10 to Try Cover Comics (1)

10 to Try: Teachers’ favorites

by Book Reviews and Recommendations

At the West Virginia Reading Association’s 66th Annual Conference, participants from around the state shared some of their classroom favorites:

Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London

Third in the Froggy series, with lots of jumping, flipping, and onomatopoeia.

Grades PK-K

Gwen Lyons, Title 1 Reading Teacher, Wyoming County

Dr. Seuss ABC and Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss

Classics, but still good for beginning and early readers.

PK-2nd

Amber Janicker, Ashton Elementary School, Mason County

Pigs by Robert Munsch

Feed the pigs, but don’t open the gate. Pigs are smarter than you think.

K-2nd

Diane Binder, Title 1 Reading Teacher, New River Primary School

After the Fall by Dan Santat

Humpty Dumpty is famous for falling off a wall. This is the story of when he decided to get back up.

K-3rd

Leslie Boyd, Shepherdstown Elementary School, Jefferson County

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Making your most magnificent idea is anything but easy. In fact, it is frustrating. A good book for social-emotional development.

K-5th

Kandi Kaiser, Blue Ridge Elementary School, Jefferson County

The Good Egg, The Bad Seed, and others by Jory John and Pete Oswald

Being good is hard. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from the pressure.

PK-5th

Allyson Varlas, Central Elementary School, Marshall County

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

“I’m here because of this book,” said closing keynote speaker Colby Sharp, an author and teacher. “It changed my life forever. I would get lost in that story.”

4th+

Colby Sharp, 5th grade teacher, Parma Elementary School, Michigan

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

Friends Barnett and Harris created an animated strip during the Covid shutdown, and the book version just published this spring can take over a classroom.

3rd-6th

Colby Sharp

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

First published in 1961, the story of Billy and his two hunting dogs still moves readers and listeners.

4th-6th

Linda Childers, retired 5th grade teacher, Cabell County

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

A foster child living outside Munich, Germany in 1939 steals to survive, and encounters something she cannot resist – books. She learns to read and shares her stolen treasures.  

6th+

Cara Dorsey, 9th and 10th grade English Teacher, Nicholas County High School

10 to Try Cover Comics

Ten to try: Comics and Graphic Novels

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooksReadingResources

We are big proponents of letting children read whatever interests them, including comic books and graphic novels. But some may be surprised to learn that comics, despite having fewer words, can have just as great an impact on vocabulary growth! Research from the University of Oregon found that comic books averaged 53.5 rare or complex words per 1,000. This exceeds the rare word average for children’s books at 30.9 and even for adult books at 52.7.

The following titles would be great options to offer a child or teen in your life:

Thea Stilton Graphic Novels #1: The Secret of Whale Island

written by Elisabetta Dami, illustrated by Rafaella Seccia and Christina Giorgilli
ages 7 and up

It’s the start of the new school year, and the five Thea sisters have arrived at Ratford College. Every year at this time, the whales move off the coast of Whale Island, but this time, a savage killer whale threatens the peace.

Series recommended by Marion Tanner, Fayette County

Coraline: The Graphic Novel

written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by P. Craig Russell
ages 8 and up

When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous. But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

Recommended by Becca Revercomb, Kanawha County

The Last Kids on Earth

written by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Holgate
ages 8 and up

Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he’s armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack’s loyal pet monster, Rover; and the fiercest girl Jack knows, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer!

Recommended by Blake Kemlock, Age 8, Fayette County

Sanity & Tallulah

written and illustrated by Molly Brooks
ages 8 and up

It can get pretty dull living on a small, out-of-the-way station like Wilnick SS. Best Friends Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega do their best to relieve the monotony of every day space life by finding adventures, solving mysteries, and taking turns getting each other into and out of trouble. But when Sanity’s latest science project-an extremely-illegal-but-impossibly-cute three-headed kitten-escapes from the lab and starts causing havoc, the girls will have to turn the station upside down to find her-before the damage becomes irreversible!

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: A Graphic Novel

written by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Haus Studio
ages 8 and up

George Calder must be the luckiest kid alive – he and his little sister, Phoebe, are sailing with their aunt on the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built! George can’t resist exploring every inch of the incredible boat, even if it gets him into trouble. But one night while George is off exploring, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Soon the impossible is happening: The Titanic is sinking.

