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Written by: Yuyi Morales
Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

Genre: Picture book, Fiction

Awards: Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year

APA Citation: Morales, Y. (2021). Bright star. Holiday House.

Synopsis: Bright Star follows a young deer attempting to overcome obstacles with the help of its mother. It showcases beautiful illustrations of a desert landscape and the animals that live within it. When the deer becomes afraid of the challenges ahead, its mother provides comfort and wisdom. It is written in a combination of English and Spanish.

This book focuses on the importance of family and community when dealing with hardship, especially when immigrating. It places emphasis on each person having an identity and a role within their community or family. Instead of focusing on the struggles of immigration, it celebrates the beauty and strength of immigrant and Latino families. This book acts as a mirror for immigrant children and provides a much-needed perspective for other children to see immigrants and people from other cultures as people with emotions and fears, just like them.

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Read Out Loud BRIGHT STAR by Yuyi Morales

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Written by: Jessica Love
Illustrated by: Jessica Love

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction, LGBTQ+

Awards: Stonewall Book Award

APA Citation: Love, J. (2019). Julian is a mermaid. Walker Books and subsidiaries.

Synopsis: When Julián sees women dressed up as mermaids, he discovers that he is a mermaid too. Once he and his Abuela return home, Julián grabs things from around the house, like a plant on his head, to transform himself into a mermaid. At first, when Abuela sees him she is shocked but then she takes him to the beach so he can join the mermaids.

This book uniquely portrays Julián as fluid in his gender expression without labeling him which allows a multitude of children to see themselves and their identities through him. The Latino cultural lens through which this story is told adds to its unique perspective on gender identity by setting it within a traditionally conservative culture. However, Julián's Abuela reacts positively to his gender expression which breaks the boundaries of that culture and many others. Children will be able to see a celebration of however they chose to express their identity through his story.

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Written by: Helen Recorvits
Illustrated By: Gabi Swiatkowska

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction

Awards: ALA Notable Book Award

APA Citation: Recorvits, H., & Swiatkowska, G. (2003). My Name is Yoon. Frances Foster Books.

Synopsis: My Name is Yoon is about a young girl named Yoon who moves to the United States from Korea with her family. She has to learn how to write her name in English but she doesn't like the way it looks so she writes other words like bird and cupcake instead. However, as she begins to settle into her new home and make friends, she learns to love her name, even in English.

Yoon acts as a mirror for children who have immigrated or who have just moved to a different place. It shows them that it is okay to feel uncomfortable in a new place and that if they are patient, they will make this place home too. Children who are shy or have trouble making friends could also see themselves in Yoon. This story shows that everyone has a place where they fit in and that they don't have to change their identities to do so.

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Written by: Lucia Gonzalez
Illustrated by: Lula Delacre

Genre: Picture book, Historical Fiction

Awards: Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

APA Citation: González Lucía M., & Delacre, L. (2013). The Storyteller's Candle. Children's Book Press.

Synopsis: Hildamar and her brother, Santiago, moved from Puerto Rica to a New York community of Puerto Ricans. They want to visit the library, but their mother says that it is not meant for them because the books there are only in English. But when the librarian, Pura Belpré, visits their classroom and tells a story in both English and Spanish, the children learn that the library is accepting of their identities and begin visiting it as often as they can.

Many children feel excluded from libraries due to language barriers or their identities; however, books are made for everyone and this book could help ignite their love of reading and libraries. It also explains the history of the first Latina librarian of the New York Public Library and bilingual activist, Pura Belpré. Furthermore, the warm and bright illustrations show the library as a welcoming place rather than an excluding one.

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Written by: Veera Hiranandani

Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction

Awards: John Newbery Award

APA Citation: Hiranandani, V. (2019). The Night Diary. Puffin Books, an import of Penguin Random Publisher house LLC

Synopsis: Nisha's family must migrate from Pakistan to India after the British grant independence to India and it is divided into India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims which leads to violence against both sides. However, her family is half Muslim and half Hindu but her Muslim mother has passed away. Nisha struggles to understand her identity within the conflict between these groups while overcoming the dangerous obstacles her family faces during their journey.

The main themes of this book are intersectionality and appreciation for all life. Many children struggle to understand where they fit within their communities and society as a whole so they would relate to Nisha's inner conflict between the two sides of herself. It would also help children who don't relate to this struggle to see the challenges other children are faced with and they could relate to Nisha's attempts to overcome her shyness to make friends throughout her journey.

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Written by: Alex Gino

Genre: Novel, Fiction, LGBTQ+

Awards: Stonewall Award

APA Citation: Gino, A. (2022). Melissa. Scholastic (US).

Synopsis: The novel follows Melissa, a transgender girl who the rest of the world sees as a boy named George. She attempts to explain to her mother that she is a girl, but her mother doesn't understand. When Melissa learns that her class will be performing Charlotte's Web, she views it as an opportunity to show her mother who she really is and auditions for the role of Charlotte. While she doesn't get the role because her teacher sees her as a boy, Melissa and her friend Kelly, who got the role, devise a plan to let Melissa express her gender identity to the world as Charlotte. George was rereleased as Melissa in 2021.

