Harbor Me, by Jacqueline Woodson

Wow. WOW. It is not very often that I finish a book and want nothing more then to pick it right back up again, flip back to page 1, and read it cover to cover just one more time. But that’s exactly how I felt when I put down Harbor Me, a stunning new novel by Jacqueline Woodson. If I have said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: Woodson is a gift to literature. Her words resonate deeply, and she possesses an extraordinary ability to tap into timely, almost desperate situations in a manner appropriate and gentle enough for young kids to grasp.

In Harbor Me, six children are taken to their school’s old art room and told it’s a place for them to have a weekly chat— without teachers, thus making it totally unmonitored. The six kids, from varying walks of life, are hesitant at first. They each have their stories, but is it safe? Can they open up to one another? The room becomes dubbed the ARTT room, an acronym for “a room to talk,” and soon enough, their stories begin. As their connections develop and their words bridge divides, the students realize that sharing their stories could be the very thing they needed to give them the strength to handle circumstances that once made them feel so desperately alone.

Harbor Me is stunning. At once both a coming of age story and an exploration of how America’s political and social challenges affect children daily, Woodson’s words ground us firmly in the ARTT room as the kids struggle to comprehend both their identities as individuals as well as their places in society. These children are America’s children. They are OUR children- children affected by the headlines pervasive in our country today including immigration, deportation, incarcerated parents, and the black lives matter movement. These children are in our homes and schools, and their confidence and self worth is being shaken regularly due to government regulations, racial profiling and harmful ignorance. Through Woodson’s evocative prose and magical storytelling, we watch the children become safe harbors for one another, their initial apprehension slowly turning into compassion, connection and perhaps most importantly, courage. 

Want the book? Get it here! Harbor Me, by Jacqueline Woodson. *This is an affiliate link. HEE received an advanced review copy of this book, but all opinions expressed herein are entirely our own.

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse, by Marcy Campbell

The imagination is a powerful tool. So powerful, in fact, that it can transport a child from tough circumstances to a world where he can settle amidst more comfortable or even luxurious surroundings. But what about those kids who recognize that another child may be imagining things that aren’t exactly real? What about those kids who want to shout from the rooftops that one of his peers is a dirty rotten liar? It’s a difficult situation, no doubt. We learn as children to be honest, but the truth is that the imagination can be a powerful and wonderful defense mechanism for some, so much so that their imaginary worlds provide them with significant comfort.

Enter Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse, written by Mary Campbell and exquisitely illustrated by Corinna Luyken. In this poignant story, Adrian Simcox tells his classmates that he has a horse- and not just any horse. Adrian’s horse is the best and most beautiful horse in all the world. But Chloe knows Adrian is lying. After all, Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house and has holes in his shoes, so there’s no way he has a horse in his backyard. And the more Adrian talks about this beautiful horse, the angrier Chloe gets... and the more she wants to prove him wrong. Will vindication give Chloe the satisfaction she so desires?

If you are looking to nurture empathy in your children or students, Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is a touching new picture book for your collection-- a must have, in our opinion. Campbell’s light touch is evident throughout this book, especially through her subtle text and the way Chloe comes to realize why Adrian may be lost in his imagination. Should Adrian's circumstances matter if he isn’t being truthful, and how on earth do we explain perspective to children? I love the way this story so beautifully encourages kids to walk in other’s shoes, as well as the manner in which it helps children recognize that indulging a classmates' fanciful stories is sometimes ok - especially if it helps that child make his personal living conditions easier to bear. Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is a classic in the making, and I absolutely cannot wait to read it to my students when school begins.

Want the book? Get it here! Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse, by Marcy Campbell.  *This is an affiliate link. HEE received an advanced review copy of this book, but all opinions expressed herein are entirely our own. 

 

Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate

Wishtree, the latest novel by Katherine Applegate, got a lot of hype. A LOT. And I’m always hesitant to pick up books like this because I pick them up with extremely high expectations. But this one- with its quiet, piercing beauty- absolutely blew me away. Wishtree lived up to the hype and then some, and I continuously find myself trying to get it into as many hands as I possibly can.

"Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories..." And so it is with Red, a majestic oak tree that is nearly two hundred and sixteen "rings" old, harboring secrets and stories that have been nearly forgotten by the people in the community in which it lives. Red is a wishtree who watches over the neighborhood, keeping mostly to himself.  When a Muslim family moves onto the street, however, Red witnesses firsthand that all neighbors aren't so welcoming, and even children are forced to undergo hateful messages.  It is then that Red realizes his status as a wishtree is more important than ever, and it might be just the time to break with tradition and intervene. 

Descriptive language? Check. Incredible characterization? Check. Depth? Check. Real world issues? Check. Sensitive for even younger readers? Check. My goodness, how I love this book. Applegate writes with such a light, unadorned touch, yet her words move deeply and speak volumes.  She tackles tough, mature topics in an accessible, easy to understand manner, allowing even young readers to grasp the enormity and import of these issues. I am so frequently asked for great books for advanced second graders, and I finally found a modern, perfect one. Wishtree is an absolute beauty.  It is a timeless story that soars, with words that stir your soul.  It is a treasure, and it will undoubtedly be devoured and loved by children and adults for generations to come. 

Want the book? Get it here: Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate. *This is an affiliate link. 

The Invisible Boy, by Trudi Ludwig

My heart has been tremendously heavy since the horrific tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, a school so close to my own.  There are so many things that need to be fixed in this country, so many problems we need to tackle from guns to the mental health crisis to funding for our public schools.  As you know, I frequently turn to books for answers and support, but books, unfortunately, cannot solve our national gun crisis. You know what books CAN do, though? You know what their very purpose is? To serve as windows and mirrors for students and adults.  To foster empathy in our children, provide safe spaces for children to explore daunting emotions, build a generation of globally aware and conscious kids, and help our young ones find themselves in stories so they don't feel so alone. 

I want to highlight The Invisible Boy today, a phenomenal story written by Trudi Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton.  The Invisible Boy is about a child named Brian who is never seen or noticed by his classmates. He has no friends. He is never picked to be on a team at recess, never acknowledged by his teachers, never invited to birthday parties. And thus, he appears in the story devoid of color, making him invisible among his classmates. Eventually a new child comes to school and winds up in Brian's class.  Brian is the first to reach out to him. When a bond forms between the two boys and they are teamed up to work on a class project, Brian finds a way to step out of the shadows and flourish.  Not only does he make a new friend, but Barton's illustrations show how small acts of kindness fill Brian up with color until he is, quite literally, a vibrant force in his classroom.

The Invisible Boy is a phenomenal story, perfectly illustrating how one tiny act of kindness - one small act of acknowledgement or appreciation - can infuse our lives with color and have a significant impact on our self esteem.  We need to be so darn certain that none of our children and none of our students are EVER made to feel nonexistent in our homes and schools.  Feeling invisible can be just as damaging to a child's social and emotional well being as being teased and laughed at, and it is up to us, the adults, to model the virtues we want the next generation to inherit.  This book beautifully conveys the importance of being kind and compassionate and of encouraging our children to befriend those in their classrooms who are too often overlooked. It also reminds us how important it is to get our kids and students involved in activities and clubs that will really allow their unique talents and abilities to flourish with like-minded children with whom they may be able to share a special bond.  Feeling invisible can be destructive, and it is up to us to find these struggling children, help them, and show them how important they are in our homes, schools and communities.  

In our elementary school, I read The Invisible Boy with each of my classes and gave the students a challenge: make sure no student in your class feels invisible.  I remind them to be mindful of their fellow classmates, to look around, be kind, be compassionate.  It takes work, and it is not always easy among students who can be -- lets face it -- be cliquey and catty.  But it is important to give children constant reminders of how critical it is to be inclusive, to have kind hands, kind words and kind hearts.  