Bad Kitty Gets a Phone (Graphic Novel)

written and illustrated by Nick Bruel
ages 7 and up

Kitty has everything any cat could want–a warm bed, plenty of fresh litter, a machine that dispenses food whenever she wants! But Kitty isn’t satisfied. She has her eye on something that will make her the happiest, most grateful cat in town. Something all the other cats have but that her owners refuse to get her! Something she desperately needs!

Kitty wants…a cell phone. And she can have one if she does all her chores with zero complaints. But can she handle the responsibility?

Series recommended by Peyton Ice, Age 12, Marion County

Girl on Fire

written by Alicia Keys and Andrew Weiner, illustrated by Brittney Williams
ages 14 and up

Lolo Wright always thought she was just a regular fourteen-year-old dealing with regular family drama: her brother, James, is struggling with his studies; her dad’s business constantly teeters on the edge of trouble; and her mother . . . she left long ago. But then Lolo’s world explodes when a cop pulls a gun on James in a dangerous case of mistaken identities. Staring down the barrel, with no one else to help, Lolo discovers powers she never knew she had. Using only her mind, she literally throws the cop out of the way. Problem is that secrets like Lolo’s don’t stay a secret for long.

Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American

written and illustrated by Laura Gao
ages 14 and up

After spending her early years in Wuhan, China, riding water buffalos and devouring stinky tofu, Laura immigrates to Texas, where her hometown is as foreign as Mars—at least until 2020, when COVID-19 makes Wuhan a household name.

In Messy Roots, Laura illustrates her coming-of-age as the girl who simply wants to make the basketball team, escape Chinese school, and figure out why girls make her heart flutter.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi
ages 13 and up

Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s best-selling graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal

written by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona
ages 13 and up

Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City – until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she’s comin’ for you, New York!

10 to Try Cover Black History 2022 (1)

10 to Try: Black History Month 2022

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsPartnersResources

Selections by Shanté Ellis, Racial Equity & Inclusion Director of YWCA Charleston

Read Aloud and the YWCA of Charleston partnered to bring you another 10 to Try full of books to help you celebrate and educate this February, Black History Month! Titles in orange are the YWCA’s top picks.

I Am Enough

by Grace Byers | Ages 4-8

The perfect picture book for our times: a lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness, for girls from every background and every color. 

edited by Ellen Oh | Ages 8 and up

Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold short story collection celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.

The Colors of Us

by Karen Katz | Ages 4-8

Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.

All the Colors of the Earth

by Sheila Hamanaka | Ages 4-8

All the Colors of the Earth describes children’s skin tones and hair in terms of natural phenomena and then describes love for these children with rich colors and flavors: A celebration of diversity.

Martin’s Big Words

written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier | Ages 6 and up

This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words.

I Can Do It Too!

written by Karen Baicker, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max | Ages 2-4

This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! Affirms a little girl’s growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do.

Please, Baby, Please

written by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson | Ages 2-5

This book presents a behind-the-scenes look at toddlerhood from the sandbox to a high chair to a crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.

The Undefeated

written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson | Ages 6-9

The Undefeated highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. 

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

written by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long | Ages 4 and up

A young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey. They learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and most importantly, in themselves.

The ABC’s of Black History

written by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer | Ages 5 and up

A beautiful alphabet picture book that presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with text lyrically written with passion, beauty, flow, and style. A celebration of Black history and culture in lively verse, matched with illustrations that are each like a folk painting.

Want more recommendations celebrating Black voices and culture? Check out our Black History Month 10 to Try from 2020 or our Juneteenth 10 to Try.

10 to Try Cover

Ten to try: Read Around West Virginia

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooksResources

We converted our usual in-person spring fundraising event Read-A-Palooza to a COVID-safe poster to both raise money and serve the mission. The Read Around West Virginia poster features books set in or written by authors from the Mountain State alongside our 31 sponsors, listed below. A celebration of West Virginia literacy, culture, and art, the poster was hand-drawn by Charleston-based artist Brenda Pinnell of HepCatz Design.

