Theme: Travel and Discovery
The Collector by Alice Feagan
Two courageous and intelligent girls venture into the forest in search of something extraordinary. Along the way, they marvel at the everyday wonders of the natural world until they stumble upon a cave and discover remarkable specimens. Recommended for Elementary students.
Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Griffin
Lily finds herself moving to her grandmother's farm in Iowa, feeling melancholy about the changes in her life. However, during their long drive together, Lily's grandmother challenges her to find ten beautiful things that they can share and appreciate. Recommended for Middle School students.
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
Best friends Chris and Win embark on a cross-country bicycle trek after graduating, but only one of them returns. The FBI becomes involved and seeks answers about what transpired during their journey. Recommended for High School students.
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Tourit Attractions by Lenore Look
Alvin Ho, a fearful seven-year-old, embarks on a trip to China with his interesting family, facing the challenges of unfamiliar tourist attractions. Recommended for Middle School students.
Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker
In this illustrated picture book featuring a poem by Alice Walker, a renowned writer and activist, humanity is celebrated. The poem revolves around a young boy obtaining his first passport, taking both the boy and the reader on a captivating journey through various countries worldwide, where the poem highlights the presence of "sweet people." Recommended for Middle School students.
Jumbo by Chris Gall
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747's first commercial flight, this picture book explores the development of the iconic passenger plane and its significant impact on the history of air travel. Recommended for Middle School students.
Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
Set in the aftermath of World War I, two orphaned friends embark on a journey aboard a narrowboat from England to France. Each of them hopes to find a missing part of themselves in the country across the sea. Recommended for Middle School students.
Camping Trip by Jennifer Mann
Ernestine experiences her first camping trip, filled with anticipation and excitement. However, she soon realizes that pitching a tent is more challenging than expected and swimming in the lake means encountering fish, which makes her nervous. Will Ernestine be able to embrace the wilderness or find herself out of her comfort zone? Recommended for Elementary students.
Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski
By chance, Flick Hudson stumbles upon the Strangeworld Travel Agency, a place where magical suitcases allow travelers to journey to other worlds. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: ISY Strategic Themes – Learning
Can you whistle Johanna? by Ulf Stark
This is the inspiring story of a young boy named Berra who adopts a grandfather and learns what it is like to have a mentor in life. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Creature of Habit by Jennifer Smith
On the island of Habit, a large creature follows the same routine every day. However, when a small creature arrives with a desire for adventure, the creature of habit must learn to adapt. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
As the author of the drawings in this book creatively incorporates her slip-ups into a drawing, readers see the ways in which 'mistakes' can provide inspiration and opportunity, and reveal that both the art and artist are works-in-progress. Recommended for Elementary students.
How to Build an Insect by Roberta Gibson
Take a whimsical journey to a workshop and discover the step-by-step process of building an insect. Through playful illustrations and conversational text, readers are introduced to the fascinating world of insect body parts. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Girl With Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn
In a world that often discourages asking big questions, a persistent and curious girl continues to ask them anyway, recognizing that questioning is the key to learning. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Smart Cookie by Jory John
This charming tale follows a cookie who feels less intelligent compared to the brilliant cupcakes and rolls in the bakery. Through a sprinkle of confidence and a dash of creativity, she discovers that intelligence goes beyond perfect scores and having all the answers. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine
Discover the inspiring true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who learned to read at the remarkable age of 116. This picture book biography celebrates the power of lifelong learning and determination. Recommended for Elementary students.
Creating Social and Emotional Learning Environments by Amy Cranston
Drawing from the author's own experience, this book provides insights into social and emotional learning (SEL). Recommended for High School students and Adults.
