Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way

Every year, there are tons of end-of-the-year lists for the best books of the year. This list is actually a compilation of the most common books from the 54  state reading lists . The first thing that I did was collect all 537 titles and narrow them down to the most lists' titles. Each of the following books was on at least four of the lists. Not all of these books were published in 2020, but they were recognized on the 2020 reading lists. 25.  After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat Everybody knows that Humpty Dumpty had a great fall from a wall. But this is the story about what he did afterward. I am a big proponent of growth mindset and grit, and this book is an excellent example of these characteristics that are easy for kids to see.  This book is on the following lists: Buckaroo Book Award, Goldfinch Award, Nutmeg Book Award, Volunteer State Book Award 24.  Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren Mo Willems is known for his book series

Did you know that President's Day is referred to by fourteen different official names? It is also called Washington's Birthday, Washington's and Lincoln's Birthday, to name a few. Either way, it is meant to celebrate the office of the presidency more than a particular president. The following books celebrate a variety of levels of government. 1. Grace for President by  Kelly DiPucchio , illustrated by LeUyen Pham Grace is shocked to learn that no woman has ever been the President of the United States and is inspired to run for class President. This book does a fantastic job explaining the electoral process while still being entertaining for kids. 2.  A rthur Meets the President, written & illustrated by   Marc Brown In this book, Arthur wins an essay contest to meet the President in Washington, D.C. He writes about making America great, but he is so nervous about delivering his speech that he doesn't know what will happen. 3.  President Taft is Stuck i

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate love. If you are a kid, that love is expressed in the form of heart-shaped candies and chocolate. This may be with a bouquet of flowers or a nice home-made meal if you are a little older.  The following books do a great job of showcasing different forms of love and how Valentine's Day can be celebrated. 1. Elmore written & illustrated by Holly Hobbie Elmore is a solitary porcupine but wants to find a friend. The other animals in the forest were scared of his quills. But they didn't know that the L in his name stood for 'Love.' Then Elmore had a great idea about how he could use his quills for good. 2. Love by Matt De La Pena, Illustrated by Loren Long  This book is a love story that doesn't focus on a couple falling for each other. This is a book that celebrates a variety of everyday loves. This could be between a parent and child or even the love that one can find inside themselves. Loren Long's illu