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Wordless books may initially appear that they are just books with less words, and how can you use that for a read aloud? But they actually have plenty of uses. By using wordless books with ELLs, you can help build their English skills in addition to their print awareness and making them feel more comfortable with the task of reading. On the other hand, wordless books can be used with students who are struggling to read and still need a bit of practice, and would also enjoy expressing their creative side as they are able to essentially make up their own story along the way.

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Teaching your students about social justice has many impacts. It can show them that they can make a difference in the world when fighting for what they believe in. The books featured here cover a few different topics. Some of which include: gender and sexuality identity, racial inequity, immigration reform, and food inaccessibility. Each of these stories can present the reader with previously unfamiliar ideas and elaborate on old misconceptions while also building new ideas based on a fresh perspective.

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Read-alouds are often stressed as wonderful experiences for young chlidren to learn different literacy techniques, but what about older students who would still enjoy the experience of a read-aloud? That's where this category comes in and provides the viewer with several books that would be perfect for a read aloud for older students that may have previously thought that they were waaaay too mature for read alouds in the past.

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Pre-emergent books are meant to be for the brand new reader. They often will contain larger print, fewer words per page, and more large images than books that are not for pre-emergent readers. Many of these books would also be great for a read-aloud and showing students different literacy comprehension strategies as they follow along to your reading.

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Often times, children can be intimidated by poetry, especially when it is set to become a focus of their schooling for a point in time. Each of the books that are featured here can be used to help ease this tension and smoothen the transition into poetry that the reader experiences.

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This category focuses on books that discuss important moments in history with nonfiction elements, along with books that have a place in historical fiction. It also is a place for nonfiction books, such as books about the National Parks in the United States and what would happen if the sharks in our world had all disappeared. These books have potential for use in subjects outside of literacy, such as social studies and science.

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Similarly to the growth mindset, mental health and feelings are an incredibly important topic that should be represented in our classrooms. Each of these stories connect to helping us build our students' mental health, how to teach about emotional regulation, and different mental disorders they may encounter from those around them, such as depression and anxiety. These stories can be used as an opportunity to talk about difficult topics and to help the reader cope with their own experiences in these instances.

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Even in mathematics and STEM, there exists a connection to literacy. Each of these stories has elements that are within these topics and can be used as a connection back to mathematics or science content or to give students insight into notable figures in these fields and the legacy that they have left behind for the future generations to discover.

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The idea of a growth mindset is something important that we should teach our students about as soon as we are able to. They deserve to learn about asset-based thinking, rather than deficit-based and this can make a great impact on their lives and how they think about themselves. The books below are meant to do just this. They are all about resilience and learning that it is okay to struggle, as long as you make sure you can get back up again.

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The books in this category are meant to give the reader a new perspective in a way that is less in touch with reality than other genres. Fantasy stories place the reader in a world that has magical or supernatural elements that do not exist in the real world. Fables are short stories that are meant to teach a lesson to the reader. Fractured Fairy Tales take a classic fairy tale and adds a new twist that may modernize it (example: The Three Little Tamales)

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This category is meant to encompass family, identity, and life experiences, with an emphasis on diverse families and characters that are historically less represented throughout literature. These books are intended to welcome readers to learn about the experiences that others may have in life that can heavily vary from their own. It can help them to understand that there are people who live lives that are much different from their own and that this should be celebrated.

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Contemporary/Realistic Fiction is meant to create imaginary characters and situations that depict our society. There is often themes of growing up and problems in society. The idea of characters coming to understand themselves in others is also visited quite frequently. The books below are meant to be part of this and frequently explore coming-of-age experiences in the characters' lives.

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Bullying has been a troubling issue, particularly in schools, for ages. It can have a heavy impact on our youth, and much work is still needed to eliminate this problem from society. The books that are featured in this category can be used to help their audience to cope with bullying or to even understand what it was like for other children who have experienced bullying.

