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Reviewer: Ashley Demasi
Title: Our Class is a Family
Autor: Shannon Olsen Illustrator: Sandie Sinke
Genre: Fictional
Summary: The book "Our Class is a Family" talks about how a family can look many different ways. It can be having a mom or dad, having grandparents, or even having lots of cousin's. The book also talks about if being a family can be all of those ways, then the childern in a classroom can bulid releationships and become a family. The book talks about how each one of us are unique in our own ways and how we need to be there for one of another and no matter we will stand up for each other. The book also talks about how we want our classroom to feel like a place where childern feel safe and where the also feel comfortable to talk about whatever they need to

Why use this book?: I would this book in my classroom becuase I want to bulid a relestionship with my students as well as my students bulid releationships with their peers. I want my students to feel welcomed when they walk into the classroom and a place where they feel safe. The word "family" is different for all of us so I want my childern to feel like they have a family.

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Reviewer: Taylor Beckley
Title: A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story
Author: Erin Gunti
Illustrator: Esteli Meza
Genre: fiction; children's literature
Summary: A young girl and her mother (mama) move themselves and their belongings into a homeless shelter, and the little girl is nervous. As the mother-daughter duo learn more about the shelter, mama introduces creative ways to ease the young girl in their new home.
Why use this book?: This story provides a glance into what different home lives may look like within the classroom community--some families may live with grandparents, at a shelter, with a sibling, etc.

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Reviewer: Caitlyn Testa
Title: When Charley met Emma
Author: Amy Webb
Illustrator: Merrilee Liddiard
Genre: Fiction, Children's Literature
Summary:  Charley felt different from his friends, he liked to play and make noise but also liked to sit alone and draw. His mom told him that it was okay to be different. He then met Emma on the playground, who was in a wheelchair and different from the other children. Charley became friends with Emma and she taught him that not everyone is the same and that is okay to be different because you can still do the same things that everyone else was doing. This made Charley realize that it is okay to be different from others.
Why use this book?
This book is very important to use with children. Seeing people with disabilities in the world is a very challenging thing for children to understand. This book will allow children to learn about what different disabilities are and look like, as well as teach us that not every person is the same. In the book, Charlie's mom states "Different isn't weird, sad, bad, or strange. Different is different and different is OK." This book also will allow students who are different in any way to open up and understand that it is okay to not look, feel, or be the same as their peers.

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Reviewer:Melissa Becerra
Title: Chocolate Mile, Por Favor!
Author:Marie Dismondy
Illustrator: Donna Farrell
Genre: Fiction/Children's Literature
Summary: Gabe was a new student who didn't speak any English. Johnny didn't like Gabe because he looked different and didn't speak his language. Johnny was on the soccer team and Gabe tried out. When Johnny's friends told Gabe to join the team he was frustrated because he didn't see why people would want someone who can't communicate on the team. Gabe showed Johnny a few soccer tricks and that is when Johnny realized actions speak louder than words. He understood that to have a friend, you have to be a friend regardless if they are different.
Why use this book? This text provides inclusion and diversity. It also shows students that even though there might be a language barrier, they might have the same interests so keep an open mind. This author has experienced this in her classroom. She made a point to celebrate diversity and show respect. The illustrations show diversity. Coming from a hispanic background, I could see myself in this book.

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While the other kids happily bound into the classroom, Gabe stands with his mother outside the door, timid and unsure about walking into school. That's because Gabe is the new kid at school and he doesn't speak English. English as a second language . "Every child should read this book. It can help children understand their feelings when they meet someone different from themselves and help them find a common ground." - Verified Amazon review Like the work of Bobbi Kates (We're Different, We're the Same - Sesame Street) and Shannon Olsen (Our Class is a Family.) is based on a true story from Maria's own life.

