HUDSON HATES SCHOOL

Hudson cannot stand school especially on Fridays because that is spelling test day and Hudson has not learned his spellings. All his classmates laugh at him when he gets his spelling wrong and that makes him hates school even more. Fortunately, Hudson’s teacher recognizes signs of Dyslexia and Mr. Shapland is called in to help Hudson. He takes Hudson to the study room to give him some special tests. Mr. Shapland explains him that he has a learning difficulty called dyslexia. Soon Hudson begins taking lessons with children who also have dyslexia, and he starts to like school.Dyslexia is a learning disability in children affecting reading, writing and spelling. The last page of the book contains a short list of dyslexia disorders.Written by Ella Hudson. Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations. Ages 4-8.

SILLHOUETTED BY THE BLUE

Since the death of her mother in a car accident, Serena finds herself trying to hold the family together. Her father falls into a severe depression and Serena just want to spend time with her friends and lives a normal life, but instead she has to take care of her little brother and maintain the household, cooking, cleaning, laundry, finding time for homework, does grocery shopping and all of it. Serena tries to respond to her challenges with strength and determination until they begin to overwhelm her.

Chosen for the lead in the middle school production “The Wiz” and Serena's happy because she loves to act and sing. However, things at home are getting worse. Her father spends weeks not showering or eating. He cries and sleeps all the time and she has to force him to drive her to the bank so they can buy groceries. Serena recognizes her father illness so she must find a way to get help before it’s too late. She calls the family, but her grandma has Alzheimer’s and her uncle is away on business in another country. Powerful, moving and realistic story recommended for middle school students ages 10-14. Written by Traci L. Jones.

I WANT TO DO IT MYSELF

The very independent Little Princess is determined to go camping without anyone’s help. She insists she want to do it herself! Every time someone offers her help, she replies ‘NO’ ‘I want to do it myself’’. When she finally arrives at her campsite,she discovers she has forgotten her cooking equipment, the tent, a blanket, a pillow, a towel, her toothbrush and the list goes on. Fortunately, secret hands help that everything goes well, the only problem is that on the way home, the bags are too heavy!!!! Self- Reliance is important to children healthy development , however in this book Little Princess thinks she knows everything and does not allow anyone to provide assistance. A good example to teach children that at times we also need help from others. Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations written by Tony Ross. Ages 5 -7.

I REPEAT, DON’T CHEAT!!!

Jessica and Lizzie are good friends. They share the playground at school and do activities together, but Jessica starts to worry when she realizes that Lizzie is a cheater. Lizzie tries to cheat by copying from Jessica’s spelling test and she gets very confused and don’t know what to do…. Jessica cares about the consequences she may receive from accusing her friend. If she talks, her friend would be angry with her, and if she says nothing she will feel dishonest . Lizzie returns to cheat one more time and that is when Jessica loses her temper. The teacher intervenes and Jessica tells the whole truth. The message that this book presents is excellent for a class discussion. Ages 4-8. Written by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Arthur Howard.

MY SHOES AND I

Mario is informed by his father that they are leaving their home in El Salvador and moving to the United States to meet his mother. His mother has sent Mario for Christmas a new pair of shoes , and he is thrilled. He will need good shoes because the trip will be long and hard. He and his father will cross the borders of three countries. They will have to walk miles, ride buses, climb mountains and cross a river. Mario has faith in his shoes because he believes they will take him everywhere. He wants to go the United States where his family will be reunited. An immigrant story for kids, new culture, new language and new friends. Ages 6-7. Written by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Tom Lintern.

AUTISM FROM THE INSIDE

Many of us see people with autism, and they are different in some ways. They may scream out in school or flap their arms or bang their head against a wall. This might seem strange to some, but what must it be like for the person who has autism? How do they see themselves? What goes on in their heads? ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin tells the story of a 12-year-old boy with autism from HIS perspective. How he feels when he starts getting wound up, what causes him to do certain things, and what it is almost like to fall for a girl online who doesn't know he's autistic. This story will show you what it is like to be autistic in a way that will keep you turning the pages until you've finished the book. For grades 5 and up.

ADIOS OSCAR!: A BUTTERFLY FABLE

Oscar is a caterpillar who lives on a plant near the window. Oscar is heartbroken when he comes out from his cocoon and discovers he has short grey wings instead of the gorgeous orange-and-black ones he expected. And instead of the urge to fly to Mexico, he has the urge to eat sweaters and old socks! And fly around a light! Oscar’s friends all mock him for the time he spent learning Spanish and Mexican culture, and he is heartbroken. But that all changes when he finds a note, Edna, his bookworm friend, left behind for him. This book includes after words with some information on monarchs and moths and the difference between the two. The author also scatters Spanish phrases throughout the book. Very colorful illustrations. Written by Peter Elwell. Ages 4-8.