Rollergirl

Grades: 4-8

Genre: Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction

For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid’s life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. As the end of summer nears and her first roller derby bout (and junior high!) draws closer, Astrid realizes that maybe she is strong enough to handle the bout, a lost friendship, and middle school… in short, strong enough to be a roller girl.

In her graphic novel debut, real-life derby girl Victoria Jamieson has created an inspiring coming-of-age story about friendship, perseverence, and girl power!

Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere

Armani Curtis can think about only one thing: her tenth birthday. All her friends are coming to her party, her mama is making a big cake, and she has a good feeling about a certain wrapped box. Turning ten is a big deal to Armani. It means she’s older, wiser, more responsible. But when Hurricane Katrina hits the Lower Nines of New Orleans, Armani realizes that being ten means being brave, watching loved ones die, and mustering all her strength to help her family weather the storm.

A powerful story of courage and survival, Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere celebrates the miraculous power of hope and love in the face of the unthinkable.

The Crossover

2015 Newbery Medal Winner
2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner

“With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I’m delivering,” announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he’s got mad beats, too, that tell his family’s story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander.

Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story’s heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.

What Do You Do With an Idea?

What do you do with an idea? Especially an idea that’s different, or daring, or just a little wild? Do you hide it? Walk away from it? Do you pretend it isn’t yours?

This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens.

This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

Beekle is an imaginary friend without a friend. He lives in a faraway land waiting to be imagined by a human child. When he can’t wait any longer, Beekle sets off for the real world to find his friend.

This 2015 Caldecott winner is a magical story about friendship and imagination. It would be a great read aloud in any elementary classroom.

Fish in a Tree

Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.

Ally Nickerson is in the sixth grade and has a big secret – she cannot read. For years, she has hidden this secret by choosing to act defiantly or disruptively in order to deflect attention away from her inability to read or write. Being seen as a troublemaker is more appealing than showing her weakness to others. Ally is convinced she cannot read because she is dumb. Unfortunately, Ally’s misfortunes don’t end in the classroom. Her father is deployed, she is mistreated by other students, and she has no friends.

When a new teacher enters her classroom, things begin to turn around for Ally. Mr. Daniels is able to see past Ally’s troublemaker persona and identify that she is struggling with dyslexia. With his help and support, Ally’s confidence grows. Her world begins to be full of possibilities, rather than impossibilities.

Ally’s determination and bravery along with her description of dyslexia make this book a must read for all educators. A triumphant, inspiring read for anyone who has felt inferior because of their differences. Hunt shows that great minds don’t always think alike.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Imagine a world where “Our differences are our Superpowers” rather than an impairment. Such is the case in the graphic novel memoir El Deafo by Cece Bell. Cece was born a “normal” child but at age four battled a case of meningitis. She survived, but her hearing didn’t.

And so begins Cece’s journey to adjusting to life without her hearing. At first Cece is scared and confused not really understanding her new reality. Soon she is given a bulky hearing aide that helps her hear better, but still has trouble understanding. Upon entering first grade, Cece is given the “Phonic Ear”, a big box she wears strapped to her chest, wires running from it up to her ears. Cece wears the receiver, and her teacher wears a microphone and transmitter. When Cece’s teacher leaves the unit on, she hears everything: bathroom visits, even teacher lounge conversations. It is her superpower. She deems herself El Deafo!

When Cece is faced with a difficult situation she is able to tap into her alter ego, El Deafo. This fun and engaging book explores themes of coming of age, friendship, first loves and fitting in. Readers will immediately fall in love with Cece and cheer for her the whole way through.

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign is the story of Rose Howard, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome. It is told through her point of view which gives readers insight into the mind of someone who sees life in black-and-white, and who struggles when rules are broken, or routines are changed.

Rose is obsessed with homonyms. She’s thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose’s obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different – not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.

When a storm hits their town, Rain goes missing. Rose is determined to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

I am …. Ordinary People Change the World

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, and to inspire them to strive and dream.

The following titles from the series could be used to celebrate Women’s History Month:

     

In addition, Meltzer has already published I am Albert Einstein, I am Jackie Robinson, and I am Abraham Lincoln. Two additional titles are set to be published later this year: I am Lucille Ball and I am Helen Keller.