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December 9, 2019 by Travis Jonker

Top 20 Books of 2019: 20-16

December 9, 2019 by Travis Jonker   Leave a Comment

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

Some things to know about this list:

  1. It’s a collaboration between John Schumacher (a.k.a. Mr. Schu) and me.
  2. It’s a collection of our favorite books of 2019 for grades K-6.
  3. It’s a countdown from 20 to 1, with five books revealed each day.
  4. In terms of format, anything goes. You’ll see picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction, and middle grade all mixing together.
  5. Here on 100 Scope Notes, John and I will blab (briefly) about each book.
  6. On Watch. Connect. Read., John has rounded up additional resources for each book.

20. Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez [Kokila (Penguin) | Grades 4-7]

SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST

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Because Ofelia Castillo, Aster Douglas, Cat Garcia, and Lane DiSanti are four memorable and distinct characters. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

19. The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison [little bee books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades K and Up]

Because the roots of rap are deep. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

18. Why? by Adam Rex, illustrated by Claire Keane [Chronicle Books | Grades K-3]

Because one little question can change everything. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

17. Noodlephant by Jacob Kramer, illustrated by K-Fai Steele [Enchanted Lion | Grades K-4]

Because justice can can be delicious. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

16. Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman [Viking (Penguin) | Grades K-2]

Because Carl has five capacious and caring hearts. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

Filed under: Best of, Best of 2019

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About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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