Status
Available
Publication
Knopf Books for Young Readers (2018), 44 pages
Library's review
"A lively city school celebrates its diversity.
Front endpapers show adult caregivers walking their charges to school, the families a delightful mix that includes interracial, same-sex, and heterosexual couples as well as single caregivers; the rear endpapers assemble them again at the conclusion of
Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today’s political climate. Let’s hope more people, starting with this picture book’s audience, embrace it. " A Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
Front endpapers show adult caregivers walking their charges to school, the families a delightful mix that includes interracial, same-sex, and heterosexual couples as well as single caregivers; the rear endpapers assemble them again at the conclusion of
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a successful schoolwide evening potluck. In between, the rhyming verses focus on aspects of a typical school day, always ending with the titular phrase: “Time for lunch—what a spread! / A dozen different kinds of bread. / Pass it around till everyone’s fed. / All are welcome here.” Indeed, this school is diversity exemplified. Several kids point to their home countries on a world map, and some wear markers of their cultural or religious groups: There’s a girl in hijab, a boy wearing a Sikh patka, and a boy in a kippah. A rainbow of hair colors and skin tones is in evidence, and children with disabilities are also included: a blind boy, a girl in a wheelchair, and several kids with glasses. What is most wonderful, though, is the way they interact with one another without regard to their many differences. Kaufman’s acrylic, ink, crayon, collage, and Photoshop illustrations bring the many personalities in this school community to life. “You have a place here. / You have a space here. / You are welcome here.”Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today’s political climate. Let’s hope more people, starting with this picture book’s audience, embrace it. " A Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
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Awards
Washington State Book Award (Winner — Picture Book — 2019)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2022)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Primary — 2021)
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — Young Readers — 2021)
Iowa Goldfinch Award (Nominee — 2022)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Book (Primary — 2019)
Great Reads from Great Places (Washington — 2019)
Nerdy Book Award (2018)
Picture This Recommendation List (Fiction — 2019)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
ISBN
0525579648 / 9780525579649