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Each of the books in this category are biographical stories about different characters in history who have had a great impact on the world we live in today. The books featured below use kid-friendly language to teach the audience about important topics and those that remained as driving forces in each of these remarkable moments in time for all of humanity.

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Books deemed "Award Winners" have won certain accolades that represent them demonstrating an important characteristic of that award. Detailed below are several books that have won a few different awards. A short description of the awards given are as follows:
- Coretta Scott King Award: given annually to outstanding African-American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African-American culture and universal human values
- Caldecott Medal: given annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children
- Newbery Medal: given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children
- Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature: given to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literacy and artistic merit
- Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature: given annuals to honor the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit
- Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature: given annually by Kirkus Reviews and comes with a $50,000 cash prize

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Throughout American history, we have marched. No matter how or why people march, they are most powerful because they have marched together. This story about the effects of being an activist tells about the importance of fighting for what it right and why it is important to fight against injustice.
Author: Tessa Allen
Reader Age: 4-8

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Set at one young boy's family reunion, this book is about a family's experience going down home to where their family has deep roots. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories about his ancestors and he will visit the land that means so much to them all. Down home is also where all of the children will find their own special way to pay tribute to the history of their family, but what will Lil Alan do to pay tribute?
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Reader Age: 4-8

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Award: 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
This story about the origins of our universe, from the first BANG into creation and the intricate lives of individuals as of now, eye-capturing illustrations are used to bridge science and art in this Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winning book.
Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Reader Age: 4-8

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

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Award: Caldecott Medal
This magical story begins on an island where imaginary friends are born. He patiently awaits being selected by a child, but it overlooked time after time. He eventually decides he is going on a journey on his own to the city, where he hopes to find a real child for him. At the end of the story, he finally meets his perfect match and is given his special name - Beekle.
Author: Dan Santat
Reader Age: 4-8

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Awards: Newbery Medal, Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature
This story based on Korean folktale is about a girl who's family moves in with her sick grandmother, and a magical tiger arrives. She finds out long ago, her grandmother stole something from the tigers, and now, they want it back. The tigers approach Lily with a deal - she will return what her grandmother stole in exchange for the restoration of her grandmother's health. While she is tempted to agree, deals with tigers are never what they seem to be!
Author: Tae Keller
Reader Age: 8-12

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Award: Caldecott Honor Book
This book for emergent readers is perfect for showing students the connection between nature and our daily lives. The powerful language asserts the idea that the world is waiting for us and that nature is pure and beautiful.
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Cindy Derby
Reader age: 4-7

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Awards: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children's Literacy Work
Sulwe's skin is the color of midnight. She is darker than anyone that she knows, and just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then, she begins a magical journey in the night sky which opens her eyes and changes everything.
Author: Lupita Nyong'o
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Reader Age: 3-7

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Awards: Coretta Scott King Award Winner, Michael L Printz Award
In this story, sixteen-year-old Starr moves between two vastly different worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy prep school that she attends. The difficult balance between these two worlds is broken when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood bestfriend at the hands of a police officer. The themes in this book may be strong, but can give a very important message about standing up for what you believe in and may be perfect for a more mature demographic.
Author: Angie Thomas
Reader Age: 10+

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Awards: Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor
Mama's love for this young girl is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest days! On one rainy day in particular, this girl wants to be everywhere Mama is. This book is an ode to the strong bond that can  exist between a mother and a daughter, even while doing something as simple as spending a rainy day together.
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Reader Age: 4-8

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Awards: Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal
Every Sunday after church, a young boy and his grandmother ride the bus across town, but he wonders why they don't have a car like his friend Colby's family does. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the other boys on the bus? Each question is met with a positive answer from his grandmother, who is set on sticking to a positive perspective and helping CJ see the beauty in their routine and the world around them.

