if nathan were here mary bahr in "if nathan were here", author mary bahr gently explores...

If Nathan Were HereMary Bahr

In "If Nathan Were Here", author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him. Mary Bahr's evocative text conveys a child's grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jerome's soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of children's friendships.***Amazon.com

Death

This book could be used for students who are struggling with a loss of a friend and provide them with activities they can do to cope with their loss.

We’ll Paint the Octopus RedStephanie Stuve-Bodeen

As six-year-old Emma anticipates the birth of her new baby brother or sister, she vividly imagines all of the things they can do together. Emma feels ready to be a big sister! Then when the baby is born, her dad tells her that it's a boy and he has something called Down syndrome. Finally she asks, "If Isaac has this Down thing, then what can't he do?". Her dad thinks about it, then tells her that as long as they are patient with him, and help him when he needs it, there probably isn't anything Isaac can't do. In this touching story, Emma helps her father as much as he helps her to realize that Isaac is the baby they dreamed of. The book concludes with a set of commonly asked questions about Down syndrome with answers for children and how it might affect their sibling and family. ***Amazon.com

Children with Siblingsthat have Special Needs

This book could be used for students who have a younger sibling that has Down’s Syndrome or other disabilities to provide them with ideas of how to help their siblings.


Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs

Donald J. MeyerIn Views From Our Shoes, 45 siblings share

their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. The children whose essays are featured here range from four to eighteen and are the siblings of youngsters with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADD, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down and Tourette syndromes. Their personal tales introduce young siblings to others like them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences. A glossary of disabilities provides easy-to-understand definitions of many of the conditions mentioned. ***Amazon.com

This book could serve as a resource for students who feel they are the only ones that have a sibling with special needs and allow them to read about the experiences of other siblings.


Ben, King of the RiverDavid Gifaldi

Chad can't wait for the camping trip. He just hopes his brother, Ben, won't ruin it. Ben was born with a developmental disability, and though he's five, he doesn't always act it. Ben doesn't like new things, and sometimes his behavior is embarrassing. Chad loves Ben, but life with him can be frustrating. The camping trip is great, and Ben especially loves being in the water. He splashes and plays and holds his hands high, like he's King of the River. But Chad sees some boys who make fun of Ben. The brothers encounter the same boys later and Chad expects the worst. But when he introduces Ben, something surprising—and wonderful—takes place.***Amazon.com

This book can help siblings of children with special needs realize the importance of their bond with their sibling and inform other students that making fun of children with special needs is wrong.


My Brother, MatthewMary Thompason

A book especially for siblings. My Brother, Matthew is narrated by a young boy who describes the ups and downs of day-to-day life as he and his family adjust to his new brother, Matthew, who is born with a disability. David, the older siblings, wryly shares his experiences -- the worry, impatience, feeling left out, being talked down to my grownups -- and the positive ways in which he has built a unique relationship with his brother. Fully illustrated and sensitively written.***Amazon.com

This is a story that can help other siblings share their feelings and reassure them that their role in the family is very important.


My Brother, CharlieHolly Robinson and Ryan

Elizabeth PeeteFrom bestselling author and actress Holly

Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism.

"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.

Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.***Amazon.com

This story can help others realize what autism is and the strengths and weaknesses that come along with it.


In Jessie’s ShoesBeverly Lewis

What parent hasn't urged her son or daughter not to stare or tease a child who is "different" or disabled in some way?

As Jesse's sister struggle to understand her brother--and to deal with the kids who make fun of him--families everywhere will benefit from this sensitive yet realistic story about learning to understand and befriend a child with special needs.***Amazon.com

This story could provide support to children who witness their sibling with special needs be teased and teach other children how to make friends with children with special needs.

