The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History by authors Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace and illustrator Charly Palmer

Reading Age: 7 – 10 years

Grade Level: 2-5

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Publication Date: September 29, 2020

In the 1960s when blacks were not allowed to vote but were allowed to teach about the Constitution of the United States in the segregated south, Reverend F. D. Reese, also a high school science teacher, wanted change. He was familiar with being chased away from the courthouse when he and protesters marched there. Frustrated, he had an idea to get teachers to march for voting rights. After all, teachers were looked highly upon in the community. Educators feared loosing their jobs however with so many of them marching, could they all be fired? Especially when marching was against the law in Selma, Alabama. A visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assured marchers that they were on the right path. During the Civil Rights Era many groups marched. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. My Book Eyes liked the drama and tension in the text and illustrations that beckoned pages to turn. Included in this nonfiction picture book are an author’s note, illustrator’s note, Timeline, Selected Bibliography, a list of In-Person Visits and a Learn More About the Teachers’ March section.

Snowy Race by author April Jones Prince and illustrator Christine Davenier

Reading Age: 3 – 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Publication Date: November 26, 2019

In this rhyming picture book, viewers follow a little girl from the time she wakes up until the time she arrives back home. They also watch a snowstorm get progressively worse then slow down with more snow to come. The youngster accompanies her dad in a snowplow on their way to meet her mom. Illustrations are large and easy to see from a distance. The story moves quickly making it a good one to read to young ones and groups.

Scooper and Dumper by author/illustrator Lindsay Ward

Reading Age: 3 – 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

Publisher: Two Lions

Publication Date: January 1, 2021

Two personified vehicles are critical workers during a snowstorm in this rhyming picture book. Scooper gathers salt and releases it into Dumper then Dumper salts the streets. This partnership works. They even sing together. One day Dumper becomes temporarily incapacitated. Thanks to Scooper who comes to his aid, Dumper is able to resume his responsibilities. Good story that depicts combining efforts to get the job done. Illustrations show emotions and blustery snowy scenes.