Top 5 Books with Mrs. Meyer

TOP 5 BOOKS

WITH MRS. MEYER

By Amy Meyer

As we settle into our new building, here are some children’s books that discuss change and transition.

CHAPTER BOOK RECOMMENDED FOR LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS Dear Mr. Henshaw | By Beverly Cleary

This classic book tells the story of a boy named Leigh, structured through a series of letters between Leigh and an author named Boyd Henshaw. Over the course of four years, Leigh and Mr. Henshaw correspond about Leigh’s family, changing schools, adolescence, and changing friendships. A book with two narrative voices, Dear Mr. Henshaw is a great title to read together as a family.

CHAPTER BOOK RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 4–8 The Truth About Twinkie Pie | By Kat Yeh

In this poignant, funny chapter book, quirky sisters Didi and Gigi move from Long Island to South Carolina, adjusting to a new school, new friendships, and a new family structure. Along the way, the girls discover new passions and work together to enter a cooking competition with a million-dollar grand prize. This story is about the importance of staying true to oneself and how sibling relationships can help us survive and overcome life’s challenges.

RECOMMENDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Not If I Can Help It | By Carolyn Mackler

Not If I Can Help It tells us the story of a year in the life of Willa, an 11-year-old girl with a sensory processing disorder. Willa needs things a certain way—socks inside out, vegetables crunchy—and she struggles when her routines or relationships are disrupted. When Willa’s mother becomes engaged to one of Willa’s classmate’s fathers, both families find that they must creatively adapt to blend two formerly separate households. This book provides a humorous, inspiring perspective for those needing a little help embracing changes or adapting to new circumstances.

PICTURE BOOK RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES Little Tree | By Loren Long This simple, beautiful picture book provides readers with a parable about moving on and letting go of the past. A little, stubborn tree refuses to let go of his leaves, holding on to each leaf despite the changes to the other trees around him. As time passes, the unchanging tree witnesses his peers grow and change into bigger, more beautiful plants. He longs to be closer to the warmth of the sun and wishes to be as big as the other trees and realizes that he may have to make big, brave choices in order to grow. Little Tree allows for discussion with readers of any age.

PICTURE BOOK RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES Wemberly Worried | By Kevin Henkes

A young mouse named Wemberly worries about all things in this picture book from the beloved picture book creator of Chrysanthemum and Owen. Wemberly worries about spilling her juice, about getting lost in the bathtub, and about scary creatures creeping in dark places. Her most pressing worry, though, is a familiar one: the first day of school. Readers will relate to the first-day jitters of Wemberly, watch her work through her initial fear, and then learn how making a new friend can change everything on a very scary day.