What Would You Suggest?
I had an interesting reference question today from a school administrator of an inner city school with a high percentage of ESL families.
A generous donor is going to buy a book for every child in the school, K through 5th grade, to take home to keep. The donor wants the books to be hardcovers and something they will treasure for years and perhaps read to their own children in the future. What books would I suggest?
After considering beautifully illustrated classics like Alice in Wonderland or modern classics like Because of Winn Dixie, I thought about what I like to give kids that I don’t know. I often choose poetry, because it is something one can revisit, share and revel in. I also wanted to choose books that would be beautiful to hold.
Here’s what I suggested for each grade. What would you pick?
Kindergarten
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First Grade
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Second Grade
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Third Grade
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Fourth Grade
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Fifth Grade
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November 24th, 2009 at 10:59 am
These are excellent recommendations. The Random House Book of Poetry for Children is one of my favorite books to give as a gift.
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms edited by Paul Janeczko would be another great selection for fifth graders. I’ve used that really successfully in a number of programs with kids that age (those poems get kids WRITING), and the poems themselves have staying power.
November 24th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
For poetry, Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein are two of my favorite authors.
Just a side note, for new babies, I like to give Sandra Boynton’s Barnyard Bath. Many people give Goodnight Moon, but this is a book parents might not know about. It is also a tub book, so baby can gum the cover/pages without causing any damage that will worry a new parent.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I love the idea of going with Poetry. I would add This Is Just To Say – we love that book here.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Elizabeth Scanlon’s All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee would be perfect. Appeals to all ages and a message that spans all cultures.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Once I Ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan et al. – dogs and poetry, you cannot go wrong!
December 1st, 2009 at 1:15 am
I would suggest Shel Silverstein. I know it’s not a unique choice per se, but I think it’s something kids would recognize, love, and actually hold onto forever.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Love the titles.
Another fun, light hearted poet is Kalli Dakos. She has written many titles including
If Youre Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand. Her titles would also fit your grade levels.