A young boy is adrift in the ocean for 227 days, trying to survive aboard a small lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. This story explores the nature of truth, and whether objective truth should be revered.
Mike Geisen, Crook County Middle School, Oregon Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year
This 80-page picture book celebrates the buoyancy of the human spirit, and is a must-read for citizens of the atomic age. Every year I read it aloud to my humanities students. Afterward, we fold peace cranes together.
Diane Bahrenburg, Colchester High School, Vermont Teacher of the Year
Filled with humor, heart, and history, this is an engaging story of a childs quest to find his family during the Great Depression. Students connect with his fears and fearlessness, and readily join in thoughtful discussions.
June Teisan, Harper Woods Secondary School, Michigan Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist
Ingrid, busy with soccer games and play practice, suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. This is the first book in a series check them all out.
Eric Langhorst, South Valley Junior High School, Missouri Teacher of the Year
This book allows readers to develop intrapersonal intelligence, something that many high school students can benefit from at this point in their lives. It is a collection of thoughts from one of history's great philosophers.
George Goodfellow, Scituate High School, Rhode Island Teacher of the Year
Atticus Finch is a shining example of what it means to truly love and have compassion for others, despite differences in race, religion, and life circumstances.
Mary Schlieder, Norris Middle/High School, Nebraska Teacher of the Year
This powerful, inspiring memoir is about growing up Chicano in the barrios of East Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its an inspirational story that provides insight into the lives of those typically forgotten by our society.
Lewis Chappelear, The School of Engineering and Design at James Monroe High School, California Teacher of the Year
This novel follows Cal Gant as he discovers, through chance, an example of extreme injustice in his high school, decides to take action, and experiences both the good and bad results. This has been the most successful novel Ive used in 30 years of teaching high school English.
Steve Gardiner, Billings Senior High School, Montana Teacher of the Year
This book helps teenagers understand their potential and inspires them to overcome obstacles to reach success. In my classroom, it has opened dialogue on many important and emotional subjects.
Tommy Smigiel, Virginia Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist
This book was voted one of the American Library Associations 2008 award winners. Shortly after her boyfriend Josh is killed, November Nelson discovers shes pregnant, leaving her with no one to turn to.
Daniel R. Kuznik, Pike High School, Indiana Teacher of the Year
This collection of short stories examines the personal stories of soldiers in the Vietnam War. O'Brien leads us to look directly at life and death, at youth and maturity, at right and wrong, all while examining our own hearts and beliefs.
Pam McGaha-Rector, Red Bank High School, Tennessee Teacher of the Year
These books are written in story form to interest young people in science. These have been very well received in my physics and mathematics classes.
Paul F. Cain, Ysleta High School, Texas Teacher of the Year
This novel realistically portrays the heartache associated with war, separation, and tragedy. Although heartrending, this read illustrates strong family values and the sacrifices a brother makes to sustain family.
April Todd, Somerset Intermediate School, Maryland Teacher of the Year