We are the adults. We need to do something for these invisible kids, and we need to start by making sure that every child in our homes and classrooms feels heard, supported, and - most importantly - loved. The Invisible Boy is a must for your collections, and I can't rave about this book enough. Get it here, now: The Invisible Boy, by Trudi Ludwig. 

Kind Hands, Kind Words, Kind Hearts: 21 Books to Promote Kindness, Inclusiveness and Equality

I'll start with this: turning on the news these days is frightening.  Between the statements made and the things left unsaid, I'm continually left with one fear-inducing thought: what kind of world will my precious boys inherit? My children are young, only two and four, but I often find myself grappling with how I will approach daunting conversations I know we must have in the very near future. And when my own words fail me - when I find myself coming up with conversation starters only to cast them aside due to their banality - I always turn back to the same powerful, tried and true tool: children's books.

When you can't find the words to explain to your little ones some of America's pressing issues regarding race, religion, gender and equality, children's literature has a significant ability to convey the values we want our children to learn and live by every single day. Through books, we can impart the significance of upholding the ideals our great country was founded upon. So read to your kids. Read every day, multiple times a day if possible, whenever you can get it in. Read before bed, snuggled with your kids in a comforting space where you can safely discuss their fears or your concerns. Never stop reading to them, especially when they begin to read to themselves - even our oldest children benefit significantly from read alouds with parents and teachers. 

This is no longer a gentle reminder that reading nurtures empathy and can help children understand both their own feelings and those of others. No. This is a call to action. Infuse your children's bookshelves- at home or in your classrooms- with books conveying messages of respect, kindness and inclusiveness. Read them books that act as windows- giving them glimpses into the lives of people around our country and around the world who may seem different but share the same fundamental yearning for connection and respect. Read-- and then make sure you are modeling the virtues you want to instill in your own kids-- those of compassion, love and equality for all.

Every morning when I drop my oldest son off at school, he climbs out of his car seat, leans in for a hug and cranes his neck for a quick kiss on the forehead. And every morning, just as he's getting out of the car, he glances back at me and we do our thing: 

"What are we going to have today?" I ask. He looks at me with a grin.

"I knooooow, Mommy," he always says. Yet my response remains the same. 

"I know you know, but I love hearing it anyway." And then he smiles wider, and he repeats the mantra we've been saying every morning since he began nursery school last year:

"Kind hands. Kind words. Kind hearts." 

I whisper it silently with him, and as he jumps out of the car, my heart swells with pride. I know I may not have all of the answers, and I know I'm by no means a super-mom - but I do credit the values my boys have learned through the great books we share each day. So what does that mean? It means I will never stop reading these important stories with my boys, and I will never stop advocating the power of literature to guide children through our darkest days. We can all use compelling stories to inspire the next generation of change agents and freedom fighters. We can, and we must.

Below is a list of picture books - both fiction and nonfiction, funny and factual- that can be read with children of all ages.  Each of these stories convey unique messages of kindness, inclusiveness, equality, and the power of voice to make a change.  Click on the links to check out the books on Amazon.

Worm Loves Worm, by J.J. Austrian, and illustrated by Mike Curato: Teach children from the outset that love is love is love, no matter who you are or how you identify yourself. 

Each Kindness, by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis: Use this book to demonstrate how every act of kindness- even the seemingly tiny ones- has a ripple effect that can change the world.

We're All Wonders, by R.J. Palacio: Help kids see the beauty and wonder in every person, despite how different they may appear on the outside.

One, by Kathryn Otoshi: Share the message that children are never too young to use their voices for good.

My Two Blankets, by Irena Kobald and illustrated by Freya Blackwood: Encourage children to share a smile-- and extend a hand-- to refugees in their neighborhoods, enabling them to break invisible boundaries and celebrate multicultural friendships.

A Family is A Family is A Family, by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng: Show little ones that every family is unique and beautiful, and there is no such thing as right or wrong when surrounded by love.

Be A Friend, by Salina Yoon: Celebrate the beauty of accepting others for who they are at heart, especially the ways in which they are unique and special.

Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo: Convey the importance of inclusiveness with a simple story line even tiny readers can grasp.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury:  Read this with infants and toddlers so they learn from the outset that despite perceived cultural differences, we are all one and the same.

Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson: Help children understand gratitude and teach them that we can-- and should --always be helpers.

Spork, by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault: Convey the message to little ones that we all have a place at the table, no matter how different we believe we look.

Hello, My Name is Octicorn, by Kevin Miller and Justin Lowe: Teach your kids how to embrace their unique attributes- and to recognize that underneath the surface, we all long for the same thing- connection.

The Rooster Who Would Not be Quiet!, by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin: Teach kids to be true to who they are and never lose their voices, despite the naysayers who may try to silence them.

Freedom Summer, by Deborah Wiles and illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue: Use this story as a springboard to discuss segregation and the unfortunate reality that it takes more than new laws to eclipse hate.

Grandfather Gandhi and Be the Change, by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus and illustrated by Evan Turk: Use these two companion books, sharing the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, to teach children how to channel anger into light and be a change for good.

This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids Around the World, by Matt Lamothe: Take your kids to countries across the globe to share the ins and outs of seven kids' lives and the unifying passion we all share for family, love and education.

A is for Activist, by Innosanto Agara: Allow the ABCs to teach your kids how to advocate for change. 

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis, by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E.B. White: Provide kids with background on the Civil Rights movement and the childhood story of one of its most important heroes.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, A Young Civil Rights Marcher, by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton: Inspire child activists with the true story of a little girl who fought for freedom despite her young age. 

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson: Teach children about the underground railroad with this true story of a young slave who mailed himself to freedom.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World, by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger: Inspire a new generation of freedom fighters with the stories of women who used their voices to better their country and their world.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE FOLLOWING UPCOMING RELEASES:

Why Am I Me?, by Paige Britt, Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Love, by Matt de la Pena and Loren Long
Be Kind, by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill
Come With Me, by Holly McGee and Pascal Lemaitre

Rulers of the Playground, by Joseph Kuefler

Politics. Sometimes it seems we can never get away from them- in our government, in our offices, even in our own homes. But have you ever stopped to think about playground politics? Because, believe it or not, they exist, even in the littlest of children.  Joseph Kuefler's fantastic new book, Rulers of the Playground, highlights playground dynamics perfectly, making this story a must for both your home and school collections.  If you loved Kuefler's debut, Beyond the Pond, as much as we did, I promise you will be just as thrilled- if not more so, with Kuefler's latest picture book.

In Rulers of the Playground, a boy named Jonah unilaterally decides that he is the all mighty king of the neighborhood hot-spot. Life on the playground runs fairly smoothly under his rule, until, that is, one embittered Lennox determines that she should be queen and half the playground is actually her territory to govern. As each ruler makes a plan to take over his own side of the playground, they became more and more territorial and more and more aggressive. Their actions, in turn, cause the other neighborhood kids to become more disgruntled by the day- until suddenly there is no one left for the king and queen to play with. Will Jonah and Lennox be able to make amends with their friends... or each other? Only one way to find out!

Pickle and I absolutely adore this book for the manner in which it helps us discuss how Jonah and Lennox could have made better choices.  There is nothing wrong with a child being a leader among his peers, but there is a way to lead with kindness and respect that must be taught to even the youngest kids. Right off the bat, then, Rulers of the Playground is a springboard for important -- if not critical - conversations about making the "right" decisions, kindness, leadership, cooperation and flexibility, just to name a few. And, as if that is not enough, it is virtually impossible not to love a book that handles these significant concepts in a masterful, non-didactic manner. Couple the foregoing with Kuefler's beautiful -- and beautifully diverse -- illustrations which will allow kids of all color, shapes and sizes to find themselves within the pages of this book, and Rulers of the Playground is sure to be loved by your students and little ones for years to come.  There's no sophomore slump here - two big trunks up from team HEE!

