Book Review: Rita and Ralph's Rotten Day

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Pete Oswald

From the Book Jacket: 
In two little houses,
on two little hills, lived two best friends
 
So begins the story of Rita and Ralph. Every day they meet to play beneath the apple tree. It's always fun and games - until one roundly rotten day when a new game means someone ends up crying. Who knew it could be so hard to say "I'm sorry"? Just when it seems nothing will ever be right again, a surprising thing happens. The old friends try something new, that isn't new at all. Something they've done a hundred times. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I teach a lot of conflict resolution and problem solving to students so I was so excited to come across this book. This one will be helpful to teach the art of the apology. It's a great story to teach the size of the problem and sincere apologies. Love this one!

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Book Review: When You Are Brave

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler

From the Book Jacket: Some days, when everything around you seems scary, you have to be brave. Saying goodbye to neighbors. Worrying about new friends. Passing through a big city. Seeing a dark road ahead. In these moments, a young girl feels small and quiet and alone. But when she breathes deeply and looks inside herself, a hidden spark of courage appears, one she can nurture and grow until she glows inside and out. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Really love this book. It reminds kids they have a light inside of them. And that it might start out small like a spark but you can turn it into a flame. If you picture it in your mind it will become bigger and bolder! That courage will brighten your heart and fill your body. The story also tells us to think about what we are good at. What do we love to do or who do we love. Those positive thoughts will guide you out of the dark. No matter what happens - you'll be all right. 

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Book Review: The Proudest Blue - A Story of Hijab and Family

Author: Ibtijah Muhammad and S.K. Ali
Illustrator: Hatem Aly

From the Book Jacket: The first day of wearing hijab is important. It means being strong. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand-new school year and best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab - made of a fabric of beautiful blue, like the ocean waving to the sky. 

But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong. 

Olympic medalist Ibtijah Muhammad brings readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Of all the books I read this past year to the students, THIS WAS THE ONE. This was the one that helped kids have even a bigger mind and heart shift when it came to looking outside of themselves and what others are going through. How others are being treated because of their religion, culture, and what they wear. Really love this story and how it came into our lives this year. Forever changed. 

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