Whoever You Are

Title: Whoever You Are

Author: Mem Fox

Illustrated By: Leslie Staub

Ages : Pre-K - Grade 3

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How to Use the Book: Lesson Plan

"Whoever You Are." is a wonderful book that has been used to show respect for others, show aspects of diversity and seek to deconstruct stereotypes. This book takes a look at the different people, colors and cultures of the world through beautiful illustrations. It seeks to explain that although as children we may all look, speak, learn, and live differently on surface, we all share the same thing on the inside. Mem Fox seeks to explain that we all have hearts, and bones and experience pain, love and happiness, ultimately hoping to show that we are not all so different after all. This book has also been featured on the famous children's show Reading Rainbow.

This book represents the SJE # 2 because it seeks to create a climate of respect for diversity. It could also tie into many discussions that would allow students to learn to listen with kindness and empathy. Finally, this book will help students see everyone as equal and hopefully deconstruct some stereotypes.

Above is a link for a week long strategy for this book. I feel this book is a good introduction to start some exercises that will start revealing each others culture, and information about themselves. I feel like I would use this book to hit home the idea that respect for others is important and give students the opportunity to share their own culture.

My Grampy Can't Walk

Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrators: Robin Hegan and Kristin Blackwood


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Lesson Plan Guide!


Summary: "My Grampy Can't Walk" is a children's book written for children who are in kindergarten through third grade. The story is about Grampy who has Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound due to his disability. Additionally, the story is told through the lens of his grandchildren and shows the great relationship they have together even though he is disabled.

Throughout the story the author highlights the many stunning things Grampy does with his grandchildren. The great love and respect the grandchildren have for their Grampy is also apparent throughout the story as well. This book is very moving because Grampy really embraces his disability.

Respect for others: "My Grampy Can't Walk" is a great book that can be used in the classroom to help foster respect for others. This book provides a better understanding about people with a disability for children. Element two is really represented in this book because the author depicts that if someone has a disability they may be different but they still have dignity, and deserve to be loved and respected. Furthermore, the book shows children that even though having a disability can be difficult you can still have respect for yourself and live a great life.

Activity: This book would be appropriate to use for an activity on "Respect for others". I would first gather with my students on our classroom rug and read the book aloud. Then I would ask my students to explain what the story was about. Next I would allow time for some questions and speak about people with disabilities. After this I would let the students each talk about someone they know with a disability. During this time they would also share with the class one thing they love about that person. Afterword we would talk about the importance of respect for others and ourselves regardless of what disabilities one may or may not have. To conclude this activity each student would draw a picture of the person they spoke about and include what they love about them.