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Awards: Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature
Jordan Banks is in the seventh grade and loves to draw cartoons about his life. Instead of going to the art school of his dreams, Jordan's parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, but Jordan is one of the only kids of color in the entire seventh grade. Throughout this graphic novel, Jordan finds himself torn between the two worlds, and doesn't think he fits into either one.
Author: Jerry Craft
Reader Age: 8-12

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Award: Newbery Medal
Jonas lives in a society with no war, no hunger, no pain. No one is lacking anything because it is all provided for him. At twelve years old, each member of the community has their profession carefully selected for them. Twelve-year-old Jonas has always believed this was the best world, but he soon discovers that their community is not as perfect as it seems once he is selected as the Receiver of Memory.
Author: Lois Lowry
Reader Age: 8+

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Awards: Newbery Medal, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award
After sixteen random people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will, a bizarre chain of events begins to occur. This game-loving, eccentric millionaire has selected a virtual stranger to inherit his large fortune, but who could it be?
Author: Ellen Raskin
Reader Age: 8-12

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Marmee, Meema, and their kids are just like any of the other families in their neighborhood. In their home, they cook together, they laugh together, and they celebrate together. But some of the other families around the block don't accept them and say they are different. This story explains how regardless of the family dynamic, it is still full of love and appreciation, and that this family is just as valid as any of the others!
Author: Patricia Polacco
Reader Age: 6-8

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A blue crayon is mistakenly labeled as "red" in this picture book. After having an identity crisis, Red is struggling to find his way! His teacher tries to help him be red, his mother tries to help him be red, and the scissors try to help him be red by cutting his label so he has more room to breathe, but Red just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries. Soon he comes to realize what readers have known all along, he's blue!
Author: Michael Hall
Reader Age: 4-8

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Main character Viv has a new home in South Carolina and a new school right by the Atlantic Ocean. She is learning to find her way in a new place and works to bring together her whole community to save the sea turtles that are located on coast of South Carolina.
Authors: Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Meilo So
Reader Age: 5-8

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This story depicting the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has beautiful illustrations that capture this life changing moment in history. This story even discusses when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, which heavily advocated for racial harmony.
Author: Shane W. Evans
Reader Age: 4-8

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My collection is based on the idea that there is a book for anybody and there are countless books for every circumstance! The wide variety has books for students with all sorts of interests and celebrates diversity. My primary goal was for every student to be able to see themselves in the books throughout this library and for the books to serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding doors. I want my students to use these books as a means to escape or cope with their reality while promoting a love for literacy that they will take with them even after leaving my classroom.

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Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

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Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

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The woman at the center of this book is a revolutionary force in the world of environmental activism. She is the founder of the Green Belt Movement. After being given the opportunity to go to school in the United States, she returns home to Kenya with new ideas. She comes to realize that deforestation and urbanization was causing many difficulties in her home country. Her courage and confidence carried her through adversity to find a movement for peace, reconciliation, and healing.
Author: Franck Prevot
Illustrator: Aurelia Fronty
Reader Age: 6-9

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Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey

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Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey

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Rama and her family are forced to flee from their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war during the Syrian refugee crisis. With only what they are able to carry on their backs, Rama, her mother, father, grandfather, and brother are set to walk to freedom in Europe.
Author: Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator: Falah Raheem
Reader Age: 6-8

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Separate is Never Equal: Silvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

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Separate is Never Equal: Silvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

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About seven years before Brown v Board of Education, the Mendez family was fighting for an end to segregation in California schools. When Sylvia Mendez and her brothers are excited to enroll in school in their new neighborhood and are turned away to attend the Mexican school instead, their family takes to the school board, who refuses to explain why this occurred. Eventually, the family takes matters into their own hands and fights for the right to education and that separate is never equal.
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Reader Age: 6-9

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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

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Have your students ever wondered where the Rainbow flag came from, or what it stands for? This story about its creator tells a bit about his experiences in life and how this flag came to be.
Author: Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Reader Age: 5-8

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This multicultural story about the main character Cartwheel moving to a new country with her auntie portrays friendship and what it can be like to move to a foreign and strange place. Luckily for Cartwheel, she has an old blanket to give her comfort when she's sad, and a new blanket may even come into play.
Author: Irena Kobald
Illustrator: Freya Blackwood
Reader Age: 6-9