All About My BrotherSarah Peralta

This is an invaluable contribution to helping typically developing children understand that a child with autism is a child first, and is someone interesting to know. Sarah gives insight into the sibling relationship in a way only a child can do it. Through her simple depictions of her brother Evan’s everyday behavior, Sarah encourages others to approach autism without fear or pity. The effects of her book will live long beyond the last pages, as Sarah invites her young readers to share ideas for how to live with siblings or classmates who have autism spectrum disorders. The book is heart-warming and introspective and the writing style makes it appropriate for children and adults alike.***Amazon.com

This story can be used to help all children understand autism (whether a sibling or classmate) in a child-friendly manner.



Brotherly FeelingsSam Frender

It isn't easy being eight years old and having an older brother who other children often misunderstand. They don't realize that when he doesn't laugh at their jokes it's because he doesn't understand them. They don't know that when he doesn't speak to them or look at them it's because he doesn't know what to say or how to make eye contact. They don't realize that he behaves this way because he has something called Asperger's Syndrome. Sam knows that his brother Eric is different from him because his brain works differently. So, when the other children bully Eric, it makes Sam feel protective of him. But sometimes, when Eric behaves oddly, Sam feels embarrassed too. Sometimes, when Eric gets lots of attention, it makes Sam feel resentful - then, when he considers that Eric needs a lot of help and attention, it makes Sam feel guilty for feeling resentful. There are so many different feelings Sam experiences! "Brotherly Feelings" explores the emotions that siblings of children with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) commonly experience. ***Amazon.com

This book will help siblings understand that their emotional responses are natural. This story can be used by teachers and parents to use with siblings to discuss their emotional experiences and will also help children with AS to understand the feelings of other family members.


My Brother Doesn't Want to Play: Autism From a Siblings Perspective

Tisha Campbell MartinA heartwarming story about a mother who teaches

love, patience and understanding to her youngest child whose older sibling is autistic. The story is based on Tisha's son who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. “Do you love him more than me?!” “He needs my extra time for sure… It doesn’t mean I love you any less or that I love him more.” From the Author, this book is an offering to ALL children, not only those who may have a family member who has autism but also for those who may know of or meet a peer with autism. "My Brother Doesn't Want To Play," is a book, I hope, will make it easier for adults to help typical children look past what they see and find a deeper understanding and tolerance for people who are different.***Amazon.com

This book can help children develop a tolerance for their peers and siblings who have special needs and those who are different.


Tru ConfessionsJanet Tashijan

Wish #1: To have my own television show.Wish #2: For Eddie to be un-handicapped. (Eddie is my twin Brother.)Wish #3: I don’t really want anything else this year (except maybe to go out with Billy Meier).

Do wishes really come true? When Trudy Walker sees the ad from the local cable station, she truly believes they do. The station is looking to air demo tapes of shows created by and for teens. This could be Tru’s big Break! But lately Tru is distracted by Wish #2. She spends hours researching cures for Eddie online and filming his daily routine. If Tru becomes a star—if she just grows up—will she outgrow Eddie? Can she pursue her dreams and still be true to herself? Or is it all just wishful thinking.***Amazon.com

This book can help siblings of children with special needs realize the importance of developing a bond with their siblings.

Financial Issues at Home

Coat of Many ColorsDolly Parton

Winter is coming to Tennessee and there's no money to buy a new coat, so a little girl's mama sews one for her out of rags. The little girl wears it to school proudly, and when the other children laugh, she gives them a quick lesson about what it means to be rich. Judith Sutton's beautiful paintings bring one of Dolly Parton's best-loved songs to life. "The heartfelt verses are imbued with the same genuine, infectiously likeable spirit Parton herself projects."'Publishers Weekly.***Amazon.com

This book can help students understand that being rich does not mean having the best material things.


Those ShoesMaribeth Boelts

"In this witty, wise picture book, Boelts presents a kid’s-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.***Amazon.com

This book can help children develop a sense of what want and need is and realize what priorities are important.


When Times Are Tough Yanitzia Canetti

Why can't I buy new toys? Why do we eat at home more often? Why aren't we going on vacation this year? When times are tough, it is difficult for children to understand why things change. This book follows a fictional family that faces very real economic challenges, and shows how they are able to overcome each one together. A timeless and reassuring tale with an optimistic ending.***Amazon.com

This story can help children understand changes that occur when families are in financially trying times and how to work through these changes and obstacles.

