Inclusive Children's Literature
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Anything but Typical
by
Call Number: j. B293aJason Blake is an autistic twelve-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But Jason finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does. Jason can be himself when he writes and he thinks that PhoneixBird-her name is Rebecca-could be his first real friend. But as desperate as Jason is to met her, he's terrified that if they do meet, Rebecca will only see his autism and not who Jason really is. -
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
by
Call Number: j. G762 M85gDolly Gray Children's Literature Award Winner
If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low,if you don't quite fit in, there's a name you should know...Meet Dr. Temple Grandin--one of the world's quirkiest science heroes!When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!
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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Lesson Plan
Activities and videos that teach about Neuro-diversity and facilitate creativity in students
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How to Build a Hug
by
Call Number: j. G762 G939hAs a young girl, Temple Grandin loved folding paper kites, making obstacle courses, and building lean-tos. But she really didnāt like hugs. Temple wanted to be heldābut to her, hugs felt like being stuffed inside the scratchiest sock in the world; like a tidal wave of dentist drills, sandpaper, and awful cologne, coming at her all at once. Would she ever get to enjoy the comfort of a hug?
Then one day, Temple had an idea. If she couldnāt receive a hug, she would make one...she would build a hug machine! -
Marcelo in the real world
by
Call Number: j. St75mMarcelo Sandoval, a seventeen-year-old boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, faces new challenges, including romance and injustice, when he goes to work for his father in the mailroom of a corporate law firm.
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Marcelo in the Real World Lesson Plan PDF
Guided questions and planning organized by chapters for educators
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Mockingbird (Mok'ing-bƻrd)
by
Call Number: j. Er8mIn Caitlinās world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. Thatās the stuff Caitlinās older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devonās dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Aspergerās, she doesnāt know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white-the world is full of colors-messy and beautiful. -
Rain Reign
by
Call Number: j. M363rRose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different ā not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.
When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.
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Six Dots: a Story of Young Louis Braille
by
Call Number: j. B841sAn inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille-a blind boy so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet. Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him. And so he invented his own alphabet-a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.
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Teaching about Louis Braille
A lesson Plan that can be used for grades 3-8 that includes printable activity sheets focused around Braille
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Piano Starts Here
by
Call Number: j. 786.2165 T18 P22pRegardless of whether they've heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike. Included in the back matter is a biography and bibliography. -
A Dog Called Homeless
by
Call Number: j. L475dA year after her motherās death, Cally, a fifth grader, has stopped speaking when no one seems to care about what she has to say. When her family moves to a new apartment, Cally meets 11 year old Sam, who is deaf and blind. Through her friendship with Sam and the mysterious appearance of a dog, Cally finds her voice.
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Song for a Whale
by
Call Number: j. K296sIn the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the Schneider Family Book Award-winning story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him. From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be. When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him?
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Song for a Whale Lesson Plan
A PDF lesson plan including learning objectives, discussion questions, and activities
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Wonderstruck
by
Call Number: j. Se48wBen and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories--Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.
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Wonderstruck Lesson Planning
Videos, vocab lists, background info, and more to help develop lesson plans for Wonderstruck
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Hello, Universe
by
Call Number: j. K298hIn one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and she loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister, Gen, is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just stop being so different so he can concentrate on basketball. They aren't friends, at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.
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Hello Universe Lesson Plan
Lesson Plans separated by chapters including learning standards
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Back to Front and Upside Down
by
Call Number: j. Al21bIt's the principal Mr. Slipper's birthday, and while the rest of the class gets busy writing cards for the occasion, Stan becomes frustrated when his letters come out all in a muddle. Stan is afraid to ask for help, until a friend assures him that nobody's good at everything. And after lots and lots of practice, Stan's letters come out the right way round and the right way up. -
Fish in a Tree
by
Call Number: j. H911fAlly has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.
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Fish in a Tree Lesson Planning
A variety of resources to help in developing a lesson plan for Fish in a Tree
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I Talk Like a River
by
Call Number: j. Sco83iSchneider Family Book Award
I wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around me. And I can't say them all . . . When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Compassionate parents everywhere will instantly recognize a father's ability to reconnect a child with the world around him.
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Discussion Guide for I Talk Like a River
The ADL offers both an educators and a parent/family discussion guide
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Darius the Great Is Not Okay
by
Call Number: j. K528dDarius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's a Fractional Persian -- half, his mom's side -- and his first ever trip to Iran is about to change his life. Darius has never really fit in at home, and he's sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn't exactly help matters, and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they're spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city's skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush -- the original Farsi version of his name -- and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab.
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Darius the Great is Not Okay Lesson Plan
A thorough guide created by the published of Darius the Great is Not Okay
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Each Tiny Spark
by
Call Number: j. C242eSixth-grader Emilia Torres struggles with ADHD, her controlling abuela, her mother's work commitments, her father's distance after returning from deployment, evolving friendships, and a conflict over school redistricting. -
Little and Lion
by
Call Number: Tyson Curriculum Center ; C. 372.604 C67lSuzette returns home to Los Angeles from boarding school and grapples with her bisexual identity when she and her stepbrother Lionel fall in love with the same girl. As Lionel's bipolar disorder begins to spin out of control, it forces Suzette to confront her own demons. Can she save Lionel from himself-- and will he trust her enough to do so? -
Meh
by
Call Number: Juvenile Collection ; j. M292mSadness is an emotion that everyone feels at some time or another. But sometimes you might feel a sadness so long and so deep and dark that it seems impossible to find happiness. That kind of sadness is called depression. Meh is a wordless picture book about one boy's journey through depression.
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Emmanuel's Dream: the True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by
Call Number: Biographies HV3013.Y43 T56 2015Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people-but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message- disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.
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Emmanuel's Dream Lesson Plan
A lesson plan focused on providing social emotional growth opportunities to students while reading Emmanuel's Dream
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The War That Saved My Life
by
Call Number: j. T371eSchneider Family Book Award & Charlie May Simon Award
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada's twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn't waste a minute--she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan--and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? -
Rescue and Jessica
by
Call Number: j. K41rSchneider Family Book Award Winner
Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time.
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Rescue and Jessica Lesson Plan
Common Core centered lesson plan that offers activities and discussion questions
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All the Way to the Top
by
Call Number: j. P649aDiagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling - and overcoming - the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated in the Capitol Crawl. The image of Jennifer crawling up the steps of Capitol Hill went viral and helped pressure Congress into passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. -
I Will Dance
by
Call Number: j. F659iEva's cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to do many things, but she longs to dance and, finally, her dream is realized. Includes author's note and information about Young Dance Company. -
We Want to Go to School!
by
Call Number: j. C641wThere was a time in the United States when children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free public education. Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who attended school as a result of these laws, tells the true story of this landmark case.
