Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

Star Girl is a great young adult/chapter book that would be excellent reading for tweens or would also be beneficial as a "read aloud" to small groups in upper primary school who are preparing for middle school. There is a section at the end of the book for open discussion and questions regarding, what would you do? This realistic fiction is the story of a young girl who has been home schooled and finds herself as a new sophmore student in Arizona's Mica High School. She tends to be very eccentric and demonstrates many traits not typical of teenage girls. She soon earns the title of weird, unusual, loud, unable to fit in and simply unacceptable by any of her peers, accept for one faithful friend. She yearns to be popular and liked, but she goes a little too far trying to be noticed when she upsets the entire school with her compassionate behavior. In desparation, she even changes her wholesome personality to please a certain male friend who just wants a "normal" girlfriend. Both are met with challenges and choices. This compelling story teaches a valuable lesson about staying true to yourself and not buckling under peer pressure. It also offers children an education in developing character, trust and integrity. I highly recommend this story, especially to young girls who are struggling with their identity and purpose in the young adult world.

Barack Obama - Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes

This children friendly biography is written by Nikki Grimes who specializes in Children Literature. Her short story is taken from Barack O'Bama's personal memoir "Dreams from my Father" and focuses on his life as a child. Each page is beautifully illustrated from the beginning of his life to the present day. His story is being translated and told by a young, single tenement housing mother to her son David, as they are watching Barack speaking on television proclaiming "Yes We Can"! The young boy asks his mother many questions about Barack and who he is. Through their conversation, the boy begins to compare his life to a young Barack and is able to relate to his circumstances. He realizes at the end of the story that President-Elect Obama's life was built on hope and based on his choices to put education first which has led him to this current place in time. Barack Obama's vivid account of his childhood and early committment to serve those in need is his basis for hope and change, believing in tomorrow. This book serves his legacy and touches minority children who dream of being more than they thought possible. Barack's life inspires children to never give up and to continue seeking answers for what choices lie before them.

The Empty Pot by Demi

"The Empty Pot", a refreshing story of a little Chinese boy named Ping who is determined to grow a seed given to him and to many other children as a test by the Emporer to choose the next heir to the throne. The Emporer promised the crown to the child who could raise the best flowers from the seeds he gave each one of them. Ping's show of good character, and honesty pleases the Emporer and his life would never be the same again. The illustrations and ethnic scenery are beautifully sketched in fine, soft colors. The text well written in descriptive language carries you through this rewarding plot. This story can be useful in science and sequencing the cycle of planting a seed. The lesson taught regarding trust and honesty are beneficial to young children ages 3-6 yrs. old who aren't quite sure about making good choices.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

"The Giving Tree", is a wonderful story of a little boy's life to manhood and how he claimed his best friend as this living tree. He loved the tree and would visit and play as though it would answer him. The tree gave so much to the little boy, such as apples to eat, a place to play hide-go-seek, branches to climb and grow strong and a comfortable trunk to sit upon. The tree was his shelter until he grew older and didn't visit as often. When the boy became a man, his needs were greater and he felt no use for the tree. The boy learns a valuable lesson in friendship and what it means to give your best, even when its not a material gain. The text is simple print, ideal for pre-school to first grade reading and delivers a powerful message "Give from your heart and expect nothing in return". This teaches unconditional love and the importance of friendship.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

A wonderfully written story by Ezra Jack Keats about a boy named Peter who lives in a typical ubran neighborhood. Peter is facinated when he awakens to view a snowy morning outside his window. He is wide eyed with wonder about what the snow feels like! I can remember as a child how excited it felt to touch snow and experience it's cold, softness and explore the many options for creating and playing with the snow. I recommend this book to early childhood students, ages 4 to 6 yrs. old as an introduction to the gentleness of a first snow fall and the innocent acts of play children so joyfully engage in.