REVIEWS


School Days Around the World is a non- fiction book that puts into perspective the diverse educational experiences of students all around the globe. Author Margriet Ru- urs introduces 14 students from countries including Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Germany and Canada. Young readers will learn about a typical school day experienced by other students and understand the importance of cultural context. This picture book includes lively illustrations by Alice Feagan that en- courage discussion of culture, curriculum and a deeper appreciation for education. The Way To School by Rosemary Mc-


SCHOOL DAYS AROUND THE WORLD Margriet Ruurs and Alice Feagan Kids Can Press, 2015 40 pages, $19.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


THE WAY TO SCHOOL Rosemary McCarney with Plan International Second Story Press, 2015 32 pages, $18.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Reviewed by Sonia Assi


Carney captures beautiful real life images of children from various countries on their journey to school every day. The book’s captivating photography of the difficulty of these journeys could inspire students to ap- preciate and value their own education. Both books are appropriate for grades


1-6. Primary students might relate more to School Days Around the World because of its illustrations. Junior students, however, may be intrigued by the photography in The Way to School, sparking an interest in other cultures.


Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth have con- tinued their straightforward and respect- ful talk about sex, love and reproduction in their second book for families, Sex is a Funny Word. As with their first book, What Makes a Baby, which I reviewed two years ago, this book is illustrated in a colourful style that is inviting and non-threatening to children. In the introduction Silverberg states that


SEX IS A FUNNY WORD Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth Triangle Square, 2015 160 pages, $17.29 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Reviewed by Jennifer Johnston 46 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2016


this book is meant to address the questions around sex that come between reproduc- tion and sexual intercourse. The book covers physiology, touching, relationships with fam- ily and friends, gender and feelings, through the lens of respect, trust, joy and justice. Families are guided by four child characters who share their experiences and questions surrounding these issues. I eagerly anticipated the publishing of this


book and was not disappointed. For families, this book is a resource that can be used over a number of months or years as questions arise from children or when parents feel children are ready. For Ontario parents who are con- cerned about the new health curriculum and talking with their kids, I would not hesitate to recommend this book.


Although they could be used together, it


would be beneficial to tie in specific expec- tations from the Ontario curriculum to each book separately. The Ontario Social Studies program, for example, emphasizes commu- nity partners. School Days Around the World can encourage students to get involved in the global community. Specific curriculum connections to The Way to School can be found in the Social Studies document for grade 2, Heritage and Identity unit. Stu- dents can use comparative methods such as Venn diagrams to compare communities around the world to their own, or practise their mapping skills by locating the various countries in both books on a globe or map. School Days Around the World is very in-


formative and useful in the classroom. The Way to School sends a powerful message to students, although it lacks some detail.


Sonia Assi is a member of the Grand Erie Occasional Teacher Local.


For teachers who are looking for re-


sources for students, many parts of this book align well with the new curriculum from grades 3 to 6. In grade 3, visible and invis- ible


differences and healthy relationships


are paramount in two complete chapters and include respectful and age-appropriate explanations about new concepts such as gender identity. Emotional and social topics included in grades 4 and 5 are interspersed throughout, and the later chapters are ap- propriate for grade 6 as the groundwork is laid for students to build healthy sexual rela- tionships and, in the future, make decisions regarding sexual activity. Silverberg and Smyth have once again


opened the door wide for honest conversa- tions where children can learn about sexuali- ty in an inclusive and respectful manner. The final book in their series is forthcoming and will deal with issues surrounding intercourse and other sexual activity. I fully expect the authors to continue their good work!


Jennifer Johnston is a member of the Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52