Little Blue and Little Yellow
By Leo Lionni
(Alfred A. Knopf 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

On its face this is a simple story of two primary colors that merge into one new color; at another level it's about how a relationship becomes something other than merely the interaction of two individuals. The voices of best friends Little Blue and Little Yellow can be read with great excitement. In contrast, when their children arrive home merged into green, their families' voices are serious and concerned. If you read the book with some watercolors handy, it's a great time to show and tell how two primary colors can indeed be merged to create a brand new color.

For older listeners the story's a great springboard for talking about friendships and teamwork, asking questions such as: Do you feel different when you are with one friend than with another? In what way? Do you do different kinds of things with different friends? What happens when you stop competing with someone and work with him instead? What if a blue group and a yellow group stopped fighting and became a green team?

Lionni, an artist, provides a grand author's note of how he wrote the book, now in its 50th anniversary edition, for his young grandchildren.

Looking Like Me
By Walter Dean Myers
(Egmont USA 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Fist-bumping and bamming may not ever replace the hug, but this book shows it to be a fun way for one person to connect with another. The readalouder who emphasizes the rhythm with which the story is written creates a guaranteed feel-good experience for the whole family.

This excellent choice for children of newly divorced parents may be worrisome to those in two parent families. Oliver begins preschool lonely and miserable after his parents split, and remains sad for months. Then he befriends a new student, and having a friend helps him begin to enjoy his days at school. This realistic look at the emotions of a very young child mourning the loss of his family unit may help children experiencing similar loss verbalize their feelings to the person reading it.

Poor Joe is a remainder of one in all squadron lines until five lines are formed – then at last he's a happy part of a group. Pinczes' numerical conceptualization is really clever; the child who has been left out of anything from a gym line to a playground group will identify and will be pleased with the solution. Children 5 and over will appreciate the math part, while children over 2 will respond to this fun rhyming read-aloud. The readalouder needs to de-emphasize the end of line rhyming words … rhyme and rhythm will still come through but without an annoying sing-song quality. A natural vehicle for discussion on remaining and remaindering for any child who has ever been or felt left out.

The Bog Baby
By Jeanne Willis
(Schwartz and Wade 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Willis follows the rule of one for creating a highly believable fantasy: providing one extraordinary premise, while everything else is grounded in reality. Her narrator is a young girl whose voice varies: first, she speaks coyly about lying to her mother; later, at the bog, she speaks quietly, her voice filled with awe and wonder; still later her voice is sad as the bog baby must be returned; and finally she speaks in the reflective tones of the child now grown into a mother herself. The story's clearly stated message is if you truly love someone you must do what's best for them, even if it makes you sad. You'll stimulate discussion by asking your listener(s): Would you have set the bog baby free? Would you have freed a frog, or a caterpillar or a butterfly? Was the bog baby real?

Grandpa's Music: A Story about Alzheimer's
By Alison Acheson
(Albert Whitman and Company, 2009)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

A first class story of a loving supportive family coping with the challenges of a grandparent's gradual memory loss. Acheson shows in her beautifully crafted story, and tells in the authors note, that creativity through storytelling, singing, cooking or playing the piano can bring many pleasures to individuals with Alzheimer's as well as to their family members. An educational opportunity for all children and a must for any child who has a loved one suffering from memory loss.

Jamaica Is Thankful
By Juanita Havill
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Jamaica badly wants the new kitty she's been given, but her older brother is allergic to cats. How she solves her dilemma is a well-told story and great vehicle for discussing with listeners how they would handle such a problem.

In this brief rhyme, Welch captures the many long, sad days of a left-out right fielder – and suddenly captures as well his moment of glory. A great book for anyone 3 and older who has ever been last chosen for the team, last in gym class, or last one left anywhere at any time. The readalouder will have a good time reading much of the book in dejected voice; eyes and head downcast – then brightening with Willy's triumph of at last becoming front and center.

Beyond the author's seeming intent of simply creating a lighthearted tale about the travails of childhood sneezles and wheezles, this is an excellent vehicle for discussion in both homes and schools about how colds and other infections can spread. The resolution in this story is that Louise suffered an uncomfortable day while she went about school, dance lessons, visiting her grandmother, etc., sneezing, and coughing all the while. Yet because adult readers understand that Louise unnecessarily exposed dozens of people to her germs that day, what a great opportunity to discuss with listeners some socially-conscious options. Could Louise have been kept home in the first place? Or could she have been sent home from school by her teacher to prevent others getting sick? What about the adults teaching Louise to cover her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to wash her hands afterwards?