Posters will be shared with enrolled schools and community partners this winter onward. They will be sold in Charleston’s Taylor Books and Lewisburg’s A New Chapter, as well as other potential vendors.

Email stateoffice@readaloudwv.org if you’re interested in offering Read Around WV posters in your business.

This Ten to Try includes a sample of children’s books featured in the poster, and why we think they’re great.

The Star Fisher

by Laurence Yep | Ages 8 and up

Set in Clarksburg in 1927, fifteen-year-old Chinese-American protagonist Joan Lee, shares an emotionally complex story of prejudice and the immigrant experience in Appalachia, weaving a traditional Chinese myth about the half-bird, half-human starfisher throughout.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon

Written by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk | Ages 5 and up

The true story of Katherine Johnson, a Black mathematician and White Sulphur Springs native, and how she went from a curious, gifted student to a prominent contributor to the NASA space race, saving lives and making history with her calculations.

Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story

Written by Anna Egan Smucker, illustrated by Kathleen Kemly | Ages 4 and up

The true story of how a Clay County farmer – Anderson Mullins – discovers a tree of Golden Delicious apples on his farm and collaborates with the Missouri-based Stark brothers to make them a staple of the apple world.

Mothman Learns the ABCs

Written by Michael Schang, illustrated by Danner Seyffer-Sprague | Ages 0 and up

An ABC book starring West Virginia’s most famous cryptid, Mothman, who travels the Mountain State on a quest for knowledge.

More Than Anything Else

Written by Marie Bradby, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet | Ages 8 and up

A fictional account of nine-year-old Booker T. Washington living in a West Virginia settlement after emancipation, working in the salt works, and longing to learn to read.

The Boys Start the War

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor | Ages 8 and up

A prank war between the four Hatford boys and the three Malloy girls is started when the Hatfords attempt to antagonize their unwanted new neighbors into leaving West Virginia and returning to Ohio.

Passing the Music Down

Written by Sarah Sullivan, illustrated by Barry Root | Ages 5 and up

A tale told in lyrical free verse and inspired by the lives of renowned fiddlers Melvin Wine and Jake Krack, this book follows a young boy who learns from an old-time fiddle player, joining a tradition of passing the music down.

Up Molasses Mountain

By Julie Baker | Ages 10 and up

Set in Clay, WV in 1953, two young narrators tell the story of a divided mining town. Elizabeth, whose father and brother are opposed on unionization, and her classmate Clarence, who is shunned for his cleft-palate, face turmoil and heartache together, weaving a narrative of empowering friendship amongst adversity.

The Relatives Came

Written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Stephen Gammell | Ages 2 and up

In a time when big family get-togethers are much rarer than they used to be, who wouldn’t enjoy this sunny story about a long and boisterous visit from the relatives?

Venola the Vegetarian

By Cheryl Ware | Ages 8 and up

Seventh grader Venola Cutright isn’t afraid of a challenge. In a world where hotdog eating contests are the norm, she decides to become a vegetarian, attempting to convert her family, friends, and the unsmiling cafeteria lady along the way.

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Becker Family

Andy Richardson

William Maxwell Davis

John T. Gibson, DDS, PLLC

Tom Heywood and Melody Simpson

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Ten to try: By kids, for kids

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooks

We asked our Read Aloud Families participants to send us recommendations for books that they think our readers need to know about, and we were not disappointed! Here are ten of their picks with quotes from each child explaining why they like the title.

Salt

by Maurice Gee | Grades 7th and up

“Like all dystopian books I have read, I can say that this book was good and if anyone asks, I recommend it. The events of this book are real enough that if humans don’t watch it, it could happen in the future. The ability to talk telepathically actually could be the result of a mutation or exposure to radioactive material. And deep salt itself could be the product of nuclear energy and some gem fusing underground.”

— Joshua | Age 14 | Monongalia County

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss | Grades PreK and up

“This book is really cool. It’s by Dr. Seuss. He is my favorite author.“

— Rose | Age 7 | Harrison County

The Wingfeather Saga

by Andrew Peterson | Grades 3rd-6th

“This series is great because it’s a lot of adventure and the children are the main characters.”

