Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/436829
E A C H E R S A N D L I B R A R I A N S are literacy experts. With that in mind, we offer this quarter's book recommendations from the CTA Read Across America Committee. The reviews include the books' Accelerated Reader (AR) reading levels, where available. T Are you using these recommendations in the classroom? If so, email us at editor@cta.org! We'd love to feature your good work in this magazine and on our blog. And if you're looking for lesson plans or other resources to go with these book recommendations, take a look at cta.org/californiareads, where we've amassed a collection of classroom resources. Go Online @ P R E K I N D E R G A R T E N One by Kathryn Otoshi One is a simple but beautiful book that has a powerful and uplifting message about bullying and standing up for oneself and others. The award-winning book is about colors and numbers. Red bullies Blue, and although the other colors do not like what they see, they don't speak up. Number One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up together against Red. One is basic for preschoolers, but contains a mes- sage that resonates with children of all ages — maybe even adults! AR level 2.2. G R A D E S 6 - 8 Richmond Tales: Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle by Summer Brenner, illustrated by Miguel Perez Brenner's place-based novels for young readers are full of landmarks local kids know and character types they have been exposed to. Through magical time travel, two children are transported to different times in the history of the city of Richmond, California, starting with the Native Americans who lived there first, through the early settlement and the World War II era. The story foresees a hopeful future that the children themselves can create. A wonderful, readable tale for all age groups. (Note: Brenner's latest novel, Oakland Tales, is equally as interesting and is being used in Oakland classrooms. Get companion curriculum at cta.org/californiareads.) No AR listing. Reviews by Janet Robertson, chair, and Tiffany Hasker, staff liaison, CTA Read Across America Committee California Reads Recommended books for winter reading Know & Tell Resources 16 www.cta.org