The acceptance and pushback that Melissa receives would be relatable to children struggling with their gender identity and give them hope that people will react positively. Furthermore, most children will relate to her journey to understand and express her identity while conforming to the standards set by her family and peers. Melissa's courage will inspire children to be themselves and her plan will keep them interested in reading her story.

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Written by: Lisa Fipps

Genre: Poetry, Realistic Fiction

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

APA Citation: Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company.

Synopsis: Ellie is a young girl who is constantly bullied for her weight by her peers and even her mother which makes her only feel safe being herself when she lays like a starfish in her pool. She attempts to hide her insecurity by following the "Fat Girl Rules." However, when she finds non-judgmental support from a new friend, her father, and her therapist, she learns that people can accept and celebrate her the way she is which gives her the courage to be herself without fear.

Starfish's message is that everyone deserves to be themselves and express their identity without judgment. This is applicable to children, especially the book's primary audience of middle school children, because they are struggling to find their identities while being extremely worried about fitting in with their peers. Reading this book would help children who feel judged for aspects of themselves learn that their differences are beautiful and to accept the potential negative response. It could also teach them to appreciate others despite, or because of, their differences.

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Written by: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by: Michaela Goade

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction

Awards: Randolph Caldecott Medal

APA Citation: Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2020). We Are Water Protectors. Henry Holt & Co.

Synopsis: This book is about a young girl who stands with her Indigenous community to protect the water from the black snake. It discusses the importance of water and protecting nature while showing how her community fights for the environment. The black snake is a metaphor for the Dakota Access Pipeline which was built in 2016 on Indigenous land to transport oil to consumers and it continues to poison their water today.

The metaphor of the black snake allows young children to learn about the complex issues surrounding oil transportation and extraction in a way that they can understand. This book also encourages them to stand up for what they believe in even when they are fighting against someone or something with more power than they have. Furthermore, it teaches about the importance of being a part of and standing with a community and their place in their community. The Indigenous perspective that it provides also allows children to understand a different community while the beautiful artwork, which expresses aspects of the main character's culture, keeps them entertained.

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Written by: Jessica Walton
Illustrated by: Dougal MacPherson

Genre: Picture book, Fiction, LGBTQ+

Awards: Rainbow Project Book List

APA Citation: Walton, J., & MacPherson, D. (2016). Introducing Teddy: A gentle story about gender and friendship. Bloomsbury USA Childrens.

Synopsis: Introducing Teddy is about a teddy bear, Thomas, and his friend, Erroll. They play together every day, but then Thomas starts to seem sad and doesn't want to play. Thomas tells Erroll that he is sad because he's worried that he won't want to be friends if Erroll knows that Thomas is really a girl teddy. But Erroll doesn't care because they are friends no matter Tilly's gender and they continue to play together every day.

This book shows children that real friends won't care how they choose to express themselves or what their identities are. It also shows that they should be accepting of each other's differences because they don't affect their friendship or the fun they could have together.

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Written by: Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell
Illustrated by: Henry Cole

Genre: Picture book, Fiction, LGBTQ+

Awards: Rainbow Project Book List, ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee

APA Citation: Parnell, P., & Richardson, J. (2015). And Tango Makes Three. Simon & Schuster.

Synopsis: Roy and Silo are a couple, but they are two boy penguins so they can't have a baby penguin like the other couples can. They make a nest and find a rock that looks like an egg. They take turns sitting on it to keep it warm but nothing happens. Then, one of the zookeepers sees them and gives them an egg that needs parents to take care of it. Roy and Silo sit on the egg and when it hatches they name their baby penguin Tango and they raise her like all the other penguins.

The beginning of the book shows many different animals in the zoo which would teach young children which animals are which. Roy and Silo's story could help children understand that gay couples can be parents and are as good of parents as any straight couple. Also, children who have two parents of the same gender could feel like their family is celebrated by reading this book. It advocates for accepting all people and couples regardless of whether they are different from you and could help children not feel ashamed of their personal identities through this message.

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Written by: Dan Saks
Illustrated by: Brooke Smart

Genre: Picture book, Fiction

Awards: American Library Association Summer 2021 reading list

APA Citation: Saks, D., & Smart, B. (2020). Families Belong. Penguin Workshop.

Synopsis: This book showcases different moments from different families when they are all together. It shows family bonding moments, like a family dinner, and more mundane ones, like simply sitting together. The illustrations throughout express how comfortable they feel together and represent families from many different backgrounds.

Families Belong focuses on the similarities across families while the illustrations celebrate their differences. The text and illustrations combine to express the message that no matter the differences in families' identities, the love they share is the same. It combats the idea that the nuclear family is the only correct kind of family and celebrates their differences by showcasing families with parents from different cultures, races, and sexual orientations but with the same love for each other.

