by Leslie Connor; Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2022.
Eleven year-old Aurora is as boisterous, impulsive, and plucky as her best friend Frenchie is silent, measured, and introspective. Through the heartwarming and at times humorous portrayal of this unlikely friendship, readers gain insight into the broad spectrum of neurodiversity and the meaning of true friendship.
Told entirely in letters, this warm and whimsical picture book celebrates the joy and treasure of new friendships that challenge us to grow and flourish. Owl relishes solitude and turns to books to help him solve problems–such as coping with the noisy young ones with whom he shares the forest. When he corresponds with the local bookshop owner seeking assistance with helpful titles, he gets more than he bargained for, much to his eventual delight.
In this hopeful story inspired by real events that took place during the holiday season in Billings, Montana, a community chooses to stand up to hurtful behavior and join together to advance kindness, friendship, acceptance, and love.
by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Hanna Cha; Charlesbridge, 2021.
Gather up and Circle Round this vibrant and joyful picture book celebrating inclusion, kindness, friendship, similarities and differences, numbers, shapes, and more–all with merely 38 words!
by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine; Albert Whitman, 2021.
When her school plans a Silly Hair Day, Bea, a strong and confident girl with alopecia (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) navigates her feelings and manages to increase awareness of the ways in which actions and activities can unintentionally present barriers to inclusion. This gentle, affirming story is a recommended read-aloud that offers an excellent opening for discussion and can help set the stage for a welcoming classroom environment.
by James Preller; Feiwel and Friends, 2021.
Upstander by James Preller is a moving story that authentically captures the nuances of contemporary family relationships and how they can be both tested and strengthened by individual members’ actions and thoughts, as well as their wills, weaknesses, and wishes. The story of how Mary struggles, copes, and ultimately grows from her experiences facing her brother Jonny’s substance use and her own school-related conflicts is at once heart wrenching and heartening.