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Social-Emotional Learning
What’s Silly Hair Day With No Hair?

What’s Silly Hair Day With No Hair?

by | Sep 8, 2021 | ,

by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine; Albert Whitman, 2021.
When her school plans a Silly Hair Day, Bea, a strong and confident girl with alopecia (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) navigates her feelings and manages to increase awareness of the ways in which actions and activities can unintentionally present barriers to inclusion. This gentle, affirming story is a recommended read-aloud that offers an excellent opening for discussion and can help set the stage for a welcoming classroom environment.

Upstander

Upstander

by | Jun 22, 2021 | ,

by James Preller; Feiwel and Friends, 2021.
Upstander by James Preller is a moving story that authentically captures the nuances of contemporary family relationships and how they can be both tested and strengthened by individual members’ actions and thoughts, as well as their wills, weaknesses, and wishes. The story of how Mary struggles, copes, and ultimately grows from her experiences facing her brother Jonny’s substance use and her own school-related conflicts is at once heart wrenching and heartening.

Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero

Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero

by | May 25, 2021 | , , ,

by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno; Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins, 2021.
Ideal for older elementary-grade students, Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero introduces readers to an Italian cycling champion and unsung hero who secretly helped hundreds of Jews and others escape persecution during World War II. Witness Bartali’s acts of heroism that reached far beyond his celebrity to include selflessness, humility, courage, and deep compassion.

The Mystery of the Barking Branches and the Sunken Ship

The Mystery of the Barking Branches and the Sunken Ship

by | Feb 25, 2021 | , , , , ,

by Judy Bradbury, illustrated by Gabriella Vagnoli; City of Light Publishing, 2021.
In the first book in the Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series, readers meet five resourceful friends who live on a residential island. Though the story is fictional, The Mystery of the Barking Branches and the Sunken Ship is loosely based on one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries of the Great Lakes: the sinking of the never-recovered sailing vessel, the Griffon, in the 1600s. Readers encounter history, science, mystery, research skills, social-emotional themes, humor, friendship, and a really cute dog.

All Because You Matter

All Because You Matter

by | Oct 22, 2020 |

written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier; Orchard Books, 2020.
The books we choose to share with children can acknowledge feelings, convey options and paths for positive action, nurture, and initiate conversations based on common language. Books can offer kids affirmation, and from this comes agency, possibilities, and choice. A book such as All Because You Matter gives kids space to be heard, and gives educators an opportunity to listen.

Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure

Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure

by | Aug 20, 2020 | , , , ,

by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2020.
Years in the making, the eagerly-anticipated Gurple and Preen picture book began with Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog, which features broken-crayon art and has grown to enjoy immense popularity. I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Gurple and Preen, a collaborative effort between Debbie and Newbery Award and New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park, with an interview featuring both creators and plenty of ideas for sharing this picture book adventure with children!