“Lost Words; An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope” is a tale that inspires strength and optimism serving as a reminder of the enduring human spirit during challenging times. Against the backdrop of the Genocide this touching story resonates with the struggles faced by people worldwide today. In a world dealing with challenges the themes of displacement, resilience and love portrayed in “Lost Words” are more relevant, than ever. Through the perspective of a boy forced to leave his home readers witness the human resilience and the importance of family bonds. Penned by my friend and mentor Lei ..read more

Just finished reading “Remembering” by Xelena Gonzalez. Its truly a book that deeply touches the heart. The way the book gracefully explores the topic of losing a pet, combined with the illustrations, by Adriana M. Garcia is simply remarkable. The story revolves around Simon, the family dog. It struck a chord with me personally as I lost my dear cat Sasha almost a year ago. This book resonated deeply with my emotions. As I read this book to class kids, It took us on a journey. The book provides children with a space to process their feelings when experiencing the loss of a pet. Helps them nav ..read more

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was so heartwarming to see how the father embraced and found joy, in activities. As a father of daughters myself, I found this book particularly resonant. It not only celebrates creative pursuits but also underscores the unique and cherished connection between fathers and their daughters. While I appreciate stories where fathers take part in things for their daughters what made this book stand out was how genuinely the father enjoyed sewing and painting seamlessly incorporating these skills into his parenting. The loving support and mutual encouragement ..read more

Immerse yourself in the world of ‘It’ll Be Irie’ written by Donn Swaby, a captivating picture book that beautifully celebrates the Jamaican culture. The story revolves around Raymond, a boy who moves to America exploring themes such, as self confidence, identity and the value of family and friends. As Raymond prepares for his journey he embraces American slang enjoys watching movies and even tries his hand at cooking dishes adding an humorous touch to the narrative. Inspired by his parents experiences Swabys heartfelt storytelling unfolds with warmth and authenticity that will surely captivat ..read more

“Boys Don’t Fry” written by Kimberly Lee and Charlene is a picture book that skillfully intertwines the themes of food, family and cultural traditions. Taking place on the eve of Lunar New Year the story introduces us to Jin, a boy who defies gender norms by wanting to contribute to the familys dinner preparations. The narrative beautifully showcases how traditions evolve over time telling a heartwarming tale of determination and challenging societal expectations. The book not only has captivating storyline but, in the artistic brilliance of its illustrations. It offers a feast that pays homa ..read more

“All the Faces of Me” by Laura Alary is like a magical adventure into a grandmother’s world of matryoshka dolls, and it’s heartwarming from start to finish. Picture this: a sweet granddaughter, captivated by her nana’s nesting dolls, especially the littlest one with its mysterious blank face. As the story unfolds, this little girl decides to make her mark by drawing on the smallest doll, setting off a chain reaction of emotions and self-discovery. It’s like a burst of creativity and a journey into understanding who we are. But oh, the drama! The clash of feelings between the granddaughter and ..read more

Captivating historical fiction that explores generational patterns of hair, its cultural significance, and emotional attachments. Carole Lindstrom, known for “We Are the Water Protectors,” masterfully records the true history of Native/Indigenous people without sugarcoating. The Caldecott Gold-winning illustrations enrich the narrative, making it an ideal starting point for grades studying Native/Indigenous cultures. Lindstrom’s backmatter on the history of hair sparks emotional discussions, fostering empathy and respect for diverse experiences. The narrative subtly addresses the trauma of bo ..read more

“Welcome to the Wonder House” is a magical book written by two incredibly talented and acclaimed poets, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard. Their words have the power to ignite wonder within readers and guide them on a journey of self-discovery. As you turn the pages of this enchanting read, you’ll be captivated by the sheer beauty and poetic brilliance that Dotlich and Heard effortlessly weave into their words. Their mastery of language and imagery is truly awe-inspiring, making this book a treasure for poetry enthusiasts of all ages. Get ready to be transported to a realm where wonder kn ..read more

“The Promise” by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani Williams, and “These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story” by Aya Ghanameh. My Grade 2 students has opened a window for us to explore the profound connections that can exist even in times of conflict. ✨ In “The Promise,” we journey through the strength and purity emanating from a friendship founded on love and respect. My young learners astutely noted that religion, often seen as a divider, is beautifully transcended by Jacob and Hassan, illustrating that maintaining faith can coexist with connecting across different beliefs. “The Promise ..read more

‘Paulas Patches,’ a story written by Gabriela Aldeman. This captivating tale not explores the tender emotions of children. Also showcases the strength of creative thinking as a problem solving tool. Join Paula, a girl facing the embarrassment of torn pants as she discovers the beauty in embracing hand me downs and the importance of nurturing supportive friendships. Through conversations with my Grade 2 students we delved into the significance of clothing choices. The resilience displayed by children from less privileged backgrounds who treasure hand me downs. This illustrated book intertwines ..read more