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I chose this book for Nickolas because it shows perseverance in sports, and Nickolas has a big interest is athletics. It also has diversity and can act as a window for him. It can teach him how to respect others in sports that are not the same race as him.

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Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills a book by Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman, and S. D. Nelson

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Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, here is a dramatic and inspiring autobiographical tale of overcoming odds by Native American gold medalist Billy Mills, with stunning illustrations by acclaimed Lakota artist SD Nelson. Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you. Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped--a lone bird falling from the sky--he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics. This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills’s awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy’s legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.

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This is another book centered around sports, but it has a deeper meaning. It can be a mirror for Nickolas racially, but a window for sexuality. Nickolas can learn how to have good sportsmanship and to always give a high five to teams and players after a game, even if it is hard because you do not like that person.

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Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five a book by Phil Bildner and Daniel J. O’Brien

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An inspiring picture book biography about Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, and the story of how he created the world’s most recognizable handshake, the high five. Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Glenn Burke could do it all--hit, throw, run, field. He was the heart of the clubhouse who energized his teammates with his enthusiasm and love for the game. It was that energy that led Glenn to invent the high five one October day back in 1977--a spontaneous gesture after a home run that has since evolved into our universal celebratory greeting. But despite creating this joyful symbol, Glenn Burke, a gay Black man, wasn’t always given support and shown acceptance in return. From acclaimed author Phil Bildner, with illustrations from Daniel J. O’Brien, this moving picture book biography recognizes the challenges Burke faced while celebrating how his bravery and his now-famous handshake helped pave the way for others to live openly and free.

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I added this book because Nickolas' favorite sport is basketball and he has sisters. It will help him see how to treat girls in sports and not belittle their ability to play. It might even encourage him to include or teach his sisters how to play basketball.

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Allie’s Basketball Dream (Revised) a book by Barbara Barber and Darryl Ligasan

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Allie’s story of self-determination is one that young athletes, both boys and girls, will recognize. Perfect for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of practicing and playing hard, Allie’s Basketball Dream is a spirited tribute to perseverance.Basketball is Allie’s favorite sport-she’s loved it ever since her father took her to her first game at Madison Square Garden. When her dad gives her a new basketball of her own, she hits the neighborhood courts, full of confidence. Once there, her enthusiasm ebbs as her shots fall short of the basket-at least at first. Allie’s story of self-determination is one that young athletes, both boys and girls, will recognize. Perfect for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of practicing and playing hard, Allie’s Basketball Dream is a spirited tribute to perseverance.

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I included this book for Nickolas to show it is alright to show emotion. As a boy and playing sports many try to tell boys they cannot be sad, and I want him to realize now that is not the case. This book is a great mirror for all boys growing up and it has depictions of many races to show diversity.

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Man Up! a book by Riley Campbell, London Jones, and Joy Ingram

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A sensitive Black boy struggles in a world where toxic masculinity is embedded. How can Aaron express emotions when he’s admonished to “Man up?” This engaging picture book centering Black boys explores the damaging effects of toxic masculinity in our culture and how it affects empathetic children. We meet young Aaron who is outgoing and funny and a whiz at kickball. He’s also compassionate and kind-hearted, spending time reading books to seniors at the nursing home down the street. He’s a great kid, but he’s got a problem: everyone calls him a crybaby. When his friends cheat at Forknife, he cries out of anger. When he sees his friend Tayshawn hurt a neighborhood dog, he cries out of empathy. And when he misses his oldest brother, Sage, who’s away at college, he cries out of loneliness. His dad, his friends, and his classmates tell him to “Leave that crying for the girls.” How can Aaron learn to value his feelings and nurture his sensitivity in a world telling him to “Man up”?

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I added this book to have language diversity, racial diversity, and a different genre. This is a poem with some words in a different language. It is fun and I think Nickolas will enjoy it.

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Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems: Los Ángeles Andan En Bicicleta Y Otros Poemas del Otoño a book by Francisco X. Alarcón and Maya Gonzalez

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Following the success of their award-winning book of spring poems, Laughing Tomatoes, and their acclaimed collection of summer poems, From the Bellybutton of the Moon, poet Francisco Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to experience fall in Los Angeles-the City of Angels-where dreams can come true.In the poet’s whimsical imagination, mariachis play like angels, angels ride bikes, and the earth dances the cha-cha-chá. Alarcón celebrates the simple joys and trials of everyday life: a visit to the outdoor market, the arrival of the ice cream vendor, the first day of school. He honors his family and pays tribute to his mother, who taught him that with hard work and education he could realize his dreams. Maya Christina Gonzalez’s spirited images perfectly complement each poem, bringing to life the people and places in Alarcón’s childhood.

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I chose this book for Nickolas to have a reference of male stereotypes being broken. His two sisters are in dance, and I want him to see that he could be too because it is not just a girl sport.

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Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre) a book by John Robert Allman and Luciano Lozano

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A lively and encouraging picture book celebrating boys who love to dance, from the renowned American Ballet Theatre. Boys who love to dance are center stage in this encouraging, positive, rhyming picture book about guys who love to pirouette, jeté, and plié. Created in partnership with the American Ballet Theatre and with the input of their company’s male dancers, here is a book that shows ballet is for everyone. Written by the acclaimed author of A Is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z, this book subtly seeks to address the prejudice toward boys and ballet by showing the skill, hard work, strength, and smarts is takes to be a dancer. Fun and buoyant illustrations show boys of a variety of ages and ethnicities, making this the ideal book for any boy who loves dance. An afterword with photos and interviews with some of ABT’s male dancers completes this empowering and joyful picture book.