Two neighbors—one Jewish, one Muslim—have always been best friends. When they both fall on hard times, can they find a way to help each other? In Fawzia Gilani's retelling of this folktale—which has both Jewish and Arab origins—differences are not always causes for conflict and friendship can overcome any obstacle.

"Yaffa and Fatima live on neighboring date farms. When very little rain leads to a poor harvest, both women go to extra measures to make sure that their neighbor doesn't go hungry"--

This essential guide to building and using an inclusive classroom library combines theory and lesson plans for educators of students in grades 2–3. Discover how to audit classroom collections, incorporate virtual resources, approach tough topics, and build stronger, kinder classrooms. In-depth theory and essential lesson plans help grade 2–3 educators develop a literacy program focused on diversity and inclusion. Prompts for self-reflection allow educators to personally engage with lessons and adapt them to their needs.

This book connects to the new AASL standards, ISTE Standards for Students, and provides simple directions for using a variety of books to create maker activities that deepen the reading experience. Books and maker activities help children to associate reading with hands-on learning. For educators looking for additional ways to engage youngsters in reading and maker activities, this book provides the perfect hands-on connection. Providing connections to the new AASL standards and the ISTE Standards for Students with simple directions for using a variety of books to create maker activities, this book can help elementary teachers and librarians to enhance and deepen the reading experience. Featured books represent a variety of genres for kindergarten through sixth-grade students and highlights very current titles as well as classics. The book is based on actual experiences with students and staff who have enjoyed and benefited from these activities in their elementary school library. The author's forty years of educational experience ensure the reliability and practicality of this resource that readers can trust and use every day.

A collection of essays about family, reading, and bonding with others through books. From children’s literature educator and children’s book author Megan Dowd Lambert. This poignant, funny, and touching essay collection invites readers to consider how they bond with children, other family, friends, and students through shared reading. Divided into 4 sections organized around themes of parenting, adoption, race, and healing, this 21-essay collection with its joyous and colorful illustrations is perfect gift for parents, grandparents, librarians, educators, and anyone who spends time with children or reading together with others. The author's experience as an educator and as a parent in a blended family that includes seven children of various racial backgrounds (four of whom came home through adoption) adds depth and breadth to her expertise about how people read and respond to books. "I grew up with a mother who loved to read, and what a sustaining gift that has been to me. If you are holding this book, it’s a good bet that you love to read, too. Read on, and let Megan show you how to make your love for books and your love for the children in your life add up to something special." --Roger Sutton, Editor Emeritus, The Horn Book, Inc., from Book Bonding's foreword

After Jewish fifth-grader Ava and her Muslim best friend Nadeem are called hateful names at school, Ava's Granny Buena rummages in her closet and pulls out a glittering crystal button box. It's packed with buttons that generations of Ava's Sephardic ancestors have cherished. With the help of Granny's mysterious cat Sheba, Ava and Nadeem discover that a button from the button box will take them back in time. Suddenly, they are in ancient Morocco, where Nadeem's ancestor, Prince Abdur Rahman, is running for his life. Can Ava and Nadeem help the prince escape to Spain and fulfill his destiny, creating a legendary Golden Age for Muslims, Jews and Christians?

This accessible guide to Jewish children’s literature explores many of the enduring questions of the Jewish tradition: What is Jewish history? What are love, wisdom, humor, ritual, evil, and justice? Jewish children’s literature matters for all children, and with this practical guide parents and teachers will be empowered to choose and discuss books and stories with Jewish or non-Jewish children. Jewish children’s literature is often absent in school classrooms and when it is available, it presents a picture to children of Jews as victims. Enduring Questions provides teachers with guidance in the use of Jewish children’s literature in the preschool and elementary school classroom. Enduring Questions includes extensive bibliographies of Jewish children’s literature, digital resources for teachers, and suggestions for further reading. With summaries of suggested books and texts, honest recommendations from teachers who have used these texts in the classroom, and practical curricular connections, this comprehensive book is suited for those looking for an introduction to teaching Jewish children's literature and those familiar with it. The book provides a framework about the use of Jewish children’s literature as an opportunity for all children, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to be philosophers and engage in dialog and debate. The enduring questions thoughtfully explored through Jewish literature are important for all students growing up in a diverse multicultural world.