Financial issues at Home

Okay for NowGary Schmidt

In this companion novel to The Wednesday Wars, Doug struggles to be more than the "skinny thug" that some people think him to be. He finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer, who gives him the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.***Amazon.com

This book gives insight on issues that families experience, including financial, and lessons on how to overcome them.


Becoming Naomi LeonPam Munoz Ryan

Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw has had a lot to contend with in her young life, her name for one. Then there are her clothes (sewn in polyester by Gram), her difficulty speaking up, and her status at school as "nobody special.”

But according to Gram, most problems can be overcome with positive thinking. And with Gram and her little brother, Owen, Naomi's life at Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho in California is happy and peaceful...until their mother reappears after seven years of being gone, stirring up all sorts of questions and challenging Naomi to discover and proclaim who she really is.***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand different hardships and learn that positive thoughts are important during those hardships.


A Chair for My MotherVera B. Williams

After a fire destroys their home and possessions, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save and save until they can afford to buy one big, comfortable chair that all three of them can enjoy. ***Amazon.com

This book can help facilitate discussion and children understand the everyday trials of the people who work minimum wage jobs and face financial problems.


The Money We’ll SaveBrock Cole

When Pa brings a turkey poult home to fatten for Christmas dinner, he assures Ma that it will be no trouble since it can live in a box by the stove and eat table scraps--and just think of the money we'll save! But it's not quite so simple to raise a turkey in a tiny flat in a nineteenth-century New York City tenement. Can Pa and the children manage the willful and growing Alfred and keep the neighbors happy until Christmas? Pa finds a solution for every difficulty--until he encounters one that threatens to ruin Christmas completely. How the family joins together to solve this last difficulty makes for a very funny and satisfying holiday story.***Amazon.com

This book shows creative ways to save money and provides a humorous take to students on budgeting.


The Mighty Miss Malone

Christopher Paul Curtis"We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful" is the motto of Deza Malone's family. Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana, singled out by teachers for a special path in life. But it's 1936 and the Great Depression has hit Gary hard, and there are no jobs for black men. When her beloved father leaves to find work, Deza, Mother, and her older brother, Jimmie, go in search of him, and end up in a Hooverville outside Flint, Michigan. Jimmie's beautiful voice inspires him to leave the camp to be a performer, while Deza and Mother find a new home, and cling to the hope that they will find Father. The twists and turns of their story reveal the devastation of the Depression and prove that Deza truly is the Mighty Miss Malone.***Amazon.com

This book could be used to teach a lesson about the Great Depression and could possibly relate back to students who are affected by the recession.


HotheadCal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Cowherd

Connor Sullivan is an All-Star shortstop on his Babe Ruth team, the Orioles. He can hit and field with the best of them, but he's got one big problem: his temper. When he strikes out or makes an error, he's a walking Mt. Vesuvius, slamming batting helmets and throwing gloves. His teammates are starting to avoid him, even his best friend Jordy. His coach is ready to kick him off the team.***Amazon.com

This story could facilitate conversation about family members being laid off, what that means, and issues that arise when families have financial issues.

Divorce What Can I Do: A Book for Children of Divorce

Danielle LowryWhen Rosie's parents tell her they are

divorcing, she wonders what she can do to keep them together. She tries being her cheeriest self, giving them the money in her piggy bank, keeping the house clean, and getting good grades, but none of her plans work. By the time her parents separate, Rosie is sad, frustrated, angry, disappointed, and confused. One day she blows up at her best friend in school. As a result, she visits the school counselor, and joins a group of children with divorced parents who meet and share their feelings, experiences, and helpful ideas. By the end of the year, Rosie has learned many good answers to the question "What can I do?”***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand their emotions and what they can do to control their emotions that result from a divorce within the family.


