Book Review: The Sandwich Swap

Authors: Queen Rainia Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Tricia Tusa
Book Website: The Sandwich Swap
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From The Book Jacket: Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things - jumping rope, drawing pictures, playing on the swings. And they always eat lunch together. Sure, they don't eat the same lunch. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus - but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. And before they know it, it's a food fight. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences and save their friendship? Or will a sandwich come between them?

Her Majesty Queen Rania and bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio tell a story inspired by her Majesty's own childhood. Salma and Lily reach the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance. The smallest things can pull us apart - until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Awards should be plastered all over this book's cover. Which by the way, is the most darling cover I have just about ever seen. The students took one look at The Sandwich Swap and said, "Read us that one!!" Sometimes I bring in a few books to each of my lessons to give them a preview of next weeks story. Even in the hallway, a second grade student said to me, "When are you going to read us The Sandwich Swap?" Apparently, they can sniff out a good book just by it's cover. But this is more then good, it is GREAT.

The lessons learned by both girls in the story is EXACTLY the kind of message students need to hear. Working in a culturally diverse school I know students have many curiosities about one another. But sometimes, those curiosities can sadly turn into put-downs towards one another. It divides everyone which is what happens in the story. Just look around the world, it's pretty obvious we need to start these conversations and teachings early in life. A first grade student said, "I hope everyone goes to multi-cultural night tomorrow to make more friends!" The lovely 'pot-luck' ending will make you think about what your own school is doing to help promote cultural diversity.

The Sandwich Swap is a wonderful reminder and encourager to embrace and appreciate other's differences. It's amazing how a book can increase awareness, sensitivity, and open hearts and minds. This was an impactful read and there is no doubt it has helped increased my school climate. The students clapped as I finished reading the last page. Clapping for diversity! Love it.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

2

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.

A Link to This Book:

0

Book Review: The Colors of Us

The Colors of Us

Author: Karen Katz
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description From the Publisher's Website: A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist’s perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A couple of weeks ago I attended a lecture on Culturally Responsive Teaching. I walked away feeling energized about all the diversity books sitting on the shelves in my office. But I also made a pledge to buy even more! I've been checking out The Colors of Us from the library for years. And now I own a copy! If you have students do self-portraits....this is a must read beforehand. Do you really want them just reaching for brown, white, orange, black, and yellow or would you rather them mix colors so they can define their own skin color? I want kids to ignore all the skin color labels and be the generation that sets a new standard. It can truly happen if we take on this attitude. Hey, they are looking to us for the example. So I'm going to hold true to my commitment. This is a fantastic book and also goes great with The Skin You Live In. I've taken a pledge this year to pump up my diversity shelf...I hope you do too.

A Link to This Book:

4

Book Review: The Land of Many Colors

Written by the Klamath County YMCA Family Preschool
Illustrated by Rita Pocock
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: A simple message of peace and respect for differences is the theme of this book written by children for children. When the purple people, the blue people, and the green people begin fighting and hurting each other, they are reminded that although they have different feelings and like different things, they can still be friends.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are some books I enjoy reading....and then there are ones I REALLY enjoy reading like The Land of Many Colors. "Can't we all just get along?" Remember that famous quote? Well, sometimes I feel that way in an elementary school setting! We've got a lot of peace and harmony flowing through our school, but once in awhile a group of students will sort of become exclusive. That's when I'm reminded of how important books are and as cheesy as this sounds....they can save the world gosh darn it! I am so grateful for this simple, yet powerful, story. I have been able to do A LOT with this book. It promotes diversity, differences, friendship, and team work. Favorite part of the story is when the different colors are confronted by a little child all covered in dust and shouts, "STOP!" I ask the students why he/she is covered in dust. Oh my goodness, I love the responses. This is a heart and mind opener. GET IT.

A Link to This Book:

1

Book Review ( Pt1): One of Us

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrator: 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've been watching the new MTV reality series If You Really Knew Me. It's a series focusing on different cliques in different high schools and how they hurt and affect the students. As an elementary school counselor, this is a harsh reality I deal with even in the younger grades. Watching the series reminds me of the importance of reading books that encourage kids to accept one another and not hurt others based on what we wear, look like, or who we hang with. One of Us is a new story by author Peggy Moss and it's a beautiful example of how diversity should bring us together and not pull us apart. From my own professional experience I observe many students identifying themselves with a particular group. And sadly, sometimes these groups can become mean cliques and not very inclusive - they become hurtful and reject others. I see it across all of the grades (K-5) I work with. One of Us is a smart example of how to teach kids to be accepting of everyone and to cross boundaries. I already know this story is going to be a hit. Kids have huge hearts and want to be guided and encouraged to do the right thing. The possibilities of how to use this book with students are endless. It is going to be a solid resource in my school counseling curriculum for friendship, acceptance, diversity, bullying, and most importantly "Be Yourself." I cannot wait to start reading it this fall and I will be posting a part 2 review sharing the reaction and impact it had on students. As a school community, One of Us is going to be a helpful story to help students feel like one big group.

The publisher offers suggested activites to use with One of Us. Good Stuff!

A Link to This Book:

0

Book Review: The Skin You Live In

Author: Michael Tyler
Illustrator: David Lee Csicsko
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: With the ease and simplicity of a nursery rhyme, this lively story delivers an important message of social acceptance to young readers. Themes associated with child development and social harmony, such as friendship, acceptance, self-esteem, and diversity are promoted in simple and straightforward prose. Vivid illustrations of children's activities for all cultures, such as swimming in the ocean, hugging, catching butterflies, and eating birthday cake are also provided. This delightful picture book offers a wonderful venue through which parents and teachers can discuss important social concepts with their children.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "As early as age 2, according to research, children begin to take note of differences in other people. The preschool years mark your child’s first introduction to the characteristics that have long grouped and divided humans: race, ethnicity, gender and physical ability. From the curl in her hair, to the color of her eyes and skin, to the games she prefers during playtime, your child is discovering the similarities and differences she shares with others in her world." from Teaching Tolerance. Okay, so after reading that eye opener hopefully you are thinking - YES YES YES, I need to be reading more diversity books to my kids or students! The Skin You Live In is a favorite of mine because of how skin color is described throughout the pages, "Your pumpkin pie slice skin, your caramel corn nice skin....Your butterscotch gold skin....Your chocolate chip, double dip sundae supreme skin!" What a beautiful way to celebrate and honor our MANY different skin colors. It was delightful to hear students' creativeness come out as they used foods to describe their own skin colors. When I asked them what my skin color was before I read the book - I heard, "You are white!" Afterwards, they came up and looked closer at my hands, arm, and face and exclaimed I was a peach. I appreciate picture books encouraging students to accept one another and look beyond superficial skin labels. You'll want to have an activity to go with this read. 

A Link to This Book:

0

Book Review: Shades of People

I decided to add a little more to this book review. I'm a little fascinated with bookstores...read on....

Recently, my husband and I were on a trip to beautiful Victoria, B.C., when I discovered begged my husband to please let me go in to check out the children's section a fabulous bookstore. Let me introduce you to Munro's Books, described as "the most magnificent bookstore in Canada, possibly in North America."  Okay, obviously they haven't heard of a little place called Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon (blog post coming on that gem soon).

Walking through the doors of Munro's my heart started to pitter patter. Indeed, magnificence. My eyes widened as I looked around....grand ceilings, spectacular pillars, eye catching artwork on the walls, and then there are the rows of delicious books. As I made my way around this heavenly bookstore, I began to panic....um, just where are the children's books!?! And then....in the corner....an entrance.....

 

The magnificence of the rest of the store began to fade as I walked into an adorable nook full of children's books. The nook is a small darling room filled with all sorts of good reads for the littles to the teens. Looking around one expects to see a woman in a chair doing a read-a-loud. Annnnd....and they had a small self-help section. So apparently, Canadian children face the same issues! Shades of People (great book for the littles on diversity) was my find. The best part was when I pulled it off the shelf I said to myself, 'I've been looking for a book like this!' Love when a book finds me!

