Five Fabulous Inclusion Book Finds

Strictly No Elephants

Lisa Mantchev, author

Taeeun Yoo, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Today is Pet Club Day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed.  The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends.  Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.

Why It Is Fabulous:  When a boy is left out of the neighborhood group, he forms a inclusive club with a diverse group of pets and children.  Sweet illustrations and the adorable pet elephant help create a memorable storybook experience about friendship and fitting in.

Nerdy Birdy

Aaron Reynolds, author

Matt Davies, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Dejected and friendless, Nerdy Birdy soon discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.  Everything is looking up until a new bird moves into the neighborhood. She looks lonely.  But not exactly nerdy.  What’s a nerdy birdie to do?

Why It Is Fabulous:  Nerdy Birdy wants to fit in with the cool birds, which many children can relate to.  He finds contentment and inclusion with others like him.   Where this book goes a step further is challenging the protagonist’s comfort zone. When his group refuses to accept the new bird, he choses to befriend her, becoming an outsider once more.  Nerdy Bird reminds readers the importance of including everyone. 

Beautiful

Stacy McAnulty, author

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable…Every girl is beautiful.

Why It Is Fabulous: This energetic picture book depicts girls of different races and interests defying expectations and embracing life.  

We Are Family

Patricia Hegarty, author

Ryan Wheatcroft, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  From busy mornings before school to family vacations; through illness and health; in celebration and disappointment, families stick together.  This book celebrates the diversity of families through shared experiences. 

Why It Is Fabulous:  Each two-page spread illustrates different types of families, each following a daily routine.  The poetic text emphasizes the importance of family and each other—in good times and bad. 

Love

Matt de la Pena, author

Loren Long, illustrator

Publisher Summary: Love is the melody that follows us through each and every day of our lives.  Whether it’s the sound of our parents’ voices lulling us to sleep, the joyful laughter of an uncle’s latest tall tale, or the warm embrace of a loved one telling us everything will be okay, it’s a feeling that takes countless forms and ultimately connects us all.

Why It Is Fabulous:  The heart of this lyrical text is that love is everywhere—even in the most unexpected places.  Love can shine through the darkness and difficulties.  Love can be sensed in the most mundane moments.  The stunning illustrations elevate the text by showing people living in various circumstances and reflecting different ethnicities, ages, and abilities.  The book is a celebration of life, people, and diversity.

Out of My Mind (by Sharon Draper)

Title:  Out of My Mind

Author:  Sharon Draper

Target Ages:  10 and up

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Publisher Summary:

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people--her teachers and doctors included--don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write.

Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind--that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget. 

First Lines:

I’m surrounded by thousands of words.  Maybe millions…

Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes—each one delicate and different, each one melting untouched in my hands. 

Deep within me, words pile up in huge drifts.  Mountains of phrases and sentences and connected ideas. Clever expressions.  Jokes. Love songs…

But only in my head. 

I have never spoken one singe word.  I am almost eleven years old. 

Evaluation: 

Growing up, I rarely saw anyone who was disabled.  When I did, I was uncomfortable and confused.  I did not have any significant encounters until well into adulthood, mostly working as a regular substitute teacher in special education classrooms. I am grateful for that experience.  I still do not fully understand though all that is involved with working with special education students, let alone understand what is going on inside them.  This book though brought me a little closer.

To me, a good book should broaden my experience and challenge my worldview.  Both prompt greater empathy and understanding. The middle grade novel Out of My Mind did all of that for me.

First, I could not help but think multiple times as I read, I wish I would have read novels like this as a student and especially as a novice teacher. It was so astonishing to get into the head of someone like the protagonist, Melody.  I realize each person has different abilities. However, I never much thought about the possibility that someone so physically disabled could have such a sharp mind and hidden abilities.

A main motif of the story is Melody’s desire to communicate. There are probably many disabled children (and adults) who yearn to express themselves, but cannot. She “acts out” because she wants to communicate something, but she incapable. Melody thinks, “But sometimes that’s how I feel—like wouldn’t it be cool if I had somebody to write the words over my head so people would know what I’m thinking?  I could live with that—large bubbles above me, speaking for me” (87).  Her feelings of frustration and isolation are depicted vividly, but the story never plunges into hopelessness.

