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Jaqueline Woodson .....The 2024 Global Read Aloud

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Jaqueline Woodson .....The 2024 Global Read Aloud

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What will you choose to be?
A free spirit?
A weaver of words?
A star dancing across the night sky?
A limitless galaxy?

The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential.

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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBa3NssijSY
"A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future."

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"Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind--school, self-image, and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she's got the talent that matters most: it's a talent that can't be seen, she's nice, not mean!"

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"It's 1932, and twelve-year-old Cal Black and his Pop have been riding the rails for years after losing their farm in the Great Depression. Cal likes being a "knight of the road" with Pop, even if they're broke. But then Pop has to go to Washington, DC--some of his fellow veterans are marching for their government checks, and Pop wants to make sure he gets his due--and Cal can't go with him. So Pop tells Cal something he never knew before: Pop is actually a Creek Indian, which means Cal is too. And Pop has decided to send Cal to a government boarding school for Native Americans in Oklahoma called the Challagi School.

At school, the other Creek boys quickly take Cal under their wings. Even in the harsh, miserable conditions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, he begins to learn about his people's history and heritage. He learns their language and customs. And most of all, he learns how to find strength in a group of friends who have nothing beyond each other."

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Remember By Joy Harjo, Illustrated by Michaela Goade

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Remember By Joy Harjo, Illustrated by Michaela Goade

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US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it.

Remember the sky you were born under,
Know each of the star's stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun's birth at dawn,
That is the strongest point of time.

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She has a song that goes along as well: https://youtu.be/EA4zViUbH8c?list=PL8LDDelelmHlsI-kpv67HiUUpC2Ogqm-5

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I am a Rainbow by Dolly Parton- Storytime Read Aloud

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“This is the story of a girl trying to discover who she is and who she wants to be, but it is also a fast-paced thriller with kidnapping and buried treasure, a murderous escaped convict, and a shipwreck. Crow, Osh and Miss Maggie are wonderful characters, quirky and lovable and real. The lessons Crow learns about people and herself are profound. The sea crashes, and the smell of salt and fish and ocean spray will make you feel drenched as you read. The writing is fabulous.”  — Historical Novel Society

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The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

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The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

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What a great book to help students consider overcoming a fear to learn a new skill or talent!

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Students may not recognize things they can do! This book shares a variety of ideas for students to consider which is a great way to help students make connections and inspire writing!

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY5k0UWYiJU

What a great picture book to help readers consider a talent they may have or recognize what they may be good at doing. Students can make a list of things they enjoy doing and maybe a talent or two as a springboard for writing!

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There's Only One You by Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, and Rosie Butcher

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There's Only One You by Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, and Rosie Butcher

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N6f0tUVZX0

This is a great book that fosters appreciation for what makes us all unique which includes our abilities, talents and wonderful differences.

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Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth | Adia Gooden | TEDxDePaulUniversity

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*Memories/Family history or traditions
*Personal Growth
*Family traits that connect you to loved ones
*Scars or wrinkles and what they symbolize
*Loving yourself in spite of shortcomings
*Celebrating successes
*Learning from mistakes
*How does social media impact your self perception positively or negatively?
*What can you learn from older or younger generations? How have they helped shape who you are?
*What is a meaningful or significant relationship that has impacted your life?
*How do you silence your inner critic?
*Write a letter to your future self.
*Write a letter to your past self.
*Optimism for the future
*Connections to meaningful songs, foods, or holiday traditions that bring forth special memories
*Core values or beliefs
*Symbolism behind a meaningful tattoo

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Poem: "Promise Yourself" by Christian D. Larson

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Poem: "Promise Yourself" by Christian D. Larson

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To be so strong that nothing

can disturb your peace of mind.

to talk health, happiness, and prosperity

to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel

that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything

and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others

as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past

and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times

and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself

that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

Not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side

so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

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Link to Book Review from Colby Sharp on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSyvXrqEhiI

Link to Interview w/ the Author from Tarheel Teachers Book Club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHot_2edaqg

This is an absolutely fantastic book about a young girl who is bullied about her weight/size. She is fat-shamed even by her own family, and this book digs into how to love yourself, even when others don't see the best parts of you, and sometimes it's hard to find the best parts of yourself when they're trying to drag you down. It is a VERY quick read because it's a novel in verse, and it would be a powerful classroom read aloud to help change perceptions of kids who may be prone to bullying. It could also be an empowering book for those who have been bullied and are trying to navigate the challenges of middle school while learning to love themselves and figure out who they are.