Culturally Relevant Text Project Winners and Runners-Up
Elementary
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All Are Welcome
by
Proposed by Amy Crumpley, class of 2021
Amy provides a compelling argument for this selection. āThe simple yet powerful phrase āAll Are Welcomeā left me with a clear image as to what theme this story would encompassā¦.A future educator could use this book as an opportunity to portray many concepts that even adults cannot seem to grow comfortable explaining, but in a light hearted and simple way. Not only does this book touch base on culturally relevant topics of our time (language and religion especially) but it also reveals many social diversities that are much more apparent today, such as the LGBTQ community and the differing geographical origins of the citizens in our country.ā
Call Number: j. P37aPublication Date: 2018 -
Beautiful
by
Proposed by Lizzie Malcolm
Lizzes states that āthis book shows that women and girls are amazing. It shows that they can be whatever they want to be, and they will always be a beautiful person. As a future teacher, I would use this book in my class room to help build confidence and self-esteem in both boys and girls. Making them write something about what makes them beautiful in their own way would be a great exercise to incorporate after reading this.ā
Call Number: j. M118bPublication Date: 2016 -
A Family Is a Family Is a Family
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Proposed by Alassandra Mulligan
Alassandra feels that āthe story itself is really touching because it shows children that they donāt have to be embarrassed by who they consider family. Even more important is that everyoneās family is different and there isnāt a ārightā kind of family. Just like people, family is consistent of all different types of individuals and this is a strong message for children. It opens up talks about inclusion and identifying differences in others and how we can show acceptance and compassion and understand a life or situation different than our own.ā
Call Number: j. Ol2fPublication Date: 2016 -
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
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Proposed by both Katie Warren, class of 2021 and Euclides Arauz Rivera, class of 2022
Katie states that āIt is not a story all about bullying. The major theme is friendship and kindnessā¦.This beautifully illustrated story shows young readers how to become caring and supportive upstanders.ā Euclides shares that āI chose this book because the topic that it addresses is very meaningful and exposing young kids to this reality could have a profound impact on their social behaviors with other people. I particularly enjoy the fact that it has no words which would lend itself to interpretation and would produce a powerful conversation.ā
Call Number: j. K45iPublication Date: 2018 -
Love Is Love
by
Proposed by Luke Loprieno
Luke shares that āthis bookā¦is about a child who is teased about having two dads, and how he ends up realizing his family is not all that different from the other studentsā¦I think any child who has not yet experienced any LGBTQ+ situations would react positively to reading this book because of the heartwarming message it shows. This is a good way to be introduced to something that the children may have never seen before because it portrays it in a simple way that promotes equality.ā
Call Number: j. G28lPublication Date: 2018 -
My Language, Your Language
by
Proposed by Amir Komatsuzaki
Amir praises this book and shares that it is āabout young students at school trying to learn all the different languages from each other because a lot of people in the world have a background of growing up in two languages.ā He states that āas a future teacher in a field of English I will have every student read this in a class one day and let them discuss about why it is good to have understanding of many languages rather than just one language. This will teach students to be more diverse with language and be open-minded to other cultures that they have yet to know.ā
Call Number: j. B872mPublication Date: 2015 -
Ruby Finds a Worry
by
Proposed by Sami Foster
Sami feels that āthis book would be very powerful for a child who struggles with anxiety, or even a child that has fears or worries but doesnāt necessarily have anxiety. This book would be a great way to show little kids that it is okay to have their worries and fears and that worrying is nothing to be ashamed of. It can also normalize anxiety/worry for kids because they can relate to Ruby and see how she found other kids, and even adults, who worry tooā¦ This book helps to break the mental health stigma starting in young kids, it shows kids that their feelings are important and noticed by their teachers, and it teaches kids that it is great to talk about their worries and that they shouldnāt just keep it to themselves.ā
Call Number: j. P412rPublication Date: 2019 -
Same, Same but Different
by
Proposed by Kelly Heighway
Jenny states that āthis story is meant to show children that even if someone is across the world in another country, there is always going to be something in common...The story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friendsā¦It also shows the young readers that despite cultural differences, it is important to embrace their own cultures, as well as someone elseās. This book would be very useful in a classroom setting, there are many activities that go along with it.ā
Call Number: j. K848sPublication Date: 2011 -
Spork
by
Proposed by Tyler DiFatta
Tyler shares that āSpork started off struggling with his self-identity. He didnāt like how he was different and didnāt fit in with his peers, the other cutlery. It wasnāt until the very end of the story where he realized, his individual ātalentsā and self is as important as othersā¦ Even though I plan on teaching at a high school level, I may use this book as an introduction to my class. I want my future students to know my thoughts about differences. I want my students to know that EVERYONE is accepted for who they are or envision themselves to be. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and we need to accept others and ourselves.ā
Call Number: j. M224sPublication Date: 2017
Middle/High School
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The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World
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Proposed by Kaitlin Pritchard
Kaitlin shares that āthe beautiful thing about Funkās work is that it is not centered around just the typical image of an activist. It is centered around LGBTQ heroes in every walk of life, in every profession, and in every cultural background. It is not just political organizers and protestors, it is every day people working in classrooms, restaurants, and courtrooms to shape history one day at a time. History is made by ordinary people. This is an incredibly inspirational message to any student looking to make a change in the world regardless of their sexual orientationā¦ With new legislation in Illinois that was passed requiring schools to teach LGBTQ+ history starting next year, it is more important than ever for our students to have access to the voices of these everyday heroes.ā
Call Number: j. 920.0086 F96bPublication Date: 2019 -
Does My Head Look Big in This?
by
Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.