Gabe is from another country. With , starting school felt scary and intimidating. How would he know what to do? What would the other kids think? encourages the other kids to celebrate diversity with empathy . But that doesn't stop Johnny from going out of his way to be unkind
The teacher goes out of her way to make Gabe feel welcome and Chocolate Milk, Por Favor illustrates how actions speak louder than words and drives home the importance of celebrating diversity, kindness, inclusion and empathy. Because no matter what language you speak, kindness is the universal language of all real universal language. Heartwarming and real! ESL, diversity and empathy. Maria Dismondy is a sought-after author, publisher and public speaker. Although fictional, Chocolate Milk, Por Favor Reader's Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the Cardinal Rule Press website. Lesson plans, activities and discussion questions to allow parents, teachers and caregivers to

Learn how to celebrate differences in this powerful story and discover how chocolate milk plays a major role in the discovery of the explore the topic further and deepen comprehension.

This book is the perfect complement to other books in your home or school library that focus on

This book comes with a free

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Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy

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Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy [Dismondy, Maria, Farrell, Donna] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy

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Reviewer: Makaila Tepley
Title: Where Are You From
Author, Illustrator: Yamile Saied Méndez, Jaime Kim
Genre: Children’s literature/fiction
Summary: This book is about a girl trying to find out where she’s from. A child asks her where she’s from, and she can’t give them an answer. Because she looks different, she feels like she doesn’t belong. So she turns to her abuelo. Instead of giving her a place he gives her different pieces of her heritage, telling her this is where she is from. In the end she asks where she’s really from, he points to his heart and says from there and the love from all those before them.
Why use this book: I think that this is a good book to use in the classroom. Not only will children who come from a Latina heritage be able to connect with it, but it could also spark interest in the heritage from children who know nothing about it. I also like the idea of not being from a place but from lots of different aspects that resonate to your family. I think that  would another way to talk about family/family trees in my future classroom.

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Reviewer: Gianna Schiavi
Title: Stella Brings the Family
Author: Miriam B. Schiffer
Illustrator: Holly Clifton-Brown
Genre: Fiction/Children's Literature
Summary: Elmwood Elementary was planning their Mother's Day party but Stella has two dads. Throughout the week, she was distracted thinking about what she would do since she didn't have a mother. Her friends asked her questions about who was always there for her and Stella realized that it was ok not to have a mother because she had many people who were there for her.
Why use this book?: This book shows children that it's ok to not have a "stereotypical" family (mom and dad). Stella's friends all help her figure out what to do which not only promotes helping friends but also reiterates that all family types should be accepted. Overall, this books is inclusive for the classroom because it talks about acceptance and diverse families.

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Reviewer: Madison Beadling
Author: Yamile Saied Mèndez
Illustrator: Jaime Kim
Genre: Children's literature, Fiction
Summary: Where Are You From is about a young girl who was asked by her peers where she was from. She was unsure of the answer to this question, so she turns to her abuelo (grandfather) to gain some insight. Instead of giving her a simple answer, her abuelo takes her along a lyrical journey that encompasses her heritage and culture. He makes references to her being from pampas, gaucho, mountains, blue oceans and more. He also doesn't shy away from the harsh truths that pertain to her ancestors history. This book also celebrates the importance of family when the young girl persists to know where she is really from, and her abuelo points to his heart.
Why this book?
I will use this book in my future classroom because it includes themes of self acceptance, identity, and love between two family members. I think this book will validate many young students experiences and can lead to some powerful conversations in the classroom pertaining to different cultures, backgrounds, and acceptance. These conversations are important so students can acknowledge and celebrate their differences. These conversations can also build confidence for many students to share where they are from and their culture.

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Reviewer: Abigail Polewchak
Title: My Rainbow
Author: Trinity and DeShanna Neal
Illustrator: Art Twink
Genre: Children’s literature
Summary: This story is based on a family’s real life experiences. Trinity is a young, black, transgender girl, with autism who enjoys playing with soft textured toys, specifically her dolls hair. Trinity expresses to her mom that since she is transgender she needs to have long hair like her dolls, something that comes easily for most cisgender females. Trinity's mother went wig shopping but could not find the right fit for her daughter, so she custom made her a rainbow wig which embraced her natural curls and made it just long enough that it wouldn't cause sensory issues on the back of her neck.
Why use this book? I think this book would be better to use on the older side of the early childhood spectrum because I think it takes on a lot of complicated topics at once. This text can open the eyes of some students to some of these unique challenges that Trinity faced that we usually wouldn't think about. I think this book helps express how someone who is a transgender female could struggle to express their femininity by society's social norms (long hair), but at the same time have the struggle of sensory issues related to autism. This text also shows what it can be like to have a supportive family, as Trinity’s mom went through great lengths to make sure her daughter was feeling as comfortable as she could be in her own skin and was staying true to herself.

