Having the Tough Talk about Cyberbullying with Your Kids

By Sarah Daren

January 27, 2020

Photo: Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

As a parent, all you want is for your children to be happy, healthy, and safe. Unfortunately, you can’t protect them from everything that might threaten them, especially in a world of constant connectivity. Bullying, for instance, is still a major problem in schools—but it’s now been intensified by social media, chat, and texting.

If you’re worried that your child is being cyberbullied, or is bullying other children, then it’s extremely important to intervene. It’s tough to have these conversations, especially during the years when kids and teens feel the most vulnerable and defensive. Here’s how you can approach the topic with sensitivity and compassion.

Before the Talk, Understand the Facts Behind Cyberbullying

The “talk” about cyberbullying isn’t something you want to walk into unprepared. Your child might have no idea just how dangerous or harmful the online activity they and their peers engage in can be. You need to have the facts and a game plan before you initiate a conversation.

Teens and preteens are the most likely to be cyberbullied, with over one-third of all youths ages 11-17 reporting in 2014 that they have been bullied online. Kids now spend so much of their lives online that it can be difficult for them to escape their tormentors.

Not only can cyberbullying have a major impact on students’ mental health, but it can even lead to the ultimate tragedy: suicide. When young people feel they have nowhere to turn or get away from bullies, they sometimes take drastic action.

The Current Mental Health Climate

It’s not easy being a young person today. The current mental health climate in the United States is changing, and although we’re becoming more open about discussing mental health topics, there’s a worrying trend toward greater numbers of anxiety and depression.

Children and young adults are under enormous pressure to excel in academics and extracurricular activities. This takes a toll, which can be observed in the rates of anxiety among college students. Among students enrolled in college, 3 out of 4 have experienced overwhelming anxiety at some point during their program, with 30% reporting those feelings in just the past two weeks.

As we can see, cyberbullying isn’t the only cause of anxiety and depression among children, teens, and young adults, but it can certainly affect the mental health of those who are being bullied and can make existing issues worse.

Be Conscious of What Your Kids Are Doing and Saying Online

To prevent cyberbullying, it’s important to know what your kids are doing and saying online. That might mean taking some steps that they won’t like. Be prepared to set up some ground rules and to monitor your child’s interactions to make sure they are appropriate.

During your conversation about cyberbullying, it’s important to communicate what kinds of interactions are OK and which are not. You’ll also want to talk to them about what to watch out for, since they may not see bullying as bullying, but just something hurtful.

Bullying is unrelenting, targeted, and specific, and while misunderstandings do happen, especially online, it’s important to make sure that your child knows what the difference is and how to handle miscommunications vs. bullying.

It’s not always possible to be aware of everything your kids are doing online, but following their accounts, having access to their passwords, and setting limits on social media use can all be helpful if you suspect cyberbullying or another type of inappropriate activity is occurring.

Don’t Think College Students Are Too Old for Bullying

When we talk about cyberbullying, the conversation has been mostly centered around high school and middle school students. But bullying has no age limits, and it’s perfectly valid to be concerned for your older student’s safety and mental health.

Hazing, for instance, has been a cruel practice among college organizations for more than a hundred years and is now starting to move online. Talking to your college student about hazing and cyberbullying could be necessary to help protect them, even if you’re worried about meddling in their new “adult” life.

Speak to Friends and Other Parents to Get Multiple Perspectives

If you suspect cyberbullying, then you can’t just take your child’s perspective on the situation as fact. We all frame our experiences in different ways. It’s a good idea to talk to your child’s friends, their parents, and educators to find out more. Your child may not view the situation in the same way as someone else or they may only be telling part of the story.

Be Sensitive and Compassionate

Talking about these topics isn’t easy. But if you want your child to be safe and happy, they are essential conversations to have. Remember, always approach the topic with sensitivity and compassion to bring you closer together.

Sarah Daren

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.

