# data[].attributes.body
Youtube videos dedicated to book summaries, readings, and reviews for kids by kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See what Haylie, age 8, has to say about Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin, illustrated by Bryan Langdo. "I would recommend this to friends or maybe when I grow up and I have children I might give this book to my children to read."

# data[].attributes.body
Online resource for book recommendations about families with lesbian, gay, and transgender family members.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last year when I posted a similar LGBT picture books round up some of my readers made it very clear that they were not happy about my post. So before I even start let me say these books aren't going to be for all of you. But this post and book list isn't about you. It's not about your politics or mine. This list is a resource for families. It's a resource for the mom who is trying to explain to her child why their uncle is now an aunt, for the teacher who has a child with two dads and wants some good titles to add to her classroom library to reflect all her students, it is for that child who thinks something is wrong with them because none of their books show families like theirs. This list is for them.

I know some of you will disagree but I have to do what feels right to me and to my heart even if there are consequences. If this list turns 100 of you away I'll be sad but OK with it if it helps one child, and I know it will.

Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen is a sweet book about a little guinea pig Chloe and her issues with her uncle getting married. Now you might think that the issues are around the fact that he's marrying another male guinea pig but that's not it at all. The issues are about how close Chloe is to Uncle Bobby and how she doesn't want that to change. This is a great book that normalizes same sex weddings and focuses instead on the things that matter most to the children- how they are going to be affected.

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert is a story about a little boy who doesn't feel like a little boy and dreams of the most amazing dresses every night. He tries to tell his family about his dreams but they brush them off reminding Bailey he is a boy and boys shouldn't dream of dresses. His family is NOT accepting at all and you must know that. For me I saw this as an opportunity to talk about adversity. What I love about this book is that while the narrator refers to Bailey as a she all of Bailey's family refers to Bailey as a boy. Only Laurel an older girl who accepts Bailey as she views herself calls her a girl. While my 3 year old is too young to get the various levels of this book she understands that it's OK for people to dress how they want and my 7 year old is old enough to understand that gender is not always black and white. The book itself is amazingly creative and a great book about acceptance even if you don't dive head first into a discussion about transgender issues with your kids they will still like it.

Molly's Family by Nancy Garden had both my kids captivated when I read it to them at lunch yesterday. The story is about Molly who is in kindergarten and after she draws a picture at school of her two moms she is faced with a classmate telling her she can't have two moms. There are many things I love about this book but most of all it is the adult reactions to this child saying it's not possible that drew me in. Molly's classmate that was sure two moms was simply impossible wasn't told that he was wrong instead the teacher discussed how different every family was and how Molly's was just as much a family has his or any other. I loved even more how Molly became shy about displaying her drawing because it gave me a chance to talk to my 6 year old about the power of words and not listening to others and how dismissing people can hurt . I also loved how the next day the little boy who was so sure that two moms wasn't possible was totally cool with it. He just didn't know it was a possibility and I think that is a good reminder for why books like this matter.

King and King by Linda de Haan is a fairytale and a funny one at that. The queen is old and cranky and wants her son to take over the kingdom but he must be married to do so. He tells her he's not really into princesses but Mama doesn't take the hint. After finding fault with every princess presented to him he falls in love at first sight with a prince and they live happily ever after. I like the whimsical illustrations and my kids thought the prince was funny. My son thought the book had a twist at the end with the princes falling in love, but just like the queen in the story there was no debate over why. I like that this book uses the familiar fairytale structure to make an important statement about the existence of same sex marriage and can be a great ice breaker to talk about it with your kids.

Jacob's New Dress by Sarah Hoffman is about Jacob who likes to wear dresses. Unlike Bailey in 10, 000 dresses Jacob is accepted by the majority of his peers and family. His parents encourage him to be himself cautiously and I liked that throughout the story his parents softened their stance as Jacob became more confident about how he felt and how he'd handle teasing. Jacob was teased but he was also accepted which makes this book a great discussion starter with any child whether they have a child in their school who may dress in gender non-conforming ways, or a family member who is transgender. Not all boys who wear dresses are going to identify as transgender or gay and this book doesn't say they will, instead it says to be yourself whoever that may be.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis has been talked about so much I think I had inflated expectations. Don't get me wrong I think the message is so important and the book does a good job at introducing readers to her son who is different , to how he gets hurt when people laugh at him and how great his family is at accepting him. I like how simply blunt the book is and it should be because the lesson should be about acceptance and allowing people, especially children to express their true self. I think I was expecting more of a story even though I knew it was non fiction. It opened a great dialog with my 5 year old son about how he would treat a male friend if they wanted to dress in a dress- good discussion at our house , worth the read for sure!