Sunday Chutney
By Aaron Blabey
(Front Street, 2009)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Sunday – the offbeat narrator – calls herself "a bit unusual" (not surprising since her family frequently moves because of her father's work, making her feel the perpetual outsider in her many new schools). She has a rich interior life, and gives us pause for thought on every page; thus each sentence can be read aloud slowly. There are ample discussion possibilities including individuality versus group, outsider versus insider, one's comfort zone versus the whole world.

In a simple story with powerful impact, Carrick shows children ages 4 and older how his father's alcoholism adversely affects small Charlie. Further, Carrick provides Charlie – and the many children who will identify with him – with hope for the future. The readalouder can read the father's dialogue in a deep angry voice, the mother and teachers in calming tones; and vary Charlie's between the sadness he feels in the beginning of the book, and the cheerfulness he exhibits by the end.

An important book dealing with what is usually taboo in children's literature: childhood life-threatening illness, in this case cancer. Told optimistically from the point of view of the patient, listeners will understand that coping is not only possible but challenging to the child, her family, and classmates. Hats off to the author who created a lovely piece of fiction from the fabric of her 9-year-old daughter's life.

In this book narrated by the young daughter of a mother who suffers from major depression, listeners glimpse the life of a child who comes to understand that some days are better, and some worse, for her mother, and hence for herself. Children 4 and over who have a parent suffering from depression will appreciate a book which speaks to them; older children will realize that there are sad days and glad days in all families, albeit for different reasons. This is a good springboard for discussion about an illness that affects one-tenth of this country's population, yet is rarely, if ever respectfully treated in children's literature. Too often mental illness is treated disrespectfully in children's books: thus this book is a welcome and long overdue relief.

An excellent treatment of the effect on young Stacy and her parents of the SIDS death of Ashley, Stacy's baby sister. Sparingly and lovingly told, the book speaks to children three and older – and to their parents – about the need for love, understanding and blamelessness in the face of unexpected and unwanted disaster.

Parting with summer becomes sweet sorrow and the book's narrator – sure that she can't bear to have fall approach – embraces the new school year after all. A great springboard for discussion with little listeners 4 and older, to help quell their frights about the approach of a new school year.

A charming tale of two little sisters who live many decades, but never grow taller than four feet. Based on the true story of the 19^th century Massachusetts Adams sisters, who rose far above their physical statures to become trained performing musicians, and later to run businesses, the book should prove inspirational to all children, especially those who differ physically from the norm. Children 4 and older will enjoy the spirited story, especially if it's read aloud with a sense of excitement.

Like Broadway Chicken, this book is a celebration of physical diversity; however, this is a lovely legend rather than a bold satire. A completely bilingual book in which the readalouder can expressively portray various voices.

An exciting story of a 7-year-old heroine of New Orleans desegregation In the early 1960s, little Ruby, escorted by federal marshals, walked through angry mobs each morning and afternoon, for months and months, attending a classroom empty but for herself and her teacher. White children were kept home. Ruby's faith sustained her during those days as she prayed before and after walking through the mob – and finally prayed directly in front of them – asking that God forgive them. Children ages 5 and older will be captivated by the story and will want to engage in discussion of the circumstances that led to Ruby's being treated the way she was, and of her bravery under extreme duress.

Incredible and inspirational, this true story depicts a young woman crippled with polio, overcoming it to win three Olympic Gold Medals. Behind her was a strong family: a determined mother and 19 loyal siblings, and a strong church community. A riveting story of unparalleled courage, determination and motivation in which Wilma Rudolph stars as a role model for the physically challenged and able alike. An excellent springboard of sketching one's limits beyond expectation.

At one level, the book's theme is that a seeming physical flaw can be the instrument of one's success; at another level it's a satire of contemporary culture, especially the entertainment industry. The readalouder has plenty of opportunity to portray distinct voices of innocence – in Charlie the Chicken – and conniving – in Charlie's managers – varying volume, pace and facial expressions accordingly. The book is a fine vehicle for discussion of materialism, pop culture, and physical diversity.

Dessert First
By Hallie Durand
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading Time: 1 1/2 hours
Ages 6 and up

A delightful classroom, library or family read-aloud told in first person by the eldest child (she's 8) in a large fun- and food-loving family. While the central issue for discussion is, "What are some of the potential consequences of purposefully deceiving one's parents?," there are other less weighty issues as well. For example, what costs can you incur marching to your own drummer? What rewards? And what about eating your dessert first? Do you ever do it? Under what circumstances does it work in this family?

An important readaloud which demands sensitive discussion with young listeners about its message: the need for understanding of mental illness. The Caribbean dialect will challenge the readalouder to grammar and pronunciations authentic to the characters, yet foreign to our culture. But the language usage contributes to the characters' credibility, as well as the point of the story. A terrific springboard for discussion of the realities of mental diseases and the individual's and the society's need to appreciate that mental illness is just like physical illness: needing treatment and understanding but under no circumstances, derision.