Whole Foods Recalls Cookies Due to Contamination Concerns

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 23, 2019

Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cremes and 365 Everyday Value Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Sandwich Cremes because the products may contain undeclared milk or tree nuts (coconut). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or coconut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.

The affected products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. The Dark Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cremes may contain milk that was not declared on the package label. The Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Sandwich Cremes may contain milk or coconut that were not declared on the package label.

The two products to look out for are listed below:

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cremes with the UPC number 9948247605 and “best when used by” dates through May 1, 2020.

Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Sandwich Cremes with the UPC number 9948247606 and “best when used by” dates through May 9, 2020.

All affected products have been removed from store shelves. Two reactions have been reported to date.

Customers who purchased these products at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can call 1-844-936-8255 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, or 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CST Saturday through Sunday.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Whole Foods

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Do Your Kids Get Migraines? Read This

By Sarah Daren

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

December 5, 2019

Photo: Snapwire via Pexels

Adults aren’t the only ones who get from migraines. Among parents who suffer from migraines—or had migraines previously—up to 70% of their children also experience migraine headaches, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

If you know how painful and debilitating a migraine can be, then it can be very difficult to see your child suffer in the same way. But what can you do to help? Migraines can be notoriously difficult to treat, but there are some ways to help your child cope. Here’s what you need to know about how kids experience migraines and what you can do to help.

The Differences Between Headaches and Migraines

People who don’t get migraines often lump them in with run-of-the-mill headaches. While it’s true that a migraine is a type of headache, it has unique characteristics that set it apart. Up to three-quarters of adults experienced a headache in the past year, but migraines are (fortunately) less common.

Migraines can last anywhere from four hours to three days, and the symptoms actually begin the day before the migraine, with mood changes and food cravings. Once they have set in, migraines will often start to cause flashes of light in the sufferer’s vision before throbbing pain sets in.

During the migraine headache phase, many people are sensitive to light and sound. In the aftermath, they may feel weak, confused, and exhausted. When compared to the head pain caused by a normal headache, migraines are much worse and can be debilitating, particularly if they are chronic.

Kids & Migraines

As with many health issues in children, migraines may present differently than they do in adults. This can make diagnosis difficult and can cause a child to suffer unnecessarily. Children also have trouble talking about their symptoms, and parents may dismiss classic signs of a migraine, such as dizziness, as something minor.

In children, migraines cause classic symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and dizziness. They are also prone to abdominal migraines, which result in nausea and vomiting. Even very young children can experience migraine symptoms, so it’s important to take these signs seriously and see a doctor if your child is experiencing them.

Helping Your Child Cope With a Migraine

The age of your child will make a difference in how you help them cope with a migraine. Older children and teens are often better at communicating their symptoms and may know not to push themselves as far as more active, younger children. It’s always a good idea to encourage teens who are suffering from migraines to rest. However, there are other interventions that may help.

Certain over-the-counter painkillers designed for children might provide some relief from migraine symptoms, but you should ask your doctor before treating symptoms with medication. If your child has frequent migraine attacks, your doctor might be able to prescribe something to help.

Create a soothing atmosphere for your child to rest. Tuck them into bed, turn off the light and encourage them to sleep. You can also use a cool compress while they are lying down. Migraines can be extremely painful and very scary, especially for very young children. Do your best to create a calm, quiet atmosphere that will help to ease their fears and make it easier for them to sleep through the symptoms.

If your child experiences frequent migraines, your doctor might want to examine possible triggers like stress, bright lights, changes in sleep, or even food. They might suggest changing your child’s routine to remove triggers or recommend coping techniques like breathing exercises to control stress and reduce the number of migraines your child experiences.

Managing the Aftermath

Unfortunately, migraines can still cause problems even after the worst of the patient’s head pain subsides. “Postdrome,” the final phase of a migraine, often causing a sort of “mental fog” and bringing symptoms like weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and body aches.