Want the book? Get it here! Rulers of the Playground, by Joseph Kuefler.  And if you want to check out Kuefler's stellar debut, Beyond the Pond, click here! *This is an affiliate link.  Rulers of the Playground was provided to us from the publisher, but all opinions contained herein are our own.

One, by Kathryn Otoshi

It's been less than six months since I did a complete about face and changed careers entirely, leaving the law behind to become a school library media specialist.  It's been incredible, to say the least.  And in this short time, I've learned something rather quickly-- something I've always known, but never before had the opportunity to experience with a large group of kids:  a class read aloud can be a very, very powerful thing. 

One, by Kathryn Otoshi, was one such read aloud. In One, Red is a hothead who continuously picks on Blue. Though this bullying is witnessed by several other colors, no one is ready to stand up for Blue and tell Red to stop his taunting. But then One comes along, and One has no qualms about standing up to Red -- and in doing so, One teaches his friends a valuable lesson. What happens when Red realizes that he no longer has power over the other colors? Will kindness win out?

Every class I read One with was totally and entirely captivated.  At once a concept book on both colors and counting, the story more importantly provides a spring point for discussions on bullying, kindness, and inclusiveness. Though the subject matter can certainly lend itself to extreme didacticism, Otoshi handles this subject in a unique manner that leaves children feeling both intrigued and empowered.  Use this book to teach your little ones how to stand up for themselves and say no.  Even better - make them stand up and say no as you read.  If you need to address bullying with any age group and begin some thoughtful discussions on the topic, look no further than One.  Two trunks up! For another great #picturebookoftheday, check out @booksandgiggles.

Our fabulous book club, @kidlitpicks, is focused on #loveandkindnessbooks all February -- and One is a perfect choice to demonstrate that kindness wins.  For more on this stellar topic, look no further than: @readingisourthing, @ilovebooksandicannotlie, and @books_and_babycinos.

Want the book? Get it here! One, by Kathryn Otoshi.  *This is an affiliate link. 

Be a Friend, by Salina Yoon

It's been a rough week for me, and I needed to take a break from social media. I needed some time to think about the world in which we live, the reasons I'm devastated about the results of the election, and the way I can convey to others that this has nothing to do with being a sore loser or which candidate had the better economic policy but everything to do with the tenor of hate that the results of the election is inspiring. It scares me. It makes me fearful for the world we will leave to our children. And so I come back more determined than ever to do what I can to stand up to the hate and to convey messages of love and inclusiveness at every opportunity I have. I turn to books.

Be A Friend, by Salina Yoon, is one of my absolute favorite books from 2016. In this sweet story we are introduced to Dennis, a young mime, who never uses words to convey his emotions. He is lonely- going through his days in solitude- until he is befriended by a little girl who catches his make-believe ball. The beauty of this story lies in the fact that Dennis's new friend does not try to make Dennis speak. Instead, the readers see that their newfound friendship transcends words. Even without talking, the children finds ways to communicate and easily establish a special connection with one another.

Be a Friend is poignant, wise and exquisitely crafted. It's message, despite its simplicity, packs a huge powerful punch. These kids are different from each other. And difference, to some, is scary. Or threatening. But it shouldn't be, and Be a Friend reminds us that we can easily find ways to accept each other- for our similarities and especially for our differences. We don't have to try to change others to conform with our personal expectations.  Instead, unexpected beauty can be found in embracing the differences we see in our neighborhoods and on our playgrounds. Read this book. Read it a lot. And help your kids understand that they can bridge divides with nothing more than a smile- or engaging the lonely child at the park in a game of make-believe.

Want the book? Get it here! Be a Friend, by Salina Yoon.  *This is an affiliate link.