Great books that can start great conversations in the classroom

Picture book: December, written by Eve Bunting
A different picture book that addresses poverty within a Christmas theme.

Novel (Great Read Aloud) Touching Spirit Bear
by Ben Mikaelsen
A very intriguing journey of self discovery of a juvenile delinquent who agrees to participate in the process of circle justice. Initially the protaganist is self-serving and only interested in this type of justice system because it will allow him to escape spending time in jail. Some gory details (he gets mauled by a bear) but a very thought-provoking book.