Books That Heal Kids: be yourself

Showing posts with label be yourself. Show all posts
Showing posts with label be yourself. Show all posts

Book Review: Sulwe

Author: Lupita Nyong'o
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

From the Book Jacket: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything. 

In this stunning debut picture book, Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story that will inspire children to see their own unique beauty. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Wow. This book belongs in every classroom library. It addresses the issue of colorism or shadeism which is discrimination based on skin color usually from members of the same race in which people are treated differently. Author and actress Lupita Nyong'o brings us a story that shares the pain this treatment of people can cause. She adds an author's note at the end letting readers know the journey of self-love she has been on - her transparency is inspiring. Cannot recommend this one enough!

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: I Am Enough

Author: Grace Byers
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

From the Book Jacket: "Like the sun, I'm here to shine." I Am Enough is an essential book for everyone - an inspiring lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year I am going to be doing more groups on self-esteem and needed some new resources to help guide my work. This book is so beautiful and I see it setting the tone for the group sessions and an art project. The illustrations are gorgeous and the words are so uplifting. Excited to share this with students and express to them that they are MORE than enough. 

Book Trailer:


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Book Review: Perfectly Norman

Author/Illustrator: Tom Percival

From the Book Jacket: Meet Norman. Norman is normal - perfectly normal. That's until he grows a pair of wings! Norman loves his new wings, but he's worried about what everyone will think. After all, they're definitely NOT normal. He decides to cover them with a coat, but hiding such a big part of his life makes him feel miserable. Can Norman find the courage to be himself? This is a bold and uplifting book about daring to be different and celebrating what makes you - YOU!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a creative refreshing story about differences. I love the message that true happiness is being yourself and being proud of your unique qualities. You don't have to hide who you are to be accepted by others. And if you trying to keep things about yourself hidden - you end up feeling miserable. I love the play on the words "Perfectly Normal" in this story. We can teach our kids there is no such thing as PERFECT or NORMAL. What works is being yourself. It's the only way to happiness. 

Book Trailer:


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Book Review: Sparkle Boy and Julian is a Mermaid

Author: Leslea Newman
Illustrator: Maria Mola

From the Book Jacket: Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey's life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn't so sure. Boys aren't supposed to wear sparkly, shimmery, glittery things. Then, when older boys at the library tease Casey for wearing "girl" things, Jessie realizes that Casey has the right to be himself and wear whatever he wants. Why can't both she and Casey love all things shimmery, glittery, and sparkly? Here is a sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated. Sparkly things are for everyone to enjoy! 


Author/Illustrator: Jessica Love

From the Book Jacket: Every Saturday morning, Julian and his abuela go swimming. But the day Julian spies three women on the subway, everything changes. He is entranced by their beautiful hair, their swishy, shimmering mermaid gowns, ant their total confidence. When Julian gets home, all he can thing of is becoming a mermaid himself. But what will Abuela think? 





Why They Are On My Bookshelf: Be true to yourself. That is the message in both of these books. I love to read stories to kids that challenge gender stereotypes and let kids know it's perfectly okay to be whatever and whoever you want to be. PERIOD!

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Book Review: Strictly No Elephants


Author: Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo

From the Book Jacket: When the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals in this sweet and adorable picture book. Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend. This sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This was such a helpful book to teach our K-1 kids how exclusion is a hurtful behavior. We focused on the words INCLUDE and INVITE. I feel like we need to flood our younger grades with these community builders. Early childhood is when we want to help instill those strong values of friendship and caring about others. Love this one.  

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Book Review: Where Oliver Fits

Author/Illustrator: Cale Atkinson

From the Book Jacket: Oliver is a little puzzle piece who is excited to find out where he fits. Will he be... In the mane of a unicorn? On the tentacle of a pirate squid? Part of a beautiful sunset or a fiery volcano? A member of a monster rock band? But when he goes in search of his perfect place, Oliver discovers that finding where he belongs is harder than he thought...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm really excited about this book. Kids really struggle with finding their place in friendship circles and often times give up a piece of who they are just so they can fit in. Oliver discovers you can't rush or force your fit. All you can do is be yourself! I like the message that you are not alone and others are also searching for a friend. Find others who represent your same values and appreciate who you are.....love! Don't be something you are not. Be you. 

