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Gold star picture books recommended by your school librarian!
Gold star picture books recommended by your school librarian!
"The Day You Begin"
"The Day You Begin"
By Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018
Angelina is starting her first day at a new school and she's worried that the other children will think she's different. She worries about her hair, skin, clothes, and that no one will want to hear about her summer vacation she spent at home with her little sister. Other children also feel different, like Rigoberto who just moved from Venezuela. But when Angelina gathers to courage to share her story with the class, she discovers that even though she's different, she's also a little like everyone else too.
This story is a beautiful take on the importance of recognizing differences in a positive way. It's a great book for any teacher wanting a story with the main characters representing minority populations. It pairs great to read around Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day, as it celebrates his vision of diversity and inclusion. This book could be used to talk about social justice issues such as racism or could be highlighted as an "own voices" book, as the author is African American.
This book is recommended for ages 5 and up. It is a great read to start off a new school year as it addresses children's worries and anxieties when encountering a new situation.
Resource Links:
Jacqueline Woodson Reads: "The Day You Begin"
Diversity and Inclusion Lesson Plan
"10 Ways to Be Brave at School"
"Not Your Typical Dragon"
"Not Your Typical Dragon"
By Dan Bar-el and illustrated by Tim Bowers
By Dan Bar-el and illustrated by Tim Bowers
Published by Penguin Group, 2013
Real dragons are supposed to breathe fire. But on Crispin’s seventh birthday, when he tries to breathe fire, fire does not come out. Whipped cream flies out! Every time Crispin breathes, fire does not come out. He ends up breathing all kinds of things but not fire. Yet when an emergency occurs Crispin’s special gift saves the day.
The story provokes emotions like sadness, happiness, relief, and joy. This book is the perfect blend of a great story and beautiful illustrations. It has a very encouraging message, being different is a wonderful thing.
This book is a wonderful resource for children who are 3 and up. It is a great resource to encourage imagination. Such as allowing students to imagine situations Crispin could get into.
Resource links:
"Going Places"
"Going Places"
By Peter and Paul Reynolds
By Peter and Paul Reynolds
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014
Rafael is very excited about getting his kit to make a go-cart for race day. All the students in the class get the same exact kit and are instructed to go home and build a go-cart. Rafael's neighbor, Maya, has other plans. The two of them work together to build the most unique go-cart for race day.
This book embraces the Maker mindset of encouraging creativity and collaboration. Readers see the value in finding inspiration in the world around us and sometimes thinking outside the box. It reinforces the idea that it is okay to be an original thinker.
This book is recommended for ages 4-8 years old. It is a great book to read aloud. It would be an excellent resource to use prior to a class project to generate excitement and spark creativity. It is based on an animated story created to showcase the 4 C's.
Resource links:
Above and Beyond Animated Story
"Chrysanthemum"
"Chrysanthemum"
By Kevin Henkes
Published by HarperCollins, 1991
Chrysanthemum loves her name; however, she realizes on her first day of school that her name is very different from everyone else and her classmates begin to make fun of her for it. One student in particular gives her an especially hard time. Chrysanthemum struggles to continue loving her name, despite her parents' efforts to make her feel better. One day, the class is introduced to Mrs. Twinkle, the music teacher, and the events that follow might be exactly what Chrysanthemum needed.
This timeless story addresses what it's like to a be a little different from others at school, bullying, and the difficult emotions that can result from these circumstances. It also shows the importance of identity and staying true to yourself.
This book is recommended for ages 5 and up, although it may be best suited as a read-aloud for beginning readers. The story is a little long and includes some more complex words that even older children might struggle with.
Resource Links:
Scholastic Lesson Plan: Chrysanthemum Extension Activity
"Papa and Me"
"Papa and Me"
By Author Dorros, Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Papá and Me by Author Dorros, Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
HarperCollins, 2008
A young boy spends an enjoyable day with his Papá. Throughout the day they speak both Spanish and English. Yet the language that is spoken across all cultures is the language of love. Author Dorros portrays a beautiful parent-child bond with the help of gorgeous paintings by Rudy Gutierrez.
The story provokes emotions like thoughtfulness, happiness, love, and joy. The perfect blend of a great story and beautiful illustrations. The message is simple yet powerful. It is all about the love between a child and parent.
This is a wonderful resource to reinforce parts of the Spanish vocabulary for young readers 4 to 8 years of age. Additionally, it is the perfect book for a young Spanish-speaking child to share about their culture with others, it is a character to whom they can relate.
Resources:
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