joshuagarciacameron2026bookblog

June 1, 2026

Week 1: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

A book that I like that connects well with this week’s Social Emotional Learning theme is If Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. The Story is funny and keeps you going from one thing to another after a mouse gets a cookie. I like how predictable the story became because students can start guessing what the mouse will ask for next. I think the story makes makes younger kids more engaged during read aloud time. Even though the book is simple and not one hundred percent related to the theme of Social and Emotional Learning it still has many things that relate to it. The book teaches important lessons about choices, patience and responsibly. As an elementary teacher, I could easily see students Laughing during this story while also learning from it.

This book connects well to social emotional learning because it shows how actions can affect other people. Every time the mouse ask for something new the boy continues trying to help him. Students can talk about how the mouse’s choice created more situations and how the boy stayed patient throughout the story. I think this is important for younger students becayse they are still learning self control, problem solving and how behavior affects others around them. I can say as a teacher that has worked with kids like kindergarteners, they do not understand how overwhelming they are sometimes when on kid ask for something then another one asks, then its just a cycle of back to back questions asking for things. It can cause frustration to the teacher or with each other as students at these ages don’t know to limit themselves when asking these questions. The story creates an easy and fun way to recognize and start conversations with the kids about emotions that they may bring with asking asking overwhelming amounts of questions and decision making in the classroom.

In my classroom I would like to use this book with the younger kids. Since I teach PE and would with a new set kindergarteners every year I could connect the story to making good choices, following directions, and understanding how chaotic and frustrating things can get when asking to many overwhelming questions back to back during games and activities. After reading I would probably have students watch a little play or funny skit that I can perform using examples of what questions are being asked during instructions or activities and our plan falling apart for the day. If the kids are older I can put them in groups to where they can put their own examples and skits of what they experienced in my class before or what could go wrong.

Week 1: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

This is one adult book that I liked growing up, that connects with the Social and Emotional Learning. The story follows Jess and Leslie as they build a strong friendship and create an imaginary world called Terabethia.. While reading the book, I noticedhow much the characters relied on each other for support, encouragment and confidence. I liked the book a lot because it showed both happy moments and difficult emotions that students may experience in real life. Even though the book has emotional parts like loss of life, I think it teaches valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and understanding each other.

This book strongly connects with Social Emotional Learning because the characters have to deal with emotions, relationships, and personal struggles. Jess starts out feeling insecure and misunderstood, but Leslie helps him become more confident and creative. Their friendship shows students the importance of kindness, trust and encouragement to others. I also think the book teaches students how to handle grief and difficult situations in healthy ways. These are important topics for students because many children experience emotions they may not always know how to express or manage.

In my opinion this book would be better for middle schoolers because I see it relating to them more but since I am in a elementary field I can definitely see this relating a lot to my 5th graders. I would use this book to help discuss with students about friendships and explain emotional growth. I see how important positive relationships and encouragement can be for student confidence. After reading the book in the class room I would have students discuss how Jess changes throughout the story and how Leslie positively influenced his life. I would also encourage students to reflect on how friendships can help people through challenges. I think the book creates meaningful conversations while helping students better understand empathy and emotional support.

Week 2: Diversity

June 5, 2026

Week 2: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar is about a girl named Unhei who moves from Korea to America and feels nervous about fitting in at her school. After some students have trouble pronouncing her name, she started thing about choosing and American name instead. Her classmates create a jar full of names for her to pick from, but by the end of the story her real name is an important part of who she is. I liked how the book focused on diversity and identity because it showed how important it is for people to feel accepted while still being proud of their culture and background.

While reading the story, I kept thinking about how students who may feel different or uncomfortable when starting at a new school. I think this book does a great job showing how small acts of kindness can make someone feel welcome. It also reminded me that students should never feel pressured to change who they are just to fit in with others. I liked that Unhei slowly became more confident in herself throughout the story. As a teacher, I think books like this are important because they help students understand empathy and respect for different cultures.

I would use The Name Jar in elementary classroom during a lesson about diversity and classroom community. One activity I would do is let students talk about the meaning or history behind their own names if they wanted to share. I think that would help students learn more about each other and build respect within the classroom. I would also use this book to start conversations about kindness and making new students feel included. Since some students may not be familiar with Korean culture I probably go into the history and explain where some of the culture or traditions come from.

June 6, 2026

Week 2: New Kid by Jerry Craft

New Kid by Jerry Craft is about a boy named Jordan Banks who starts attending a new private school Where he feels different from many other students. Jordan enjoys drawing and wants to attend an art school, But instead he deals with challenges involving race, friendships, and trying to find where he belongs. I liked how the graphic novel showed realistic situations that many students experience when they feel left out or misunderstood at school.

This book connects well with the diversity theme because it shows how students from different backgrounds can have different experiences in the same classroom. While reading I noticed how Jordan felt pressure to act a certain way in order to fit in with others. I think many students can relate to feeling uncomfortable in new situations or feeling like they do not completely belong. One thing I liked about this book was that it used humor and illustrations while still discussing serious topics and identity, stereotypes, and acceptance.

I think New Kid would be good for upper elementary or middle school. This can be used as a lesson with diversity, empathy and relationships between students. Since the book is a graphic novel I think it would keep the kids engaged, especially with reluctant readers who may not enjoy traditional novels. One classroom activity I would use is having students reflect on a time they felt new or left out and discuss ways classmates can help others feel included. I also think this book could lead to conversation about stereotypes and how teachers can create classrooms where every student feels accepted and valued.