Call Number: j. Ab3dPublication Date: 2007 -
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
by
Proposed by Jena Livesay
Jena tells us that āForgive Me Leonard Peacock is a raw and real book. It takes you through what is believed to be the last day of someoneās life. It talks about suffering caused by someone you trust and care about. I chose it because it is not a book that you can just put down and continue about your normal day. As a future teacher I will use it to remind me that students all have battles they face every day that I do not know about, and it is important to pay attention to the signs that say someone needs help.ā
Call Number: j. Q41fPublication Date: 2013 -
Gym Candy
by
Proposed by Aaron Helbok, class of 2020
Aaron supports his selection of this young adult fiction title about a football playerās struggle with steroids as follows. āThis book starts off as a football storyā¦But what Dueker is able to do with all the twists and turns in the story is turn this from a football story to a life story that deals with drug abuse, mental health, and even suicideā¦One thing that Dueker does in the novel which I really like is not mention the race of any of the characters. Mick could be white, he could be black, he could be mixed. The book never tells us which is empoweringā¦.it shows the reader that steroids, and mental health can be a problem for anyone.ā
Call Number: j. D48gPublication Date: 2007 -
Into the Beautiful North
by
Proposed by Jazlin Vallejo
Jazlin writes that this story āspeaks to people who are children of immigrants and immigrants themselves. It talks about the difficulties back at home in Mexico for some of us and the hope of opportunities here in the United States, with families trying to give their children the best future they canā¦It gives a different perspective to young readers who are still learning about the world. Itās important they get an unpolitical view about immigrants, and show their life without throwing hate towards itā¦I definitely needed more books like this growing up. ā
Call Number: 813.6 Ur7iPublication Date: 2009 -
Nine, Ten: a September 11 Story
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Proposed by Jacob Kadolph
Jacob tells us that this story āfollows the lives of four different childrenā¦Throughout the context of this novel, readers will explore the lives of these children in the days leading up to September 11 and how their lives were changed by the 9/11 attacksā¦Nine,Ten can speak volumes to young people like me who seek a deeper, broader understanding of September 11, 2001ā¦.I can confidently say that Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is, indeed, a culturally relevant text. Not only is the Islam religion respectfully represented through the character of Naheed, but the front and back covers of the book itself also illustrate the diversity in race among the four main protagonists.ā
Call Number: j. B293nPublication Date: 2016 -
We Are Not yet Equal: Understanding Our Racial Divide
by
Call Number: j.323.1196Publication Date: 2018 -
Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House
by
Proposed by Maria Gonzalez
Maria shares that āthe women mentioned in this book are women of color, women of different races, women from different cultures and women who look very different from each other. They all came together to a place at one point it seemed impossible to getā¦.As a future Latina teacher, I know I will definitely have this book in my classroom for my student to be able to read it when they feel like theyāre losing motivation with their education.ā
Call Number: j. 973.932 B73yPublication Date: 2019
Elementary Winner
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Same, Same but Different
by
Call Number: j. K848sPublication Date: 2011Proposed by Kelly Heighway
Jenny states that āthis story is meant to show children that even if someone is across the world in another country, there is always going to be something in common...The story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friendsā¦It also shows the young readers that despite cultural differences, it is important to embrace their own cultures, as well as someone elseās. This book would be very useful in a classroom setting, there are many activities that go along with it.ā
Elementary Runner-Up
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A Family Is a Family Is a Family
by
Call Number: j. Ol2fPublication Date: 2016Proposed by Alassandra Mulligan
Alassandra feels that āthe story itself is really touching because it shows children that they donāt have to be embarrassed by who they consider family. Even more important is that everyoneās family is different and there isnāt a ārightā kind of family. Just like people, family is consistent of all different types of individuals and this is a strong message for children. It opens up talks about inclusion and identifying differences in others and how we can show acceptance and compassion and understand a life or situation different than our own.ā
Middle/High School Winner
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Into the Beautiful North
by
Call Number: 813.6 Ur7iPublication Date: 2009Proposed by Jazlin Vallejo
Jazlin writes that this story āspeaks to people who are children of immigrants and immigrants themselves. It talks about the difficulties back at home in Mexico for some of us and the hope of opportunities here in the United States, with families trying to give their children the best future they canā¦It gives a different perspective to young readers who are still learning about the world. Itās important they get an unpolitical view about immigrants, and show their life without throwing hate towards itā¦I definitely needed more books like this growing up. ā
Middle/High School Runner-Up
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Does My Head Look Big in This?
