Author/Illustrator: K-fai Steele
From the Book Jacket: Pip is a normal pig who does normal stuff: cooking, painting, and dreaming of what she'll be when she grows up.
But one day a new pig comes to school and starts pointing out all the ways in which Pip is different. Suddenly she doesn't like any of the same things she used to...the things that made her Pip.
This charming picture book celebrates all our differences while questioning the idea that there is only one way to be "normal."
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a splendid book and I cannot wait to share it with our students. It actually reminded me a little bit of The Sandwich Shop because the hurtfulness starts with taking a dig at the food someone is eating because of cultural differences.
Pip really internalizes the putdown and begins to believe different is weird and bad. So Pip tries to conform and be like everyone else. Luckily a trip into the city opens her eyes to see the world is very different and that's a GOOD thing. She returns to school with a new confidence and some language to stick up for herself. This one is a hit for sure!
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Author: Wendy Meddour
Illustrator: Daniel Egneus
From the Book Jacket: Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This unforgettable and stunningly illustrated story explores the wrenching dislocation of refugee families, and one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of uncertainty.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always looking for great stories to read with kids on kindness. But I also want to choose more books that share what's happening in the world around us. Although no country is named in this book it is clear a child is in a very hard situation and without a home. She looks beyond her own emotional needs to do an act of kindness for a boy who arrives in their camp. He is going through the same feelings she felt when she first arrived. She recognizes this immediately and sets out to comfort him with her only source of friendship - a pebble. Kindness is about looking beyond yourself. Great message in this one.
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Author: Tonya Lippert
Illustrator: Tracy Bishop
From the Book Jacket: Franny loves her school! She's had lots of fun, learned to read, played with her friends, made art, and even napped here. It's hard for Franny to say goodbye. But she must - today is her last day of school, and it's time to leave.
Franny figures out a way to say goodbye and honor this special place.
Includes a Reader's Note to help you guide children through periods of transition or change and acknowledge their feelings throughout the experience.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: It's really difficult to find GOOD books on this topic. We usually have a few families leave at the end of a school year due to a move or change of circumstances. This was such a helpful resource to read to the whole class not just individually. It's also important for kids who are not moving to use empathy and provide support and hope to children who are moving on. Goodbye, School helped give closure to our students in a really positive way. Will be using and recommending to teachers and parents for sure!
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