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Reviewer: Andreya Leavell

Title: A Day With No Words

Author: Tiffany Hammond

Illustrator: Kate Cosgrove

Genre: Fiction; Children’s Literature

Summary: The story follows the daily routine of Aiden - a child with autism, who communicates “without words”. The pages illustrate the colorful perspective his mind holds and the specific comforts he requires for emotional ease. Throughout the book, some challenges come up that exemplify the “issues” that could arise within the day to day life of a child with autism.

Why use this book: (“Tap yes on the app… my thoughts are now seen”)

I would use this book if I had a child within my class who was diagnosed with autism; or another mental disorder that may hinder their speech. The book takes the reader into a different state of mind, and shows that words can be expressed in many ways - and all of those ways are “worthy of celebration”. The story also introduces “autistic terminology” that could be used to “move” my students minds and possibly raise interesting questions they may have.

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“Pink Is for Boys”

Reviewer: Gabriella Iannetta

Title: Pink Is for Boys

Author: Robb Pearlman

Illustrator: Eda Kaban

Genre: Children’s Literature

Summary: Throughout this story it lists all the colors, and on each new color it states that color is for boys and girls. (“Pink is for boys, and girls”)  for example. It then states something in the world that is that color, “pink is for bows and fancy clothes”. It adds illustrations that show different genders and races celebrating the color, such as girls playing sports and boys playing dress up; going against gender stereotypes. It goes on to celebrate each color and that colors should be for everyone no matter the gender!

Why use this book? I feel this book does a really good job of showing the inclusion of every color and every person no matter the gender. It goes against stereotypes of “specific colors are meant for specific genders.” I feel it would be a great book to have in my classroom as students can learn that their favorite color can be pink or purple if they are a boy or green and orange for a girl. I also love how in the book the illustrations are inclusive to all different types of people as well. There are images of children with different races, genders, and even ability’s, such as children in wheelchairs. There is also images that go against other gender stereotypes, such as on the blue color page it shows that blue is for sports uniforms and girls playing the sport of baseball. On the green color page it shows a boy and a girl playing dress up. Overall I feel this book would be an awesome addition to a classroom and with teaching inclusiveness to students.

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Reviewer: Arianna Pittman
Title: I'll Love you from Afar
Author: Racha Mourtadada
Illustrator: Sasha Haddad
Genre: Fiction/Children's Lit
Summary: The book touches on ways you can miss someone and the wish to see them but the knowing that love is still there no matter the place or distance. In the end you know you cannot rush time and the love will not fade.
Why use this book?: This book reassures that love will still be there if you cannot see someone you're missing and can provide a sense of comfort through the reflection of the feelings people go through.

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Reviewer: Abbey Straight
Title: All Bodies are Good Bodies
Author: Charlotte Barkla
Illustrator: Erika Salcedo
Genre: Fiction, Board Book
Summary: This book is about the different body parts we all have. It explains the different eye colors and even that some eyes might need glasses. Throughout the book, it covers each different body parts and shows the many different body types and features a child may have. They talk about the different hair textures and colors, the different smiles we all have, and even how different our feet are.
Why use this book? This book can help the curious minds of younger children to understand that we all have different features and we all have different abilities. Children notice things that are different because they may have never seen something like that before. This book can help show the possible differences they may see in another person. Throughout the book, the illustrations show children in wheelchairs, different cultural backgrounds, different hair types, and even different arm sizes. They are good visual representations for the children to see the different body types.