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Written by: Donna Higuera

Genre: Novel, Sports Fiction

Awards: Sid Fleischman Award for Humor

APA Citation: Higuera, D. B. (2022). Lupe Wong Won't dance. Levine Querido.

Synopsis: Lupe Wong is a Mexican-Chinese girl in middle school who loves baseball and wants to meet her favorite pitcher Fu Li Hernandez. However, her uncle will only take her to meet him if she gets straight A's which requires her to get an A in PE. When Lupe learns that she must square dance for her PE class, she comes up with all sorts of plans to get out of it. Throughout her journey to meet Hernandez, she learns valuable lessons about friendship and the importance of compromising.

Lupe is strong-willed with a strict moral compass which leads her to advocate for what she believes in. Her determination against seemingly insurmountable obstacles will show children their own capabilities. Furthermore, she deals with grief, bullying, and racism all while trying to navigate the troubles of middle school. Her story could provide comfort and strength to children experiencing these issues and awareness to those who are not while still being relatable.

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Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: James Ransome

Genre: Picture book, Historical Fiction

Awards: New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Books

APA Citation: Woodson, J., & Ransome, J. (2017). This is the Rope. Penguin USA.

Synopsis: This is the Rope follows the history of a young girl's family through a rope they have kept for many generations. It describes how her family has used the rope to tell the story of her grandparents, parents, and herself. There is a special focus on the importance of family and family traditions.

This book explains the history of the Great Migration, when many black families moved from the Southern United States to the Northeast, Midwest, and West from 1910 to 1970. After reading this book, children will feel inspired to learn more about their family history due to the importance it places on family and their traditions. Also, many children will see their family history reflected through this story.

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Written by: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction

Awards: Texas Bluebonnet List

APA Citation: Jewell Parker Rhodes. (2019). Ghost Boys. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Synopsis: After Jerome is killed by a police officer and becomes a ghost, he learns the history of black children who were killed like he was and why from the other ghost boys. The novel is written from Jerome's first-person point of view and shifts between his life before and his life as a ghost. Jerome and another ghost, Emmett Till, discover that they must stay as ghosts to educate those who are still alive and end the cycle. He struggles to understand his place after his world is turned upside down and learns who he is, why he was killed, and his role through the ghost boys who came before him and the only alive person who can see him, the daughter of the officer who killed him.

This book tackles the complicated topic of institutional and individual racism in a way that is understandable to young readers. While the subject of the novel is violent and potentially risky for children, the descriptions are not graphic. Furthermore, it does an excellent job of understanding Jerome's point of view and the points of view of the officer and his daughter. While it could end up scaring readers instead it leaves them inspired with its message. The message of Jerome's journey is that we have the power to change the institutions and minds of people that perpetuate racism and violence.

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Written by: R.J. Palacio

Genre: Novel, Realistic Fiction

Awards: Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth

APA Citation: Palacio, R. J. (2022). Wonder. Alfred A. Knopf.

Synopsis: Wonder follows a young boy with a facial deformity named August who goes to school for the first time after being home-schooled all his life. He attempts to navigate the rules of middle school and make friends while dealing with others' negative reactions to his disability. The story switches between his point of view and those around him, like his sister and his new classmates.

This book provides a positive message for children to treat others kindly and focus on who a person is rather than how they look. August's classmates begin to see him for who is rather than only seeing his disability. Also, his positive outlook throughout keeps the story upbeat while dealing with difficult topics and could be a mirror book for children with disabilities or a window book for those without.

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Written by: Ruby Bridges

Genre: Novel, Autobiography

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

APA Citation: Bridges, R. (2000). Through my Eyes. Scholastic.

Synopsis: Through my Eyes is Ruby Bridges account of her going to a segregated school for the first time. She details how she felt walking into school, escorted by federal marshals, only to see that none of other children came to school. Bridges also uses quotes from other people who were there and photographs to illustrate her experience of desegregation.

This book allows young readers to understand the complexities of desegregation from the point of view of someone who was there and experienced it as a child. Through my Eyes would help them see it more concretely and develop a more complete understanding of it than
reading about it in a history textbook would. It allows children to connect with these abstract events which is furthered by the photographs she included in the book.

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Written by: Markus Zusak

Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults

APA Citation: Zusak, M. (2019). The Book Thief. Picador/Pan Macmillan Australia.

Synopsis: A young orphan girl living in Nazi Germany, Liesel, falls in love with books after finding The Gravedigger's Handbook next to her brother's grave. She begins stealing books from anywhere she can find them. When her foster family decides to hide a Jewish boy in their basement, they bond through a story he writes for her.

A primary focus of The Book Thief is the power that stories hold to bring people together and foster understanding of others. The story that Max, the Jewish boy her family is hiding, gives to Liesel allows her to better understand him and his experiences. Also, the narrator of the book being Death creates a sense of foreboding that keeps readers interested in what will happen to the characters and provides them with a good example of an omniscient narrator.

