Through a lens of joy and self-love the following texts can add layers to the conversations we should be having around the beauty and array of our identities, family structures, and can also help nurture inclusive, caring communities where differences and similarities are respected and celebrated.
These are must-haves for building commUNITY all year long.
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe (Innovation Press) When a child is frustrated by the mispronunciation of her name, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow addresses the beauty, history and celebration of all names. Learning the stories of our names is one of the first steps on our journey to grow together as a community of learners. As individuals and as a community, we come to appreciate and value the stories we have to share all year long. Share this link to see and hear the author’s pronunciations of the names featured in her story.
You Matter written and illustrated by Christian Robinson (Simon and Schuster). In Robinson's newest book readers will enjoy seeing artful text and images that demonstrate the many ways we are connected and the many ways we all matter. Share with your readers to explore multiple perspectives, interpret changing points of view and help students celebrate their unique and wonderful qualities. Read along with Christian Robinson here.
I Got the School Spirit written by Connie Schoefield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison (Bloomsbury). In their latest collaboration husband and wife team up to showcase a joyful, energetic, young black girl who has a zest for all things. In this “I Got” text the contagious enthusiasm for school will inspire others to find and reflect on those joyful moments in school and in life! Read to find ways to create school smiles, memories, and moments that matter.
Speak Up written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Ebony Glenn (Clarion Books).
Share this inspiring book with readers of all ages to explore how our words, our choices, and our actions can make a difference. Miranda Paul with illustrations by Ebony Glenn invite us to consider the many ways we can use our voice to speak out and make a difference. Check out this link to the book trailer and more at the authors website.
All Because You Matter written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier (Scholastic).
Through text that is part love letter to black and brown children, this book celebrates the beauty of black lives and as author Tami Charles states, "to support conversations around racial climate in our country.” The artwork by Bryan Collier will take your breath away. Listen and learn from author Tami Charles here. Pre order now!
I am Every Good Thing written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James (Nancy Paulsen Books). In this powerful empowering, joyful picture book we see the next collaboration between Barnes and James (The Crown). This text has equally affirming beautiful words and images to celebrate black boy joy. Readers and writers will love the repetitive lines - perfect to extend student led conversations that can empower and also can inspire writers of all ages.
The Power of One written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Mike Curato (Knopf Books). This picture book demonstrates that it just takes one small act to make a difference. Beyond the golden rule, this is another call-to-action book to stimulate rich discussions about making a difference in our classes, our communities, and our world.
Jacob’s Room to Choose written by Ian and Sarah Hoffman and illustrated by Chris Chase (Magination Press). In this companion to Jacob’s New Dress, an important book about appreciating individual gender expressions, we see Jacob and his friend, Sophie who both feel uneasy about which bathroom to use. This book can spark conversations around acceptance of nonconforming gender expressions as part of a spectrum of identities that makes each of us unique and wonderful.
Early Sunday Morning written by Denene Millner and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Agate Bolden Books). In this heartwarming story, we follow June as she prepares to sing her first solo in her church choir. Overcome with fear, June is given advice from her loving family that helps her conquer her fears and find her voice. Readers will be treated to a celebration of family, faith, music, and traditions with an additional layer for conversations about the very real issue of facing our fears and anxieties.
Just Like a Mama written by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Simon and Schuster). This book illustrates the unconditional love between a girl raised by Mama Rose, and celebrates adoption and forever families, but it can also help with discussions around the beauty of families and varying family structures. Read to share as a vehicle to explore the school community as a type of family, full of nurturing relationships and individuals who care about—and for—one another.
Happy Reading!
With hugs and book love,
JoEllen McCarthy