Next time I'm in Victoria, I plan on making another stop to Munro's so I can get some more nook time. Check out this cute little cupboard below that was in the room. I love the little sign. Of course, I had to sit in the chair and open it up.

I'm so grateful for little finds like these. Made me feel like a child again. Enjoy my review.

Shades of People

by Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly

Interest Level: Ages 3-7

About This Book: This book is filled with wonderful photographs of happy, smiling, inquisitive, trusting, and adorable children—all with varying skin tones, hair colors and textures, and facial features. "Have you noticed that people come in many different shades?" is the opening sentence, accompanied by framed head shots of youngsters. It is followed on the next page by, "Not colors, exactly, but shades." The text is minimal, with approximately 3 to 10 words per page. The last page features a large photograph of eight little hands of varying shades. The message is clear and to the point: "Our skin is just our covering, like wrapping paper. And, you can't tell what someone is like from the color of their skin." A good introduction to racial and ethnic diversity.—

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Honoring and teaching diversity to students is so important. Books that celebrate differences are a useful way to reach out to kids. If you are not reading books like these...start! Teaching students about diversity helps reduce conflict and bullying. I'm a huge believer in this. Shades of People is going to help me break down those walls, hopefully before they even go up. The author chose to use the word 'shades' instead of 'colors.' That was new language for younger students regarding their thoughts about skin color. They were able to apply those words in a really caring way towards themselves and others. Um, love it! The actual photographs of kids was also a hit, because it feels relateable. You are going to want this one for your shelf.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

1

Book Review: Eggbert The Slightly Cracked Egg

Author: Tom Ross

Illustrated by Rex Barron

Interest Level: Preschool- age 8

About This Book: The other eggs in the refrigerator admire Eggbert's remarkable paintings-until they discover that he has a slight crack. Because of his defect, he is banished from his home. At first he uses his artistic talent to attempt to camouflage himself, but his disguises are quickly discovered. Then he realizes that the world contains many lovely cracks. Brush in hand, he travels the globe and produces wonderful paintings of fissures found in things such as volcanoes and the Liberty Bell. Back at the refrigerator, his former friends ponder his hand-painted postcards with amazement and a touch of sadness. The story might be read as a commentary on the lives of artists and/or the dangers and blessings of nonconformity; however, young readers will be more engaged by the illustrations than by philosophical reflections. Eggs and vegetables rarely assume such lifelike expressions and stances, and the simple text and clear design add up to read-aloud potential. Eggbert is an egg worth watching. -School Library Journal

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has ten 5 Star reviews on Amazon. I agree with absolutely every single one. Sometimes I feel like we don't talk enough about differences and diversity to children. If someone is being picked on, I love bringing up Eggbert. It is a very memorable book. The author does a good job of not making the issue of differences not too complicated for young children to understand. Eggbert also makes me think of the word Rejected. Lots of kids feel rejected for so many reasons. I want kids to include and embrace everyone, that's why this book is on my shelf. So thankful I found it!

Activity To Do With Your Children: Recreate the scenes in the book by using play food toys. Make sure to draw a crack on one of the eggs! Use the play food throughout the story, stop and role play feelings.

A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

0

Book Review: Skin Again

Author: Bell Hooks

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Celebrating all that makes us unique and different, Skin Again offers new ways to talk about race and identity. Race matters, but only so much - what's most important is who we are on the inside. Looking beyond skin, going straight to the heart, we find in each other the treasures stored down deep. Learning to cherish those treasures, to be all we imagine ourselves to be, makes us free. Skin Again celebrates this freedom.

The skin I'm in is just a covering.

If you want to know who I am

you have got to come inside

and open your heart way wide.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Ever wanted to open a discussion up with a child or a classroom about skin color? Diversity? Then this is your book! It is so beautifully written. I was so overcome with such an exciting feeling when I thought about sharing it with children. Skin Again helps children understand we are more than just our skin color. What counts most is what is within. Kids soak up this message because that is how they are built. They are born to love and accept others. Skin Again is a lovely reminder of that. Find room on your shelf for it.

A Link To This Book And Others You Might Find Helpful:

0