On Our Street is the newest book in The World Around Us series, designed to sensitively and thoughtfully support younger children in understanding complex issues facing our communities. Each of the 12 sections begins with an inquiry question teachers can use to focus classroom discussions, followed by sidebars containing definitions, additional facts, real-life examples, and quotes, interspersed with colourful illustrations and photographs of children from diverse backgrounds. The topics cover homelessness, mental health, poverty, access to education and health care, refugees, and fundamental human rights. The final section examines how children can help those living in poverty. The foremost advice is to ask questions of the adults at home and at school for ways to make a difference. The author suggests donating food, toys, and clothing, practising random acts of kindness, and volunteering. A resource list of websites for children and parents is included in the endnotes.

32 pp., 10 × 8.5", colour photographs and illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

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Jaime Casap is the Chief Educational Evangelist at Google, Inc in Phoenix, Arizona. Jaime is a first-generation American who was raised by a single mother subsisting on welfare in Hell's Kitchen, NY. Having grown up in poverty, he truly believes that access to education and technology can save lives. Working with Google and educational organizations around the world, Jaime is passionate about improving the quality of education by using technology to create powerful learning models in all classrooms, from kindergarten to college and university. Follow Jaime on Twitter @JCasap.

 

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Jane Heinrichs' profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Short-listed, Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

"The writing is clear and accurate. A positive attempt at a difficult subject, this book will be most useful in situations where caring adults can help children understand and work through their feelings about the topic."

Kirkus Reviews

"This straightforward, gentle entry in the World around Us series does a good job of explaining those concepts to a young audience in terms they can understand…This is a useful starting point for conversations about an important topic."

Booklist

"This is a frank yet sensitive introduction to the issues of homelessness…Colour photographs offer a humanizing and diverse representation of poverty. Realistic watercolour illustrations featuring two girls and a boy throughout the book and provide a sense of continuity."

Quill & Quire

&quotAn important addition to the school or public library collection. Recommended.&quot

School Library Connection

"A sensitive and thoughtful approach to a difficult subject, this book offers parents and teachers an opportunity to encourage kids to think more deeply about how we can make our world a better place for everyone. "

Canadian Children's Booknews

“Purposeful, accessible text.”

The Horn Book Online

"This timely book is a brief invitation to children to wonder and to ask questions…The layout of On Our Street is inviting: double spreads for each question, with large clear font and generous space allocated to photos and drawings…This book will be a terrific catalyst for parents and teachers to open kids' eyes to the realities of their day-to-day world and to encourage them to share personal experiences…It may never be too soon to begin to learn about these complex issues. And whenever they are ready, On Our Street, part of 'The World Around Us' series, will be a fine first step toward enhancing that understanding. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

“Offers us a world of understanding and, once again, reveals the delicacy and strength of the written word.”

CSP Book Blog

&quotThis is a unique and essential book where hard questions are answered in a clear straightforward way.&quot

Youth Services Book Review

“Beneficial resource for a classroom…A useful tool for teaching children how they can safely help and the importance of caring about others.”

Children's Literature