The Best Book of Nighttime Animals by: Belinda Weber (nonfiction)

This book highlights the animals that can be found after the sun sets and where you might find them. It takes a closer look at nocturnal animals in the forest, jungle, wetlands, desert, woodlands, and Australian bush. The book explores their habitats and diets, as well as how they are able to adapt in the night conditions. The illustrations show animals in their natural habitats and are realistic depictions of the animals.

I would use this book as a resource for my students during a science animal lesson. I could use it to talk about nighttime animals after discussing daytime animals. As a class, we could make a venn diagram comparing the two and how they differ. As individual work, I could have students research an animal and then make a poster detailing important facts.  Students could then get into small groups and share their work.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling (modern fantasy)

Harry Potter thinks he is just a normal kid whose parents died in a car crash, but little does he know the real reason he is stuck living with his awful relatives, the Dursleys. It is not until a giant named Hagrid comes to visit Harry on his eleventh birthday, that Harry realizes his true identity as a wizard and also finds out the real reason of his parents death. He then enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a first year student to learn all there is about becoming a wizard. To Harry's surprise, he is a legend in the wizard world for surviving an attack by evil Lord Voldemort on the night he killed Harry's parents. Harry meets his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger while at Hogwarts, leading into their first adventure together.  Soon, they discover that everything isn't what it seems at Hogwarts as they sneak around trying to unravel the mystery behind Harry's past.


I really have enjoyed reading all of J.K. Rowling's books in the Harry Potter series. They are all filled with enchantment, suspense and danger, a great combination for upper elementary readers to remain interested in her books. There are several ways to incorporate Harry Potter into reading and writing lessons but I have chosen one for my future classroom. You could have students create their own trading cards, drawing pictures of characters, scenes and events from the book.  This gives students an opportunity to get creative with their drawings and practice their art skills. On the back, have students give who, what, when, where, why, and how details highlighting important concepts and making sure they comprehend the text. Allow students to share their cards with others by reading aloud, asking questions, and trading cards. This activity enables students to practice recalling facts and details, summarizing, establishing sequential order, and presenting work orally. 

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by:Kevin Henkes (modern fantasy)

Although Lilly has a strong love for school and in particular her teacher Mr. Slinger, she runs into some trouble with him when he takes away her purple plastic purse.  Along with the purse, Lilly brings to school three jingly quarters and movie-star glasses, all of which distract the other students and take away from Mr. Slinger's teaching. Lilly becomes angry at Mr. Slinger and leaves him a mean drawing as revenge. She soon regrets this action when she gets back her purse and finds a nice note from Mr. Slinger. Feeling guilty, Lilly immediately finds a way to apologize to Mr. Slinger and make things write with her favorite teacher.

I would use this book with students towards the beginning of the year when I am trying to set the tone for my classroom community. I want my students to know how to have fun in the classroom, but also know that there are times to get work done. I think it is a lighthearted book that also emphasizes the fact that teachers are always looking out for the best interest of their students. Although this book is geared more towards younger age students, I think that the message can apply to all elementary aged kids. (Plus, anyone can appreciate a good Kevin Henkes book no matter the age!)

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by: Jean Marzollo (nonfiction)

This is a picture book outlining the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the work that he did while he was alive. The book begins with his birth and ends with his tragic death. The book touches on the issues of segregation and the laws that used to be in place. It talks about the good things that he did during his life such as standing up for what he believed in, helping others in need, and being a leader.  These lessons can also carry out in the classroom as you talk about the importance of leadership, equality and standing up for what's right.


I would use this book with a class during the time of Black History Month or the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. I think it is important for students to be educated on issues of racism and diversity, as well as knowing the real reason why we get a day off from school.  After reading the book, I would discuss with students MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech and go into a writing lesson by asking students to write about their own dreams for the future. I would ask them to also draw a picture at the bottom of the page and share with their classmates. Afterwards, I would display them in the hallway for everyone to see.