The novel chronicles Melody’s many social highs and lows.  She longs to fit in with her peers.  In fifth grade, she begins some mainstream classes.  When another student whispers in her ear during class about an upcoming trip together, she reveals, “I felt like a real girl” (117). I do not think that most people, and especially not most children, think about the possibility that disabled students may desperately want to be “normal” and be accepted by them.  The novel is an excellent springboard for that discussion.

There are many other ways the novel challenges how people think about those with physical limitations.  For instance, Melody fears (and rightly so) that her peers think her “brain is messed up like the rest of” her (153). Many people speak as if she does not understand them and even worst speak in front of her as if she were an imbecile.  Several of her teachers demonstrate in word and deed that they do not think she has much going on in her brain.  Mr. Dimmings, her geography teacher, announces to the class that the quiz questions were not difficult enough because Melody got them all correct. Another teacher drills the same couple letters of the alphabet over and over with her even though Melody can read proficiently and has a photographic mind.  I felt angry at the other characters while simultaneously challenging my own preconceived notions of the disabled. 

One of the best parts of the book is Melody’s resilience in the midst of circumstances most of us cannot imagine.  She faces bullies with humor, and she respectfully stands up to teachers who belittle her.  Her best quality is her determination to “delete, delete, delete” negative words from others as well as her own self-talk. Some pretty harrowing incidents occur (especially toward the end of the novel). However, Melody makes a concerted effort to face them head on and to persevere gracefully.

Another highlight is the many people who endlessly support and challenger her.  My favorite is Mrs. V, her neighbor and caregiver.  Hours and hours are spent with Mrs. V, learning vocabulary, history, geography, and so forth. She does not allow Melody to get away with tantrums or to feel sorry for herself.  She treats her like a "normal" kid, which causes Melody to thrive.

Out of My Mind is a must-read middle grade novel.  I recommend this book to students, young adults, teachers, parents, grandparents, and everyone else.  After his novel, you will not see people the same way. 

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

Study Guide with Discussion Questions, Writing Prompts, and Activities

For other Middle Grade Recommendations, visit Always in the Middle.

Sisters (Raina Telgemeier)

Title: Sisters

Author/Illustrator:  Raina Telgemeier

Target Ages:  8 and up

Genre:  Graphic Novel Autobiography

Awards: Eisner Award (for graphic novels)

Publisher Summary:

“Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.”

Evaluation:

Recently, I saw Sisters on a list of top 10 books for middle grade readers, so I put it on hold at the library. I did not realize it was a graphic novel nor do I have much experience with the genre.  After reading this book though, I am more likely to give a graphic novel a second look.

The story is genuine and realistic. The family is far from perfect. For instance, Raina and Amara have a typical sibling relationship. They irritate each other.  They torment each other.  They argue with each other.  Most importantly, they love each other despite everything—though it is often difficult to see.  Their family experiences job loss, new sibling arrivals, and separation (hinting at possible divorce). 

Characterization is multi-faceted. Raina’s hopes, fears, and insecurities are depicted, making her relatable to the target audience. She wants her own space and independence while also longing for acceptance from her peers and family. For instance, at the family reunion she tries to figure out where she belongs. The younger kids are rambunctious. The adults are all arguing.  However, her slightly older peers make her feel small and insignificant. Raina puts on make-up (which is not in her normal characterization) and tries to connect with them, but they pretty much ignore her. 

The complex plot is non-linear. The main structure revolves around a road trip to a family reunion taking place 4 states away. However, there are numerous flashbacks beginning with when Raina is in preschool longing for a baby sister.  Other flashbacks help round out her characterization and relationship with her family, particularly with Amara. 

Young readers will gain experience deciphering visual literacy clues.  While the text is significant, the pictures are vital to understanding the plot and characterization. Readers have the added practice of determining when the flashback sequences are starting and ending.  For instance, they tend to be in more muted, dream-like tones and the characters are younger (most of the time). In addition, there is always a full-page signal that the story is moving back to the present. 

