August 10 has become one of my favorite days of the year--one of my favorite holidays. And this year, with the pandemic and closed libraries and no book gatherings with friends, I feel like I have not been able to keep up on picture books like I usually do. So, I am especially looking forward to #pb10for10 today. Thanks so much to Mandy Robek and Cathy Mere for hosting this fabulous event each year. This year, lists are posted on Mandy's blog at Reflect and Refine. I can't wait to see all of the lists!
This year, I've been thinking of how important the beginning of the year is, and how books help us anchor community and literacy early in the school year. Intentional book choice is always so important during those first weeks and months of school and with remote or hybrid learning, the books we share will be even more important.
I choose books that invite starting conversations that will extend through the whole school year. I want my students to know the joy of readings, the power of rereading, the connections that help you understand yourself and those that help you better understand others. I want them to see that in our intellectual community, their contribution matters. The books I choose to share early in the year let me get to know my students and my choices also let my students envision what our community might become.
This year's list is a list of 10 picture books I'd share early in the school year--not necessarily during the first day or weeks, but sometime over the first 6 weeks of school, I'd be sure to fit these in.
Below I've included links to the books as well as a downloadable/printable pdf of the list that you can download if that's more convenient.
You Matter by Christian Robinson
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker
A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith
Spencer's New Pet by Jessie Sima
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Dictionary for a Better World by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
Brave Molly by Brooke Boynton-Hughes
Saturday by One Mora
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon
Lift by Minh Lê and Dan Santat
I have Dictionary for A Better World on my list, too, Franki & hope to find Your Name is A Song & Lift, soon. I've noted the others, too! Some are new to me. Best wishes at the start of your year!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this terrific list, Franki! Most of these titles are new to me. Like you, I feel out of the loop on recent titles. I'm so glad you included Dictionary for a Better World. Charles and Irene's poems could spark conversations for the entire year!
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