Author: Sarah and Ian Hoffman
Illustrator: Chris Case
From the Book Jacket: What's the worst part of the day for Jacob, a boy who wears a dress to school? Using the bathroom. Jacob loves to go to class and the library. But when he tries to use the boys' bathroom, other kids mistake him for a girl and chase him out. Scared and confused, Jacob confides in his friend Sophie, a classmate, who had the same thing happen when she tried to use the girls' room.
When Jacob and Sophie join forces with their teacher, they give everyone at their school the idea to choose which bathroom feels right for them! Jacob's Room to Choose is an empowering
book that encourages change to open (bathroom) doors everywhere and create safe spaces for all kids. The need for open access bathrooms is more urgent than ever before. This book will start meaningful discussions to spark action.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been a very supportive and helpful book for students at my school. It feels so great as a school counselor to be able to pull this resource off my shelf to make sure students' may use the bathroom they choose based on their own gender expression. It also helps to establish expectations of kindness and empathy from other students. It's important kids feel safe at school and once we help take down the stereotypes - these issues really start to become non-issues.
A Link to This Book:
Author: Patty Brozo
Illustrator: Mike Deas
From the Book Jacket: When it's time for recess, Miss Mellon's students pour through the school doors and swarm over the playground. They fly make-believe planes, tame dragons, and ride elephants. But wait- why are there a few kids standing alone and watching? Why aren't they joining in?Why do they look so forlorn? They all have their reasons, but all they really need is a little encouragement. They need a kind word. They need a buddy bench.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year our school got a buddy bench. We were really excited to get one to help kids have a place to make new friends. The only problem we were having was trying to figure out how to introduce it to the students and make sure it was being used appropriately. The Buddy Bench was an EXCELLENT resource to teach everyone about it's purpose and also introduce rules of the bench. In the back of the book there are seven rules you can use to teach the expectations of the buddy bench. It was much appreciated!
A Link to This Book:
Author/Illustrator: Jan De Kinder
From the Book Jacket: In this poignant story, a girl finds it funny when her classmate starts blushing on the school playground. Her friends laugh along with her, but one student takes the teasing too far. Torn between her sympathy for her classmate and her fear of the bully, the girl must make a difficult choice. This heartfelt book will inspire readers to find the courage to take a stance against bullying and show compassion towards others.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has become a new favorite book of mine when talking to kids about how harmful teasing and bullying can become. The child who starts the problem ends up being the one to make the whole thing stop. This is a great story of how it is so important to not stay silent and also to take responsibility and make a wrong a right - especially if you created the problem. Love this one!
A Link to This Book:
