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By Monica Arnold
(Katherine Tegen Books)
When the students entered kindergarten classroom 2B, they knew something was wrong. On the teacher’s desk was a sandwich, a mug of coffee and some papers, but no teacher. Half the class was happy with no rules and half wanted some direction. After discovering writing on the chalkboard that said, Mr. S, they all agreed the sandwich was the teacher. They soon improvised and filled their time with reading, art, and music. Cleverly hidden within the soft-coloured illustrations, is the real story. This is a fun book for the first day of school.
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The Together Tree
By Aisha Saeed, Illustrated By LeUyen Pham
(Salaam Reads)
Rumi attends a new school where he finds it hard to fit in. After some kids make fun of him, he retreats further into himself. When the bullying goes too far, a few students become concerned and decide to include him. Soon, they discover he has a hidden talent for drawing. However, the one boy who threw the stone, finds it hard to approach him, so Rumi decides to befriend him. With beautiful bright illustrations, this is a wonderful story about fitting in, forgiveness, empathy, and acceptance.
A Work in Progress
By Jarrett Lerner
(Aladdin)
In this diary-oriented verse novel, we meet Will in fourth grade when he is first called fat. From that day on, he feels self-conscious about his body and slowly drifts away from his friends. When he meets Marcus, he finds someone who he can be himself with. Filled with black and white illustrations we feel Will’s pain on every page. As Marcus teaches him how to skateboard, Will discovers who he really is and realizes what others think doesn’t matter. This is a powerful story about loving ourselves and reminding us we are all a work in progress.
What Does Hate Look Like?
By Sameea Jimenez, Corinne Promislow with Larry Swartz
(Second Story Press)
In this book, children from grades 4 to 9 have contributed real stories about how racism and bullying have affected them. It covers the topics of where hate comes from, through physical, cyber and verbal abuse. It gives suggestions on how kids can cope and help others. This book is a beneficial resource for kids, parents, and educators, and provides the chance to initiate conversations, so children can tell their own stories and come up with solutions.
