Adding authentic voices to your library
Have you heard of the publisher Knights Of?
You may have children currently obsessed with the TV adaptation of A kind of Spark, one of the many fantastic books published by this inclusive publisher, who focus on showcasing authentic experiences and own voices authors and illustrators in their growing collection of titles.
A Kind of Spark has had every class I’ve read it to hooked, with many children nodding along as they identify with aspects of the struggles faced by the autistic main character. For other children, it’s a window into the feelings of some of their peers, encouraging empathy and compassion in the classroom.
After the success of this title, I’ve added more of author Elle McNicoll’s books to my classroom shelves - Show Us Who You Are and Like a Charm - which again show neurodiverse characters
I was recently introduced to some other fantastic titles from Knights Of.
The My Laugh out Loud Life Series, written by Burhana Islam and illustrated by Farah Khandaker, is perfect for children who love the style of the Wimpy Kid Books.
The series follows the incredibly likeable 10 year old Yusuf Ali Khan as he carries out his less than perfect plans and madcap schemes - all well intentioned, but generally causing mayhem and leaving chaos in his wake!
After trying (and failing) to ruin his sister's wedding in book 1, in this third book (The Big Breakout) Affa is now pregnant and Yusuf realises that although he's made it to form captain (book 2) he needs to step up the responsibility level in order to become 'Ultimate Uncle Material.'
Thus follows a plan and of course many mishaps; including losing his Nanu on the way to her eye appointment, an incident with a chameleon and attempting to break out of school to attend Friday prayers.
I really enjoyed the footnotes that are scattered throughout and the elements of Islamic culture woven within the fast paced plot.
This has already proved a popular series in our school library and it’s inclusion is important for me, as not only do the children find it hilarious, it is a great window into another culture for them. I can also see many children that share Yusuf's Islamic faith, seeing themselves and elements of their everyday lives reflected in the story.
I’ve also read Mind and Me by Sunuta Chawdhary which would be a fantastic share for Mental Health Awareness Week on 15th May.
Maya wakes up one morning to find that her pet rabbit, Pooey has gone missing and she starts a search with 'Mind' to find her precious pet. Despite many obstacles (Dad sweeping up the trail of droppings they were following and her cousins arriving to play) and a big falling out that nearly scuppers the search, Maya and Mind are eventually able to take a more logical approach and solve the mystery.
The personification of Mind is very clever as well as entertaining. Sunita Chawdhary shows both the 'magic and mischief' of the mind, leading to discussions about the logical and emotional elements of the brain and how when working together they're a great team; but that when emotions are heightened, Mind needs some extra kindness. It shows how Mind can get easily distracted too and may need support to refocus on a task.
Thank you @_knightsof and @caffwardbooks for sending us these super books.
[Part of a paid partnership. All views are my own]