MatanSummer often provides a brief hiatus from the hectic day-to-day activities of the rest of the year, and perhaps an opportunity to relax with a good book. Members of our Matan staff are thrilled to share some of their favorite book recommendations for children through adults, centered around inclusion and belonging. For those already planning for the fall, these books can easily be incorporated into back-to-school classroom activities and synagogue or organizational programmatic planning.
Sometimes it takes an exclamation point to remind us that we don’t need to squish, shrink and twist trying to fit in. This highly visual children’s book sends a powerful message that we each serve a great purpose in life, and we don’t need to all be the same. Exclamation Point is a wonderful lesson in how exciting being different can actually be!
In this New York Times best-selling book, National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, shares stories of remarkable friendships between animals who traditionally would have nothing in common. Accompanied by beautiful photographs, this feel-good book documents beautiful real life examples of how species accept and embrace differences. A great book for all ages, Unlikely Friendships reminds us of the value of inclusion, belonging and acceptance.
Schneider Family Book Award honor – Sarah Kapit’s debut middle-grade novel introduces us to Vivy Cohen, an eleven year old girl determined to play on a baseball team despite her mother’s concerns that she will be the only girl and the only autistic player. Vivy’s determination, along with an assignment from her social skills teacher, leads to a famous pen pal and an opportunity to pitch; however, a big accident may prevent her from keeping her new position.
Kapit has longstanding involvement in the disability rights and neurodiversity movements, and serves as chairperson of the Association for Autistic Community.
National Jewish Book Award Winner in Contemporary Jewish Life & Practice Myra H. Kraft Memorial Award – At Matan, we often speak about everyone being created b’tzelem elohim, in the image of God. In Loving Our Bones, Rabbi Belzer takes this value to a whole new level. Through biblical stories and insights of disabled, feminist, black and queer thought leaders, Rabbi Belzer provides a powerful way to see ourselves and each other in ways that are not rooted in ableist notions or shame around disability.
We hope you find these books both meaningful and enjoyable, and that you will be able to incorporate their messages into your community’s inclusion efforts. And let us know: What are you reading this summer?
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