It’s difficult to treat postdrome, so the best strategy is to help your child prevent the problem in the first place. Ensure that they drink plenty of water during and after their migraine symptoms appear and consider avoiding electronics that may provoke light sensitivity. Try calming activities like reading to them or doing yoga together to reduce the effects of postdrome.

It’s never fun to see your child suffer. But remember, you’re not totally helpless—you can take steps to help them cope with this common, but very unpleasant health issue!

Sarah Daren

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Are We Destroying Our Neurodiverse Children?

By Lindsay Leiviska

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 25, 2019

Too many children are being forced to meet expectations they were never meant to fulfill. Outside-the-box kids were made differently and distinctly with gifts, talents, and purposes. And these outside-the-box kids must be equipped with our love and support to thrive in this world.

We adopted an outside-the-box, high-needs child almost 6 years ago. When our son hit 18 months, he began to destroy our home and our family. His horrific and uncontrollable behaviors included aggression, destruction, and dangerous thrill-seeking acts. He screamed all. day. long. for about three years straight. And he did not sleep more than two hours a time for almost a year and a half. That, of course, made things astronomically worse.

Fortunately, however, God used this four-year experience of misery to radically change me as a mom. During that time, I developed relationships with amazing pediatric specialists. My son’s volatility was beyond anything I could handle on my own, and it forced me into counseling as I faced my own internal junk, which was severely impacting my ability to cope well. God allowed this all to completely transform me as a mother, wife, friend, and educator.

Most importantly, that transformation completely saved my relationship with my biological daughter. Honestly, I believe it has actually saved her life!

Saving My Daughter

At the time that we adopted my son, we had no idea that our daughter was an outside-the-box kid longing to thrive. We didn’t know that she was an Aspie girl. For years, I tried to make her into a social butterfly like her older sister and me. I didn’t understand why she was so “shy.” I worried about her heightened sensitivity level. Her tears, her emotions… I wanted to “fix” her. When she would not do what I wanted when I wanted it, I would become frustrated with her.

And she felt it. She felt my disappointment as well as the disappointment of others when she could not be who they wanted her to be. It kills me to think about what she must have felt about herself knowing that she was never “enough.”

Being “different” was not what made her feel less-than. Nope. It was the messages she was receiving from the world around her—most importantly, in her own home. She was constantly receiving messages that told her she needed to be someone she was not created to be. This is what could have potentially destroyed her sense of self.

I fight the tears right now as I think about what she would have felt and believed about herself if I had continued parenting her with the idea that she needed to be someone different. Someone who the world wants her to be.

An Overlooked & Suffering Population

Aspie girls are suffering so much… for so many reasons. One of the most crucial reasons that these girls are suffering is because they are being misdiagnosed. They are being completely overlooked because Aspie girls (currently diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder based upon DSM-V) present so differently than boys, and the criteria has been based upon boys. The mental health implications of being missed are astronomical:

Anxiety
Anorexia
Depression
Suicide
Trauma

Our outside-the-box girls are everywhere, and they do not have to suffer in this way. But sadly, so many have been told throughout their formative years that they are not enough. That they are inherently defective. They have been told that they should not be who they were created to be. That their interests are “weird” and they must change to be accepted. That they must shove their outside-the-box selves into the one-size-fits-all “norm” in order to be valued and loved.

Can you imagine living your life like this? So what do these outside-the-box girls do? What do so many of our outside-the-box kids do?

They hide. at home. alone. There are likely millions of outside-the-box kids out there who are not thriving.

Kids with ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Learning Differences, Aspies, introverts… whatever. It doesn’t matter if they have a diagnosis or not. Who cares?!!! These kids are everywhere!

Why are we forcing so many gifted, loving, talented, and brilliant people onto the hamster wheel of mental illness?!

‘I’m not good enough.’

‘I always screw up.’

‘I said the wrong thing.’

‘The noise was just too much and I couldn’t handle it.’

‘I cannot focus in a room full of other kids.’

‘What is wrong with me?’

