Book Review: You Are My Friend

Author: Aimee Reid

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

From the Book Jacket: Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities. But before Fred Rogers was the man who brought us Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he was just little Fred Rogers. As a child, he was often sick and had trouble making friends, but his mother encouraged him to befriend the helpers in his community, and his grandfather inspired his confidence to explore the world around him. When he grew up, Fred realized he could convey the message of compassion, equality, and kindness to children through television. 

You Are My Friend is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: "There's no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are."

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a special book and it is so WELL written for children to understand who was Mister Rogers and how he had a positive impact on our world. This past year a lot of people remembered him on World Kindness Day by wearing cardigans. If you want to teach your students about him - I highly recommend this book. Especially because as a child he did not always have it easy but CHOSE to make a difference through love and kindness. Very inspirational and what a great biography to study. 

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Book Review: Jacob's Room to Choose

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. 

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Book Review: The Buddy Bench

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!

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