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Minilesson on Minilessons

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Conferring Possible Teaching Points by Band

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Readers Workshop - Options for Small Groups b

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Another possible workshop planner

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One possible organizational structure

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BBC One Christmas 2017 | The Supporting Act

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(sensitive topic- mistreatment of animals) Great for character traits, authors's craft and theme

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Hair Love | Oscar®-Winning Short Film (Full) | Sony Pictures Animation

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Resources | Teachers College Advancing Literacy

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Each month, we feature three books-for young, middle grade and young adult readers-that explore a topic related to diversity and inclusion. Check out the calendar below to see what's in store!

Books of the month:

Elementary

A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story

by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan

Young Sharon hears the story of how she, after a series of protests to integrate the park, is the first African American to ride on the carousel at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in 1963.

by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Ever since Omar was 4 years old and soldiers forced him and his brother Hassan to flee from their farm in Somalia, Omar has promised to always take care of his nonverbal brother-but he is also eager for an education and an opportunity for a life outside of their Kenyan refugee camp.

by Jason Reynolds; adapted from Stamped from the Beginning by and with an introduction from Ibram X. Kendi

Using humor and a conversational style, author Jason Reynolds deftly reworks Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning, exposing young adult readers to the history of America's racist past that textbooks leave out.

Keep learning wherever you are.

Sign up to receive EdPractice, our monthly email packed full of advice, tips, and resources to help you be the best educator possible for your students.

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Each month, we feature three books-for young, middle grade and young adult readers-that explore a topic related to diversity and inclusion. Check out the calendar below to see what's in store!

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2020 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books

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2020 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books

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What books are you and your kids looking forward to reading in 2020? We're entering this new decade with another epic list of diverse reads to share with you. Ready?

Most of the books listed here are recommended either for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary readers since my children fall within those groups and so do the little readers in my core target audience. However, I've also included a few middle grade and young adult books for slightly older readers to enjoy as well. The best part is most of these books are available for pre-order now so you can get a head start on your shopping.

Rest assured, I've selected what I think will be the "best of the best" in terms of diverse books. I know other amazing books will be released throughout the year, but these are the ones that were on my radar right now. As other books are released, I will come back and make changes to this post throughout the year so be sure to check it periodically or bookmark it to read later.

I'm definitely looking forward to sharing most (if not all) of these books with my little readers. As always, I tried to target books that will likely have: stunning illustrations, read aloud appeal, a kid-friendly theme - or all three! Enjoy!

Note: ** Since other countries have different release dates, some of these books may be released earlier or later internationally than the months I have listed as publication dates do sometimes change. **

Check out our lists from previous years: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016

With the help of her family and friends, can Mindy find a way to still enjoy her old holiday traditions, and create new ones along the way?

Hosea Plays On by Kathleen M. Blasi (Author), Shane W. Evans (Illustrator) Ages 3 - 9

This heartwarming picture book (based on a true story) depicts a day in the life of Hosea Taylor, a musician who-with his charm, talent, and generosity-brought joy to everyone he met. Every day, Hosea takes the Number 42 bus into the city to play his shiny brass saxophone-and to hopefully earn enough money. Setting up in his favorite place, Hosea makes sweet music as people greet him with a smile, a little girl dances, and crowds surround him. A surprise ending reveals what the money is really for.

Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls.

This collection features forty-nine powerful poems, four of which are tribute poems inspired by the works of Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Phillis Wheatley.

From acclaimed author and illustrator pairing comes a beautiful picture book biography about the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and how she fought for respect throughout her life. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul, a legend. But before she became a star, she was a shy little girl with a voice so powerful it made people jump up, sway, and hum along.

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball for the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team. During the three years she pitched for the Clowns, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for other female athletes and for women everywhere.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora (Ages 4-8)

From sunset to bedtime, two brown-skinned parents lovingly care for their beautiful brown baby: first, they play outside, then it is time for dinner and a bath, and finally a warm snuggle before bed.

Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet by Nanette Heffernan, illustrated by Bao Luu (Ages 3- 7)

Earth Hour-a worldwide movement in support of energy conservation and sustainability-takes place each March and is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). During Earth Hour, individuals, communities, and businesses in more than 7,000 cities turn off nonessential electric lights for one hour. Across each continent-from the Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China to the Statue of Liberty-one small act reminds all of us of our enormous impact on planet Earth.

A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story by Sharon Langley (Author), Amy Nathan (Author), Floyd Cooper (Illustrator) Ages 6-9

A Ride to Remember tells how a community came together-both black and white-to make a change. When Sharon Langley was born in the early 1960s, many amusement parks were segregated, and African-American families were not allowed entry. This book reveals how in the summer of 1963, due to demonstrations and public protests, the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and opened to all for the first time.

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons On How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by Aurelia Durand (Ages 11 - 15)

Gain a deeper understanding of your anti-racist self as you progress through 20 chapters that spark introspection, reveal the origins of racism that we are still experiencing, and give you the courage and power to undo it. Each chapter builds on the previous one as you learn more about yourself and racial oppression. Exercise prompts get you thinking and help you grow with the knowledge.

This title introduces readers to Harriet Tubman and how she became a shero to free as many enslaved people as possible through the Underground Railroad.

Heidi Woodward Sheffield (Illustrator) Ages 4-7 Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski (Author),

No matter where they live, all children gaze at the blue sky, bask in the warmth of the golden sun, dig in the rich dirt, and watch clouds grow soft and rosy at end of day. Through the eyes of one inquisitive and thoughtful young narrator, young readers explore the idea of perspective, and come to realize that all of us, everywhere, share the colors of the world. The gentle, poetic text and gorgeous collaged illustrations make this just right to say goodnight.

Freedom Bird: A Tale of Hope and Courage by Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Ages 5 - 9)

Brother and sister Millicent and John are slaves on Simon Plenty's plantation and have suffered one hurt and heartbreak after another. Their parents had told them old tales of how their ancestors had flown away to freedom just as free and easy as a bird. Millicent and John hold these stories in their hearts long after their parents are gone. "Maybe such a time will come for you," their parents said. Then one day a mysterious bird appears in their lives. The bird transforms them and gives them the courage to set their plan into motion and escape to freedom.

Then Savannah meets Lloyd, a young West Indian man from the working class who opens Savannah's eyes to how the other half lives. Inspired to fight for change, Savannah starts attending suffragist lectures and socialist meetings, finding herself drawn more and more to Lloyd's world.

