March is National Reading Month – a month aimed to motivate readers of all ages to read every day. To help encourage Afterschool Download readers to cozy up to a good book this month, our editorial team asked Flint & Genesee Education & Talent staff which books they would recommend. Here is what they had to say:
Jordan Kleinelder, YouthQuest Site Team Leader at South Bendle Elementary School
“My favorite book recommendation for kids is ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein. There are so many life lessons and topics of discussion that can be had with students around this book and the message it is delivering.”
James Washington, Flint Promise Success Coach
“My recommendation is ‘Crucial Conversations’ by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler. This is an excellent book for individuals involved in daily conversations with others or organizations. When opinions are opposing, the stakes and consequences are high, and emotions tend to run out of control, as we have witnessed over the pandemic period. The authors provide a few guidelines for active communication without personal attacks during interactions with others.”
Miranda Manns, YouthQuest Site Team Leader at Brownell STEM Academy
“My favorite recommendation for kids is ‘Sulwe’ by Lupita Nyong’o (Academy Award Winning Actress). It is a fable about a young girl who is unhappy with how she looks and how she comes to appreciate her beauty. It is illustrated by Vashti Harrison. Many young black girls are confused and/or ashamed of the color of their skin for various reasons. This book teaches them to embrace their beauty inside and out! I recommend it for all children, especially young girls of color.”
Gloria Henley, YouthQuest Site Team Leader at Southwestern Classical Academy
“I would recommend the ‘Rainbow Fish’ by Marcus Pfister to younger students because it teaches the importance of friendship and sharing.”
Lou Rawls, Flint Promise Success Coach
“My choice would be ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book can be instrumental in changing your life and attitude and discovering happiness!”