The messages that our children consistently receive from the world are most often the ones that plague them for the rest of their lives.

How many more kids have to scream for help through drug abuse, cutting, suicide, etc… before we take a good look at this one-size-fits-all system that is failing so many children?

We Need to Value Neurodiversity

We say that we value diversity in this country, and yet we have a system set up for one type of child. Our kids have gifts and talents and hearts that just want to love and be loved. Oftentimes, we try to raise our unique kids using the “world’s” expectations as our goal. When our young kids cannot take it any longer, they explode… often times behaviorally. I have learned, by God’s grace, that our children are gifts to this world and need to be raised in a way that allows them to thrive and shine.

Moms, Let’s Be Willing to Parent Differently

Moms, we need one another to be brave for our differently gifted children. Our precious kids who simply long to be their unique selves without constantly butting up against a culture that believes they are inherently defective. Let us rally together and be brave enough to allow our children to flourish as their unique selves regardless of what the parenting peanut gallery says. Let’s put on the mom glasses that allow us to see the gifts, passions, and hearts behind our unique children and then equip them to thrive!

Lindsay Leiviska

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Lindsay Leiviska (MA Teaching) is a homeschool mom of three with over 20+ years experience working with children. The adoption of her son 6 years ago transformed her as a mom. She began A Heart for All Students with the mission is empower outside-the-box kids by equipping their amazing mommas.

Marie Kondo and Sparking the Joy of Friendship

By Andie Huber

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 5, 2019

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Photos: Courtesy of KonMari Media, Inc.

Marie Kondo, the famous tidying expert known for bringing joy while reducing clutter and chaos to homes around the world has stepped into a new role recently—children’s book author. The mom of two has written a charming book with illustrator Salina Yoon, called “Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship,” and it cleverly tells the story of two friends who overcome personal obstacles to learn the art and joy of friendship. See our exclusive interview below.

1. What do you see that is missing or getting in the way when it came to children, the art of friendship?

“In “Kiki & Jax,” Kiki’s clutter gets in the way; through tidying, the two learn to really value their friendship. This lesson can apply to anyone—distractions make it difficult to focus on what really matters.”

2. For children who are still resistant to the notion of donating and getting rid of things (even after thanking it and acknowledge they don’t need it any longer), how should parents approach getting rid of clutter with their kids?

“Children learn by example, so first make sure you have completed your own tidying festival! If you discover something that no longer sparks joy for you, include your children in the process of thanking the item and letting it go. Also, make sure your children understand where their toys belong. By returning items to their homes, children develop an awareness—and ultimately, an appreciation—of what they already possess.”

3. Where did you find inspiration for this book?

“As a parent of two young girls, I’ve observed firsthand the impact that books can have on children. I wrote ‘Kiki & Jax’ as a way to communicate the joy of tidying and friendship to young readers.”

4. What are the biggest obstacles in terms of stuff that you see when it comes to kids?

“Children’s toys seem to multiply and quickly become scattered throughout the house. Designate a set location where each of these toys will be kept and make sure your children are aware of where their toys belong. Then they can assist you with putting them away!”

5. How do you recommend approaching gift-giving holidays and birthdays and the influx of so much stuff?

“Before I search for a gift, I recall things about my loved one’s lifestyle, work, and interests; I try to imagine what would spark joy based on their personality. I know I’ve found a meaningful gift when I can articulate what aspects I think the recipient will like about it.

My three rules for receiving gifts are:

1. Open immediately.
2. Remove packaging.
3. Start using it right away.

Try out every gift at least once—even those that don’t immediately spark joy. The ability to feel what truly excites you is only gained through experience. If you try it out and intend to keep it, designate a home for the new item, as you’ve done with everything else you own. However, if you try using the item and decide that it doesn’t suit you, thank it and bid it farewell. The true purpose of a present is to be received. When viewed from this perspective, there is no need to feel guilty about parting with a gift that ultimately doesn’t spark joy.”