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Written by: Jacqueline Woodson

Genre: Poetry, Autobiography

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, John Newbery Medal, Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

APA Citation: Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. Puffin Books.

Synopsis: Brown Girl Dreaming is Woodson's autobiographical account of growing up in the United States in the 1960's as a black woman. She describes, in verse, her experience moving from Ohio to South Carolina to live with her grandparents after her parents divorce. Eventually, they move to New York where Woodson decides to become a writer.

This novel discusses issues of divorce, racism, and civil rights through the eyes of a young girl. Many children could see their experiences through Woodson's and learn about their history. Furthermore, she beautifully uses poetry to make her story come to life in the readers mind. Children who like reading poetry would appreciate the way she uses it to create clear images and express emotions.

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Written by: Jen Wojtowicz

Genre: Picture book, Magical Realism

APA Citation: Wojtowicz, J. (2016). The Boy Who Grew Flowers. Barefoot Books.

Synopsis: Rink is a young boy whose body grows flowers during the full moon. He and his family are different which makes the other children afraid to be his friend. However, a new girl, Angelina, comes to his school. When he figures out that she doesn't want to go to the school dance because her right leg is longer than her left which makes it difficult for her to dance, Rink makes her special shoes with a higher heel on the right one. After he gives her the gift, they quickly become best friends.

This book focuses on the idea that you shouldn't judge people or be afraid of them because of their differences. It's a positive message for young children because it helps them see that what makes them different and what makes others different should be celebrated. Furthermore, Rink's difference is unrealistic which allows them to easily replace it with their own. The illustrations are bright and interesting which would draw readers into the story. They reflect the text while adding to it.

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In 1998, Najat Hamza fled Ethiopia due to a violent conflict that erupted in her region. She came to StoryCorps to reflect on her refugee experience, as well as to remember the home she left behind.

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Written by: Najat Hamza

Genre: Animation, Autobiography

APA Citation: Hamza, N. (2021, September 30). A piece of Home. StoryCorps. Retrieved April 13, 2022, from https://storycorps.org/animation/a-piece-of-home/

Synopsis: Hamza describes her experience leaving Ethiopia as a refugee and coming to the United States. She recounts her last interaction with her mother when she gave her a blue sweater and her difficulties adjusting to life in the United States.

Hamza's story acts as a mirror for refugee children and children from her culture. Even children who had to move would probably see some aspects of their story and feelings reflected in hers. It also emphasizes the importance of family and having a place to call home. The animation is filled with color and aspects of Hamza's culture which would grab children's attention.

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Written by: Rowie Shebala

Genre: Spoken word poetry

APA Citation: Shebala, R. (2014, November 26). Love You Some Indians. Youtube. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvvYRhU5hvk

In this poem, Shebala expresses her anger at how Western culture appropriates aspects of her Native American culture while ignoring the actual people from the culture and the harm done to them. She uses examples like the football team The Washington Redskins and dreamcatchers being sold at gas stations to illustrate this point.

Children whose cultures are appropriated would feel validated by Shebala's poem. It would also help those who don't relate to it understand why someone would be upset by cultural appropriation. Furthermore, it deepens children's understanding of Native American culture and people by showing them as more than the symbols usually attributed to them. Also, the way Shebala reads the poem with such strength and emotion could help children appreciate and understand poetry.

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Written by: Priya Huq

Genre: Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction

APA Citation: Huq, P. (2021). Piece by piece: The story of Nisrin's Hijab. Amulet Books.

Synopsis: Nisrin, a Bangladeshi-American girl, wears her culture's traditional dress to give a presentation at her school for World Culture Day and is the victim of a hate crime on her way home. During her recovery from the experience, Nisrin decides that she's going to start wearing hijab, much to her family's dismay. This begins her journey of developing a deeper understanding of Islam and her family's relationship to it while trying to fit in at her new school.

Nisrin's story focuses on developing an understanding of your culture and celebrating it, no matter the backlash. It could inspire children to learn more about their identities and celebrate them. This novel also acts as a mirror for children from Nisrin's culture and helps children who are from other cultural backgrounds empathize with them. Children would also enjoy the vibrant illustrations which were done mostly with watercolor.

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Written by: Kenneth Tan and Olivia Tan Ronquillo

Genre: Animation, Autobiography

APA Citation: Tan, K., & Ronquillo, O. T. (2021, May 19). Lola's work. StoryCorps. Retrieved April 13, 2022, from https://storycorps.org/animation/lolas-work/

Synopsis: Kenneth, Lola's grandson, and Olivia, Lola's daughter, reflect on the memories they shared with Lola and the lessons they learned from her. They discuss how she worked hard for her family all her life and moved from the Philippines to the United States to help raise her grandchildren.