It Doesn't Take a Genius by Olugbemisola Rhuday
Emmett and his older brother Luke, known as Batman and Robin, embark on a summer adventure at a historic Black summer camp. As Luke becomes engrossed in his role as a junior counselor, Emmett faces unexpected challenges and learns to define some parts of life in his own way. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Space Exploration
Good night, Oppy! By James McGowan
This children's book is a touching tribute to the Mars rover Opportunity, which explored the red planet for 15 years before finally shutting down in 2019. It's a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of space exploration and the importance of scientific discovery. Recommended for Elementary students.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
This inspiring children's book tells the true story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space. It's a great way to introduce kids to the history of space exploration and the importance of diversity in science. Recommended for Elementary students.
Rise of the Rocket Girls by Natalia Holt
This book tells the inspiring true story of the women who helped launch the first American satellites and astronauts into space. It's a fascinating look at the history of space exploration and the role of women in science. Recommended for High School students.
Rocket Says Look Up by Nathan Bryon
A comet will be visible tonight, and Rocket wants everyone to see it with her--even her big brother, Jamal, whose attention is usually trained on his phone or video games. Rocket's enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Recommended for Elementary students.
When the Stars Come Out by Nicola Edwards
This book is a great introduction to the night sky for children. It covers constellations and planets, and even includes some fun facts about space. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. Recommended for Middle School students.
Looking up by Jacob Kremer
This beautifully illustrated book is a great introduction to stargazing for kids. It covers the basics of astronomy, including the different types of stars and constellations, and offers tips for observing the night sky. Recommended for High School students.
Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins
This book provides a comprehensive overview of space exploration, from the early days of rocketry to the latest missions to Mars. It includes detailed illustrations and diagrams, making it a great resource for both children and adults. Recommended for Middle School students.
Astronaut training by Aneta Cruz
Astrid is training to be an astronaut! She's building a spaceship, making astronaut food, and practicing floating...in her bathtub. But Astrid's too little to use tools or cook by herself, and Daddy says she's big enough to know she shouldn't flood the bathroom. Recommended for Elementary students.
Rocket to the Moon by Don Brown
"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong said those iconic words when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. But it wasn’t just one man who got us to the moon—there was a whole team of people, plus centuries of discoveries and technologies that came before, that made it possible. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Monsoons and Rainy Weather
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
This retelling of the play The Tempest, originally written by William Shakespeare in 1610, tells young readers the story of an exiled king, who uses his magical powers to plot revenge against his enemies, which in the end leads the characters to consider that forgiveness is better than revenge. Recommended for Elementary students.
Mina vs. The Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz
This book tells the story of Mina, a young girl who must brave the monsoon rains in order to save her village from flooding. Recommended for Elementary students.
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan
This book follows the journey of Earth as it experiences the changing seasons and different elements of nature. Recommended for Elementary students.
Monsoon by Uma Krishnaswami
This is a day in the life of Chitra, who experiences the arrival of the monsoon rains and discovers the beauty of nature. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Weather Pop-Up Book by Mike Biederstaedt
Featuring impressive interactive pop-ups about extreme weather, this book explores different weather phenomena such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. Recommended for Middle School students.
Sometimes Rain by Meg Fleming
This book explores different types of elements of the weather, including rain, snow, and sunlight, and encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature and its changes. Recommended for Elementary students.
Climate Change Eco Facts by Izzi Howell
This fact-based book provides information to young readers about climate change and its impact on the environment, as well as suggestions for how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. Recommended for Middle School students.
Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth
This is the story of a young girl named Jiva who experiences the monsoon rains and learns to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like spending a day indoors watching the rain fall. Recommended for Elementary students.
Rainboy by Dylan Glynn
Wherever he goes, Rain Boy brings wet—which means he's not very popular. Sun Kidd brings sunshine everywhere she goes, so everyone loves her. Only Sun Kidd sees what's special about Rain Boy, and he is about to learn exactly what's so special about what makes him different to the rest. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: International Workers’ Day
Off-Limits by Helen Yoon
Dad’s office is off-limits—which only makes it more intriguing to his curious young daughter. As soon as she sees an opening, she sneaks in to have a look around. What she discovers is a magical wonderland of sticky tape, paper clips that make glorious strands. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku
This is a children's book about a boy named Daniel who goes to work with his parents as they clean office buildings at night. The story explores the magic of imagination and the importance of family. Recommended for Elementary students.
