September Read-Aloud Ideas -- Accepting Differences

Poor Rodney! With his lisp, he has trouble pronouncing his r's! Lester's adorable story shows children that our differences give us each unique abilities, which can be used to help out in unexpected ways.

Halibut Jackson by David Lucas - Ages 4 to 7
Sometimes hiding is easier than showing differences, but Halibut Jackson learns that differences can be a good thing and even admired by others. Kids will love trying to find Halibut as he tries to blend into the scenery.

Yoko by Rosemary Wells - Ages 4 to 7

Yoko's mom packs her a yummy lunch of sushi, one of her favorite comfort foods, for her first day of kindergarten. The other students in her class, though, think it's gross! Yoko's teacher and new-found friend help her teach the class about different cultures and see that all have great things to contribute.

No English by Jacqueline Jules - Ages 4 to 8
The only words that Blanca says in school are "No English." This story of a recent immigrant helps children understand the challenges that come with moving to a new country. Blanca's classmate Diane finally understands what Blanca is going through and decides to help, even if they don't speak the same language.

Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco - Ages 6-12
Teachers have great impact when they show compassion, like Tricia's teacher, Mr. Falker. When he notices that Tricia is having trouble reading, he discovers her dyslexia and helps her learn to read.

Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco - Ages 6-12
When his students begin fighting, Mr. Lincoln works not only to help stop the bullying, but to teach about tolerance. By working with the student causing trouble, he shows compassion for a struggling student and helps him learn and grow.

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson - Ages 7-10
Carlson's story begins with a happy homeless man living underneath a bridge in Paris. When a widow and her family move in, however, he learns about compassion when he decides he wants to help them find a more permanent home. A Newbery Honor book from 1958.

Rules by Cynthia Lord - Ages 9-12
Twelve-year-old Catherine helps her autistic brother understand the world by creating very clear rules like, "When someone says 'hi' you say 'hi' back." Then she meets Jason, a boy her age who uses a communication book to speak. They become friends through words and pictures, but she isn't sure how her other friends will react to him.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - Ages 9-12
At school, Percy Jackson simply doesn't fit in. Having both dyslexia and A.D.D. doesn't help and he is somehow always accidentally causing trouble. It isn't until he learns that his struggles are caused by his half-Greek-god heritage, that he grows into his strengths and has an adventure that prevents World War III. This best selling series will grasp children's attention and help them see that learning disabilities don't have to stop you.