This is a School
Written by John Schu
Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
Published by Candlewick Press, March, 2022
Mom's Review
This is a School follows a diverse primary class through the course of a year, experiencing ups and downs, growing and transforming, and leaving a lasting impact on one another. The text and illustrations make an encouraging introduction to the school year, welcoming children and assuring them of their integral place in the school. Illustrations show the same children as they go through the year; we see in their faces satisfaction as they gain knowledge and confidence in their abilities. The format and repetitive language call to mind "The House that Jack Built," making it ideal for read-alouds and encouraging pre-readers to join in "reading" the story.
Although school starting is an annual event, two details set this apart as a 2023 class: a Zoom communication and a community garden. When one child breaks her leg, the class reaches out to her via Zoom, which today's kids will undoubtedly recognize. And an increasing number of schools in my city have community gardens, which leads me to believe that it is a growing trend. As one of the volunteers, I was so excited to see one in This is a School!
This is a School is both timeless and timely. It is perfect for a primary grader in August or September! I'm thinking about how I would have used this with my first graders to spark discussion about what to expect and look forward to during the rest of the year.
Written by John Schu
Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
Published by Candlewick Press, March, 2022
Mom's Review
This is a School follows a diverse primary class through the course of a year, experiencing ups and downs, growing and transforming, and leaving a lasting impact on one another. The text and illustrations make an encouraging introduction to the school year, welcoming children and assuring them of their integral place in the school. Illustrations show the same children as they go through the year; we see in their faces satisfaction as they gain knowledge and confidence in their abilities. The format and repetitive language call to mind "The House that Jack Built," making it ideal for read-alouds and encouraging pre-readers to join in "reading" the story.
Although school starting is an annual event, two details set this apart as a 2023 class: a Zoom communication and a community garden. When one child breaks her leg, the class reaches out to her via Zoom, which today's kids will undoubtedly recognize. And an increasing number of schools in my city have community gardens, which leads me to believe that it is a growing trend. As one of the volunteers, I was so excited to see one in This is a School!
This is a School is both timeless and timely. It is perfect for a primary grader in August or September! I'm thinking about how I would have used this with my first graders to spark discussion about what to expect and look forward to during the rest of the year.
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