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Introduction xiii You probably became a school librarian or classroom teacher because you loved people and books. Me, too! My first-grade teacher put a note on my report card that said I read too much. How is that possible? My original teaching license was as a home economics teacher. I really liked helping students develop hands-on skills. I got my Master of Library Science degree, because I thought I could help children get excited about books and reading if I became a school librarian. Today’s school libraries and classrooms contain so many varied experiences. Little did I realize all of my passions could blend into maker activities focusing on books and providing hands-on experiences for children. This book is constructed to help educators bridge their love of literature and maker activities while meeting standards. One side of a page gives information to adults. It lists the standards, supplies needed for the activity, and books that connect to the highlighted text. The additional books connect to the main book or to the activity. Different children like different books, so it is always good to have several choices available. Adults can post the opposite side of the page for children to use independently. Also, use this book to bridge between home and school activities by sending some of these ideas to parents to utilize at home. Materials for the different activities are often ones that will already be in a classroom or at home. Use whatever materials are on hand. The included activities are purposely designed so that they can be done on a budget and don’t require high-end, expensive equipment. The pictures are to inspire makers and suggest materials and possible final products but are not meant for readers to copy exactly. Instead, encourage youth to use their imaginations to create their own visions. For some youngsters, competition is fun. If your children like competition, then set up challenges. See what they can turn out using the same materials. Another option is to let them create a maker activity for a book that they have read instead of doing a traditional book report. There is no end to the maker activity possibilities. In this volume, you will find very current books as well as some classics, because our libraries include a variety of copyright dates. All the books included were positively reviewed or have stood the test of time. Use this volume as a collection development tool for your school or classroom library. It is divided into genres, but as you know, books can fall into multiple genres, so if you don’t find a favorite title in one genre, look for it in another. A conscious effort was made to include a variety of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities and work within the financial constraints of many school libraries, classrooms, and homes. Maker activities include all areas of STEAM. You will see a variety of arts choices. You will find baking and cooking options because that is a way to be a maker. It is also a way to meet math standards and sometimes social studies standards. Some schools have kitchens as a part Introduction