IN THIS CLASSROOM

Every group of students is special.

“In this classroom,” begins each line of Hacket’s gentle list, serving as both promise and invitation at the beginning of a school year. “There is room for everyone,” declares the narrator. “We will be imperfect....This is how we’ll learn.” Illustrator Lin’s lively students, 10 vividly colored shapes with arms, legs, and animated faces, are set against a grayscale backdrop—tables and desks, a chalkboard, a playground. Some of the youngsters have worried looks, others enthusiastic ones. They are recognizable as individuals, lending an endearing thread of story to the narrative: “We will disagree. Because our opinions are beautifully different. Unique like our bodies, our names, our beliefs.” The bright blue teacher is taller than the rest and sports a tie, a mop of purple hair, glasses, and a friendly expression. The language is respectful, pitched to young listeners, who will be able to understand and remember the implicit reassurance of community as well as the concrete expectation of success; little ones will also see themselves in at least one of the colorful characters. An author’s note provides suggestions for teachers on ways to use the book. This offering will be great for classroom use as well as for children wondering about an upcoming school experience.

Comforting for the timid, empowering for the anxious, affirming for students and teachers alike.