World on Our

Shoulders

By: Leah Benson and Ashlyn

Vanderlinde

A collection of resources such as books, activities, strategies and more to help a
child learn about the issue of exclusion.




A Note to Parents

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are writing to you to encourage our Excluding Exclusion Backpack. This backpack
offers support to children who are affected by the adverse experience of exclusion. Exclusion
whether it is observable or not affects the lives of many children, often times leaving them
feeling isolated and alone. In an effort to eliminate these unfortunately prominent exclusive
acts, we have created a backpack filled with resources and tools that you and your child can
explore. We believe that communication between the guardian and child is key to successful
development during this stage in your childs life. Becoming involved with this backpack will allow
you to comfort and support your child as they explore this subject, and work towards
understanding how to manage the act of exclusion. The texts, activities, and resources within
this pack will engage your child and encourage them to develop an inclusive attitude. In addition,
these activities are designed to encourage open communication between guardian and child. The
contents of this backpack will promote children to stand up to those who exclude, and help
those who are actively excluded, conclusively creating a positive and accepting environment.

The texts within this backpack have been carefully selected to promote literacy, at an
age-appropriate level. The texts have been reviewed to ensure they are engaging, consequently
motivating children to read and respond to the stories. Alternative supports (Audio Books,
Language Translator Apps, and Digital Resources) have been provided to encourage all reading
levels. This is included so all children, along with other members of the family can be involved if
desired. Each of the texts have been specifically selected based on elements such as theme,
characterization, illustration, and tone, which convey messages of exclusion. Taken together, all
four texts effectively connect in order to demonstrate how exclusive behaviours affect
individuals through different means.

This program would not be successful without the support of parents/guardians. We

thank you for your dedication, engagement, and ongoing support.

Sincerely,

The Excluding Exclusion Backpack Curators:

Ashlyn Vanderlinde and Leah Benson



The Invisible Boy

Author: Trudy Ludwig,

Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Date: 2013
Appropriate Ages: 6-10

Summary:
Can you see Brian, the invisible boy? Even Mrs. Carlotti has trouble noticing him in her classroom.
This widespread picture book by Trudy Ludwig would be a wonderful addition to welcome into any home. The
illustrations within this book speak for themselves and give the picture book extraordinary purpose and
meaning, illustrating Brian as colorless and therefore an outsider for a majority of the story. The focus of this
story is around inclusion and the power of friendship. Brian is often excluded and ignored by his classmates and
even his teacher. He is invisible. This all changes when a new student joins Brians classroom. The other
students dont accept this new student, and he is often made fun of and excluded. Brain feels sympathetic and
tries to decide which is worse being laughed at or feeling invisible. A friendship develops between this new
student and Brian, and in the end, the other students begin to see Brians value and Brian begins to realize
maybe he is not so invisible after all.

Book Review:
Trudy Ludwigs The Invisible Boy is a story whose dilemma nearly everyone will recognize.
Anyone whos stood off to the side at a party, or silently watched conversations bubble at a table, or been
overlooked when teams were chosen knows what its like to feel invisible.- The Denver Post, February 26,
2014

Rationale:
Why read The Invisible Boy? The Invisible Boy was selected for this backpack because this picture book
successfully outlines the implications of exclusion, and how this makes others feel. This story reveals an
important message exposing how it feels to be alone and invisible even amongst a group of others or in a
classroom. This book reveals that even the smallest acts of kindness can change someones world and make
them feel included and valued. This book is also a great resource to encourage open conversation surrounding
topics such as exclusion and friendship between parents and their children. These simple conversations often
spark more in-depth discussions, such as brainstorming solutions to help those who feel invisible, or other social
strategies to encourage the quieter students to stand up to exclusive peers.


Activity for Book 1

Brian feels invisible all the time, even though he is always surrounded by others. This is because he is
excluded, and ignored. Towards the end of the story a friendship between a new student and Brian, and he
begins to feel noticed. The illustrations in the book change from dark empty outlines to colorful and bright.
These images parallel how Brian is feeling. Brian begins to realize maybe he is not so invisible after all, he is
valued and included.

Materials:
Pencil
Colored pencils/markers
Paper, sketchbook or journal

Activity:
1. Explore the illustrations within the book. Have your child discuss their emotional response to the
pictures. How do these pictures make you feel? Do they help tell the story? Why do you think the
illustrator decided to outline Brian without any colour?
2. Brainstorm a scenario where you or someone else was excluded, similar to how Brian was excluded by
his peers in the story.
3. Using the illustrations from the book as a model, draw a scenario where you or someone else felt
invisible, or excluded. Use a piece of paper, sketchbook or journal for your drawing. A pencil can be
used to illustrate the individual who is excluded, and other colored materials can be used for the
remainder of the drawing.
4. Share and discuss your drawing, describing your art, and how the colorless outline adds emotion to your
work. What would you title your creation?