Lola's story expresses aspects of their culture, like the food she would make for her grandchildren, which would reflect aspects of the lives of children who read it. It also shows a non-nuclear family in a positive light and emphasizes the importance of appreciating family.

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Written by: Alyssa Bermudez

Genre: Graphic Novel, Autobiography

APA Citation: Bermudez, A. (2021). Big Apple Diaries. Roaring Brook Press.

Synopsis: Alyssa is a middle-school-aged girl living in New York City in the 2000s. She navigates school, friendships, and crushes through comics and drawings until 9/11 when her world is turned upside down.

Bermudez's autobiographical novel gives a first-hand account of 9/11 and deals with issues of fear, identity, and growing up. While the attack didn't affect her life directly, she struggles with living in fear and learns how to cope. This could be beneficial to young readers who are also living in fear by giving them strength and showing them that they can cope with it. Alyssa also begins a journey to understand her identity as half Puerto Rican and half white which could help children understand and appreciate their own cultural identities.

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Written by: Jason Reynolds
Illustrated by: Jason Griffin

Genre: Poetry

APA Citation: Reynolds, J., & Griffin, J. (2022). Ain't burned all the bright. Atheneum, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

Synopsis: Ain't Burned All the Bright follows a black family living in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. It is told from the perspective of their son attempting to understand these issues and his family members' reactions to them through a combination of poetry and artwork.

Reynolds's poetry and Griffin's illustrations come together to express how it feels to be black in the United States today. This book will validate the feelings and experiences of black children while allowing other children to understand them. Although Reynolds uses few words, they are deeply impactful and tell a complete and important story.

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Jason Reynolds talks about new book, ‘Ain’t Burned All the Bright’ l GMA

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Written by: Sherman Alexie
Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

APA Citation: Alexie, S., & Morales, Y. (2016). Thunderboy Jr. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Thunderboy Jr. was named after his father but he decides it doesn't fit him. He tries out all kinds of new names that fit his personality and achievements before his father helps him settle on Lightning.

He goes on a journey to understand himself as an individual but discovers that his father plays an important part in who he is. It emphasizes celebrating and finding your identity while also recognizing the role of family in it. This book could help young children further understand and accept themselves as Thunderboy Jr. does. Also, the bright and fun illustrations will capture many childrens' interest.

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THUNDER BOY JR. by Sherman Alexie & Yuyi Morales

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In Priya Huq's graphic novel Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab, Bangladeshi American Nisrin decides - to her mother's distinct discomfort - to try wearing hijab.

This interview originally appeared in the July/August 2021 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers' Previews: Debut Authors and Illustrators, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

Sponsored by

In Priya Huq's graphic novel Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab, Bangladeshi American Nisrin decides - to her mother's distinct discomfort - to try wearing hijab.
1. What quality does Nisrin have that you wish for yourself?

Nisrin and I are really similar in core personality. We're both playful and joyful by nature, and we can both be self-centered. I wrote her to be me if I had felt supported by my family after September 11th, so it's less an intrinsic quality of hers I wish I had, and more that I wish my nani (maternal grandmother), my mom, and I had the relationship Nisrin has with her family members. I was much closer to my nana (maternal grandfather) growing up.

2. Did young you wear an orna or any other type of headscarf?

Yes! When I was little, I loved wearing an orna as a headscarf. When I got older, I always chose the shalwar kameez. I love the different cuts, patterns, materials, and embroidery.

3. What's your wardrobe like these days?

Right now I'm wearing a black velvet A-line midi skirt, a Star Wars T-shirt that my cats tore a bunch of holes in, and fuzzy slippers. I wear leggings or jeans and T-shirts, but working on Piece by Piece made me want to be brave like Nisrin, so I bought a new shalwar and wore it out the other day.

4. Have you been to Bangladesh?

Only once, years ago. It makes me sad to think about all my relatives who I don't see.

5. What did you get to do in Piece by Piece that you didn't get to do in a comic before?

I've alluded to the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh in other work, but I've never talked about it so directly. Writing a family that was similar enough to mine to talk about these feelings and histories, but not so similar that I drowned in grief, meant that I was able to be more emotionally honest. It was hard, but it made me love Nisrin and her family. I hope I did a good job!

Sponsored by

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Publishers' Preview: Debut Authors and Illustrators: Five Questions for Priya Huq

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In Priya Huq's graphic novel Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab, Bangladeshi American Nisrin decides - to her mother's distinct discomfort - to try wearing hijab. This interview originally appeared in the July/August 2021 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers' Previews: Debut Authors and Illustrators, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list.

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Written by: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Genre: Novel, Fantasy

APA Citation: Ryan, P. M. (2022). Solimar: The sword of the monarchs. Disney-Hyperion.

Synopsis: A young girl and princess, Solimar, discovers that she has the ability to see the future after a magical encounter with butterflies in the forest. Then, she barely escapes another King's invasion and must find her father and brother who are a long journey away to save her village and the butterflies who live there.

