Do I Look Odd To You, Written & Illustrated by: Rebecca and James McDonald

Do I Look Odd To You

Written and Illustrated by: Rebecca and James McDonald

Grades: K-5

Do I Look Odd To You is about meeting someone on another planet. They may be different from you but, they are really like you. We don't all look alike, we have many different characteristics and features from skin color, eye color and shapes of our bodies. Some people have disabilities and maybe even a deformity. The illustrations are colorful and the story is told in a rhyming form.  It gives a lot of examples on the differences the creature could have and keeps bringing up the question, "If they were this then would that make a difference?". It is great that it's not humans because it puts a different perspective on diversity.

This book is great for the classroom. The children can see that everyone has differences and we shouldn't judge them by those differences. 

The Name Jar Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar

Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

Grade: K-5


Unhei has just come with her family from Korea and is starting school. Her name is pronounced Yoon-hye. She does not want to be teased about her name. Instead she tells her class she will tell them her name at the end of the week. Her classmates oblige her by filling a glass jar with their suggestions. While Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its meaning, grace. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it. 

This is a great book to use in the classroom for accepting people from other places who may have differences. There are even activities on resource sites for teachers. I really liked this book. 

One Love Written by Cedella Marley and Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

One Love

Written by Cedella Marley

Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Grades: PreK- 1st

Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's oldest child, brings her father's well-liked song, One Love, to life. In this book, a determined little girl shows her family, friends, and neighbors how love and teamwork make a community a better place. They create a park from what was once a garbage-strewn lot. 

Great to use in the classroom with the song from Bob Marley. It is also on YouTube!