Dear Families,

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.” Mark Twain. Our school character trait this month is KINDNESS.  The books this week offer a glimpse into empathy, respect, courtesy, friendship, and kindness. Some cover bullying and many are set on the playground.  We hope that these books will help you hold discussions with your child about how to be kind at school, especially on the playground.

May you practice random acts of kindness with your child and watch your spirits be lifted.  It’s delightful to do things for others, merely to make them happy.

Happy Reading,

Angie Maxson-DeFeyter

Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully by Audrey Penn

Chester the Raccoon is a DeFeyter family favorite.  We love The Kissing Hand too.

Chester finds his voice to be an upstander and at the same time empathy for a bully.

I’d imagine your family would love this one as much as we do.

Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Another DeFeyter family favorite. Bear’s friends share empathy and care towards him while he’s sick.

Enemy Pie by Dereck Munson

Another fantastic story and one I’ve mentioned in an earlier nook but find worth mentioning again.   Enemy Pie  covers kindness, courtesy, respect, and friendship

The Juice Box Bully:  Empowering Kids to Stand Up to Others by Bob Sorenson

“Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete’s new school get involved, instead of being bystanders.” Goodreads

Bully  by Patricia Polacco

Here’s a book that takes on cyberbullying and cliques.

“Patricia Polacco has taken up the cause against bullies ever since Thank You, Mr. Falker, and her passion shines through in this powerful story of a girl who stands up for a friend.” Goodreads

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco