Radio Boy        Sharon Phillips Denslow    ISBN 0-689-80295-1
 
This is a tale about Nathan Bernard (misspelled "Beverly" in the book) Stubblefield, the real boy inventor who would go on to invent the wireless radio later in life.  This story, however, tells of his boyhood and how he created a "vibrating telephone."  I've found it an interesting way to show children a little abou the science of sound in action in addition to showing them that they can do things that we adults may never have dreamed of.   A couple of other teachers on my campuses have borrowed, also, for its portrayal of life in the 1800's....a very nice book indeed!
 
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
                    Samuel Taylor Coleridge        ISBN 0-486-22305-1

An excellent colleague of mine was leaving the district, and as she left a pointed to a box of books and told the teachers in the work-room to have at it:  she couldn't take all of her books and the ones left behind were ours for the taking.  Needless to say, those books were gone in a flash.  Luckily, by the time I fought my way through the maddened throng, there were still 3 books left.  And, this is the on I took.  Some might think this too old for elementary school children, but I disagree.  It's a wonderful poem (Coleridge was a master), and the black and white illustrations by Gustave Doré are perfectly fitting for this wonderful tale.  I have only used it with my fourth and fifth graders, but when I have they have say rapt with attention.  Granted, it's not an easy lesson (there are many explanations that have to be given), but what a great way to introduce classics to young people!
 

Roots and Branches, Book and CD
                    Patricia Shehan Campbell         ISBN 0-937203-55-6

I found this book while attending the CMEA Conference in Ontario, California.  It is awesome.  It is sub-titled "A Legacy of Multicultural Music for Children."  In every section, there are songs from countries, words, pronunciation guides, descriptions of the countries of origin with maps....a fantastic resources for teachers who would love to incorporate multicultural music into the lessons but are a little anxious about the foreign languages.   And, perhaps the best thing about it, is that it comes with a CD!  I saw it and bought it without hesitation...and so did my friend who teaches music in Yolo County.  Definitely somethign to consider.

Rounds for Children                                    ISBN 0-8256-2442-8

I have had a real problem finding good rounds for my older students to sing.  I found that many of the ones I found sporadically through my music texts were dull or just not very melodic.  So, when I came across this paperback while digging through books in Northern California, I was excited.  Granted, all of the rounds in the book are not my favorite, but there are over 100 of them and they range from 2-part to 8-part (most of them are 3-part and 4-part).  And, since they're all gathered in one book, it's much easier for me to find them.  Amazon.com has this book listed as difficult to find, but if you want a fresh injection of rounds into your curriculum, I'd give it a try!