Discussion: After the art project is complete, it is important that children share and discuss their art creations.
This may simply be describing their art, discussing the scenario, or articulating their artistic choices. Parents
and other family members can encourage this discussion by asking questions, and provide constructive
feedback.

Rationale:
While your child is creating their art project they are making connections to the text, and as a result
comprehending through visual comprehension. Not only are they exploring themes and characterization within
the text, they are also exploring and responding to the illustrations as well. A variety of art media is presented in
this book, and creating their own project allows students to visually represent and respond to the text, mirroring
the illustrations in the book. The art project that your child will create acts as a visual representation that
explores the theme of exclusion presented throughout the book. Furthermore, your child will explore the impact
of illustrations, how they give a story purpose and meaning, and have an effect on the overall tone and mood
within a text.
When your child shares their drawing, they are discussing and describing their art, and therefore
articulating their understanding through conversation. Lastly, while participating in the discussion component of
this activity your child will be encouraged to make connections between themselves and the text. You can
contribute to your childs ideas, and provide suggestions in order to build on the ideas they have presented.

Curricular Connections: 2.1 Use Strategies and Cues- Use comprehension strategies, 2.2- Respond to Texts-
Construct meaning from texts


My Name Is Sangoel

Author: Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Illustrated by: Catherine Stock
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Date: 2009
Appropriate Ages: 7-10

Summary:
A young refugee named Sangoel is forced to leave his homeland of Sudan and say goodbye to all of his
friends and relatives. He brings little with him and has nothing to call his own except for his name. A name that
is proudly handed down from his father and grandfather before him. Arriving in the United States, Sangoel
encounters unique obstacles while integrating into an American community and realizes that everything is much
different than he is used to. Sangoel knows he has to be the man of the family and provide for his mother and
sister so he must attend school. At school, he is lonely and feels excluded as no one is able to pronounce his
name correctly. Sangoel finally comes up with a clever idea to his problem and develops a way to finally feel at
home. This story allows for readers to be put into the shoes of other children who are refugees and the
challenges that arise of being put into a new classroom. This heartwarming story teaches students to develop the
courage to belong as well as teaching others to include those that are excluded.

Book Review:
The authors of Four Feet, Two Sandals (2007, illustrated by Doug Chayka) craft another sensitively
written, hope-filled immigrant story, this one featuring a young Sudanese refugee who finds an inventive way to
break the ice in his new American school. Sangoel arrives in the United States with little beyond his mother, his
little sister and his Dinka name which everyone he meets stumbles over and usually mispronounces. Rejecting
his mother's suggestion that he should perhaps take an American name, he instead goes to school the next day
wearing a shirt on which he's written "My Name Is," followed by pictures of a sun and a soccer goal. His
delighted classmates follow suit by turning their own names into rebuses. Stock uses transparent colors and
thick brushwork to give her tableaux a sense of movement, capturing the apprehension of Sangoel and his
family as they travel from a spare, dusty refugee camp to a crowded and snowy American city. Though a skinny
eight-year-old with downcast eyes, Sangoel is such a picture of quiet dignity that readers will come away
admiring his courage and self-possession.-Kirkus Review, July 1st, 2009

Rationale:
Why read My Name is Sangoel? My Name is Sangoel was selected for this backpack because the tone of
the picture book outlines how easily a child can feel like they do not belong. Sangoel felt lonely and excluded
because no one was able to pronounce his name correctly. He felt as though he didnt belong. Childrens names
reflect their culture, family history, gender, and religion, however, unique names have the power to exclude
students. A persons name is part of their identity. Using peoples names have the power to affirm identity and
creates a sense of belonging. This story reveals an important theme that considers how newcomer students may
feel excluded from groups or other students in a classroom because they do not fit into the norms. This book
allows for children to develop an understanding of others and develops those simple conversations on how to
handle situations where one may feel excluded, and how an individual can be proactive about the situation
rather than reactive.


Activity for My Name is Sangoel

Throughout the story, Sangoel feels lonely and excluded from his peers, and it upsets him that no one
can pronounce his name correctly. All of our names are unique and define who we are and create our identity. It
is not always a great feeling when another person cant pronounce your name properly, or if someone makes
fun of you for having a unique name. Have you ever felt excluded from your classmates because of your name
or by something else that shapes your identity? You may feel like you do not belong or you are being excluded
from your classmates. That is how Sangoel felt, but instead of getting upset he decided to help his classmates
understand the proper way to say his name.

Discussion: Sangoels name is very important to him, not only because it defines his identity but because it was
passed on from his father and grandfather before him. Do you know where your name comes from? Have a
discussion with your family about what each members name means and where it came from. You can use this
time to research on the internet to look up some unique meanings and references for each members names, you
may find out something you didnt know about your name before!

Materials:
Pencil
Colored pencils/markers
Paper

Activity: In the story, Sangoel creates a pictogram to show his classmates how to pronounce his name. He
draws a picture of a sun and of a soccer goal. Can you think of a creative way to teach someone how to say your
name?
1. Using a piece of paper draw a picture that teaches others how to say your name. If your name cannot be
sounded out using pictures, try drawing a picture that represents your name.
2. Use colored pencils and markers to create your masterpiece!

Rationale:
The resolution of the story in the My Name is Sangoel, shows the importance of finding a solution
towards including all students rather than being exclusive. Using Sangoels model of a pictogram from the text,
your child is developing a strategy to be inclusive. This activity impacts literacy development in a variety of
ways. Speaking is an essential part of the language arts curriculum and it is important that students are able to
discuss the literature that they are reading, while also being able to connect the reading to a personal experience.
Having a discussion with your child about a situation in which they have felt excluded, will allow for your child
to discuss a personal experience of when they felt like Sangoel did. Discussing the meaning behind your childs
name will create an understanding for unique names and how other children should not be judged because of
their name, as it is their name for a reason. Not only is your child enhancing their language through speaking,
but also through listening to what you contribute to the conversation. Listening is another form of language arts
and it is important that students are able to comprehend what others are saying in a conversation to add to their
overall understanding of the story.
Visual literacy is a powerful way of learning that supports oral and written language, as it is the ability
to understand how visual images communicate with the text and use visual imagery to communicate with others
(Tompkins, Bright, & Winsor, 2015). The pictogram activity allows for students to create a visual that describes
their name. This activity will allow for students to show how they can communicate through visual
representation rather than reading and writing. Completing this activity with your child will develop an
understanding of different ways for your child to communicate with others.

Curricular Connections: 2.1 Use Strategies and Cues- Use comprehension strategies, 2.2- Respond to Texts-
Construct meaning from texts


Wonder

Author: R.J Palacio

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf and Random
House
Date: 2012
Appropriate Ages: 8-12

Summary:
Wonder tells the story of a 10-year-old boy who was born with severe facial abnormality named August
Pullman, also known as Auggie. He spent his younger years going through surgery after surgery, which leads
him to be homeschooled. Now that he will be going into the fifth grade, his parents feel it is necessary for him
to attend formal school. The storyline follows Augusts obstacles that come along with being in middle school
and trying to be seen as just another student. The unique perspectives within the novel allow readers to see how
each character is affected by Auggie, and how he is affected by them in return. Wonder is a truly heartwarming
story that depicts the struggles people have with empathy, compassion, and acceptance that will show readers
the appreciation for the simple courage of inclusion. Auggie teaches us the importance of being yourself and
proves that you cant blend in when you were born to stand out!

Book Review:
"After being homeschooled for years, Auggie Pullman is about to start fifth grade, but hes worried:
How will he fit into middle-school life when he looks so different from everyone else? Auggie has had 27
surgeries to correct facial anomalies he was born with, but he still has a face that has earned him such cruel
nicknames as Freak, Freddy Krueger, Gross-out and Lizard face. Though his features look like theyve been
melted, like the drippings on a candle and hes used to people averting their eyes when they see him, hes an
engaging boy who feels pretty ordinary inside. Hes smart, funny, kind and brave, but his father says that having
Auggie attend Beecher Prep would be like sending a lamb to the slaughter. Palacio divides the novel into
eight parts, interspersing Auggies first-person narrative with the voices of family members and classmates,
wisely expanding the story beyond Auggies viewpoint and demonstrating that Auggies arrival at school
doesnt test only him, it affects everyone in the community. Auggie may be finding his place in the world, but
that world must find a way to make room for him, too. A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
Kirkus Review, December 15th, 2011

