Month

Book

August/ September

Amber on the Mountain
by Tony Johnston 

Amber's mountain is a beautiful but lonely place, until the day Anna arrives, bringing both her friendship and the will to teach Amber how to read. Suddenly, Amber's world is filled with new magic--and new challenges. But when Anna returns to the city, will Amber be able to keep reading on her own?

October/ November
 

My Teacher for President
by Kay Winters

Oliver's class has been learning about elections and presidential responsibilities. He writes a letter to Channel 39, putting forth a plethora of reasons why his teacher would be perfect presidential material. The story proceeds with a single sentence and appropriate illustration on the verso depicting a school activity, with a picture opposite demonstrating how that activity would play out when his teacher holds the reins in Washington. For example, "She's used to being followed everywhere" shows the class parading after her in line, while on the right, secret service agents and cameramen tag along as she jogs. Winters keeps these parallels both humorous and pithy, and Brunkus's cheery, color cartoons add to the fun. Oliver's appreciation of his teacher (she can only be president if she doesn't leave before the end of the year) is refreshing.

January/ February

A Pocket Full of Kisses
by Audrey Penn 

A young raccoon pleads with his mother to "return" his baby brother due to typical sibling offenses. When Chester sees her give little Ronny a "Kissing Hand" (a kiss in the middle of his open palm), the waterworks begin. Of course, Mrs. Raccoon reassures her older son of his continuing importance to her, adding a bonus Kissing Hand for being a big brother. The animals' emotions are clearly expressed in the narrative. Gibson's crisp, realistic paintings are colorful and depict the scenery and activity of the meadow.

March/ April
 

A Chair for My Mother
by Vera B. Williams

After an apartment fire destroys all they own, Rosa, her mother and her grandmother move to a new apartment and start over. They save all their coins in a large jar until the finally have enough money to buy a special chair for Mama to rest in after a long day's work at the diner.

May/ June
 

No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks
by Diane deGroat

It's the last day of school! Gilbert is excited about summer vacation, but first there's the class party, and Mrs. Byrd will give out the end-of-year awards. But will Gilbert even get one? Patty's the best speller. Philip's the best reader. What is Gilbert best at? Humorous and reassuring, this story by Diane deGroat perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of the last day of school. As Gilbert's class says good-by to Mrs. Byrd, she reminds each of them how special they really are. And she will miss them very, very much!