Meg Medina is a Cuban American who writes for all audiences, including all things from picture books to adult-oriented books. The character of the book I chose is also a Latin-American woman, the main difference simply being the age of the author versus the character.  The audience of the book might be able to connect to Merci Suarez by the differences between her and her classmates and also her desire to build connections to her peers and family. 

The book uses hand-drawn and colored pictures that emphasize the vibrant colors, especially within Merci Suarez's outfits. The illustrations also use implied lines. These artistic styles help emphasize the more juvenile themes and contexts.   

Garvey's Choice follows the life of a boy named Garvey and his family struggles due to an ongoing conflict with his father about his body type and his interests. He is interested in literature, music, and other more artistic subjects, but his father wants him to be an athlete. The majority of the story follows Garvey as he joins the choir, makes friends, and gains confidence. At the end of the book, he is more confident in himself and builds a better relationship with his father. 

Fun Facts About Nikki Grimes

1. She makes jewelry

2. She loves music and has even written books about some different music genres

3. She has been winning awards for her poetry since she was a little girl

It covers the themes and topics of war and refugees, family, immigration, identity, language and belonging, and resilience. This book follows a child's journey of leaving their country and coming to America. You create a connection with the main character, Hà, by learning about their family and their struggles of learning English after arriving in the States by boat. I never moved countries, but I did move states and switch schools, so I understand their experience to a certain degree, especially when it comes to trying to fit in. This story could help students who also came here from other countries, and also help ELL students feel more safe and connected to school because it gives them a story to relate to.

• Author: Shirley Climo

• Illustrator: Ruth Heller

• Publisher: HarperCollins

• Publication Date: 1989

• Grade Level: 2nd–5th grade

• Genre: Folktale, Historical Fiction

• Theme/Topic: Kindness, fate, justice, and cultural diversity in fairy tales

Connects heavily to cultural studies in the classroom, being able to compare and contrast the differences between the original Cinderella and the Egyptian version. I don't find much connection with the Cinderella concept at all, but find it rather frustrating.

The classic Cinderella story but with a Middle Eastern twist, incorporating a red fish and gold coins. The red fish acts as the fairy god mother, giving advice and walking our Cinderella through her life struggles, I thought this was a great spin on a classic.

This story is a spin on the classic plot line of loving to sing but having major stage fright. Our character that we follow is Pakistani-American and in middle school, trying to navigate passion, friendships, family, cultural differences, and so many other things. By the end of the story, our character learns to rely on her community to get over her fears and enjoy her passion of singing, and share it with friends and family.

This novel touches on social studies, art, music, and language arts. While it mostly focuses on social studies and music, it is interwoven with the other two subjects. The main component of the social studies aspect is learning about cultural differences between Amina and her peers. The music piece is tied in by looking at and learning about her passion of singing.

My source for this book was the public library!

The One and Only Ivan is a powerful story of friendship and captivity, that follows a gorilla through his journey and using art to free himself from a sad life.

This story hit hard for me because I have always struggled with the concept of keeping animals in captivity. In juxtaposition to that, it is an inspiring story about breaking bounds with your passion.

This book connects to many different curricular aspects. Especially the social studies and science aspect of it, relating to animals and their habits, along with their rights and the issues with captivity.

I own this book so no other sources!

• Author: Drew Daywalt

• Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

• Publisher: Philomel Books, 2013

• Grade Level: K-3

• Genre: Picture Book, Humor

• Theme: Creativity, Self-Expression, Problem-Solving

Duncan’s crayons go on strike, each writing him a letter explaining their grievances. Red is overworked, blue is tired of being used for just water, and peach feels embarrassed without a wrapper.

Response: The book is humorous and imaginative. It encourages empathy and thinking from different perspectives. Jeffers’s illustrations enhance the story’s charm. Some curricular connections include art through exploring colors and emotions, writing because of the persuasive letter writing, and social studies due to the emphasis on understanding different perspectives.

Source: YouTube Read-Aloud

This book follows a young girl through her curiosities regarding anything and everything to do with science. She does a lot of different scientific activities and has a very supportive family system to help her with her curiosities. As a woman who used to be a little girl who was very passionate about science, this book was so inspiring, and I wish I had had my hands on it when I was a kid, because then maybe my passion would have grown. Some curricular connections include math and science, she uses the scientific method and some equations in the book. I read this book through Epic!

This book is about the man who had the idea for the parade balloons that are now used annually in the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. His inspiration is drawn from many places, especially his history-making Marionette dolls and puppets that he could manipulate, much like the original Macy's Day balloons.

