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If you had to make a list of the 10 most revolutionary songs, what would be on it? This book (and others in the series) give the author's list and her reasons for it, but would be a great point of discussion for senior high students. This series includes 'The 10 most essential chemicals', 'The 10 most essential elements', the 10 most significant documents in history', among others, so would be a great resource for science, social studies and music.

A true story about a couple enslaved in the southern United States and their escape to freedom. Ellen was light-skinned enough to pass as white, so disguised as a gentleman accompanied by 'his' slave William, the couple used ingenuity and courage to escape to the northern States. This book tells their story and the ongoing campaign against slavery, through narrative,artwork, newspaper articles and photography.

This book shows pictures of paintings that show people reading. Over time and style periods, one can see how different artists portrayed reading. This could be useful  in Art classes,  but would be a great lead-off in Language Arts as well.

A reat book about a girl and her dog and a small town full of interesting people. THe book has a strong sense of character and the writing is superb - one of those books that is easy to recommend to an early reader (Grade 3 and 4).

Assuming that the house next door to his grandparents' has been abandoned, 12 year old Mitch makes plans for it - plans that help him deal with his parents' impending divorce. However, the family returns to reclaim it, and to deal with their family tragedy of eight years before. This is a quiet , powerful novel that is about an age where you learn trust before you tell secrets - and you never tell all of them, ever. Most appropriate for grade 6 mature readers and older.

Through the use of die-cuts and pictures with surprises, the author presents opposites in a way that children will not only remember, but will anticipate as they turn each page and lift each flap.

As a motherless 10 year old in Flint, Michigan in 1936, it would appear that Bud has nothing going for him but his suitcase (with some clues to his father) and his insistence that his name is "Bud, not Buddy". Wonderful voices and rich characterization makes this a great read from Grade 4 on up. This is also available as a book on CD, although the link will take you to the book call number.

William Steig conveys meaning through the use of symbols, consonants and numbers - or at least there is meaning if you can figure the sentences out. The sentences mesh with the illustrations, so that with a little imagination you can try and make sense of it all!

He's baaaack!! The obnoxious "it's all about me" cat is back and again he and the author are at loggerheads over just who is the author and who is the subject of this book. This time, Melanie attempts to have him star in his own fairy tale - but even that is not enough for the cat. The mouse is back too - and in the end (of course) the author rules - at least for this episode!!

Summer camp can bring with it lasting friendships - but can also mirror school and all the challenges that friendship there can bring. This graphic novel has Abby returning to camp for another summer - but the friendships from the past year are no longer there and she must learn to forge new ones - regardless of how others act.

Just the thought of a spelling bee gives Clarice Bean (never a great speller) a stomach ache. And everything she does just seems to get her further into trouble. Why can't she be more like Ruby Redfort, girl detective (a favourite book character)? However, when she helps out Karl Wrenbury (the naughtiest boy at school) she follows Ruby's maxim to"never let a good pal down" - and the spelling bee doesn't seem so bad. Intended for early chapter book readers, this is a sequel to Clarice Bean (although it does not have to be read first to enjoy this one).

Frazee does a great job of depicting summer vacation through the eyes of 'a couple of boys'. The attempts to get them involved are hilarious and the story and the pictures show friendship at its best.

Set in feudal times, Crispin is falsely accused of the murder of the village priest by an evil overseer who wants him dead. He flees his village, with only his name and a lead cross, left to him by his recently deceased mother On the run, he falls in with a juggler with a dangerous secret and their adventures together make for an enthralling read. This book has a sequel (Crispin : at the edge of the world) and will appeal to upper elementary and junior high readers.

When stuck with what appears to be the most boring research topic ever, Jason looks to different research sources in an attempt to put in more detail and interest into his project. But what is true and what is fiction - or embellishment of facts - needs to be worked through. Although not always the most engaging of stories, this book presents a how-to-do-research story that students will ultimately find useful.

More than just a picture book about dogs and cats, this book contains interesting facts, history and illustrations about our two favourite animals. As well as illustrations done using paper art, the book is really two books in one - to read about dogs , open the cover. To read about cats, flip the book over (or vice versa)!

One of those books that has a little bit of everything in it - from how to throw the best sleep-over party to making bracelets to learning about the coolest women in sports, science and history.

Jane Yolen brings the history of Scotland alive with this (and three other novels) detailing Scotland during their early quest for independence. In this book, Robert the Bruce has been crowned king - but those who align with England are determined to bring him down. His 11 year old daughter is captured and placed in a cage in the marketplace at the orders of Edward 'Longshanks' - for all to see and ridicule. This story presents a realistic portrait of her strength and courage (and fears)and her strategies for survival. For those students who like history this book (and the other three - 'Queen's own fool', 'Prince across the water' and 'The rogues') gives it in with authentic detail and strong characterization.

So why would God go to beauty school? To learn how to do a good perm, of course. But when he got there, he found that he loved giving manicures because he liked to look at hands. This book has some wonderful poems that portray God in many different ways, but can evoke a sense of wonder in what He sees around him as he goes about his routines. The poems might be offensive to some, as they show God as a beautician ,climbing Mount Everest and going to see a doctor among other occupations.

