Shataya Woods

Dr. Burke
ENGL 414-A
April 14, 2016

Annotated Bibliography
Criteria for Excellence:
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Poetry:
A message or meaning
Rhythm or flow
Use of literary devices
Allows ones imagination to flourish
Picture Books:
Vibrantly colored illustrations
Art that can be enjoyed by people of all ages
Characters that come alive
Novels
Characters of interest
Situation or Conflict
Creative imagery
Compelling story
Non-fiction books
Factual information
Relevant information
Five Picture Books:

1.
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b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan and Illustrated by Mark Astrella

Title: Hello Ocean
Publisher and year of first publication: Talewinds, 2001
Type of book: Picture book
Reading level: Grade 3
Summary: A young girl expresses her love for the ocean and addresses what she discovered
while being at the beach. She uses personification and metaphors to express what it means to her
and how it makes her feel. Also, she says how the ocean affects each one of her five senses.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book has beautiful illustrations that look like real life images. The
illustrations are stunning.
2.
a. Author: Keith Baker
b. Title: Little Green
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Harcourt, 2001
d. Type of book: Picture book
e. Reading level: Grade 1-2
f. Summary: A young boy watches a bird as it flies around on a journey. As the bird flies around,
the boy is painting what he sees. He also narrates the story and uses descriptive words to say
what he sees.
3.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Jerry Pinkney

Title: The Lion & The Mouse
Publisher and year of first publication: Hachette Book Group, Inc. 2009
Type of book: Picture book
Reading level: N/a
Summary: This book is an adaptation of one of Aesops beloved fables. A mouse runs from a
bird and disturbs a lion. Instead of the lion eating the mouse, he lets it go free. Afterwards, the
mouse comes back to save the lion when it is being captured.
g. Anything noteworthy: On the pages, there are very little words and this book is mostly
illustrations. Also, this book received the Caldecott Medal.
4.
a. Author: David Elliott and Illustrated by Holly Meade
b. Title: In the Wild
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Candlewick Press, 2010
d. Type of book: Picture book
e. Reading level: Grade 3-4
f. Summary: Animals that live in the wild, such as the lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra and more, are
describe. Their characteristics and abilities are noted and described as well.
g. Anything noteworthy: The illustrations look sloppy from a distance, but up close, they are
incredibly beautiful.
5.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Karma Wilson and Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Title: Bear Wants More
Publisher and year of first publication: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2003
Type of book: Picture book
Reading level: 2
Summary: A bear wakes from hibernation and is looking for food. After nibbling on the lawn, he
wants more. Animals around him help search for berries, clover patches, fish and other food. He
continues eating and wanting more. After eating all of the food he ends up full and asleep, but his
friends still want more.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book is a very sweet story because it shows the relationship between
super small animals and big animals.
Five nonfiction books
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Nancy Bean White

Title: Meet John F. Kennedy
Publisher and year of first publication: Step-Up Books, 1965
Type of book: Nonfiction book
Reading level: 5
Summary: This is a carefully researched biography on John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th
president. This book is about John F. Kennedys life, journey to presidency and his death. His
family, childhood and biggest public moments are also noted and described.

