In This Classroom is a wonderful addition to any K–3 classroom. Andrew Hacket delivers an uplifting message that encourages children to celebrate their differences, support one another through challenges, and grow together as a community. In today’s world, students need strong social-emotional skills to thrive, and this book provides an excellent foundation for building empathy, kindness, resilience, and inclusion. Its positive, accessible message makes it a valuable resource for teachers and a book that belongs in every elementary classroom.

These are my favorite type of children's books. Quick reads that also pack a bit of an emotional punch. Visually fun but also carries a great message. This would be a great book for a back to school storytime or for a teacher to read on the first day of class.

Fun and colorful illustrations will engage the reader. The positive message is something that I think most teachers promote in their classrooms. At least I hope they do. I think kids will like the characters.

In This Classroom by Andrew Hacket is an absolute masterpiece of a children's picture book that serves as the perfect classroom manifesto.

Why It Earns 5 Stars
Celebrates Mistakes: Normalizes making errors, teaching kids that failure is just a natural part of growing.
Empowers Anxious Readers: Acts as a comforting pep talk for children nervous about the school year.
Inclusive Visuals: Uses bright, abstract character blobs so every single child can see themselves in the story.
Teacher Toolkit Included: Features actionable notes at the back to help educators build community all year long.

A Beautiful Reminder That Every Child Belongs

In This Classroom by Andrew Hacket feels like a warm hand on a child’s shoulder — steady, encouraging, and full of love. It’s the kind of book that reminds us why classrooms matter so much: they are little worlds where children learn not just academics, but courage, compassion, and the truth that they are valued exactly as they are.

As a mom, this story touched me deeply. My children — with their big feelings, their different ways of learning, their beautiful differences — deserve to walk into a classroom and feel instantly that they belong. And this book captures that hope so perfectly. It shows that mistakes are not failures but invitations to grow, that differences are not barriers but bridges, and that every child deserves to be accepted, supported, and loved.

My kids connected to this story right away. They saw themselves in the pages — in the trying, the learning, the wobbling, the celebrating. And as a parent, that means everything. Books like this help them understand that school is not a place where they must be perfect; it’s a place where they can be themselves.

The illustrations are bright, joyful, and full of movement, wrapping the message in warmth. And the text feels like a gentle promise:
> In this classroom, you matter. In this classroom, you belong.

This is a beautiful read‑aloud for the first day of school, a comforting reminder during the tough middle weeks, and a celebration at the end of the year. It’s a book that helps children feel safe, seen, and supported — and it gives teachers a powerful framework for building a community rooted in kindness.

A must‑have for every home, classroom, and library. A million stars from our family.
A Sky Full of Stars

This was a perfect book for beginning of the school year. It is a book with many lessons such as working hard and pushing through but also being allowed to feel feelings! I loved the illustrations and pace of this book. This will be great for teachers this fall.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A picture book about all the positive things that can be found in a classroom. Could be a good read for a student who is new to the classroom setting.

This is a sweet book with a look at classroom inclusivity.
I liked the illustrations, they were fun and bright and each character is different.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

I loved the illustrations and I can see this being a sweet book to begin and end a school year. I liked the focus on the struggles and the growth.

This is such a wonderful book to start the year with. As teachers we are constantly talking about classroom community and support. We talk about making mistakes and supporting each other. This book is a perfect combination of all of those things in a way kids can understand. I can definitely see myself reading this at the start of the year.

I really loved this book! I am a sixth grade teacher and think it's perfect for my class as a read aloud. They pretend to be "big kids" but deep down they all just want to know they are loved. This book does a great job of doing that. I am ordering this so I can share with my kids on the First Day of School next year. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read.