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After Kedi's teacher tells her about the Great Depression in America, her heart will not sit down. She is astounded that families are going hungry and men and women are unable to find work. In her teacher's village of New York City, people are starving because they cannot afford to buy food. Can one small girl in Cameroon, Africa make a difference in America?
Author: Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: Ann Tanksley
Reader Age: 5-8

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After news reports are flooded with stories about hatred and fear, a young girl asks her papa how she can make the world a better place. He responds, "Come with me". Hand-in-hand, they travel around town doing good deeds to show her that even the smallest of gestures can make a world of a difference for those around you.
Author: Holly M. McGhee
Illustrator: Pascal Lemaitre
Reader Age: 5-8

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In this story, two young girls sneak out of their house and go across town to where men and women are gathered to march for freedom and justice. Inspired by the countless young people that took a stand against the injustices around them, this book tells the story of young girls involved in the Civil Rights movement.
Author: Angela Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Reader Age: 5-8

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When Lulu's mother's van breaks down, their budget for food is nearly eliminated and the Hunger Monster returns. The Hunger Monster is a troublemaker that only visits Lulu and makes it hard for her to concentrate in school. This story about food insecurity gives the audience a glimpse into how children are affected by this horrible circumstance.
Author: Erik Talkin
Illustrator: Sheryl Murray
Reader age: 5-9

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Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

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Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

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Ada Rios grew up in a small town in Paraguay that was built on a landfill. Ada dreamed of playing the violin, but it was never an option, as her family was very poor.. That is, until an honorable music teacher arrived and made the children of Cateura instruments made from recycled materials he found in the trash.
Author: Susan Hood
Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport

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After Mississippi made it illegal to educate African Americans, Reverend John Berry Meachum has the genius idea to create a floating school on the Mississippi River. This book is a historical fiction book about this moment in history that was focused on providing the rights that everyone had deserved all along.
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Ron Husband
Reader Age: 5-9

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Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope

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Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope

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This book is about author Jodie Patterson's transgender son's experience as he tries to get everyone else around him to realize that his name may be Penelope, but he is a boy and seeks acceptance from his community.
Author: Jodie Patterson
Illustrator: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Reader Age: 4-8

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This story about a young six-year-old immigrating to New York City from Nigeria follows a boy as he deals with all the crazy emotions of experiencing this new life. During all of this, Tani discovers his love for chess and practices for hours on the floor of the room in his homeless shelter.
Author: Tanitoluwa Adewumi
Illustrator: Courtney Dawson
Reader Age: 5-9

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Noodlephant is famous for her pasta parties, so when she finds out that the kangaroos have made a law that only kangaroos can enjoy noodles, Noodlephant decides she needs to do something about this. She and her friends invent a machine that transforms pens into penne, pilliows into ravioli, etc. They have succeeded in bringing pasta parties back! But that very night, the kangaroos come in and are ready to enforce their unjust laws.
Author: Jacob Kramer
Illustrator: K-Fai Steele
Reader Age: 4-8

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When you imagine a wolf, what do you see? Sharp, pointy teeth? Do you see large, hungry eyes? Well, the wolf in this story would rather knit than bring harm to anyone. Through everyone else's judgement, this wolf is still the furthest thing from Big and Bad
Author: Lucky Platt
Reader Age: 4-8

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Far too often while growing up in the United States, we fall victim to believing the preconceived notion that Africa is full of small tribes consisting of primitive residents, but this is far from the truth. Africa is full of beautiful lands and citizens that live their own authentic lives every single day. This informative picture book celebrate the diversity of the over 50 nations that make up Africa today. Share this story with your students to eliminate this false idea!
Author: Mark Melnicove and Margy Burns Knight
Illustrator: Anne Sibley O'Brien
Reader Age: 8-12