I grew up watching this parade, so it was heartwarming to learn about how the balloons came to be. You could absolutely use this book as a teaching tool for younger kids and inspire them to watch the parade on Thanksgiving morning.

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Date: 1952

Grade Level: 2–5

Genre: Fantasy, Classic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Friendship, Loyalty, Life, and Death

Synopsis: Charlotte’s Web tells the story of Wilbur, a young pig living on Zuckerman’s farm, who becomes friends with a wise and caring spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur learns he is being raised for slaughter, Charlotte decides to save him by spinning words like "Some Pig" into her web to show how special he is. With the help of other barnyard animals, Charlotte’s clever plan captures the attention of the humans, saving Wilbur’s life. Their friendship is at the heart of this touching and bittersweet story about loyalty, bravery, and the circle of life.

Personal Connections: I grew up watching the original animated Charlotte’s Web movie, so reading this book again as an adult was very heartwarming and nostalgic. I have a strong connection to animals as well, so this book is just an overall amazing and emotional book for me.

Curricular Connections:  I think the best way to use this for a curricular activity would be to use it for a character study, maybe even in groups of kids. 

Publisher: Rand McNally (originally), now Albert Whitman & Company

Date: 1924 (revised in 1942)

Grade Level: 2–5

Genre: Mystery, Adventure Fiction

Theme/Topic: Family, Independence, Problem-solving

Synopsis: The Boxcar Children follows four orphaned siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden—who find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and turn it into a cozy home. Determined to stay together and avoid being sent to live with a grandfather they fear might be cruel, the children work hard, find food, and create a life of their own. Eventually, they are found by their kind grandfather, who surprises them by welcoming them warmly and even moving their beloved boxcar to his backyard so they can continue living the way they love.

Personal Connections:  Boxcar Children is another classic novel for kids to read, and I read it many times throughout elementary school. I love how no matter what challenge they face, they get through it and have a happy ending! 

Curricular Connections: For this book, a timeline would be an amazing activity to teach students sequencing and comprehending information in the order of events.

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Date: 2006

Grade Level: 2–4

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Self-Acceptance, Family, Humor

Synopsis: Clementine is about a clever and imaginative third grader who always seems to be getting into trouble, even when she’s trying to help. During one wild week, she cuts her friend's hair, gets sent to the principal’s office multiple times, and thinks her parents might be trying to get rid of her. Through all the chaos, Clementine’s unique way of thinking—and the support of her loving family—helps her realize that being different is something wonderful.

Personal Connections:  I have always loved how wild Clementine is, but how she also tames by the end when she realizes that she was mistaken about her family’s feelings, and she does have lots of love and support.

Curricular Connections:  This would be a great novel to use for teaching kids some emotional skills, as they can witness how the main character sometimes mishandles her emotions, and the students could learn from her mistakes

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2000

Grade Level: 2–5

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Friendship, Family, Healing

Synopsis: In Because of Winn-Dixie, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni moves to Naomi, Florida, with her father, a quiet preacher. Feeling lonely in the new town, Opal meets and adopts a scruffy stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. With Winn-Dixie’s help, Opal begins to make friends with some of the town’s quirky residents and starts to heal from the loss of her mother, who left when Opal was very young. This heartfelt story explores themes of belonging, forgiveness, and the healing power of friendship.

Personal Connections:  I moved when I was around the same age, so a lot of Opal’s feelings resonate with me. I have had dogs my whole life, so I also understand the connection between her and the dog. 

Curricular Connections:  Students could learn about all of the different types of communities and discuss what makes Opal’s new community unique.

Date: 2017

Grade Level: 1–5

Genre: Biography, Nonfiction

Theme/Topic: Courage, Education, Activism
Synopsis: Malala dreams of a magic pencil to fix problems in the world. As she grows up in Pakistan, she realizes real change comes from speaking out. Main character: Malala. Setting: Pakistan. Plot: From childhood dreams to real-life activism, Malala's story inspires children to believe in their voices.

Personal Connections:  The activism in this book is very empowering and, as a woman, is very motivating to try and make a change in the world.

Curricular Connections:  This book would be a great opportunity to teach kids about different cultures and their different standards and expectations for people in society, and to teach kids that every culture has different values. 

Publisher: Dragonfly Books
Date: 2001
Grade Level: 1–4
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme/Topic: Identity, Immigration, Acceptance
Synopsis: Unhei, a Korean girl, moves to America and worries her classmates won’t be able to say her name. She considers choosing a new one from a "Name Jar," but ultimately embraces her identity. Main character: Unhei. Setting: Modern U.S. classroom. Plot: Unhei's journey toward pride in her cultural heritage.

Personal Connections:  I have a very long real name, and when I was younger, people always mispronounced it and definitely could never spell it, so I now have a nickname. I wish I had just embraced my full name when I was younger, like Unhei does in the story. 

Curricular Connections:  Students could learn about the origins of their names as a social studies activity. 

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Date: 2014

Grade Level: 2–5

Genre: Nonfiction, Historical

Theme/Topic: Civil Rights, Equality, Education

Synopsis: Tells the true story of Sylvia Mendez and her family's fight to desegregate California schools before Brown v. Board of Education. Main character: Sylvia Mendez. Setting: 1940s California. Plot: The Mendez family's legal battle leads to an important step toward school integration.

Personal Connections:  I have always been a history buff and did a huge project on the case study of Brown v. Board of Education. Hearing the impacts of segregation from a child’s point of view was heartbreaking! 

Curricular Connections:  Students could use this book as a way to learn about some of the things that happened relating to civil rights, as it is fully honest about what happened without being harsh or too blunt for kids to handle.

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Date: 2009

Grade Level: 1–4

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Theme/Topic: Education, Courage, Afghanistan

Synopsis: In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Nasreen’s world darkens after her parents disappear. Her grandmother enrolls her in a secret school where she finds hope. Main character: Nasreen. Setting: Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Plot: Hidden education offers Nasreen a chance to heal and dream again.

Personal Connections:  I have never done much research or reading on what the world looks like for those who were ruled by the Taliban, so reading this story was heartbreaking and important to read.

Curricular Connections:  This could be used to guide a social studies lesson regarding some of the historical events in Afghanistan.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: 2019

Grade Level: K–4

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Identity, Hijab, Pride

Synopsis: Faizah watches her older sister Asiya wear her hijab for the first time with pride, despite others' unkind words. Main character: Faizah. Setting: School environment. Plot: A celebration of family, strength, and the beauty of identity.

Personal Connections:  I have an older sibling, too, and can relate to the fact that doing things is so much easier once you can take inspiration from an older sibling. 

Curricular Connections:  This book could be used to teach students about different cultures and their values. 

Personal Connections:  I have always been a big advocate for keeping the planet clean and taking even the smallest steps to rescue our environment. Reading this book gave me some hope for the information we are passing along to our children. 

Curricular Connections:  This could be integrated into a science lesson to teach students about litter and pollution, and how they can help treat these issues.

Personal Connections:  My full name is long and hard to pronounce correctly, but instead of finding a creative way to teach people how to say it, I just adopted a nickname instead. Part of me wishes I had done the same thing that Sangoel did when I was younger. 

Curricular Connections:  This could be used to teach kids about where their names came from, or a lesson on other culture’s names

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: 2002

Grade Level: 1–5

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme/Topic: Gender Equality, Tradition, Education

Synopsis: In old China, Ruby wishes to attend university like her male cousins. Despite tradition, she fights for and wins the right to continue her education. Main character: Ruby. Setting: Historical China. Plot: Ruby’s determination challenges societal expectations and paves a new path.

Personal Connections:  I was also passionate about learning as a kid, so I cannot imagine how it must have felt not to legally have access to education. Ruby is very inspiring.

Curricular Connections:  This book could be used to teach students the importance of education and how not everyone in the world gets free education every day like they do. 

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: 2001

Grade Level: 1–4

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Theme/Topic: Poverty, Education, Empowerment

Synopsis: Based on a true story in Uganda, Beatrice’s family receives a goat from Heifer International, helping them afford Beatrice’s school tuition. Main character: Beatrice. Setting: Rural Uganda. Plot: A simple goat leads to educational opportunities and family prosperity.

Personal Connections:  Beatrice was very passionate about learning, and I relate to that about her and admire her for doing whatever it took to get an education.

Curricular Connections:  Students could use this book to learn about farming or profits, and also to learn about how not every country provides free education for all students.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: 2008

Grade Level: 1–4

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme/Topic: Literacy, Perseverance, Great Depression

Synopsis: Cal, a reluctant reader in the Appalachian Mountains, is inspired by the dedicated Pack Horse Librarian who brings books to his remote home. Main character: Cal. Setting: Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. Plot: Cal’s world opens up through books delivered by the "Book Woman."

