The IB transdisciplinary theme How We Organize Ourselves explores the systems and structures that shape human communities, examining how organizations function, decisions are made, and economic activities maintain societal balance. This theme encourages critical thinking about the frameworks that enable societies to work effectively, guided by key questions such as What structures are necessary for communities to function? and How do we make decisions as a society? Through this inquiry, students gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and organizational systems, empowering them as active participants in their communities.
The 6 books in this post are all connected with the theme How We Organize Ourselves through the character and storyline’s exploration of social structures, relationships, and community interactions. Each of these books provides valuable insights into how individuals navigate their environments and interact with one another, fostering a deeper understanding of human-made systems.
The Neighbors by Einat Tsarfati
In The Neighbors, community life comes alive through a young girl’s imaginative journey up the stairs of her apartment building. Each neighbor she encounters represents a unique personality and lifestyle, showcasing the richness and diversity that individuals bring to a shared space. Her vivid observations, from families with many locks to homes with muddy footprints, illustrate how curiosity and appreciation for differences can foster connection and belonging. The story celebrates individuality while highlighting how shared spaces and interactions shape community dynamics, leaving readers with the reminder that everyone has hidden layers that enrich the collective tapestry of life. These elements work together to create a rich tapestry that reflects the complexity and beauty of communal life.
Written by Einat Tsarfati, #NameTheTranslator Annette Appel
2019, Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781419731686
Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli
In this wordless book, the crocodile navigates a busy city while trying to fit into a human world. The book highlights the organization of societal roles and expectations, showing how individuals adapt to their environments. This reflects the theme’s inquiry into how humans create systems that help them function within their communities.
The crocodile embodies the concept of responsibility through his professional dedication, adaptability, and impact on his community. His commitment to his duties in a bustling urban environment demonstrates professionalism and the importance of fulfilling obligations, even amidst challenges. By adapting to various settings with integrity, the crocodile showcases flexibility as a key aspect of responsibility. He serves as a role model, inspiring others with his strong work ethic and mentorship. The story also highlights his ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities, emphasizing that responsibility extends to both work and relationships. Ultimately, his actions contribute to the well-being of his community, reinforcing the idea that individual roles play a vital part in fostering collective harmony. I hope this book brings a smile to your face, just as it did to mine when I finished it.
Written by Giovanna Zoboli, Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio
2017, Chronicle Books
ISBN: 9781452165066
Ways to Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago
This narrative focuses on social interactions and the processes involved in forming friendships. It addresses how individuals organize themselves socially and emotionally to build connections, which is crucial for community cohesion. The book encourages readers to consider the importance of empathy and communication in organizing social relationships.
Societal decision-making is explored through the lens of building and nurturing friendships. The story highlights key aspects such as initiating connections by taking the first step, interpreting social cues to navigate interactions, and resolving conflicts through empathy and communication. It promotes inclusivity by encouraging characters to welcome others, even those who feel isolated, and underscores the value of shared activities in fostering bonds. Harmony and collaboration emerge as a central theme, showing that friendships thrive on mutual effort and support. Together, these elements illustrate how thoughtful decisions shape social interactions and strengthen community ties.
Written by Jairo Buitrago, Illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
2022, Greystone Kids
ISBN: 9781771649759
The Brothers Zzli by Alex Cousseau
It is a heart-wrenching story that encourages meaningful discussion about many global issues, such as conflicts, differences, and clashes of cultures, we are facing today. This story revolves around three bear brothers who navigate their relationship and responsibilities within their new family unit with a girl. The interconnectedness of human-made systems is explored through themes of community dynamics, fear, and acceptance. The arrival of the bears disrupts the girl’s community, highlighting how new elements challenge established norms. Fear and misunderstanding among the animals lead to division, illustrating how societal emotions can shape decision-making. In contrast, the girl’s act of inclusion shows how individual actions can promote harmony and acceptance. The bears’ departure due to hostility underscores the consequences of division, while the girl’s choice to leave with them offers hope for rebuilding unity through shared respect and cooperation.
Written by Alex Cousseau, Illustrated by Anne-Lise Boutin, #NameTheTranslator Vineet Lal
2023, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780802856098
The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower by Lee Gee Eun
This tale incorporates elements of folklore to discuss how different characters contribute to their community’s well-being. It illustrates the interconnectedness of individuals, highlighting how characters’ roles and problem-solving skills help organize societal understanding and collaborations in a community.
Tail-Flower, a symbol of wisdom, exemplifies how individuals contribute to community harmony through their strengths. When faced with the tiger’s threat, the characters collaborate and communicate, showcasing teamwork and collective decision-making. Korean folklore elements provide cultural frameworks that guide actions, fostering a shared sense of order. Tail-Flower’s empathetic conflict resolution with the tiger demonstrates organized approaches to disputes, while the story’s natural symbolism highlights organization as a universal principle, connecting human society to the balance of nature.
The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower
Written by Lee Gee Eun, #NameTheTranslator Aerin Park
2024, Levine Querido
ISBN: 9781646144594
Everyone Gets A Turn by Marianne Dubuc
This book is a great example of “It takes a village to raise a child”. It emphasizes sharing and cooperation among friends while playing together. It teaches young readers about fairness and taking turns as essential components of social organization. The narrative aligns with the theme’s focus on how rules and routines help maintain order within communities.
Everyone Gets a Turn effectively demonstrates the importance of decision-making in a community through themes of taking turns, collaboration, conflict resolution, empathy, and the celebration of community values. These elements highlight how individuals contribute to creating a harmonious and supportive environment through their choices and interactions.
Written by Marianne Dubuc
2024, Princeton Architectural Press
ISBN: 9781797227290
Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founding Chair of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian
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