In addition to being born with cerebral palsy, 12-year-old Sarah can't speak and is confined to a wheelchair. She has learned to communicate rapidly with blissymbols, however, and is determined to grow. She makes the decision to go to a regular, rather than a special, school and to wheel there by herself, she makes new friends, and looks forward to learning how to use a new typewriter. A beautiful and poignant look within the soul of a severely challenged, courageous young woman, and at the heart of her family and how her situation affects them, and they her.

A first-class biography by a Newbery medalist who knows how to hook the reader early and keep the action going. The pace never slows as readalouder and listeners become engrossed in the story of a bright, healthy child whose tragic accident blinds him and sets on him an unwelcome and uncharted course. Yet Braille's sheer tenacity prevails as he searches for – and ultimately discovers – a way to open new worlds for himself and other sightless people. An excellent springboard for discussion of what motivates some people to set and achieve goals against all odds while others – often with odds in favor of them – never do.

An excellent exploration of the shattering effects of their parents' divorce on their children, especially Liam, the only son. In pull-no-punches style, Shreve shows the death of the marriage resulting in the death of the family. She also shows that reconstructing various family segments takes tremendous time, patience and hope. A terrific springboard for discussion with children ages 6 and older who have gone through, or who are in the process of going through their parents' divorces. It allows them to grieve for what's lost and lets them know they are no alone in their feelings of anger and resentment.

A sensitive portrayal of the trauma caused one boy by his reading disability. With the help of a compassionate principal and counselor, the reader learns with young Jamie how learning disabilities can affect one's self-perceptions and can either be viewed as handicaps or as challenges to be met and overcome. As usual, Albert Whitman and Company tackle a difficult, prevalent and often ignored issue exceptionally well. An important springboard for discussion with children 6 and older – those with learning challenges as well as their friends and siblings.

Thirteen-year-old Phoebe narrates this journey that she and her family unwittingly take when her 12-year-old brother and only sibling is killed in a bike-truck collision. Told with humor and pathos, the message of the book is that sometimes death can be prevented. Had Mick Harte worn the bike helmet that instead remained in its box, he would be with his family and friends today; and they would not have their lives forever diminished by his loss. A serious topic, treated in upbeat fashion, which provides an excellent vehicle for discussion of death in general and bike safety in particular, for children ages 7 and older.

If one had only a single adjective with which to define Baiul, it's hard to call whether it would be "courageous" or "motivated." By the time she was 13, her parents were dead and her skating coach left. Miraculously she survived, was offered a new home in a new place with a new coach, and the rest is history. Winner of the Olympic gold, she narrates the events of her life, and talks to a limited extent about how she managed – even with a last-minute injury – to go for the top. An excellent springboard for discussion about coping with loss, and the genesis of determination.

Once again, Taylor writes about the Logan family, though this book is not reliant on familiarity with her others. Once again, Taylor creates clearly defined unforgettable characters and a well-focused plot. Once again, she creates a tremendously powerful story of the South – this time in the early part of the century – where biased whites brutalized kind, decent blacks. Children ages 7 and older will appreciate this story when it is read so that each character is differentiated from the other: the strong, patient mother; tough determined grandmother; defiant son; and the villainous Old Man MacAllister. A terrific springboard for discussion of what constitutes fundamental human decency; and what happens in a racially biased society.

A poignant tale, laced with humor, of a young girl's attempt to cope with feelings of an enormous loss: that of her father, her familiar home, friends and neighbors; and fear that she will lose her mother's love as well. While all ends well, it's a difficult and all-too-believable journey, one that will provide a springboard for discussion within blended families with children ages 7 and older.

Explores the emotions of 16-year-old Megan during the first summer after a spinal cord injury, which has left her to a lifetime in a wheelchair. In spite of the tremendous change in her circumstances, Megan slowly – with the help of a boy who moves in next door to their summer cottage – exchanges her love of outdoor team sports for wheelchair racing, helps a once-famous actress rehearse for a play, and finds that life goes on and that she looks forward to going on with it. Several major characters, each with a different voice and perspective, enable the readalouder to keep the fast-paced story moving quickly.

\ A compelling true story of one young girl's struggle with polio, her own courage and that of her loving supportive family, with a happy ending and informative epilogue. Kehret's easy, conversational style makes this book a real page-turner as Kehret tells how she, her family and new hospital friends all cope with transformed lives. A great base for discussion of dealing with serious, often debilitating illness, as well as an important chapter of this century's social and medical history.