This past month got away from me, and I just realized I hadn’t yet posted my #cbadSpotlight selection for December. But there’s still time to request these from your library and share for your #ClassroomBookADay read alouds this month!
Three years ago, for the 5 year anniversary of #ClassroomBookADay, I started curating monthly recommendations to provide deeper book knowledge, support of a broader range of book creators, and create a way to have common books for participating educators to discuss. I called it #cbadSpotlight. Each month, September-May, I share four titles that I think deserve special attention and a place in your classroom read aloud rotation.
I hope you find titles you are excited about, some new to you, and ones that will support your efforts with your students this school year as you work to be inclusive and thoughtful with your #ClassroomBookADay read alouds!
Shop for your #cbadSpotlight books at bookshop.org
to support indie bookstores + my work.
December 2022 #cbadSpotlight Titles
Dad Bakes
Dad wakes early every morning before the sun, heading off to work at the bakery. He kneads, rolls, and bakes, and as the sun rises and the world starts its day, Dad heads home to his young daughter. Together they play, read, garden, and—most importantly—they bake.
This lovely, resonant picture book was inspired by muralist Katie Yamasaki’s work with formerly incarcerated people. With subtle, uncluttered storytelling amplified by her monumental and heartfelt paintings, she has created a powerful story of love, of family, and of reclaiming a life with joy.
The Little Things: A Story About Acts of Kindness
One girl’s simple act of kindness causes ripples in her community in this story about paying it forward
The day after a mighty storm, a little girl finds a sea star that has washed up on shore, and she returns it to the ocean. Seeing her small act of kindness, an old man heads to an animal shelter with his grandson to pick a dog in need of a home. His grandson feels inspired to help an elderly woman clean up her yard, which inspires a teenager to pack an extra lunch for someone in need, and on and on until each small gesture builds toward a magnificent conclusion.
Red and Green and Blue and White
Inspired by a true story, this is a tale of a community that banded together to spread light.
It’s a holiday season that both Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and Teresa, whose family is Christian, have looked forward to for months! They’ve been counting the days, playing in the snow, making cookies, drawing (Teresa) and writing poems (Isaac). They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different.
But when Isaac’s window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates “difference.”
The Field (in honor of the World Cup happening now)
“Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community—family, friends, and the local fruit vendor—for a pickup soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running—bearing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.
“Friends versus friends” teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?
Catch up on prior month’s #cbadSpotlight selections
If you missed any of the 2019-2022 selections, be sure to check them out!
