Better Together, by Nikki Tate. Orca Book Publishers. 2018. $19.95 ages 10 and up

"Schools are much more than places to learn to read or study math or science. Learning to get along with others is important too, and students can explore things they may not have access to at home - like art, drama, woodworking, cooking or dance. Sometimes, passions discovered at school develop into long-term career paths."

Sharing this book in a middle years classroom, teacher to students, could have an impact on the classroom, and also on the greater school community. As she has done in other books written for this useful Orca Footprints series, Nikki Tate did her research and presents it in a way that is both informational and inspiring.

In her introduction she asks readers to see the many similarities that exist between families and communities around the world. In the first of four chapters, she talks about The First Community - the nuclear family. Children need and deserve to have many of the same things: safe housing, an education, health care, clean water and enough food to sustain them. Families are very different from one another. Community Fact, Love This!, Let's Work Together, I Believe In Love, and numerous captioned photos add important stories and details to impact readers and offer ideas for making a small difference in their own families and communities.

In Chapter Two, In the 'Hood, she describes neighborhoods around the world and introduces readers to the many ways people are changing their neighborhoods for the better. Chapter 3 moves to communities based on 'religious ideas, race, or ethnicity'. It also includes teams, school groups, and any other group that finds commonality in one area of life. Finding support within these varied communities can be difficult, but also empowering.

"In fact, it is possible to move between communities, to belong to more than one group at a time and to find common bonds with many different kinds of people at different points in time. What is always important is to be respectful and sensitive about other community members and how they feel about belonging to a particular group."

In the final chapter she moves to the global community, discussing the United Nations, the Red Cross, and other collaborations that work to make life better for those in need of help and support. This need for connection and kindness is a powerful impetus for everyone to make a change in the world, no matter how big or small. It starts with us - one step at a time. 

Students will enjoy the many excellent photos. In browsing through the text, they may also find a project that speaks to them. A teacher sharing just one idea might inspire the class to take a step toward a community project that will unite and inspire others to do the same.