6. Is there another children’s book in the future?

“Right now, I’m finishing ‘Joy at Work,’ which will be published in spring 2020. This book offers stories, studies and strategies to help you eliminate clutter and make space for work that really matters. I’m also excited to announce the launch of KonMari’s new shop this holiday season. We’ll be offering a collection of items that I use in my everyday life and that spark joy for me!”

7. Any tips for sorting stacks of photos and children’s artwork?

“The order in which you tidy is very important. In the KonMari Method™, you work your way through the categories from easiest to the most difficult because this process allows you to gradually hone your sensitivity to what sparks joy in you. Sentimental items—like photos and artwork—are the last category, so by the time you tackle them, you will have a much clearer sense of joy. While tidying sentimental items, always ask yourself if these items will continue to spark joy as you move forward in your life.”

8. Where do you find inspiration?

“When I am tidying and examining my possessions, I enter a state of deep reflection. Those moments are inspirational for me. My family also provides me with a great deal of inspiration. And nature, of course!”

9. What do you think of the clutter of social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?

“Technology, like physical clutter, can distract us from what’s truly important. Before applying the KonMari Method™ to your digital life, make sure you’ve already finished tidying your home, which will clear your mind and soul—and hone your decision-making skills. People who have finished tidying their home tend to begin digital tidying on their own initiative.

10. What item gives you the biggest spark of joy and will never throw away?

“The first Mother’s Day card I received from my daughters. My husband helped them make it, with their handprints stamped inside.”

Andie Huber

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

A lifest‌yle writer whose work can be seen in Red Tricycle, Money.com, Livestrong.com and Redbook. When she’s not checking out new events, museums, and restaurants to keep her and her kids entertained, she can be found wandering around flea markets and thrift stores looking for cool vintage finds.

“Sesame Street” Is Headed West with the New Sesame Place San Diego Park

by Erica LoopOctober 22, 2019

Sesame Place is coming to the West Coast! SeaWorld Entertainment recently announced the upcoming renovation to its Aquatica San Diego property.

Until now, Elmo enthusiasts and Big Bird besties have only had one option to explore Sesame Street-themed adventures IRL—the Philadelphia park. Now kiddos, and their adults of course, can enjoy the same Sesame Place fun across the country in the franchise’s second park.

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A post shared by Sesame Place San Diego (@sesameplaceca)

Steve Youngwood, President, Media & Education and Chief Operating Office, Sesame Workshop, said in a press release, “As we celebrate Sesame Street’s 50^th Anniversary, we are excited to share the news of a major opportunity for kids and families to connect with and learn from the brand and its beloved characters.” Youngwood continued, “The opening of Sesame Place San Diego will give guests a unique and powerful way to experience Sesame Street, enable us to connect with even more families, and further our educational mission.”

Along with family-friendly rides, water slides, live character shows, parades and interactive experiences, San Diego’s new Sesame Place will also open as a Certified Autism Center. Like the Philadelphia park, San Diego’s park will also have plenty of pre-visit resources (such as a sensory guide), designated quiet spaces and the staff will participate in autism sensitivity and awareness training.

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A post shared by Sesame Place San Diego (@sesameplaceca)

Of the CAC designation, Marc Swanson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, SeaWorld Entertainment, said, “We are proud to be opening this new park as a Certified Autism Center and are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special abilities.” Swanson also added, “Providing fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service is a part of that.”

Sesame Place San Diego is set to open in 2021, but as of now, there’s no specific debut date.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Place San Diego via Instagram

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Kohl’s Now Carries 3 Adaptive Clothing Line Collections Just in Time for Back to School

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 24, 2019

Finding clothes your kids actually like and are comfortable wearing isn’t always easy, especially when you have kids with special needs and sensory issues. Now shopping is even easier and more budget-friendly thanks to Kohl’s new adaptive clothing lines for kids.

