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Durdan
Inclusive Literature: Junior Learner Resources Title Author The Lion, The C.S. Lewis Witch, and the Wardrobe Grade 6 Synopsis 3 siblings enter a magical world through their bedroom wardrobe to discover they must work together and make unexpected friends to save this new world from evil. They learn about love, sacrifice, and acceptance on their journey through Narnia. A young girl whose parents are mean, and whose principal is a tyrant discovers she possesses magical powers that give her the opportunity to make school more tolerable and even fun. Its a story about getting along, accepting difference, and working together. A strange family rolls into town and our young narrator forms a relationship with one of the boys. She finds that there is something strange about this family and is forced to ask if she is willing to give everything up for something else completely Synopsis: This book discusses the discrimination faced by Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball. This book addresses the issue of race and focuses on Robinson's ability to succeed despite being subject to racism. Synopsis: When a boy and a girl are forced to cooperatively write a fairy tale, the girl imagines a beautiful princess with beautiful hair and a stable of ponies who gets captured by a giant. In reply, the boy inserts a muscular biker with a giant sword to rescue said princess. In the end, the princess doesn't need rescuing because she beats the giant herself. This book addresses gender roles and lets kids know that not every girl is a "damsel in distress", and they don't need to be dependent on boys to help them out of trouble...they can help themselves. Synopsis: This book tells the story of Joe DiMaggio and Satchel Paige, two of baseballs greatest heroes. When they face each other one day in 1936 they both have a lot on the line, as rookie DiMaggio proves himself as major league player and Paige proves the injustice of segregated baseball. This book also addresses success in the face of racism, but also Paige's success at an older age. It also addresses DiMaggio's courage as he faces off against one of the greatest pitchers of all time as a young rookie baseball player. Synopsis: Set in the Canadian West in the during the fur trade the story centres around a young girl (Isobel) whos father returns to England after finishing his contract with the Hudsons Bay Country. Isobel, being of mixed parentage thinks she must choose who she is (European or Peigan). Issue Addressed: Cultural clash is the main theme of this book.

Matilda

Roald Dahl

Tuck Everlasting

Natalie Babbitt

First in the Derek T Dingle, 3-5 Field: Baseball 1998. Hero Jackie Robinson

Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude

Kevin O'Malley

3-5

Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio

Robert Skead

2-4

Storm Child

Brenda Bellingham.

5-7

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This book is a useful tool for students who are trying to find a place to fit in. There are many students who live in 2 different cultures (old world traditions at home and new world traditions at school), this book could help them adjust. Synopsis: Bilal is a Muslim who moves to a new town with his sister. On his first day of school he sees his sister being bullied and changes his name to Bill so that people wont see him as a foreigner. His teacher who is also Muslim gives him a book called Bilal Ibn Rabah, Friend and Helper of the Prophet. After reading the book BIlal becomes aware of his identity. Issues Addressed: This book would be a useful tool when addressing Cultural Diversity and Religious Prejudices. Teachers can use this book to spark a discussion on cultural differences and personal identity. Synopsis: This book follows Tucker, a young boy who loves ballet but is often teased by other boys at school and even by his uncle for doing something that "is for girls." Tucker loves to dance and is most comfortable in ballet class, where no one teases him. After his recital he is asked by a group of boys to temporarily join their football team to avoid a forfeit. When Tucker impresses the boys in the game the other boys show up at the next days ballet class. Issues Addressed: Challenging gender roles is the main theme of this book. This book would be very helpful to show students that activities arent necessarily gender specific. In Our Mothers House the author introduces a family from the perspective of one of three adopted children. Despite being a loving home, the family deals with a neighbour that doesnt approve of the fact that the children have two mothers. This book is an excellent way to introduce non-traditional families and some of the problems that they face. As someone who grew up in a similar household in the 80s I definitely related to the way the children were confused by how their neighbour was treating them and how the two mothers had to shrug off a lot of what he was saying. I think that any book that intends to be inclusive should be identifiable more broadly speaking; you dont need to come from an LGBTQ family to identify with them. It also raises important questions about tolerance and living in a society with a variety of opinions. The young son of a European settler in Canadas early colonial years befriends a native boy of a local tribe. With rising tensions between the natives and the settlers, a new arrival sparks a battle that changes the lives of both boys. Despite being slightly dated with its language, the vocabulary is suitable for our younger learners and does a great job at showing how the early settlers in Canada felt about the indigenous populations. Copper Sunrise deals with issues of