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Feet Girl by Megan Reid, Laura Freeman Ages 4-8

Because of segregation, black people weren't allowed to compete against white people in sports. Althea didn't care. She just wanted to play tennis against the best athletes in the world. And with skill and determination, she did just that, eventually becoming the first black person-man or woman-to win a trophy at Wimbledon.

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Baretta, Frank Morrison Ages 4-8

When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.

Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George's love of nature sprouted into something so much more-his future.

Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers: his dad was a preacher, his uncle was a preacher, his grandfather was a preacher...so maybe he'd become a great preacher too. One day, a friend invited him to play at his house. Martin was shocked when his mother wouldn't let him in because he was black. That day he realized there was something terribly unfair going on. Martin believed that no one should remain silent and accept something if it's wrong. And he promised himself that-when he grew up-he'd fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words.

Echo Brown is a wizard from the East Side, where apartments are small and parents suffer addictions to the white rocks. Yet there is magic . . . everywhere. New portals begin to open when Echo transfers to the rich school on the West Side, and an insightful teacher becomes a pivotal mentor.

Each day, Echo travels between two worlds, leaving her brothers, her friends, and a piece of herself behind on the East Side. There are dangers to leaving behind the place that made you. Echo soon realizes there is pain flowing through everyone around her, and a black veil of depression threatens to undo everything she's worked for.

Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World brings together all of these trailblazers into one stunning package. With both well-known figures and lesser-known heroes, this book is a celebration of the inspiring innovators who braved uncharted waters to pave the path for future generations.

Cece loves science―and experimenting! In this Cece Loves Science Level 3 I Can Read!, Cece's teacher, Miss Curie, explains the opposite forces of push and pull. To demonstrate this concept, she divides the class into two teams. Each team must make a treat dispenser for Cece's dog, Einstein, that uses both forces. Cece and her classmates rely on science, creativity, and teamwork―and they learn a lot along the way.

The Cece Loves Science books introduce readers to basic concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math, and are perfect for the classroom. This Level 3 I Can Read! focuses on basic scientific vocabulary and includes a glossary of terms and fun activities for readers to try on their own.

In 1870 Benjamin Turner, who spent the first 40 years of his life as a slave, was elected to the U.S. Congress. He was the first African American from Alabama to earn that distinction. In a recreation of Turner's own words, based on speeches and other writings that Turner left behind, co-authors Marti S. Rosner and Frye Gaillard have crafted the story of a remarkable man who taught himself to read when he was young and began a lifetime quest for education and freedom.

Yusra Swims by Julie Aberry, Sally Deng (Ages 6 - 8)

A biography in rhyme relates the story of Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini.

All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing after the Oklahoma City Bombing by Chris Barton (Author), Nicole Xu (Illustrator) Ages 7 - 11

Released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, this book commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future.

Sometimes bad things happen, and you have to tell everyone. Sometimes terrible things happen, and everybody knows. On April 19, 1995, something terrible happened in Oklahoma City: a bomb exploded, and people were hurt and killed. But that was not the end of the story. Those who survived―and those who were forever changed―shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm tree began to heal as well. People took care of the tree just as they took care of each other. The tree and its seedlings now offer solace to people around the world grappling with tragedy and loss.

Part Ojibwe and part white, River lives with her white mother and stepfather on a farm in Ontario. Teased about her Indigenous heritage as a young girl, she feels like she doesn't belong and struggles with her identity.

Now eighteen and just finished high school, River travels to Winnipeg to spend the summer with her Indigenous father and grandmother, where she sees firsthand what it means to be an "urban Indian."

Music Is My Life: Soundtrack your mood with 80 artists for every occasion by Myles Tanzer, Ali Mac Ages 8 - 12

Do you remember the first time you discovered an artist you really loved? Have you listened to them over and over again at different points throughout your life? This book harnesses that feeling, by collecting together 80 of music's finest artists to guide young people through the good, bad and sad times. Whatever the feeling, these artists have been there and sung about it. Organised by mood, young ones can dip into the library to discover new artists from decades past to present day. Fall in love with John Legend, shout about it with Nirvana, love yourself with Lizzo, or cry it out with Adele. With 80 artists, bands, and composers from all genres (including classical) there's something for every family member to love and recommend to the next generation.

A little boy who lives with his grandpa isn't reprimanded for being afraid to go to school one day. Instead, Big Papa takes him away in his time machine-a 1952 Ford-back to all of the times when he, himself, was scared of something life was handing him.

Full of heartfelt moments and thrilling magical realism, Big Papa and the Time Machine speaks to the African American experience in a touching dialogue between two family members from different generations, and emerges as a voice that shares history and asks questions about one family's experience in 20th-century black America.

Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham (Author), Charles Waters Mehrdokht Amini Ages 8-12

How can we make the world a better place? This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.

Growing up in the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn't see any artists who looked like her. She didn't see any paintings of people who looked like her, either. As a young woman studying art in Paris, she found inspiration in the works of Matisse and Gaugin to paint the people she knew best. Back in Philadelphia, the Harmon Foundation commissioned her to paint portraits of accomplished African-Americans. Her portraits still hang in Washington DC's National Portrait Gallery, where children of all races can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured.

It's springtime in Ms. Cupid's class, and the entire class is excited to build their very own leprechaun traps. Maybe, if they catch one, they will all get the gift of good luck!

And after a few magical clues, it looks like there might be a leprechaun on the loose in Frankie Sparks's house! Her best friend, Maya, is convinced the leprechaun exists, but Frankie has her doubts-especially when it feels like every trap she designs fails! Will Frankie and Maya find their lucky charm, or figure out how to create some luck all on their own?

The twenty groundbreaking women-including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more-came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too?

Frances realized she had to make her voice heard, even when speaking made her uncomfortable, and use it to fight injustice and build programs to protect people across the nation. So when newly-elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt finally asked Frances to be the first female Secretary of Labor and help pull the nation out of the Great Depression, she knew she had to walk through that open door and forward into history.

Read as part of the series or as a stand-alone novel! Arcade and the Fiery Metal Tester is the third book in the humorous and imaginative Coin Slot Chronicles series by New York Times bestselling author, former NFL running back, and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings.