How to Steal a DogBarbara O’Connor

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set on improving their situation. When Georgina spots a missing-dog poster with a reward of five hundred dollars, the solution to all her problems suddenly seems within reach. All she has to do is “borrow” the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward. What happens next is the last thing she expected.***Amazon.com

This book could be used to teach morals and discuss how desperate some people can get to attain money for their families.

Divorce It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young

Children During DivorceVicki Lansky

This easy-to-understand children's story and parenting guide is intended for families where both parents plan to stay active and involved in their child's life. "It's Not Your Fault, KoKo Bear" revolves around a lovable bear who doesn't want to have two homes. KoKo's experience will help children learn what divorce means, how family life will change, and understand that the divorce is not their fault.***Amazon.com

This book could be used for younger students to help them understand divorce and what all it may entail for them and their families.

Divorce My Family is ChangingPat Thomas

This unusual picture book for younger children explores the issue of divorce. The author of this book is a psychotherapist and counselor and helps children to face their fears, worries and questions when their family is going through a break-up. A special feature, "What About You?" sidebars appear frequently with questions directed at the child reading the book. The questions encourage children to explore their own feeling about the situation. Full color illustrations throughout.***Amazon.com

This book can help younger students understand divorce and answer questions they may have about how divorce will affect them and their families.

Divorce When My Parents Forgot to Be Friends

Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

This sensitively written book assures boys and girls that children are in no way responsible for their parents' inability to get along together. It lets kids know that although one parent chooses to move away from the home, both parents continue to love their little boy or girl. Both Mom and Dad will continue to spend happy times with them***Amazon.com

This book can be used for students who feel it is their fault their parents are getting a divorce and helps solidifies that both parents love them even if they are not together.

Divorce Two HomesClaire Masurel

At Mommy’s house, Alex has a soft chair. At Daddy’s house, Alex has a rocking chair. In each home, Alex also has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. But whether Alex is with Mommy or with Daddy, one thing always stays the same - Alex is loved. The gently reassuring text focuses on what is gained rather than what is lost when parents divorce, while the sensitive illustrations, depicting two unique homes in all their small details, firmly establish Alex’s place in both of them. TWO HOMES will help children - and parents - embrace even the most difficult of changes with an open and optimistic heart.***Amazon.com

This book could be used for students who live in two different homes at times and help children realize what is gained, instead of lost when families divorce.

Divorce Dinosaurs Divorce(A Guide for Changing Families)

Marc BrownDinosaurs Divorce Will Help

you Understand: * Divorce Words and What They Mean * Why Parents Divorce * What About You? * After the Divorce * Living with One Parent * Visiting Your Parent * Having Two Homes * Celebrating Holidays and Special Occasions * Telling Your Friends * Meeting Parents' New Friends * Living with Stepparents * Having Stepsisters and Stepbrothers.***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand different aspects and situations of divorce that could occur.

Divorce Fred Stays with Me!Nancy Coffelt

Told from the point of view of a young child whose parents are divorced, Fred Stays with Me follows a girl and her dog, Fred, from one parent's house to the other's, giving her a sense of continuity and stability. With a simple text and childlike language, the story expresses and addresses a child's concerns, highlights the friendship between child and pet, presents a common ground for the parents, and resolves conflict in a positive way. Tricia Tusa's charming and whimsical artwork adds a light, happy feel to this poignant--but not overly sentimental—story.***Amazon.com

This book is a light and happy take on divorce that could help children who seem very sad about a divorce understand things in a positive way.

Divorce Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst

of Divorce Tamara Schmitz

Addison is a regular kid whose parents are going through a divorce, but he knows that no matter what happens, his parents will always love him. The text in this beautifully illustrated picture book is inspiring, gentle, and uplifting, and teaches kids that having two homes to live in can be just as great as having two strong feet to stand on.***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand the positives about living in two different homes due to divorce.