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Book Review: Be Who You Are


Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Be who you are: Be proud of where you're from. Be a different color. Speak your language. Wear everything you need to be you. JUST BE WHO YOU ARE! 
Todd Parr's bold messages and bright picture encourage readers to embrace all their unique qualities. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A lot of self-esteem problems could be solved through these important words - BE WHO YOU ARE! It seems like it has been awhile since I have seen a story around this theme published. Sometimes I get focused on other skills and character traits when working with kids so it was refreshing to see this new one. Helping kids build confidence and pride in who they are is at the top of my list. My daughter was giggling at the illustrations and by the end she was exclaiming JUST BE WHO YOU ARE!

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Book Review: Ada Twist Scientist

Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs up inside of your nose? Ada Twist's head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie, Ada has always been endlessly curious. But when her fact finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments go too far, her frazzled parents banish her to the Thinking Chair. Will all that thinking change Ada'a mind?

Ada Twist, Scientist is the highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer. With the same spirit of curiosity and perseverance as her classmates, Ada is sure to inspire young readers to pursue their own passions. 




Why It's On My Bookshelf: So excited about this addition to this fabulous series of books. This might be my favorite one. It's all about curiosity, not giving up, and following your passion. I applaud the author for giving us a character of color who is a girl and who loves science! It's also a great reminder for all of us to be supportive when someone has a goal. 

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Book Review: Jacob's New Dress

Authors: Sarah and Ian Hoffman
Illustrator: Chris Case
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Book Website: http://www.sarahandianhoffman.com

From the Book Jacket: Some kids say boys can't wear "girl" clothes - but why not? Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be - a pirate, a bird, a fireman! But he also wants to just be himself and wear his favorite thing... a dress!

Now Jacob has a new dress that he made himself and what he wants most of all is to wear it to school. Will Mom and Dad let him? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don't identify with traditional gender roles.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a supportive and wonderfully written book for gender nonconforming children. I was delighted to see it was published and can only imagine what a wonderful help it will be to children and families. 

As a school counselor, I'd like to not just see this on my bookshelf but on the shelves in school libraries and teachers' classrooms. We are part of these kiddos support teams. We have a responsibility to educate kids that there is not a single thing wrong with gender nonconformity. Books have power and can teach acceptance. I think this is a book to be shared with ALL children. 

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Book Review: Crafty Chloe


Author: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Book Website: Crafty Chloe

From the Book Jacket: Chloe has a crafty solution to every problem. But when she needs the perfect birthday present for her best friend, Emma, she starts to feel a little insecure. How can a handmade gift ever make the cut? Even if it is very purple?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Chloe is everything we want our kids to be. I'm so incredibly happy I discovered this book so I can share her example of kindness, the reminder to be yourself, and be proud of your strengths.

Chloe is put down by a girl, London, for making something homemade for Emma's birthday gift. London has bought a Flower Girl doll from the store which is something Emma really wanted. On the way to the birthday party London accidentally drops the doll and her dog tears up it's clothes. That's when Chloe's kindness shines. Her gift was a dress she had sewn for the doll. You might think she would let London learn her lesson for being so mean but she doesn't.

More than all the googly eyes in the world, Chloe wanted to say, Well, good luck with that! But instead she lifted the lid on her box and she pulled out a perfectly purple dress. "She can wear this."

It's very hard in life to sometimes show respect and kindness to someone who has been disrespectful and hurtful towards your feelings. Chloe is an awesome example of GOODNESS. I absolutely loved this story and it's been a MEGA HIT with kids. We are ordering it for our school library and of course I'm going to have to get a copy for my daughter. THIS BOOK IS A MUST MUST READ.

Kelly DiPucchio is also the author of one of my favorite books The Sandwich Swap.

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Book Review: Big Mean Mike

Author: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Interest Level: 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He's even got a big, mean car that he drives around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows how big and tough he is - which is just the way Mike likes it. 

Then one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike puts it on the sidewalk and drives away before anyone can see. But the bunny keeps coming back - with friends! - no matter how many times Mike tells them to scram. Big, mean dogs do not hang around with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute...

This is a laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what other people think - even if you are big and tough and your friends are tiny and adorable. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Hilarious! We giggled our way through this one. Because I read so many books that address social and emotional issues - it's nice to lighten up the mood with something funny and not so serious - but still has a message in it.