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A Printz Honor winner!

Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut novel-in-verse.

Cover may vary.

Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules-like "no making waves," "avoid eating in public," and "don't move so fast that your body jiggles." And she's found her safe space-her swimming pool-where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. It's also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie's weight will motivate her to diet. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who loves Ellie for who she is. With this support buoying her, Ellie might finally be able to cast aside the Fat Girl Rules and starfish in real life--by unapologetically being her own fabulous self.

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Amazon.com: Starfish: 9781984814500: Fipps, Lisa: Books

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Song: This is Me (from "The Greatest Showman")

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Song: This is Me (from "The Greatest Showman")

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This is the video w/ lyrics, but you could also just listen to the song on Spotify or something like that if you don't want visuals to distract and just want students to focus on the words.

This song is incredibly powerful, and it highlights that even when others try to cut you down, you are worthy...an important message for all, but I think middle and high school students will especially relate to this.

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The Greatest Showman Cast - This Is Me (Official Lyric Video)

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Book: The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald

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Book: The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6SGIDiSJk8

This is a great book to celebrate through the eyes of children what physical traits they love about themselves, and it could be used as a springboard for poetry or simple reflective writing.

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The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About their Bodies in Pictures and Words

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The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About their Bodies in Pictures and Words [Ewald, Wendy] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About their Bodies in Pictures and Words

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Book: What If We Were All the Same? by C.M. Harris

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Book: What If We Were All the Same? by C.M. Harris

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tsc3QwLbVM

This is a sweet rhyming story for young children to help them think about ways we are different and why being unique is a good thing. It gives examples from daily life and nature about how it would be if things were all the same.

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What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion

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What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion [Harris, C M, Press, Purple Diamond, Feather, Ashlynn] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion

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Removing Negative Self Talk | Abria Joseph | TEDxYouth@NIST

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Book: A Little Spot of Belonging by Diane Alber

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Book: A Little Spot of Belonging by Diane Alber

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTInNuRXlX4

Diane Alber writes fantastic books about emotions and belonging and celebrating your uniqueness, and this is a great one for kids to start thinking about what it looks like to celebrate and appreciate themselves and others for their unique qualities.

Diane Alber's website w/ resources: https://www.dianealber.com/collections/activity-downloads

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A Little SPOT of Belonging: A Story About Being True to Yourself and Making Friends (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

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A Little SPOT of Belonging: A Story About Being True to Yourself and Making Friends (Inspire to Create A Better You!) - Kindle edition by Alber, Diane. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets.

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Still I Rise by Maya Angelou | Poetry Foundation

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This song is about when someone changes their personality around different groups of friends, and could be an excellent jumping off point for conversation about being comfortable in your own skin, being who you are, and not being afraid to be yourself. This could be a great middle/high conversation starter.

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Poem: "I Remember, I Remember" by Thomas Hood

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Poem: "I Remember, I Remember" by Thomas Hood

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I remember, I remember,

The house where I was born,

The little window where the sun

Came peeping in at morn;

He never came a wink too soon,

Nor brought too long a day,

But now, I often wish the night

Had borne my breath away!

I remember, I remember,

The roses, red and white,

The vi'lets, and the lily-cups,

Those flowers made of light!

The lilacs where the robin built,

And where my brother set

The laburnum on his birthday,—

The tree is living yet!

I remember, I remember,

Where I was used to swing,

And thought the air must rush as fresh

To swallows on the wing;

My spirit flew in feathers then,

That is so heavy now,

And summer pools could hardly cool

The fever on my brow!

