This instructive book looks at schools as safe places where children of all backgrounds and abilities can build strong social and emotional skills and improve attitudes about themselves and others. Showing kindness, accepting differences, learning to resolve conflicts, and expressing gratitude makes school a happy place for both students and teachers.
Martinez longs for the happy, stable home he had in Guatemala—before gang violence forced them to flee to Mexico. And now, he is being uprooted again. His mother has decided they must return to Guatemala to take care of the extended family. Martinez is scared to return—but the love of his family and support of his new rural community in Guatemala gives him hope for a future without violence. Paired with facts about the instability in Guatemala and the experience of displaced persons there, Martinez’s story offers a unique look at the fear—and resilience—refugees experience when they must return home.
Sonita has been a refugee for her entire life. Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Sonita had never seen her family’s homeland of Afghanistan—until, faced with discrimination in Pakistan and possible deportation, her parents decided to return. But despite the end of the war, Afghanistan is not the home Sonita’s parents and sister remember. Sonita must adjust to life in a homeland she has never known, and work hard to survive and thrive in a country still full of conflict and insecurity. Interwoven with facts about the conflict in Afghanistan, Sonita’s story gives a look at the experiences of Afghan refugees forced to return to a home that no longer exists.
After fleeing civil war in Yemen, Sahar knows that she and her family are lucky to have escaped the violence and survived the trip to Toronto, Canada. Although she still has nightmares about bombings and losing her baby brother—Sahar cannot believe how quickly her English is improving, and how much fun she had trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time. Paired with facts about the current situation in Yemen and how different countries work to welcome and support refugees, Sahar’s story gives insight on a refugee’s life in a new country.
Roj and his family have lived in Germany for three years after fleeing civil war in Syria. Although his family faces discrimination from some in their small village, and hearing news about home from friends and family can be sad, Roj’s dreams for the future are high as he faces each new challenge with hope and resilience. Interspersed with facts about the current situation in Syria and the experiences of Syrian refugees in different countries, Roj’s story offers a window into the complex and ongoing journey of refugees as they adjust to their new homes.
Memories of fleeing war in Iraq, living in the refugee camp in Jordan, and the scary journey to the United States now seem far away to Zainab. But every day, as she attends school, plays sports, and participates in community groups in her new home in Dearborn, Michigan, she is aware that she will always be part of two cultures. Interwoven with facts about Iraq’s conflict and the experiences of Iraqi refugees around the world, Zainab’s story offers a thoughtful and unique look at the challenges—and triumphs—faced and experienced by refugees in their new homes.
Syed was forced to flee his homeland of Myanmar because of extreme violence and persecution against the Rohingya minority. After traveling by boat to Malaysia to meet up with his brother, Nazir, Syed must survive “underground” in a country in which he is not welcome. Interwoven with facts about the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and how refugees survive in countries such as Malaysia, Syed’s story sheds light on the plight of Rohingya refugees around the world.
Integrity means sticking to your beliefs and doing the right thing-no matter what. In this graphic nonfiction book, you'll meet inspiring men, women, and kids like you who fought for what they believed in, regardless of the danger and no matter what the outcome. You'll also have opportunities to think about how you could show integrity and stand up for your own beliefs!
A person can be part of one or many different communities, or even one big world community. This books explains to young readers that being part of a community allows us to make friendships and work together to solve problems at home, at school, and in our cultures.
Being respectful means that we behave in a way that shows the people around us that we care about their feelings and rights. Children will learn ways to show respect to others using manners, obeying laws, showing empathy, and having respect for yourself too.
We often make choices based on our values, which are the things that are important to us. Readers will learn that making responsible choices means doing what you think is right. It also means showing respect for others as well as ourselves in the things we choose to do.
Sharing, taking turns and treating everyone we meet with respect are ways we can show fairness to others. But how do we know what's fair? And how do we follow through on what we know is right? The six people in this graphic nonfiction book have all shown their commitment to a world of equality and fairness. Let's see what we can learn from them. As you read, you'll also ask yourself how you would have responded in some of the situations they faced.
Learning to say no to cigarettes, drugs, and other dangers is one of the most important tools a child can have. In this new book by Slim Goodbody, children are taught to understand when and why they need to say no, and how to refuse and still keep their friends.
What is respect? And why is it important? As you read this graphic nonfiction book, you'll learn about some amazing people who know what respect means, and who know how to honor the people and things in their world. You'll also get a chance to decide whether you show respect to those who deserve it, and to those who need it.
Writing this how-to book will not only motivate children to live healthier, happier lives but will also encourage them to share with others what they have learned. Children will learn how to eat a rainbow and be shown how to write healthy recipes for others to try. They can share how they play their favorite sports and games using point-form instructions. They will also share ways to be kind to their families, friends, and the planet. Writing a book is a great way to internalize knowledge. Children will learn and teach others how to live their best possible lives.
Bullying is about power and controlling another person. The two reader's theater-style plays in this book look at bullying first from two different viewpoints - that of the victim, and that of the bully. Young people will learn how to recognize it and how to change it.
It's always important to appreciate how much we all have in common. But sometimes it's just as important to appreciate the ways in which we are different. A change of attitude is often needed when it comes to accepting diversity. These two reader's theater-style plays look at the personal consequences of rumors and bigotry.
People often tend to link their personal identity to their physical body. Two reader's theater-style plays focus on both male and female characters and their body images. Clarisse believes she is too fat and becomes obsessed with dieting. Sam's story focuses on a males impatience for change to occur - will he always be 411 and 98 pounds? Young people will learn that they may have more control over self-image than they imagine.
For adolescents, a sense of belonging to a group is an essential step in self-discovery. And yet not all popular kids are stress-free. How others view us is important, but these two reader's theater-style plays help readers distinguish the difference between social acceptance and personal acceptance.
Resentment and compassion link these two reader's theater-style plays that help teach young people how to deal with real situations. Both deal with traumatic changes within a familya separation between the two most important people in a childs life and the loss of a home and a beloved furry family member.
A flashpoint is the critical stage in some process at which action - often violence - occurs. As young people will learn in these two reader's theater-style plays, however, flashpoints can also trigger change. The plays focus on both physical and verbal outbursts of anger and ways to regain control of ones emotions.
Election Day is an important day when citizens choose a leader. But not every country has elections. Young readers will learn about democracy and its history, how a polling station works, and how votes are counted on election day.
Caring for Earth is everyones job! Readers will discover some of the different ways they can have a positive impact on the environment. From planting trees and eating locally grown foods, to pre-cycling and protecting animal habitats, children will learn to take personal responsibility for environmental stewardship. Readers will discover how they can be effective problem-solvers when it comes to protecting the planet.
In this innovative title, young readers learn what it means to be a citizen of the global community. From water wells in Africa to global disaster relief, children will learn about different needs around the world and discover their own abilities to make the world a better place.
This empowering title will help readers discover that they have the ability to create positive changes in their communities. Inviting text and relatable examples prompt children to learn what it means to be a citizen of a community and find meaningful ways to act for the common good. Ideas include creating artwork to brighten up a local retirement facility and donating old books to a library or reading program.