Mike wants to keep up an image - a tough one. But he has difficulty keeping up being a tough guy because he's actually nice and sweet. It takes some cute little bunnies to help him see his warm fuzzy side. He also gets teased for hanging around the bunnies but he doesn't let it bruise his ego one bit. He stands up to the mean behavior and defends the bunnies. There are a lot of take aways in this story. I tried to gear the message towards those kids who put up a tough front. Sometimes it's really difficult for them to open up. Big Mean Mike shows kids the benefits you reap when you let people into your life - the right people.

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Book Review: Red Cat Blue Cat

Author/Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Red Cat: nimble cat. Blue Cat: clever cat. When they meet: jealous cats! Does Blue wish he could be like Red and Red want to be like Blue? They do! Find out what happens when...Blue tries to become red, and Red tries to become blue. Or, could it be that what both cats need to discover is: what is the color of a happy cat?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: These two cats act like they don't like each other. They fight and mean mug each other but deep down they are envious of the other's strengths. It's a humorous story of learning to get along when you are so completely different. We are all born with unique and special gifts so don't get in the losing game of trying to compare - great message. I think this would also work great for dealing with sibling rivalry. Red Cat and Blue Cat reminded me of my relationship with my older sister. Although we fought like cats - we secretly admired the other person.

PS. You'll appreciate the cute ending when Yellow Cat shows up!

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Book Review: Little Sweet Potato

Author: Amy Beth Bloom
Illustrated by Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: K and Up

From the Book Jacket: When Little Sweet Potato gets knocked out of his garden patch, he is forced to search for a new home. He stumbles upon some very mean and silly plants on his journey, and wonders if maybe he is too lumpy and bumpy to fit in anywhere. Will Little Sweet Potato ever find the perfect home?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I absolutely adore Little Sweet Potato! Author Amy Beth Bloom has written a GEM. The story encourages children to not judge or reject one another based on what's on the outside but to accept everyone because of their special uniqueness. Everyone has a place in their school. I still see some kids who feel like outsiders. Lets remind kids to treat each other with respect and appreciation. If you are looking for a story about acceptance, tolerance, diversity, differences, bullying, kindness....it's all here!

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Book Review: Pink!

Author: Lynne Rickards
Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

From the Book Jacket: When Patrick finds out he's turned bright pink, he sees RED! "Whoever heard of a pink penguin?" he cries. "And boys can't be pink!" The doctor checks her big medical book, but cases of pink penguins are very rare indeed. Patrick has soon had enough of being teased at school. "I don't fit in here anymore," he tells his parents. Then he packs up his pajamas and sets off on a long journey to a land where there are lots of pink birds, both boys and girls! Does Patrick belong with them?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, hold onto your hats people. I found a PINK penguin to go along with this wonderful book. You see....this is what makes a story come alive! And this is what helps deliver the important message of acceptance. We recently had a new student start at our school who looked VERY different from other kids. I went around speaking to classes about this particular child and how to be a kind caring friend. Lots of kids started naming books and characters we have studied in books that also face challenges because of their physical differences. Warms my heart to know they REMEMBER. I'm pretty sure Pink! is going to have the same effect. Now I just gotta get some black and white penguins to really put on a show.
not my best photography work

A teacher over at the blog Just Add Clipart had her students make these adorable pink penguins:
image via Just Add Clipart
 I'm thinking I am going to tweak this lesson a little bit next year to add an element of social/emotional writing.  

We can get so caught up in physical differences and even to the point where we start seeing it as a negative thing which often can lead to bullying. I use books like this throughout the school year - not just once. Glad to add this one to my collection. 

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Book Review: Chamelia

Author/Illustrator: Ethan Long
Publisher: LB Kids
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Meet Chamelia! Chamelia is a chameleon. Most chameleons like to blend in, but Chamelia prefers to stand out. She just loves being the center of attention. But when standing out means being left out, can Chamelia learn to share the spotlight?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always on the lookout for "Be Yourself" books. This one had a little bit of a twist on it. I have a feeling it's going to get mixed reviews from some folks. Here's my thoughts.......

First off, I love the reference to chameleons and how they try and blend in with everything. Those darn conformists! But here we have Chamelia who will do nothing of the sort. She is her own person and no apologies about it. She is pretty extreme to the point where she stands out maybe more than she really wants to. She has a very unique sense of style (like wearing high heels during soccer). Her standing out eventually leaves her feeling left out. Some people are going to get freaked out by this message because there will be an uproar that she should just be herself end of story ....happily ever after. Well, the real world doesn't always work that way. Kids have a desire to feel included and fit in. Chamelia wonders if there's a way to join in without giving up who she is. She ends up toning it down while still figuring out how to let parts of herself shine and feeling like she belongs.

