We love teachers! Let’s show our appreciation for the many wonderful educators in our life who have pushed us to be our very best with patience, optimism, and encouragement. Where would we be without them?
YOUTH
Little ones will love these picture books about teachers who make a difference!
Mr. S. by Monica Arnaldo
This hilarious picture book highlights the many roles teachers play as a class of children enter the classroom on the first day to find the name Mr. S. on the board and a large sandwich on the teacher’s desk! As the day goes on and the debate rages about the possibility of a sandwich being the teacher, keep an eye on the window for another story entirely!
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty
As Lila moves to a new town, she worries about all the possible “what ifs.” Her new teacher invites Lila to help in the classroom, which gives her an opportunity to make friends and realize that the “what ifs” lead to new experiences. This lesson eventually carries her into her adulthood and inspires her own career choice: teaching!
Because I Had a Teacher by Yamada Kobi
This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the many positive impacts a teacher has on their students. How will this unruly class make it through the school year? Find out in this chapter book!
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
Anger management issues, misfits, delinquents, kids who’ve never learned a thing, that’s all this class is…and then they meet a teacher with an even worse attitude than theirs! When everyone has written them off, students and the teacher, can they find their own path to redemption?
Kids will appreciate the humorous challenges of a first-year teacher in this illustrated graphic novel.
Mr. Wolf’s Class, Volume 1 by Aron Nels Steinke
This sweet and funny graphic novel follows first year teacher, Mr. Wolf, as he meets his wild new class. Watch out for chaos as personalities clash, show-and-tell gets out of hand, and a student even goes missing!
Learn about the true impact that a teacher can have on students in these non-fiction titles.
Mary McLeod Bethune: A Great Teacher by Pat McKissack
This wonderful biography celebrates the work and achievements of the incredible Mary McLeod Bethune, who not only taught but also fought to bring her students justice and equality from the classroom all the way to Washington D.C.!
What Do Teachers Do All Day? by Emily Jankowski Mahoney
Have you ever wondered what teachers do when you aren’t in class? This easy-reader non-fiction book gives a sneak peek into a few of the many behind-the-scenes tasks teachers do to help students succeed!
TEENS AND TWEENS
So often, teachers make a huge difference in the lives of teens, giving them confidence to face the world while staying true to themselves.
Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
Travis is missing his old home in the country, and he’s missing his old hound, Rosco. Now there’s just the cramped place he shares with his grandpa and the dreaded routine of a new school. But that’s before Travis meets Mr. McQueen, who doesn’t take “pass” for an answer—a rare teacher whose savvy persistence has Travis slowly unlocking the ability to read. And it’s before Travis is noticed by a girl, whose wry banter and colorful scarves belie some hard secrets of her own. Travis is learning about trust and connection that make all the difference.
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling—he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside of class? Plus, he’s dealing with a bully; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds motivation in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.
The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake
Miss Saunders, whose skin is blotched with a rare skin condition, serves as a mirror to Maleeka Madison’s struggle against the burden of low self-esteem that many black girls face when they’re darker skinned. Miss Saunders is tough, and through this, Maleeka learns to stand up to tough-talking Charlese.