This book provides children with the opportunity to learn about Hispanic Culture. Solimar and her family are Hispanic and the magic of Solimar's fantasy world is based on Hispanic mythology. She is also a strong role model for young girls as she is smart and motivated while connected to her family and friends.

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Written by: Kao Kalia Yang
Illustrated by: Khoa Le

Genre: Picture book, Non-Fiction

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

APA Citation: Yang, K. K. (2021). The most beautiful thing. Carolrhoda Books.

Synopsis: This story follows the experiences of a young girl's grandmother and their relationship from the granddaughter's perspective. While the girl is originally frustrated by her family's inability to buy things they need or want, her grandmother shows her that the love between them is what is truly valuable.

The grandmother is a Hmong refugee and this book portrays her culture and their family relationship beautifully. While the family dynamics are different from the nuclear family ones, readers will relate to the love and respect they have for each other. The story and illustrations when describing the grandmother's experiences as a young girl have some fantasy elements which make them more intriguing for children, like a giant tiger.

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The Most Beautiful Thing pronunciation guide

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Written by: Emily Gravett
Illustrated by: Emily Gravett

Genre: Picture book, Fiction

APA Citation: Gravett, E. (2020). Blue chameleon. Pan Macmillan.

Synopsis: The blue chameleon can change his colors to look like anyone. However, he feels lonely and wants to find someone who's like him.

This book teaches children to celebrate those who are unlike them while appreciating the similarities. While it's important to understand those who are different from you, it's also nice to be with someone who understands you. It also teaches children their shapes and colors with vibrant shades and interesting shapes.

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Written by: Aisha Saeed

Genre: Novel, Realistic Fiction

Awards: The Amelia Bloomer Book List

APA Citation: Saeed, A. (2020). Amal Unbound. Puffin Books.

Synopsis: Amal is a young Pakistani girl who wants to become a teacher when she grows up. However, she is forced to become a servant for her village's landlord to pay off her family's debt. She works to change the expectations for women in her village and continue her education while not getting into trouble with the family she works for.

This book includes elements of Pakistani culture and shows problems that Pakistani women are faced with. Also, the main character Amal is a positive role model for children as she is a strong and determined girl who stands up for what she believes in. For some children, it will reflect their lives or the lives of their family members while others will get to better understand a world they aren't a part of.

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Growing up in the 1960s, Storm Reyes lived and worked in migrant labor camps across Washington state. When she was 8 years old, she began working full-time picking fruit for under a dollar an hour.

At StoryCorps, Storm shared stories of her difficult childhood with her son, Jeremy Hagquist, and remembers the day a bookmobile unexpectedly arrived, opening up new worlds and bringing hope.

Click here to listen to Storm and Jeremy's original StoryCorps interview.
Para subtítulos en español, haga click en el ícono de YouTube en la esquina derecha, y escoja "Spanish" bajo la opción de "settings" y "subtitles/CC."
This interview came from a partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Every year, StoryCorps records with all ten IMLS National Medal winners, including Pierce County Library in Washington State, where Storm and Jeremy recorded.

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Growing up in the 1960s, Storm Reyes lived and worked in migrant labor camps across Washington state. When she was 8 years old, she began working full-time picking fruit for under a dollar an hour. At StoryCorps, Storm shared stories of her difficult childhood with her son, Jeremy Hagquist, and remembers the day a bookmobile unexpectedly arrived, opening up new worlds and bringing hope.

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Written by: Storm Reyes

Genre: Animation, Autobiography

APA Citation: Reyes, S. (2017, January 25). The bookmobile. StoryCorps. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://storycorps.org/animation/the-bookmobile/

Synopsis: Storm Reyes recounts her childhood at migrant labor camps in Washington State. She describes the impact that the bookmobile's arrival had on her.

Reyes is Native American and grew up in low socioeconomic status, living and working at a labor camp. Her story could help children empathize with those who are from low socioeconomic status families. Also, her story is inspirational because she saw through reading that there was a life beyond the labor camp and she achieved that life for herself.

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Mohammad Ashraf Faridi and Muhammad Faridi

Mohammad Ashraf Faridi immigrated from Pakistan to the United States in the 1980s. He settled in New York City, and his family joined him almost a decade later. By then, Mohammad was earning a living driving a cab.

His oldest son, Muhammad, opens up to him about growing up as the son of a taxi driver.

Presented as part of our animation season "Moments that Define," in which StoryCorps participants share the turning points that have shaped them.

Listen to Mohammad and Muhammad's original StoryCorps interview.
Para subtítulos en español, haga click en el ícono de YouTube en la esquina derecha, y escoja "Spanish" bajo la opción de "settings" y "subtitles/CC.

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Muhammad Faridi talks with his father about what it was like to grow up as the son of a NYC cab driver. Though he was once embarrassed to talk about his family, Muhammad now takes pride in his father's work.