I remember, I remember,

The fir trees dark and high;

I used to think their slender tops

Were close against the sky:

It was a childish ignorance,

But now 'tis little joy

To know I'm farther off from heav'n

Than when I was a boy.

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I Remember, I Remember by Thomas Hood | Poetry Foundation

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Book: What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera

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Book: What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEjWpGzLMCw

This is a nice book to give simple language and visuals about traditional dress, costumes, uniforms, and what we wear for different reasons all around the world. It could be a good way to spark conversation about cultural traditions that different families have and ways that clothes help represent who we are and where our families come from.

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What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World (Global Fund for Children Books)

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A celebration of clothing in bright, beautiful photographs of exuberant and diverse children from around the world, WHAT WE WEAR: DRESSING UP AROUND THE WORLD inspires young readers to explore the way clothing makes them feel and how it tells the world who they are. What we wear can identify who ...

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Book: Her Body Can by Kate Crenshaw and Ady Meschke

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Book: Her Body Can by Kate Crenshaw and Ady Meschke

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zct7JNbv3k

This is a great book to begin promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

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"Her body is beautiful-strong, kind and wise. All bodies are lovely no matter their size." Her Body Can is a book of poetic self-love and body positivity declarations for all young girls. Its aim is to encourage our young girls to create a reality for themselves in which they love themselves and their bodies for exactly who and what they are, instead of learning to judge themselves and hate their bodies for what they are not. Our girls should know that their bodies are absolutely amazing and CAN DO incredible things-and that their worth is not measured by anything except how big they love themselves. The very first book of its kind, written for girls ages newborn to 8, this book intends to teach all young girls their bodies CAN DO ANYTHING and that what they look like is irrelevant-we are all beautiful exactly the way we are. The authors' rhyming, sing-song voices deliver captivating messages that are easy for young readers to understand and absorb, while the illustrator's whimsical, modern drawings and vibrant colors bring characters to life on and off the page.

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"Her body is beautiful-strong, kind and wise. All bodies are lovely no matter their size." Her Body Can is a book of poetic self-love and body positivity declarations for all young girls. Its aim is to encourage our young girls to create a reality for themselves in which they love themselves and ...

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Book: A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner

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Book: A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner

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A graphic novel by popular author/illustrator Jarrett Lerner that speaks to body image in adolescent males. This is a great companion book to "Starfish" by Lisa Fipps, and has an encouraging message for kids who may have thought they had to change something about themselves to fit into the perceived mold of friendship/relationships/etc.

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A young boy struggles with body image in this poignant middle grade journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.

Will is the only round kid in a school full of string beans. So he hides...in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn't the only feeling that dominates Will's life. He's also got a crush on a girl named Jules who knows he doesn't have a chance with-string beans only date string beans-but he can't help wondering what if?

Will's best shot at attracting Jules's attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will's shame begins to morph into self-loathing.

As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.

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A Work in Progress [Lerner, Jarrett, Lerner, Jarrett] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Work in Progress

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This is a great one that is empowering and positive and helps students turn their negative self-talk into personal empowerment.

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Book: It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr

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Book: It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr

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Todd Parr Website: https://www.toddparr.com/

Link to YouTube Read Aloud Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrm4dC3Poe0

Todd Parr is an excellent author/illustrator whose simple illustrations help kids understand what can sometimes be complex topics. He is a great one for young kids, but his books can be an intro for older students as well.

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It’s Okay To Be Different (Todd Parr Classics)

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It’s Okay To Be Different (Todd Parr Classics) [Parr, Todd] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. It’s Okay To Be Different (Todd Parr Classics)

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6W3jujJlWs

With simple language, visuals, and examples, Todd Parr covers cultural differences, learning differences, linguistic differences, and more in this sweet story to encourage kids to be who they are.

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Be Who You Are [Parr, Todd] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Be Who You Are

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Song: "All Kinds of Kinds" by Miranda Lambert

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Song: "All Kinds of Kinds" by Miranda Lambert

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This is a great reminder that it takes all different kinds of people to make the world go round, and it highlights people from all over.

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A great song to remind students that they have worth, regardless of what others think or say. A good song to use as a springboard for empowerment.

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Song: "True Colors" by Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick

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Song: "True Colors" by Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick

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This is a nice one for celebrating who you are and being happy with yourself. Great for all ages.

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Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick - True Colors (Lyric)

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Song: "Million to One" by Camila Cabello

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Song: "Million to One" by Camila Cabello

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From Cinderella movie--encourages students to take a chance, believe in themselves, and go for their dreams.

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Camila Cabello - Million To One (Lyrics)

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This one is a powerful reminder that you can love and appreciate yourself, without waiting for someone else to tell you that you're awesome.

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Song: "Be Nice" by Black Eyed Peas (Featuring Snoop Dog)

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Song: "Be Nice" by Black Eyed Peas (Featuring Snoop Dog)

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A song about the power of positivity towards yourself and others

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Black Eyed Peas - Be Nice (feat. Snoop Dogg) (Official Music Video)

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Song: "Kill 'Em With Kindness" by Selena Gomez

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Song: "Kill 'Em With Kindness" by Selena Gomez

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This one also has some figurative language in addition to a message of positivity. It talks about how your words can be weapons and that you have the power to choose how you use them.

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Selena Gomez   Kill Em With Kindness Lyrics

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What once was meant to be a statement—
a dripping dagger held in the fist
of a shuddering heart—is now just a bruise
on a bony old shoulder, the spot
where vanity once punched him hard
and the ache lingered on. He looks like
someone you had to reckon with,
strong as a stallion, fast and ornery,
but on this chilly morning, as he walks
between the tables at a yard sale
with the sleeves of his tight black T-shirt
rolled up to show us who he was,
he is only another old man, picking up
broken tools and putting them back,
his heart gone soft and blue with stories.

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The official web-site for Ted Kooser, 13th Poet Laureate of the United States. View poems, read his biography, and check his latest press attention.

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Inspiring song about not losing yourself and all your good qualities while nitpicking and focusing on the negative. A good reminder to love yourself, flaws and all.

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Encouraging students to speak up, speak out, and be who they are--using their words in power and strength and kindness

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Another great one for taking back your power, standing up for yourself, and going after your dreams

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The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion: Kristin Neff at TEDxCentennialParkWomen

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Song: "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson

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Song: "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson

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Nice one to tie in mirrors/reflections along with being the change you wish to see.

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Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror LYRICS HQ

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Poem: "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon

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Poem: "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon

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Where I’m From
By George Ella Lyon
I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening
it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush,
the Dutch elm
whose long gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.
I am from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair.
I'm from the know-it-alls
and the pass-it-ons,
from perk up and pipe down.
I'm from He restoreth my soul
with cottonball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself.
I'm from Artemus and Billie's Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the auger
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.
Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures.
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments --
snapped before I budded --
leaf-fall from the family tree.

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The art of being yourself | Caroline McHugh | TEDxMiltonKeynesWomen

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What makes you special? | Mariana Atencio | TEDxUniversityofNevada

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My journey to self love | Dr Andrea Pennington | TEDxPeterborough

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Was it a mirror then across a room,
A crowded room of parties where the smoke
rose to the ceiling with the talk ? The glass
Stared back at me a half-familiar face
Yet something hoped for. When at last you came
It was as if the distant mirror spoke.
That loving ended as all self-love ends
And teaches us that only fairgrounds have
The right to show us halls of mirrors where
In every place we look we see our stare
Taunting our own identifies. But love
Perceives without a mirror in the hands.

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How to Love Yourself to the Core | Jen Oliver | TEDxWindsor

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The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED

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Mild language, but great for high school and beyond--very motivating!

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Learning to Love Yourself | Amanda Jetté Knox | TEDxYouth@Nepean

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Link to YouTube Read Aloud by Author Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpM7YPI8KMs

Great book about identity and being yourself and appreciating who you are

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Nigel and the Moon [Eady, Antwan, Zhang, Gracey] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Nigel and the Moon