Book Reviews 

 "Weirdo" by Tony Weaver Jr.

Grade Level Focus: 4th-6th

Teaching Focus: Embracing individuality and self-acceptance

Addresses SEL Competencies:

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing one's emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior.
  
  
• Social Awareness: Demonstrating awareness of other people's emotions and perspectives.
  
  

Possible Essential Questions:

• What challenges does Tony face regarding his identity?
  
  
• How does embracing one's uniqueness contribute to self-confidence?
  
  

Short Summary:

"Weirdo" is a middle-grade graphic novel memoir that follows Tony, a african american  child who feels different due to his "geeky" interests. Through his journey, Tony confronts bullying and self-doubt, ultimately learning to embrace his unique identity and interests. ​Parents

Additional Features:

• Graphic novel format with engaging illustrations.
  
  
• Personal anecdotes that resonate with readers experiencing similar challenges.
  
  

Resources for Further Reading/Related Lesson Plans:

• Discussion guides on self-acceptance and diversity.
  
  
• Activities promoting understanding and embracing individual differences.
  
  

 "Just Shine! How to Be a Better You" by Sonia Sotomayor

Grade Level Focus: 3rd-5th

Teaching Focus: Recognizing and nurturing unique qualities in oneself and others

Addresses SEL Competencies:

• Self-Awareness: Demonstrating an awareness of personal traits, including strengths and interests.
  
  
• Social Awareness: Demonstrating consideration for others and a desire to positively contribute to the community.
  
  

Possible Essential Questions:

• How can recognizing our unique qualities help us contribute to our community?
  
  
• What does it mean to help others "shine"?
  
  

Short Summary:

Authored by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, "Just Shine!" tells the story of a young girl from Puerto Rico who helps others recognize and nurture their unique qualities. Inspired by Sotomayor's mother, the book emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and supporting others in doing the same. ​People.com

Additional Features:

• Illustrations by Jacqueline Alcántara that bring the story to life.
  
  
• An author's note discussing the inspiration behind the story.
  
  

Resources for Further Reading/Related Lesson Plans:

• Activities focused on identifying personal strengths and interests.
  
  
• Group discussions on how to support peers in recognizing their unique qualities.
  
  

 "Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name" by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Grade Level Focus: 3rd-5th

Teaching Focus: Embracing one's identity and self-advocacy

Addresses SEL Competencies:

• Self-Awareness: Demonstrating an awareness of personal traits, including strengths and interests.
  
  
• Relationship Skills: Using positive communication and social skills to interact effectively with others.
  
  

Possible Essential Questions:

• Why is it important to stand up for the correct pronunciation of our names?
  
  
• How does embracing our identity affect our relationships with others?
  
  

Short Summary:

In "Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name," young Luvvie faces challenges on her first day at a new school regarding the pronunciation of her name. Through her experiences, she learns to stand up for herself, correct misunderstandings, and embrace her identity. ​People.com

Additional Features:

• Illustrations that depict diverse characters and settings.
  
  
• A relatable narrative that encourages discussions about identity and self-advocacy.
  
  

Resources for Further Reading/Related Lesson Plans:

• Role-playing activities on self-advocacy and respectful communication.
  
  
• Discussions on the significance of names and cultural identity.

 Each Kindness

Exploring the impact of missed opportunities for kindness.

Written By: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrated By: E. B. Lewis

Flipgrid Video Link: 

In-Person Talk

Own it: Each Kindness on Amazon

Grade Level Focus: 3rd-5th

Teaching Focus: Empathy and the consequences of our actions.

Addresses NCSS Themes: Individual Development and Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices

MI State SS Standards:

• 3 – C5.0.1: Describe how important decisions are made, why rules are created, and the consequences of following or not following those rules.​
  
  
• 5 – P4.2.2: Participate in projects to help or inform others.​
  
  

Possible Essential Questions:

• How do our actions affect others?​
  
  
• What does it mean to show kindness?​MiddleWeb+1Evan-Moor+1
  
  

Short Summary:

This book tells the story of Chloe, who repeatedly ignores the new girl, Maya, despite Maya's attempts to befriend her. When Maya stops coming to school, Chloe realizes the missed opportunity to show kindness and the lasting impact of her choices.​MiddleWeb

Additional Features:

The book includes realistic watercolor illustrations that convey deep emotions, enhancing the narrative's impact.​

Resources for Further Reading/Related Lesson Plans:

• Teaching Guide for Each Kindness
  
  

Related Primary Sources:

• Interview with Jacqueline Woodson
  
  

2. Wonder

Understanding acceptance and the challenges of being different.

Written By: R.J. Palacio

Flipgrid Video Link:

In-Person Talk

Own it: Wonder on Amazon

Grade Level Focus: 4th-6th

Teaching Focus: Acceptance, empathy, and the importance of kindness.

Addresses NCSS Themes: Individual Development and Identity; Culture

MI State SS Standards:

• 4 – C2.0.2: Explain how culture influences the way people modify and adapt to their environments.​
  
  
• 6 – P4.2.1: Engage in activities intended to contribute to solving a national or international problem studied.​
  
  

Possible Essential Questions:

• How can we promote inclusivity in our communities?​
  
  
• What challenges do individuals face when they are perceived as different?​
  
  

Short Summary:

Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, attends a mainstream school for the first time. The story follows his journey of navigating friendships, bullying, and acceptance.​

Additional Features:

The book offers multiple perspectives, allowing readers to understand the thoughts and feelings of various characters.​

Resources for Further Reading/Related Lesson Plans:

• Wonder Educator's Guide
  
  

Related Primary Sources:

• Interview with R.J. Palacio