Getting Ready for First Grade: A First Day of School Book by Debby Rahmalia, Vera Ahiyya
ISBN: 0593810015
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Getting Ready for First Grade by Vera Ahiyya (The Tutu Teacher)

Getting Ready for First Grade paints a great picture of first grade. The book clearly helps students learn what to expect and what first grade might be like for them. This would be a fantastic resource for kids who are reaching the end of Kindergarten or feeling nervous about first grade. While much of the content is to be expected (an overview of circles, going through the lunch line, etc.), there’s also incredible representation in the drawings (many types of people are represented) and the author adds several SEL components. First, the author discusses how it’s okay to be nervous and then also includes a student who is new to the school and the ways in which the other students look out for her and take care of her to help her feel welcome. As someone with a Deaf family member, I also appreciated the inclusion of sign language at one point in the book. While the content is routine, the author and illustrator’s efforts to be inclusive, provide strong representation, and include SEL aspects made this a four-star book for me. The age range is pretty niche since this is about first grade but it could be a good addition to a library that has Kindergarten patrons or to recommend to your Kindergarten teachers or guidance staff.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner