Miss Rumphius by Bruce Cooney
I was attracted to this author because of the level of detail in her illustrations that was brought to my attention by my classmates. Her stories look to be fairly complex, and are not necessarily light reading.
Grandfather's Jounrey & Kamishbai Man by Allen Say
Because the author has spent half of his life in America, and the other half in Japan, his point of view interest me. I am currently taking classes to learn the Japanese language, and am also interested in Japanese culture. His books seem to deal with some very intense subjects such as discrimination and adoption.
Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting
I was immediately interested in this author when my classmates mentioned old Irish storytelling. The author is Irish and wanted to capture the spirit of the storytellers she remembers growing up.
Anything by Anthony Browne
Something about this author really drew me to him when one of the other students was presenting him to us. His illustrations and intriguing use of perspective look to make for some interesting reading. He is obviously terribly clever.
Anything by David Macaulay
Shifting through several pages of his books in class made me form a quick appreciation for the way this author write and illustrates. I have often thought about entering engineering as a career, and have some minor experience in the field as I was a landscape designer for almost five years. His books look to provide a wealth of information that would satisfy even the hungriest student's mind.
More by Lane Smith
This is one of the few authors I can remember from my childhood (although I did not recognize him by name, but by illustration). I always loved his books in elementary school, and the illustrations have a unique feel that just fits his authoring style perfectly. His books always seem to teeter on inappropriate; which makes them fun for children and adults alike.
The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane and Herm Auch
A fractured fairy tale that ends with the princess winning the princes heart only to decide she doesn't need him; sounds like a book with an interesting twist.
The Goat-Faced Girl by Leah Marinsky Sharpe and Jane Marinsky
One of the groups presented this story in class. I just liked the title and the illustration on the cover of the book.
Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
I actually just picked up the ebook of this off of Amazon for free. I think it will be interesting to hear alternatives to the typically Disney fairy tales.
Red Ridin' in the Hood and Other Cuentos by Patricia Santos Marcantonio and Renato Alarcao
Sounds like a very interesting Latin twist on the traditional fairy tale.
The Garden of Eve by K.L. Gong
Was highly recommended by one of the students in the class.
Tuesday by David Wiesner
I have another picture book checked out by this author that I haven't read yet, but it looks really unique.
Thea's Tree by Allison Jackson, illustrated by Janet Persersen
Recommended by a student in the class. A new twist on Jack and the Beanstalk.
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Yesterday was the second time someone has recommended this book to me.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
Since I have started this class, I have been seeing the title of this book mentioned over and over again. It seems to be a classic that I should have read.
Anything by Steve Jenkins
I have only had the opportunity to briefly flip through one of this author's books, but I already know that I love them. They are very informational, without the need for long extensive paragraphs. This is an author who certainly believes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Super Science Lab
As a science teacher, how could I not be interested in this book? Any resource I can get my hands on that will provide me with ideas for experiments and simple ways to explain theories to students will be a great asset.
Life Size Zoo by Teruyuki Komiya
Similar to the Steve Jenkins books, I'm sure that I would enjoy this one as well. I think this would be a great book to have here in Iowa sense we do not have a big zoo near us.
The 'Ology Books
I spent a little time with the Pirateology book, but a little time is simply not enough. These books offer so much. I would really like to sit down and browse one from cover to cover.
America by Little and Brown
Looks to be similar to the 'Ology books. Very interesting, and would be a great resource to have when you were studying the founding of our country.
The Unforgettable Season by Phil Buldner
As a baseball fan, this one instantly appealed to me. It would be fun to go back and read about a couple of players back when they were viewed as heroes to the county.
My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson
This book has been recommended by a couple of students in the class. Any insight I can gain of students with disabilities will be a great asset to me as a general elementary classroom teacher. It is good to know about books like these to help the students to understand each other's differences.
David Goes To School by David Shannon
About a boy who misbehaves in school. I can't remember what specifically drew me to this book, but I know that I wanted to read it when it was presented to the class.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
I read the first few pages of this book during our last book pass, and loved every word. It is funny to think that I have some of the same views of this young man about poetry.
Bull Run by Paul Fleischman
I almost read this for a novel in the class. Seems like it would be a great book for students to read to give them multiple perspectives on the Civil War.
Anything by Christopher Paul Curtis
Sounds like a great author who likes to deal with racial issues.
Anything by George R. Martin
I'm not sure what age this author appeals to. A co-worker described him as the modern day Tolkien; that sold me.
The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane and Herm Auch
A fractured fairy tale that ends with the princess winning the princes heart only to decide she doesn't need him; sounds like a book with an interesting twist.
The Goat-Faced Girl by Leah Marinsky Sharpe and Jane Marinsky
One of the groups presented this story in class. I just liked the title and the illustration on the cover of the book.
Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
I actually just picked up the ebook of this off of Amazon for free. I think it will be interesting to hear alternatives to the typically Disney fairy tales.
Red Ridin' in the Hood and Other Cuentos by Patricia Santos Marcantonio and Renato Alarcao
Sounds like a very interesting Latin twist on the traditional fairy tale.
The Garden of Eve by K.L. Gong
Was highly recommended by one of the students in the class.
Tuesday by David Wiesner
I have another picture book checked out by this author that I haven't read yet, but it looks really unique.
Thea's Tree by Allison Jackson, illustrated by Janet Persersen
Recommended by a student in the class. A new twist on Jack and the Beanstalk.
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Yesterday was the second time someone has recommended this book to me.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
Since I have started this class, I have been seeing the title of this book mentioned over and over again. It seems to be a classic that I should have read.
Anything by Steve Jenkins
I have only had the opportunity to briefly flip through one of this author's books, but I already know that I love them. They are very informational, without the need for long extensive paragraphs. This is an author who certainly believes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Super Science Lab
As a science teacher, how could I not be interested in this book? Any resource I can get my hands on that will provide me with ideas for experiments and simple ways to explain theories to students will be a great asset.
Life Size Zoo by Teruyuki Komiya
Similar to the Steve Jenkins books, I'm sure that I would enjoy this one as well. I think this would be a great book to have here in Iowa sense we do not have a big zoo near us.
The 'Ology Books
I spent a little time with the Pirateology book, but a little time is simply not enough. These books offer so much. I would really like to sit down and browse one from cover to cover.
America by Little and Brown
Looks to be similar to the 'Ology books. Very interesting, and would be a great resource to have when you were studying the founding of our country.
The Unforgettable Season by Phil Buldner
As a baseball fan, this one instantly appealed to me. It would be fun to go back and read about a couple of players back when they were viewed as heroes to the county.
My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson
This book has been recommended by a couple of students in the class. Any insight I can gain of students with disabilities will be a great asset to me as a general elementary classroom teacher. It is good to know about books like these to help the students to understand each other's differences.
David Goes To School by David Shannon
About a boy who misbehaves in school. I can't remember what specifically drew me to this book, but I know that I wanted to read it when it was presented to the class.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
I read the first few pages of this book during our last book pass, and loved every word. It is funny to think that I have some of the same views of this young man about poetry.
Bull Run by Paul Fleischman
I almost read this for a novel in the class. Seems like it would be a great book for students to read to give them multiple perspectives on the Civil War.
Anything by Christopher Paul Curtis
Sounds like a great author who likes to deal with racial issues.
Anything by George R. Martin
I'm not sure what age this author appeals to. A co-worker described him as the modern day Tolkien; that sold me.