My Name is Bilal

Asma MobinUddin

3-6

The Only Boy Denise Gruska in Ballet Class

3-6

In Our Mothers House

Patricia Polacco 4-5

Copper Sunrise Bryan Buchan

5-6

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prejudice and othering. The end of the novel ends with the killing of a tribe and the death of the native boy which is a bit difficult for some readers but is appropriate considering the topic and the real histories surrounding this story. Most importantly, this story is about reconciling differences with real world applications. This story follows a boy who wants a family pet but doesnt understand the ramifications of his fathers recent job loss. The boy takes on stray cats as the finances are stretched thin and the family is tested like never before. In our current economic climate this story is incredibly relevant to so many families. The stresses and strains of a sudden job loss can make life at home difficult to manage and I think this at least something that our students may identify with. What I like most about this story is that students can analyze how sudden changes, to themselves, or to their families, can change the way they are used to living. It also shows that poverty is not just something that happens to other people and other families. The book is short about 90 pages and deals with street gangs in Toronto. A group of black boys encounter racism from a group of white boys from a neighbouring high school. The gangs clash in some fights and get hauled in by the police. A rally for all black youth and politicians turns ugly and a riot ensues. The gangs meet up again but this time someone is killed. The issues of racism and hate are all throughout this novel. There are gender stereotypes as well with the male role and female roles coming together as the male must be tough and the female nurturing. I used this novel in my grade 9 locally developed class its more of grade 4-5 type novel, but that is the reading level of most of my class. The gangs stick together by colour of skin and some of the boys by the end figure out that the fighting isn't worth it. A group of boys come together once their parents die and form a gang known as greasers. They get into a lot of fights with the upper middle class group known as Socs. One night a group of Socs attack a two members of greasers and one of the greasers kill a Socs in the process. The boys hide out away from the police while they figure out what to do. A big rumble to settle all the scores is planned and carried out at the end of the novel. This novel could be done in grade 6-10. It takes about gender issues as the older brothers now assume the roles of dad to the younger brother Ponyboy. The novel deals with class issues and how the rich have it so much better than the poor working class. The novel sees a murder and the death of Johnny after he succumbs to the injuries after saving some children. The greasers save some children from a church fire breaking down the barriers that all greasers are bad. I have taught this in grade 9 and it could easily be adapted to the younger grades. In the end the boys learn that the fighting must stop for them all to

Tight Times

Barbara Shook Hazen

Street Scene

Paul Kropp

6-10

The Outsiders S.E. Hinton

6-10

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survive. Plus it has a great movie with a lot of old 80's stars in their first roles on camera. Everyone went to a party, but something terrible happened there and no one is talking about it. The whole town knows and every teenager that was there is a suspect. It takes some investigative reporting but one young girl uncovers the killer and is faced with turning him in. The novel deals with the trials and tribulations of teenagers in a small town. A lot of talk of body image and telling the truth to the police about the night in question. In the end a game called fashion police where two girls critiqued other people's clothes helped catch the killer. This novel I used in my grade 9 locally developed class. I read the entire novel to them, so they could understand what was going on. The questions and themes we discussed were about the internet and social media and whether a murder at a party could really ever go unnoticed even in a small town. Synopsis: Every night, Bailey dreams about dresses. But in the daytime, his parents tell him he shouldnt be thinking about dresses because Youre a boy! Then Bailey meets someone who is inspired by his passion. Issue addressed: This book addresses the issue of gender stereotypes and breaks down the idea of gender specific roles/interests. Synopsis: Eight-year-old Khadija, her older brother, Hamza, and their parents have just arrived in Canada from Pakistan. In their classrooms on the first day of school Khadija and Hamza are confronted by a sea of unfamiliar faces. At first Khadija and Hamza feel left out at recess, and they both become the targets of school bullies. Hamza, in particular, misses everything about Pakistan his friends, his school and his grandmother. But gradually, Khadija and Hamza find new friends and begin to feel more at home. Issues addressed: The book addresses issue such as multiculturalism in the classroom and prejudice. In a time when most of our classrooms are ethnically and culturally diverse it is important students understand that we should celebrate our differences. Synopsis: When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but the letters just get jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they call her a dummy. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker changes everything. He sees through her sadness to the gifted artist she really is. And when he discovers that she can't read, he helps her prove to herself that she can. Issues addressed: This book addresses various issues seen in the classroom every day such as learning disabilities, self efficacy and courage in a way that is both relevant and applicable to junior aged students. Contains 22 stories of diversity in every sense of the word !

Truth

Tanya Lloyd Kyi 4-9

10,000 Dresses Marcus Ewert

1-5

A New Life

Rukhsana Khan 4-6

Thank you, Mr. Patricia Polacco 3-6 Falker

Celebrating Diversity

4-6

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"The Sneetches" Dr. Seuss, 4-5 There are two groups of Sneetches, one with a star on their belly, and one without. Those with stars believe they are superior to the others until a machine is invented that puts stars on those without. The Sneetches get stars and have them taken off until no one knows who is who anymore.

Kids of Kabul: Deborah Ellis, Living bravely through a never-ending war,

Dr. Seuss wrote the book because of his opposition to antiSemitism. The moral is that everyone is equal regardless of their background, and that we should not discriminate against those who are different from us. The grade 7 teachers at my school have used this book to introduce units dealing with identity and self-appreciation. grade 6 This book tells the story of a number of children and teenagers living in Kabul. It tells of the trials of everyday life with an undertone of hope for the future. It discusses the desire for education that children in Afghanistan have.

This book can shed light on world issues, and is especially meaningful if there is a student in the class who has immigrated to Canada from Afghanistan or a country where youth face similar hardships. The stories are of students their own age so they are able to make comparisons with their own lives and will hopefully see how fortunate they are to be entitled to an education. The Kids Deborah Hodge, grades This book features stories of families from different ethnic Book of 4-6 groups who have immigrated to Canada over the years. It Canadian celebrates Canadas multiculturalism by providing first- hand Immigration, accounts of those who have come to call Canada home. This book could be used to discuss Canadas multiculturalism and aspects of our history, and would be extra useful if the classroom is culturally diverse itself. It would create an opportunity for students to look into their own roots and to see if/when their families came to Canada, and would allow for students who had immigrated during their lifetime to share their personal experiences. Possibly this book would be too mature for grade 6 students, Im not sure myself. I know some students who have read the book in grade 7 and 8 and it has been a very meaningful experience for them. Thoughts? The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a story about a German boy named Bruno who befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel who lives on the other side of a fence.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,

John Boyne,

grade 6(?)

Looking for Bapu

The story is written through the eyes of a child which helps students to for a sense of attachment or understanding for what was happening in the world at that time. The book can be used in a cross-curricular sense if tied in with a History course as well. Anjali Banerjee Grades When 8 year old Anu's grandfather unexpectedly dies, Anu 4-7 believes that he can reconnect with the spirit of his grandfather

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by reconnecting with Hindu rituals and shared moments with his grandfather. The book is by turns humorous and serious, with Anu's narrative recording incidents in his life as a young East Indian boy in Seattle shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The books deals with issues of prejudice and racism while also addressing Anu's cultural involvement and development in Hindu culture. The relevance of the book lies in the fact that it blends both Anu's cultural pursuits and practices with lived experiences of prejudice while having Anu maintain his sense of self. It teaches students not to be ashamed of their heritage, or to deny their cultural identity because of the opinions of others. Grade 4 The story is set in New York City's Chinatown in the 1920s, revolving around Eight year old Henry and his friends who love to help Grandfather Chin make and fly kites. Conflict arises when boys from neighbouring Little Italy throw rocks at the kites and break them. During a confrontation, the boys realize that the boys from Little Italy keep pet pigeons that are scared by the kites, and so a compromise is made between the boys where they share airspace. Although the age level is a little young for the junior division, the story is still relevant because it teaches students about the value of seeing another perspective when working with others. The message comes across stronger than necessary for a junior level audience, but the added historical perspective would serve as a springboard for interesting discussions with a class regarding diversity and history, as well as diversity and geographic location. (Grade Synopsis: Nathan develops a number of irritating repetitive level: 3- behaviours called tics. He is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. 8) Nathan and his family learn different ways they can manage his condition together, as well as how to help educate his classmates and friends.

