but herself and her faith in God during her journey. She is led by God along the way and continuously relies on Him when she feels down, scared, and afraid. And God reminds her that she can do it. Harriet finally made it to free soil in the land of Philadelphia, but misses her fam...

  About Book Title: The Thanksgiving Story Author: Alice Dalgliesh Illustrator: Helen Sewell Genre: Historical Fiction Major Book Awards: 1955 Caldecott Honor Medal Recommended Age Range: 5 to 8 Appropriate Grade Levels: 1st to 3rd Grade Summary This picture book written by Alice Dalgliesh tells the story of the Hopkins family and their 3 kids boarding the overpacked Mayflower ship going from England to America in order to start a new life. As they are on board, Giles, Constance, and Damaris' baby brother Oceanus was born and things became a little more hectic. Once they've arrived, the Pilgrims all faced hunger, the cold weather, and sickness. The Native Americans saw this and offered to help. With their help, the Pilgrims were able to survive their first year in North America. And together the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated the first Thanksgiving.  Evaluation - Would I incorporate this book in the classroom? This book was a pretty interesting read. Although it...

  About Book Title: If I Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement  Author: Gwendolyn Hooks Illustrator: Kelly Kennedy Genre: Historical Fiction Major Book Awards: No major book awards Recommended Age Range: 6 to 9  Appropriate Grade Levels: 1st to 3rd Grade Summary This book follows a girl named Connie Underwood and her new friend Mark who finds themselves in a civil rights demonstration. It all started when Connie approached Mark for help in trying to figure out what her twin brothers were up to. One night she overheard her brothers talking about a civil rights demonstration downtown and she asks Mark to come with her. As the two head downtown, they saw a group of African-American teenagers marching in rows protesting "Separate is not equal!" As they try to squeeze through the crowd to find her brothers, someone yelled "Police!" Connie was aware how violent the police can be with demonstrators, so she grabbed Mark and they both ran home to her house. Sh...

  About Book Title: Henry's Freedom Box Author: Ellen Levine Illustrator: Kadir Nelson  Genre: Historical Fiction Major Book Awards: 2008 Caldecott Medal  Recommended Age Range: 7 to 12 Appropriate Grade Levels: 1st to 7th Grade Summary This book written by Ellen Levine talks about Henry "Box" Brown, a man who ships himself to freedom in Philadelphia. Henry had grew up into slavery for the majority of his life. He was still working as a slave when he got married to Nancy and had children with her. One day his wife and children were sold in the slave market, something he has been worried about. Finding out his family was gone, he knew that he would never see them again. As time went by, Henry knew that he had to escape and went to Dr. Smith for help. Henry then got inside a box and was shipped successfully to a place with freedom, where there were no slaves. He arrived safely in Philadelphia.  Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in the classroom ? This book was...

  About Book Title: Fred Stays with Me! Author: Nancy Coffelt Illustrator: Tricia Tulsa Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction Major Book Awards: No major book awards Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8 Appropriate Grade Levels: Kinder to 4th Grade Summary This book written by Nancy Coffelt talks about a girl who has divorced parents. She sometimes goes live with her dad, and other times with her mom. When she is moving from one parent's house to the other, she and Fred are always together. Fred, her dog has been the one companion that remained by her side at all times.  Her mom is upset that the neighbor's poodle barks at Fred all the time, and her dad is upset because Fred keeps taking his socks. Both parents say Fred cannot stay with them, but the girl defended her dog and said "Fred doesn't stay with either of you, Fred stays with ME!" To fix each of their issues with Fred, both parents devise a plan that ends up working. Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in...