On the Playground : Our First Talk About Prejudice by Dr. Jillian Roberts - ESSENTIAL

On the Playground : Our First Talk About Prejudice by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrations by Jane Heinrichs. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Orca Book Publishers, 2019. $20. 9781459820913

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a child sees a boy getting bullied, she feels bad, and Dr. Roberts explains about Prejudice. She acknowledges that it's hard to know what to do, and that even adults say mean things sometimes. She defines harassment, and prejudice; explains racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and ableism in simple terms a child can understand. She also talks about diversity and what the child can do to help including what inclusivity and respect mean. 

Dr. Jillian Roberts has a whole series of these timely titles, "The World Around Us" covering Prejudice, Tragedy, Online Safety, and body image. Important words and ideas are clearly explained in sidebars. Jane Heinrichs' cute illustrations accompany photographs of children and adults. Although the children are youngish, this is perfectly appropriate for upper elementary, and even middle school if needed. Includes resources both print and online, and a great author's note.

Lisa Librarian

On Our Nature Walk by Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jane Heinrichs - ESSENTIAL

On Our Nature Walk: Our First Talk About Our Impact on the Environment by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Orca Books, 2020. $20. 9781459821002

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Dr. Roberts bends her non-fiction skills to talking about the environment in her new book.  She keeps her discussion simple enough for 1^st or 2^nd graders to understand, but with enough detail that it covers ground that will interest 4^th to 6^th graders too. From cleaning up after yourself, through cleaning up after others, to young people who are trying to help the world, she covers a lot of ground and does it well.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty by Dr. Jillian Roberts, Jaime Casap, and Jane Heinrichs - ESSENTIAL

On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty by Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap, illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Orca, 2021. $15. 9781459833401

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The authors give us a clear, child-appropriate look at poverty, homelessness, and refugees. Each term is clearly defined, handled with sensitivity, and builds a multi-faceted look at life on the streets. I love Dr. Roberts books. While students probably won’t pick it up and pass it around, it is still a very important issue to have clear, understandable information about. Look into all of her other titles too.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies Roberts and Jane Heinrichs - ESSENTIAL

Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Jane Heinrichs.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Orca, 2019.  $20. 9781459820975

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Dr. Roberts dives right into a discussion of privacy and modesty and the many different facets of knowing who should see or touch or bodies and that you are in charge of your own body.  

I love this book so much.  Whatever grade level your students are in, this is a perfect book to share in a maturation class and a good refresher for an adult about how to talk to students about these issues. I also applaud the inclusion of a gender neutral character both in the discussion and the illustrations.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS