My School/Mi Escuela by Ginger Foglesong Guy

Illustrated by Viví Escrivá. 18 p., Rayo, 2006.

When children start school, they need to know what they'll find there. This bilingual (English/Spanish) book uses single words to answer children's questions - "children," "classroom," "teacher," indoor and outdoor equipment and materials, an owie on the playground, and finally, "friends" at "my school." Illustrated with delightful, friendly watercolors, this book can help even the youngest children learn about school, as well as learning some very useful everyday words in another language.

Ages: 1-5
Cultural Context: multicultural

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets by Barbara Esham

Illustrated by Mike Gordon and Carl Gordon. 30 p., Mainstream Connections, 2008.

Children who have ADHD may struggle with controlling their impulses. Such is the case with David, who explains that he upsets his teacher, Mrs. Gorski, every day, even though he doesn't want to. Finally Mrs. Gorski sends a note to his parents. His father dismisses her concerns: "'David just has the wiggle fidgets. I had the wiggle fidgets when I was a kid.'" But Mrs. Gorski wants to meet with the family. Before then, David decides to think of a cure for the "wiggle fidgets." He brings four cures to the meeting. First, he makes cards to put on his desk that say things like "FOCUS and LISTEN" and "What are the CONSEQUENCES?" He also brings a timer because he if he knows how long it's necessary to pay attention, he doesn't have to wonder about that, which presumably would distract him. Third, he brings a stress ball to fidget with, which helps him pay attention. Finally, he proposes that he be allowed to do things that involve physical activity, such as erasing the blackboard. Mrs. Gorski approves of these ideas and plans to implement them. In fact, it turns out that as a child, she had the "wiggle fidgets" too! As the story ends, she tells David, "many great minds come with the wiggle fidgets." This story supplies empathy for children who really do want to do what they're expected to. Not only does it present some helpful strategies for coping with ADHD, but also, it shows kids that kids who have ADHD may do an excellent job taking initiative and solving problems. These attributes make this story an excellent resource to support children in coping with ADHD.

Ages: 6-10
Cultural Context: multicultural

The Apple Doll by Elisa Kleven

32 p., Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007.

Starting school for the first time can bring concerns about being away from home and about making new friends. In this story, Lizzy is worried about both. She finds a great way to bring the security of home with her: her favorite thing at home is the apple tree in her yard, and she brings one of its apples, which comforts her when she misses home. But it isn't just an apple. Lizzy gives the apple a face and a stick body, and names her Susanna, and in Lizzy's imagination, Susanna promises to be her friend in this scary new place. When children tease Susanna, Lizzy tells her she doesn't have to go to school any more, but then Lizzy is lonely at school. Meanwhile, at home, her family is preserving apples for the winter, and they get the idea to preserve Susanna by drying her. She becomes a grandma doll that exudes strength, happiness, and wisdom. Lizzy's classmates are so impressed that her teacher invites her to show the class how to make apple people. After this, Lizzy and Susanna have lots of new friends. Instructions for making an apple doll are included. With colorful illustrations that are full of detail and energy, this story offers hope for bringing your own strength to a new and daunting experience.

Ages: 4-8
Cultural Context: multicultural

Darkness by Mildred Pitts Walter

Illustrated by Marcia Jameson. 26 p., Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Whether or not you're afraid of the dark, wonderful things that happen there -- the beginning of human life in the darkness of the womb, the beginning of plant life and the formation of precious metals and stones in the darkness of the earth, and undersea life in the darkness of the sea. Even creative ideas begin in the darkness of inside the human mind. Because dreams are also mentioned as a benefit of darkness, this might be a less-appropriate choice for children who fear bad dreams. If this isn't a concern, this book can help change fearful children's perspectives on the dark to one of appreciation of its growth-promoting properties.

Ages: 1-7
Cultural Context: multicultural