We Are a Class

by Rob Sanders, Hannah Abbo (illustrator)

A celebratory declaration of what it means to be part of a diverse class of students. We're movers and shakers. Mammoth change makers. Friends. Learners. Achievement earners. An icebreaker and friend-maker, We Are a Class is an inclusive, aspirational story to be read aloud responsively, collectively, or as spoken-word performance. In rhyming verse, We Are a Class is a pledge, a commitment, a promise among the members of a single class and every class. Perfect for the first day, the 100th day, the final day, and any day of school.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, LGBT, Queer, Back To School, Fiction

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Reviews

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy.

3.5 rounded up to 4.
This would definitely be a great book to start the year and I appreciate how the book started by introducing inclusive language. I wonder how kids will react to the "absolutes" in the book though like
'We're creative thinkers
With brains to the brim
Brave enough to go out on a limb."

As an educator, I fully understand the intent of this, but what about kids who don't feel like this? Maybe this is where some discussion of growth mindset would need to go with this to talk about how this might not be "yet", but it'll come.

Lovely illustrations to support the idea of community and coming together in this picture book.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

We Are a Class is a rhyming picture book about being an inclusive class that looks at what is important. They are movers and shakers. Mammoth change makers. Friends. Learners. Achievement earners. An icebreaker and friend-maker. The illustrations show children from various nationalities and cultures as well as both able bodies and children in wheelchairs. They all work together, are friends and all are included. A cute book with detailed illustrations and simple text. Although it is a rhyming text, when reading aloud there are some spots where the cadence was a bit off. This is a book with a good message, but without discussion, I'm not sure if young children will understand it.

[Kairi Ehlers]

This is a book about a classroom, with lots of diversity and different types of people. There is lots of different kinds of representation in this book including different types of pronouns, disabilities, and cultures/races.

This book would be really useful in a classroom where you have lots of different types of students, as even though it is a simple book it also has a lot of inclusion showcased.

[Alyssa Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how even though everyone may be slightly different in their own ways, everyone is still welcome in the classroom and a part of the class. It is a reminder to students that even though someone may look different, they can still be your friend. This book would be a great book for the first day of school, and also when learning about diversity.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story that reminds me of All Are Welcome. As an educator, I can appreciate the story and would read it at the beginning of the school year. I can see students enjoying the illustrations, but the text seems more appealing to adults or older children than a younger elementary age.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little wordy, but nice for k-1st grade. Pair with All Are Welcome

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations, but the rhyming text, is awkward. I checked it out from library based on the cover, without researching Rob Saunders. Not purely a children's book. Adult readers will see some messaging.

[Mia Martinez]

'We Are a Class' is a great book to have within the classroom as an ice breaker or to help the environment of the classroom from the point of view of the students. I loved the front cover of the book and the title. The intended audience would be 1st-2nd grade.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I feel the same way as Mrs Heidrich below. Would be a good book for the start of the school year. I like the inclusive and diverse language and illustrations.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, idealistic celebration of a classroom, and ways in which the diversity of its students and teachers make it stronger and smarter. Lots of vocabulary words!

[Rebecca Caufman]

So many examples of what makes a class listed in this book.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inclusive and great to read for back-to-school. My favorite part are the end papers -- which I would like to be wallpaper.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for the beginning of the year. Love all the diverse children represented. The vocabulary is a little bit complex for younger readers.