it is interesting to observe the teacher’s demeanor. She appears unruffled by Penelope’s instinctive action, but firmly states the class rule. She makes it clear that Penelope must comply. The obedient little Rex acquiesces.  As the day progresses Miss Rex comes to the unhappy conclusion that her behavior is not conducive to making friends. However, it is not the teacher who ultimately solves the problem. Neither Penelope nor the other students can help her control her impulsive responses. Assistance in helping Penelope's develop friendship-making skills arrives from an unexpected source: the class pet.

Higgins’ illustrations are whimsical. Who knew that a tiny T- Rex in pink overalls and slurping up young children could be so adorable? The artist wisely chooses to make Penelope the central feature on each page. Backgrounds are sometimes monochromatic or eliminated entirely. The little Kinder-dino and her dilemma are the focus.  End papers are a delightful display of children’s art, featuring representations of various dinosaurs.  We Don't Eat Our Classmates tells a story rich in charm, wit and wisdom. Get ready. There will repeated requests to "read it again."  All kinds of kids (and adults) will eat it up.

This picture book arrives at an opportune time. I have worked with a class of adorable toddlers that is currently experiencing a change in the group dynamic. A two-year-old has suddenly, for no apparent reason, begun biting other children. It seems so bizarre. The youngster comes from a calm, stable, loving family where differences are settled in a gentle manner. Where did this impulse to bite others originate? And why? Is there a little bit of Penelope in children?

Care-givers who encounter disruptive childish behavior: take heart. Penelope made the change. There is hope.

Lola fulfills the assignment, creating a pastiche of images incorporating joyous memories with painful ones. The finished product is evidence her of understanding of the past, appreciation for the present, and hope for the future of her homeland.The evil that once threatened this island will not destroy the life and love and hope of its people. ​

Without mentioning a specific individual, Díaz uses the imagery of a monster to explain the cruelties of life under a ruthless dictator. He handles this difficult topic with a sensitivity and understanding appropriate for young readers.

Espinosa's vibrant illustrations capture the wonder and vitality of the island. Pages brimming with details of island life invite exploration. The full-page spread depicting the monster attacking the island is frightful. However, the overall tone of the images throughout the book, especially facial expressions and body language, depicts a family that offers reassurance and security in times of distress.

Islandborn is the English edition and  Lola, the Spanish edition of this picture book from 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz.

The beauty of this book is the acknowledgement of this universal truth: often children do not remember events from early childhood. They rely on family and others within their circle to help them construct a sense of identity, history, and heritage.

After reading Islandborn, youngsters can be encouraged to search for information about their own family history and heritage. Research may take the form of interviews, family stories, music, recipes, artifacts, and more. Many years ago, I attended a workshop presented by Alma Flor Ada. She suggested that schools can help children discover and appreciate their identity and heritage. I was inspired by her presentation and decided to implement a few of her suggestions with a group of eight-year-old youngsters. Here's what we did:
Each student interviewed a family member, organized the results of individual research into a biography, and published the personal narrative as a book. Text was enhanced with copies of family photographs and student-created illustrations. We also (a suggestion from Dr. Ada) solicited recipes from families and compiled a cookbook of family recipes. A copy of the cookbook was prepared for the family of each student.
Then came the celebration! Families were invited to school to read the amazing family stories and to sample the delicious dishes from a variety of cultures. This became an annual event, shared with extended families.

Jessie Ford effectively uses an arresting graphic design with bold images and colors to highlight the world of produce, alphabet style. The appealing pages include clever annotations. Some text is informative, with details such as a pronunciation guide for Jicama, and a safety tip about eating berries found on bushes "Always ask before eating berries you find outside - some can make you very sick." A few entries seem a bit strange. Listing ice cream in a book about fruit seems a stretch.
But really, it's the striking graphic design and the charming little touches which make these board books eye-catching. Young readers will enjoy discovering the expressive faces gracing the individual fruits and vegetables.

Graphic artist Jean Jullien is well known for creating the Peace for Paris symbol in 2015 following the attack on Paris. It is appropriate that he is the illustrator for this picture book celebrating a world without conflict. He uses a limited color pallet and flat images of a pigeon traveling by land, sea, and air to deliver messages of peace and hope.

Inspired by Jullien's pigeon, I looked around for other pigeon images and discovered these lovely cut paper pigeons by artist Elise Gravel.  I decided to create my own pigeons, write messages of hope and peace, and send them out into the world.  This was a project that involved equal parts creativity and thoughtful reflection.

Back matter includes a historical timeline, acknowledgements, chapter notes, a bibliography, reference to Articles and Amendments, and an index.
Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson, husband and wife team have penned a highly readable consideration of some fascinating details about our constitution.  They bring those musty dusty Civics 101 lessons into the real and challenging world of young people today and invite them to become active participants.

Companion Books for Younger Readers

My hands trembled with excitement as I picked up a copy of  Suzanne Slade's  Dangerous Jane, a thoughtful picture book biography of this remarkable woman. Beginning with her birth and early childhood, which included the death of her mother and contraction of a debilitating condition,   Jane is characterized as a sensitive and well-educated young woman. After extensive travel in Europe, she returned home determined to realize her dream of creating a settlement house in Chicago.  With the successful establishment of Hull House, she eventually turned her attention to seeking a peaceful resolution to World War I with the formation of the Women's Peace Party in America.  Her leadership brought her international attention: some unfavorable (FBI naming her "Most Dangerous Woman in America") and some favorable (first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.) 
"Throughout her life she remained committed to "doing what she'd always done: helping people."

