Picture Books
Grades 1-3
Last Stop on Market Street
By Matt de la Peña
2015- Penguin Young Readers
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful bond only grandparent and grandchild can share, and spurs conversations about diversity with elementary students of all ages.
Keywords: Bus, Community, Diversity, Grandparents and Grandchildren, Magic, Neighborhood, Rich and Poor, Volunteering, Wealth
Big Red Lollipop
By Rukhsana Khan
2010- Penguin Young Readers
Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother insists that she bring her little sister, Sana, along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince her mother that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a big red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do? Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this story of siblings.
Keywords: Birthdays, Canadian Author, Candy, Emotions, Family, Guilt, Humor, Selfishness and Selflessness, Sharing, Siblings Sisters
A Year of Borrowed Men
By Michelle Barker
2015- Pajama Press
When World War II "borrows" the men in seven-year-old Gerda's family, the German government sends them three new men in return: Gabriel, Fermaine, and Albert; French prisoners of war who must sleep in an outbuilding and work the farm until the war is over. Gerda knows they are supposed to treat the men as enemies, but it doesn’t seem fair. Can't they invite them into the warm house for one meal? What harm could it do to be friendly? Vancouver author Michelle Barker shares one true story of humanity and friendship in a time of suspicion and fear, perfect for elementary students of all ages. Family photographs and an Author's Note give further insight into the life of Gerda, the little girl who proved that it isn't so far from Feinde (enemies) to Freunde (friends).
Keywords: Cultures, Diversity, Europe, Family, Farm, France, Germany, History, Nonfiction, Prisoners of War, Soldiers, Vancouver Author, War, World War II
Me and my Fear
By Francesca Sanna
2018 - Flying Eye Books
When a young immigrant girl has to travel to a new country and start at a new school, she is accompanied by her Fear who tells her to be alone and afraid, growing bigger and bigger every day with questions like "how can you hope to make new friends if you don't understand their language?" But this little girl is stronger than her Fear. A heart-warming and timely tale, this book shows us the importance of sharing your Fear with others--after all, everyone carries a Fear with them, even if it's small enough to fit into their pocket!
Keywords: Anxiety, Bravery, Courage, Creativity, Emotions, Fear, Feelings, Immigration
If the World Were a Village
By David J. Smith
2002 - Kids Can Press
This eye-opening book imagines the world's population--all 7 billion of us--as a village of just 100 people! By exploring the 100 villagers, children will discover that life in other nations is often very different from their own. The story also provides valuable information on different cultures, religions, customs, food, energy, and health.
Keywords: Cultures, Diversity, Global Thinking, Math, Open-Mindedness, Population, Social Awareness, Statistics