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Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for their long, freezing winter nights. Unfortunately, Mommy says its for sleeping, not for jumping! But what happens when Little Snow can resist jumping all over his new bouncy bed?
Author: Grace Lin
Reader Age: 4-8

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Young Lily loves her mother. After all, its just the two of them. She loves her life the way it is, but it often left wondering what it would be like to have a large, noisy family like her friends do. Lily attends the school family fun night with her mother, and pretty soon realizes that it is love that makes a family, not the structure of your family.
Author: Roma Downey
Illustrator: Justine Gasquet
Reader Age: 3-8

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The main penguins in this story - Roy and Silo - are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo - they bow to each other and walk and swim together. They are a bit different than the other couples, though. They are both boys! One day when the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realizes that it might be time for the two penguins to become parents!
Authors: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Reader Age: 3-8

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When Baby Brown Bear arrives at the City Zoo all alone, he is incredibly frightened. Mama Polar Bear scoops him into her arms and promises that she will be his mother. Despite the differences that other animals point out, Baby Brown Bear knows that family is family, no matter any differences.
Author: Tanya Valentine
Illustrator: Adam Taylor
Reader Age: 3-6

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At Daddy’s house, Alex has a rocking chair. At Mommy’s, he has a soft chair. This arrangement might take some getting used to, but it’s worth it. In each house, Alex has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. In BOTH houses, he is loved endlessly. This story about divorce can help children cope with a new part of their life.
Author: Claire Masurel
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Reader Age: 3-7

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Mike is a perfect blend between his parents! He has awesome hair and lots of energy. His parents even tell him that he’s a blend of dark and lights and they mixed him perfectly. Still, Mike has to answer plenty of questions about being mixed, and does just this in this story.
Author: Taye Diggs
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Reader Age: 4-8

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Families come in infinite shapes and sizes. The nuclear family may be what most are familiar with, but that standard idea of a family is long gone. This book can help children become more familiar with diversity amongst families and understanding that all families are special no matter what.

Author: Todd Parr
Reader Age: 4-6

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What is love? What does "family" mean? The definitions of each of these words are limitless and can encompass many different ideas. Love can be finding the biggest puddles together, or baking a delicious cake together. This story demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love that the family members share amongst each other.
Author: Sophie Beer
Reader Age: 3-6

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What makes us, us? Is it the characteristics that we have that are unique to us? Is it the way that we are blessed with interaction with our family members. The human family is so beautiful, and this story show how wonderful it is to just be who you are!
Author: Fran Manushkin
Illustrator: Lauren Tobia
Reader Age: 4-8

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With every expression of love in this book, the audience visits one of thirteen different locations around the world, each with wonderfully illustrated scenes of families having a swell time in a place full of natural beauty.
Author: Lulu Delacre
Reader Age: 5-8

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Everyone in the neighborhood years for Omu's delicious stew. One at a time, they follow their noses toward the scent of this magnificent stew and soon, the stew is all gone! It seems that Omu been so generous to the others that she has nothing left for herself!
Author: Oge Mora
Reader Age: 4-8

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This historical fiction is about Ada Ruth, whos mama must go away to Chicago to work during World War II, leaving Ada Ruth and her grandmother behind. As winter approaches, Ada Ruth and her grandmother keep up their daily routine, they realize they miss Mama desperately. Ada Ruth and her grandmother must learn to cope without Mama and enjoy their time with each other while waiting for their beloved family member to return home to them.
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Reader Age: 5-8

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When Aidan was born, everyone thought that he was a girl. He had a feminine name, a feminine room, and he wore clothes that other girls enjoyed wearing. After he comes to realize he is a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of his life that didn't fit anymore, and he was able to settle happily into his new life. Then, he discovers he is going to become a brother. He becomes super excited and wants to do everything the right way, but what is the right way and what does he do if he messes up?
Author: Kyle Lukoff
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Reader Age: 4-7

