The One with Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies by Cokie Roberts
This is an easy read for upper elementary and middle school students who are interested in finding out more about the ladies who assisted in shaping the United States of America. An incredible resource to have in any 4th-8th grade classroom library.
The One Where I Read ∙ Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
An inspirational story; about trying new things, perseverance, living out your dreams, and overcoming your fears. I recommend reading this book to students of all ages to motivate them to do whatever it takes in order to fulfill their hearts desire.
The One with Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
This book discusses the history of the Gay Pride flag created by Gilbert Baker and the social activist Harvey Milk. This beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book, for children of all ages shares the message of HOPE, EQUALITY, LOVE & PRIDE.
The One With the Book All Eyes on Alexandra by Anne Levine
All Eyes on Alexandra shares an important lesson on family. Although Alexandra maybe be difficult and may not do things like the rest of the family, she has her strengths and uniqueness that makes her different her brothers, sisters, and cousins. While some may be caught off guard by her differences, I think things go best when the family allows her to be herself.
The One Where I Read From the Heart of Africa
Each of the aphorisms shared in this collection are paired with an exquisite picture, its origin, and its meaning. Instead of reading all of the aphorisms at one time, I would share one at a time. Whether you share one a day or one a week is up to you; I think I will share one daily during a Geography unit on Africa.
The One With the Book Jazz Jennings, I Am Jazz
Books are to be mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors in our students lives. A mirror when they are able to see themselves, a window so they can see others around them, and sliding glass doors so they can learn about those outside of their current world. I am Jazz is a simple picture book of acceptance and the art of being yourself.
The One With Jacqueline Woodson’s Book The Day You Begin
As educators, what an incredible opportunity we have within the first days of school to share this message to our students to help them share their differences with their classmates. When we have courage to introduce who we really are and are kind in accepting those who are different from us; we may find commonalities to make our classrooms a safe place that we look forward to returning to everyday.
The One With Alexandra Penfold’s All Are Welcome
I held back tears the first time I read All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold aloud to my family. I knew immediately that this book needed to be shared with everyone of my students during the first weeks of school. Every year, I need to establish from the very beginning that each individual child is welcome in my classroom. No matter what skin color you have, no matter what clothes you wear, no matter what higher power you believe in, no matter how much or how little money your family has, no matter what gender you are, no matter what _____________________ …
The One With The Dot by Peter Reynolds
An incredible picture book of both self-worth and the power of a teacher who believes in their students. It begins with a upset child at a desk with an empty page.
The One Where I Read How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
In this fictional picture book, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, Marjorie Priceman takes you on a world-wide adventure in order to make an exquisite apple pie. In the story, a girl wants to make an apple pie. Easy, go down to the market with your recipe and pick up the items needed. But, what if the market is closed? You pack a suitcase and begin your traveling on board a boat to Europe with your shopping list and pick up the items necessary, of course! Stopping in Italy, France, Sri Lanka, England, Jamaica, and Vermont as they will provide the best ingredients.
Coffee Girl 