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Written by: Mohammad Ashraf Faridi and Muhammad Faridi

Genre: Animation, Autobiography

APA Citation: Faridi, M. A., & Faridi, M. (2019, August 27). Driving lessons. StoryCorps. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://storycorps.org/animation/driving-lessons/

Synopsis: Muhammad comes together with his father to describe what it was like for him to grow up as the son of a taxi driver and Pakistani immigrant. He explains how he used to feel embarrassed about his father's job until he realized how much Mohammad worked and sacrificed for their family.

This is a beautiful story of being proud of your family and your background. Once Muhammed realized that his father did everything he could for him, he began to feel proud of his job rather than embarrassed. It also emphasizes the importance of their relationship over material items.

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Reading Explorers | K-2-423: My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits | Season 4 | Episode 41

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Jessica Love gives background on the story and discusses why she, as a white woman, chose to write about other groups' experiences.

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is Jess Love's acclaimed debut picture book, published by Candlewick Press. Julián is a Mermaid is a story about a boy and his Abuela. It is a story about revealing ourselves, and the beauty of being seen for who we are by someone who loves us. The editor is Katie Cunningham, and the Art Director is Ann Stott. Hardcover, illustrated in gouache on brown paper.

Copyright © 2018 by Jessica Love. Published by Candlewick Press.

Jessica is represented by Meredith Kaffel Simonoff, at DeFiore and Company.

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is Jess Love's acclaimed debut picture book, published by Candlewick Press. Julián is a Mermaid is a story about a boy and his Abuela. It is a story about revealing ourselves, and the beauty of being seen for who we are by someone who loves us.

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How NYC’s First Puerto Rican Librarian Brought Spanish To The Shelves

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When Pura Belpré became a librarian in 1921, she couldn’t find Spanish language books for kids — so she wrote them herself. Belpré would go on to become a champion of bilingual library programs.

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Introducing Teddy Read-Aloud by Jessica Walton

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From the Collection: The Library

And Tango Makes Three is a picture book based on the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raised a chick together. Published in 2005, the book has been consistently challenged for years. Challenges have included complaints that the story is "unsuitable for young children" and has "homosexual overtones." Others have said the book "is based on one of those subjects that is best discovered by students in another time or in another place." Some parents have also requested the book be placed in a section for "alternative or non-traditional families."

Cameron Carter

Cameron Carter teaches second grade at Slate Hill Elementary in Worthington, Ohio. This is the first year he'll be teaching And Tango Makes Three.

Were you surprised to learn that this book had been challenged?
It didn't surprise me at all. Any book that has any type of social situation where it might be different than your own has the potential to be challenged.

Why did you want to teach it?
One of our main standards in second grade is creating a community. When these students go out in the world - especially in Columbus, which is a big city - they are going to be surrounded with all different types of people. And yes, they might not agree with someone's lifestyle choice, but they still need to be able to accept people for who they are. If someone were to challenge my teaching of this book, that's what I would explain to them.

How do you know when your class - in this case very young children - are ready for subject matter like this?
I think it depends on the dynamic of the class. I think it depends on the students that you have - and you can gauge that in the first few weeks of school: Are they still in that immature stage, or do you feel that your class is ready as a community to talk about a concept or an issue? Like with any good instruction, it's based on when the students are ready, and you can tell that by their interactions with each other.

This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

Read an interview with Robert P. Doyle, editor of the American Library Association's Banned Books, a collection of thousands of titles that have been subject to censorship challenges.

Read about The Bluest Eye

Read about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Read about Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Read about Of Mice and Men
Originally published September 2017.

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BANNED: And Tango Makes Three | American Experience | PBS

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From the Collection: The Library And Tango Makes Three is a picture book based on the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raised a chick together. Published in 2005, the book has been consistently challenged for years.

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Information on the Pipeline and Protests

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Information on the Pipeline and Protests

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What to Know About the Dakota Access Pipeline Protests

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With both supporters and opponents of the pipeline vowing to fight through the winter, the battle shows no signs of disappearing soon

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Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

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online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

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Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

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Saks' Interactive Music Education Podcast

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Saks' Interactive Music Education Podcast

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Noodle Loaf - Music Education Podcast For Kids

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Dan Saks is a musician, author and music educator specializing in early childhood education. He has lived and taught in New York City, Mexico City, and Switzerland and has traveled the world as a performing musician. He currently lives with his wife and two daughters in Brooklyn, New York, where he hosts and produces Noodle Loaf, a popular music education podcast for kids.

A 2020 Webby Honoree and Common Sense Media "Best Podcast for Kids", Noodle Loaf musically empowers children through play, laughter and lots of singing.

Saks has written a three book series celebrating diverse families: Families Belong, Families Can and Families Grow published by Rise x Penguin Workshop. Families Belong was named a "Best Book of 2020" by Amazon, Families Can was named a "Best Book of 2021 so far" and Families Grow was named a "Best Book of the Month".