Where Mango goes, drama is sure to follow! It's summer break, and Mango is content to spend her time babysitting her brother, hanging with her friend Izzy, and binge-watching movies late into the night. Then she runs into her drama teacher, who has some big news: their middle school play Yo, Romeo! is headed to the stage in New York City . . . and he wants Mango for the lead role! After overcoming her mom's initial reluctance-and with some firm rules established-Mango goes off to Brooklyn to stay with her Aunt Zendaya in a teeny apartment and prepare for her theatrical debut. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but soon Mango must confront homesickness, insecurity, and the all-important question of what it means to be a good friend-especially when you're far away from the people you love.

Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change―even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.

Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them. And, without her wheelchair, she climbed. ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!

The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the late 1700s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet. Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Sao's power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperor's ships.

Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds

Discover a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special, from the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Here, Reynolds reminds readers to "be your own work of art." To be patient, persistent, and true. Because there is one, and only one, YOU.

Violet Choudhury may be part of the popular clique at school, but as one of a handful of brown girls in a small Illinois town, all she really wants to do is blend in and disappear. Unfortunately for her, she's got a knack for seeing spirits, including the dead-something she's tried to ignore all her life. But when the queen bee of Violet's cheerleading squad ends up dead following a sex tape that's not as consensual as everyone wants to believe, Violet's friends from the spirit world decide it's the perfect time for Violet to test her skills and finally accept the legacy of spiritual fighters from whom she's descended. Her mission? Find the killer. Or else she's next.

A lyrical meditation on the preciousness of one child and the vastness of the universe, this gorgeously illustrated picture book shares the immensity of a parent's love along with the message that we are all connected to the broader cosmos in important and intimate ways.

Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM by Tonya Bolden

A celebratory and inspiring look at some of the most important black women in STEM
Award-winning author Tonya Bolden explores the black women who have changed the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in America. Including groundbreaking computer scientists, doctors, inventors, physicists, pharmacists, mathematicians, aviators, and many more, this book celebrates more than 50 women who have shattered the glass ceiling, defied racial discrimination, and pioneered in their fields. In these profiles, young readers will find role models, inspirations, and maybe even reasons to be the STEM leaders of tomorrow. These stories help young readers to dream big and stay curious. The book includes endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

From the New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's limitless potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves.

Evonne grew up on a hot, dusty farm in Australia. She was the third of eight children, and descendant of the Wirundjuri people, who have lived on the land for more than 60,000 years. Her talent for tennis was discovered at a local tennis club, and before she knew it, the girl dreaming about the place called "Wimbledon" was playing on center court.

In this imaginatively illustrated book from the Work It, Girl series, discover how Michelle became an inspirational leader, FLOTUS, lawyer, author, and role model in this true story of her life. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.

Love Your Body by Jessica Sanders (Author), Carol Rossetti Ages 8 - 12

Love Your Body introduces the language of self-love and self-care to help build resilience, while representing and celebrating diverse bodies, encouraging you to appreciate your uniqueness. This book was written for every girl, regardless of how you view your body. All girls deserve to be equipped with the tools to navigate an image-obsessed world.

Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is hard there: never enough food, achingly dull, and without access to the medical care Omar knows his nonverbal brother needs. So when Omar has the opportunity to go to school, he knows it might be a chance to change their future . . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, the only family member he has left, every day.

Rafael Guastavino Sr. was 39 when he left a successful career as an architect in Barcelona. American cities―densely packed and built largely of wood―were experiencing horrific fires, and Guastavino had the solution: The soaring interior spaces created by his tiled vaults and domes made buildings sturdier, fireproof, and beautiful. What he didn't have was fluent English. Unable to win design commissions, he transferred control of the company to his American-educated son, whose subsequent half-century of inspired design work resulted in major contributions to the built environment of America.

Immigrant Architect is an introduction to architectural concepts and a timely reminder of immigrant contributions to America. The book includes four route maps for visiting Guastavino-designed spaces in New York City: uptown, midtown, downtown, and Prospect Park.

Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay-he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi, Yao Xiao

Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

In My Anaana's Amautik by Nadia Sammurtok (Author), Lenny Lishchenko (Illustrator) Ages 3 - 7

Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik―the pouch in the back of a mother's parka used to carry a child―to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana 's laughter. Sweet and soothing, this book offers a unique perspective that will charm readers of all ages.

Bo the Brave by Bethan Woollvin (Author, Illustrator) (Ages 5-9 )

A feisty little girl learns who the real monsters are in this brilliantly funny medieval adventure.
Once, there lived a little girl called Bo. Bo wanted to be just like her brothers and capture a fearsome monster. Bo is small, too small to catch a monster―or so her brothers say. But Bo isn't one to take no for an answer, so she sets off on a quest to catch a monster of her own.

A hopeful and timely picture book about a spirited little girl living in a refugee camp.

Of all her friends, Abia has been at the Shimelba Refugee Camp the longest-seven years, four months, and sixteen days. Papa says that's too long and they need a forever home. Until then, though, Abia has something important to do. Be a queen.

A Journey Toward Hope tells the story of Rodrigo, a 14-year-old escaping Honduran violence; Alessandra, a 10-year-old Guatemalan whose first language is Q'eqchi'; and the Salvadoran siblings Laura and Nando. Though their reasons for making the journey are different and the journey northward is perilous, the four children band together, finding strength in one another as they share the dreams of their past and the hopes for their future.

Inspired by the eagerly awaited birth of her daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning actress Gabrielle Union pens a festive and universal love letter from parents to little ones, perfect for welcoming a baby to the party of life!

She Persisted in Sports is a book for everyone who has ever aimed for a goal and been told it wasn't theirs to hit, for everyone who has ever raced for a finish line that seemed all too far away, and for everyone who has ever felt small or unimportant while out on the field.

It Doesn't Take a Genuis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich Ages 10 - 15 and up

As Luke seems to be moving on to new adventures, Emmett struggles in unexpected ways, especially in swim class and the "It Takes A Village" entrepreneurship class. Without his brother to turn to for support, Emmett works to build a new crew of "superfriends," who'll help him plan something spectacular for the end-of-camp awards night and celebration. Along the way, Emmett learns that no matter what, there can be many ways to define family.

Based on the feature film Boy Genius, starring Miles Brown, Rita Wilson, and Nora Dunn.

One day, much to Swashby's chagrin, a young girl and her granny commandeer the empty house next door. All Swashby wants is for his new neighbors to GO AWAY and take their ruckus with them.

Decades later, a reporter caught wind of the news that an old man in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was actually a woman. The news swept through the country. What would happen to Albert and his military pension? Would he be allowed to continue to live as he wished? How would his friends, fellow soldiers, and others in the community react? This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.

Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez (Author), Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator) Ages 4 - 7

With his red hoodie on and his bicycle basket full of food, Federico is ready to visit Abuelo. But on the way, he meets a hungry wolf. And now his grandfather bears a striking resemblance to el lobo. Fortunately, Federico is quick and clever-and just happens to be carrying a spicy surprise! Federico drives the wolf away, and he and Abuelo celebrate with a special salsa. Recipe included.

Biographies include:

Adam Rippon, Alan L. Hart, Alan Turing, Albert Cashier, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Alexander the Great, Al-Hakam II, Alvin Ailey, Bayard Rustin, Benjamin Banneker, Billie Jean King, Chevalier d'Éon, Christina of Sweden, Christine Jorgensen, Cleve Jones, Ellen DeGeneres, Francisco Manicongo, Frida Kahlo, Frieda Belinfante, Georgina Beyer, Gilbert Baker, Glenn Burke, Greta Garbo, Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, José Sarria, Josephine Baker, Juana Inés de la Cruz, Julie d'Aubigny, Lili Elbe, Ma Rainey, Magnus Hirschfeld, Manvendra Singh Gohil, Marsha P. Johnson, Martine Rothblatt, Maryam Khatoon Molkara, Natalie Clifford Barney, Navtej Johar, Nzinga, Pauli Murray, Renée Richards, Rudolf Nureyev, Sally Ride, Simon Nkoli, Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera, Tshepo Ricki Kgositau, Wen of Han, We'Wha

In this deeply moving nonfiction picture book, award-winning author Caren Stelson brings Sachiko Yasui's story of surviving the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and her message of peace to a young audience.

Sachiko's family home was about half a mile from where the atomic bomb fell on August 9, 1945. Her family experienced devastating loss. When they returned to the rubble where their home once stood, her father miraculously found their serving bowl fully intact. This delicate, green, leaf-shaped bowl which once held their daily meals now holds memories of the past and serves as a vessel of hope, peace, and new traditions for Sachiko and the surviving members of her family.

From Children's Literature Legacy Award winner Nikki Grimes and highly-acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor comes a stunning picture book about the beauty of the natural world and finding a new place to call home.

Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write. The narrator beams with pride as she drops her grandmother off with the other aajis to practice the alphabet and learn simple arithmetic. A moving story about family, women and the power of education-when Aaji learns to spell her name you'll want to dance along with her.

Women in countless countries continue to endure the limitations of illiteracy. Unjust laws have suppressed the rights of girls and women and kept many from getting an education and equal standing in society. Based on a true story from the village of Phangane, India, this brilliantly illustrated book tells the story of the grandmothers who got to go to school for the first time in their lives.

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S. K. Ali, Aisha Saeed Ages 8 - 12

Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it's waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it's the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it's the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.

Violet and Pablo are best friends who love science! So when they discover a riddle that opens a magic portal in the Science Space at school, they can't wait to check it out! Along with their new classmate, Deepak, the friends discover a magical makerspace called the Maker Maze. It's a laboratory full of robots, 3D printers, an antigravity chamber, and more. Doors line the walls of the makerspace, with a new science adventure waiting behind each one.

Violet and Pablo are best friends who love science! So when they discover a riddle that opens a magic portal in the brain fair at school, they can't wait to check it out! In this adventure, the friends enter the Maker Maze-a magical makerspace-along with a set of twins who are interested in learning all about the brain. The kids can't wait to solve science puzzles . . . if first, they can learn to work together!

Ubeatable Betty: Betty Robinson, The First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist by Allison Crotzer Kimmel, Joanie Stone Ages 4 - 8

At only sixteen years old, Betty Robinson became the first female gold medalist in track and field in the 1928 Olympics and an overnight sensation. She was set for gold again and had her eyes on the 1932 Olympics.

Her plans changed forever when a horrible plane crash left her in a wheelchair, with one leg shorter than the other. But Betty didn't let that stop her. In less than five years, she relearned how to stand, to walk, and finally to run again and try to taste gold once more in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Dr Jill Biden, Kathleen Krull Amy June Bates Ages 4 - 8

Joey is the first ever picture book about the young life of Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States, and includes never before told family stories about the presidential candidate and former vice president's childhood-written by Jill Biden, his spouse.

Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was elected one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story.

Musa's feeling nervous about his first day of school. He's not used to being away from home and he doesn't know any of the other kids in his class. And when he meets classmates Moisés, Mo, and Kevin, Musa isn't sure they'll have much in common. But over the course of the year, the four boys learn more about each other, the holidays they celebrate, their favorite foods, and what they like about school. The more they share with each other, the closer they become, until Musa can't imagine any better friends.

Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby 's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.

With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

3 2 1 Awesome!: 20 Fearless Women Who Dared to Be Different by Eva Chen (Author), Derek Desierto (Illustrator) Ages 1-3

Instagram superstar and New York Times-bestselling author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes Eva Chen shines a spotlight on 20 amazing women―including Megan Rapinoe, Sonia Sotomayor, J.K. Rowling, Greta Thunberg and more!―in this sassy and fun counting board book, perfect for the youngest of budding feminists.

Little Jesse, originally J.C., was born in Oakville, Alabama, during segregation. When he was nine, he moved with his parents and nine brothers and sisters to Cleveland, Ohio, to find a better life. There, he found his passion for running, and was making national headlines by high school, where he equaled the world record in the 100-yard dash. It was during the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics that he established himself as a legend, winning four gold metals that also delivered an unforgettable blow to Hitler and racism.

Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee Ages 14 and up

Featuring an all Asian cast of characters!

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she's intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen's next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo. And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.

But her dad isn't so sure she's ready for the big responsibility. Can Mindy prove to her dad that she can handle a new addition to the Kim household?

Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 50 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood Ages 8 - 12

Explore the stories of well-known people like Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, and lesser-known figures like Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African-American doctor, and Benjamin Banneker, an astronomer and mathematician. This vibrant black history book for kids makes it fun to learn about how these individuals created lasting change and paved the way for future leaders.

I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell, Lauren Mark Baldo Ages 6 - 12

When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn't spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right.

And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva's missing cat), it's clear that there's more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.

In this powerful, affirming poem by award-winning author Zetta Elliott, a Black child explores his shifting emotions throughout the year. Summertime is filled with joy ―skateboarding and playing basketball ― until his community is deeply wounded by a police shooting. As fall turns to winter and then spring, fear grows into anger, then pride and peace.

