Meet My School Counselor, Mrs. Sparks, is a heartwarming story about Helen Jane, a 3rd grader who has already navigated some of life’s greatest challenges. She moves to a new school in 1st grade, experiences the death of her Mom in 2nd grade, deals with kids making fun of her in 3rd grade due to her Filipino heritage, and then prepares to transition to middle school in 4th grade. This story describes how Mrs. Sparks advocates for Helen Jane every step of the way. Meet My School Counselor, Mrs. Sparks would be ideal to incorporate in orientation lessons with elementary students at the beginning of the year, to depict the various ways school counselors can assist students in need.
The Many Faces of Helen Jane is a story about diversity, empathy, acceptance, and kindness.
Although a sequel to the author’s first book, Meet My School Counselor Mrs. Sparks, this book
can be read independently. The Many Faces of Helen Jane is a heartwarming way to teach
children about valuing the diversity of others. Helen Jane tries to see others who are different
from her, but through their own lens. In doing so, she develops empathy and learns to accept
them along the way, by extending kindness to those in need.