g. Anything noteworthy: The images are in black and white but are actually from the time that JFK
lived.
2.
a. Author: Martin Luther King III and Illustrated by AG Ford
b. Title: My Daddy, Martin Luther King, Jr.
c. Publisher and year of first publication: HarperCollins Publishers, 2013
d. Type of book: Nonfiction
e. Reading level: 4th grade
f. Summary: From the point of view of his son, Martin Luther Kings relationship with his children
is described. Martin Luther King, Jr. was known for many things, but this book provides insight
on how he treated fatherhood, and his relationship with his son.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book is a memoir and it is written by someone who knows Martin
Luther King, Jr. better than most people.
3.
a. Author: Amy L. Cohn and Suzy Schmidt
b. Title: Abraham Lincoln
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Scholastic Press, 2002
d. Type of book: Nonfiction
e. Reading level: 4th grade
f. Summary: Abraham was one of our greatest presidents, according to this book. This book
follows the journey of his life, from the time he was born, until his death. While providing detail
on his intelligence, personality and compassion, this book brilliantly explains him.
g. Anything noteworthy: The illustrations are interesting pieces of artwork.
4.
a. Author: Alan Schroeder and Illustrations by Jerry Pinkney
b. Title: Minty, A story of Young Harriet Tubman
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1996
d. Type of book: Nonfiction
e. Reading level: 4
f. Summary: While many know about Harriet Tubman, many do not know about her childhood.
This book describes her early life, and how she lived as a slave, dreaming of an escape. Also
known as Minty, she was a troubled child and this book goes into great detail about that aspect of
her life.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book won the Coretta Scott King award.
5.
a. Author: Maira Kalman
b. Title: Thomas Jefferson - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Penguin Group, 2014
d. Type of book: nonfiction
e. Reading level: 4
f. Summary: Best known for writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was so
much more than that. He was very talented, intelligent and he accomplished a lot. This book goes
into depth about who he was and what he was interested in.
g. Anything noteworthy: The font of the writing is very different. It is silly and playful along with
the illustrations.

Five Poetry Books:

1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Joyce Sidman and Illustrated by Beckie Prange

Title: Song of the Water Boatman & Other Pond Poems
Publisher and year of first publication: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005
Type of book: Poetry book
Reading level: Grade 5
Summary: A collection of poems that address the life and surprises that occur in and around
ponds and wetlands. Because of the added science and use of literary devices, one can learn
factual information about ponds. Also, bettles, turtles and other insects, and animals are included.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book received the Caldecott Medal. Gorgeous illustrations.
2.
a. Author: Shel Silverstein
b. Title: Falling Up
c. Publisher and year of first publication: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996
d. Type of book: Poetry
e. Reading level: 3-5
f. Summary: This is a collection of childrens poems. These poems are fun and full of humor. One
is introduced to an array of unforgettable characters, including screamin Millie and Allison
Beals.
g. Anything noteworthy: Shel Silverstein is one of the best children's poets.
3.
a. Author: Shel Silverstein
b. Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends
c. Publisher and year of first publication: HarperCollins Publishers, 1974
d. Type of book: Poetry
e. Reading level: 3-5
f. Summary: A collection of outrageously funny and profound poems. Shel Silverstein introduces
some realistic characters and some fantasy characters. This allows children to connect with the
poems, but it also allows them to use their imagination.
g. Anything noteworthy: All of the drawings were drawn by Shel Silverstein as well.
4.
a. Author: Francisco X. Alarcon
b. Title: From the Belly Button of the Moon and Other Summer Poems
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Childrens Book Press, 1998
d. Type of book: Poetry
e. Reading level: 3-4
f. Summary: A collection of poems about a family on a journey to Mexico. He describes the grass,
the mountain, the water and much more while using descriptive words. With playful words and
images, one can look into the life of Mexican ancestors.
g. Anything noteworthy: The poems are in english, but there are also translations of them in
spanish, which could be great for bilingual students.
5.
a. Author: Nikki Grimes
b. Title: A Pocketful of Poems

c.
d.
e.
f.

Publisher and year of first publication: Clarion Books, 2001

Type of book: Poetry
Reading level: 3
Summary: Tiana is a young girl with a pocketful of words. She uses the words to create the titles
of poems, and then goes on to create the poem itself. She uses her imagination and outlook to
describe what she sees.
g. Anything noteworthy: The illustrations are creative and out of the ordinary.
Ten Childrens Novels (or Chapter Books)
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Katherine Paterson

