friday's five, a sense of belonging

I strongly believe that social justice and education must go hand in hand. Especially in a time when we have analysts making statements like this on news programs, but saying it as a negative thing: "The idea of fairness has been promoted in our schools for a long time." Ya damn right, and it should be even more! This week's handful of picture books most definitely promote fairness and the idea that feeling a sense of belonging is important and necessary for children. There are certainly more books that hold this theme, and books that focus on specific areas of inclusion, such as relating to people with physical and cognitive disabilities, that aren't necessarily addressed here, so please continue to seek these books out and include them in your reading with your own kids or students!

1. Pink is for Boys written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Eda Kaban

When I got this book for review last year, I immediately showed it to my youngest son. As a 5th grader, he doesn't read picture books any more on his own, but thankfully, he's open to do so when I push one on him. From the title, he was drawn in, for he's always been particularly keen on the color pink. He's gotten pushback from peers for years when he has worn his favorite pink shirt (there have been several through the years/sizes!), and now at 11 years old, he seems to be able to shrug it off more so than in the past. When asked by a peer this year why he was wearing a pink shirt, he responded, "Because I want to and because I can." This picture book presents many different colors and shows how they are each appropriate for boys or girls by showing children of any gender engaged in activities and interests that include the various colors. I do wish this book included illustrations of children that were more gender-neutral, but it's a lovely sentiment overall.

2. All Are Welcome written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

This book does a wonderful job of being inclusive of children of various skin tones and apparent ethnicities, nationalities, and religions, along with families composed of people of varying ages, sexualities, and races. The text repeats the title as its mantra, showing children engaged in school activities together. Similarities are highlighted, but differences are also shown with respect. This makes for a perfect beginning of the school year class read aloud, and one to return to when discussing school expectations. Families can use this as a way to help reinforce their own values with their children in a tone that is appropriate for even preschoolers.

3. The Skin You Live In written by Michael Tyler and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

I browsed through this book at the library the other day, because the cover drew me in. While the rhyming text wasn't my absolute favorite, I did enjoy the messages the book sends, and the illustrations are relatable enough that children will likely see themselves but silly, too, to get them giggling along while also hearing a valuable message. As in the others highlighted here, children are shown just being kids, with their similarities and uniquenesses emphasized. I liked when the text compared skin tones to various items: "Your butterscotch gold skin, your lemon tart bold skin; your mountain high apple pie, cookie dough rolled skin!" 

4. Polar Bear Island written by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Cinta Villalobos

Only polar bears reside on Polar Bear Island, and the mayor, Parker, likes it that way. But one day, a penguin named Kirby shows up and she is granted a short time to stay and visit by a disgruntled Parker. But Kirby has brought with her different ways, and she gets many polar bears interested and excited by the new traditions and clothing and practices she introduces. This makes Parker angry, but wait until Kirby's family arrives for a visit! This allegorical story can clearly be interpreted in terms relating to immigration, but even without making any clearly distinct parallels, the basic theme and messages are obvious to young children. Parker learns the value of inclusion and diversity, and his community is all the richer for Kirby's presence and contributions.

5. I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness written and illustrated by Kerascoët 

This picture book may be wordless but it holds a deep and meaningful story. A new girl in school is treated very poorly by a new classmate, and another girl witnesses it. After the new girl runs away crying, the child who watched it happen is troubled. She continues to think about the incident through the afternoon and evening, and come morning, she decides she can do something kind for the new girl. Her little act of kindness makes a big difference to the new student and shows the aggressor child that his behavior will not be accepted. Be sure to pay attention to the notes at the end of the book with tips for kids about ways to respond to similar situations, along with specific terms that are useful to introduce and use with children in talking about mean and harassing behavior. 

Kindness and inclusion do matter!