— Jamin | Age 8

Flora and Ulysses

by Kate DiCamillo | Grades 2nd and up

“I like how it gives the point of view of the squirrel and how there is a lot of funny stuff in it.”

— Kylie | Age 13 | Brooke County

Ramona Quimby Series

by Beverly Cleary | Grades 3rd-8th

“Good for younger kids to read, but entertaining enough for older kids and even adults to read as well. Told from the perspective of Ramona Quimby, read through the series as she makes various silly mistakes and makes a lot of funny choices. It will keep you laughing out loud to the very end!!!!”

— Ginger | Age 12 | Monongalia County

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian

by Rick Riordan | Grades 4th and up

“It is action-packed and very gripping. Right before the war against the monsters, Percy is determined and says, ‘It’s time to get this war started.’ Everything from the chapter titles to the actual words is gripping. I was pulled in on the very first paragraph. Overall, it’s a very good book.”

— Josephine | Age 10

Island Of The Blue Dolphins

by Scott O’Dell | Grades 4th and up

“It’s always a mystery. You never know what is going to happen next.”

— Maria | Age 11 | Randolph County

The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes

by Bill Waterson | Grades 4th and up

“Its funny because in one Calvin’s naked and goes down stairs. In another one Calvin has a sled and is going to ride a loopty loop and Hobbes doesn’t want to do it and Calvin says he’s a sissy.”

— Brady | Age 10 | Monongalia County

Piggy Bunny

by Rachel Vail | Grades PreK-2

“Piggy show how you can be anything you want to be.”

— Westen | Age 5 | Greenbrier County

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown | Grades 3rd-6th

“I like that Roz the Robot learns how to live in the wild and becomes friends with animals. She goes on adventures and is very helpful too.”

— Peyton | Age 10 | Monongalia County

Honorable Mentions

Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss – anonymous
The Impossible Quest by Kate Forsyth – Kaylie, Age 12
Magic Kitten by Sue Bentley – Jade, Age 10
Wacky Wednesday by Dr Seuss – Jamie & Calvin, Age 6
Rex vs. Edna: The Very First Chicken by Douglas Rees – Zayne, Age 7

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Ten to try: Raleigh County tested and approved

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsChapters

In this issue, our Raleigh County Chapter took over Ten to Try! Longtime Raleigh volunteers, Ruth Baker, Ann Cline, and Judy Robinson reviewed and recommended the following books.

The Wall in the Middle of this Book

By Jon Agee

There is a wall in the middle of this book that is supposed to protect one side of the book from the other side. Supposed to. This story elicits enthusiastic discussions.

Grades K-4

Insectlopedia

By Douglas Florian

Delightful art and poems about insects for all grades. Bring it along as an addition to your read aloud selection.

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville

By Pat Zietlow Miller

As they wait for Wilma Rudolph’s hometown parade to celebrate her three olympic gold medals, two girls challenge each other to a race. Conflict turns to cooperation.

Grades 1-3

The Eye of the Whale: A Rescue Story

By Jennifer O’Connell

A true story about saving a humpback. Dramatic pictures.

Grades 2-4

Stick and Stone

By Beth Ferry

Friendship matters. An enchantingly simple story for PreK and up.

Rotten Ralph

By Jack Gantos

A Read Aloud hit that appeals to children’s fascination with tales of misbehavior.

Grades 2-4

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

By Margot Lee Shetterly

An ode to Mathematicians, including one from West Virginia. Why did the extraordinary contribution of these women remain hidden for so long?

Grades 4-5

Lulu and the Brontosaurus (The Lulu series)

By Judith Viorst

We read this in first grade, and they loved it and laughed. We are not all perfect, and we can change.

Grades 1-3

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

By Seth Fishman

Math in gigantic form! How many trees in the world? How many ants? Can you imagine so many…of anything? A visual illustration of estimation.

Grades 3-5

The Day you Begin

By Jacqueline Woodson

This book celebrates the bravery it takes to go forth even when you feel like an outsider.

Grades 2-4

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10 to try: Our readers recommend

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooksVolunteer Readers

At the end of every school year, we ask our volunteer readers to tell us about their experience and share some books that worked well in their classrooms. Here are some favorites!

