All Are Welcome

Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Reader 
Publication Date: July 10, 2018
Theme: Diversity, Inclusion
Grade level: Pre-K-3rd

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Summary

This book explores a school where all young children have a place, have a space, are loved and appreciated.

Why I Choose this Book

Set in New York City, this book teaches children about diversity in the classroom. The book features children from many different cultures, religions, socioeconomic situations and families, but all are welcomed and accepted at their school. Children are shown eating different foods and wearing different religious head covering (Hijab, Kippa and Dhuku, head wrap) and as well as physically challenged children (blind, wheelchair and autistic). The book features world flags and children pointing to the various countries they are from on a map. The book also hints at children lives before and after school such as a Muslim girl praying in the morning before school and the evening hair routine of a black girl. I like this book because I have always gone to large diverse schools with tons of diversity similar to this book. I also believe the bright colors and lively illustrations will appeal to children in the age range.

Book Activity

Download and print activity sheet. Decorate and cut out paper people holding hands. Glue the people on each end to construction paper. The middle people will be off the page creating a 2-d effect.