Our Favourite Back-to-School Books and Activities

ALL ARE WELCOME – by A. Penfold and S. Kaufmann

This book holds a special place in our home and in my heart. Released in 2018, this book helped us prepare the boys for Junior Kindergarten and since then, we read it together at the start of every school year. The story follows a group of children through their school day where they are welcomed and they go through activities connecting with one another. This book teaches inclusion and I recommend that parents and/or caregivers read this along with their child.

Colours of the World – Colouring and Activity Book, Crayons, Pencil Crayons and Markers

Beauty comes in all shades of colours and Crayola came through with their Colours of the World crayons, pencil and markers skin tone and colouring and activity book. Celebrate diversity and let kids colorfully express themselves. Sit alongside them and feel free to talk to kids about the uniqueness of skin tones. Every family and every classroom should have the Crayons of the World set.

You Are More Than Magic – by Minda Harts

Recommended for ages 12 to 17, I bought this book because I love Minda’s other books, The Memo and The Right Within. A number of topics which I found valuable were on self advocacy, improving communication skills, choosing the right mentor and having tough discussions. She shares many personal stories and speaks more like a big sister watching out for you vs. a consultant. Throughout the book, there are questions for self-reflection and consideration. Minda really thought things through writing this book by including a Discussion Guide, Section for Caregivers and Educators of Girls of Colour, Questions for White Readers and Additional Resources.

While this book is written for Black and Brown Girls, I found many useful tips to help my boys find their voice!

A Kids Book About Belonging – by Kevin Carroll

A Kids Book About is a series of books with 70+ topics to choose from like Adventures, Feminism, Money, Bullying, Empathy and Racism. These topics aren’t always easy to read and discuss, however it’s a gateway to starting those conversations. There are no pictures in these books and I recommend parents, teachers and/or caregivers to read beforehand.

As a parent reading this with my boys, I love how the author emphasizes that in order for you to belong, you must belong to yourself first. The following page then goes into positive affirmations.

To browse other topics and purchase, see below.

Young Maestro Goes to School – by W. “Maestro Williams and Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool

A story about a young boy who enters his school’s writing contest. The book takes the reader through his journey of overcoming fear and self doubt. It also emphasizes the important roles that family, friends, mentors and teachers play in Young Maestro’s life.

Both authors are Canadian and fun fact, Maestro Fresh Wes is credited as the “Godfather of Canadian hip hop.”

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! – by Mo Willems

My boys were obsessed with the Pigeon book collection when they were toddlers and I found them to be quite amusing.

In the story, the Pigeon goes through a range of emotions in preparation for the first day of school. All the questions that a toddler and a parent may have, the Pigeon asks it out loud. And of course, this is a great way to start the conversation with toddlers and see how they interpret what the first day of school will be like.

Love Powered Co – founders A. Lozano and L. Sood (Women-Owned)

I’ve been on the Positive Affirmations tip with my boys since they were babies and we’ve been on the Love Powered Co’s journey from it’s early days. They have a box collection for littles, teens and femmes.

Their mission is to empower the next generation of mindful leaders, through the POWER of I AM with positive self-talk, confidence, self-love, and self-worth.

I love placing a card in the boys’ knapsacks as a surprise.

Zee-Zee’s World Puzzle – BIPIC and Women-Owned

For toddlers, a great way to get into the practice of eye-hand coordination are puzzles. When it comes to talking about inclusion with my kids, I don’t preach. I open up the conversation to promote all people being unique and that opportunity belongs to everyone.

I bought this puzzle when the boys were 7 which I felt they were too advanced for. However, as a parent who is passionate about DE&I, this puzzle is a beautiful visual and any activity that can open up a discussion on inclusion, I will always recommend.