If the World Were a Village by David Smith

This is a great book to put hte size of the world in perspective!  Great to use with any age, but particularly upper grade Math learners.  You must check it out!  Here are videos, links, slide shows and more.

http://www.familycare.org/special-interest/if-the-world-were-a-village-of-100-people/

http://geography.about.com/od/obtainpopulationdata/a/worldvillage.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNnbO8x4JAY

http://www.slideshare.net/geepatty/if-the-world-were-a-village

Badger's Parting Gift by Susan Varley

The death of a loved family member, prompted me to repost - This book is a great book to share with children in dealing with a loved one's passing away.  A dear story about animal friends and the memories they leave. Read aloud on the PBS show Reading Rainbow, this story is so touching. A teaching plan can be found at http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CDsQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fserver.shopdei.com%2F126.0141g.pdf&rct=j&q=Badger%27s%20Parting%20Gifts&ei=sPC6TIfuB4KglAeSuZmZAg&usg=AFQjCNENxNzRAsGaCgoTlby_8GvOVPkoWg&sig2=eDqPWF3_TSxuY155zvjUiw 
When my dad died a few years ago, this was read many times with my nieces and nephews. I keep several of these books and give as gifts to friends with young children when they need a story such as this.

If You Were There in 1492: Everyday Life in the Time of Columbus

An interesting book to share this day in history - Life in Spain just before Columbus's voyage to the Americas -- when tomatoes, pumpkins and Aztec gold were still unknown in Europe. This clever illustrated history gives the facts of life in the cities and countryside from a child's point of view. Middle schoolers will like it. 

 Here are coloring pages, foods and activities for your little ones as well - http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day/

The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt

I happened to stop by a classroom of 7th graders today. 

Here is what they were reading -

"Georgie Burgess has known only neglect and abuse during his seven and a half years of life. His alcoholic mother does little to prevent the bruises and scars inflicted on Georgie by her brutal boyfriend. With each blow, the little boy withdraws further into his dreams. When he winds a small rose bush in a lottery, it seems as if one of his dreams has finally come true. But after a particularly savage beating, he is taken from his mother and placed in a home for boys. Surrounded by strangers and with the rosebush as his only link to the world, both the boy and his treasured plant must learn how to grow and thrive."  Most said they liked it, but it was sad.  It is important to evoke emotion from our children when they read.  Makes the experience meaningful.  Check it out .........................from families.com   http://media.families.com/blog/the-lottery-rose-irene-hunt  Here is the trailer from the movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCQHzcw7gQ