The Day You Begin

Jacqueline Woodson's 'The Day You Begin' is a #1 New York Times Bestseller that gently addresses the common childhood experience of feeling like an outsider. Through lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, it follows children like Rigoberto, an immigrant, as they navigate new environments where they might look, talk, or eat differently from others. The book beautifully normalizes these feelings of fear and loneliness, then empowers children to find courage in sharing their unique stories, ultimately leading to connection and belonging. It's a powerful tool for fostering empathy and self-acceptance in young readers.

Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.