Already a Butterfly: A Meditation Story by Julia Alvarez Weybridge VT (Author), Raúl Colón (Illustrator) Ages 5 - 9

With so much to do in so little time, Mari is constantly on the move, flitting from flower to flower, practicing her camouflage poses, and planning for migration. She's the busiest butterfly around. But does being productive mean she is happy? Mari couldn't say. The only way she feels like a butterfly is by acting like one. Little does Mari know, the secret to feeling like herself is simply to focus her breath, find her quiet place, and follow her instincts. With the guidance of a thoughtful flower bud, Mari soon learns to meditate and appreciate that she was a butterfly all along.

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.

I Promise by Lebron James, Nina Mata Ages 4 - 8

I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

Featuring James's upbeat, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations perfectly crafted for a diverse audience by New York Times bestselling artist Nina Mata, this book has the power to inspire all children and families to be their best.

You See Me, God is a beautifully illustrated children's book based on Jan's understanding of how God sees her-and all of us-since before birth. The flowing poetry describes the beauty of Psalm 139 in a way children will understand, and the colorful, detailed illustrations will capture their imaginations, further bringing this important message to their young hearts.

This exciting collaboration with the New York Times will reveal the untold stories of the diverse heroines who fought for the 19th amendment. On the 100th anniversary of the historic win for women's rights, it's time to celebrate the names and stories of the women whose courage helped change the fabric of America.

After a childhood spent looking up at the stars, Caroline Herschel was the first woman to discover a comet and to earn a salary for scientific research. Florence Nightingale was a trailblazing nurse whose work reformed hospitals and one of the founders of the field of medical statistics. The first female electrical engineer, Hertha Marks Ayrton registered twenty-six patents for her inventions.

Marie Tharp helped create the first map of the entire ocean floor, which helped scientists understand our subaquatic world and suggested how the continents shifted. A mathematical prodigy, Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories and launch windows for many NASA projects including the Apollo 11 mission. Edna Lee Paisano, a citizen of the Nez Perce Nation, was the first Native American to work full time for the Census Bureau, overseeing a large increase in American Indian and Alaskan Native representation. And Vera Rubin studied more than two hundred galaxies and found the first strong evidence for dark matter.

The Dramatic Life of Azaleah Lane by Nikki Shannon Smith, Gloria Felix Ages 6 - 8

The fourth of five children, Aretha was born in Tennessee and took the stage at an early age in her father's church choir. She went on to become the best-selling rhythm and blues singer of all time, and the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title "the Queen of Soul," multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn't just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential.

He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race.

The true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.

Good thing Isaiah can count on his best friend, Sneaky, who always has a scheme for getting around the rules. Plus, his classmate Angel has a few good ideas of her own-once she stops hassling Isaiah.

Corazon Aquino by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Ginnie Hsu Ages 4-7

Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer, Leuyen Pham Ages 5 - 8

Mari is getting ready to make a sign with crayon as the streets below her fill up with people. "What are we making, Mama?" she asks. "A message for the world," Mama says. "How will the whole world hear?" Mari wonders. "They'll hear," says Mama, "because love is powerful." Inspired by a girl who participated in the January 2017 Women's March in New York City.

Who Was Kobe Bryant? by Ellen Labrecque, Gregory Copeland Ages 8 - 12

Kobe Bryant was just an eighteen-year-old high-school basketball player when he decided to enter the National Basketball Association's draft. Though he was the thirteenth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, he would never play a single game for them. Instead, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire twenty-season career, winning five championships and numerous awards. Author Ellen Labreque takes readers through each exciting moment, from his iconic dunks to his 81-point game-all the milestones that span Kobe Bryant's legendary career and legacy.

But her beloved neighborhood is changing. Trees are chopped down, flashy new buildings spring up, and one by one Naomi's neighbors are forced to move away. Faced with the rapid transformation of her once-familiar city block, Naomi turns to painting murals to preserve her favorite 11th Street memories. When something we love goes away we paint it on the wall so it's always with us, Mister Ray tells her, and Naomi discovers that no matter how her world changes, as long as she has places and people to love, she will always have a home.

Bunheads by Misty Copeland, Setor Fiadzigbey Ages 5 - 8

Featuring themes of teamwork, friendship, dedication, and hard work, children everywhere will be inspired to reach for their dreams in Misty's exciting new picture book series, Bunheads.

Red Shoes by Karen English, illustrated by Ebony Glenn Ages 3 - 5

Malika is delighted when Nana surprises her with a beautiful new pair of red shoes! And with a click-clack-click and a swish, swish, swish, Malika wears her wonderful new shoes everywhere she goes. But one day, the shoes begin to pinch Malika's toes. And alas, they don't let her forget that her feet have grown! Soon Malika and Nana are off to the Rare Finds Resale Shop, where the shoes can be resold - so another little girl can enjoy them!
Who will be the next to wear the red shoes? Malika wonders. Then Inna Ziya buys the shoes, and readers follow the shoes all the way across the world to Africa, where Amina, another little girl, who has fasted her first time for Ramadan is about to get an amazing gift!

Reverend F.D. Reese was a leader of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. As a teacher and principal, he recognized that his colleagues were viewed with great respect in the city. Could he convince them to risk their jobs-and perhaps their lives-by organizing a teachers-only march to the county courthouse to demand their right to vote? On January 22, 1965, the black teachers left their classrooms and did just that, with Reverend Reese leading the way.

Featured figures include: Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Woody Guthrie, Mohandas Gandhi, Irena Sendler, The Hollywood Ten, Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-in protestors, Martin Luther King, Jr., Larry Itliong, Doloras Huerta, Cesar Chavez, Richard Oakes, The Tree-Sitters of Pureora, Father Luis Olivares, Tank Man, Nelson Mandela, Ryan White, Ai Weiwei, the "It Gets Better" Project, The March For Our Lives protestors, and Greta Thunberg.

More than half of the world's refugees are children, with millions of kids fleeing wars, floods, and other scary situations in search of a safe place to live.

Arriving in a new place is stressful for both newcomers and their new communities, especially when the newcomers are little ones. But this beautiful counting book captures the joy of finding a home and the power of a welcoming community. From playing to sleeping, eating to reading, leisure to learning, Counting Kindness proves we can lift the heaviest hearts when we come together. Commended by Amnesty International.

