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Publisher: 7th Generation/Native Voices Books
Date/# of Pages: April 5th, 2021 40 pages
Genre: Non-fiction
Themes: Self-Confidence, Positive Reinforcements

A story packed with inspiring words and suggestions for any girl who is doubting herself. Jayla, the star of the book begins sharing her advice and how proud she is to be African American, and Latina... she goes on to describe all the things that make her wonderful.

This was a super cute story to inspire young girls to see the very best of themselves. To admire the things that make you stand out rather than blend in.

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By: Thanhha Lai
Published: February 22, 2011
# of Pages: 260
Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction
Themes: culture, war, friendship, bravery, resilience

Inside Out & Back Again is the story of a 10 year old girl Hà, who flees war-town Vietnam to the United States. The story tells of her family's struggles, and bravery while entering a new country.

This was a truly beautiful story that perfectly portrayed all that this young girl saw, and endured in the span of one year. Fleeing her home to a country that she became refugee in, essentially starting from scratch.

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Published: April 6, 2021
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction
Themes: Family, Loss, Love, Adventure

A touching story about a conversation between a Granddaughter and her Grandad regarding her Grandad's love story, and the many adventures they went on.

Grandad's Camper was an incredibly short, but sweet story of the Grandad's love story. The imagery really drew you in, and the love was felt page after page. A great story in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Written By: Shannon Stocker Illustrated by: Devon Holzwarth

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Listen: How Evelyn Glennie a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion  

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Listen: How Evelyn Glennie a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion  

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Published: Penguin Young Readers Group April 12,2022
# of Pages: 40
Genre: Biography, Creative Non-fiction
Themes: Disabilities & Special Needs, Perseverance

An empowering book of a young, deaf woman who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world.

Listen was such a great example of perseverance. Evelyn is continually being told that "she can't" only to continue to prove that she can. Despite all odds, Evelyn becomes the first solo percussionist in the world.

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Written By: Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by: Frank Morrison

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Published: Crown Books for Younger Readers September 20th, 2022
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Themes: Activism, Historical

A deeply moving picture book that has been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history.

I found this book to be incredibly touching. The imagery was unreal. As you turned each page, you began to really feel some of the emotions they were toggling with. The pictures matched the text beautifully, truly moving, an educational.

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Written By: Hannah Pang Illustrated by: Clover Robin

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Published by: 360 Degrees August 31st, 2021
# of Pages: 40
Genre: Non-Fiction, Science, and Nature

Six breathtaking landscapes around the world transform through the seasons. Featuring simple facts about creatures and plants.

I really enjoyed this book. The imagery was unlike anything I had ever seen before in a children's book. As you read the book you tour across the world, and learn many fun facts about animals and wildlife as the seasons change in each particular area. There were a handful of animals, and plants I had never heard of prior to reading this book. I could definitely see this book being implemented around a science based lesson. There's just so many facts about seasons, animals, and wildlife I think you could really create some fun content ideas stemming from this book.

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Written By: Beth Ferry Illustrated by: Molly Idle 

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Published: October 27th, 2020 Roaring Brook Press
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Bedtime story, Fiction

Animals inspire little ones to chase their dreams and reach for the stars.

This one was a super cute story, I'd say for ages 5 and under. Simple one sentence pages. with beautiful animal images on each page. A truly uplifting little book.

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Published: National Geographic Books 2021
# of Pages: 295
Genre: Juvenile Fiction

"Ten year-old Aniyah and her little brother find themselves living in foster care after the sudden disappearance of their Mum. With her life is disarray, Aniyah knows just one thing for sure; her Mum isn't gone forever."

The was an incredibly sad, but touching story about two young kids who lost their Mother after leaving their abusive Father. Aniyah has a deep love for the stars, and hopes to name a constellation after her Mother. It's an incredibly heart wrenching story of how Aniyah, and her little brother navigate foster care, and life without the constant abuse. I would definitely consider this to be a story for the upper elementary grades. It's a lengthy read, with a lot of emotional elements in the seams. I would use this book in the classroom as maybe a choice read to write a book report on.

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Published: Amulet Books New York September 2nd, 2014
# of Pages: 248
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Biography

"This book is a loose autobiographical account of Belle's childhood and life with her deafness."

El Deafo was such a unique perspective from a deaf child. Especially having gone from hearing to not hearing. The book greatly displayed the struggles the young girl went through with feeling different, and finally finding herself. I think this is a great story to use in the classroom for inclusivity. I think it could be read for all age groups.

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Written By: Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by: Rafael López

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Published By: Nancy Paulsen Books August 28th, 2016
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Fiction

This is a beautiful story about finding ways to connect as a young child, even when you feel scared and alone.

The illustrator did a great job creating vibrant images that depicted the emotions of being scared, alone, and even happy. It's a very inspiring book on celebrating your uniqueness, and being you!

