*Useful for new kids, addressing bullies, and the idea that everyone could use a friend. 

*It's normal for friends to have arguments and disagreements, this book shows how to settle arguments, accept differences, and create space. 

Friendship and privacy

* A very kind and loving book with strong themes of motherly love and support and how hard the transition to kindergarten can be for students. 

Separation anxiety and generational traditions

*This book can spark a lot of good discussion about what it means to be an older sibling, how it feels to have a sibling leave home, and finding your place in your family. 

Military service, family roles/expectations, and change

*Very creative book with a lot to look at and engage students with. Every student is different and made of commonly found items which can prompt discussion about how we're all different and have different things that make us, us.

Individuality and community

*I really like that the illustrations include all skin colors and appearances and ability levels. Examples: there is a child wearing a hearing aid, an interracial/mixed family, and a child in a wheel chair.

Inclusion, disabilities, and community

* A lot of children feel self conscious and want to change things about themselves. The frog being happy being himself at the end which is a great message.

Self-acceptance and fighting assimilation 

*I liked that this book was set in Iceland and a team of women solve an issue together. The illustrations show the women in traditional dress which would create a lot of talking points with students.

Culture, problem solving, and collaboration

*I liked that this story was centered around a science fair and the main message was too stick with it even if you aren't the best

Resilience 

(PreK-Kindergarten)
Mexican food has transcended borders and has achieved great success in the United States. This picturesque bilingual alphabet book will help children learn their alphabet while learning more about the ingredients and procedures for preparing delicious Mexican food.

* Really good visual book to help young children become familiar with the alphabet and the Spanish alphabet. Can be good for ELL students or students from Hispanic cultures to make connections and share their experiences.

(K-2nd Grade)

One of the most famous fairy tales of the French writer Charles Perrault "Little Red Riding Hood" tells the story about a young girl and a Big Bad Wolf.
“My Grandma’s Tales” is a series of fairy tales from around the world. The books are bilingual and should be interesting for adults and children as well.

*Helpful because it's a commonly known fairytale and can be understood by looking solely at the pictures.

(K-3rd) 
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

*Themes of family and staying true to your culture. This book will start discussions about religious freedom and the right to express yourself

Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little Kulu; an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.

* Published by the only independent publishing company in the Canadian Arctic, written and illustrated by indigenous peoples.

Lala's wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

* Kindness and nature

But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school? 

Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all. 

* Perseverance is a great lesson to learn!

Black Boy, Black Boy tells today's boys: you have the courage, you are the light. It's a new day! Be inspired and motivated by drawing on the history of the role models that came before you.

*Empowering book for black children that also educates children of all races on black history

While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.

* Complex family dynamics and themes about growing up. The book is also set in 1968

"Challenged for homosexual themes, in this book, three children of different ethnicities are raised in a happy home with two mothers. A school in Utah required students to have parental permission to sign it out after a parent complained in 2012 and was not content with the book being restricted to grades 3 to 6. It was also banned in several schools in Texas in 2011."

* Another book banned because of LGBTQ characters, but this book shows different family dynamics, multiracial families and is very important for students to feel represented and normal. Banning it only makes these students feel even more ostracized. I think the themes of love and family bonds are beautiful in this book. 

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname "Shark Lady." Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

* A true story about a woman who proved everyone wrong and followed her very dangerous dreams. It's inspiring that she was able to paint some of the scariest and most hated animals in the world in a positive light.

* It's important for kids to understand how their bodies work and how to take care of themselves. 

Sofia will show your little ones how to control their breathing in various situations, whether at school, at home, or on the playground. Breathing Techniques presented in the book, will help calm your children and show them a fun way of managing their own body, breath, and emotions.

*Mindfulness and self-regulation are super important skills to teach young children.