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles

“I have found children enjoy learning about other cultures.”

­— Derniere Marshall, Jefferson County

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements

“I highly recommend A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements! I read this to a 5th grade class after asking the classroom teacher if she had any recommendations of stories she thought her students would enjoy. She was spot-on with this recommendation! The students were mesmerized by the story! Their recall of what they had heard the prior week was amazing…recalling many details and responding without prompts! This story held their interest, had many twists in the storyline, and included humor and compassion.”

— Kathleen (Kathy) Bennett, Berkeley County

I Am a Bee: A Book about Bees for Kids by Rebecca and James McDonald

“I used a hand puppet (Bee) and the children (PreK) loved interacting with the puppet. Had I been able to read again I would have used my possum puppet.”

­— Paulette J. Buzbee, Raleigh County

Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman

A madcap story with pirates, piranhas, adventure, aliens, time travel and breakfast cereal.

— Margaret (Meg) Squier, Greenbrier County

Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake

“I always try to make the kids laugh. I hope my choice of books is interesting so it keeps their attention.”
­
— Cathy Shaffer,
Preston County

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

“Every year I pick up second-hand books and arrange a couple of situations where I distribute a book to each member of the class… It’s especially nice when some of the books I have are ones I’ve read to the class and the kids are eager to get those titles. This year I read Flat Stanley and then during their Trunk or Treat event at Halloween, I set up a Flat Stanley display. It turned out really cool and I was able to find numerous Flat Stanley books for the kids to choose from and keep.”

­— Judy Hurst, Marion County

The Star People: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson

Two children stray from their village and are helped by their deceased grandmother, one of the Star People.

— Sandra Summers, Jackson County

Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds

“I look forward to reading exciting and interesting stories to the children this fall, hopefully, in the traditional classroom setting. It’s such an enjoyable experience.”

— Crystal Morgan, Mason County

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

“I always do an activity with the students after reading the book. For example, after The Cay, I brought in coconuts and we cracked them and tasted the milk and flesh. Very few of the students had ever seen a real coconut before. After a book on Helen Keller, I teach them braille and sign language.”

— Sheila Amato, Preston County

Tanka Tanka Skunk! by Steve Webb

“A hit with both my first grade readers as well as my fourth grade readers. I brought egg shakers for every student and we made the Tanka Tanka beats together. I had to start bringing it every week!”

— Amy Dinaldo, Nicholas County

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10 to Try: West Virginia Day

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooksParents and FamiliesReadingResourcesUncategorizedVolunteer Readers

West Virginia Day celebrates the anniversary of West Virginia joining the Union and becoming its own state, separate from Virginia, in 1863. In celebration of our state’s founding, we collected a list of children’s books featuring the mountain state and its many stellar authors. We enjoyed putting these together so much that this 10 to Try actually features twelve great books because we just couldn’t narrow it down to ten. Enjoy!

When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant (Grades K to 3)

An evocative and eloquent tribute to growing up in rural Appalachia.

— Suzanne Wood, Fayette County

From Miss Ida’s Porch by Sandra Belton (Grades 3 and up)

A Raleigh County native, Sandra Belton paints a picture familiar to West Virginians, the very best time of day, evenings on the porch. In her warm, conversational way, she lets readers sit alongside the kids in the story to hear their old-timers talk about life before the Civil Rights movement, and after.  

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby (Grades 1 to 5)

This is the story of Booker T. Washington who would write “Up From Slavery” as an adult. In this story he is a child laboring at the salt works and struggling to teach himself what he wants to know “more than anything else.” Beautifully illustrated by Chris Soentpiet.

The King of Little Things by Bil Lepp (Grades K to 5)

Champion West Virginia storyteller Bil Lepp can make almost anyone sound good with his rhythmic rhymes, telling the story of a modest little king and the unsung odds and ends that stick up for him. It is wonderfully silly and subtle.

Panther Mountain: Lydia’s Story by Christy Perry Tuohey (Grades 5 to 8)

I would highly recommend Panther Mountain: Lydia’s Story by Christy Perry Tuohey. The book deals with the area that would become the state of West Virginia and includes several local references such as Gauley Bridge and Summersville. I purchased the book last fall with the hope of reading it to the Fifth Graders at Fayetteville Prek-8. 