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Written By: Sara Greenwood Illustrated By: Luisa Uribe

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Published by: Random House Studio October 11th, 2022
# of Pages: 40
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Family

"A young girl reflects on the emotions and challenges of growing up with a brother that is incarcerated."

I really enjoyed this book. Growing up with a Father that was incarcerated for most of my life this was something that really hit home for me. It greatly explains the feelings of not really understanding why said relative is away, but also the judgment you receive from everyone else. I think this would be a great book to incorporate all age levels in elementary. A tie in activity might be for the students to share a time in which they felt judged, or something that they feel makes their family dynamic unique.

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Written By: Laurel Goodluck Illustrated by: Jonathan Nelson

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Publisher: Charlesbridge October 4h, 2022
# of Pages: 32
Reading Level: Pre-K-2nd Grade

"This is a Native American story about Kara and Amanda who are best-friend cousins. Kara leaves the city with her family to move back to the rez. Will their friendship be the same? They hate not being together."

I found this book to super cute, and incredibly relatable for a lot of people.  Growing up I had cousins that I was inseparable with, and then it became only summers just like it t did in this story. I think this story signifies the importance of family, and maintaining relationships no matter the distance. I think a great tie in activity would be to have your students write or draw about a relative they wish they lived closer to.

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Written By: Ellen Levine Illustrated By: Kadir Nelson

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Published By: Scholastic Press 2007
# of pages: 40
Reading Level: Kindergarten-3rd Grade

"A stirring dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom."

This was a really sweet, heart-wrenching story about one boys journey to freedom. Henry's Freedom Box accurately depicted the happenings during this time period. The book told stories of sorrow, and triumph. I think this would be a great story to incorporate into the classroom around a history lesson, maybe Black History Month. A tie in activity could be seen as having the students illustrate what a freedom box would look like to them. It would be interesting to see everyone's interpretation.

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Written by: Beth Ferry Illustrated by: Tom Lichtenheld

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Published by: Harper Collins Publishing January 8th, 2019
# of pages: 48
Genre: Fiction, Friendship, Bravery

"A lonely tree branch and rock find friendship and strength together. A chance encounter leads Stick to stand up for Stone against a bullying pine cone. Now inseparable, the two explore and play."

This is a super cute story about an unlikely friendship between a stick and a stone. Both the stick and stone are lonely and lack friends. As they

find one another they build a great friendship and together they make the perfect 10! I think this would be a great story to read at the beginning of the School year to maybe encourage new friendships.

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Published by: Clarion Books 2016
# of Pages: 40 pages
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy
Themes: Friendship, Imagination

"Leo isn't just a stuffed toy; he is Henry's best friend. But when the two are accidentally separated, no one in Henry's family believes Leo is real enough to find his way home."

The imagery throughout this story is breathtaking. It's a great story that tells the significance of friendship between Leo and Henry. While all of Henry's family insists that Leo isn't real. Leo is as real his parents in Henry's eyes. This story shows connection, and a vivid imagination. I think this would be a great story for your younger aged elementary kids who very well could have a similar connection with one of their stuffed animals.

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Written By: Sue Fliess Illustrated By: Claire Keane

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Publisher/Published Date: Christy Ottaviano May 10th, 2016
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction

"Soar into an enchanting miniature world full of fairies. These playful creatures are all around us, if you know just where to look. And if you want one to come to you, build a fairy house of twigs and blooms and wait patiently for a fairy to take up residence."

The illustrations of this book gave me Disney vibes which I feel young kids would remain super engaged with. It was an adorable enchanting story about building a friendship with a fairy, and how you can best lure a fairy in. I think this would be an appropriate book all the way up to 4th and 5th grade even. For a tie in activity I think students could really explore their creativity by creating their own fairy house.

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Written By: Margarita Engle Illustrated by: Rafael Lòpez

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Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

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Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

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Published By: Atheneum Books August 27th, 2019
# of Pages: 40
Genre: Biography, Children's Non-fiction

"As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy."

This book shows the significance of having a talent or hobby. How beautifully those talents can flourish. Teresa is incredibly talented piano player. whose talents took her to places she could never imagine. I would use this book for my upper elementary kids. Use it as maybe a point of reference to encourage my students to start their own hobbies. As a class we could share aloud some hobbies or talents we might like to enhance.

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Published By: HarperCollins Publisher 2022
# of pages: 40 pages
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction, African American culture

"An awe-inspiring picture book autobiographical picture book about a young African American girl who lived during the shutdown of public schools in Farmville, Virginia following the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education Topeka..."

This story is an Autobiography of Yolanda's young life, and the civil rights events that were taking place around her as a young child. It tells Yolanda's story beautifully, and tells of her memories in regards to the schools being shut down during a pivotal time in history. I would use this story from probably 3rd grade and on as it's a pretty long detailed story that I feel younger age students may lose interest.

