Franklin's New Friend by Paulette Bourgeois is one of my childhood favorites. It is a wonderful story about friendship and making new friends. It teaches a valuable lesson on not "judging a book by its cover" and instead getting to know someone for who they are. I believe this would be a great read for children of all ages. The storyline is easy to follow and the vocabulary is great for all ages. 

I would use this lesson to emphasize the importance of accepting those who are different from us instead of discriminating against them. I would encourage people to embrace their differences and the difference of others. This is a great character building book. I would also use this book to inspire students writing. I would ask them to write a story about a time they misjudged something or someone and turned out to enjoy it or like it/them in the end.

Lexile Measure: 380L

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle is an outstanding book for young readers to read. The variety of animals in this book allows for a broad representation of animals that can be found in the wild. I adore the illustrations which are simple and clear with a bit of abstract flair. This book also includes many descriptive words. For example, instead of "bear" the character is named "Panda Bear". Each animal has a different verb attached to the action they are completing, allowing readers to build their vocabulary.

I would like to use this book in the classroom by asking students to select one animal from the story and research it. They will read books and use iPads/laptops to find where they live (water, land, in homes as a pet, etc.), what they eat, and more. The students can draw and color their animal as well. After they have gathered all of their research, the students will be encouraged to present their animals to their class.

Lexile: AD640L
Accelerated Reader Level: 2.5

Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham is another classic children's book. This book is a fun read for young readers--whether they are just beginning to read or are advanced in their reading. The alliteration and rhyming is an added bonus to an already great book. Readers can familiarize themselves with rhyming and alliteration and these literary devices also keep the book fun and interesting.

I would use this book in the classroom during a lesson on literary devices--specifically rhyming. I would ask students to play a rhyming puzzle card game where they must retell the story by matching rhyming word pairs. This would serve as a quick and fun review of the game but also practice rhyming. 

Lexile Measure: 210L 

The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a cute and relatable story on Brother and Sister Bears's fear of the first day of school. This book paints the picture of the first day of school that many readers, no matter how young or old, have painted once before. This book has an excellent message that no matter how scary something may seem, take a chance and you may be pleasantly surprised.

This is such a lighthearted and warming story that is inviting for young readers who are beginning school. I would read this book on the first day of school, especially if my students are Kindergarteners. After reading this book, I would connect it to a first day of school activity that allows students to share a little something about themselves. In higher grades, this book could be connected with decoding text to find the central message or finding the traits of characters.

Lexile: 520L
Accelerated Reader Level: 3.2

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a phenomenal classic for every generation! This book teachers such an important lesson that is appropriate for readers of all ages. I enjoy the simple illustrations and language which is great for beginning readers. The story line is easy to follow and interesting.

I would use this in the classroom when learning about finding the central message in a text. After a lesson on finding the central message, I would read this book aloud with my class and discuss the central message of this book with the students.

Accelerated Reader Level: 2.6