If you are looking for books to read aloud, read together or discuss in your family, we are here to help. Books Matter is ADL’s collection of picture books, chapter books and young adult literature that address issues of identity, diversity, bias, bullying and hate.
Each month, our Monthly Featured Book comes with two discussion guides: one for the classroom and one for the home. Our parent/family discussion guides include conversation starters, talking points, related books and additional resources.
May 2022: Watercress
Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. Grabbing an old paper bag and some rusty scissors, the whole family wades into the muck to collect as much of the muddy, snail covered watercress as they can. At first, she's embarrassed. Why can't her family get food from the grocery store? But when her mother shares a story of her family's time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged. Together, they make a new memory of watercress.
AUTHOR(S): Andrea Wang
ILLUSTRATOR(S): Jason Chin
AGE GROUP: 4-8