Other key elements of plot are appealing. Foreshadowing piques readers’ interest. Early in the story, readers learn about an unspecified (but apparently dreadful) “incident.” The author craftily sets it up by depicting past related experiences as well as returns to it later to reveal and to wrap up that plot point. Suspense is also incorporated. When the family van breaks down in the middle of the desert, Amara and Raina are left alone for 4 hours in the vehicle while their mother and younger brother go get help. (I was pretty stressed out!  Glad it is a children’s book.)  Finally, a healthy dose of humor is sprinkled throughout.  From waking up in front of everyone at the family reunion cuddling with a teddy bear to listening to her mother sing “Kum-ba-yah” around the campfire to the “blackberry” incident, middle grade readers will laugh—though probably with a bit of embarrassment hoping no one catches them in one of those moments.

The story is autobiographical.  It includes some photos of the real Raina and Amara as children.  Currently, two additional books are in the series Smile and Drama, which I am anxiously awaiting my turn in the library queue to read.

Overall, the story is engaging, heart-warming, and funny.  It is ideal for middle grade and reluctant readers. 

For other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, visit Shannon Messenger's weekly round up.  

Stella’s Starliner (by Rosemary Wells)

Summary of Stella's Starliner

Stella lives in a camper-type trailer (referred to as a Starliner) with her parents.  Life is simple but full for them.  They do typical things like go to the market, check out books at the library, and read them together.  Stella is happy and content until she meets a trio of weasels.  They refer to her home as a “tin can” and call her poor.   Their words sting Stella’s heart.  

Feeling shame and sadness, she keeps the incident to herself.  Her mother senses there is something wrong, so she gently coaxes Stella to reveal what occurred.   They cuddle together as their little home travels to a new location. 

When they arrive at their new destination, Stella meets some new friends.   Instead of seeing her little home as a disadvantage, they are fascinated by it.  They think she is a “zillionare” because she lives in a silver home.  Stella and her new friends explore and play in the Starliner. 

Evaluation

I am a fan of Rosemary Well’s characters and stories.  Her characters tend to be sweet animals experiencing childhood dilemmas.  In Stella’s Starliners, she uses an adorable family of foxes as the main characters.  Stella’s friends are cute little bunny rabbits.  What child doesn’t love fuzzy foxes and bouncy bunnies?   The pictures are animated and active, reflecting the words on the page well, but do little to add to the story content.

The story is relevant and meaningful.  Many children have had experiences similar to Stella where they are marginalized and demeaned for something superficial—appearance, clothes, home, socioeconomic class, and so forth.  This story can be used to discuss the acceptance of others based on the content of their character rather than their material possesses or outward appearance.  In addition, the incident with the weasels can be used to explore how to deal with those who say hurtful words. 

The only part of the story that seemed odd to me is that Stella’s father left for the week to go to work (as he always does).  However, on the evening Stella reveals the bullying incident, her father is driving them to a new place.  She does not realize it though until her mother tells her to look out the window.  Her mother states that her father is “flying [them] far away through the night.”  An illustration shows them literally flying. 

The next page, however, is back in reality with a neat ending.  Now don’t get me wrong, I am fine with Stella having a foil experience to that of the weasels to affirm her and end on a positive note.  Clearly, in reality children have contrasting experiences depending of the circumstances and people they encounter.  The sudden moving to a new location with no explanation and no knowledge comes off as incongruent though.  I think even a small child would know the difference between her home sitting still and it driving on the freeway.  It would have been better if they went to a park or public place and met some other children. 

Other than that little snafu in the narrative, the book is a good read.  The characters are endearing. The story teaches children to be accepting of both themselves and others.  As a result,  I recommend Stella’s Starliner for ages 3-9.  

Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool)

Summary of Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool):

Jack Baker is suddenly uprooted from his Kansas home after his mother dies.  He transfers to a Maine boarding school while his father, a military officer, finishes serving at the close of World War II.  Early Auden, the strangest of boys, is also an outsider who has faced great loss.  The two boys forge a friendship that takes them on a quest in search of the Great Appalachian Bear.   Along the way, Early tells Jack of the fictional story of Pi which parallels their own physical and, often, personal journeys toward facing the loss and pain in their lives.  A colorful cast of characters help make their quest memorable and poignant. 

Evaluation:

I read Vanderpool’s debut (and Newbery winning) novel, Moon Over Manifest, so when I saw this new book on a couple other blogs, I knew I had to read it.  Vanderpool has a gift for creating unforgettable characters and parallel multi-layered story lines.  Navigating Early showcases both of these features.

Jack is a sort of “every boy.”  He struggles with fitting in and finding his place in school, in his family, and in life.  Early, on the other hand, is rare and unforgettable.   Jack commonly calls him “the strangest of boys” because Early’s behaviors were not understood in that era.  Though Early is highly intelligent and functional, he appears to be on the autism spectrum.   His mannerisms and personality are endearing and, at time, humorous.  I could not help loving him. 

The main story line is Jack and Early’s quest.  Early creates a story to parallel the numbers in the mathematical pi.  Pi, like Jack and Early, must go on a quest to earn his name.  As Pi learns what it means to be a man and deal with loss and hardship so do Jack and Early—each in a different way.  Even the minor characters they encounter have their own intertwined and satisfying stories. 

Middle grade readers will be drawn to the boys’ journey to find the Great Appalachian Bear.  They will relate to Jack’s and Early’s characters as well as enjoy the fascinating other characters.  I highly recommend Navigating Early for ages 8 and up. 

Check out other excellent Middle Grade Fictions at Shannon Messenger's blog. 

Middle Grade Monday: Finally (by Wendy Mass)

Summary of Finally (by Wendy Mass):

Rory Swenson feels like everything in life is leading up to her 12^th birthday!  She has been preparing by saving items and notes that remind her of all the things her parents promised she could do when she was 12, like get a cell phone, wear make-up, and own a pet.  Now she has her list ready—but will her overprotective parents finally allow her fulfill all her wishes for independence and maturity?  As she accomplishes each task—big and small—it is just one disaster after another.  Rory is so eager to be “grown-up,” she is missing out on the joys of friends and family as well as allowing things to happen in their own time.  Fortunately, she realizes that these milestones do not define her or make her special.  Instead, she is growing into an adult with good character by the deeds she does for others and the wise choices she makes with her life.

Evaluation:

Finally is a kind of sequel to 11 Birthdays.  It stands on its own, but there are a few references to the former that make more sense if you have read it. The action occurs approximately one year later in the same town.  The main characters are different, but the main protagonists and some of the minor characters from the earlier novel have small roles in Finally.

I was drawn to Rory right away!  She has a genuine tween/teen voice.  I laughed in several places because she reminds me so much of my own daughter, who like Rory, thinks I am too strict, complains about my couponing, and is too anxious to grow up.  Rory, also, struggles with figuring out how she fits in with her peers. 

I also appreciated that overall Rory is not a sassy or disrespectful tween.  Her parents are actively involved in her life (sometimes more than she would like), and her family is relatively close (even though she sometimes gets embarrassed by them). 

My favorite part is the ending (which I will not spoil by giving the details).  Finally is really about figuring out who you are and determining what you want your life to be like.  There is a real positive message about how tweens/teens can begin to find that out.  It is not the superficial “grown up” things you do, but the choices you make in your daily life and relationships. 

I HIGHLY recommend Finally for ages 8-12. 

This post is linked up with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe. 

Picture Book: Willy (by Geert De Kockere)

Summary of Willy (by Geert De Kockere):  
The book begins with a description of Willy. He has:   

legs like pillars….
a body as big as two…
two huge ears that flap in the wind...
a trunk that dangles…
a tail with a ridiculous little brush at the end…

Willy is an elephant. Even though he is enormous and awkward in size, he uses his unique traits to help others. For instance, he uses his huge ears to listen to others while his trunk keeps the beat in the choir. He is seldom home because he is "extremely" welcome—everywhere. 

The narrative shifts away from Willy, the elephant, to people. Each phrase has a picture of a person with that physical quality. 

So if you have legs like pillars
Or ears that flap in the wind,
Or if you have a body as big as two,
Or arms that dangle…
Think of Willy.
HE HAD IT ALL.

Evaluation: 
This book is a celebration of individual differences. Willy is loved and accepted despite his gawky, enormous body because he demonstrates good manners, selflessness, and helpfulness. By beginning with an animal that is accepted as large, DeKockere creates the vision that size and physical imperfections do not matter. The shift to people is unexpected. His technique made me feel the truth of the story more powerfully. Artist Carll Cneut has created whimsical illustrations in neutrals and reds to reflect the text. The characters are not attractive in the traditional sense.  Sometimes their features, like Willy's, are exaggerated.  All of these parts effectively together with the theme of the narrative.

Willy is an ideal story to accompany others about individuality like Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon, Wink, and Ten Big Toes and a Prince’s Nose. In a culture that pushes an unrealistic standard of beauty and perfection, children can benefit from stories about confident, successful people who do not fit into the expected mold--both to encourage acceptance of others and themselves. I recommend this book for ages 3-9.

Picture Book: Ten Big Toes and a Prince’s Nose by Nancy Gow

Summary of Ten Big Toes and a Prince’s Nose:  
There once was a princess who was lovely, charming, and sweet.  She had one daunting flaw…gigantic feet!   Princes would stop by to meet her, but they ran out the door before they even took the time to greet her.  She remained optimistic though, for her mother sang to her this rhyme each night:

I am what I am and that’s all right with me.
I don’t have to be different, I just have to be.
I don’t want to be somebody else.  No sir-ree!
I am what I am and that’s all right with me.

Far, far away, there was a young prince who was warm, kind, and intelligent.  He, also, had one off-putting flaw…a nose like a barn!   All the maidens quickly rebuffed him at the sight of his enormous nose!   Fortunately, he had a father who recited to him the same inspiring “I am what I am” rhyme.   

While skiing in France, the princes and princess met.   Her feet were stealthy disguised as skis while his nose was covertly covered with a large scarf.  They talked, smiled, and laughed until they fell madly in love with one another!  As the day came to a close, both felt a great deal of anxiety at the thought of revealing their “defect” to the other.  The moment came.  He stared at her humongous un-princess-like feet as she gazed at his enormous un-princely nose.  Their response:  “They laughed and they giggled, and then he proposed.”

The couple happily rode off to his castle.   The reader is advised:

So if, one fine day, you should happen to meet
a guy with a schnoz and a gal with big feet,
don’t jump to conclusions, try not to be mean…

…for you might have bumped into
a king and a queen!

Evaluation:
Ten Big Toes and a Prince’s Nose immediately captivated me!  I adore Stephen Costanza’s warm, pastel illustrations.  The vivid colors of the characters contrast beautifully with the soft background shades.  Nancy Gow’s rhyming text is smooth and sweeping.  This satisfying story illustrates the importance of accepting who you are—flaws and all—and waiting for the right prince (or princess) who is willing to accept you as well.  Remarkably, it was the parents who conveyed to the protagonists that essential truth.  Readers are urged to not judge people by their outward appearance.  Ultimately, it is character and personality that make people worthwhile and interesting. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• Rhyme—Identify rhyming words and brainstorm other words that rhyme with them
• Character Education—Discuss the character qualities that make a good friend/person
• Literature—Examine other princess tales and evaluate the role of appearance vs. the role of character/personality in the people falling in love
• Art—View several pieces of art on a PowerPoint or in a gallery; allow students to evaluate their beauty with a score of 1-5 and discuss the results
• Sociology—Older students/children can discuss the role of media and culture on the definition of beauty
• Philosophy—Research: How did Socrates define beauty?  How do we/I define beauty?  Use the Socratic method to help students create a strong definition of beauty.

I believe picture books can be used as teaching tools for all ages.  Pick the activities that are appropriate for your children’s level.  Don’t be afraid to try something “above” them.  You may be surprised at what they understand and can accomplish!