Divorce Was it the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story for Little Kids About Divorce

Sandra Levins

With childlike innocence and humor, a young narrator living with his single father and brother explains divorce and it's grown-up words - like "New Arrangement," "Ideal Situation," and "Differences" - from a kid's point-of-view. Special emphasis is placed on the fact that divorce is not the child's fault, that it is a grown-up problem. Deals with practical day-to-day matters such as single-family homes, joint custody, child-care issues, and misunderstandings.***Amazon.com

This book could be given to students who are struggling with a divorce and understanding different aspects of divorce.

Divorce I Don’t Want to Talk About It

Jeanie Franz RansomWhen a child's parents tell her they have

decided to divorce, the last thing she wants to do is talk about it. Instead, she wants to roar as loud as a lion so she can't hear their painful words, or turn into a fish and hide her tears in the sea, or even become a bird and fly away . But with her mother and father's help, she starts to consider what life will be like after divorce and learns that although some things will change, many other things will remain the same. Most importantly, she realizes that although her parents may not agree about much, one thing they do agree on is that they both love her very much and will always be her mom and dad.***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand that a divorce does not mean that their parents do not love them anymore and how life may change after the divorce.

Death Where Are You? A Child’s Book About Loss

Laura OlivieriWhere Are You: A Child's Book

About Loss is a kind and supportive text with beautiful illustrations designed to help children of all ages cope with the loss of a loved one. It is created with love and care so that even the youngest readers will find comfort during this stressful and difficult time.***Amazon.com

This book can help children understand the death of a loved one and provide ideas to cope with the loss.

Death The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Sad

Rob Goldblatt

This story utilizes the vivid colors and art to teach children how feelings of sadness and happiness are natural experiences in life.***Amazon.com

This book could help students who are struggling with their feelings and realizing that these feelings are normal and acceptable to feel.

Death A Terrible Thing HappenedMargaret M. Holmes

Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better. This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. An afterword by Sash a J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of other sources that focus on specific events.

***Amazon.comThis book could help children cope when death, especially if the loved one died from a tragic accident, possibly witnessed by the student.

Death I Miss You: A First Look at DeathPat Thomas

When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. ***Amazon.com

This book could help younger children understand death and the feelings that they or a friend may experience afterwards.

Death Badger’s Parting GiftsSusan Varley

Badger's friends are sad when he dies but treasure the memories he left them. "The gentle message holds particular validity for children and is conveyed in a tenderhearted. ..manner.”***Amazon.com

This book could be used to help children cope with the loss of a loved one and remember the gifts, though not materialistic, they left behind for them.

Death I’ll Always Love YouHans Wilhelm

Illustrated in full color. "In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly."--School Library Journal.***Amazon.com

This book could be given to students who have lost a pet and help them understand their grief.

Death The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

Leo Buscaglia

This story by Leo Buscaglia is a warm, wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story about a leaf names Freddie. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.***Amazon.com

This story could be used to help children understand death through the analogy of seasons and its natural process.

Death The Invisible StringPatrice Karst

THE INVISIBLE STRING is a very simple approach to overcoming the fear of loneliness or separation with an imaginative flair that children can easily identify with and remember. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we aren't ever really alone and reminding children (and adults!) that when we are loved beyond anything we can imagine.***Amazon.com

This book could be used by children who have recently lost a loved one to understand that they will always be attached to the person they love and will never be alone.

Death Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying

Joyce C. MillsWritten for children who may not survive

their illness or for the children who know them, this tender and touching tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion. Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling well. Amanda summons the Tree Wizards, who visit Gentle Willow and determine that they can't fix her. Amanda is angry at first, but eventually she listens to the Tree Wizards as they explain that death is a transformation and journey into the unknown. They also counsel Amanda that the medicine she can give Gentle Willow is love. In a final act of love, Amanda comforts Gentle Willow, who is afraid, with a story about the caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly.***Amazon.com

This book could be given to students who may face death or students who are coping with the potential loss of someone. The book can teach students about the stages of grief and the most important thing you can give to someone who is sick is love.

if nathan were here mary bahr in "if nathan were here", author mary bahr gently explores...

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