Title: Flip-Flop Girl
Publisher and year of first publication: The Trumpet Club, 1994
Type of book: Chapter book
Reading level: Grades 5-6
Summary: A young girl, Vinnie Matthew is living with her grandmother while taking care of her
younger brother. She wants her dad back and is in need of someone who will add a spark to her
life. When she meets Lupe, or flip-flop girl she realizes that she may be the friend she needs.
However, there are rumors about Lupe that may hinder their friendship.
g. Anything noteworthy: By the author of the Newbery Medal winning -- Bridge to Terabithia
2.
a. Author: Lynne Rae Perkins
b. Title: Criss Cross
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Greenwillow Books, 2005
d. Type of book: Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5-6
f. Summary: This novel follows Debbie and Hector as they enter summer break and their lives
criss cross. Wishing for something good to happen, the good and bad of her summer is
described as her relationship with Hector unravels.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book received the John Newbery Medal.
3.
a. Author: Richard Peck
b. Title: A Year Down Yonder
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2000
d. Type of book: Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5
f. Summary: A richly entertaining novel that follows Mary Alices summer days spent with her
grandma. She is fifteen and spending a whole year with her grandma in an interesting town. As
she experiences her crazy life with her grandma, she learns to appreciate her wisdom.
g. Anything noteworthy: Received Newbery Award
4.
a. Author: Gary Paulsen
b. Title: Hatchet
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Macmillan Books for Young Readers, 1987
d. Type of book: Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5-7

f. Summary: On his way to visit his father, Brian Robeson is filled with different thoughts and
emotions. After the plane crashes Brian is forced to survive in the wilderness. This story vividly
describes what is on his mind and it goes into great depth about how he survives.
g. Anything noteworthy: Newbery Honor
5.
a. Author: Louis Sachar
b. Title: Holes
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Dell Yearling, 1998
d. Type of book: Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5-7
f. Summary: Young boys that are criminals are forced to dig holes while away at a detention center,
in the middle of the desert. Stanley Yelnats feels that he is under a curse and that is why he was
sent there. In effort to prove that he is innocent, he escapes. Holes describes his relationship with
the zero and the other boys, while also touching on the actual reason for them digging the holes.
g. Anything noteworthy: Received the John Newbery Medal.
6.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Author: Megan McDonald

Title: Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In!
Publisher and year of first publication: Candlewick Press, 2004
Type of book: Chapter book
Reading level: 3
Summary: Judy wants to be like the first woman doctor when she grows up. When given the
perfect opportunity in her 3T classroom, she is excited to show her talents. This book explores
the life of a young girl wanting to be a doctor and the way she acts as she studies the human
body.

Author: E.B. White

Title: Charlottes Web
Publisher and year of first publication: 1952
Type of book: Chapter book
Reading level: 3-7
Summary: When a runt is born, Ferns father is anxious to kill it. After Fern begs for its survival,
her dad allows her to keep the pig. She names the pig Wilbur and she falls in love with the pig.
As the book continues, Wilbur and Charlotte, a spider that lives in the barn too, become best
friends until Charlotte passes away.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book is a classic and over 50 years old.
8.
a. Author: Franklin W. Dixon
b. Title: The Tower Treasure
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers, 1959
d. Type of book:Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5

f. Summary: The Hardy boys are on a journey through a mansions towers. As, they continue, they
make discoveries that will help clear their fathers friends name.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book is a classic and over 50 years old.
9.
a. Author: Nat Hentoff
b. Title: The Day They Came to Arrest the Book
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Dell Publishing, 1982
d. Type of book: Novel
e. Reading level: 7
f. Summary: Barney takes matters into his own hands after everyone decides that a racist book
should be banned from the school. As he investigates the censorship at his school, he becomes
even more determined to get it banned.
10.
a. Author: Robert Newton Peck
b. Title: Soup & Me
c. Publisher and year of first publication: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1975
d. Type of book: Chapter book
e. Reading level: 5
f. Summary: Two boys grow up in Vermont. This book tells stories about their relationships and
moments that they had together. Also, their adventures and misadventures are explained.
g. Anything noteworthy: This book has an interesting cover.