Title: “I Raised My Hand!” Starting First Grade
Author: Tracey Klehr
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-4836-5333-4
Pages: 30, Paperback/Kindle
Genre: Children’s Book/Picture Book
Reviewed by: Anita Lock, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Emma finds a box turtle in her backyard. But when her mom picks it up for Emma to hold, it quickly pulls its head and legs inside its shell. Emma asks her mom why the turtle is so shy. “Because we are something new to the turtle. It may have never been picked up by a person before,” was her mom’s response. Amused by this creature’s antics, Emma wonders if the turtle would make a good pet. Emma’s mom responds with, “Well, I don’t think the turtle would like that. We should just let it go on its way so it can grow up the way turtles like to.” This makes sense to Emma, so she adds, “It would not be able to have as much fun and meet other turtles.” Little does Emma know that this encounter with the box turtle is going to help her prepare for first grade.If there is one thing that children relate well to, it is animals. Klehr capitalizes on this relationship to help children understand that young animals explore new places as they’re growing up just like children, and exploration can be scary for both. As Emma is exploring a new school grade, it is clear that she is scared. “You look like the turtle,” her Mom said, “why do you feel like you have to go into your shell?” After listening to Emma’s concerns, her mom seizes the opportunity to make a connection. “Well, think of it this way, when we put the turtle back down into the grass and said ‘good luck,’ the turtle is now going to explore, make new friends, and have a great day. That is what you get to do at school…”
There is no doubt that entering a new school grade can be a frightening experience for children. However, continuing on the theme of familiarity, Klehr creates balance in Emma’s story with the concept of opposites. Emma’s mom takes something negative, such as fear, and turns it into a positive, excitement, by encouraging Emma to make a list of all the things that she is excited about for first grade, which includes making a friend, going on the playground, and most important of all (in Emma’s mind) raising her hand. Young readers are then led through Emma’s preparations and procedures for the first day of school: picking out clothes the night before, waiting for and taking the bus, and then following her school schedule. When Emma returns home, she is happy because she has completed her excitement list. But readers will have to finish the story to find out her reason for happiness.
In her debut book, “I Raised My Hand!” Starting First Grade, Klehr’s colorful and child-like illustrations coupled with her straight-forward narrative are unquestionably intended for children in primary school. This delightful story, that I recommend, is a helpful tool to remind children that with a positive attitude, growing up can be an exciting adventure.
