With her sure, loving, gardener's touch, Mrs. Spitzer nutures the students in her classroom each year.

Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over. Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness? Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy's brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph's mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way. This book comes with a free Reader's Companion, complete with discussion questions, lesson plans and activities for children to go beyond the book. Download your copy direct from the publisher website. The best book for teaching kindness and confronting bullying. Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun is perhaps the most beloved book by award-winning author Maria Dismondy. It carries the key message of love, courage and positivity supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other books that focus on emotions, confidence and bullying. Like the work of Adir Levy (What Would Danny Do?) and Jacquelyn Stagg (Kindness Starts with You).

Follows a child through all the big first grade moments.

On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids' hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it's looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone's wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt—this school year will definitely be the best!

A Teacher's Top Secret is the perfect book for the first day of school! A secret agency has given teachers special permission to let them in on a critical secret: they were picked especially for their class. This book will build community from the first day of school!

Sam has the best seat in second grade—right next to George Washington, the class pet! Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum…but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam’s pocket into the museum’s Hamster Habitat. “Carter’s expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life,” commented Kirkus. This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.