by
Call Number: j. Ab3dPublication Date: 2007Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.
Elementary Winners
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Spork
by
Call Number: j. M224sPublication Date: 2017Proposed by Tyler DiFatta
Tyler shares that āSpork started off struggling with his self-identity. He didnāt like how he was different and didnāt fit in with his peers, the other cutlery. It wasnāt until the very end of the story where he realized, his individual ātalentsā and self is as important as othersā¦ Even though I plan on teaching at a high school level, I may use this book as an introduction to my class. I want my future students to know my thoughts about differences. I want my students to know that EVERYONE is accepted for who they are or envision themselves to be. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and we need to accept others and ourselves.ā -
Beautiful
by
Call Number: j. M118bPublication Date: 2016Proposed by Lizzie Malcolm
Lizzes states that āthis book shows that women and girls are amazing. It shows that they can be whatever they want to be, and they will always be a beautiful person. As a future teacher, I would use this book in my class room to help build confidence and self-esteem in both boys and girls. Making them write something about what makes them beautiful in their own way would be a great exercise to incorporate after reading this.ā
Elementary Runner-Up
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Ruby Finds a Worry
by
Call Number: j. P412rPublication Date: 2019Proposed by Sami Foster
Sami feels that āthis book would be very powerful for a child who struggles with anxiety, or even a child that has fears or worries but doesnāt necessarily have anxiety. This book would be a great way to show little kids that it is okay to have their worries and fears and that worrying is nothing to be ashamed of. It can also normalize anxiety/worry for kids because they can relate to Ruby and see how she found other kids, and even adults, who worry tooā¦ This book helps to break the mental health stigma starting in young kids, it shows kids that their feelings are important and noticed by their teachers, and it teaches kids that it is great to talk about their worries and that they shouldnāt just keep it to themselves.ā
Middle/High School Winner
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The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World
by
Call Number: j. 920.0086 F96bPublication Date: 2019Proposed by Kaitlin Pritchard
Kaitlin shares that āthe beautiful thing about Funkās work is that it is not centered around just the typical image of an activist. It is centered around LGBTQ heroes in every walk of life, in every profession, and in every cultural background. It is not just political organizers and protestors, it is every day people working in classrooms, restaurants, and courtrooms to shape history one day at a time. History is made by ordinary people. This is an incredibly inspirational message to any student looking to make a change in the world regardless of their sexual orientationā¦ With new legislation in Illinois that was passed requiring schools to teach LGBTQ+ history starting next year, it is more important than ever for our students to have access to the voices of these everyday heroes.ā
Middle/High School Runner-Up
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Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
by
Call Number: j. Q41fPublication Date: 2013Proposed by Jena Livesay
Jena tells us that āForgive Me Leonard Peacock is a raw and real book. It takes you through what is believed to be the last day of someoneās life. It talks about suffering caused by someone you trust and care about. I chose it because it is not a book that you can just put down and continue about your normal day. As a future teacher I will use it to remind me that students all have battles they face every day that I do not know about, and it is important to pay attention to the signs that say someone needs help.ā
Elementary Winner
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My Language, Your Language
by
Call Number: j. B872mPublication Date: 2015Proposed by Amir Komatsuzaki
Amir praises this book and shares that it is āabout young students at school trying to learn all the different languages from each other because a lot of people in the world have a background of growing up in two languages.ā He states that āas a future teacher in a field of English I will have every student read this in a class one day and let them discuss about why it is good to have understanding of many languages rather than just one language. This will teach students to be more diverse with language and be open-minded to other cultures that they have yet to know.ā
Elementary Runner-Up
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Love Is Love
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Call Number: j. G28lPublication Date: 2018Proposed by Luke Loprieno
Luke shares that āthis bookā¦is about a child who is teased about having two dads, and how he ends up realizing his family is not all that different from the other studentsā¦I think any child who has not yet experienced any LGBTQ+ situations would react positively to reading this book because of the heartwarming message it shows. This is a good way to be introduced to something that the children may have never seen before because it portrays it in a simple way that promotes equality.ā
Middle/High School Winner
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Nine, Ten: a September 11 Story
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Call Number: j. B293nPublication Date: 2016Proposed by Jacob Kadolph
Jacob tells us that this story āfollows the lives of four different childrenā¦Throughout the context of this novel, readers will explore the lives of these children in the days leading up to September 11 and how their lives were changed by the 9/11 attacksā¦Nine,Ten can speak volumes to young people like me who seek a deeper, broader understanding of September 11, 2001ā¦.I can confidently say that Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is, indeed, a culturally relevant text. Not only is the Islam religion respectfully represented through the character of Naheed, but the front and back covers of the book itself also illustrate the diversity in race among the four main protagonists.ā
Middle/High School Runner-Up
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Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House
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Call Number: j. 973.932 B73yPublication Date: 2019Proposed by Maria Gonzalez
Maria shares that āthe women mentioned in this book are women of color, women of different races, women from different cultures and women who look very different from each other. They all came together to a place at one point it seemed impossible to getā¦.As a future Latina teacher, I know I will definitely have this book in my classroom for my student to be able to read it when they feel like theyāre losing motivation with their education.ā
Elementary Winner
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All Are Welcome
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Call Number: j. P37aPublication Date: 2018Proposed by Amy Crumpley, class of 2021
Amy provides a compelling argument for this selection. āThe simple yet powerful phrase āAll Are Welcomeā left me with a clear image as to what theme this story would encompassā¦.A future educator could use this book as an opportunity to portray many concepts that even adults cannot seem to grow comfortable explaining, but in a light hearted and simple way. Not only does this book touch base on culturally relevant topics of our time (language and religion especially) but it also reveals many social diversities that are much more apparent today, such as the LGBTQ community and the differing geographical origins of the citizens in our country.ā
Elementary Runner-Up
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I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
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Call Number: j. K45iPublication Date: 2018Proposed by both Katie Warren, class of 2021 and Euclides Arauz Rivera, class of 2022
Katie states that āIt is not a story all about bullying. The major theme is friendship and kindnessā¦.This beautifully illustrated story shows young readers how to become caring and supportive upstanders.ā Euclides shares that āI chose this book because the topic that it addresses is very meaningful and exposing young kids to this reality could have a profound impact on their social behaviors with other people. I particularly enjoy the fact that it has no words which would lend itself to interpretation and would produce a powerful conversation.ā
Middle/High School Winner
Middle/High School Runner
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Gym Candy
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Call Number: j. D48gPublication Date: 2007Proposed by Aaron Helbok, class of 2020
Aaron supports his selection of this young adult fiction title about a football playerās struggle with steroids as follows. āThis book starts off as a football storyā¦But what Dueker is able to do with all the twists and turns in the story is turn this from a football story to a life story that deals with drug abuse, mental health, and even suicideā¦One thing that Dueker does in the novel which I really like is not mention the race of any of the characters. Mick could be white, he could be black, he could be mixed. The book never tells us which is empoweringā¦.it shows the reader that steroids, and mental health can be a problem for anyone.ā
