As the month of March approaches, the moods of spring are starting to arise! Here are a few must-read books for this March!
Elementary - Fiction
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy. We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.”
It is important for younger children to understand the meaning of Choose Kind. This was Palacio’s picture book version of one of her most famous novels, Wonder. The story follows the story of a young book named, Auggie Pullman, who has a face different from others. His face gets him bullied in school and in his neighbourhood, however, one person choosing kind changed his life as a young boy. The book helps younger generations understand the importance of kindness and self-love. Everyone is different, so using illustrations to teach acceptance and empathy is a great way to instill important values in children at a young age.
Elementary - Nonfiction
Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“In Jill Esbaum’s beautifully photographed picture book, young children can see, hear, and feel the warmth of springtime by reading and learning all about chicks, bunnies, and the other baby animals that come out to play in springtime.”
This picture book is a great way for young people to learn about seasons, in particular, spring. Illustrations included in the book are a great way for children to learn and become interested in art. This book is a great introduction to the way the world works, which is a really interesting topic that has taken over the population’s mind for centuries. Also, this book talks about the importance of nature and its elements. As global warming takes over the world, children understanding the importance of nature can help with their future endeavours in the field.
Middle School - Fiction
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engel
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Out of this wild night, a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe on a most dangerous and extraordinary adventure—one that will threaten their lives and our universe.”
The story is centered around Meg Murry, a young girl who, along with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin, embarks on an extraordinary journey through space and time to rescue her father. Meg's adventure is filled with challenges that test her resilience and strength. Despite feeling different and out of place, Meg learns to embrace her unique qualities and discovers the power of love and courage within herself. This book not only tells an engaging story but also imparts valuable lessons to young readers. It highlights the significance of self-acceptance and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Middle School - Nonfiction
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings by Margarita Engel and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Margarita is a girl from two worlds. Her heart lies in Cuba, her mother's tropical island country, a place so lush with vibrant life that it seems like a fairy tale kingdom. But most of the time she lives in Los Angeles, lonely in the noisy city and dreaming of the summers when she can take a plane through the enchanted air to her beloved island. Words and images are her constant companions, friendly and comforting when the children at school are not. Then a revolution breaks out in Cuba. How can the two countries she loves hate each other so much? And will she ever get to visit her beautiful island again?”
A poetic memoir about the life of Margarita Engel follows her childhood in two separate countries and cultures. She loves both parts of her life, however, she is forced to focus on one after war breaks out. People believe that only those involved in the war effort are impacted by war, however, this book is able to show how citizens of countries can also be impacted. This book represents the struggle of balancing two distinct cultures and the longing for a place that feels like home. Also, it delves into the impact of political tensions, such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, on Margarita's life and her fear for her far-away family. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt prose, Enchanted Air emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, empathy, and the power of words and imagination to provide comfort and understanding.
High School - Fiction
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“The city is beautiful and terrible, in all its neon loneliness and seedy glamour, its mingled sense of possibility and emptiness. Holden passes through it like a ghost, thinking always of his kid sister Phoebe, the only person who really understands him, and his determination to escape the phonies and find a life of true meaning. The Catcher in the Rye is an all-time classic in coming-of-age literature- an elegy to teenage alienation, capturing the deeply human need for connection and the bewildering sense of loss as we leave childhood behind.”
Despite decades being passed since the publishing of this book, students in the modern time are interested in this book as it represents a profound exploration of the themes of adolescence, alienation, and the quest for identity. The novel encapsulates the struggles and confusion that many teenagers face as they transition into adulthood. Holden Caulfield, the protagonist, serves as a symbol of teenage rebellion and resistance against the superficiality and hypocrisy he perceives in the adult world. For some, reading this book serves as a relief from the confusion of the future. Deciding their life in high school can be a difficult process, however, gaining the courage helps with making the right decision.
High School - Nonfiction
I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.”
This book is a powerful memoir that captures the struggles and resilience of growing up as an African American girl in the segregated South. The book explores themes of identity, racial injustice, and the quest for freedom, highlighting the systemic racism and social inequalities faced by Maya and other African Americans. Through her journey of overcoming adversity, finding self-acceptance, and empowering herself through education and literature, Maya's story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the pursuit of self-discovery and freedom in the face of overwhelming odds.
Written By: Krisha L
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