GET REAL’S PICKS
Get REAL’s Picks is an ongoing series of short videos featuring books, films, podcasts, and other resources that our team recommends for teachers and educators to help generate discussions about important topics in our world.
The resources selected will cover topics such as acceptance, the power of language, diverse families, anti-racism, and celebrating different body types, just to name a few.
Joseph’s Picks
(he/him)
Clem’s Picks
(he/him)
Cal’s Picks
(they/them)
Rach’s Picks
(she/her)
Court’s Picks
(she/her)
Wren’s Picks
(they/them)
RESOURCES
Clem’s Picks:
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You written by Ibram X. Kendi & Jason Reynolds
Mohamed Ali: Champion du Monde written by Jonah Winter & illustrated by François Roca
Enfants du Monde: Le racisme et l’intolérance written by Louise Spilsbury & illustrated by Hanane Kai
The Proudest Blue written by Ibtihal Muhammad & S. K. Ali & illustrated by Hatem Aly
Je Suis Ruby Bridges written by Ruby Bridges & illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Theme: Racism, Antiracism, Self-Reflection
Age: Gr.8 & above
Theme: Diversity, Self-Advocating, Activism, Inspiration
Age: Pre K- Gr. 3
Theme: Racism, Prejudice, and Respect
Age: Gr. 2- 5
Theme: Diversity, Self-Identity, Family
Age: Gr. 8-12
Theme: Racism, Segregation, Inspiration, Civl Rights
Age: Pre K-5
Joseph’s Picks:
Hair Love written by Matthew A. Cherry & illustrated by Vashti Harrison
That’s Not My Name written & illustrated by Anoosha Syed
A Boy Named Queen written by Sara Cassidy
This Place: 150 Years Told written by Katherena Vermette, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Jen Storm, Sonny Assu, Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair & illustrated by Tara Audibert, Kyle Charles, GMB Chomichuk, Natasah Donovan, and more.
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All written by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi & illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith
Theme: Self-Care, Acceptance, Representation
Age: Pre K- 3
Theme: Diversity, Self-Identity, Acceptance, Allyship, Cultural Differences
Age: Pre K- Gr. 3
Theme: Gender Fluidity, Inclusivity, Allyship
Age: Gr. 4- 7
Theme: Indigenous Studies, History, Relationality, Resurgence, Indigenous Futurism.
Age: Gr. 8-12
Theme: Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Ableism
Age: Gr. 3-7
Calvin’s Picks:
The Deep & Dark Blue written by Niki Smith & illustrated by Niki Smith & Ching Chan
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity written by Theresa Thorn & illustrated by Noah Grigni
The Missing Piece Meets the Big O written & illustrated by Shel Silverstein
The Circles All Around Us written by Brad Montague & illustrated by Brad Montague & Kristi Montague
When Lola Visits written by Michelle Sterling & illustrated by Aaron Asis
Theme: Trans & Gender-Noncomforming representation (GNC)
Age: Gr. 3-7
Theme: Gender Umbrella Terms, Trans & GNC representation, Diversity, Celebration of self
Age: Pre K- Gr. 3
Theme: Self-love, Self acceptance, Healthy Friendships & Relationships
Age: Pre K- Gr.3
Theme: Inclusion, Diversity, Acceptance & Celebration of differences
Age: Pre K- Gr. 3
Theme: Diversity, Filipino Culture, Asian Culture & Representation
Age: Pre K- Gr. 3
Rachael’s Picks:
King & King by Linda de Haan (she/her) & Stern Nijland (she/her)
Red - A Crayon’s Story written & illustrated by Michael Hall (he/him)
Stella Brings the Family written by Miriam B. Schiffer (she/her)
And Tango makes Three written by Peter Parnell (he/him) & Justin Richardson (he/him) & illustrated by Henry Cole (he/him)
Love is Love written Michael Genhart (he/him)
& illustrated by Ken Min (he/him)
Theme: Fairytale Love, Queer Representation
Age: 6+ years old
Theme: Being true to yourself
Age: Gr. K-3
Theme: Different kinds of family
Age: Gr. K-3
Theme: Adoption & Different kinds of family
Age: Gr. K-3 (great discussion for Gr. 3-12)
Theme: Language, Acceptance, Diverse Families
Age: Gr. K-3
Wren’s Picks:
Bodies Are Cool written & illustrated by Tyler Feder (she/her)
Thunder and the Noise Storms by Shezza (she/her) & Jeffrey Ansloos (he/him) & illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (he/him)
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman (she/her)
& illustrated by Violet Tobacco (she/her)
The Tea Dragon Society written & illustrated by Kay O’Neil (they/them)
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi (they/them)
Theme: Body Positivity, Queer Representation
Age: Gr. K-2
Theme: Indigeniety, Nature, Emotions/Feelings
Age: Gr. K-3
Theme: Diverse Families, Non-Binary Parents, Queer Life
Age: Gr. K-2
Theme: Disabled, Queer, BIPOC, Representation, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Age: Gr. 3-7
Theme: Queer Representation, Social Justice, Activism, Fantasy
Age: Gr. 7-12
Courtney’s Picks:
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman (he/him)
& Illustrated by Eda Kaban (she/her)
Our Skin- A first conversation about Race by Meghan Madison(she/her), Jessica Ralli(she/her)
& Illustrated by Isabel Roxas (she/her)
The Boy and the Bindi by Vivek Shraya (she/her)
& Illustrated by Rajni Perera (she/her)
Dreadnought by April Daniels (she/her)
Ghostboys by Jewel Parker Rhodes (she/her)
Theme: Stereotype, Diversity, Gender
Age: Gr. K-3
Theme: Race, Colourism, Representation
Age: Gr. 2-5
Theme: Celebration of gender and Cultural difference
Age: Gr. K-3
Theme: Superhero, Trans identity, Diversity, Representation
Age: 12 -18 years old
Theme: Racism, Justice, Historical and Socio-political, and Family complexities
Age: 10+ years old
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM, @GETREALMOVEMENT, TO GET A CHANCE TO WIN THESE BOOKS!
Thanks to our amazing partner on this resource, Purdys Chocolatier, we’ll also be giving away a copy of each resource we review - along with some delicious Purdys chocolate - to teachers and educators across Canada!
