Book Review: Lend a Hand - Poems About Giving

Author: John Frank
Illustrator: London Ladd
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: From sharing your sandwich to volunteering to help build a home, from planting a tree to offering your seat to an elderly person on a bus, simple acts of kindness are the first steps to changing the world. This collection of tender and empowering original poems celebrates the joys of bridging the invisible boundaries among people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Young readers will feel inspired to lend a hand to others and practice kindness and giving everyday. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: With Thanksgiving upon us I like to start looking for books with a message of gratitude to share with students. This year I found a really special book of poems about generosity - Lend a Hand: Poems About Giving. Each poem is so touching. It's all about acts of service done from the heart with kindness. Children will have a huge takeaway from all the beautiful inspiring poetry. I'd love to seem them write poems of kind deeds they have done or seen. Or be inspired to act. I was looking at all of the books I have reviewed on kindness - this is surely at the top. This can be shared any time of the year but with the holidays nearing I think this is so appropriate. Love the below poem called Sandwich. (fyi they are all this awesome)

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Book Review: The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Author: Justin Roberts
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything - from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor's ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been waiting for a book like this. It only takes one person, doesn't matter who they are, to make a really big difference. An awesome difference. When we talk to kids about being bystanders it's so important to share it's really about leadership. Sally is a great example of bravery, courage, and leadership. A bystander who refuses to keep quiet. I notice bystanders are often silent about bullying not because of fear of retaliation but they've become desensitized to what they are seeing. So when unkind acts happen - it becomes normalized. Lets help stop that cycle. 

This book is going to be in HEAVY rotation in my bully prevention lessons. GET A COPY!

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Book Review: Forget Me Not

Author: Nancy Van Laan
Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Julia remembers when Grandma was still her old sweet self - when she still made fried chicken and biscuits the times Julia visited, and her eyes twinkled like candles on a cake. But ever so slowly, Grandma has been getting more forgetful. Soon, she can't even remember Julia's name, and her family sees that Grandma can no longer take care of herself. How Julia and her parents cope with these difficult changes makes for a gentle and reassuring story about a young child's unconditional love for a cherished grandparent.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is a wonderful validation for those who are experiencing the loss of a grandparent due to Alzheimers. When I say loss - I don't mean death. The grandparent is physically there but not able to recall the past or their loved ones. This is hard on everyone but especially so on children because it is confusing. Forget Me Not gently explains Alzheimers while empowering the child that they can continue to still love their grandparent. Such a helpful resource for families. 

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