Personal Connections:  I needed some inspiration and some pushing from others in order to find my love for reading. Cal has his ‘book woman,’ and I had my older brother. I really relate to this story.

Curricular Connections:  This book can be used to teach kids that there are books that appeal to everyone, no matter how hesitant they might be to read; they just have to work to find the books that appeal to them.

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1964

Grade Level: K–5

Genre: Picture book, Allegory

Theme/Topic: Selflessness, unconditional love, giving

Synopsis: A boy and a tree share a lifelong bond, with the tree giving selflessly to the boy as he grows from childhood to old age. As the boy's needs change, the tree offers everything it has—its apples, branches, and trunk—until only a stump remains, showing the depth of its love.

Personal Connections: This book gave me a good chance to reflect on my relationships with family and friends who have helped me for no reason other than to support me.

Curricular Connections: You could use this book to teach about conservation or building and supporting relationships. 

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1963

Grade Level: PreK–3

Genre: Fantasy, Picture book

Theme/Topic: Imagination, emotions, family

Synopsis: After being sent to his room for misbehaving, Max imagines sailing to the land of the Wild Things, where he becomes their king. Though he enjoys the adventure, he eventually misses home and returns to find his dinner waiting, showing the enduring love of family.

Personal Connections: This book is such an enjoyable book about imagination and creativity, and embracing things that are classically seen as monsters or “wild.” 

Curricular Connections: This book could be used to encourage creativity and active imaginations, maybe for a creative writing activity. 

Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Date: 2019

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Nonfiction, Cultural story

Theme/Topic: Native American culture, family, food traditions

Synopsis: This story celebrates fry bread as a symbol of family, history, and community among Native American people. The book combines lyrical text and vibrant illustrations to show how fry bread ties generations together.

Personal Connections: My family has lots of traditions surrounding food, so reading this book made me miss home and miss my family's traditional foods!

Curricular Connections: This could be used to teach about Native Americans, and could encourage students to embrace their families cultures and their foods. 

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Date: 2015

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Gratitude, community, social awareness

Synopsis: After church, CJ and his grandmother ride the city bus across town. Along the way, CJ asks questions about what they see and experience, and his grandmother gently teaches him to appreciate the beauty in everyday life and people.

Personal Connections: I have always been the kind of kid to ask questions about everything. I feel as though CJ and I are connected through our curiosity. 

Curricular Connections: This could introduce students to different typesof communities, especially urban communities that they may not have ever experienced. 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: 2023

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Picture book

Theme/Topic: Self-acceptance, growth, kindness

Synopsis: A young girl experiences both positive and negative attention for her size, eventually learning that "bigness" can mean strength, kindness, and self-love. Through simple yet powerful illustrations, she embraces her identity.

Personal Connections: I was often teased for how I look, so I completely relate to the main character. 

Curricular Connections: This story teaches students how you should and should not treat each other, more of a social emotional lesson.

Publisher: Norton Young Readers

Date: 2020

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme/Topic: Perseverance, family, farming life

Synopsis: On a family farm, a hardworking truck helps a young girl and her family through changing seasons. As she grows up, the girl repairs and restores the old truck herself, continuing its story into the next generation.

Personal Connections: My family had an old truck while I was growing up, and I completely relate to the emotional ties to the truck due to the memories it holds. 

Curricular Connections: This book could connect to an agriculture lesson and rural communities. 

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2018

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Picture book

Theme/Topic: Identity, acceptance, self-expression

Synopsis: After seeing three women dressed as mermaids, Julian is inspired to transform himself into a beautiful mermaid too. His abuela lovingly supports his creativity and self-expression, showing unconditional love.

Personal Connections: I love that his abuela is supportive of his self-expression and loves him unconditionally.

Curricular Connections: I would not necessarily provide this as curriculum to all students, but would suggest it to a student who is exploring their identity. 

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: 1978

Grade Level: 2–5

Genre: Folklore, Picture book

Theme/Topic: Freedom, nature, Native American culture

Synopsis: A young Native American girl with a deep bond to horses is separated from her people during a storm. Finding her true place among the wild horses, she chooses to live freely among them, blending legend and love for nature.

Personal Connections: I have always been an animal lover, so this story was super adorable. 

Curricular Connections: This book could teach students about animal behavior, native american culture, or agriculture. 

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Publisher: Versify

Date: 2019

Grade Level: 3–6

Genre: Poetry, Historical

Theme/Topic: Black history, resilience, heroes

Synopsis: Through powerful poetry and stunning art, this book celebrates the strength, perseverance, and contributions of Black Americans, honoring those who faced adversity and changed history.

