Back to School with Books That Teach and Inspire
- Michele Thomas
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
As the back-to-school season begins, it’s the perfect time to embrace stories that inspire young minds, spark curiosity, and build essential life skills. At AcuteByDesign, we believe books have the power to teach, connect, and motivate children to dream big and approach challenges with confidence. This fall, we’re highlighting two exceptional books: Gary the Bear and The Engineer and His Kitty. These stories offer valuable lessons on friendship, empathy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), making them must-reads for the classroom and beyond.
Gary the Bear: An Autism Story
Understanding Friendship and Embracing Differences
Gary is a bear with autism who sees the world a little differently, and that’s what makes him so special. Through his story, young readers learn about the importance of patience, kindness, and looking beyond first impressions. Gary the Bear is a heartwarming tale about building connections and understanding the beauty of diversity in our friendships.
💙 Why It’s a Must-Read:
Teaches empathy and understanding toward individuals with autism.
Encourages kids to celebrate differences and embrace inclusivity.
Helps foster meaningful discussions about kindness and acceptance.
📘 Classroom Activity: After reading Gary the Bear, ask students to share what makes them unique and how those traits can make friendships stronger.
Building Dreams and Exploring STEM
DJ is a young aspiring engineer with big ideas and an even bigger imagination. Alongside his curious and playful kitty, Ion, DJ explores the exciting world of engineering—building rockets, designing robots, and discovering how creativity and problem-solving go hand in hand. The Engineer and His Kitty is a perfect introduction to STEM for young readers, showing them how everyday objects can become tools for innovation.
🔧 Why It’s a Must-Read:
Sparks interest in STEM through relatable and fun examples.
Encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Inspires kids to see themselves as problem-solvers and innovators.
📘 Classroom Activity: Challenge students to design their own inventions using everyday materials. What would they create, and how would it work?
Incorporating Stories into Back-to-School Routines
Set the Tone with Storytime: Start the school year by reading aloud books like Gary the Bear and The Engineer and His Kitty to foster empathy and curiosity.
Create Discussions: Use these books to spark conversations about building friendships, overcoming challenges, and exploring interests.
Connect to Real Life: Encourage students to relate the lessons in these books to their own lives, whether by recognizing acts of kindness or exploring STEM projects.
This back-to-school season, let Gary the Bear and The Engineer and His Kitty inspire the next generation of compassionate friends and curious innovators. These stories remind young readers that learning isn’t just about facts—it’s about understanding the world, dreaming big, and making a positive impact.
📚 What books are on your back-to-school reading list? Share your favorites and let’s inspire each other to learn and grow!
Comments