Kohl’s has introduced adaptive clothing line extensions to three of its biggest private labels including Jumping Beans, Urban Pipeline and SO. The new items are available in sizes and styles to fit toddlers, children, juniors and young men with sensory sensitivity issues and those with physical disabilities.

Some of the adaptive clothing features include flat seams, abdominal access, diaper friendly bottoms and hidden leg openings. The collections are focused not only on comfort, but style because every one should have the ability to be both comfortable and show off their own fashion choices. In order to make those with special needs feel included, the line features the same patterns, graphics and styles as non-adaptive items as much as possible.

The entire collection, which features all the essentials including bottoms, tops, fleece, dresses and shoes is now available to shop online in sizes three months to girls 16 and boys 20.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Kohl’s

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This High School Grad Got a Silent Standing Ovation & Everyone Should Applaud

by Erica LoopJuly 10, 2019

Jack Higgins didn’t graduate to a shower of applause. When the high school senior walked the stage at his Carmel High School graduation, the room was silent—and for a very good reason.

Higgins, who has autism and is extremely sensitive to sound, and his family had concerns about the grad participating in the ceremony. But the Putnam County, New York principal wasn’t going to let Higgins’ sensitivity stop the young man from graduating with his class.

Instead of cheers and thunderous applause, principal Lou Riolo asked the students, families and staff to sit in silence as Higgins accepted his diploma. Riolo told CNN, “It was important to pull this off.” He added, “First off for Jack, second for his family who could experience the same event as every other parent/family whose child reaches this milestone was of great importance. Lastly to give the opportunity to everyone in that arena a chance to assist in making one young man’s and his families graduation dreams a reality.”

When it came time for Higgins to walk the stage at Western Connecticut State University’s O’Neill Center (where Carmel High School held its graduation), Higgins got a standing ovation—without a single sound.

Even though Riolo and his staff planned the silent part, they hadn’t said a word to the students about standing. The principal told CNN, “They are a class act and superseded expectations. For example them rising to their feet after Jack received his diploma was them. It was not preplanned and no one told them to act like that that. They felt compelled to show their support in that way. They made that amazing compassionate gesture on their own.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Raney Day Media via YouTube

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Many Women Don’t Know about This Surprising Pregnancy Symptom

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 3, 2019

Indigestion, nausea and of course pure exhaustion are all common symptoms of pregnancy, but did you know that your growing baby bump can also impact your eyesight?

A recent survey conducted by the American Optometric Association found that one in six expectant moms experienced vision changes during pregnancy. The survey also found that two out of five moms weren’t even aware that vision changes were possible.

photo: Greyerbaby via Pixabay

Vision changes during pregnancy can include dry eyes, migraine headaches, blurred vision and light sensitivity according to AOA President and optometrist Samuel D. Pierce. These symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalance.

These changes typically reverse themselves after childbirth, but like any other symptoms women experience during pregnancy it’s important to report them to your doctor. “A mother’s health and the health of their baby are important,” Pierce says. “Checking on all unusual symptoms can help have a healthy pregnancy from start to finish.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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15 Books to Help Kids Understand the Immigrant Experience

By Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 29, 2019

Powerful stories of the immigrant and refugee experience can help kids understand what people go through when they move to a new country and start new lives. These novels and memoirs for kids 10 and under can help build empathy and sensitivity among readers, and kids from immigrant families can see reflections of their own struggles and triumphs. For more books about the immigrant experience that kids of all ages can enjoy and identify with—from Illegal, a graphic novel that paints a harrowing picture of a refugee crisis, to classics like The Joy Luck Club for older kids—check out the entire list at Common Sense Media.

Carmela Full of Wishes

By Matt de la Peña

This delicate, finely wrought story about a young Latina girl lays out the difficult circumstances of her immigrant family while celebrating her as a kid like any other.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018)

Dreamers

By Yuyi Morales

This is the story of author Yuri Morales’ her own immigrant experience, traveling from her native Mexico to San Francisco, California, with her infant son. In an end note, she makes clear that the book is not about "Dreamers" as we use the word today, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, but in the sense that all immigrants are dreamers, coming to "a new country carried by hope and dreams, and carrying our own special gifts, to build a better future."