Personal Connections: It was refreshing to hear stories about the contributions of Black Americans.

Curricular Connections: This book could be used to teach about poetry, civil rights, or black history month. 

Illustrator: Rashin Kheiriyeh

Publisher: Tundra Books

Date: 2020

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Fiction, Refugee story

Theme/Topic: Home, hope, resilience

Synopsis: Two young siblings on a refugee journey find comfort and hope through imagination. They create a "story boat" with everyday objects, carrying memories and dreams of home wherever they go.

Personal Connections: It was inspiring to hear a story so full of hope and resilience. 

Curricular Connections: This story could be used to teach about immigration, and could support students who have just gotten here and might be struggling.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Date: 2017

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Courage, perseverance

Synopsis: Jabari wants to jump off the diving board, but fear holds him back. With gentle encouragement from his father and his growing confidence, Jabari finally leaps.

Personal Connections: I used to be on a swim team and the worst part was the dive into the water during the races, it was the part where the most amount of things could go wrong, so I totally understand how he feels. 

Curricular Connections: This book is great to teach kids about having a growth mindset, more of a social-emotional lesson.

Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Date: 2018

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Affirmation, Poetry

Theme/Topic: Self-love, confidence, diversity

Synopsis: Through rhythmic and affirming text, this book celebrates the idea that each person is complete and worthy just as they are. It promotes self-love, resilience, and acceptance of others.

Personal Connections: It was so refreshing to read a book about self-love and to know that so many young children are reading this and learning how to love themselves at a young age.  

Curricular Connections: A social-emotional lesson about self-love and confidence.

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date: 2012

Grade Level: 1–5

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Kindness, regret, empathy

Synopsis: Chloe ignores a new girl at school, missing many chances to show kindness. When Maya leaves, Chloe realizes that even small acts of kindness matter—and that missed chances can leave lasting regrets.

Personal Connections: Sometimes when I am stressed, I feel the same way Chloe feels throughout this book. 

Curricular Connections: This will teach students how to be kind to one another. 

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Date: 1982

Grade Level: K–3

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme/Topic: Hard work, family, hope

Synopsis: After a fire destroys their home, Rosa and her mother save their coins to buy a beautiful, comfortable chair. It becomes a symbol of their resilience, love, and hope for a better future.

Personal Connections: I moved from my childhood home when I was in high school, and part of me felt like the world was going to end. I understand how the characters feel when they lose their home, despite the obvious circumstantial differences. 

Curricular Connections: This could teach students about resilience and how to manage a rough family situation. 

Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

Publisher: Kokila

Date: 2019

Grade Level: PreK–2

Genre: Picture book

Theme/Topic: Family love, hair positivity, self-confidence

Synopsis: Zuri wants a special hairstyle for an important day, and her loving dad steps up to help. Together, they tackle the challenge, celebrating natural hair and the bond between a father and daughter.

Personal Connections: This is such an adorable book that I think is so important. It is amazing for a book to discuss something that makes some kids feel self-conscious. 

Curricular Connections: This book could help students recognize other students differences.

1. And Now Miguel

2. Tree Girl

3. Heart of a Samurai

4. Amina’s Voice

5. Merci Suarez Changes Gears

6. The One and Only Ivan

7. Charlotte’s Web

8. The Box Car Children

9. Clementine

10. Because of Winn-Dixie

11. Fatty Legs

All Other Books

1. We’re All Wonders

2. Papa’s Magical Water Clock

3. Tikki Tikki Tembo

4. El Deafo

5. Garvey’s Choice

6. Harold and the Purple Crayon

7. The Day You Begin

8. Inside Out and Back Again

9. Deep in the Woods

10. The Egyptian Cinderella

11. The Golden Sandal

12. Baseball Saved Us

13. The Day the Crayons Quit

14. Ada Twist, Scientist

15. Balloons Over Broadway

16. Malala’s Magic Pencil

17. The Name Jar

18. Separate is Never Equal

19. Nasreen’s Secret School

20. The Proudest Blue

21. One Plastic Bag

22. My Name is Sangoel

23. Ruby’s Wish

24. Beatrice’s Goat

25. That Book Woman

26. The Giving Tree

27. Where the Wild Things Are

28. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

29. Last Stop on Market Street

30. Big

31. The Old Truck

32. Julian is a Mermaid

33. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

34. The Undefeated

35. Story Boat

36. Jabari Jumps

37. I Am Enough

38. Each Kindness

39. A Chair for My Mother

40. Hair Love