— Janice Wiseman, Fayette County  

Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan (pre-K to adult)

There may be no Vandalia Gathering this year, but you can enjoy a lyrical story, inspired by the tradition of passing the music down to each generation. Any age can find something to appreciate here.

Where, Oh Where, Oh Where, Could We Go? by Tony Caridi (Ages 3+)

Travel across the mountain state touring popular locations and learning to identify the unique WV shape hidden on each page in this rhyming, fast-paced adventure.

— Jeremy Crites, Putnam County

No Star Nights by Anna Smucker (Grades 2 to 5)

The author remembers growing up in Weirton, when smoke from the steel mills blocked the night sky. 

Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story by Anna Smucker (Grades 3 to 5)

I read this to preschoolers and they enjoyed that West Virginia was highlighted in the book, and they also enjoyed their golden delicious apples from Clay County.

— Deb Blakeman, Kanawha County

John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney (Grade PreK to 3)

There are several books about John Henry, the legendary West Virginia man who challenged a new steam-powered tool to stop it from taking the men’s jobs. This one draws details from several versions passed down over the years, highlighting the aspirations of the men.

Mountain Christmas by Marc Harshman (Grades K to 3)

Track Santa on his way to West Virginia with state Poet Laureate Marc Harshman.

West Virginia: A History by John Alexander Williams (middle school to adult)

Each of seven chapters stands alone as a readable, discussion-prompting story for middle school students or older. Each takes on a problem or topic in West Virginia history. Visit Point Pleasant, Harpers Ferry, Droop Mountain, Tug Fork, Paint Creek, Hawks Nest or Buffalo Creek.

The majority of the links above will route you to the online store of Charleston’s Taylor Books. You can still have your books sent to you, as with most online retailers, and your purchase will benefit a West Virginia small business and help to keep local bookstores open!

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10 to Try: Juneteenth

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooksParents and FamiliesReadingResourcesVolunteer Readers

Juneteenth is the anniversary of June 19, 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the enslaved people of Texas, the last state to get the news. We decided to celebrate this Juneteenth by collecting a list of book recommendations from our volunteer classroom readers and supporters.

Our readers know the importance of exposing children to diverse texts. It helps every child find books with characters that look like them and their communities, but it also ensures that children are exposed to new cultures, ideas, and experiences that will help them become more accepting, empathetic adults. That’s why it’s important for books like these to be staples in your library all year long, not just today.

Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of “Brave Bessie” Coleman by Reeve Lindbergh (Grades 2 and up)

Every year I read this book about “Brave Bessie” Coleman to my school group to let them know that with persistence, dreams are possible. Bessie Coleman became the first licensed African-American aviator in the world.

— Jeannie Plumley, Kanawha County

Jackie & Me (Baseball Card Adventures) by Dan Gutman (Grades 4-6)

— Helen Herlocker, Morgan County

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson by Katherine Johnson (Grades 4-6)

I read the Jackie Robinson book to 6th graders at PawPaw Elementary (they loved it so much that I read it again to the following year’s class) and I’m planning to read the Katherine Johnson autobiography in the fall. Both are particularly relevant to our current Black Lives Matter national issue.

— Helen Herlocker, Morgan County

Juneteenth For Mazie by Floyd Cooper (Grades 1-4)

The illustrations were beautifully done. We enjoyed how the importance of Juneteenth was translated into a way children could understand it. It was done in such a way that I was able to open up with my children about how the history of Mazie’s family was different than our own. It allowed them to sympathize with a social issue by sympathizing with another child. It helped them to grasp the benefits they have that others did/do not.

— Nicole Walls, Marion County

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices edited by Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson (Grades 3-7)

What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art and prose, fifty diverse creators lend voice to young activists.

— Caitlin Gaffin, Kanawha County

Zoey & Sassafras series by Asia Citro (Grades 1-5)

— Tess Jackson, Putnam

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series by Andres Miedoso (Grades K-4)

Both “Zoey and Sassafras” and “Desmond Cole” feature people of color as main characters without the narrative being based around race. Zoey and her cute cat Sassafras use the scientific method to care for mythical creatures. Desmond and his best pal, Andres, investigate paranormal happenings.

