Back To School 2017
Selecting Mentor Texts to Build Character
Do you have TONS of Mentor texts? Do you find it difficult to choose the BEST books for your students at back to school time? Well, we have complied a list of great texts that we plan to use in our own classrooms. Some are brand new, while others are seasoned veterans. Our school is currently trying to
become a National School of Character, so a lot of the books we chose have a strong character connection.
Teal by Renee Galvin
This is a wonderful story about a little teal crayon that is just trying to fit in. It touches on diversity and belonging, while warming your heart. The message of acceptance for all runs throughout the story. Your students will love it and remember it throughout the school year.
Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
This is definitely a laugh-out-loud funny read. It is the type of book that makes children love reading. We plan on having a rock-paper-scissor contest after reading it! Also, use it as a way we solve many disputes in class throughout the year.
Follow the Moon Home by Deborah Hopkinson
We loved how this story involves helping the sea turtles, but there is also a great message for kids that are new to your school - get involved in your community and make new friends! It also has steps for problem solving, offers more information about loggerhead turtles, and provides links. It's just a wonderful book all around!
We're All Wonders by R.J Palacio
A great way to introduce the importance of kindness. It is based on the soon to be released movie and best selling book, Wonder. We're hoping it also inspires our upper elementary students to read the novel.
Best Part of me by Wendy Ewald
A great book where the poems are written by children. It sparks a wonderful discussion with your students about positive feelings about themselves. After reading the book we do an activity "The Best Part of Me". The students pick their favorite body part and write a poem about it. We love to see how the students think outside the box to explain to their readers.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
We love the rhyming text that includes an anti-bullying message to its readers. This funny tale of kindness and friendship told through an unlikely duo will make your students laugh. After reading this book last year, our motto was "Don't be a pine-cone!". I even had a student bring me a pinecone to leave at the front of the room.
Happy Dreamer by Peter H Reynolds
A delightful story of struggling with life's little ups and downs, staying true to who you are, and dreaming big. A great inspirational read for students of all ages.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
This wonderful, high energy story will encourage self-esteem to your students.
Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border
A story depicting the struggles of finding friendship, yet being persistent. Our students enjoyed the mixture of photographs and cartoon drawing. We laughed together, while discussing the importance of being kind to all.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
This classic picture book is about the difficulties and rewards of making new friends. We talk about getting to know people before making judgments. We refer back to this text all year long.
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