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Title: Dream of Space      Author: Erin Entrada

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Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly wrote a beautiful picture book taken place in 1986, in Park Delaware.  This is a story of a few kids who eagerly await the launch of the Challenger.  It's a story of overcoming personal challenges and being part of an event that went down in history.

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Title:   We are Water Protectors   Author: Carole Lindstrom

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The picture book, We Are Water Protectors is a beautifully illustrated story about the sacredness of water. It was inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America. The author begins the story writing about how water is sacred in a poetic, lyrical fashion. Then the author says, "My people talk about a black snake that will destroy the land". This illusive snake is spoken about as something that is destroying the land. Climate change? People who don't protect the earth? Pollution? Are a few ideas I had that could represent the black snake. There is this deep message of taking care of the earth that is woven into each page of this book.

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Title: Idia of the Benin Kingdom     Author:  Ekiuwa Aire

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This story comes from the ancestral stories of Nigeria. It is a story of Queen Idia and the ancient Kingdom of Benin. The author weaves in traditions and tribal rituals from a Nigerian village through the story of a girl having a dream of her future. There are historical and cultural references throughout the story.

"Your heart will lead you where you are meant to be" is a profound nugget at the end of the story!

Award recipients:

Children's Africana Book Awards (CABA) - 2021 Winner - Best Books for Young Children

Wishing Shelf Book Award - 2020 Finalist

Kidsshelf Book Cover Award -2020 Winner

Eric Hoffer Award - Honourable Mention (Children's Category) First Horizon Finalist Grand Prize Short List

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Title: I Am Enough                 Author: Grace Byers

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This is a story that is full of inspiration and affirmations that fills up ones soul. I am Enough takes you on a journey of being kind to yourself and one another.  A must read for children and adults!

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Title:  Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World   Author:  Ashley Herring Blake

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This is a sweet, yet complex story of a pre-teen who is displaced from a tornado hitting her town.  It is a journey of a girl becoming a more authentic version of herself as she develops a crush on another girl and begins the exploration of sexual identity.... on her terms.

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Title: A Place inside of Me   Author: Zetta Elliot

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This is a poem that touches on many themes. Some of the notable ones are: Black lives, police violence, skateboarding and basketball. This is a great read for black kids to find representation as well as bring awareness to the vulnerabilities of our society today.

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Title: Each Tiny Spark                     Author:  Pablo Cartaya

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This chapter book touches on the struggles of kids with ADD, challenging family dynamics, and reconciliation. It's a great, relatable read for upper elementary students to find meaning or learn about the struggles that many kids deal with these days.

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Title: Songs for a Whale Tale          Author: Lynne Kelly

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This is a story of a tech savvy, deaf girl who finds solace in the song of the whales. She's thought of as "different" in her school and deals with feelings of being less than her peers. Ultimately she finds a deep connection in the song of the whales.

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Title: When Stars are Scattered     Author: Victoria Jamieson

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This book would be a great addition to a classroom library as it tells a story of a refugee camp in Kenya. Themes like hope, faith, survival are prevalent in this story. Great learnings for all kids around the world!

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Title:   Out of my Heart             Author:  Sharon M. Draper

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This is a charming story of a "differently-abled" pre-teen who finds a sense of belonging at a camp of kids just like her. This is a great book for kids to realize everyone has fears and facing them is the way to overcome. Great lessons for pre-teens!

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Title: Get a Grip Vivy Cohen!                         Author: Sarah Kapit

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Eleven - year old Vivy Cohen is autistic and determined. This is a story of being yourself, overcoming challenges and continuing to persevere when things get hard. There are great lessons in this book for upper elementary students.

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Title: The Girl who Spun Gold              Author: 

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This extraordinary picture book is a must-have in your classroom library. It tells a fictional story of a girl who

Quashiba, a peasant girl, is about to be made queen because the king believes that she can spin and weave golden things. A tiny creature comes to save her under the condition that she has three chances to guess his name right.
West Indian

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Title: Journey         Author: Aaron Becker

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This is a wonderful, fantastical story about a little girl who draws magic from her bedroom wall, using a red crayon to create the world of the unknown. This brings her to a world of wonder, adventure and danger. Great illustrations and plot line to expose children to the genre of fantasy.

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Title: Locomotive                                             Author: Brian Floca

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This is a wonderful picture book that will teach kids the history of the train - the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives.
*Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller

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Title: Show Me a Sign                                  Author:  Ann Clare LeZotte

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"Show Me a Sign" is a story about a deaf author and librarian in the early 19th century which takes place in Martha's Vineyard. This is a great book for upper elementary students as they will learn about historical events and the struggles of a deaf community.

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Hi Bronwyn! That's a good question--and one we all had input about. :-) Leah is correct--it could be the beginning of "family"--though the fingers wouHi Bronwyn! That's a good question--and one we all had input about. :-) Leah is correct--it could be the beginning of "family"--though the fingers would be a bit more bent. It could also be the end of important--thought the handshapes aren't exactly right. The figure could be about to sign "interpret." Scholastic asked me to take still photos of myself making certain handshapes. Of course, Mary and her peers speak MVSL not ASL. But we wanted to make sure the cover image indicating clearly that the MCs first language is sign. Artist Julie Morstad is also doing the cover for the companion book. I think that sign will be clearer. Thanks for caring and asking! KISSFIST, Ann ...more (less)

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Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

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Hi Bronwyn! That's a good question--and one we all had input about. :-) Leah is correct--it could be the beginning of "family"--though the fingers wouHi Bronwyn! That's a good question--and one we all had input about. :-) Leah is correct--it could be the beginning of "family"--though the fingers would be a bit more bent.