by By Alexandra Penfold and Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Review by Kerry Hallee
This is a book about diversity being a strength and a
welcome part of the school environment.
The book follows a group of children throughout their school day. The text juxtaposes everyday school
activities with illustrations of how students’ lives are different. The children
in the book represent multiple races, cultures, and religions. The message is that despite our differences “we
are part of a community and our strength is our diversity.”
This book is important because all students should see themselves
in the books and resources used in the classroom. This book encompasses many cultural
backgrounds, races, and religions. It is
an opportunity for teachers to show their students that they are truly welcome
and will be represented in the classroom and that our differences make us
stronger. The text continually repeats
the message “you are welcome here”.
This would be an excellent book to read to elementary
students at the start of the school year.
Almost all students in the class will connect with the illustrations. Students will see themselves echoed in the
story, which is vital to create a classroom community at the beginning of the
school year.
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