AdLit.org is a national multimedia project offering information and resources to the parents and educators of struggling adolescent readers and writers. AdLit.org is an educational initiative of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital, and is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Family Foundation.
This School Year Will Be the Best!
Illustrated by: Renee Andriani
Age Level: 3-6
Gathered by their teacher on the first day of school, each child shares what he or she wants to have happen this year. The range of answers shows the many interests and personalities in a classroom until the teacher shares her wish: to get to know each child. Lively ink and wash illustrations are sure to start anyone’s school year off right.
There's No Place Like School: Classroom Poems
Illustrated by: Jane Manning
Age Level: 6-9
From racing out of the house to riding the bus with "thirty pairs of sleepy eyes" to the much noisier ride home, these short, humorous poems bring the school day to life. Loose watercolors add verve to the light and varied verse.
Pirate's Guide to First Grade
Illustrated by: Greg Ruth
Age Level: 6-9
An imaginative boy goes to the first day of school with his "salty crew of swabbies" by his side "sailing for adventure…" The make-believe pirates are with him throughout the day. The entire tale told in pirate lingo is ideal for reading aloud. The pirates are always with the boy but depicted in monochromatic sketches on each full-color page.
Kindergarten Diary
Age Level: 3-6
The day before the first day of school Annalina declares in her diary: "I don't want to go to kindergarten!" Her worries are familiar, expressed in boldly colored and outlined illustrations. As the month goes along, however, Annalina's concerns are dispelled and she grows to love school, her friends and teacher, and kindergarten.
Kindergarten Day: USA and China
Age Level: 3-6
Children going to kindergarten in the U.S. are welcomed by the teacher, practice reading, eat, and more — just like their counterparts in Beijing. A day of school life in Schenectady, New York, and Beijing, China, shown in expressive photographs, highlight commonalities. Chinese is included, though it is also transliterated.
Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
Illustrated by: Daniel Jennewein
Age Level: 3-6
A girl with ponytails takes her buffalo to school, and as one might guess, the buffalo doesn't respond quite the same as everyone else. But the buffalo learns about individuality and respect just like the children starting kindergarten will. Cartoon illustrations enhance the silliness of the sincere message.
First Grade Jitters
Illustrated by: Yan Nascimbene
Age Level: 6-9
The narrator is cranky with the first grade jitters, according to his parents. Aidan stays that way until his friends return from vacation. As they share friendship and information, Aidan's concerns melt away and he looks forward to first grade. Now in an illustrated edition, children will empathize with Aidan and his friends.
Fire Drill
Illustrated by: Voun Lee
Age Level: 3-6
The young children in class are introduced to safety rules when they have a fire drill. Their varied reactions when their routine is interrupted and a "loud bell rings" are seen in crisp, colorful collages though the steady, rhythmic text suggests that everything is under control.
Carmen Learns English
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez
Age Level: 3-6
Starting school can be especially frightening if you don't yet speak English. But Carmen is determined to learn English well in order to teach her little sister. With a supportive teacher and growing confidence, Carmen gradually learns the new language. Expressive illustrations complement this recognizable story.
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Age Level: 6-9
Product Description: Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the fast's end, are sacred times for millions throughout the world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide.
Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle
Illustrated by: Anne Sibley O'Brien
Age Level: 6-9
Shirin is anxious to fast, but her family encourages her to find other ways to celebrate Ramadan — perhaps by doing some extra good deeds. No one is more surprised than Shirin when she decides to do a good deed that will benefit her older brother! Readers will appreciate the special Ramadan traditions of Shirin's family, as well as their discussion other family's customs. Richly painted illustrations convey the warmth of the story.
Nabeel's New Pants: An Eid Tale
Illustrated by: Proiti Roy
Age Level: 3-6
As Nabeel prepares to celebrate Eid, he buys gifts for his family and a pair of new pants for himself. The pants, however, are four fingers too long and no one has time to shorten them…or so Nabeel thinks! A colorful, humorous version of a folk story familiar in many cultures which will serve as an entertaining read-aloud for young children.
My First Ramadan
Age Level: 0-3
"Look! There is the new moon in the sky." With this engaging opening, readers meet a young boy celebrating Ramadan. Bright illustrations and a child's perspective make this an excellent choice for introducing young children to Ramadan, Eid, and the shared celebrations of Muslims around the world.
Under the Ramadan Moon
Illustrated by: Garth Williams
Age Level: 6-9
During Ramadan, this loving family prays and fasts together. They also stop bad habits, give to the poor, hang bright lights, and visit friends — all under the Ramadan moon! Lush pastel illustrations fill the pages with soft moonlight, the warmth of friends and family, and beautiful designs at the Mosque. Children will enjoy repeating the lyrical refrain that appears throughout the story. Author's note included.
The White Nights of Ramadan
Illustrated by: Ned Gannon
Age Level: 6-9
During the middle of Ramadan, Noor is preparing for Girgian, a special celebration that takes places in countries of the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf region. She and her brothers will dress in traditional clothes and collect candy in fancy bags that they have decorated — much like trick-or-treating. Young readers will enjoy learning about this celebration, as well as other important aspects of Ramadan. Lovely oil paintings bring Noor's preparations and this moonlit celebration to life.
Night of the Moon
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
Age Level: 6-9
One evening, Yasmeen's mother pulls aside the curtain and tells her daughter to look at the thin crescent moon. In the Islamic calendar, she explains, it is a month of new beginnings — Ramadan. Each night, Yasmeen watches the moon change until the special Night of the Moon celebration. Vibrant illustrations convey the magic of Ramadan and its special traditions.
Ramadan
Illustrated by: Omar Rayyan
Age Level: 3-6
Learn about Ramadan and its traditions through the eyes of young Hakeem. Intricate illustrations including Islamic motifs accompany an informative and engaging text.
Magid Fasts for Ramadan
Illustrated by: E.B Lewis
Age Level: 9-12
It is the first day of Ramadan, but everyone tells Magid he is too young to fast. "You will fast when you are older," says his grandfather. When Magid decides he is ready, he keeps his decision a secret from his family — but were they right after all? Illustrations in watercolor portray a lovely Egyptian setting for the story.
A Party in Ramadan
Illustrated by: Laura Jacobsen
Age Level: 6-9
As Ramadan approaches, Leena is ready to fast with her family. Then she receives an invitation for a classmate's party on the same day of a special family meal to break the fast. Leena's decisions about fasting and the support she receives from her family and friends make this a wonderful story for talking about Ramadan. Lovely pastel illustrations complement the heartfelt story.
Flirting with Boys
Age Level: 14-16
Celeste has been looking forward to the long summer ahead of her — helping out at her parent's resort and spending time with her boyfriend, Travis, who also works there. Everything is going perfectly until Nick arrives. Nick has flirted with Celeste every summer and keeps it up this summer, even in front of Travis. Will Celeste be able to stay true to her boyfriend, or will Nick's flirting get the best of her?
