An Elm Tree and Three Sisters

Growing up on a farm in the midwest, Mary, Mabel, and Molly can see all the way to the flat horizon in every direction. "This place needs a tree", they decide. They find an small elm sapling, bring it home, and plant it. As the sisters grow up and grow old, the tree grows with them. Finally the tree becomes diseased and must be cut down, but three new sisters (great granddaughters of the first three) are there to plant a new tree, and the cycle can begin again. Written by Norma Sommerdorf, and illustrated by Erika Weihs, this book aptly illustrates the cycle of life.

Rabbit and the Moon

Rabbit has always wanted to visit the moon, but he can't jump high enough to get there, and none of his flying friends are willing to help him. Finally, Crane offers to help. With Rabbit clutching his legs, Crane carries him to the moon. As a result of his kindness, Crane is changed in ways that are still evident today. This adaptation of a Cree legend by Douglas Wood, celebrates nature, friendship and the pursuit of dreams. The realistic watercolor illustrations by Leslie Baker and warmth to the story.

Rash

In 2076 in the United Safer States of America, verbal abuse, obesity, and other dangerous activities including sports are against the law. The penalty for breaking any of the laws is a lengthy prison term, and 24% of the population is incarcerated and responsible for doing much of the country's manual labor--without pay. For Bo Marsten, 16, the punishment for allegedly spreading a rash through school is a prison sentence, which is suspended, but then he goes to jail for lack of self-control after he hits a classmate. His prison is located in the far north of Canada, near Churchill, and he spends his time working on a pizza assembly line (and playing on an illegal football team). This story has several elements: satire, sports story, science fiction, and an adventure story all wrapped into one. Written by Pete Hautman, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2007.

Remember That

Friday evenings are special because it is the time that a young girl and her grandmother can spend together. Grandmother teaches her several important life lessons, concluding with the phrase, "remember that". As she ages, grandmother moves from her apartment, to the girl's home, and eventually to a nursing home, but the lessons continue. Written by Leslea Newman, with illustrations by Minnesota's Karen Ritz, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1997.

Rupa Raises the Sun

Every morning, it's the same old routine. Rupa walks around her campfire, the sun rises, her rooster crows, and the day begins. However, Rupa has done 21,954 sunups in a row, and now she needs a break, AND she has a big blister on her toe. Surely the village elders will understand and get a substitute for a few days. They try but none are successful, but they agree that Rupa can sleep late for a few days. Imagine the surprised people, including Rupa, when the sun rises all by itself. Written by Marsha Wilson Chall, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1999.

Throw Your Tooth on the Roof

When an American child loses a tooth, he puts it under his pillow at night and the Tooth Fairy brings him money for it while he sleeps. This book introduces readers to other lost tooth traditions from around the world. Written by Minnesotan Selby Beeler, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, it could be used as a teacher resource for helping children at that age when their baby teeth fall out, or for a health unit on teeth.

Cold Little Duck, Duck, Duck

A little duck arroves at her pond a little too early in the Spring. The pond is still frozen. But as she thinks of Spring and warmer weather, soon it arrives along with other ducks to share her pond. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters; illustrated by Sam Williams, it could be part of a Spring season unit for young children.