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Published by: HarperCollins Publishing February 5th, 2019
# of Pages: 256
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction, Humor
Age Range: 9-12 years old

"The Novel tells the story of a 12 year old African American boy named Jordan Banks who experiences culture shock when he enrolls at a private school."

This was a great graphic novel that showed some insight on what it means to be torn between two worlds. Especially from a teenagers persepective. The story showed the topic of race from the African American perspective and how Jordan adjusted to his new school. I would say this book would be appropriate for 5th grade, and older.

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Published by: Starscape August 29th, 2017
# of Pages: 256
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Family, School injustice

"It all started the day Amy Anne Ollinger tried to check out her favorite book in the whole world, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, from the school library. That's when Mrs. Jones, the librarian, told her the bad news; her favorite book was banned! All because a classmate's Mom thought it wasn't appropriate to read."

I really loved this book! It actually even made me tear up at one point. I loved that such a young girl felt the need to advocate for not banning books. The relationship between Amy and the librarian was also beautiful. I found this book incredibly easy to read. I would probably introduce this book to my upper elementary age kids. As it is a longer read, and has some themes that the younger ages may not comprehend.

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Written By: Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond Illustrated By: Daniel Minter

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Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky

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Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky

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Published by: Knopf Books for Young Readers February 15th, 2022
# of Pages: 40
Genre: Children's Literature, Creative Non-fiction

"Discover a world of creativity and tradition in this fascinating picture book that explores the history and cultural significance of the color blue."

This was a very beautiful story that included several facts, and historical references to the color blue. Additionally, the imagery for this book was breathtaking. I would probably introduce this book 3rd grade and up. As the text is a bit complex. I think a great tie in activity would be to have the students write about how the color blue is significant in their world. What does blue in color represent for them...

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Written By: Hannah Carmona Dias Illustrated by: Dolly Georgiyea-Gode

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Published by: Eifrig Publishing 2018
# of pages: 34 pages
Genre: Self Love, Juvenile Fiction, Acceptance

"Dark skin, curly hair, freckles, and full lips. Smart, strong, funny, and friendly. Lilly knows that she does not look like her friends, and others have noticed. Through playful, lyrical lines, Lilly speaks up for every child who has been asked What are you? in this celebration of self-love and acceptance."

This book was full of bright colors! I loved that this book told the story of a girl who simply just loves who she is. Inside and out. It's a great book to encourage self-love. Additionally, you could have your students drive a self portrait and describe what makes them unique from their neighbor. I think this book could be introduced as early as 1st grade.

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Retold By: Margaret MacDonald Illustrated By: Deborah Melmon 

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Published by: Amazon Children's Publishing 1/29/13
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Perseverance, Children's Literature, Never Giving Up

"...Elephant was shouting and stomping. But could he stomp a hole deep enough to reach water for the thirsty animals? Maybe... Maybe not. All the animals tried until tiny Gecko takes a turn. He is small... but he is determined. And he's not going to give up!"

I found this to be a great story that demonstrated perseverance, and believing in yourself.  The way the story was written also makes it a great story for students to shout, and read along with. I would say this book is more geared toward K-3rd grade. As it's pretty interactive, and has a fairly simple concept behind it. I would encourage my students afterward to share with the class a time in which they didn't give up despite challenges that arose.

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Written By: Meredith Babeaux Brucker Illustrated by: You-shan Tang 

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Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella story from India 

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Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella story from India 

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Published by: Lee & Low Books; Reprint Edition April 29th, 2013
# of Pages: 32
Genre: Fairytale, Folklore, Children's Literature

"Cinduri has a lot of work to do. Every day she walks to the lake to fetch drinking water, milks the cow, cleans the house, prepares the meals, cleans the animal pens, and sells vegetables. Her stepmother and step sister however, don't do any work. They just order Cinduri about and give her a bowl of rice and a few leftover to eat. The lake however, is full of magic..."

This story had beautiful illustrations that paid tribute to the Indian culture. Similar to the traditional Cinderella stories we've all heard before some common themes can be seen. However, this one had a few twists of its own. A Godfather White Snake for starters. I think this story would be most applicable to grades 4th and 5th.

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Retold by: Myrna J. de la Paz Illustrated by: Youshma Tanz

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Published by: Shens Books & Supplies 2001
# of Pages: 32 pages
Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature
Age Range: 6-9 years

"Mother, Oh Mother, Bathala, Creator of the Earth, Anitos, Spirits of my ancestors, hear me, and help me...As Abadeha wept and prayed, she saw a beautiful woman, bathed in radiant light, who appeared to take her worries away. So go the blessings of Cinderella's fairy Godmother throughout the struggles and eventual triumphs of a young girl against her oppressors."

Yet again, another great twist of the originally told Cinderella stories. This one is inspired by Philippine culture, presenting some of the familiar elements of Cinderella that we know. But adding cultural elements that make it completely original.