Alice Ratterree's soft watercolor illustrations show Jane within the context of her ever-expanding sphere of influence.  The passage of time is expertly reflected in the subtle changes in her appearance as Jane ages. The text is significantly enhanced with Jane's expressive face: the dismay on her young face as she views poverty, her hopeful outlook as she returns to American, the adult women looking to her charges with such care. As she encounters the problem of war, her face by turns registers discouragement, resolve, and compassion.  The images on the final pages portray a woman who has lived a full and rich life, surrounded by some of the individuals who benefitted from her untiring efforts.

Backmatter includes additional biographical information, a timeline, a selected bibliography, and a listing of quotation sources. An outstanding addition to a picture book biography collection. Readers will be inspired by the life of Addams. ​ ​

This historical account of a determined activist can serve as a model for young readers.  After reading and discussing Dangerous Jane, help youngsters explore ways in which they can make a difference.  Encourage them to research the community and identify actions that young people can take to improve life for others in their immediate community or within a larger context.  Video clips of young activists who are reaching out to others may serve as an inspiration.

Using the Jane Addams posters as an inspiration, young activists may want to create their own "wanted" posters.  Here is an example: After visiting the local Humane Society, a group of teens in our area decided to conduct a blanket and towel drive to benefit a local animal shelter.  Poster artwork was created one of the teens. The group collected an impressive stack of linens which they delivered to the Humane Society.  An easy-to-arrange community service project. Inspired by Jane Addams, young people can find ways to help "save the world."

Paige Britt's lyrical text opens with a question posed by a boy and girl while walking on the streets of their bustling community. Independently each begins to notice individual physical differences and wonder why they exist.  This private reflection causes each to extend thoughts beyond self and into the neighborhood. They observe a community filled with a richly diverse array of humanity. Both wonder what life would be like if these difference did not exist. 

The star metaphor continues to reappear on each page, moving the concept of individual worth and shared humanity from a personal perspective to a cosmic vision. Rich with symbolism, poetic text, and thoughtful images, this book belongs in every home, library, and school. Readers young and old will find a wealth of inspiration within its pages.

Make some stars.  Fill them with messages recognizing the uniqueness of a classmate, neighbor or acquaintance. What makes that person special? Try to choose someone who may be different from you in some way. Deliver your star either in person, or leave the star message as a secret surprise to be discovered.

Several years ago I worked at a school in Manhattan's Lower East Side. I loved that neighborhood, filled with mamas and papas walking their little ones to school. I loved the rich diversity of cultures. I loved the strong family ethic. This is a community of people who live and work together. I loved the feeling of neighborhood and connection that I experienced whenever I stepped off the F Train at Delancey and Essex Streets.
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My memories of that place awakened in me a sense of nostalgia as I savored McGhee's simple text and Lamaître muted color palette. It's a story filled with warmth and compassion. Each page provides plenty of white space, allowing time to appreciate the softly rendered drawings. While my time in the Lower East Side enriched my appreciation for the story, this picture book also rekindled memories of my time with that community. I compared photos of New York City life with Lamaître's illustrations. Each representation, regardless of the medium, portrays a strong sense of home, community, and interconnection.

Now I live on the coast in South Texas, an environment that is both different and the same when compared to the neighborhoods I knew in Manhattan.  The temperatures and coastal waters are much warmer. There are many more open and undeveloped land areas as well as some very distinctive types of vegetation. But in both New York and South Texas I can experience everyday encounters with kindness and courage.

Discover life in the city with these books.

​​Hales' anxiety over the situation begins to manifest itself with increasing stomach aches and repetitive coping mechanisms. She also grapples with a complicated sibling relationship. Shannon eventually decides to leave "the group." Later she finds new friends who accept and appreciate her.

LeUyen Pham's realistic style is reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier. It is revealing to observe the progresion of changes as Shannon grows from a child into a middle school student. Dark panels are particularly effective in invoking the gloomy periods in Hales' young life.

Anyone who has felt different, been excluded, or questioned their self-worth will identify with Shannon Hales' personal journey to find herself and discover her Real Friends.

Raina, Shannon, Astrid, Abby, and Jun: I absolutely adore each and every main character in this selection of graphic novels featuring girls in middle grades. They are more than characters in books. They are real girls with real life issues. While my specific circumstances may have been a bit different, I can relate to the desire to find a place among like-minded peers: to be valued and included within a circle of friends.
Below is a book display featuring some of these middle school protagonists.
I used a paper doll template, available with a variety of hair and skin tones. It can be downloaded free from Kiki & Company. With a wee bit of paper scraps and markers I created an arrangement featuring some of these young heroines.
Get ready for an onslaught of book requests and obtain multiple copies of each title. This Middle Grade Girl Up display will send these graphic novels to flying off the shelves and into the hearts of young readers everywhere.

There are many excellent books that portray the struggles of young girls moving away from childhood.  Several of these stories use the graphic novel format, allowing the reader to experience in both visual and text format the pains of discovering true friendship and finding oneself.  Here are a few books to get you started.

Play the "Who said that?" game. Select quotations spoken by the main character in each book. Can you match the quotation with the girl who said it? Sometimes it can be quite tricky to select the correct attribution for the quote. Have copies of books handy to verify the answers.