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Leila isn't sure if she likes being her. When she looks in the mirror, she doesn't know if she likes the girl looking back to her. Her grandmother begins to tell her that the saffron beads on her scarf suit her, and she starts to feel a tiny bit better. After this, Leila spends the rest of their family night on the lookout for other parts of herself that she does like. She uses four of her five senses to seek out her unique characteristics and finds that there are so many things about her that she should be proud of.
Author: Rukhsanna Guidroz
Illustrator: Dinara Mirtalipova
Reader Age: 4-8

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This story has won the 2021 Caldecott Medal, and for a good reason. It is about an Indigenous tribe in North America, and is an urgent cry to protect the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Water plays an incredibly important role in our lives, and especially that of this tribe. The characters in this book even refer to it as Earth's most sacred resource.
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Reader Age: 4-6

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This story, written in verse, is about a Native American family's beloved recipe that spans generations. Fry Bread, for them, represents the family traditions that they have celebrated across generations.
Author: Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Reader Age: 3-6

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This award winning picture book is about what happens when a girl is asked where she's from and none of her answers seems to be the right one. She asks her abuelo for help, and he tells her about how she is "from hurricanes and dark storms, and a tiny singing frog that calls the island people home when the sun goes to sleep...". The main themes in this book of self-acceptance, identity and home give the audience a glimpse into this young girl's life and how she learns to accept who she is and her family's heritage.
Author: Yamile Saied Mendez
Illustrator: Jaime Kim
Reader Age: 4-8

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This story about mindfulness, being true to yourself, and standing up for your friends follows Leonard and Marianne, two best friends that are lions who have a happy life together. This story will open the audience's eyes to the importance of being exactly who you are and backing down from the hurtful criticism of others.
Author: Ed Vere
Reader Age: 3-7

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As a young girl observes six woman in her life that each wear the hijab in unique ways, she fantasizes about the possibilities in her own future and how she will express her own personality through her hijab, when the time comes.
Author: Hena Khan
Illustrator: Aaliya Jaleel
Reader Age: 4-7

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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This book, written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, is about the different abilities that people of all ages have and the challenges that they endure. As the kids work together to build a community garden, they ask each other questions along the way. This story encourages the readers to do the same thing! When we come across someone who is different from us, but we are not quite sure why, all we need to do is Just Ask.
Author: Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Reader Age: 4-8

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Frank completely loves his life as a spider, especially having eight legs. One morning, Frank wakes up missing a leg! After his friends keep questioning his identity, Frank is left wondering, "Am I even still a spider if I only have seven legs?". He embarks on a search for his missing leg and for an answer to his question.
Author: Michaele Razi
Reader Age: 4-8

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We all feel like outsiders sometimes, and its incredibly brave that we still are strong enough to move forward anyway. Its not easy to take the first steps into a place where nobody really knows you quite yet, but somehow, you do it. This story is about just this sort of thing. Its lyrical text guides the audience on a journey through a young girl's experience of finding the courage to connect, even when she feels scared and alone.
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Reader Age: 5-8

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Bunnybear was born a bear, but feels a bit more like a bunny. He prefers bouncing around rather than tramping through the forest. In his heart, he is tiny and fluffy, like a rabbit, but his burly and loud appearance doesn't reflect how he feels inside. The other bears and bunnies don't understand, so who will be Bunnybear's friend?
Author: Andrea J. Loney
Illustrator: Carmen Saldana
Reader Age: 4-8

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In this story, a five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, and begins to wish he had one of his own. Rather than reprimanding her son, the mother agrees to it and teaches him about its cultural significance and allows him to discover the magic of the bindi on his own. This positive experience gives the boy permission to be more fully himself.
Author: Vivek Shraya
Illustrator: Rajni Perera
Reader Age: 3-6

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Pigs are pink and elephants are gray. The chameleon can be any color! He can be yellow like a lemon, or orange with a black pattern like a tiger. But what if he wants to be his own color? The chameleon decides his is going to remain one color forever by staying on the absolute greenest leaf he can find. But, imagine his surprise when the season turns to fall and the leaf changes from green to yellow to red. When another chameleon suggest they travel together, the main character learns that friendship is more important than having his own color. No matter where he goes with his new companion, they will always be alike.
Author: Leo Lionni
Reader Age: 4-8

