Becoming Critically Literate

  Description from the publisher (Picture Window Books):  " Deciduous forest ecosystems can be found on nearly every continent. Countless animals and plants live in them. So what difference could the loss of one animal species make? Follow the chain reaction, and discover how important gray wolves are." Text Features:  Nonfiction picture book "It's Critical" word boxes with additional explanation of keywords Diagram of a Temperate Forest Ecosystem Glossary, Learn More and Index sections Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   BEFORE reading discussion ideas: Why might a whole book have been written exploring the title question?  What's an ecosystem? What's a temperate forest ecosystem? (After reading the blurb) What do think a chain reaction is? Ask children if they have ever seen a domino 'chain reaction' – this might help them infer the term's meaning! (if not, revisit this question after reading the book) AFTER reading discus...

  Description from the publisher (Reycraft Books):  " An orange horse is desperate to find his long-lost brother, but the only clue he has is one half of an old photo. The horse decides to advertise, but the answers he gets leave him feeling hopeless. Then, one day, the orange horse meets a brown horse and they immediately become good friends. Coincidentally, the brown horse also has one half of an old photo. Could he be the long-lost brother the orange horse has been searching for?" Text Features:  Fictional picture book Some bolded keywords (salient nouns and emotional vocabulary) Explores an expansive concept of family (and is great for introducing the concept of "chosen/found" family and what it means to really belong) Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   BEFORE reading discussion ideas: What do you think the Orange Horse's family might look like? Why do you think that? Do you look like the people in your family? Why or why not? Why might som...

  Description from the publisher: " Rise Up and Write It  combines a celebration of civic engagement with the hands-on fun of real pull-out examples of activism tools and is sure to encourage young readers to want to get up and get involved. The book comes complete with a pull-out letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, a community meeting poster, a protest sign—and more! When Farah Patel realizes that the butterflies have disappeared from her neighborhood, she discovers that it’s likely because there aren’t enough flowers to attract them. She can’t help but think, “This isn’t right.” Luckily enough, Grove Hills is looking for ideas on what to do with the empty lot next door. And Farah has the perfect one—make it into a community garden to bring back a little green to their block! But when Farah finds out that she isn’t the only one with a plan for the future of Grove Hills, she’ll have to turn to her community for help. Open the six envelopes inside to f...

  Description from the publisher: " A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community. A perfect tool for families, schools, and libraries to facilitate conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building. Includes a kid-friendly glossary (for ages 3–10). This fully accessible ebook includes alt-text for image descriptions, a read aloud function, and a zoom-in function that allows readers to magnify the illustrations and be able to move around the page in zoom-in mode." Text Features:  Picture book featuring ways to "move together" through various means of physical inclusion (accessibility, communication) Extensive back matter focusing on the following: How We...

  "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth." –Shirley Chisholm Description from the publisher: " A timely picture book biography about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States. Shirley Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This dynamic biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation’s democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Now young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct. " Text Features:  Narrative nonfiction (biography) picture book. Key verbs are highlighted in different font/colors. Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   Before reading, discuss the book's title. Ask students what they think the book...

  Description from the publisher: " Exploring American history and finding diversity at its roots! This graphic novel by  JAMES OTIS SMITH  celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West. Born into slavery in Tennessee, Mary Fields became famous as “Stagecoach Mary,” a cigar-chomping, card playing coach driver who never missed a delivery. Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, was one of the wiliest lawmen in the territories, bringing thousands of outlaws to justice with his smarts. Bob Lemmons lived to be 99 years old and was so good with horses that the wild mustangs on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own. " Text Features:  Graphic narrative nonfiction text Includes extensive expository back matter to help readers learn more about important events in the colonization of the western United States. Critical Literacy Sugg...

  Description from the publisher: "Helaine Becker's  An Equal Shot  is a nonfiction picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX as civil rights legislature, featuring illustrations by Dow Phumiruk. You’ve likely heard of the law Title IX. It protects the equal rights of students, athletes, and professionals in America regardless of gender. But do you know about the women who fought to enact this new law? Here is the rousing account of how Title IX was shaped at the hands of brave politicians who took risks to secure women’s dreams and their futures under the Constitution. From the creative team that brought you  Counting on Katherine  and told in simple, commanding prose,  An Equal Shot  celebrates the power of words to defend and unite vulnerable people." Text Features:  Narrative nonfiction picture book in English Includes expository back matter to help readers learn more about key individuals in the fight for gender equa...