Larger Than Life Laura by Dandi Mackall - ESSENTIAL

Mackall, Dandi Daley Larger-Than-Life Lara 151 p. Penguin – 

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Laney’s fourth grade class is stunned the day that Lara, the fattest girl they have ever seen, walks into their classroom. This girl is so fat, that she needs a special desk. Lara’s parents have instilled her with a healthy sense of self-esteem, but she is hard pressed to keep her chin up against the unreasonable prejudice of her fellow students. 

This book will make you cry and it should be read to every child every single year. 

CINDY

Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon - ESSENTIAL

McCutcheon John Christmas in the Trenches PICTURE BOOK Peachtree

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever. 

CINDY