One seed to start a garden, one note to start a melody, one brick to start breaking down walls: Every movement and moment of change starts with just one. From the #1 New York Times-bestselling team behind I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human, and I Am Love comes a powerful call to action, encouraging readers to raise their voices, extend a hand, and take that one first step to start something beautiful and move toward a better world. Includes a guided meditation and self‑reflection activity.

This beautifully illustrated board book highlights true stories of black men in history. The exceptional men featured include artist Aaron Douglas, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, lawman Bass Reeves, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, and writer James Baldwin.

If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio, illustrated by Brianna McCarthy Ages 4 - 8

The palette of the Dominican Republic is exuberant and unlimited. Maiz comes up amarillo, the blue-black of dreams washes over sandy shores, and people's skin can be the shade of cinnamon in cocoa or of mahogany. This exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book is a gentle reminder that a nation's hues are as wide as nature itself.

Oh, The Things We're For by Innosanto Nagara Ages 4 - 8

Oh, The Things We're For! is a celebration of the better world that is not only possible, but is here today if we choose it. Today's kids are well aware of the many challenges that they face in a world they are inheriting, from climate change to police violence, crowded classrooms to healthcare. Poetically written and beautifully illustrated in Innosanto Nagara's ( A is for Activist) signature style, this book offers a vision of where we could go-and a future worth fighting for.

Before he was a household name, Cassius Clay was a kid with struggles like any other. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces to vividly depict his life up to age seventeen in both prose and verse, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius' family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age 12. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali.

Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang's childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with a great deal of love and little money. Weaving together Kalia's story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family's early years in the United States.

When Kalia becomes unhappy about having to do without and decides she wants braces to improve her smile, it is her grandmother―a woman who has just one tooth in her mouth―who helps her see that true beauty is found with those we love most. Stunning illustrations from Vietnamese illustrator Khoa Le bring this intergenerational tale to life.

But planning Grandma's birthday together is a pretty huge challenge. There are presents to buy, decorations to pick, and a special birthday cake to bake. Together. How they manage it is a testament to affection being stronger than differences.

Lizzy Rockwell is the artistic director and organizing force behind the Norwalk Community Quilt Project: Peace by Piece, and this book is inspired by all the people who have gathered over the years to teach and learn and to make something beautiful together.

Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home. And on one quiet day, playtime leads to an important realization:Trinity wants long hair like her dolls. She needs it to express who she truly is.

So her family decides to take a trip to the beauty supply store, but none of the wigs is the perfect fit. Determined, Mom leaves with bundles of hair in hand, ready to craft a wig as colorful and vibrant as her daughter is.

Melody, the littlest sea princess, is not content just to sing in the choir of mermaids like her sisters. She is an explorer who wonders about what lies above the water's surface...especially the young girl she has spied from a distance. To meet her requires a terrible sacrifice: she trades her beautiful voice for a potion that gives her legs, so that she may live on land instead. It seems like a dream come true at first. But when trouble stirs beneath the ocean, Melody faces another impossible choice - stay with her friend, or reclaim her true identity and save her family.

Legendary artist Jerry Pinkney's singular reinvention of this tale about love and sacrifice empowers young, twenty-first century girls with the strong message that "you should never give up your voice...for anyone."

You will find nonstop, give-it-all-you've-got, out-to-win-it, sky's-the-limit BASKETBALL! Voices from the March on Washington by George Ella Lyon, J. Patrick Lewis Ages 10 -14
From the woman singing through a terrifying bus ride to DC, to the teenager who came partly because his father told him, "Don't you dare go to that march," to the young child riding above the crowd on her father's shoulders, each voice brings a unique perspective to this tale. As the characters tell their personal stories of this historic day, their chorus plunges readers into the experience of being at the march-walking shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, hearing Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech, heading home inspired.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children have been introduced to wearing face masks and seeing others in masks. Author and illustrator Marla Lesage normalizes mask-wearing by introducing young readers to artists, ranchers, pilots, welders, scientists and many more people who already wear masks in their day-to-day lives. This delightful, rhyming picture book will help explain to children why wearing a mask is important as we interact with others in our communities. Readers will learn that, when they put on their mask, they are choosing to be kind and considerate of others.

We Wear Masks is a fun tool to help children make sense of this new reality and make wearing masks less scary and more relatable. This book can be used as a conversation starter about the pandemic, the spread of germs and viruses, and what families can do to keep themselves and the people they care about safe.

Ayesha is excited to attend her cousin Ritu's wedding. She can't wait to dance at the baraat ceremony! But not everyone is happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Some have even vowed to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save her cousin's big day?

I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! by Alissa Holder, Zulekha Holder-Young, illustrated by Nneka Myers Ages 4 - 8

Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman's Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie Ages 4 - 8
Based on Karyn Parson's critically acclaimed Sweet Blackberry video series comes the story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American female to earn her pilot's license.
Before Bessie Coleman blazed a high trail with her plane . . . Before she performed in death-defying flying shows that would earn her fame as "Queen Bess" . . . Before she traveled the country speaking out against discrimination, Bessie was a little girl with a big imagination that took her to the sky, through the clouds, and past the birds.
Knocking down barriers one by one, Bessie endured racism and grueling training to become the first black female pilot and an inspiration to Mae Jemison, Josephine Baker, and many more influential people of color for years to come.

The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer Ages 5 and up

The perfect Valentine's gift for your baby or toddler! In My Baby Loves Valentine's Day, celebrate all the lovely things that Baby discovers about Valentines Day:

Celebrate diversity with this bright, joyful level 1 Step Into Reading book that will have girls everywhere repeating the book's chorus: I love being me.

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?: A Who Was? Board Book by Lisbeth Kaiser (Author), Who HQ (Author), Stanley Chow (Illustrator) Ages 2 - 4
The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4.The chronology and themes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time.

Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck. Her first dragon has a long, wingless body, stag-like horns, and eagle claws, but her friends don't think it's a real dragon. Then she makes dragons like theirs, but none of them feels quite right...None of them feels like hers.

I Want to Ride the Tap Tap is a day-of-the-week picture book about a Black family who ride the taxi-bus service―called a tap tap―in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way, illustrated by a Haitian artist known for his vibrant street art. Trailblazers: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights by Christine Platt Ages 8 - 12

Bring history home and meet some of the world's greatest game changers! Get inspired by the true story of the civil rights leader whose peaceful fight for justice still motivates people today. This biography series is for kids who loved Who Was? and are ready for the next level.