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Reviewer: Morgan Turner
Title: Paper Son
Author: Julie Leung
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
Genre: Picture Book Biography
Summary: The book, "Paper Son" is about the challenges a father and son face when immigrating to the United States. Tyrus Wong and his father crossed the sea on a ship filled with other immigrants. While on the ship, the father and son would rehearse what they needed to say once they got to the U.S. so the immigrant officials would not separate them. During this time, only high status immigrants were allowed in the U.S. so the father and son had to pretend to be someone else and study their "paper" life. After facing a few complications, the father and son made it into America. Tyrus's father had to travel to find jobs and was gone for long periods of time. He worked such long hours to be able to afford to send Tyrus to an art institute where Tyrus worked as a janitor while taking classes. After graduation, he landed a spot at Walt Disney Studios where he created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi.
Why use this Book: Using this book could help the class learn what a biography is, and open a whole discussion on biographies like this one.  It also highlights difficulties that families face and all the troubles they go through while being an immigrant. It also is inspiring to students that Tyrus had to work so hard and not give up when the odds were not in his favor. This book promotes a culture of inclusivity in the classroom by showing children that even though you may be 'different', you can still achieve your goals if you set your mind to it. This book allows young Chinese-American students feel welcome in the classroom and community. It will also allow students of different backgrounds to view a window into life as a Chinese-American.

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Reviewer: Michaella Notte
Title: All Because You Matter
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: "All Because You Matter" is a book that brings up differences in skin color and culture, including names, traditions, and customs.  This book talks about crucial, important and unavoidable racial topics (that need to be addressed) such as mockery at minorities and gun-violence involving white people and African-Americans. It serves as a reminder that even though African-Americans and many other people of color face discrimination on a daily basis, which certainly has a massive affect on how they view themselves, they still matter and are most certainty appreciated in a world full of hate and animosity.
Why use this book?
While this book involved Black characters, I believe that it can be used for children of all skin colors. It serves as a reminder that black children, as well as other children of color, are seen, valued, and appreciated not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well despite what they may hear or see on the news. This book gives a powerful yet simple (for children to comprehend) perspective on current world issues while also providing positive affirmations to the readers.

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Reviewer: Franci Hainley
Title: The day you Begin
Author, Illustrator: The author is Jacquline Woodson and the illustrator is Rafael Lopez
Genre:  Biography/ Autobiography, Children's non-fiction literature.
Summary: The Day You Begin is about noticing the differences in other people. It recognizes that some students might speak another language or have a hard time understanding. It highlights that others may have different hair or skin color. It shows that some students may have different lunches and what they like someone else might not and that is okay. It lets children know that there are times when everyone feels alone, scared, and nervous. Showing that everyone is different but despite these differences, everyone should be treated the same and reminds us that everyone will feel like an outsider at some point and you are not alone.
Why use this book?

I would use this book in the first week of class because it recognizes a lot of differences that might occur in the classroom. I like that this book can help children understand that it's okay to feel like you don't fit in and that you will find your place at some point. It also helps recognize the differences in the classroom brings light to differences makes students feel safe and allows them to relate to students in the book.

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Reviewer: Jillian Haney

Title: Hair Love

Author, Illustrator: The author is Matthew A. Cherry. The illustrator is Vashti Harrison.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: Hair Love is a book inspired by Zuri, a young black girl who loves that her hair allows her to be herself while allowing her dad to do her hair for the first time. This book recognizes all the beauty in natural hair and how hair has a mind of its own and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. This book shows a father's unconditional love for his daughter and his willingness to do anything to make her feel special. After Zuri’s dad did each hairstyle that she did not like, he never gave up on her and kept trying new styles to make her happy on her special day.

Why use this book? This text allows young readers to recognize the beauty of natural hair and ways to express their hair to make them feel special. This book allows young black children to see the beauty they have within their natural hair without feeling ashamed of being different from other natural hair in the classroom. I would use this book in my classroom so that students can see that everyone is different and unique in their own ways. I would also reflect on how her dad helped her until she felt special, and show students that their parents/guardians love them unconditionally and that they will always be loved by someone.

