Sunday Reading Suggestions

I'm preparing for a presentation on books for gifted children this morning, so I thought I would share some of the suggestions from the list I am sharing with parents.  These are from the list of pre-school to kindergarten selections.

Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

From slavery, rides on the underground railroad, through segregation, freedom marches and the fight for literacy, the practice of “Show Way” was passed down by the women in the Woodson's family as a way to combat and survive a landscape of racism.  This beautiful picture book informs the reader about history while paying tribute to women whose strength and knowledge illuminated their daughters' lives.

Click on the image below to see it featured on Reading Rainbow, and read by the amazing Diahann Carroll.

The Adventures ofPenrose the Mathematical Cat by Theoni Pappas

Number lovers as young as three will enjoy this book written by Theoni Pappas when she was only thirteen.  The book consists of varied vignettes on different math topics with titles like, "Penrose meets Fibonnacci Rabbit" and "Penrose discovers the mathematics of soap bubbles." The stories include a problem or activity based on the topic. Avid readers who are math reluctant may be drawn into the stories and the puzzles.  

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

My personal favorite pre-K book, this story celebrates a brilliant but challenged little girl.  Her solutions to everyday kid's problems prove that triumph over adversity isn't limited to folks over five.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

This is a lovely story about celebrating unique characteristics, relatable to kids who might feel “different” in their social and academic settings.

Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors and Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone: These books are fabulous non-fiction titles that fill a gap in the sundry of biographies about men.  Great for male and female children who might already have absorbed negative messages about success and gender roles.