Based on historical fact (there were actual turkey walks in the 19th century), Simon concocts a plan to herd 1000 turkeys from Missouri to Denver. Although he is not 'book smart' (he repeated Grade 3 four times) Simon has common sense and a good heart - and he plans to make a lot of money with this scheme. Along the way, he meets a mule drover, a runaway slave and an outspoken teenage girl and they join him on his adventures. Told with humour and through Simon's eyes, this is a story of the West that you will never see on TV!

Gregor lives in New York City and helps his mom cope with his two sisters and his grandmother after his father has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. While doing the laundry, his two year old sister goes down a grate and Gregor goes after her, only to find that they are in the mysterious Underland. Gregor just wants to get back home - but he finds he has a key role in fulfilling a prophecy - and in doing so, discovers many things about himself and his abilities. This book has great appeal for the 9 and 10 year old (especially boys) - and there are follow up books that further explore the Underland.

New  to his small Florida town and very lonely, Roy is intrigued by a barefoot boy running by the bus, and gets involved in the boy's attempt to save a colony of burrowing owls from a developer. Being read to grade 3 class, but also popular with grade 7/8. This book has some themes that can be tied into other subject areas, as well as Langauge Arts.

The first snow of the season foils the plans for two friends to play at a community concert (the dog plays the cello and the cat plays the clarinet). Instead they are snowed in - and this provides an opportunity to stop and appreciate some of the nicer things about winter. A gentle story about two friends, whose differences augment their friendship.

A society in the near-future where the country Opium has been formed by the USA and Mexico in an attempt to deal with drugs and borders. This country is run by drug lords and uses the labour of clones, including Matt, who is the clone of one of the most powerful drug lords. This is, in part, an examination of the ethics and use of bio-technology, set in a time and locale that will appeal to the imaginative Grade 7 - 10 student - but is also an action-packed story as well.

The hustle and bustle of the market place is represented here by a visit to different markets on four continents. From Bangkok to Peru, the illustrations show a representation of what is available there and how the items are purchased and the text gives a rich description of the scents,textures and personalities of these marketplaces.

In this futuristic United States (now known as Panem), two young adults are chosen for a reality TV type show, where they battle their competitors to death. This is an action-oriented book and has some graphically violent scenes in it, so would not be suitable for elementary or junior-high students. This is part one of a three part series (the Doucette also has part 2, Catching fire) and is to be made into a movie.

So if you got to build a car, what would you put in it? The narrator in this story has some very definite ideas (perhaps he should talk to Ford or GM)! Once he gets the car built (and it has retractable wings, a swimming pool, a snack bar, and a fireplace, among other things), then he and his dad take a maiden drive (or flight or dive, depending on where they are going). This is a fantastically imaginative car and showcases the power of the imagination! And haven't you ever wished for a snack bar on a long car ride?

This book has incredible photos of natural wonders on earth. The photos show the natural landscape and identify where it is located on the planet. This book is designed for younger students and could be used to present geographical (and geological) differences, as well as environmentally fragile sights.

Palindromania is loosely defined as an obsession with palindromes - pull up, eve, huh and wow are just a few of the shorter palindromes found in this book of comics paired with palindromes.

Scieszka's book series 'The Time-Warp Trio' has long been a favourite of readers in the 7 - 10 year age group. In 'Knucklehead' he brings that same style of writing to the tale of his upbringing. One of 6 brothers, he tells stories of growing up and brotherhood that are funny and outrageous enough that you know they are true. Scieszka is a strong promoter of reading for boys and this is certainly a book that boys will find entertaining and engaging - but girls enjoy it too.

Lilly LOVES everything about school and especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. But she has a new purple plastic purse - and she just can't wait until sharing time to show it to everyone. But Mr. Slinger thinks she should wait, and when Lilly can't, he takes her purse away until the end of the day. A delightful story about a girl with lots of spirit and how revenge can sometimes backfire!!

Another book, this time of short stories, by Neil Gaiman. His books can be a little dark and quite fantastical. These are easy reads and quite entertaining.

This book of reproductions of World War II pamphlets issued by the British government gives many helpful tips on making do with what you have and mending and repairing, rather than replacing. The somewhat patronizing tone was meant (I think) to be helpful - but it comes across as entertaining today (did they really think that women of the day did not know how to do laundry?) The information would be a valuable supplement to units in Social Studies and saving the environment.

How well do you know your fairy tales? So you know the one about the three bears who lived with Snow White and found porridge at the top of the bean stalk? As well as allowing kids to mix up and re-tell the favourite parts of the fairy tales that they like, this is a great way to make up entirely news!

Three members of the Mouse Guard make a shocking discovery, as they search for their missing compatriot. A story of betrayal, stolen secrets, a lust for power and an attempt to bring down the Mouse Guard.