So how will I translate this message to the kids? I want kids to know they can still find ways to be different and fit in at the same time. I know there are children in my school who feel like Chamelia. And guess what - they have a lot of gifts kids are missing out on because they end up isolating themselves. It's also important I challenge the other kids on how to support the Chamelia's of the world. Be smart in how you translate the message of Chamelia.

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Book Review: Wiener Wolf


Author/Illustrator: Jeff Crosby
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Wiener dog has a cushy life - an arm lap, plenty of chew toys and treats, and all the TV he can watch. But there's something missing. And Wiener Dog must strike out on his own to find it. Even if it means shedding his cozy sweater. Even if it means leaving Granny behind. But is being a lone Wiener Wolf all it's cracked up to be?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I saw this book last week at Barnes and Noble and when I went out to the parking lot I KNEW I needed it. You see I am always telling (preaching) to our students the importance of finding a friend you can be your self around. The type of friend where you don't have to change who you are or throw out your values. You know it's the right friend fit when you feel good about how you're acting and feeling. Enter WIENER WOLF!!!!!

Oh gosh, I loved this story. Wiener dog wants to run with the wolves and become their buddies. But he comes to realize it's just not working out trying to be friends with the wild wolves. Their behavior is not a good fit for him. He has to be true to himself and go back home. This is the part of the story where I always like to ask the kids, "Have you ever had that feeling? Like something doesn't feel right in your heart? That you are going against what you know is right?" Wiener Wolf is going to help me deliver this message. Friendship is a yearlong journey for kids so I am always sneaking in great books to help be a support.  

Wiener dog meets the wolves......

Wiener dog goes home and meets friends who are more his fit......
So obviously I went back and purchased Wiener Wolf. I love adding NEW ones to my shelf for the fall. The students will love the story and message in this one. It's simple and the illustrations are so well done the kids are not going to want me to turn the pages too fast. Also, how can you not love a book about a wiener dog!?

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Book Review: Square Cat

Author/Illustrator: Elizabeth Schoonmaker
Author/Book Website: www.eulathesquarecat.com
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Eula is a square cat living in a round world. Try as she might, Eula just doesn't fit in. Circle skirts, hoop earrings, doughnuts galore, nothing can change who she really is - a square cat. But what if her uniqueness is what makes her truly special? Author and illustrator Elizabeth Schoonmaker's debut picture book shows that it really is hip to be square.   

 
Why It's On My Bookshelf: Square Cat I'm so happy I've discovered you!! How did you know my bookshelf needed you? Actually, it's my students who really needed you. Students need books that say - you're beautiful and okay just the way you are! I talked to  kids about something a lot of us go through as we are growing up...sometimes we question who we are...just like Eula. She is trying to figure out how to fit her square self in what appears to be a round world. It's easy to forget our own beauty when we get focused on everyone else. But it's her friends who get her to see she already has her own gifts - not flaws. Being square is a gift and she actually fits in just fine! As one student said, "She shouldn't try to be like everyone else. I want her to be herself. I like her."  Strong message in this very lovely book and perfectly illustrated. Another student said, "Ohhhh, Eula is so cute!" I'm hoping for a series.

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Book Review: Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are

Author: Maria Dismondy
illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This one's been on my wish list forever! The title sure grabs you and so will the story. As a school counselor it's got everything I need to talk to students about differences and bullying. But here's what I really drove home with the kids - it can be difficult to show respect to someone who is mistreating you. I see this in my school ALL the time. Kids (and adults by the way) see this as a way to protect and defend themselves.

Enter Lucy. More like, enter KIND CHILD, who does what is right and shows kids you don't have to bully back to win. We need to make kindness more popular than bullying! I'm so passionate about this...okay anyways.....she is taunted and teased by Ralph, but doesn't give in to the temptation to bully back. She rises above because of her grandfather's words in the first few pages, "Remember, when you treat others with love and kindness, you are doing the right thing."