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to more than 250,000 people in Washington, DC about his dream of racial equality. His message of peaceful protest inspired a generation to stand up for their rights. Find out how a boy who was not allowed to go to school or the movies with white people blazed a trail in civil rights.

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell, illustrated by Michael Robertson Ages 4 - 8

Meet Henley, an all-around good kid, who hates to read. When he's supposed to be reading, he would rather do anything else. But one day, he gets the scariest homework assignment in the world: find your favorite book to share with the class tomorrow.What's a kid to do? How can Henley find a story that speaks to everything inside of him?

Major Eights 6: The Secret Valentine by Melody Reed, Émilie Pépin Ages 6 - 8
In book 6 of the Major Eights series, someone is leaving notes for the band. Do the Major Eights have a secret admirer?

Scarlet is flattered when she finds a sweet message in her locker. But she doesn't know who it's from. Is it fan mail? Or a secret admirer? Can the band figure out the mystery?

Did you enjoy this list? Feel free to subscribe to my mailing list if you're not already. Let's stay in touch!

Your turn: What books from this list are you most looking forward to? What books should I add to the list? Feel free to share in the comments.

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The 2020 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books - Here Wee Read

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What books are you and your kids looking forward to reading in 2020? We're entering this new decade with another epic list of diverse reads to share with you. Ready? Most of the books listed here are recommended either for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary readers since my children fall within those groups and...

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Happy Monday! Just One Flake , written and illustrated by Travis Jonker, releases tomorrow. I'm grateful Travis stopped by to finish my sentences. We discussed Just One Flake 's book trailer, Liam, Pete's a Pizza , and more. I wrote the words in purple, and Travis wrote the words in black . Thank you, Travis ! Just One Flake' s book trailer fulfills my life goal of using the 2001: A Space Odyssey music for a completely silly purpose. Design Credit: Heather Kelly Just One Flake tells the story of a boy named Liam who has one goal: to catch a snowflake on his tongue. His attempts get increasingly ridiculous, with no success. In the end, Liam doesn't get exactly what he wants - he gets something even better. The whole story came out of a spontaneous drawing I made on February 6, 2021: Just One Flake's illustrations were made with a brush pen on watercolor paper, scanned, and then painted digitally. This is my author/illustrator debut, and before I began, I made a list of

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Exploring Children's Literature through Interviews and Book Trailers

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Colby Sharp is a fifth grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. He is the author of The Creativity Project. Colby is the co-founder of Nerdy Book Club and Nerd Camp Michigan.

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(Aysha Tengiz/for The Washington Post)

Many new children's books offer something especially useful this year: an opportunity for kids to understand the perspective of someone who's not just like them. That may come from a friendship story, a head-on look at racism or even a picture book about eating lunch.

But it's not a coincidence that books for young readers have become more diverse in the past several years. It has been an organized push for change.

In 2014 children's author Ellen Oh tweeted her frustration about an all-White-male panel at an upcoming book convention. The outrage that followed - from White women as well as people of color - led to the hashtag WeNeedDiverseBooks. It went viral.

"It's kind of like 'Horton Hears a Who.' We were finally able to be heard outside our little ball of fluff," said Oh, who is Korean American and had previous conversations with others whose identities were not well represented in children's publishing. Oh wanted more than words.

"I'm a very solution-oriented person," she said. "We actually have to do things to make change happen."

Oh and a half-dozen other authors, illustrators and book industry professionals, started the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books with the aim to shake up the industry.

The organization has done so with a dizzying array of programs. It has offered grants to unpublished authors and illustrators from diverse backgrounds. It has created awards for authors and independent booksellers. There's a mentorship program, a publishing internship grant, three short story collections and a partnership with Scholastic Book Club. And it has donated about 20,000 books to public schools.

Oh said she has seen the publishing world - although still dominated by books by and about White people - move away from the long-held idea that diverse books don't sell. Authors used to hear, "We already have an Asian story or we already have a Black book," she said. "What you now have is a desire and hunger for more stories about diversity."

That desire may come from a changing idea of why diverse books are essential.

"When we began we thought it was necessary for everyone to see themselves in the pages of a book," Oh said.

In the past several years, the organization's focus broadened.

"Diversity had to be for every kid," she said. "Otherwise we will never learn empathy, and we will never grow."

Oh is hopeful children's publishers will continue to embrace diverse authors and the power of their stories. "There are so many stories out there of people whose minds have been changed by reading a book."

Oh, several other children's authors and illustrators, and Washington Post children's reviewers share their favorite books of 2020 below.

Ellen Oh, author of " The Dragon Egg Princess," picks

By Christina Soontornvat

Once in a while, I fall hard for a book and just can't stop thinking about it. "A Wish in the Dark" is that book. A Thai-inspired "Les Miserables," set in a magical version of Thailand, anchored in themes of law and social justice, but centered by the beautiful human relationships that make up the heart of this story. It is absolutely enthralling. I fell in love with the characters and the world building and long after I'd finished, it still lives in my heart, leaving me dreaming of hope and light in times of darkness.

Lamar Giles, author of the Legendary Alston Boys series, picks

By Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

(Roaring Brook, ages 4 to 8)

In this beautifully rendered work, a child contemplates the perception of "Black," noting its place among the spectrum of rainbow colors and the world as a whole. From Black culture to Black history, readers are treated to lovely examples of Black woven throughout the everyday ("Black is the skillet for bread to fry") and the legendary ("Black was the man who gave the world his dream.") Joy's words and Holmes's art are a perfect pairing where the verse is as vivid as the paints and collage. Children (and parents) of all colors will be rereading this one plenty.

Christine Day, author of the upcoming " The Sea in Winter," picks

(Little, Brown, ages 8 to 12)

Set in a coastal California town, this book follows the budding friendship between Alberta and Edie. In many ways, they're opposites: Alberta is a surfer, her loving fathers met in a commune, and she only eats butter pecan ice cream; Edie is the new girl from Brooklyn, her parents are recently divorced, and she wears dark clothes and black lipstick. But despite their differences, the girls bond over their shared Blackness, as well as a mystery unearthed in Edie's attic. With its endearing characters, suspenseful twists, and heartfelt moments, this book is pure excellence.

