Beyond the Bookshelf

PRIDE Month Bundle Reading Guides

Celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ families with our specially curated book bundle! Featuring three heartwarming books, this collection highlights how families love, care for each other, spend time together, and express joy.

Every child can feel proud of their family with these inclusive stories that celebrate all kinds of families. Dive into these wonderful books that showcase the beauty of diverse family experiences.

CLI Annual Report 2022 - Regional Impact

Stella Brings the Family

Miriam B. Schiffer

Illustrator: Holly Clifton-Brown

Summary

Stella has two dads. When her teacher announces a Mother’s Day celebration at school, she feels left out. Who will Stella invite to school so that she can enjoy the party with people she loves?

Ideas to Spark Conversation

When we are inclusive, no one feels left out. How could Stella’s teacher change the celebration she planned to make it more inclusive? Can you think of two different ways?

Activities to Try

Pretend you are throwing a party. Write invitations that include the time, place, and reason for your party.
Make a picture frame with popsicle sticks and decorate it with paint, stickers, or small objects. Frame a photo of your family.
Draw a picture of your family and a picture of your friend’s family. How are your families similar? How are they different?

Your purchase helps CLI support teachers, improve literacy instruction, and create transformative educational experiences.

Get the PRIDE Month Bundle

Families

Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly

Photographer: Shelley Rotner

Summary

Some families are big, some are small. Some families have one parent, some have two. Some families have two moms and some have two dads. Families are diverse, and diversity is great!

Ideas to Spark Conversation

Who is in your family? Is your family big or small? Do you look like your grown-ups? Now look inside the book again. Is a family like yours shown in this book?

Activities to Try

Be your family’s photographer. Take pictures of each person and the group.
Write a story about going someplace with your family. What did you see and do? How did you feel?
With a grown-up’s help, call a family member and ask them how their day is going.

Your purchase helps CLI support teachers, improve literacy instruction, and create transformative educational experiences.

Get the PRIDE Month Bundle

And Tango Makes Three

Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Illustrator: Henry Cole

Summary

In this true story that happened at the Central Park Zoo, two male penguins care for an egg, keeping it cozy and warm. When it hatches, they become a family of three and Tango, the chick, thrives.

Ideas to Spark Conversation

Do animals always do what we expect them to? Have you ever seen an animal do something that surprised you? What happened that was unexpected?

Activities to Try

Pretend it’s Tango’s sixth birthday. Write a card wishing her a happy birthday.
Read more about the diversity of families in the animal kingdom in Meet My Family! by Laura Purdie Salas.
Watch live zoo animals in real-time with the Brox Zoo Live Cams at https://bronxzoo.com/virtual/live-cams.

Get the PRIDE Month Bundle

See the other Beyond the Bookshelf bundles! These sets are carefully curated to include diverse themes that meet varied interests and learning requirements. Ignite curiosity and nurture a passion for reading today. Bring these titles home today!

Learn More

CLI PRIDE Month Book Talk

Check out PRIDE Month's Book Talk! In this Book Talk, explore "Families" by Shelly Rotner, a heartwarming story celebrating diverse families' love and joy.

"Families" is part of our PRIDE Month bundle, which also includes "Stella Brings the Family" and "And Tango Makes Three." These inclusive stories help every child feel proud of their family.

Watch the Book Talk and discover more bundles in our Beyond the Bookshelf series, curated to ignite curiosity and foster a love of reading.

Watch now and bring these titles home today!

Check out CLI's Limited-Edition Literacy to Liberation T-Shirts available in Youth and Adult sizes.

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