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers and Marla Frazee .This book celebrates all sorts of babies and all the every day things babies do. My daughter points out all the babies on each page as I read the rhyming text . So maybe you are thinking " What's so great about babies and text that rhymes?" nothing, that isn't what makes this book so awesome. I love this book because of it's diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of all babies and families. The illustrations are full of depictions of all sorts of families showering their smallest most precious member with love . What I adore about the diversity of the illustrations is that readers are left to put whatever assumption we wish on the families in the book. What I assumed were two mommies my husband thought was a husband and wife, I thought a lady was a grandma and my son said it was just a older mom. This is why I love this book, my daughter doesn't see why this message is outstanding, what she does see is all sorts of happy babies in all sorts of families being the norm and this is the world we want her to know.

Donovan's Big Day by Leslea Newman is a book about Donovan's day leading up to being the ring bearer at his moms' wedding. The book does a fantastic job at showing that children in same sex families are just like children in any family. This day is a big day for Donovan but before he hands them the rings and kisses the brides he has a bunch of other things to do. I adore the illustrations by Mike Dutton and how he brings this little boy to life. Like so many of these books this book is not about politics it's about a family celebrating a special day.

Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman was widely banned when it was first released. It is probably the best known picture book about a family with same sex parents . When you read it the first thing you will probably think is that it doesn't live up to the banning. I always imagine banned books to be truly out there and this book is about a family with a doctor , a carpenter, and their daughter. Heather is starting a new school and she is nervous and exploring all the possibilities of what a family looks like just as her classmates are. She recognizes that her family is different but not less than. The illustrations are black and white and a little dated but the story is on the right track.

Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman is a book about everyday life of a family with two moms. What I love about this book is that it showcases parts of the day that young toddlers through preschoolers can relate to easily. They have bath time, they go to the park, they cook dinner, in other words they are a family like any with a small child. My son loved this book and related easily to the baby in the book and to the experiences that they share.The book makes no political statement, no explanation of two mommies and it shouldn't, it's a book targeted to toddlers about one loving family and nothing more. There is also a version with two dads called Daddy, Papa, and Me .

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager is a book about a little girl with two daddies. She is playing with a friend who is asking her how it works to have two daddies. He asks her the type of questions any young child might and she answers them as they play together. I like this book because it addresses the sorts of questions young kids have about same sex families and most of all it explains how similar all families really are no matter who is a part of it. I love that the illustrations are done from the perspective of the young children only showing the adults from about knee level and down. Cute, bright book and my daughter loves it.

A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager got my kids out of their seats at the table and glued next to me because they wanted to be that close to the illustrations by Mike Blanc . They were so vibrant and the perspective was so great that both my kids ( 6 and 3 ) were immediately smitten. The story is great too, it's really a collection of questions from two friends asking a third about how his family with two mommies work. Sometimes adults go straight for the deep big issues when really kids just want to know which mom is the one to coach little league and which one bakes cakes. The overall feeling readers are left with is that this little boy's life isn't all that different at all.

The Family Book by Todd Parr is a book that doesn't give readers a narrow definition of family , it doesn't say that your family has to look a certain way, or be the same as your neighbors. As a teacher I really appreciated the matter of fact way it embraced diversity. It makes mention of some families having two moms or two dads in the same vein as all the other similarities and differences. Kids see that families are not all like theirs and it's important to validate the truth while recognizing that while families may not all look alike, all families are made with love. Great book , cute illustrations ,and children love it.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson is a much debated book. It's the true story of two male penguins in central park zoo who didn't have any interest in the girl penguins but definitely liked each other. When the zoo keepers noticed that they were in every way a matched pair they also noticed that they prepared for a baby just like the other penguins. Time after time they were sad until they were given an egg to care for. Just like all families love and care is what matters when creating a family and baby Tango and his two daddies have thrived . My son loved this book and asked me to please go see the penguins when I was in NYC. I didn't have time to but I wish I had. Their story simplifies a very debated topic and I think it's a great book not only to explain how all families are different but also how love and care are really what makes a family even for penguins.

Daddy's Roommate by Micheal Willhoite is a little different from the other books in this list in that the child in the book has a mommy, a daddy ,and daddy also has a roommate. The book was written in 1990 and even though we don't often hear "roommate" as a euphemism for partner or boyfriend anymore but in 1990 is was probably more common. That aside the book does a good job of explaining what this little boys life is like. Bug catching, reading, scary dreams... it's pretty average stuff but he has three adults to care for him. I also like that the boy's parents are divorced which will be something many readers will connect with. The book's explanation of what gay means is really simple and perfect for the book's audience. I do think that the pictures are dated but I don't think kids will pick up on that as much as adults will.

Are we missing a book you think should be added to the list? Leave a comment and let us know so we can check it out!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LGBT Picture Books - Books About Families with Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Family Members. - No Time For Flash Cards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last year when I posted a similar LGBT picture books round up some of my readers made it very clear that they were not happy about my post. So before I even start let me say these books aren't going to be for all of you.

