KEYSTONE TO READING ELEMENTARY BOOK AWARD LISTS
2013-2014
Annotated Preschool List
Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff
Baby Bear learns all about colors as he explores the wonders of his world.
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
This book is all about the different shades of green that are found in the world. Page
cutouts provide additional interest.
It’s Duffy Time! by Audrey and Don Wood
Duffy is a pug who loves to nap throughout the day. But at bedtime he is wide awake, ready for a good read aloud.
Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story by Salina Yoon
Penguin finds a lost pinecone in the snow and takes him to safety in the forest. Even
though they are apart as time passes, their friendship continues to grow and grow.
Tell Me About Your Day Today by Mem Fox
A little boy gets ready for bed with his four best stuffed animal friends who tell him
about their day. The adventures of each animal as well as the boy are told through the
illustrations. This book encourages the use of imagination and language.
Underground by Denise Fleming
This book celebrates the many creatures that live underground. Additional information
about each of the creatures pictured is included in the back.
What’s Looking at You, Kid? By J. Patrick Lewis
Simple rhymes and riddles help young readers identify birds, small mammals, and insects
easily found in their backyards.
KEYSTONE TO READING ELEMENTARY BOOK AWARD LISTS
2013-2014
Annotated Primary List
A Place For Bats by Melissa Stewart
Through simple, informative language and realistic illustrations, young readers are introduced to the habits and ecosystems of bats. Additional facts and resources are provided in the back.
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead
This is a delightful story about friendship and patience. Bear has a story he wants to share with all his friends. But all the animals are getting ready for winter and don’t have time for a story. When spring returns, the animals help Bear remember his story.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Maya is a new girl at school who tries to make friends with Chloe and the other girls, but she is always turned away. After Chloe’s teacher shares a lesson on the importance of even small acts of kindness, Chloe realizes the opportunity that has been lost. But is it too late?
Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Monica Carnesi
(PA Author)
One winter day a little dog wanders onto a frozen river. As the ice starts to break up, the dog suddenly finds himself traveling down river on a sheet of ice. This book tells the story of the dog’s rescue two days and seventy-five miles later!
In the Sea by David Elliott
A collection of poems about sea creatures.
Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo by Denise Brennan-Nelson
Stu hatches a plan to save the zoo from Mr. Cooper who wants to tear it down to build a mall. This is a great book for teaching vocabulary, especially the meaning of idioms. A glossary of the idioms used in the book is included in the back.
Me and Momma and Big John by Mara Rockliff (PA Author)
This book tells the story of one of the first women in the U.S. to learn the craft of stonecutting. Momma is helping to build the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. She comes home each day tired and sore, and her son John wonders how she does it.
Molly, By Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams,America’s First Female Firefighter by
Dianne Ochiltree
In the 1800s, Molly Williams was the cook for New York City’s Fire Company Number 11. When a fire broke out and many of the volunteers were sick, Molly came to the rescue and worked right alongside the other fire fighters. Includes research notes and additional information.
Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John “Appleseed” Chapman by Esme Raji Codell
More than just a biography of Johnny Appleseed, this book shows how John Chapman’s life was an example of the principles he lived by.
These Bees Count! by Alison Formento (PA Author)
A counting book that helps readers understand how bees make honey, help flowers grow, and are important to the environment.
KEYSTONE TO READING ELEMENTARY BOOK AWARD LISTS
2012-2013
Annotated Intermediate List
About Average by Andrew Clements
Jordan is an average sixth grader who wants to be noticed. She marvels at the talents of others in her class and vows to find a way to become extraordinary. A great book to help students think about the talents they possess and how to use them in the best possible way.
Bug Off! Creepy,Crawly Poems by Jane Yolen
A collection of poems, often humorous, about bugs with stunning photographs by John Stemple. Contains additional facts about each bug.
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner
Anna, Jose, and Henry meet while snowed in at the Washington, DC airport. They discover that a famous flag has been stolen, and together they set out to solve the mystery and bring the thieves to justice. Along the way they discover other mysteries that link them together.
Frogs! Strange and Wonderful, Laurence Pringle
Laurence Pringle explains the similarities and differences in the many varieties of frogs found around the world.
On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s by Barbara O’Connor
Unforgettable characters are all on the search for a one-legged pigeon in a sleepy Southern town. O’Connor’s wonderful craft makes this a great read aloud or individual read.
The People of Twelve Thousand Winters by Trinka Hakes Noble
This is the story of a Lenni Lenape boy moving into manhood. Walking Turtle has been the legs and strength of his cousin, Little Talk, but soon he must leave behind his boyhood friends to become a warrior.
The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
This book tells the story of the woman, Moina Belle Michael, who established the red poppy as a symbol of the sacrifice and courage of our veterans. It is a good model of structure (contains and prologue and epilogue), and the use of primary documents and interviews in research.
Queen of the Track by Heather Lang
This book tells the story of Alice Coachman, the first African American woman to win a gold medal. Additional information about Alice and the 1948 Olympics is included. The illustrations are done by Pennsylvania’s Floyd Cooper.
Unspoken by Henry Cole
This powerful wordless book tells the story of a young girl who discovers a runaway slave in her family’s barn. This book would be an excellent tool for teaching inference and character development.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
August is a ten-year-old boy who suffers from extensive facial anomalies. When he starts
public school in fifth grade after being home schooled all his life, he and those whose lives he touches are forever changed.
The Year Comes Round by Sid Farrar
A collection of thirteen nature haiku that takes readers through the seasons. Includes additional information about haiku and seasonal changes.
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