Big
This book really stood out to me because of how powerfully it handles how a child see's their self-image and identity. I liked how we see the word “big” transform its meaning throughout the story.
Lesson Idea: Students can turn words that have been used against them that are negative, into positive acrostic poems.
Author Website: Vashti Harrison / Instagram
YouTube: Read Aloud
Henry, Like Always
This was the first book I've come across that depicts the journey of a child with autism, and does so in a respectful and realistic way. I like how the book shows his routines and how disruptions to them affect him without making him seem less than, weird, or broken. I feel like reading this book can help students gain an understanding of individuals on the spectrum, through Henry’s perspective.
Lesson Idea: Students can create their own daily schedule and talk about how they would feel/what they would do if this schedule was interrupted.
Author Website: Jenn Baily / Instagram
YouTube: Read Aloud
Forever is Now
I like how it explores topics that some may have a hard time talking about. I related more to this book than I thought it would, being a minority in America.
Lesson Idea: Students can write their own poem about something that's hard for them to face or talk about.
Author Website: Mariama J. Lockington / Instagram
Iveliz Explains It All
I love how this book has a character who deals with anxiety and finding her identity. I feel this book would really resonate with students who feel misunderstood.
Lesson Idea: Students can do a butterfly life cycle activity that has them label each stage
Author Website: Andrea Beatriz / Instagram
Maizy Chen's Last Chance
I really like how this book explores identity and family history. It covers difficult to talk about topics like racism but doesn't make it the only thing the story revolves around. I connected to the seclusion that Maizy and her family felt being some of the only people of her race in town, I like Maizy because she's such a relatable character, just trying to figure out where she belongs.
Lesson Idea: Students can create a family heritage/family tree
Author Website: Lisa Yee / Instagram
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