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Chrysanthemum thinks that her name is perfect. That is, until the first day of school when her classmates give her a new, negative meaning to her name. As Chrysanthemum grows to feel distaste toward her name, she wilts. What will it take to make her bloom again?
Author: Kevin Henkes
Reader Age: 4-8

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Frustrated after her teachers and classmates mispronounce her beautiful name, a young girl tells her mother that she NEVER wants to come back to school. After hearing this, her mother decides to teach her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Easern names on their walk home through the city. This empowering story leaves the young girl ready to return to school the next day and tell her story to her entire class.
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Reader Age: 5-10

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This Caldecott Honor book tells the story of Alma, a young girl who has six names! Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela asks her father why she has such a large name and learns the story of Sofia, her grandmother who loved books and flowers, Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel, and each of the other names that are deep-rooted in their family history. After learning the story of her name, Alma starts to realize that her name may be a perfect fit for her after all, and maybe one day she could even have her own story to tell.
Author: Juana Martinez-Neal
Reader Age: 4-8

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Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but never eats them because the other kids in her school don't like them. Unfortunately, Camilla Cream is very worried about what other people think of her. She's actually so worried that she's about to break out in a case of stripes!
Author: David Shannon
Reader Age: 4-8

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When Daisy Ramona flies around with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the things that she has always known. On the other hand, she sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. Regardless of the changes in her community, she knows that the love she feels will always be present. This story is a young girl's heartwarming love letter to her hardworking father.
Author: Isabel Quintero
Illustrator: Zeke Pena
Reader Age: 4-8

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When Little Mae was young, she dreamed of dancing in space. She was so enamored with the idea of being an astronaut with NASA, and her mother continually told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible". Years later, Mae becomes known as the first African American woman to travel in space.
Author: Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Reader Age: 4-8

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Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I's Bravest Dog

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Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I's Bravest Dog

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What started as a friendship between a stray dog and a Private in the military turned into a lifelong partnership with a dog who has become a prominent war hero. Stubby was shipped off with his unit to the Western Front and even perfected his right-paw salute along the way!
Author: Ann Bausum
Reader Age: 10-14

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Legends, Icons, and Rebels: Music That Changed the World

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Legends, Icons, and Rebels: Music That Changed the World

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This book shares anecdotes about so many notable people in the music community. From Ray Charles, to Johnny Cash, to Bob Dylan, there are plenty of stories to tell about each of these artists' influence on the power of music.
Authors: Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Robertson, and Jared Levine
Reader Age: 9-12

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The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

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The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

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Audrey Faye Hendricks is the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama. At nine years old, this brave, young girl has clearly shown that you are never to young to make a difference.
Author: Cynthia Levinson
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Reader Age: 5-10

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As a honeybee returns to its hive after it searches for nectar, it does a little waggle dance. The dance is actually a special pattern to share the location of the foodsource with the rest of the hive.
Author: Rick Chrustowski
Reader Age: 4-8

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Jane Goodall has been an iconic force in the natural world. As a woman who is a world renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, and environmentalist, she has lived a life well beyond her years that has focused on helping others and making the world a better place.
Author: Patrick McDonnell
Reader Age: 4-8

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Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music

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Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music

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On an island long ago, girls were absolutely NOT allowed to be drummers, until one girl has dreams of becoming a drummer, which is forbidden. She had to practice in secret, quietly to avoid conflict. That is, until her music is heard by others and shows the island why females should never be held back. This story was inspired by Cuba's traditional taboo against females as drummers and gives inspiring insight into what its like to fight against the cultural norms for what is right.
Author: Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Reader Age: 4-7

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On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

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On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