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Reviewer: Ally Murphy

Title: The Proudest Blue

Author, Illustrator: Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, Hatem Aly

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: In this book, it is the first day of school for two sisters and the older sister is wearing a hijab to school for the first time. It is clear the sisters share a special bond and the younger one idolizes her older sister, hoping to be like her and wear a blue hijab one day. Throughout the book, the mother also provides some important wisdom about dealing with others reactions saying that wearing a hijab means you are strong, and that if you understand who you are, other people will too.

Why use this book?: I would use this book because it touches on multiple important topics. One example is bravely expressing your culture in school and dealing with other children who aren’t aware of your culture. Another reason I would choose this book for my classroom is because it provides insight into why people my students will see around them are wearing a hijab and the significance of that.

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Reviewer: Alisia Gerber

Title: Soul Food Sunday

Author, Illustrator: Winsome Bingham

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Summary: This book is about a black family’s Sunday tradition. It is all about the happenings of going to granny's house to cook and enjoying soul food sunday.

Why use this book? This is culturally relevant for many black children/communities. Soul food is a staple in the black community. Family gatherings look different among different communities. This text gives good insight into how some (never all) black families gather.

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Reviewer: Riley Lipps
Author: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Genre: Poetry and Picture Book
Summary: "I am Loved" is a children's book that celebrates love and self-acceptance. Through a collection of poems, Giovanni emphasizes the importance of self-love, family love, and love for the world. The book encourages children to recognize their worth, appreciate the love that surrounds them, and feel confident in themselves. It combines illustrations and heartfelt verses to convey messages of empowerment and affirmation, making it a beautiful and inspiring for young readers. Giovanni carries the weight of the love that has sustained generations and united communities to her poems.

Why Use This Book: I chose this book because it caught my attention by the colorful cover page with a lot of detail, rhythm, and they stand out in their own way. This book is filled with poems that are all focused on something different, but they are all connected in their own ways. This book is often chosen because of personal interests and resonance. I think this book is a great way to show an appreciation for poetry, art, and family relationships. I love that this focuses on an individual and finding solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of self-love and self-worth.

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Reviewer: Makala Johnstone
Title: The Journey
Author: Francesca Sanna
Summary: This book follows a mother and her two children as they are forced to flee their home to escape from war. The war took the children's father so all they have is their mother. The family has nowhere to go and sleeps in the forest, fearing for their lives. Eventually, someone offers to help them cross the boarder in exchange for money. The family travels across the sea and the child narrator compares the birds in the sky migrating just like they are. The child hopes that one day both the family and the birds will have a safe home one day.
Why use this book? This text explains what it's like for families fleeing their country and starting over in a new one. The book also touches on what it's like for a child to lose a parent. This book encourages empathy and understanding towards refugees. The book also encourages readers to put themselves in the shoes of refugees and imagine what life would be like if you had to leave everything behind.

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Reviewer: Julia Sedlecky
Author: Dan Saks
Illustrator: Brooke Smart
Genre: Fiction/Broad book/ Children Lit
Summary: This book is not about one family in particular but about all different types of families. It shows cases through the pictures of all different types of families and different races within those families. It also highlights different family structures. Through all of these pictures, the words in the book go on to talk about the things that families do such as love each other, laugh with each other, and play together. It stresses the point that families belong together.
Why use this book: This text in a classroom setting I believe would be beneficial for younger children such as pre-k. This text although has a beautiful meaning, is very simple and to the point stating how families are beautiful and belong together. I think this would be beneficial to use at the start of the school year to highlight that students should be proud of what makes their family unique instead of hiding what makes them different. I would use this book in the classroom to make feel students feel like their families are seen and honored no matter how different they may feel from other students.

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Reviewer: Jackie Ridley
Title: Ho’onani: Hula Warrior
Author, Illustrator: Heather Gale, Mika Song
Genre: Realistic fiction, contemporary
Summary: Ho‘onani plays the Hula Warrior in the school performance, a part typically reserved for boys. With the support of her teacher and the confidence gained through the performance, Ho'onani comes to take pride in her gender fluidity.
Why use this book? This text provides a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture and normalizes trans/queer identities and experiences for children.