Authors: James Dean and Kimberly Dean

Overview: There’s a new guy in town, and Pete can’t wait to meet him. After all, more friends mean more fun. When Pete finally meets Gus, he realizes they’re very different from each other…and that’s what makes him cool. So when Gus starts to doubt himself, it’s up to Pete to convince him that there’s something everyone can do. Gus is special in his own way, just like Pete and just like you!

Watch or listen to Pete the Cat and the New Guy: Pete the Cat and the New Guy video

Discussion Questions:

1. What were some things Pete tried to do with Gus? Why couldn’t Gus do the same things Pete did?
2. How do you think Gus felt when he couldn’t climb or jump like Pete? How do you think Pete felt?
3. How did Pete discover Gus’ talent? Why did that make him happy?
4. When Pete says that there is something everyone can do, what does he mean?

Author: David Shannon

Overview: Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don’t like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she’s so worried that she’s about to break out in…a bad case of stripes!

Watch or listen to A Bad Case of Stripes: A Bad Case of Stripes video

Author: Robert Munsch

Overview: This book is about a princess named Elizabeth who is supposed to marry a prince, but first has to save him from a dragon.

Watch or listen to The Paper Bag Princess: The Paper Bag Princess Video

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some other stories about princes and princesses? How do we expect them to look? How do you expect them to act?
2. How does Elizabeth look and act differently from other princesses? Why is this unusual?
3. How did she defeat the dragon? Was she still a princess when she was outsmarting him?
4. Elizabeth was a good friend to Prince Ronald. What makes a good friend?

Author: Peter H. Reynolds

Overview: Say Something is an empowering story about finding your voice, and using it to make the world a better place.

Watch or listen to Say Something: Say Something video

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important for all of us to say something?
2. In the book, what are some of the ways children found to say something?
3. What is your message for others? What would you like to change in your class, school or in the world?

The books and study guides are another tool for teachers to use as they address such topics as inclusion, awareness, friendship, bullying, and acceptance to audiences of both students with and without intellectual disabilities. Each book has a theme that relates to multiple state academic standards, and aligns with the precepts of positive school climate initiatives like PBIS and Leader in Me. Guidance counselors can use these resources to help them as students work on ways to make and keep friends and identify feelings. Whether the books are used with self-contained classes or with inclusive groups, the resulting “Ah Ha!” moments will be just as satisfying.

Promoting Postive School Climate

The Unified Champion Schools® program promotes social inclusion and positive school climate through whole school engagement activities, and integrates personal and interpersonal leadership development into existing programs. The discussion questions and activities in the Young Readers Club provide safe, structured ways students can explore differences and similarities and work to become more understanding, inclusive, and caring friends.

Authors: Paul A. Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds

Overview: A go-cart contact inspires imagination to take flight in this picture book for creators of all ages.

Watch or listen to Going Places: Going Places video

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Rafael know how to build his go-cart? How did he feel about it when it was done?
2. Did Maya follow the directions? What did she build?
3. It was OK for Maya to make something different. Can you think of a time when you used your imagination and created something different from everyone else?