Category: New or Not Yet Leveled Books

Only You Can Be You! What Makes You Different Makes You Great

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In their first picture book, bestselling author Sally Clarkson and her son Nathan encourage children on the journey to discovering their strengths. Mother and son duo draw on themes from their first book, Different, the emotive story of Nathan’s experiences growing up with mental illness and learning disabilities and Sally’s journey to loving him unconditionally. With the powerful truth that what makes you different makes you great, Only You Can Be You will help children embrace their differences and celebrate the differences in others.

The irresistible rhymes paired with Tim Warnes’s whimsical illustrations encourage your children with the reassurance they’re looking for in their own uniqueness. Whether they are quiet or artistic, funny or boisterous, your children will love this heartwarming read that assures them that they’re wonderful exactly as they are.

Courage, Optimism, Self Confidence

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

The Fix-It Man

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Make way for Joshua James and his tool belt and hard hat! In this lighthearted and innovative story, Joshua (aka Mr. Fix-It) tinkers with broken household items and manages a checklist on his clipboard. One day, he tries to concoct a mechanism that dumps his sister’s smelly diapers from the house into the outdoor garbage can. Once his plan is in place, the wheels start turning and the Fix-It Man is on the case. Two silly critters, assumed to be household pets, dillydally across each page either assisting the children or taking part in mischievous activities, which adds even more humor. Some of the content is displayed in comic book layout, along with some catchy onomatopoeia to grab readers’ attention. Joshua’s contraptions are each illustrated in a sequential order of lettered parts that could help children follow along with the mechanics of inventive construction. The children and animals are drawn with cartoonlike characteristics, such as oversize heads and squat legs, while watercolor and ink illustrations cover each spread. The subjects of brothers and sisters and apologies are explored as the story progresses, demonstrating what can go wrong when things don’t go as planned.

Kindness, Innovation

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

The Eternal Soldier: The True Story of How a Dog Became a Civil War Hero

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During the Civil War, Sallie came to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a gift from a townsperson, but she quickly became a favorite among her men. She marched with them from battle to battle, always guarding the unit’s colors, and even met President Lincoln. And over three long days at the battle of Gettysburg, Sallie stayed with the dead, guarded their bodies, and nearly died herself from hunger and thirst as the conflict raged on. Though she fell in battle, her loyalty was rewarded years later when her men met again on the battlefield at Gettysburg to erect her likeness in bronze so that she might eternally guard them. This beautiful story about a dog’s dedication and loyalty shows that bravery comes in all shapes and forms!

Effort, Courage, Kindness, Teamwork, Adaptability, Perseverance, Trustworthiness, Leadership, Responsibility, Patience

Nonfiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

Bunny’s Book Club Goes to School

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Bunny and his forest friends meet at the town library every Saturday morning for book club. But one summer day, their library buddy Josie confesses to Bunny that she’s nervous about starting school. Bunny has an idea: He’ll go with her! Soon, Bunny’s friends Bear, Raccoon, Bird, Porcupine, Squirrel, Mole, Mouse, and Frog decide to join him—and Josie’s first day of school turns into a critter-filled adventure! 
For any child starting school, here’s a comforting, funny, and very fuzzy celebration of friendship that will make everyone excited to hit the books.

Kindness, Perseverance, Initiative, Critical Thinking-Problem Solving, Leadership, Innovation, Responsibility, Teamwork, Patience, Trustworthiness, Adaptability, Creativity, Effort, Cleverness, Excellent Attitude

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!

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Change and transitions are hard, but Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! demonstrates how, when one experience ends, it opens the door for another to begin. It follows two best friends as they say goodbye to snowmen, and hello to stomping in puddles. They say goodbye to long walks, butterflies, and the sun…and hello to long evening talks, fireflies, and the stars. But the hardest goodbye of all comes when one of the friends has to move away. Feeling alone isn’t easy, and sometimes new beginnings take time. But even the hardest days come to an end, and you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Kindness, Adaptability

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms

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Sakura’s dad gets a new job in America, so she and her parents make the move from their home in Japan. When she arrives in the States, most of all she misses her grandmother and the cherry blossom trees, under which she and her grandmother used to play and picnic. She wonders how she’ll ever feel at home in this new place, with its unfamiliar language and landscape. One day, she meets her neighbor, a boy named Luke, and begins to feel a little more settled. When her grandmother becomes ill, though, her family takes a trip back to Japan. Sakura is sad when she returns to the States and once again reflects on all she misses. Luke does his best to cheer her up — and tells her about a surprise he knows she’ll love, but she’ll have to wait till spring. In the meantime, Sakura and Luke’s friendship blooms and finally, when spring comes, Luke takes her to see the cherry blossom trees flowering right there in her new neighborhood. 

Kindness

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled

The Thank You Book

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The Thank You Book explores the many ways we can be thankful for the pleasures great and small that await us every day. Tender and poetic, it reflects on the role gratitude can play in our lives and celebrates the powerful impact it can have on us.

Gratefulness

Fiction

New or Not Yet Leveled