Elementary Library

Resource & Discussion Guide

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts (E ROB) Hardly anyone notices the smallest girl in the smallest grade, but she notices everything. When she decides to make herself heard and stand up to bullies, she makes a big difference. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Cover : Before we read, let’s compare the way the kids’ faces look on the cover to the way they look on the title page. [On the cover children’s faces are happy, and on the title page some children look mean or upset. Notice that “the smallest girl” is watching the unkind kids.] It looks like there are some unkind acts happening in her class. Why do you think the smallest girl has her finger up on the cover? I’m wondering if we can learn any lessons from this book that might help us in our library class. ●​ Hardly anyone noticed…(page) : What is happening on the ground? [Notice the unkind acts.] What do you think is the problem? ●​ She said, “I’m tired of seeing…”. (page): What does Sally do to try to solve the problem? Do you think it will work? ●​ The swings soon resumed…(page): What do you notice about the playground now? How is it different from the playground at the beginning of the story? Why do you suppose it is different? ●​ After reading: How did Sally’s actions impact her friends at school? What lesson can we learn from reading this book? How can we use this understanding in our library? Does this book remind you of any other books you’ve read? How is it the same or different? How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander (E ALE) Poetry and art come together to celebrate learning and emphasize the importance of reading. Excellent for 2nd grade and up. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Cover: [Read title aloud] What suggestions do you think the author might include in this book? ●​ First two pages: Where are your favorite places to read? Why? ●​ Peel its gentle skin like you would a clementine… (page) : Kwame Alexander uses figurative language to describe reading. Why do you think he compared turning a page to peeling a clementine orange? What other examples of figurative language can we find? ●​ Watch a novel world unfurl right before your eyes…(page): What two meanings does the word “novel” have? Why would the author choose that? ●​ Until the last drop of magic…(page): Why does the author call reading “magic”? Have you read a book that felt magical or special to you? ●​ Book party…(page): What does it mean to have a book party? How is a visit to the library a book party every week? What Should Danny Do? A School Day by Ganit Levy (E LEV) A choose-your-own-adventure picture book that takes students through regular school day choices and teaches kindness, empathy, growth mindset, persistence, bullying, and friendship. Discussion Prompts: ●​ This story allows us to make characters try different choices. In real life, how do we know when we have made the right choice in a difficult situation? 26