Quiet Please Owen McPhee, by Trudy Ludwig & Patrice Barton

Publisher's description:
"From the author-illustrator team who brought you The Invisible Boy comes the story of a boy who won't stop talking--until he gets laryngitis. You don't have to be a chatterbox to appreciate this tale of listening and learning.

Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that talking can get in the way of listening. And when Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, it gives him a much-needed opportunity to hear what others have to say.

From the author-illustrator team behind The Invisible Boy comes a bright and lively picture book that captures the social dynamics of a busy classroom while delivering a gentle message about the importance of listening."

A great book to share with children as they join new learning communities this fall. Using talk to share ideas, wonder, and build identity is important. But listening to others has much to offer also. A great discussion tool to explore the artful skill of balancing speaking and listening. The book's diverse characters are also sure to appeal to a wide audience.

The Word Collector, by Peter H Reynolds

Book description (from publisher):

"Some people collect stamps.
Some people collect coins.
Some people collect art.
And Jerome?
Jerome collected words . . .

In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.

From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world."

OUR THOUGHTS:
A delightful book! A contagious celebration of the power of words to connect, foster self-expression and understanding, and the simple joy of words for their own melodious sake. A great book to prompt children to become word collectors–to notice and inquire about the meaning of the many new words they encounter. Given that a rich language environment will prompt children to learn approximately 3,000 new words each and every year (until they are well into college!), this book is a great one to celebrate that journey and the diversity and power of language. Also great for promoting development of voice. We were definitely "moved" and "delighted" by Peter H. Reynolds' new treasure of a book!

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed The World, by Susan Hood

Book description (from publisher):
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” —Mae Jemison, the first female African American astronaut
Fresh, accessible, and inspiring, Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers.
From the award-winning author of Ada’s Violin, Susan Hood, this is a poetic and visual celebration of persistent women throughout history.
In this book, you will find Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil. You’ll meet Ruby Bridges, the brave six-year-old who helped end segregation in the South. And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create.
And those are just a few of the young women included in this book. Readers will also hear about Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belprè, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappè, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai—all whose stories will enthrall and inspire. This book was written, illustrated, edited, and designed by women and includes an author’s note, a timeline, and additional resources.
With artwork by notable artists including Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland, and Melissa Sweet."

This is an original addition to your biographies bookshelf. The diverse young women highlighted in this book pursued diverse interests and causes, but all changed our world in important ways. The contents prompt young readers to connect women across time and place, to discover similarities and differences in the ways that women are important change makers the world over. The book contains some lesser known figures and changes, making it likely to introduce even avid young biography readers to new content. Told primarily in verse, the book is a playful celebration of young female change makers. The book can be read cover to cover, or dipped into to explore individual women, passions and/or places. A great nonfiction book for younger and older readers. 

Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson, by Amy Ehrlich

Book description (from Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children):
"Rachel Carson, best known for her 1962 book Silent Spring, raised national awareness about the toxic effects of DDT and other pesticides.  Her work proved instrumental in the subsequent ban of such pesticides and the growth of the environmental movement in the United States.  This interesting and informative picture book makes Rachel Carson’s background and contributions accessible to younger children.  The rich text and stunning watercolor illustrations clearly communicate Rachel’s talents as a writer and interests in biology already as a young child.  She overcame a number of obstacles, especially financial constraints, to become a successful author about nature and ocean life.  With its focus on environmental activism, this book makes a useful vehicle for teaching children about links between natural resources and human resources."

Beautifully written. Will inspire children to think more deeply about how living things are interconnected, and how human actions can have far-reaching consequences.

Visit RachelCarson.org to learn more! The interactive timeline is especially good to help children take a virtual tour through Rachel's life.
GR Level: Q