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The brilliant mind of scientist Albert Einstein is celebrated in this story about his life. The discoveries that Einstein made have impacted our understanding of scientific ideas and our universe forever, and this story follows Einstein as he grows into a man of genius who is recognized world wide for his scientific expertise.
Author: Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky
Reader Age: 5-8

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Sharks may be intimidating for many, but what lots of people don't realize is the vital role that sharks play as part of our ecosystem. In this book, Lily Williams gives the audience a great insight into how sharks are important and why we should take extra steps to ensure that sharks have a livable environment and are cared for.
Author: Lily Williams
Reader Age: 4-8

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This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World

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This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World

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This book tells the stories of seven children from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia for a day. Each of the children live very different lives, but still have things in common with one another.
Author: Matt Lamonthe
Reader Age: 5-8

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This book is full of beautiful illustrations of the Grand Canyon. The story follows a father and a daughter as they are adventuring through the Grand Canyon and are discovering life from both present and past.
Author: Jason Chin
Reader Age: 8-12

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The Statue of Liberty has been an omen representing freedom for many years. This doesn't tell the story of the Statue of Liberty, but of a small detail on this emblem of unity. The detail in question is Lady Liberty's right foot. This book is super fun and puts an exciting spin on the well known story.
Author: Dave Eggers
Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Reader Age: 5-8

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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

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Throughout US history, women haven't always been treated the best or given the same opportunities that their male counterparts have received. This story is about thirteen women who have fought against adversity for the better of the country. The women in this book have proven their strength through their actions for others and have stories that inspire people for generations to come.
Author: Chelsea Clinton
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Reader Age: 4-8

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This award-winning science trade book is full of maps and facts about the natural flora and fauna that is unique to each of the parks that are portrayed. This book even talks about the Florida Everglades, which brings the book a bit closer to home for the Florida-born students of your class.
Author: Kate Siber
Illustrator: Chris Turnham
Reader Age: 6-12

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This book tells Malala Yousafzai's story for a younger audience and shows them the view of the world that allowed Malala to hold on to hope, even after experiencing horrible things. This story will provide the audience with insight and will encourage discussion about the world outside of what they have ever known.
Author: Malala Yousafzai
Illustrator: Kerascoet
Reader Age: 4-8

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I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark 

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I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark 

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This nonfiction story about the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shares her story and the life that she lived through the lens of her famous disagreements - with inequality, unfair treatment, and mistreatment of others.
Author: Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Elizabeth Baddeley
Reader Age: 4-8

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From the same author as The Tale of Despereaux comes this classic story that is about the unbreakable bond between a girl and her beloved dog as she moves through life, learning to cope without her mother and with new circumstances. This story would be great for children who love animals and there's also a movie adaptation that has been made a few years ago.
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Reader Age: 7-12

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A love for literacy is a beautiful gift that must be carefully curated to pass it on for generations. Providing your students with books tailored perfectly to their interests can help spark an interest in reading that will follow them for years to come, and it should be an honor to do so for your students. This collection of books features 250 books across genres, topics, and age ranges that holds something for everyone!

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Deep in the Hundred Acre Woods lives Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends who go on plenty of adventures together. These timeless stories are about the long-lasting effects of strong friendships.
Author: A. Milne
Illustrator: E.H. Shepard
Reader Age: 6-12

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The main mouse in this story, Despereaux is in love with music, stories, and a princess who is named Pea. In addition to Despereaux, there's also a rat named Roscuro, and a serving girl named Miggery Snow. The three main characters in this story embark on journeys that land them all in a dungeon, into a beautiful castle, and eventually into each other's lives.
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
Reader Age: 7-10

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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia)

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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia)

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Four adventurous siblings step through a wardrobe door and enter into the magical land of Narnia, a land stuck frozen in winter and enslaved by the White Witch. The siblings must work alongside the Great Lion, Aslan, who has just return, to defeat the White Witch and restore order to Narnia.
Author: C.S. Lewis
Illustrator: Pauline Baynes
Reader Age: 8-12