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About - Noodle Loaf - Music Education Podcast For Kids

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Dan Saks is a musician, author and music educator specializing in early childhood education. He has lived and taught in New York City, Mexico City, and Switzerland and has traveled the world as a performing musician. He currently lives with his wife and two daughters in Brooklyn, New York, where he hosts and produces Noodle Loaf, a popular music education podcast for kids.

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Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: Rafael Lopez

Genre: Poetry, Realistic Fiction

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

APA Citation: Woodson, J., & López Rafael. (2021). The Day You Begin. Mentor Verlag.

Synopsis: When Angelica starts school, she felts like there is no one like her in her class which makes her feel scared and uncomfortable. However, other children feel the same way, and when Angelica finds the strength to share with the class, she discovers that she is similar to some of the other children.

Angelica is a young black girl from a lower socioeconomic status than the other children in her class and another child in her class, Roberto, just moved to the United States from Venezuela. There are also other children from different backgrounds and cultures in their class who all feel alone. However, they find inner strength and learn to celebrate their differences instead of being embarrassed by them. This book could help children develop confidence in their differences and show them why they shouldn't judge others for their differences.

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Jacqueline Woodson Reads "The Day You Begin" | Bookmarks | Netflix Jr

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These books are for children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. They focus on helping children find and celebrate their identities. They also help children understand to judge children by their character instead of their identities.

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These books are for children between the ages of 10 and 14. They will help children understand those who are different from them and find the strength to deal with others' responses to their own identities. They allow readers to explore other worlds and see their own reflected in literature.

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Written by: Brad Montague
Illustrated by: Brad & Kristi Montague

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction

Awards: New York Times Bestseller

APA Citation: Montague, B., & Montague, K. (2021). The Circles All Around Us. Dial Books for Young Readers.

Synopsis: A young boy learns about the different circles of people in his community. First, he has a circle just for himself but then he creates circles of different sizes for his family, friends, and community.

This book focuses on the importance of developing positive relationships within your community and spreading kindness to them. It includes people from different cultures, races, and countries and those with different abilities. It also encourages being kind and accepting of everyone even if they are different from you and acknowledges that forming relationships with them can be uncomfortable at first. This book would be best for younger children from ages 2-6.

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Resources for Using this Book in the Classroom

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Resources for Using this Book in the Classroom

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These resources include a discussion guide, coloring sheets of pages from the book, and activities to spread kindness in your community.

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We teamed up with the brilliant minds at iTeach from Kennesaw State University to create resources for classrooms and families to go along with the book The Circles All Around Us. There's discussion questions, service project ideas, ways to connect with other classrooms, and even a printable flipbook activity! You can also download coloring sheets for kids of all ages. Click the buttons to download!

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The Circles All Around Us Guide - Montague Workshop

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We teamed up with the brilliant minds at iTeach from Kennesaw State University to create resources for classrooms and families to go along with the book The Circles All Around Us. There's discussion questions, service project ideas, ways to connect with other classrooms, and even a printable flipbook activity!

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Written by: Mark Karlins
Illustrated by: Nicole E. Wong

Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction, Poetry

APA Citation: Karlins, M., & Wong, N. (2021). Kiyoshi's Walk. Lee & Low Books Inc.

Synopsis: Kiyoshi and his grandfather, Eto, observe the world around them on a walk to help Kiyoshi understand where poems come from. As they walk, Kiyoshi's grandfather composes haiku from the things they see.

Kiyoshi and Eto's relationship is a beautiful example for children of the importance of family and their impact on your identities. Furthermore, this book could help children better understand poetry and enjoy poetry more. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging for children while including elements of Japanese culture.

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Guest Post: Mark Karlins & Nicole Wong on the Creation of Kiyoshi’s Walk - Cynthia Leitich Smith

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By Mark Karlins and Nicole Wong Kiyoshi’s Walk, written by Mark Karlins and illustrated by Nicole Wong (Lee & Low, March 2021) is the story of a Japanese-American boy who wants to learn how to write poetry and of his relationship with his grandfather. Both of us found great joy in creating this bo…

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Written by: Megan Herbert, Michael E. Mann
Illustrated by: Megan Herbert

Genre: Poetry, Picture book

APA Citation: Herbert, M., & Mann, M. E. (2022). The Tantrum that Saved the World. North Atlantic Books.

Synopsis: Sophia's world is turned upside down when unexpected guests come to stay in her home after being displaced by climate change. While at first, she doesn't think climate change is her responsibility, after listening to their stories she discovers that it's everyone's problem and helps stop it.

Sophia's unexcepted houseguests come from different countries, cultures, and races but they all come together to stop climate change. This book teaches that we all have the strength and ability to stand up for what we believe in even if it seems difficult. It also teaches community responsibility because, even though Sophia has not been affected by climate change, she fights for those who have.

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This read-aloud combines the book with classical music that fits the story and illustrations.