# data[].attributes.body
Online resource for content area specific books and relevant activities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PBS KIDS Lab: a mobile guide to the best in math and literacy games from Ready to Learn. Available in English and Spanish.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Best Children's Books, According to Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
The Best Children's Books, According to Kids

# data[].attributes.body
Yearly guides for the best children's books of the year according to kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With over 30,000 new children's books published each year, it's hard to know which ones your child MUST read. I am constantly scanning awards lists, review journals, local bookstore picks, and online reviews to figure out what to add to my "to be read" pile.

But, to put together this Best Books of 2017 list, I went straight to the most important people. I polled kid readers on Bookopolis.com, a social network and book discovery tool for young readers, and their educators and parents to find out what books young readers love so much that they recommend them to their friends. Their picks for 2017 range from magical adventures to sad and compelling historical stories to funny and poignant realistic fiction.

Picture Books

by Dan Santat

A twist on the classic tale of Humpty Dumpty takes a look at how Humpty is getting along after his famous fall. He is now terrified of heights, which is not good for an avid bird watcher who likes to climb up to high places. Wit and charm mingle with important ideas about overcoming fear in this masterfully told story.
(Ages 4 - 8)

by R. J. Palacio

The picture book version of the smash hit middle-grade novel and movie, Wonder, shares an earlier story of Auggie, a boy with facial deformities who navigates trying to fit in and be the uniquely special individual he is. As Mrs R. shares, "This book is perfect for readers of all ages to see the good and kind in everyone."
(Ages 4 - 8)

Graphic & Illustrated Novels
What were your favorite books of 2017? Share in the comments below. Looking for Young Adult book ideas? Check out The Best YA Books of 2017, According to Teens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Best Children's Books of 2017, According to Kids | Brightly

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With over 30,000 new children's books published each year, it's hard to know which ones your child MUST read. I am constantly scanning awards lists, review journals, local bookstore picks, and online reviews to figure out what to add to my "to be read" pile.

# data[].attributes.body
Online blog written by former elementary teacher and literacy trainer, highlighting recommended nonfiction children's books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's so exciting to see how many exceptional nonfiction books for kids are being published every month! I'm loving these books and think you will as well.

Exceptional Nonfiction Books for Kids

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) illustrated by Stacy Innerst
Invest in this nonfiction picture book for your classrooms and libraries - it's a wealth of information presented in a very interesting way. You'll be as astounded as me that you've lived so long without knowing much of this information about President Lincoln's sense of humor - and learn examples of his very pithy words of humor and wisdom. And the illustrations are just lovely.

Glow Animals with Their Own Night-Lights by W.H. Beck
I LOVE the photography in this beautiful nonfiction picture book and think you will as well. Brightly colored (glowing) plants and animals with bioluminescence pop out of the pages on black backgrounds. Each two page spread page has both large and medium sized text with the perfect amount of text - not too much! Read to find out why these creatures glow. You'll learn how they use this adaptation for a purpose such as hunting, hiding, and tricking. Impressive.

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Lil Grump
Colorful and easy to read, I very much enjoyed this informational book and it's kid-friendly layout. Plus it's packed full of fascinating facts about the science of DNA and how researchers figured it out and use it in practical applications like solving crimes.

Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurryKate Sessions helped plant San Diego with a variety trees that would grow in the city's climate. She worked hard to make sure that by the World's Fair, there were enough trees for shade that the attendees wouldn't be too hot. Beautifully written and illustrated!

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
If only all nonfiction books for children were this engaging and well-written! This reads like a story, a narrative. Thank you, Mr. Sheinkin!

Bomb: The Race to Build -and Steal-the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
Another knock-out nonfiction book from the talented Steve Sheinkin! I'm so impressed how Sheinkin makes this story come ALIVE like it's an adventure / mystery / thriller and not real life. Well, they do say truth is stranger than fiction. But usually it's written like it's duller than dirt. This book is a great exception - mesmerizing. I wasn't even interested in the topic until I started reading.

by Suzanne Tripp Juryman, illustrated by Larry Day
His goal was to be president like his cousin Teddy so Franklin worked hard to walk in Ted's footsteps - and things went well until he got polio which paralyzed his legs. Things got better but then America got sick with The Great Depression. Franklin ran for President to try to fix the sickness. He was elected (twice in a row) and created jobs, a government pension plan, and help for farmers. This is an informative and well-written biography.

