Friendships can break your heart, when a friend leaves or dies or is disloyal. Can anyone read E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web without exploring again the meaning and treasure of friendship? Yes, friendships sometimes hurt and sometimes give hope. Friends, real or imaginary, help us sing, whistle – or become brave even when we are afraid… Read more »
Beyond Boundaries
Friendships of Every Size, Shape, and Purpose
Friendships come in all sizes, shapes, and purposes. A friend can be the dog that grins with doggy-breath curled up next to you, taking up most of your bed. A friend might be the kid next door. You’ve shared bikes, rides, rope swings, and toothbrushes since kindergarten. Or a friend can be a chicken!… Read more »
Begin to Grow, Read, and Fly Free
Yasmin’s Hammer by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Doug Chayka Yasmin rides to work in her father’s rickshaw but what she longs to do is learn to read. As she hammers away at bricks every day, all day, she earns money so her family can buy rice. She also dreams, imagines, and dares to reach for… Read more »
“To Begin, I Need a School.”
THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford. This true-to-life story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges whose courage to begin school also helped the integration of schools in New Orleans. Reading the fears and feelings of Ruby is a great platform for sharing the many kinds of fears around “first day.” JIM… Read more »
Welcome to Beyond Boundaries!
Open the windows. Stir up some thinking. Stretch! Books described here show children in a variety of places facing tough situations. The theme of each book echoes the theme of the month: AUGUST: New Beginnings SEPTEMBER: A Friend for All Seasons OCTOBER: Finding Your Voice NOVEMBER: Families and Traditions DECEMBER: Celebrations Around the World We… Read more »
“Please. Say My Name.”
Open the windows. Stir up some thinking. Stretch! Books described here show children in a variety of places facing tough situations. The theme of each book echoes the theme of this month, “New Beginnings.” Each story shows a child who “looks through a different window” with a different perspective. School is starting. But what if… Read more »