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Holiday House, 2018)

Mamá the Alien/Mamá la Extraterrestre

By René Colato Laínez

Mamá the Alien is a cute, bilingual picture book that introduces issues related to immigration, documentation, and citizenship in a warm, lighthearted way for kids as young as preschool.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Children's Book Press, 2016)

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter

By Mark Gonzales

A father's advice to his daughter about her mixed indigenous Mexican and Muslim heritage reads as both intensely personal and widely universal, airily poetic and solidly concrete. The book represents Muslim kids and families in a positive light, providing a mirror for Muslim kids, and a window for readers of all backgrounds.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Salaam Reads, 2017)

Islandborn

By Junot Diaz

It's not every day that a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist writes a picture book, and this one vibrantly celebrates diversity by mining the author's own Dominican American immigrant experience.

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018)

This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From

By Jamie Lee Curtis

In This Is Me, an Asian-American teacher describes the journey of her great-grandmother, who came to this country carrying only one small suitcase filled with personal items. This book helps kids dig up their histories and relate them to their own lives and identities in a personally meaningful way.

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Workman Publishing Co, 2016)

Where Will I Live?

By Rosemary McCarney

This excellent book introduces young kids to the plight of refugees and is brought vividly to life by the photos and faces of very real children who've been affected.

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Second Story Press, 2017)

The Day War Came

By Nicola Davies

This moving, haunting story of a young refugee draws its power from its simplicity, as the girl herself tells her own story, observing what's happening around her in ways kids can absorb. The Day War Came is frank and heartbreaking, but gentle. Author Nicola Davies makes clear this kid is like any other.

Recommended for ages 6 and older

(Candlewick Press, 2018)

A Different Pond

By Bao Phi

This tender, masterful family story about a hardworking Vietnamese refugee dad and his son focuses on a simple outing that speaks volumes about their lives and the strong ties that bind them.

Recommended for ages 6 and older

(Capstone Young Readers, 2017)

Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain

By Russell Freedman

Through photographs, original poems, and interview excerpts, Russell Freedman tells young readers about the experience of immigrants coming through San Francisco's Angel Island during its operation from 1910 to 1940.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Clarion Books, 2014)

The Arrival

By Shaun Tan

This wordless graphic novel about an immigrant who leaves his troubled country to make a new life for himself is a visual masterpiece.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Arthur A. Levine, 2007)

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang

Loosely based on Kelly Yang's experience growing up as an immigrant in America, this powerful, moving tale highlights the importance of tolerance and diversity, making it a must-read for kids. Front Desk takes place in the early '90s, but many of the heartbreaking stories mentioned in the book are still a reality for immigrants and minorities today.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Arthur A. Levine, 2018)

The Only Road

By Alexandra Diaz

As two teenage cousins take the perilous journey from Guatemala to the U.S., this harrowing, heartfelt tale brings to life the plight of thousands of young refugees and the dangers they face.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Simon & Schuster, 2016)

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

This ambitious, harrowing page-turner is chock-full of historical information, and it succeeds in providing a vivid window onto the lives of three fictional child refugees from different time periods and settings: 1938 Berlin, 1994 Cuba, and 2015 Syria.

Recommended for ages 10 and older

(Scholastic Press, 2017)

Shooting Kabul

By N. H. Senzai

This novel about an 11-year-old Afghan immigrant will give readers of all ages sensitive insight into the hardships immigrants experience in their daily lives, especially those seeking asylum from oppressive cultures. And, they will be reminded of how the 9/11 terrorist attacks made the lives of Muslim immigrants even harder.

Recommended for ages 10 and older

(Paula Wiseman, 2011)

Feature photo: iStock

Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

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