Rationale:
Why read Wonder? Wonder was selected for this backpack because this novel outlines the significance
of exclusion. Auggie is picked on, whispered about, bullied, and excluded all because his physical makeup is
different than the other students in his class. All children are exposed to a school or neighborhood bully, and
they may know how it feels to be excluded from a group or an activity but they will never understand what
someone who has a physical difference goes through when other ridicule and call them names. The storys
perspective allows for the reader to view situations from another character's shoes. The story proposes questions
to the reader, such as how would I have handled that situation? How can I be kinder to others? and How
can I ensure that students are not being made fun of or excluded? August Pullam's presence at Beecher Prep
Middle School helps everyone in the school become more tolerant and accepting, and also teaches all of the
readers to become more inclusive. This book reveals that even the smallest acts of kindness can change
someones world and make them feel included and valued. Thats exactly we want children to understand, the
importance of always being kind. Wouldnt it be nice if everyone in the world was a little kinder than
necessary?


Activity for Wonder

Throughout the novel, Auggie strives to be seen as average, however, he faces many setbacks such as
the acts of bullying. Mr. Tushmans speech at the fifth-grade graduation shows us the importance of being
kind. As he states in his speech, If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are,
wherever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary- the world really would be a better place.
This statement could not be truer. Wouldnt it be nice if we could do this in our communities as well? To begin
this activity, watch the following video: http://choosekind.tumblr.com/acts-of-kindness

Discussion: Once you have watched the video, talk about it! Have a discussion about what is kindness and what
does it mean to each one of you? What does a random act of kindness look like to you? What were some of the
acts of kindness in the novel, Wonder? Have you ever been a recipient of a random act of kindness, or have you
ever completed an act of kindness for someone else?
Materials:
Pieces of paper or a Journal Book
Pencil or Pen
Activity:
1. Create a list of 20 acts of kindness that you and your family members could do within our community.
2. Choose five of your favorite acts of kindness.
3. If necessary, make sure you have the materials that you need to complete this random act of kindness.
4. Now go spread kindness within our community!

Post Activity Journal Entry: Once you have completed your random acts of kindness, have each member of
the family (who participated) write a journal entry. Answer the following questions:
What acts of kindness did you perform?
How did it make you feel?
How did it make the recipient feel?
Would you like to make it a family tradition? What act of kindness could you do next time?
Rationale:
Within the novel kindness is presented in order to alleviate exclusive behaviours. This constantly
reminds us of the influence kindness has on others. We see kindness in Summer, who neutralized all of the
unpleasantness with kindness and sits down at the lunch table with Auggie. Auggie, who experiences many acts
of bullying also experiences random acts of kindness as he started school with only two friends and many
bullies, but ends the school year with many friends. It takes a little bit of kindness to create a big difference.
Teaching your child, the importance of being kind will create a domino effect among other students. We all
have the ability to CHOOSE KIND!
Not only does reading aloud with your child develop an appreciation of literature but it also encourages
your child to develop their comprehension and meaning-making skills. The discussion that is had between you
and your child before the activity encourages your child to reflect on where they may see kindness in everyday
life, or where they saw kindness in the novel. Having these detailed discussions with your child will help them
analyze the story and strengthen their comprehension skills. Most evidently students are exploring a major
theme from the novel and applying it to the real world (text-to-world connections). Readers become actively
involved as they participate in spreading random acts of kindness. Having the post-activity journal entry allows
for students to reflect on their own experience. Having a relaxed style of journal entry additionally, allows your
child to focus on their experience rather than conventions of their writing.

Curricular Connections: Objectives: 1.1 Discover and Explore- Express ideas and develop understanding, 2.1
Use Strategies and Cues- Use comprehension strategies, 2.2- Respond to Texts- Construct meaning from texts
5.1 Respect Others and Strengthen Community- Relates text to culture


Fish in a Tree

Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) LLC Publication
Date: 2015
Appropriate Ages: 10-12

Summary:
This young reader's novel would be an excellent read for both children and parents. The novel is
dedicated to kids... who find their grit to conquer lifes challenges- no matter what those challenges may be.
(Hunt 2015). The novels dedication does a fantastic job setting up this text. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly
Hunt is a must read for children, parents, and everyone else in between. This novel will connect with any reader
as it emotionally ties you to the struggles of a dyslexic student Ally. This novel accurately sets the stage of an
average classroom, which of course isnt perfect. However, when a new teacher is introduced, both the students
within this novel and the reader grow to love him. Anyone who reads Fish in a Tree will be reminded of the
significance of determination, and how important it is to avoid labeling, and excluding one's peers. A theme of
friendship within the novel reminds the reader of the significance of including those who are ignored or
excluded and standing up to those who intentionally exclude others who are different. Mr. Daniels reminds Ally
that being different is important, and constantly reminds her that her learning disability does not make her
unlike any of her peers. Just as the title suggests, Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish
by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid (Hunt). This novel addresses many
contemporary issues relating to student uniqueness and perseverance while exploring the importance of
including not excluding.

