Published by Roaring Brook Press Summary: When Tanisha spills grape juice on her new dress, the narrator tries to be kind (“Purple is my favorite color”), but Tanisha is too upset to appreciate the gesture. The narrator wonders what she could have done differently, and reflects on what it means to be kind. She thinks … Continue reading Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill
Published by Etch/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Summary: In this spinoff from the Click series, best friends Liz and Chanda are trying to make some money. When their lemonade stand fails, Liz’s older sister hands over her dog-sitting job to the two girls. They’re thrilled to get to hang out at the owner’s fancy home, raiding her … Continue reading Besties Work It Out (The World of Click) by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino, illustrated by Kristina Luu
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates Published by Simon and Schuster, 2018 This umbrella is big enough to cover everyone. A quick read, great illustrations, and a diverse cast of characters get the conversation on inclusion rolling. 40 pages; ages 4-8. The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo, illustrated by Mike Deas … Continue reading Kindness and community
This year, for so many reasons, kids need to feel the safety of the classroom community more than ever. And, of course, whether your students are Zooming or social distancing, creating community will be extra challenging. Here are some books to help you get started. The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates … Continue reading 10 picture books about kindness and community
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers Summary: It starts out sounding like an ordinary story: “Snappsy the alligator wasn’t feeling like himself. His feet felt draggy. His skin felt baggy.” But then, Snappsy himself interrupts. “This is terrible! I’m just hungry! Why is this rude narrator trying to make it seem like I … Continue reading Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be In This Book!) by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Tim Miller
Published by Greenwillow Books Summary: Sal Miller is four years old, the younger sister of Billy Miller, the protagonist of two previous Kevin Henkes books. There’s a lot going on in Sal’s house right now, with a new baby sister who arrived on Christmas Eve, and a visit from Uncle Jake, who annoys Sal by … Continue reading Oh, Sal by Kevin Henkes
Biographies Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born by Gene Barretta Published by Katherine Tegen Books, 2017 After 12-year-old Cassius Clay’s bicycle was stolen, a police officer introduced him to boxing, igniting a passion that led to a career as a world champion boxer, activist, and humanitarian. 40 pages; grades 1-5. Trombone Shorty by Troy Anderson, … Continue reading Black History
It’s never too early to start a book club, whether it’s in the classroom, the library, home, or some other setting. I’ve found students in grades 2-5 to be some of the most enthusiastic book club participants. I usually meet with them every week or every other week, and expect them to read the whole … Continue reading Book clubs for grades 2-4
Published by Candlewick Summary: Daniela’s next-door neighbor and best friend Evelyn is moving away. The girls get together and play one last time as Evelyn’s parents finish packing, and their mothers hug goodbye. Even though the girls promise to call every day and have a sleepover in the summer, Daniela knows that things won’t be … Continue reading Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
A Kids Book A Day 