The school year approaches! As the kiddos prepare to head back to their classrooms, equip them by sharing some books about kindness, courage and friendship. I’ve got some great new options for you below!
Picture Books
“We Are Definitely Human” written and illustrated by X. Fang
Mr. Li is awakened just after midnight when a UFO crash lands in his backyard. When he and his dog go out to investigate, they’re greeted by three oddly shaped blue aliens who reassure him they’re “DEFINITELY human.” They claim to be from Europe, where they “make business” and “play sportsball” just like other humans, and they’re simply having a bit of car trouble. Since the hardware store isn’t open yet, Mr. Li invites them into his home for the night, until he can help them fix their “car.” What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming look at what happens when humans are kind and accepting.
“Sometimes We Fall” written by Randall de Sève and illustrated by Kate Gardiner
Mama bear is up high in the tree, munching on delicious purple plums. The little cub gazes longingly up but is scared to start the climb to join her. Written in the second person from the cub’s perspective, the cub asks a series of what-ifs. What if you slip and scratch your paws? What if you leap and miss the branch? What if you fall? To each question, Mama replies that sometimes that happens, and it’s okay. Finally, the cub makes it up the tree, with a fall along the way but the reward of juicy plums to keep them going. I love that this book is so reassuring and that Mama models how to support and encourage a little one while still giving them space to fall. My kid isn’t old enough to start school yet, but I imagine I’ll be revisiting this book when the time comes.
Chapter Books
“The Everybody Experiment” by Lisa Moore Ramée
It’s the summer before middle school, and Kylie is worried that her friends are growing up faster than she is. An aspiring scientist, Kylie is determined to find a scientific solution to the problem. Her hypothesis is that she’ll be more mature if she does what everybody else does. Her experiment is that this summer, when all her friends do something, she will too. But of course things won’t be as straightforward as she predicts. Does being mature mean giving up things she’d rather be doing and agreeing to things she’s not interested in? Perfect for those who are wrestling with expectations and societal pressure, Kylie’s experiment is enlightening without ever becoming too preachy or didactic.
“The Science of Friendship” by Tanita S. Davis
I couldn’t resist sharing another science-focused friendship book with you! Instead of trying to keep up with her friends, Rylee is starting eighth grade with zero friends after a traumatic bullying incident at a pool party over the summer. In her journalism class, she’s assigned with a partner to write a series of articles about friendship. Intrigued, Rylee and her partner DeNia research friendship and gather survey data from their community. As they focus on their research, Rylee begins to examine her own behaviors as a friend and think about how she can make amends. Much of the research the girls cite is from real published studies, which should serve as a great jumping-off point for interested readers. While there’s a heavy journalism focus, the emotional growth and storytelling never take a back seat. An insightful look at how friendships work and fall apart.
