Books That Build SMART Scholars

Schooling Jamaal

Every Black boy deserves to grow up believing in his own potential. Yet in Title 1 schools across America, too many face low expectations and systems that overlook their brilliance.

SCHOOLING JAMAAL moves beyond deficit-focused narratives to provide the SMART Framework—practical strategies that work within resource constraints to develop boys who are:

· Self-assured - Standing tall in their identity and brilliance

· Motivated - Discovering their purpose and chasing their dreams

· Academically successful - Mastering skills and exceeding expectations

· Resilient - Transforming every obstacle into opportunity

· Thinkers - Questioning, creating, and shaping the future

From dignity anchoring to barrier disruption, these evidence-based approaches work in real classrooms. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this 295-page book equips you to nurture not just individual success stories, but a generation of leaders who will transform their communities with brilliance and purpose.

Educator's Discussion Guide - Chapter-by-chapter professional development questions, classroom applications, and team activities for schools serious about transforming outcomes for Black boys.

Parent’s Discussion Guide - Plain talk, real strategies, zero jargon. A down-to-earth guide for parents and families to discuss and implement the SMART framework at home and in their communities.

$30.00

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Children’s PICTURE Books by Dr. Little

Accelerated Reader Titles Featuring Jamaal

Meet Jamaal—a young Black boy navigating life's challenges with courage, wisdom, and hope. Through Dr. Little's award-winning series, elementary students discover that their circumstances don't define their destiny. Each book in the Accelerated Reader program builds critical character traits while keeping young readers engaged.

All children’s picture books are hardback.

What Can I Be?

Fifth-grader Jamaal can list all the things he supposedly can't be. But when Mr. Cleo, the wise school custodian, shares his own story, Jamaal's whole world shifts. He learns to transform every disadvantage into determination, every obstacle into opportunity. This inspiring 32-page story, beautifully bound in a full-color, 10" × 8" hardback, shows young readers that where you start doesn't determine where you finish—and that sometimes the most important lessons come from the most unexpected teachers.

· Reading Level: 4.6

· Lexile® Measure: 790L

· Book Focus: Self-Esteem and Future Vision

· Perfect for: 3rd-5th grade readers

· Teacher Guide: Free comprehensive teacher guide with lesson plans available

$15.95

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Fun Day

FUN DAY isn't just about games in Mrs. Walker's classroom—it's about discovery. As third-graders compete, collaborate, and cheer each other on, they uncover hidden talents and learn that every classmate brings something essential to their community. This heartwarming 32-page, full-color, 10" × 8" hardback book shows young readers how acceptance, appreciation, and teamwork create magic in the classroom and beyond. Award Note: Proudly selected to represent Mississippi at the National Book Festival.

· Reading Level: 4.4

· Lexile® Measure: 830L

· Book Focus: Acceptance, Talents, and Teamwork

· Perfect for: 3rd-5th grade readers

· Teacher Guide: Free comprehensive

teacher guide with lesson plans available

$15.95

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Jamaal’s LUCKY Day!

Jamaal's heart races when he finds an envelope full of money. No one saw him pick it up. No one would know if he kept it. But as he wrestles with temptation, Jamaal discovers that true luck isn't about finding money—it's about finding your character. In this compelling 32-page, full-color, 10" × 8" hardback book, young readers explore what it means to be responsible when no one's watching, courageous when it's uncomfortable, and honest when you have everything to gain by staying quiet. A powerful reminder that the hardest choices often lead to the proudest moments.

· Reading Level: 3.4

· Lexile® Measure: 590L

· Character Education Focus: Responsibility, Courage, Honesty

· Perfect for: 2nd-4th grade readers

· Teacher Guide: Free comprehensive guide with lesson plans available

$15.95

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Grandma’s Biscuits

The smell of Grandma's biscuits means more than breakfast—it means love, safety, and belonging. In this 32-page, full-color, 10" × 8" hardback book filled with warm rhymes and vibrant illustrations, young Jamaal takes readers into his grandmother's kitchen where flour-dusted hands create more than food; they create memories. Every batch of biscuits carries lessons about heritage, patience, and the special bond between grandmothers and grandsons. A tender celebration of how love is passed down through generations, one biscuit at a time.

· Reading Level: 2.3

· Lexile® Measure: 390L

· Character Focus: Love and Family

· Perfect for: Beginning readers, K-2nd grade

· Teacher Guide: Free comprehensive guide with lesson plans available

$15.95

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Free Teacher Guides for Every Book

Each Jamaal book comes with a comprehensive teacher guide designed to maximize learning impact. What's Included in Each Guide:

Pre-Reading Activities: Build background knowledge and vocabulary
Discussion Questions: Promote critical thinking
Character Education Lessons: Reinforce SEL competencies
Writing Prompts: Connect reading to personal experience
Cross-Curricular Connections: Math, science, and social studies links
Family Engagement Activities: Extend learning at home
Assessment Tools: Comprehension checks and rubrics
SMART Framework Alignment: Activities building Self-assured, Motivated, Academically successful, Resilient Thinkers

Classroom Implementation

Aligned with Common Core and state standards
Differentiated instruction suggestions for diverse learners
Small group and whole class activity options
Culturally responsive teaching strategies
Time-saving lesson plans ready to use

Classroom Integration

All titles available in the Accelerated Reader program
Discussion guides available for each book
Character education themes align with SEL standards
Progressive reading levels grow with students (2.3 to 4.6)

Bring Jamaal to Your School

Author Visit Packages are Available. Combine books with an author visit for maximum impact.

Schedule Author Visit

Dr. Little interactively presents from the series
Students meet a real author who shares their background
Interactive Q&A about writing and dreams
Book signing for lasting inspiration

Special pricing available for:
Classroom sets (25+ books)
Grade-level packages
School-wide literacy initiatives