Time to get ready for the weekend!
Kick up your feet and find a good place to read.
Sharing #booklove for your classroom or library.
Spotlighting a book or two because these books deserve the spotlight!
This post is going to be kept pretty short. This post is really to tell you about two books you must have.
I think it's got to be hard to write books, much less picture books when every word counts. When I read these two books, I'm so impressed with the importance of every single word. They are perfect and I think could be game changers. How are they game changers?
When the right kid picks it up when it's needed.
When a classroom teacher or librarian reads it and kids talk.
When those discussions are more than just what the words say but are about the words and feelings that are in their hearts.
When kids start to think about what they could do after listening to the words and conversations.
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse
written by Marcy Campbell
illustrated by Corinna Luyken
published by Dial Books for Young Readers
August 14th
Why I think Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is important:
I hope kids see that other kids are making fun of Adrian Simcox. I hope they see how Adrian might be seen as being different. More poor. More weird.
Sounds harsh, right?
But that is what happens. We see differences and instead of celebrating them, we say they are wrong. When I think about what is happening in our world today, it's a lot of blame, a lot of pointing fingers. What if we can see past differences and think about acceptance? What if?
The Day You Begin
written by Jacqueline Woodson
illustrated by Rafael López
published by Nancy Paulsen Books
August 28th
Why I think The Day You Begin is important:
The idea of stories and that everyone has them is an idea that is a bit foreign to young readers. We need to help them understand that sharing their stories can help them open up their world to others and invite conversation and looking for that moment we may say "same!" Young readers will relate to the feelings of being alone, of being made fun of, of not feeling strong enough, of having self-doubt. It's Woodson's words that will resonate in their heads and hearts, "the world opens itself ups little wider to make some space for you." I'm looking forward to hearing kids talk about this one.
Take the time to preorder these books. Make sure they are some of the first books you share next school year.
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