Meli’s Book club: kids edition
By: Melina Farahmand
Founder & Owner of Past Present Future Co.
Executive Director: Guardians of Our Democracy
Author of: From Dust to Breath and When the Stars Collide
I’ve compiled a short back-to-school list of fun and inspiring books for the tiny humans. Please check the recommended reading ages by clicking the links of each book to ensure that it’s a good fit for your child’s current reading age and level.
To Change A Planet by Christina Soontornvat
Spare, poetic text and breathtaking pictures invite readers on a stirring journey that gently illuminates the causes of climate change as well as how our individual and collective actions can make the world better. With calm, truthfulness, and beauty, To Change a Planet demonstrates the importance of caring for our planet. Eye-popping explosions of color on every page create a stunning visual narrative that invites readers to find and follow the same characters through their daily lives and ultimately to a climate march on Washington, where their storylines converge. Clear endnotes vetted by a climate expert answer a myriad of questions in simple language. Meticulously researched and brimming with hope and hands-on solutions that will edify and empower even the youngest readers, To Change a Planet is a loving ode to our only home and vital for every child, classroom, and family.
Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream by Robyn McGrath
A rhythmically told and vibrantly illustrated picture book biography of Dolly Parton: an American icon beloved by all.
You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen. With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her success: resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved.
With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, “Our Class is a Family” is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. When hearing this story being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family.
“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.” -Unknown
The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps! by Gabrielle Balkan
In 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps, explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming and the nation’s capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You'll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.
Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe…bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky…The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues…be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty, and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.My Magical Choices- Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day With Choices by Becky Cummings
Do your children realize they have one of life's greatest gifts, the ability to make choices that determine how their day will go?
No more, "I can't, I don't know, or I'm not!" As you use My Magical Choices to teach your children positive, conscious language, they will choose to be responsible, calm, confident, fun, a good sport, forgiving, generous and more!
Boys and girls will be instantly drawn to the beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes that empower them to be responsible for their own happiness. Parents and teachers love the social-emotional message that greatness comes by making the choice to take positive actions towards a goal. These actions create feeling of happiness inside and help develop life-long healthy habits.
A perfect book to add to every child's library and primary teachers' collections!
This book follows a young girl named Harper as she navigates unexpected encounters and learns about respecting personal space and her body. Through beautifully illustrated scenarios and rhyming text, Harper’s experience will help young children discover the importance of body boundaries, consent, saying no to unwanted touch, and respecting personal space. This children's book teaches valuable social skills and private part safety lessons. Harper Learns Body Boundaries is a must-read for young children, enabling them to build healthy and safe relationships with others.
Important statistics for parents: 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys risk becoming victims of child sexual abuse before reaching adulthood. Every 9 minutes, child protective services substantiate or find evidence for a claim of child sexual abuse.
What’s inside:The one (maybe two) inappropriate question that all kids need to know.
What consent looks like.
The exception for when it’s ok for an adult to touch.
The single most powerful tool almost every child has.
According to theChild Molestation Research and Prevention Institute, 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education. Child molesters prey on those kids whose families don't educate themselves on child sexual abuse, are too polite or shy or are afraid of hurting feelings by questioning behavior.There is no reason not to educate yourself and your kids. It only increases the odds of it happening to your kids when you don't. Let this book be one of the first steps in the education and safety of your kids.