Night Job by Karen Hesse
This is a children's book about a father and daughter who work together cleaning a school at night to sustain their family. The story celebrates the bond between a parent and child and the value of hard work. Recommended for Elementary students.
Yasmin’s Hammer by Ann Malaspina
Yasmin lives in Bangladesh and helps her father build houses using a hammer. The story explores themes of determination, hard work, family, and community. Recommended for Middle School students.
Brave Girl by Michelle Markel
Clara Lemlich who, as a young immigrant in New York City, fought for workers' rights in the garment industry. The story celebrates the courage of a young girl who stood up for herself and others. Recommended for Middle School students.
Treasure of the World by Tara Sullivan
A young girl named Thelonious who lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is forced to work in a cobalt mine. The story highlights the issue of child labor in the controversial mining industry in Africa. Recommended for High School students.
Smash y Town by Andrea Zimmerman
A group of workers demolish an old building to make way for a new park. The story celebrates the teamwork and collaboration required for a successful construction project that benefits everyone. Recommended for Elementary students.
Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki
Sonny, a smart little boy, helps his dad bake bread for their neighborhood. The story celebrates the simple pleasure of baking and the importance of adding value and giving back to our community. Recommended for Elementary students.
Bearmouth by Liz Hyder
Newt works in a dangerous underground mine called Bearmouth since he was only 4 years old. The story explores themes of exploitation, power, and rebellion. Recommended for High School students.
Theme: Earth Day
How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein
This book is a guide for young people who want to take action on climate change. It provides practical advice and inspiring examples of young activists who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Recommended for High School students.
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan
This children's book is an ode to the planet Earth and highlights the ways in which we can take care of our planet and all its living beings. It teaches children about the beauty and fragility of our environment and inspires them to take action to protect it. Recommended for Middle School students.
Let's Eat! By Kimberley Veness
This children's book teaches young readers about the importance of healthy and sustainable food choices. It highlights the benefits of eating locally sourced and seasonal produce and encourages children to take an active role in their own food choices. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Story of Climate Change by Catherine Barr
This children's book provides a comprehensive overview of climate change, from its causes to its effects on our planet and its inhabitants. It offers practical solutions for how we can reduce our impact on the environment and protect our planet for future generations. Recommended for Middle School students.
One Earth by Anuradha Rao
This book is a call to action to protect our planet and its inhabitants from the effects of climate change. It provides practical solutions and real-life examples of individuals and communities who are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment. Recommended for Middle School students.
Into the Deep by Christy Peterson
This non-fiction book takes readers on a journey through the ocean's depths, exploring the diverse and fascinating creatures that call it home. It highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and the role they play in our planet's ecosystem. Recommended for High School students.
The Story of More by Hope Jahren
This non-fiction book explores the impact of human consumption on our planet and the ways in which we can reduce our environmental footprint. It offers practical solutions and calls for a more sustainable way of life. Recommended for High School students.
Green Careers by Jennifer Power
This career guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the green industry. It covers a range of green career options, from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, and provides practical advice on how to land a job in the field. Recommended for High School students.
Beetles for Breakfast by Madeleine Finlay
This memoir follows the author's journey to study entomology in Mexico and her encounters with the people and insects that she meets along the way. It highlights the importance of biodiversity and the role that insects play in our planet's ecosystem. Recommended for High School students.
Theme: Outdoor Adventures
Hike by Pete Oswald
In the cool and quiet morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive — and closer than ever — as they document their hike and take their place in family history. Great for Elementary students.
I Want to Sleep Under the Stars by Mo Willems
In I Want to Sleep Under the Stars, Zoom Squirrel dreams of sleeping under the night stars. The Squirrel pals are excited to help! But will their encouragement be enough―or too much? Do you know more about sleeping under the stars than the Squirrels do? Children will by the end of this book! Great for Elementary students.
Into the Clouds by Tod Olson
In 1953, as two men summit Mt. Everest for the first time, Charlie Houston and a team of mountaineers carve a path up the second-highest peak on Earth: the deadly K2. For him reaching the top of K2 is an obsession that began 15 years earlier on his first expedition there.Since then, another American expedition has fallen apart on the remote mass of rock and ice.Now, Houston's team follows in their tracks. With the summit in their grasp, a vicious storm and a sudden illness puts their own expedition on the edge of disaster, turning their quest to conquer a mountain into one of the most daring rescue missions ever.Three expeditions and a high-mountain rivalry. Three attempts at K2, one of the most gruelling challenges the planet has to offer. Great for High School students.
Bad Island by Doug Tennapel
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island-especially one teeming with weird plants and animals. But what starts out as simply a bad vacation turns into a terrible one, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the island's dangerous inhabitants. With few resources and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them… or spell their doom. One thing Reese knows for sure: This is one Bad Island. Great for High School students.
Lift by Minh Le
When Iris's elevator button-pushing is disrupted by a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. Great for Elementary students.
Planet Omar Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian
Omar and his family have just moved, and he is not excited about starting at a new school. What if the work is too hard or the kids are mean or the teacher is a zombie alien? But when Omar makes a new best friend to join him in his daily adventures, things start looking up. That is, until a Big Mean Bully named Daniel makes every day a nightmare! Could each of his hateful threats possibly be true? Luckily, Omar’s enormous imagination and goofy family help him get through life’s ups and downs. Great for Middle School students.
The Sewer Rat Stink by Tom Angleberger
A stinky smell is taking over New Mouse City! No mouse can live like this! Geronimo and his best friend Hercule, the private detective, head underground into the sewer world of Mouse Island to investigate. Can their investigative adventure save the city from the stench? Great for Elementary students.
The Case of the Missing Action Figure by Janet Tashjian
Marty Frye is not your ordinary sleuth. Marty Frye is a poet detective--he makes up rhymes as he solves small crimes. When his friend Emma's diary is missing, Marty is on the case. When Katie's flour is nowhere to be found, Marty tracks it down. And when the brand-new Action Chuck figures mysteriously vanish from the toy store, Marty unravels the mystery. Will there ever be a case too hard for Marty to solve? Or a word too impossible to rhyme? Great for Middle School students.
At the Pond by Geraldo Valerio
On a grey day, a boy puts his dog on a leash and they walk to a pond where snowy white swans swim freely. One of the swans invites the boy and dog for a ride. They climb on its back and sail into a beautiful landscape, dotted with flowers, spoonbills and ibises. Foxes, rabbits and deer appear in this paradise, then butterflies and even bigger, more beautiful flowers. The boy unleashes his dog on shore, and the dog bounds off to play. Now the boy wraps his arms around the swan’s neck ― he has a new friend. But when he puts the leash on the swan, the sky turns stormy grey, the water becomes turbulent, and the other swans fly away. Both the boy and swan are miserable, until the boy realises he must free his friend. When he drops the leash into the pond, warm color fills their world and they return to where the boy’s dog happily awaits him. Great for Elementary students.
Theme: Springtime
Dig by A.S. King
Dig is struggling with his dysfunctional family and dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event. Through his friendship with a girl named Lo, Dig learns to confront his past and find hope for the future. Recommended for High School students.
Before We Sleep by Giorgio Volpe
A fox and a mouse joyfully play in their forest home as the season begins to change. Recommended for Elementary students.
Busy Spring by Sean Taylor
In this book children follow the different activities that animals engage in during the spring season. It introduces young readers to the concept of seasonal changes and the natural world around them. Recommended for Elementary students.
I Just Like You by Suzanne Bloom
This book follows two friends, Goose and Duck, who are different in many ways but still enjoy each other's company now that the weather allows everyone to come out and play. