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Reviewed by: Taylor Coonelly, Elementary School Librarian Title: We Are a Class
Author: Rob Sanders Illustrator: Hannah Abbo Publisher: Beaming Books
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: PK-5 Genre/Type of Book: Back to School Picture Book
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: N/A Recommended for a school library: Maybe Reason(s) for choosing the book: Loved the cover illustration
If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be:
A simple welcoming story about classroom community and belonging.
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Review:
Classrooms are made up of a teacher and students, each with their own unique backgrounds, identities and experiences. Together, they can become a team of friends, learner, and valued individuals who are open and empathetic to each other. This book mentions how classes are a community that supports one another through the ups and downs of the school days, and how classes are a safe place for students to learn and explore themselves and the world around them. With simple and colorful illustrations, this book packs a powerful message about what a positive classroom community can do for all who are a part of it.
I was drawn to this book because of the simple illustration of a bunch of kids (who are all unique) sitting around in a circle surrounding the title. What drew me in and made me love this books was the simple yet incredibly inclusive message about classroom communities. This book begins with the inclusion of different pronouns and suffixes for teachers (she's, he's, they's and Mrs., Mr., Mx.), which I think is amazing for a young elementary picture book to have, because it normalizes these ideas and makes them valued. There are several illustrations featuring students of different ethnicities, as well as differing physical needs, like having wheelchair or crutches. The book makes mention of different situations that arise in classrooms, like disagreements, doing centers, learning about new careers and history, recess, and more. This book mirrors a modern-day classroom, and illustrates what a classroom community could look and feel like for both the students and teachers. I am so inspired and excited by the image of a classroom community that is shown in this book.
The illustrations would draw in readers of all ages, and the message is important for all as well. I think this book is perfect for an elementary library, and as a read-aloud either at the beginning of the year when a new class first comes together, or when thinking about classroom contracts/expectations/etc.
Number of party hats:
For more information about this book, see the Publisher's Website