Mean Machines Customized Cars The world's hottest most impressive and exciting customized cars by Kane Miller
So many kids love cars like these (okay, and many of their dad's do as well). This book highlights cool custom cars, their top speeds, their 0-60 mph, and their horsepower. From an Aston Martin DBS to the Bugatti Veyron, if you have a car lover, he will devour this book.

by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno
In a time when girls didn't get to play sports, Edith excelled so much that she was playing on the only woman's baseball team at ten years old - and got to play in Japan! Fantastic illustrations by Steven Salerno.

by Robbie Robertson, illustrated by David Shannon
The Peacemaker was a real person who choose a man named Hiawatha to help him communicate his message of peace and unity to the five nations of Iroquois. The message wasn't well-received at first but the Peacemaker helped the tribal leaders understand forgiveness and unity. United, the Iroquois nation became a model for democracy which was said to have influenced Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This nonfiction biography series for young readers is absolutely fantastic. The latest is this book about Martin Luther King, Jr. whose cartoon illustration will give you a chuckle - since it's him as a kid but with a mustache. We learn how much Martin liked words, an experience with a white friend not playing with him because he was black, winning a speech competition, and so much more. The injustice in the world bothered Martin and he wanted to do something about it. The book does NOT end with his death but ends on a positive note of standing strong and facing struggles.

by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
"Apes ape. Fish fish. Badgers badger. " Start your children's love for word play young with this captivating picture book!

Where's Will? Find Shakespeare Hidden In His Plays by Anna Claybourne, illustrated by Tilly
This is the coolest search and find book! A two-page spread show cartoons with the storyline of each of ten plays followed by another two-page spread illustrating the play where you must search to find Shakespeare.

Biggest and Smallest! Guinness World Records Over 300 Fun Facts by Christy Webster
Photos accompany fun facts about the biggest and smallest of so many things - food, instruments, and more.

Wacky and Wild! Guinness World Records by Calliope Glass
The smallest living horse, a girl with the biggest collection of Hello Kitty items (one 4,000!), and the fastest snowman to run a marathon - all of these wacky facts are fun to read!

by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
You'll find this to be a fascinating glimpse of two activists who are both fighting for their rights - one for women and one for African Americans. Very interesting!

by Robin Page
If you like chickens, and who doesn't really, then this book is for you!! You'll learn about different breeds, types of coops, all the basics of chickens!

by Carolyn Sloan and James Williamson
Mouse narrate this beautiful and informative nonfiction picture book that teaches kids about the symphony from the conductor to woodwinds to harmony. On the right side the book are interactive buttons for children to press and hear the different instruments and musical terms. Sometimes the buttons don't work on my book anymore though.

Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World by Pope Francis
Letters from children (whose names, ages and country are included) ask Pope Francis about all sorts of topics - what makes him happy, why do people suffer, why do parents argue, how to find God . . . Pope Francis replies to each letter with love and thoughtfulness in a conversational, kid-friendly manner.

Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Michele Wood
I loved this nonfiction picture book about Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman - two women who changed the world!

Messenger The Legend of Joan of Arc A Graphic Novel by Tony Lee and Sam Hart
Tween and teen readers probably don't know the true story of Joan of Arc. While the authors don't claim that this is anything but fiction, I would say it's closer to nonfiction since it's based on historical facts. It's amazing to see Joan never waver in her convictions and stand strong in the face of doubt and eventually death. This is an excellent depiction of her life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
26 Exceptional Nonfiction Books for Kids | Imagination Soup

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's so exciting to see how many exceptional nonfiction books for kids are being published every month! I'm loving these books and think you will as well. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) illustrated by Stacy Innerst Invest in this nonfiction picture book for your classrooms and libraries - it's a wealth of information presented in a very interesting way.

# data[].attributes.body
Community resource held at the Texas Women's University library. Event includes read aloud, short video, and craft idea that can be used for inspiration in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Website and Instagram page serving as an updated children's book recommendation page and online book subscription service.

# data[].attributes.body
Weekly literacy activity that allows a parent, community member, or author to come to the classroom and read aloud from their favorite book.

# data[].attributes.body
Trending hashtag on Twitter that began as a daily reading challenge and has transformed into a hub for sharing children's books used in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Online reading program that uses music to engage students with text to assist in memorizing and retaining information quickly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Lyrics2Learn? | Reading Comprehension and Reading Fluency Lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lyrics2learn is a brain-based, on-line reading program that uses interactive music and video to dramatically improve reading fluency for kids in grades K-5.

# data[].attributes.body
Free online app that can be used to upgrade the Readers' Theater experience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about MouthOff™. Download MouthOff™ and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

# data[].attributes.body
Free online app that provides a storydiscovery experience allowing children to easily find new books on their own.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
FarFaria - Get Free Children's Books & Read Stories. App on iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
FarFaria is a magical world of stories for children ages 2-9 for iPad, iPhone and Android. Discover new bedtime stories and build reading skills with new books added every week.

# data[].attributes.body
Online resource that allows students to take storytelling to a new level through writing and sharing their own stories.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My Story School eBook Maker on the App Store

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about My Story School eBook Maker. Download My Story School eBook Maker and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.