John Parra, illustrator of " The Power of Her Pen," picks

By Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

The story of a bumpy road to an unlikely friendship between retired Captain Swashby, a big grouch of a man, perfectly content to live a quiet life next to his only companion the sea, and his newly arrived neighbors, a friendly granny and her lively and inquisitive little granddaughter. With charming and playful illustrations and diverse characters by Juana Martinez-Neal, and a snappy sweet narrative by Beth Ferry, this story moves our hearts and reminds us to stay open to new friends and ideas, and be present in life's moments of adventure.

Middle-grade fiction

Picks by Mary Quattlebaum

"Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It"

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

(Little, Brown, ages 8 to 12)

Short monologues and radiant art combine in a dynamic work of historical fiction. On their small farm, Loretta, Roly and Aggie B. - characters based on members of the author's family - contend with the racism of the Jim Crow South. But in 1962, when 12-year-old Aggie B. volunteers to help register Black people to vote, Loretta and Roly must grapple with their fears and hopes for change.

By Rosanne Parry, illustrated by Lindsay Moore

(Greenwillow, ages 8 to 12)

Watch sea otters and battle a giant wave, along with Vega and Deneb. Two young orcas search for lost family, meet unique friends and deal with the dangerous impact of pollutants and global warming on their undersea world, which is vividly rendered in this novel through words and pictures.

There's a new girl in town, in 1880s South Dakota, and she wields needle and thread with determination and pride. Sewing skills learned from her late mother, a Chinese immigrant, help 14-year-old Hanna and her White father to combat the town's racially motivated resistance to their dress goods business. This engaging historic novel explores the place and time of the classic "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, from an Asian American perspective.

(Greenwillow, ages 8 to 12)

Trash is poetic treasure in this intriguing collection of verse by the current Young People's Poet Laureate. Nye's keen eye for the small, revealing detail - a comforting pine cone, a lost mitten - encourages us to notice and perhaps write about the odd, stray things that surround us.

By Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright

(Graphix/Scholastic, ages 8 to 12)

In this lively, touching graphic novel, twins and best friends Maureen and Francine navigate sixth grade, new interests and the frequently confusing changes in their relationship. Tensions rise, and soon sister is pitted against sister in the election for class president - an election that roils family and friends as well.

Nonfiction

Picks by Abby McGanney Nolan

"Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring"

By Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Josh Cochran

(Enchanted Lion, ages 6 and older)

Bright and bold as Keith Haring's art, this book follows the artist's ever-energetic creative drive. Author Burgess and illustrator Cochran show how generous a person he was, and how children played a central part in his life and work.

By Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

(Roaring Brook, ages 4 to 6)

Presenting an urgent message about protecting the Earth and its water, this book also inspires fresh appreciation for the world we have been given. The illustrations feature stunning scenes of radiant sunsets, shining waterways, watchful animals, and, not least, courageous Indigenous people, young and old, taking a stand against "a black snake that will destroy the land."

"Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You"

By Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

(Little Brown, ages 12 and older)

Covering hundreds of years with ease, this adaptation of Kendi's best-selling book for adults explores how the idea of white superiority has affected the course of American history. It also shows how major moves toward Black social equality have stirred a backlash involving violence and legal trickery.

By Veronica Chambers and staff members of the New York Times

In a big election year, this book offers a fortifying and vibrantly illustrated introduction to some of the lesser known "brave and revolutionary women who fought for the right to vote." It will remain valuable in years to come.

"Strongman: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy"

(Henry Holt, ages 12 and older)

In this clear-eyed chronicle of Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Saddam Hussein, Davis asks important questions about the development of democracy and its flip side, autocracy. The book reveals how these leaders and their allies manipulated their fellow citizens, killing millions of people in their pursuit of power.

Picture books

Picks by Kathie Meizner

Everyone gets to help in the kitchen - picking produce from the garden, peeling carrots, mixing chili, carrying dishes and pans. It's noisy and crowded, and no one knows (until it's ready) just how it the meal turns out. But the people who come Wednesdays for the community dinner are happy to have one another, the food and the people in the kitchen.

By Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith

(Neal Porter/Holiday House, ages 4 to 8)

When the beginnings of words get tangled up and get stuck in his mouth, and certain sounds won't work as they should, this boy falls quiet because of his stutter. But his father shows him how a river, running over rocks and through its banks, sounds much the same - sometimes rough, but sometimes smooth, sparkling in the sunlight.

By Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat

Iris is surprised when her little brother gets to press the elevator buttons, because she thought it was her job! But when she gets an elevator button of her own it opens the door to astonishing places, from a tropical forest to space, and Iris realizes that these are adventures that would be wonderful to share.

By Raul the Third, colors by Elaine Bay

El Toro and the other luchadores are hungry before the big match. They send a message to their friend Little Lobo: Bring food soon. Fortunately, there are lots of delicious options! Dozens of food trucks have gathered, like the Taco Tuesday truck (with tacos every day!), Bronco's Burritos, and Quique's Quesadillas. And everyone likes churros - how about you?

By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

A red truck is an important, hard-working part of the farm as a young girl grows up. Later, parked in the yard by the barn, it becomes an ocean explorer, an airship, a planetary rover. Grass grows longer around its wheels, and seasons pass by, until one day, the young woman, now a farmer herself, fixes up the old truck and it becomes part of the work again.

For more book recommendations, check out Readers' Corner

"How We Got to the Moon" tells the story of NASA's 1960s venture in rich detail

Jason Reynolds named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

Updated November 19, 2020
The 10 best books of 2020 50 notable works of fiction 50 notable works of nonfiction
More best-of lists: Science fiction, fantasy and horror | Thrillers and mysteries | Romance novels | Graphic novels | Audiobooks | Children's books | Poetry collections

At a time when many people just need a happy ending, we also rounded up the best feel-good books of the year.

And because this was a year like no other, we looked back at the most 2020 books of 2020, from prescient science fiction novels to political tell-alls.
More books reviews and recommendations Show More Show Less

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Best children's books of 2020 reveal a growing diversity

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Many new children's books offer something especially useful this year: an opportunity for kids to understand the perspective of someone who's not just like them. That may come from a friendship story, a head-on look at racism or even a picture book about eating lunch.

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CGI Animated Short Film "Joy and Heron" by Passion Pictures | CGMeetup

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Visual Series Book List (for Teachers NOT a student tool) | Compiled by Gwen Blumberg | Updated 9/8/22

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Get Kids Into Reading with Transitional Series Books, Grades PreK-5; Levels C-T; 

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Series for K-4 Readers.  This is a growing resource, if you have a series to add please email molly.picardi@tcrwp.com

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Writing Workshop_ Options for Small Groups