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More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean
This welcome, purposeful picture book identifies and honors the different ways that students in a particular elementary school classroom communicate. Nathan (Black) doesn’t say much but listens carefully. Nathan’s classmates display a range of other ways to communicate. Many of his peers use their voices, but some use specific kinds of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to express themselves, such as an alphabet board, Brailler, and text-to-speech technology. Receptive communication is highlighted as well, including facial expressions, gestures, and other cues. Through the various communication styles explored, Nathan’s classmates can understand his offer of friendship and invitation to play in spite of his silence (possibly selective mutism). Warm, stylized illustrations portray an inclusive student group—race, ethnicity, religion, and disability are intentionally depicted. An overview of communication, AAC, access, and inclusion is included at the end. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Roz MacLean
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
African Americans
Blind and Visually Impaired People
Communication
Deaf and Hearing Impaired People
Mutism
School
Diversity subjects:
Black/African
Multicultural General
Cognitive/Neurological Disability/Condition
Physical Disability/Condition
Publishers:
Henry Holt, Macmillan
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781250864505
CCBC Location: Picture Book, MacLean