— Tess Jackson, Putnam County

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor (Grades 6 and up)

This book poignantly tells the story of how 9-year old Cassie Logan and her close-knit family face violence and racism during the depression era. I read this book to my high school seniors and they loved it. A great book to read aloud!

— Meg Ashby, Nicholas County

New Kid by Jerry Craft (Grades 5-8)

I suggest you search the Corretta Scott King Book Awards Web Site for many wonderful books with their descriptions for all ages. This is a valuable resource any time of the year. Why wait for Juneteenth for diversity?

— Ghee Gossard, Kanawha County

What Color is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld (Grades 3-7)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, champions a lineup of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book. Offering profiles with fast facts and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a tribute to black inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.

— Peshka Calloway and her 9-year-old son

The links above will route you to the online store of Charleston’s Taylor Books. You can still have your books sent to you, as with most online retailers, and your purchase will benefit a West Virginia small business and help to keep local bookstores open!

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10 to Try: Black History Month

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Read Aloud teamed up with the YWCA Charleston Racial Justice Program to bring you ten children’s books to try for Black History Month. Whether you’re a classroom reader, a teacher, or a parent, these books are a great way to celebrate the rich culture of America and the lasting impact of leaders of color! We encourage you to not only use titles like this in honor of Black History Month, but to incorporate texts with diverse characters into your reading all twelve months of the year!

A huge thanks to the YWCA for pulling this compelling list of titles together.

If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (Grades K -5)

Marcie, a young black girl on her way to school, gets picked up by a strange bus. She later finds out this is the famous “Rosa Parks bus”. This bus ride with Marcie will leave listeners interested and engaged in the rich history behind civil rights leader, Rosa Parks.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterfly (Grades PreK – 3)

Hidden Figures shares the story of four African American, female mathematicians working at NASA. While facing racial and gender bias, they prevailed by participating in some of NASA’s greatest achievements. This book features a local legend Katherine Goble Johnson, a native of West Virginia and a West Virginia State University alumna.

Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades PreK – 3)

This dual narrative shares moments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, while also sharing the strong principles of equality he stood by. Students, performing a Dr. King inspired school project, learn about the adversity Dr. King faced and his hope for an equal society. This book encourages children to enact the principles of Dr. King’s legacy into their own lives.

Firebird by Misty Copeland (Grades PreK – 3)

Firebird showcases the story of a young dancer who is questioning her own ability. Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, uplifts this young protagonist by sharing her experiences.

What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld (Grades 3-7)

This book uplifts the stories of little-known African American inventors. What Color is My World honors the ingenuity and determination shown by these inventors to make our world a better place.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades 1-3)

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom is a poetic tribute to the strength and devotion of Harriet Tubman. Through prayerful dialogue, Harriet Tubman shows determination and perseverance to free her people.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o (Grades 1-3)

Sulwe is a heartwarming story that inspires children to see their own unique beauty. Sulwe has trouble accepting her darker skin, but she’s reminded that her skin is just as beautiful and valuable as lighter skin tones.

I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (Grades K and Up)

I Love My Hair is a story about a African American girl celebrating her beautiful natural hair. This imaginative book highlights the significance and versatility of African American Hair.

Mixed Me by Taye Diggs (Grades 1-3)

The main character, Mike, learns to embrace and celebrate his mixed racial heritage. This delightful, textured, fun-filled picture book takes on the questions children of mixed races face with humor and offers a strong, positive message of self-love. 

Same Difference by Calida Garcia Rawles (Grades 4-6)

This charming, upbeat books begs to be read aloud! Two cousins find themselves at odds over their physical appearance. This book reminds us that you can find beauty in any shade of brown and that we are much more alike after all.

Message from the YWCA Charleston Racial Justice Program

We hope that you love these books as much as we do! Thank you to Read Aloud West Virginia for this amazing opportunity. We would also like to thank our amazing Racial Justice Committee Members for suggesting such good reads. We hope that these books share important pieces of Black History and highlight the beauty of the black experience.