Okay, call me crazy but I still believe in the magic of smothering 'mean' people with kindness. Essentially this lets them know they can't push your buttons. This doesn't mean we want our kids to turn into a bunch of door mats. But we want them to use the BEST PART of who they are and not join in on the 'back and forth' bully game. Lately, I'm teaching more about empathy, compassion, and being your best self. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun has reminded me of one of the ultimate strategies to combat bullying - respect, kindness, and be your best self. Recently, I had a student report to me at recess that she had just received a put down. When I asked how she responded, her response was, "I said - I'm sorry you are having a bad day. And then I just walked away." And I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. (i love my job!) This was one of the role plays the kids and I worked on. Don't doubt the power of assertive kindness ever!

Watch the book trailer on author Maria Dismondy's website. She's also the author of Juice Box Bully, a very relevant and important story about the power of bystanders. Maria's books are making a DAILY difference in my school. Kids are learning how to WIN when it comes to bullying - and sometimes it comes in the form of kindness.

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Book Review: Brontorina

Author: James Howe
illustrated by Randy Cecil
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Publisher's NoteBrontorina had a dream. I want to dance! But Brontorina was rather large - too large to fit in Madame Lucille's dance studio. And Brontorina did not have the right shoes - and everyone knows you can't dance without the proper dance shoes. Still, Brontorina knew, deep in her heart, that she was meant to be a ballerina.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: If you were at Barnes and Noble a couple of Sundays ago and saw a grown woman reading a children's book with a big adorable dinosaur on the cover and hugging it afterwards...well, that would be ME. What's so great about those moments is when I realize how much the kids are going to enjoy my new find for them. And it is an AWESOME find. Brontorina covers acceptance, rejection, being yourself, differences, and following your dreams quite beautifully.

When Brontorina enters Madame Lucille's Dance Academy she is met with warmth and curiosity. But she's also met with a little bit of an attitude by two girls who just can't seem to find anything nice to say. It's like they want her to fail. They have a very minor role but I pointed out their put-downs. A kiddo said, "They are trying to stand in front of her dream!" Luckily, there are two other dancers, Clara and Jack, who want nothing more then to help her succeed. We need to lift each other up - not cut each other down. This was a well received message thanks to Brontorina. Major kudos to the author for picking a dinosaur to be a ballerina. This kept both boys and girls engaged. The last illustration got a heartwarming "AHHHHHH" from all the students. Oh, and from me too!

A Link to this Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
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Book Review: One of Us (Pt 2)

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrated by Penny Weber
Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Roberta James is new to Baker School. "I think you are going to love it here," the principal says. Roberta agrees as she notices the brightly painted walls, a library full of books, and a fabulous looking playground. But the school starts to feel anything but welcoming as she encounters the many different cliques of Baker School, each with it's own set of rules. There are the pony tail girls, the Monkey Bar Gang, the flowered-lunchbox kids, and the cowboy boot wearing "we only eat pita roll-ups" group. Roberta is shuffled from group to group realizing fitting in isn't as easy as the principal promised. Sitting alone in the cafeteria she meets a group that is a mixture of many things. The kids like different sports, foods, and hobbies. They let Roberta know "You're one of Us" just by being yourself. The illustrations are bold and colorful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I blogged about One of Us in July before the school year started so I didn't have an opportunity to read it to students. I've chosen it as one of my first reads this year to our 2nd-4th graders. I've been looking for a book that brings kids together, especially at the start of the year. I have chosen wisely because this one is a force. The silence in the room was my first clue that it was very impactful. All eyes were on the pages as Roberta's first day of school unfolded. And I'm not talking about kids sitting and being quiet because it's the respectful thing to do. The story directly relates to their own lives and what they witness on the bus, cafeteria, playground, and in their neighborhoods. Nobody said boo while I read. Not until I opened the floor with guided questions and related it back to our school. Inclusion and exclusion - those are big words for kids. Without giving the definition of exclusion, after the story I asked a second grade class what they thought it meant. They said, "Getting kicked out." Hands went up when I asked if anyone has ever been treated this way or maybe they've done the kicking out. As we continued our discussion, I could feel the empathy and care for one another increase in our conversations in each classroom. I would call this some serious community building!

I love this story. It is simple, concrete, and powerful. It's going to be great to reference back to when kids use exclusion behavior in friendships. As the school counselor of 400 some wonderful kiddos, I am encouraged as to the possibilities for more inclusion across our school. One of Us helped guide students' hearts in the right direction as they headed out to the cafeteria, recess, bus, and back to their neighborhoods. It will be a year long effort to help kids feel and remain connected. But so worth it.

The publisher has a wonderful lesson plan to accompany the book. I found it very helpful.

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