Explorer Families,
The idea of our Principal Book Club is for everyone to interact with the same text in a variety of ways to continue to create a literacy community but also reinforce mindsets and habits we want to encourage with our Explorers being STAR students. I wanted to choose books, with the help of Mrs. Tracy Beyrodt, that teachers could use as a mentor text for reading, writing, SEL discussions, and refer back to all year long. The first week of each month beginning in October and ending in June, I will deliver a book to each classroom that has been specially selected. The book is for learners and to keep in each classroom library. The PTA has generously sponsored this initiative.
Explore Today. Lead Tomorrow,
Ms. Rodano
Principal at Harrison Elementary
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October Principal Monthly Book Club
- "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold (Good for the beginning of the school year)
- This book emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in a school setting, showcasing children from various cultural backgrounds coming together
November Principal Monthly Book Club
- “A Little Respectful Spot” by Diane Alber
- A little yellow SPOT shows all the different ways to be respectful to people, places and things.
December Principal Monthly Book Club- “Just Help!” by Sonia Sotomayor (November read: soldiers & voting briefly discussed)
- A book about how good deeds join a community together to make the world a better place. Small actions can lead to significant results
January Principal Monthly Book Club
- "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz (Artistic Flair)
- This book celebrates diversity through the eyes of a young girl who learns to appreciate the beautiful differences in skin color.
February Principal Monthly Book Club
- “Kindness is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortega (Younger elementary)
- A rhyming story about what kindness is. Provides examples of random acts of kindness.
March Principal Monthly Book Club
- "Strictly No Elephants" by Lisa Mantchev (Younger elementary)
- A story about inclusivity and friendship, where a boy and his pet elephant face exclusion from a club but find a way to create their own inclusive group
April Principal Monthly Book Club
- "Enemy Pie" by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King
- A tale about friendship, forgiveness, and the power of empathy
May Principal Monthly Book Club
- “The Circles All Around Us” by Brad Montague
- A book about how as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond.
June Principal Monthly Book Club
- "We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio
- Based on the bestselling novel "Wonder," this picture book encourages empathy and acceptance of differences