Henry and the Bruce Edward Kite Dragon- Hall

(2005) I Can't Niner, Holly L. Stop! A Story About Tourette Syndrome.

(2005) And Tango Makes Three.

Issues & Relevance: The issue of Ableism is addressed. This book can help to introduce any number of disabilities (developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric). Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder, like seizures, or autism. Individuals with TS can have normal jobs, relationships and lives, despite their condition which may be seen initially by others as a disability. Some items for discussion could include: effective ways to educate others about TS or another disability, and how a student can self-advocate in a variety of situations. Richardson, (Grade Synopsis: This book is based on the true story of penguins at the Justin & Parnell, level: K- Central Park Zoo in New York City, who built a nest and hatched Peter 6) a chick together. The two male penguins, Roy and Silo, were observed performing behaviors typical of penguin couples, such as bowing to one another. They made a nest together, and seemed to be trying to hatch a rock that resembled an egg. A zookeeper recognized that these males had formed a couple and gave them an egg to hatch. Roy and Silo took turns sitting

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on the egg, and eventually it hatched, creating their family. Issues & Relevance: The issues of Heterosexism and Sexism are addressed. This book presents a way to begin to challenge gender roles and stereotypes, as well as our vision of the concept of a family and how that has changed. Discussions can begin to teach children about same-sex parent families and adoption. Over the past few of decades we have seen families of all kinds, and can use this book to address gender stereotypes and initiate discussions about same-sex partnerships in human society. One of the main issues at hand, and which has created controversy, is the question of if samesex couples should be allowed to adopt and raise children. *A point I feel worth noting: one year after its publication, it became the single most banned or challenged book in the United States (Grade Synopsis: Rana is a Sikh boy growing up in a small forestry town level: 4- of BC in 1980. He joins a hockey team and does not receive a 8) very warm welcome from the players or their parents. Over time he is able to prove his abilities on the ice and begin to make friends, however he continues to combat the small mindedness and racism which exist around him.

(1994) Shabash!

Walsh, Ann

Issues & Relevance: The issues of Faith as an ism as well as Racism are addressed. Many students Rana's age would share the same feelings dealing with discrimination and could easily relate to him. This novel could help to initiate many interesting discussions surrounding the topic of different faiths, races, or cultures. The story not only deals with prejudice but also with how feelings and actions can cause reactions and how we can make a difference just by accepting others as they are. * Shortlisted for the Silver Birch Award The Name Jar by Yansook Choi; Level 1A young girl from Korea immigrates to America and Grade 3 fears that no one will like her or be able to pronounce her name. Instead of introducing herself she decides to pick a name by the following week, and in the meantime she has a name jar where people can put suggestions. She tries a few of the names, but in the end she chooses Korean given name and is proud of its meaning. Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting; Grade A young boy lives in an airport with his father and tries to do Level 2- whatever he can not to be noticed. He witnesses several other 4 homeless people get thrown out by security and tries to stay under the radar. He witnesses other young people getting off planes and saying they are happy to be home, and he is frustrated that he doesnt have a house to go home to. The Absolutely by Sherman Grade A young budding cartoonist growing up on an Indian Reserve True Diary of a Alexie; Level 6- decides to take life into his own hands and leave the reserve in Part-Time 10 order to attend an all-white school. He deals with coming to Indian terms with his own identity after struggling to fit in at his new school and with his old friends after leaving the reserve.