Book Review:
Ally Nickerson, whos passed through seven schools in seven years, maintains a Sketchbook of
Impossible Things. A snowman in a furnace factory is more plausible than imagining herself doing something
rightlike reading. She doesn't know why, but letters dance and give her headaches. Her acting out to disguise
her difficulty causes headaches for her teachers, who, oddly, never consider dyslexia, even though each notice
signs like inconsistent spellings of the same word. Ally's confusion is poignant when misunderstandings like an
unintentional sympathy card for a pregnant teacher make her good intentions backfire, and readers will
sympathize as she copes with the class "mean girls." When a creative new teacher, Mr. Daniels, steps in, the
plot turns more uplifting but also metaphor-heavy; a coin with a valuable flaw, cupcakes with hidden letters,
mystery boxes and references to the Island of Misfit Toys somewhat belabor the messages that things aren't
always what they seem and everyone is smart in their own ways. Despite emphasis on "thinking outside the
box," characters are occasionally stereotypicala snob, a brainiac, an unorthodox teacherbut Ally's new
friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. -
Kirkus Review, February 5th, 2015

Rationale:
Why Read Fish in a Tree? Fish in a Tree was selected for this backpack, as it is a compelling and
emotional novel that explores how one can often feel excluded and isolated as a result of a disability. Because
Ally is unable to read, she believes that she is stupid and is bullied by her peers. Even most of Allys teachers
discount Ally making her feel hopeless. This novel sparks a lot of emotion that should be discussed between
children and their parents. Ally is called out for being dumb and seen as a loser; it is important that children
have the opportunity to comprehend that despite someones disability, they must not be excluded and bullied
simply because they have their own unique differences. This book acts as a great conversation starter for
children to address what it is like to be excluded, and develop strategies to help those who are bullied or
struggling like the characters in this novel.


Activity for Fish in a Tree

Throughout the story, Ally is bullied and excluded because she has dyslexia and readers are introduced
to the damaging power of being ignored or excluded. Allys friends stand up to those who are excluded and
accept others who are different. Within the novel, Mr. Daniels reminds Ally that being different is important,
and encourages everyone to accept each other's unique differences. Just like Allys Dyslexia, there may be
qualities that make you and those around you unique. Can you think of a quality that makes you different and
unique?

Discussion: Before beginning this activity, discuss what it means to be unique, and the importance of accepting
everyones differences. How does it make you feel when others accept your differences positively? Have you
ever had a role model, such as a teacher, point out a quality that makes you unique and different, how did this
make you feel?

Materials:
Poster Board/Chart Paper
Scissors/Tape
Colored Pencils/Markers

Activity:
1. Work together to design the outline of a tree, for example, you can outline a tree on a large piece of
chart paper or poster board
2. Using any type of paper, cut out 10-20 fish-like shapes.
3. Working together, label the fish cutouts with different characteristics that make anyone and
everyone unique!
4. Attach the labelled fish to the tree outline created in step 1.
5. Hang your project as a visual representation that celebrates being different, and acts as a reminder
for everyone to not exclude others because they are unique.

Rationale:
The discussion component of this activity is important as it encourages reading comprehension. The
discussion component is guided by questions; however, your child can take the lead in these discussions talking
about their connections to the story, themes, and characters. These discussions between you and your child
encourage the exploration of the major ideas and feelings present in the text. Discussions are furthermore
important as you as the parents build on your childs responses, while still offering your own personal ideas and
responses.
When your child is listing unique characteristics and differences they are making a direct connection,
and therefore comprehending what they have read. The final project you will create acts as a visual
representation, that symbolizes the themes presented throughout the novel. Images are connected with words
and presented visually. Furthermore, it plays with the title of the novel and creates a visual connection (fish in a
tree). When you and your child view this project, you are understanding and connecting to the text.

Curricular Connections: 2.1 Use Strategies and Cues- Use comprehension strategies, 2.2- Respond to Texts-
Construct meaning from texts.


Tips and Tricks when Reading with your Child

1. Alternate! Take turns while reading a book with your child. Have them read a section, page, or chapter,
and then you read. Be a supportive and enthusiastic listener as your child reads. Having two copies of
the novel, one for your child and one for yourself, may be beneficial when alternating as well. This
allows both you and your child to follow along with the text while the other reads out loud.

2. Let your child lead the way! Allowing your child choice while selecting what to read will motivate
them to read and stay engaged throughout the whole story.

3. Pause and Reflect. Encourage discussion while reading, ask your child questions such as,
What was your favorite part of the story?
How do you think the character felt when that situation happened?
How did you like the ending of the story, or would they want to change it?
Stop at points throughout the story and make predictions as to what will happen later on in the
story

4. Motivate your child to read. If there is a movie that goes along with the story, you and your child can
watch it after the book has been read. Have a discussion after you have read the book and watched the
movie, comparing the similarities and differences between the two different modes. Creating a Venn
diagram is great for this! Use two overlapping hula hoops to create the diagram, and fill the hoops with
labeled sticky notes comparing and relating the book and the movie!

5. Celebrate mistakes! If your child does not recognize a word in the story, celebrate the learning
opportunity and encourage the use of a dictionary to clarify the word together.

6. Set goals. Goal setting is a great motivator to encourage reading and the completion of books.
Especially novels! Use reward charts to record the amount of time you and your child read together. Use
rewards that relate to literacy, such as trips to the library, or the bookstore.

7. Create a reading space. This should be a quiet, comfortable and welcoming area where you and your
child can go and read. This space should be free of distractions such as television, or other family
members who are not participating in the reading.

8. Re-reading. Encourage your child to re-read the books you have already read together. If they enjoyed
the book, they will be motivated to read it again with you. This encourages confident reading, and your
child will likely think deeper about the text and its meaning.

9. Connecting through reading. Use this time to bond with your child. This should be a time that both of
you look forward to, a time that celebrates spending time together.


Added Resources

Translating Devices

Google translate, Microsoft Translate, and iTranslate Converse are great devices that can translate text while
reading, making it accessible in other languages. The use of a translator encourages families to read the books
and complete the activities in their mother tongue. This is an excellent resource for those learning English as a
second language! In order to use these QR Codes, please ensure that you have a QR Code Scanner, which can
be found on your devices app store.

Scan this QR code or use this
link
(https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/
google-
translate/id414706506?mt=8) to
download the FREE Google
Translate app!
Scan this QR code or use this link
(https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/itr
anslate-
converse/id1241264761?mt=8) to
download the FREE iTranslate
Converse app!
Scan this QR code or use this link
(https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/mi
crosoft-
translator/id1018949559?mt=8) to
download the FREE Microsoft
Translate app!

Audio Books or a Pre-Recorded Book Reading

Audiobooks are an excellent resource to support readers. Audiobooks are great for those
children, or families who would prefer to listen to the story read out loud. Audiobooks can
be played while the readers follow along in the text. This is an excellent resource for those
learning English as a second language!

Reward Your Reading App

Reward Reading is an online reading log and reading incentive! This app is an excellent
tool to motivate readers in your household. Not only are children able to log their reading
time with a parent or the individual reading they do, but parents have to validate the time
that their child logged.

Additional Books

Are you inspired to continue exploring the topic of exclusion? Check these other books out!

Picture Books:

1. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

2. Crow Boy by Taro Yashima

3. Hello! Hello! By Matthew Cordell

4. Zero, One, Two Series by Kathryn Otoshi

5. You are Special by Max Lucado

6. Its Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr

Chapter Books:

1. OCD Daniel by Wesley King

2. Lets Pretend We Never Met by Melissa Walker

3. Real Friends by Shannon Hale

4. Nothing but Trouble by Jacqueline Davies

5. Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper

If you absolutely LOVED the novel Wonder by R.J Palacio, continue to follow the characters through Palacios
other novels, Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories, or the recently published picture book Were All
Wonders.

Wonder is also now a major motion picture and will be in theatres this November, check out the movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=ngiK1gQKgK8


Citations

Hunt, L. M. (2017). Fish in a tree. New York, NY: Puffin Books.

Kirkus Review. (2010, May 20th). Review of the book My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra

Mohammed, Catherine Stock. Retrieved October 31, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-

reviews/karen-lynn-williams/my-name-is-sangoel/

Kirkus Review. (2011, December 3rd). Review of the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Retrieved October 31,

2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/r-j-palacio/wonder-palacio/

Kirkus Review (2014, November 18th). Review of the book Fish in A Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Retrieved

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