Our favorite books for April teach some important lessons!
One celebrates the human body and diversity, while others teach kindness and the keys to a true friendship. You’ll find a story that will help foster kids’ sense of empathy and understanding and an award-winning novel that tackles the topics of prejudice and police brutality.
For Pre-K –K (Ages 3-6):
Happy in Our Skin written by Fran Manushkin and illustrated by Lauren Tobia
This affirming and informative book is a charmer and a true celebration – both of diversity and of the human body! Kids will enjoy poring over the diverse faces and hidden details on these pages as they learn about the important role skin plays in their lives.
For 1st and 2nd Grade (Ages 6-8):
My Best Friend written by Mary Ann Rodman and illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Friendships and healthy relationships – those are two key themes of this read-aloud that will have your students’ undivided attention. Honest and relatable, it perfectly illustrates the confusion kids experience when they want to be liked but set their targets on the wrong person. This book will help them understand that a true friend treats others the way we all want to be treated – with kindness.
For 3rd & 4th grade (Ages 8-10):
Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Hilarious and heart-warming, this chapter book is a perfect pick for kids wanting a laugh-out-loud funny book to read on their own. It also makes a perfect family read-aloud!
For 5th and 6th Grade (Ages 10-12):
How to Steal a Dog written by by Barbara O’Connor
Empathy, understanding, and a clearer sense of right and wrong – these are just some of the lessons kids will take away from this wonderful, highly accessible book about a well-intentioned girl whose frustrations get the better of her when her family loses their apartment and is forced to live out of their car.
Grades 7 & up (Ages 13+):
All-American Boys written by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely
Teens will be both won over and bowled over by this tremendous novel about prejudice, power, and police brutality. Fantastic fuel for discussion, it’s A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book and the recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature!
The post Monthly Book List: Our Five Favorite Books for April appeared first on First Book Blog.