Book Title: Stella Brings the Family
Author: Miriam B. Schiffer

Illustrator: Holly Clifton- Brown
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC

Date Published: 2015
ISBN:  9781452111902
 

About the book:

Stella's teacher decides to have a special celebration for Mother's Day and allows each student to invite a special guest into their class. Stella is upset because everyone else in her class has a mother to bring in except for her, Stella has two fathers. Stella is worried about the celebration until her friend Jonathan gives her an idea to invite all her of family in to celebrate! Stella loves this idea and works extra hard to prepare for her family to arrive. On the day of the celebration, Stella's whole family is there including both of her dads, her Nonna, her Aunt and Uncle, and her cousin. Stella has the best day and is so happy that all of her family is there with her. 

Book Review: 

I love these types of stories because of how well they support and represent the idea of family diversity. This story can help children understand that not all families are the same and that families are made up of the people in our lives who make us feel comfortable and loved. It's a story about acceptance, love, and struggles that children with different types of families can relate to. Often people consider change and things that go against the "norm" negative or wrong instead of embracing it. It's important to teach children in today's society that being different is okay and to open their eyes to the change that exists all around them. Teacher's who choose to share this type of literature in their classroom are creating a classroom environment that welcomes all children and their families.