Written by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith Reviewed by Melody Falleur-Fettig “Where there’s room FOR SOME we make room FOR ALL. Friends can be ALLIES no matter how small!” This wonderful picture book shows young children not only how to be caring, accepting members of a community but normalizes […]
Category: Class Reviews 2020-2021
Red A Crayon’s Story
Red: A Crayon’s Story Written and Illustrated by Michael Hall Sometimes what our outside says and looks like does not reflect our true colors. This wonderful story takes us through a crayons journey of discovering that he was different than what it said on his label and accepting his truth and identity. A bright, inspiring, […]
My Hair is a Garden
My Hair is a Garden Written and Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera This book is a visual masterpiece by a Black artisan, puppeteer, and illustrator, Cozbi A. Cabrera. We follow the journey of a young Black student as she struggles to accept the power of her hair, eventually drawing comfort and confidence from the similarities […]
Out Of My Mind
Out Of My Mind Written By Sharon M. Draper Out Of My Mind is a beautiful fictional story from Sharon M. Draper about the life, triumphs, and struggles of an almost 11 year old Melody Brooks, a bright young girl with Cerebral Palsy. This 33 chapter long story paints a very clear picture of Melodys […]
Just Ask
Written by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and the first Hispanic Latina member of the court, Sonia Sotomayor. Illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Be Different. Be Brave. Be You. Justice Sotomayor gifts the reader with a textual conversation about differently abled children. She gracefully makes a connection between the many different […]
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
We Are Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade. Reviewed by Isabelle Grant. “Water is the first medicine” We are Water Protectors is a story inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America. With simple and powerful language alongside breathtaking illustrations, We Are Water Protectors details Indigenous traditions that honor […]
Going Down Home With Daddy
Written by: Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by: Daniel Minter Reviewed by: Macey Putnam (2020-2021) “There is nothing like going down home” Going Down Home With Daddy is a beautiful book that was awarded the Caldelcott for 2020 and showcases the traditions and culture of an African American family. In the story Lil Alan and his […]
All Are Welcome
Written By: Alexandra Penfold Illustrated By: Suzanne Kaufman Reviewed By: Hannah Robles (2020-2021) “In our classroom safe and sound. Fears are lost and hope is found. Raise your hand, we’ll go around. All are welcome here.” All Are Welcome shines light into a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated! As I began reading this […]
The Hate U Give
Written by Angie Thomas Reviewed by Julia Marlin (2020-2021) Starr Carter is just a 16-year-old girl trying to navigate her identity. Depending on where she goes, she walks a fine line between being perceived as too Black or not Black enough. At Williamson Prep, the White-majority private high school she and her brother attend across […]
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
The Day You Begin written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López Reviewed by Sarah Conley “There will be times when the world feels like a place that you’re standing all the way outside of…” The Day You Begin is a bright and colorful book despite its initially sober tone. We follow several characters […]