Books for the First Week of School

By Liz Thackeray Nelson, Lauren Aimonette Liang, and Xenia Hadjioannou

Last week, we invited our readers to share the books, texts, and other media they share with students during the first week of school. Thank you to all who shared their first week texts with us! Readers reported the books they share in their classrooms from elementary through doctoral-level courses! Below we share a few examples of the responses we received, with book titles and the teacher’s explanations of why and how they use the text. Perhaps you may find a new book or two to share with your students this year. 

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I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde; Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

​Used to help build community and set expectations for students.

"Anything Could Happen" music and lyrics by Dylan Cartlidge

​Used to create an upbeat atmosphere and help students not to set limits for what could happen this year. 

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This is My Book! by Mark Pett (and no one else)

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​Used as a springboard to help students recognize that they are co-constructors in creating the class. 

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez; illustrated by Jaime Kim

​Used to discuss how questions can carry underlying assumptions and how to create a classroom that is a safe space for everyone.

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From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems/Del Ombligo de la Luna: Y Otros Poemas de Verano by Francisco Alarcón; illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

​Used to help students begin exploring free verse poetry and to enjoy the work of a Mexican-American author.

Garmann's Summer by Stian Hole

​Used in an international children's literature course to contrast with a set of typical United States back-to-school books. Supports discussion of the complex emotional life of children and picturebooks' role in reaffirming feelings and supporting a better understanding of the reactions of others. 

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson; Illustrated by Rafael López

​Used to model how to set the tone in the classroom that honors diversity and a culture of sharing our stories.

I Am One: A Book of Action by Susan Verde; Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

​Used to remind students that all actions have an impact. 

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What Do You Do With A Chance? by Kobi Yamada; Illustrated by Mae Besom

​Used to help students see the class as an opportunity to soar and not a fearful or overwhelming experience.

Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask by Xavier Garza

​Used in a university course on children's and adolescent literature to introduce to students excellent bilingual literature from a local author.

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My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero; Illustrated by Zeke Peña

​Used to help the Latinx students in the classroom see themselves and their community. 

"Forward: Literature in the Lives of Latino Children" by Alma Flor Ada

​Used in a course for Literary and English Learners to help students recognize the importance of seeing and hearing one's home culture in literature and schools. 

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Teaching Critical Thinking Chapter 8: Conversation by bell hooks

​Used to help university students understand that learning is a collective experience and not accomplished in isolation. 

Xenia Hadjioannou is Associate Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Harrisburg Campus of Penn State. She is Vice President of CLA and co-editor of the CLA Blog.

Lauren Aimonette Liang is Associate Professor at the Deparment of Educational Psychology of the University of Utah. She is Past President of CLA and co-editor of the CLA Blog.

Liz Thackeray Nelson is a doctoral candidate at the University of Utah. She is co-chair of CLA's membership committee and co-editor of the CLA Blog.