Beautiful photographs of people at all stages and ages of life, set against the simple evocative poetry of Langston Hughes. This book celebrates beauty in the faces of African Americans and differences in individuals.

Adapted from a CBC radio series, this book tackles growing up when you are a stranger in your own home town. Chinese in a rural Alberta community of other cultures, Marty begins to realize that he must be an alien - but if he is alien - and his parents are alien, then where is their spaceship? In partnership with a new-found friend, Marty sets out to solve the mystery - and by doing so, discovers friendship along the way.

Both this book and the book "Do!"(not yet ready) are handmade in India. The night life of trees is about the Gond belief that trees stand at the centre of life and that many spirits live in them. They give shelter and sustenance by day, but by night they find rest and the spirits show themselves. This would be an excellent adjunct to Grade 3 Social studies (India) and Grade 6 science (trees).

Familiar nursery rhymes, rewritten with a contemporary theme - mostly ecological, but some bordering on political as well.

With a dusty lamp, Otto is able to turn everything in his world orange (his absolute favourite colour). However, after a few bad experiences (an orange lamb chop, an orange stoplight causing accidents), his Aunt Sally helps him hatch a plot to out-wit the genie and turn everything back to how it should be. Done in a graphic format, this will appeal to children in Grades 1 to 3 as an introduction to the graphic format.

Although the titles says stories, these are more like poems,  told in rhyme and accompanied by colourful, bright illustrations. He also does "Dutch sneakers and flea keepers : 14 more stories".
These were recommended by a student, but are currently not available in the Doucette.

This book takes the reader through the life-cycle of a poppy, including the insects that visit it and the formation of the seeds in anticipation of another year. Beautifully illustrated end notes give additional information as does the author's notes that helps explain how she saw the poppy in three dimensions, through her use of a stereoscope to help in the illustrations and explanations.

This is the true story about how a team of American doctors tracked down the secret of how yellow fever was spread. Yellow fever had been a danger to Americans, both at home and abroad and its' contagion was particularly important in light of the American involvement in a war with Spain to free Cuba (a "hotspot" for the disease). The book includes letters and news clippings from that time period and will be a good read for students interested in medicine, history and/or scientific discovery.

One of the "a little bit about everything" books, this one captures interesting facts, figures and timelines in easy to read segments. Books of these types are very useful for short quick reads,early research and for struggling or reluctant reader. The bright graphic and pictures are visually quite appealing and kids can remain immersed in them for hours on end.

The author has written a Story with Pictures - but she has forgotten to send the manuscript to the illustrator - who has taken liberties with the story and has painted a duck into the picture. But this story does not have a duck in it - and soon the story is nothing like the author intended.

With elaborate detail, this book describes one boy's journey to the pole - although the pole in question is not the North (or South) pole, and the journey is not one of days and weeks, but put one boy and his active imagination together and you get a detailed and elaborate story of one boy's journey against the elements!

That pesky rat really wants to be someone's pet - anyone's pet, as long as he doesn't have to wear funny clothes or go to spa appointments or.....

Both visually and tactilely, this book shows what happens when one rabbit meets another rabbit of the opposite sex - and in a few short months, there is a problem!! As well as being a fun book to read, this book demonstrates the Fibonacci sequence and is an excellent adjunct to a math lesson (or two).

One of a series from "Visions in Poetry" (other titles include The highway man and The lady of Shallot), the book depicts Allan's poem in a dark and haunting manner. This book is likely better used in the upper grades.

When a group of friends return home from a camping trip, everyone is gone and their homes are abandoned. Gradually the friends come to understand that their country has been invaded and everyone in town has been taken prisoner. Should they run back to the bush, give themselves up to be with their families or to stay and try to fight? Some sexual overtones and language might make this a more suitable book for upper junior high and high school.

Using a simple poem and incredible examples of paper art, this book is a marriage of art and literature, as a snail and a poem slowly wend their way through this book. The book is beautiful to look at and also physically lovely to read and is suitable for both an early exposure to poetry and a later grade analysis of why the two art forms work so well together.

This book illustrates the inter-connections within nature, more particularly trees, trouts and the rivers. The connections are simple and are an early introduction to ecology and the science of nature. This book would be too simple for the Grade 6 unit on trees, but early knowledge will help in that unit!!

Placed in a futuristic society where abortion is permanently outlawed, but parents have the right to have their children 'unwound' for their body parts this book follows 16 year old Connor, who discovers the order for his unwinding and so chooses to run away instead. The plot is suspenseful and is full of surprises and the author deals in an even-handed manner with the moral and ethical issues that arise. Strongly recommended for the older reader.

A wordless picture book presents a series of scenes, each one from a more distant perspective, showing for example a girl playing with toys which is actually a picture on a magazine cover, which is part of a sign on a bus, and so on. Readers will be intrigued to ask 'What am I really seeing here?' Banyai has two other books that are equally intriguing - "REM" which shows scenes from dreams, all rather bizarre, but connected together in a way that makes sense (sort of), as dreams often do, and "The other side", which shows objects and people from one side - and then the other.