Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Have you seen this new book by Andrea Beaty? She wrote these other amazing books, which I'm sure you've seen over the past few years:

Ada Twist, Scientist

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Iggy Peck, Architect

Her books empower children, leaving them feeling like they can do anything and her new book does not disappoint. In Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, a young girl notices a problem in her community and goes about taking action, knowing it won't be an easy journey. 

Her emotions run the gamut ... she feels concerned, then motivated, mad, overwhelmed, discouraged, then encouraged, determined, and finally victorious. But at no point along this journey toward a solution does she give up. And in the end, with a lot of perseverance and the support of her neighbors, they're able to create something beautiful out of something that was once a disaster.   

First of all, Sofia gets my vote for President, but that's beside the point. This is a great book for many Big Ideas you might want to address in an elementary classroom:

• Children can be empowered to take action and make changes, even in a world of grown ups. 

• Girls have a voice and can be strong and courageous leaders. 

• A proper plan and perseverance pay off. 

• Communities benefit when people work together on common goals. 

• It's important to take care of the environment and be mindful of the footprint we're leaving behind. 

... to name a few. 

If you're working on issues of teamwork, equality, activism, or environmentalism, check it out.

Oh, and it's written in rhyme, so you might want to read it through once on your own before attempting it in front of the kids ... you know how that goes. 😂

You go, Sofia!! 

Happy teaching!