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Honoring our Harriet Ancestors Rohmers 9-11 year olds In this book for 9-11 year olds, Rohmer collects the thoughts of 14 artists who pay tribute to a family of spiritual ancestor where the selected sources of inspiration range from Puerto Rico, India, and Harlem to name a few. The artists presented in the book represent a diversity of backgrounds and their anecdotal explanation of their choices opens children to connections between present and past and connections across cultures. This would be a great discussion starter and a prompt for students to consider their cultural heroes. This is a story for ages 9-12 who are into historical fiction or for who are about to become fans of historical fiction a s the two protagonists describe their life on an island in preColumbian America (they are Taino). The sister and brother share their world view and how it is radically transformed by the arrival of Europeans. The Booklist review of this work captures its relevance for students, since its underlying theme is the power, or failure, of people to imagine the lives of others. How perfect is that? Again for ages 9-12, this is the story of an African refugee who moves to Minneapolis who confronts the strangeness of life in America in a whimsical and emotionally charged way. This is a story of personal identity, of celebrating differences, of acceptance and open-mindedness, and, to quote the School Library Journal, well worth reading by students in homogenous communities but I imagine that a culturally diverse classroom could make many connections with the protagonists experiences. Synopsis: Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.

Morning Girl Michael Dorris

9- 12 years old

Home of the Katherine Brave Applegate

9- 12 years old

The Color of Us by Karen Katz

SK-2

Same, Same But Different

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Description of the Issues: This is a book that discusses the issues surrounding multiculturalism and breaks down the idea that there is one homogenous other. Grades Synopsis: Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They 4-6 are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different! Relevance: This book shows that everyone can find similarities although we may have differences (race, religion, etc.) we are, deep down, the same. Grades Synopsis: A young girl, Emma, sits next to Louis, the new boy at 4-6 school. Emma soon realizes that Louis does things differently than others; he is autistic. The story explores how his

Looking after Louis -

Lesley Ely

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classmates come to understand him. Relevance: Promote tolerance and understanding of those who are different; more specifically, those on the Autism spectrum. Synopsis: Elephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon. When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than having a color of his own. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike. Relevance: This book specifically touches on the issue of race. The overall message of the book is that the colour of our skin should not effect our relationships. Synopsis: This story focuses on a boy who falls in love with womans clothing and meets a girl who is also interested in fashion and encourages him to wear dresses. Issues addressed/relevance: The story addresses gender stereotypes, individuality, tolerance and understanding. It is relevant to children between the ages of 10 and 13 as they are maturing and developing their own identities. It teaches children that its okay to be different and that different can be good. It also displays what can be achieved if there is acceptance of something that is out of the norm. The book breaks down gender barriers by showing a boy in girls clothing. Synopsis: This storybook presents an alternative to the typical damsel-in-distress fairy tale. It suggests that girls are capable of slaying their own dragons and dealing with their own issues. The story is about a princess who has to go and rescue the prince that she is to marry after he is kidnapped by a dragon. Issues addressed/relevance: This story addresses gender stereotypes, desirable values in individuals and self-esteem issues. It is relevant to young children who in many cases have only heard about the prince that saves the princess. It shows that girls can also be bold, daring and courageous. The story also teaches all children to accept who they are and have selfappreciation. Synopsis: This book deals with the high death rate and resulting number of orphaned children in Kabul. This story is about a young girls struggle to find her family in war torn Afghanistan after the passing of her father. Issues addressed/relevance: The story addresses issues around war, poverty and gender stereotypes. In the story, the main character is compelled to dress as a boy in order to escape

A Colour of His Leo Lionni Own

Grade 3-5

The Boy In The David Williams Dress

5-6

The Paperbag Robert Munsch 2-3 Princess

Pravanas Journey

Deborah Ellia

7-9

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detection by the Taliban and search for her missing family. It depicts the deplorable living conditions that she is forced to live in due to poverty and the challenges of living in an oppressive culture where girls are not valued as boys are. It also addresses the value of education. This is all relevant to the young reader as it brings to light the social and economical challenges that other parts of the world face and the effort that it takes to survive each day.