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Written By: Jenny Lacika Illustrated by: Teresa Martinez

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Published by: Charlesbridge May 3rd, 2022
# of Pages: 32
Grade Level: Pre-K-1st Grade
Genre: Informational, family

"Rafael wants to protect his toys from his little sister, Essie. Gathering around the house, he builds a wall tall enough and wide enough to keep her out. But will it be strong enough? And what does Essie really want?"

I really enjoyed this book! I listened to it on Youtube with my littles. The book really reminded me of some similar struggles I see between my two kids, there's a two and a half year age gap between mine. Similar to in the story I have to often remind my Son that his little Sister just wants to play with him. The story really greatly depicted the sibling dynamic. I also loved that they incorporated some Spanish really honoring multilingual students. I thought a great tie in activity might be to have the students use resources in the classroom as Essie's brother did to create a wall.

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Written by: Annette Bay Pimentel Illustrated by: Magaly Morales

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Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories

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Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories

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Published by: Harry N. Abrams September 7th, 2021
# of Pages: 40
Grade Level: Pre-K-2nd Grade
Genre: Children's Literature, Non-Fiction, Biography

"When Pura grows up and moves from Puerto Rico to Harlem, she gets a job at the library, where she is surrounded by stories--but they're only in English. Where is Señor Gallo? Where is Pérez the mouse? Where is Puerto Rico on these shelves? She decides to tell children the tales of her homeland in English and in Spanish."

I thought this story was beautiful. For starters, the illustrations were super vibrant and I felt greatly depicted the imagery the author wanted us to see. As you read the story the author does a great job of really putting you there. Her words are beautifully written, and create such a picture. I also love that she tells the story in both Spanish and English. Have students write their own short story or poem about a personal experience they have.

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Published by: Candlewick; Reprint Edition April 9th, 2013
# of Pages: 40 pages
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

"Two young tooth fairies make their first lost-tooth collection"

This was such a cute little story. I loved that it was a modern twist on the Tooth Fairy. Two little tooth fairies with their cell phones. So fun. I think a fun tie in activity would maybe be before I read the story having the students draw what they think the tooth fairy looks like. I would say this book is applicable for grades K-2nd

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Written by: Margarita Engle Illustrated by: Rafael Lopèz

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Published by: HarperCollins Publishing 3/31/2015
# of Pages: 48 pages
Genre/Themes: Fiction, Perseverance

"In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream..."

This was a really inspiring story telling of a young girls love for music despite what her culture generally supports. On the Island of music the girls don't play drums only the boys. However, the young girl can't help herself. This story was a great depiction of pursuing your dreams. A great segway to asking your students what is something that you just absolutely love and couldn't give up?

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Written by: Hiba Masood Illustrated by: Jasmine Toguchi

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Published By: Daybreak Press 09/03/2013
# of Pages: 37 pages
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Family,

"Year after year in the blessed month of Ramadan, little Najma has happily arisen to the drum beat of her neighborhood's musaharati. He walks through the streets of her small Turkish village, waking each family for the pre-dawn meal before the long day of fasting. Najma wants nothing more than to be a musaharati herself one day, but no girl has ever taken on the role before. Will she have what it takes to be the drummer girl of her dreams?"

This book did a great job of representing it's culture. However, Najma wants things to change a bit, as she would love to be alongside the people in her neighborhood playing the drums. I would say this book is most appropriate for 2nd-4th grade as it's a bit of a longer book with more in depth concepts.

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Written by: Matt De La Peña Illustrated by: Corinna Luyken

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Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (August 30, 2022)
# of Pages: 48 pages
Genre: Fiction, Children's Literature

" A young dancer may grow into a computer coder; a basketball player might become a poet; a class clown may one day serve as an inspiring teacher; and today’s quiet empath might be tomorrow’s great leader. Here's a profound and uplifting new classic with an empowering message for readers of all ages: Your story is still being written."

This book was a great demonstration of teaching children to be themselves, that individually we all have something unique that makes us special, or talented. I would say this book could be introduced grades K-3rd.

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Written by: Nikole Hannah-Jones Illustrated by: Nikkolas Smith

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Published by: Kokila; Unabridged edition November 16th, 2021
# of pages: 48 pages
Genre: Poetry, Creative Non-Fiction

"A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders.
But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived."

This was a beautiful, touching story about a young girl who is assigned a project to tell her peers who she is, and where she comes from, "her roots." The young girl is at a loss of where her family originates from, and how to tell her peers. She then approaches her Grandmother who tells the story of her roots all the way from the beginning, to present day. The Grandmother tells a beautiful poetic story of how the African American culture started, of the horrific things that happened in between, and how their family has persevered to what it is now. I think a great connecting activity would be to also have the students create a family tree, or something similar.