5 Fun Books to Build Community in the Classroom
August and September are months when it is essential to build a strong classroom culture, especially in the early grades. Picture books provide a great way to reinforce classroom values -- like kindness, fairness and community.
Here are 5 of our favorite picture books for creating strong classroom culture:
Our Class is a Family - By Shannon Olsen
“With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, “Our Class is a Family” is a book that will help build and strengthen class community.”

How To Be Kind in Kindergarten - By D.J. Steinberg
"Rhyming lines serve as a guidebook, showing children how to be confident and kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten."

Just Ask - By Sonia Sotomayor
“Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Rafael Lopez create a kind and caring book about the differences that make each of us unique.”

Chrysanthemum - By Kevin Henkes
“Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.”

The Invisible Boy - By Trudy Ludwig
“A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish.”
To view all of our book recommendations, check out Diverse Picture Books for Back-to-School recommendations.
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