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We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

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We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

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Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Frané Lessac
Publication Date: 2021
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book | Social Justice | Indigenous Perspectives
Awards:

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)

ALSC Notable Children’s Book (2022)

Annotation:
Told as a classroom presentation, this nonfiction picture book teaches readers about Native American history and sovereignty, from treaties to tribal citizenship. Each page acts as a “lesson,” combining engaging illustrations with clear, accurate information.

Rationale:
A necessary addition to diversify nonfiction shelves with contemporary Indigenous voices. Accessible format makes it ideal for upper elementary read-alouds and curriculum tie-ins.

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

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Author: Christina Soontornvat
Publication Date: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction | Middle Grade Narrative Nonfiction
Awards:

Newbery Honor Book (2021)

Robert F. Sibert Honor (2021)

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist

Annotation:
Told with tension and clarity, this nonfiction book chronicles the dramatic rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team trapped in a flooded cave. Soontornvat masterfully weaves in Thai culture and science to tell a global story with local meaning. Includes photos and diagrams.

Rationale:
Highly engaging for reluctant readers and students interested in survival stories, this book also builds global awareness and understanding of collaborative problem-solving.

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Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

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Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

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Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Natasha Donovan
Publication Date: 2021
Genre: Picture Book Biography | STEM | Indigenous Representation
Awards:

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)

NSTA Best STEM Book (2022)

Annotation:
This picture book biography highlights Mary Golda Ross, a Cherokee woman who overcame gender and racial barriers to become one of the first female aerospace engineers. With engaging illustrations and clear explanations of her accomplishments, this book introduces readers to a hidden figure in STEM.

Rationale:
Perfect for upper elementary and middle grades, this book fills a gap in nonfiction representation of Indigenous women in STEM and aligns with diversity goals for classroom libraries.

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Authors: Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott
Publication Date: 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction | Autism Representation
Awards:

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (UK)

Based on viral writing by co-author Libby Scott, an autistic teen

Annotation:
Tally is an 11-year-old girl with autism who is starting middle school and trying to fit in while staying true to herself. Alternating between diary entries and narrative, the book reveals the internal world of a neurodivergent student. Co-written by a young autistic author, the book is authentic and honest.

Rationale:
Recommended for upper elementary and early middle school classrooms. This title helps readers understand the daily realities of autism from a first-person perspective and promotes inclusivity through empathy.

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Author: Alison Green Myers
Publication Date: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction | Autism Representation | Family & Nature Themes
Awards:

Schneider Family Book Award (2022)

ALSC Notable Children’s Book (2022)

Annotation:
Axel, a boy on the autism spectrum, finds safety in routines and deep connection to birds and nature. When a storm damages his home and a parent reenters his life, Axel navigates emotional challenges and discovers new strength. The prose is lyrical, and sensory descriptions are vivid.

Rationale:
Recommended to deepen the collection’s representation of neurodivergent characters in realistic fiction. The poetic writing paired with the emotional depth makes this title ideal for middle-grade readers and ELA classrooms exploring character and growth.

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Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure

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Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure

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Author/Illustrator: Lewis Hancox
Publication Date: 2022
Genre: YA Graphic Memoir | LGBTQ+ | Trans Identity
Awards:

Stonewall Honor Book (2023)

Kirkus Best Book of the Year (2022)

Annotation:
With humor, graphic storytelling, and vulnerability, Lewis Hancox shares his life as a closeted trans teen growing up in a conservative UK town. The illustrations elevate this coming-of-age journey, making complex identity issues approachable for teen readers.

Rationale:
This book builds LGBTQ+ representation and allows students of all identities to engage with inclusive, real-life experiences. Highly effective for promoting empathy and conversations around gender identity.

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Author: Christina Soontornvat
Illustrator: Joanna Cacao
Publication Date: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Memoir | Thai American Identity
Awards:

YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens (2023)

Annotation:
In this graphic memoir, Christina navigates middle school as one of the only Asian American girls in her Texas town. With humor and heart, she shares the ups and downs of trying out for the cheer squad while coping with racism, insecurity, and friendship struggles.

Rationale:
Recommended to provide a mirror for Asian American students and a window for others. It also meets the school’s goal to engage students through relatable middle school stories in accessible formats.

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Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American

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Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American

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Author/Illustrator: Laura Gao
Publication Date: 2022
Genre: YA Graphic Memoir | LGBTQ+ | Asian American Experience
Awards:

ALA Rainbow Book List (2023)

NPR Best Book of the Year (2022)

Annotation:
This candid and witty memoir follows Laura Gao’s journey as a queer Chinese American teen navigating life in the U.S., especially during the rise of anti-Asian hate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique narrative voice and rich artwork make this a standout.

Rationale:
This title strengthens representation of intersectional identities (race, ethnicity, and gender/sexuality) in the graphic novel section and promotes empathy and inclusion for Asian American and LGBTQ+ students.

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Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

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Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

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Authors: Tommie Smith & Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Publication Date: 2022
Genre: YA Graphic Memoir | Social Justice | African American History
Awards:

Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book (2023)

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist (2023)

Annotation:
Tommie Smith tells the story behind the historic 1968 Olympics protest from his own point of view in this powerful graphic memoir. With vivid illustrations and candid narration, he recounts his childhood, athletic journey, and moment of protest—raising a gloved fist on the Olympic podium.

Rationale:
Recommended for expanding the school’s nonfiction and graphic novel collections. This title supports social justice education while engaging visual learners and reluctant readers.

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Author: Rita Williams-Garcia (2021)
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Awards: Coretta Scott King Author Award (2022), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (2021)
Annotation:
Set on a Louisiana plantation in 1860, this complex novel delves into family dynamics, race, power, and privilege, providing historical insights and compelling characters.
Rationale:
Fills the library’s gap in historical fiction exploring race relations, engaging mature readers interested in complex historical narratives.

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Author: Malinda Lo (2021)
Genre: YA Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+
Awards: National Book Award Winner (2021), Stonewall Book Award Winner (2022)
Annotation:
Set in 1950s San Francisco, Lily Hu struggles with her Chinese-American identity and her feelings for another girl amidst anti-Asian racism and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Rationale:
Chosen for LGBTQ+ representation and historical depth, appealing to diverse high school readers.

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Authors: Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam (2020)
Genre: YA Novel-in-Verse
Awards: Walter Dean Myers Award (2021), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2021)
Annotation:
Amal, wrongfully incarcerated, uses poetry and art to navigate systemic injustice. Told in verse, it’s a powerful reflection on race, bias, and the transformative power of art.
Rationale:
Chosen to address racial justice topics and appeal to students who enjoy poetry and stories about overcoming adversity.

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Author: Angeline Boulley (2021)
Genre: YA Thriller, Indigenous Representation
Awards: Michael L. Printz Award (2022), American Indian Youth Literature Award (2022)
Annotation:
Daunis Fontaine, an Ojibwe teen, gets drawn into investigating a dangerous situation involving drugs in her community. This thriller combines mystery, cultural identity, and powerful storytelling.
Rationale:
Addresses the need for authentic indigenous voices and thrilling YA fiction to captivate high school readers.

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Author: Elizabeth Acevedo (2020)
Genre: YA Novel-in-Verse
Awards: Pura Belpré Award (2021), Goodreads Choice Award Best YA Fiction (2020)
Annotation:
Two sisters, Camino and Yahaira, learn about each other after losing their father in a tragic plane crash. Told in vivid verse, it beautifully captures themes of grief, family, and identity set between New York and the Dominican Republic.
Rationale:
Provides Afro-Latinx representation and appeals to poetry-loving and reluctant readers alike.

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Authors: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed (2020)
Genre: Graphic Memoir
Awards: Schneider Family Book Award (2021), National Book Award Finalist (2020)
Annotation:
Brothers Omar and Hassan grow up in a refugee camp, facing uncertainty but also finding hope. Told through heartfelt narrative and expressive visuals, it reveals the resilience of refugees.
Rationale:
Enhances graphic memoir selections, providing accessible storytelling and authentic representation of refugee experiences.

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Author/Illustrator: Cece Bell (2014)
Genre: Graphic Memoir
Awards: Newbery Honor (2015), Schneider Family Book Award (2015)
Annotation:
Cece Bell humorously recounts her childhood growing up deaf, navigating friendships, school, and identity in this heartfelt graphic novel memoir.
Rationale:
Addresses disability representation gaps and appeals visually to reluctant or diverse readers.

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Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century

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Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century

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Author: Alice Wong (2020)
Genre: YA Nonfiction, Disability Representation
Awards: Schneider Family Book Award Honor (2021), Kirkus Prize Finalist (2020)
Annotation:
This anthology features compelling essays by disabled individuals, highlighting varied personal experiences, challenges, and victories, breaking stereotypes about disability.
Rationale:
Recommended to strengthen authentic disability representation and provide diverse nonfiction content.

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Authors: Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi (2020)
Genre: YA Nonfiction
Awards: NAACP Image Award Nominee (2022), Goodreads Choice Award Best Nonfiction (2020)
Annotation:
Adapted for teens, this powerful book clearly explains America’s complicated racial history and introduces readers to antiracist thinking. Written conversationally, it helps students engage deeply with challenging topics.
Rationale:
Chosen to enrich nonfiction offerings and foster conversations about racial justice aligned with Olympia students' interests.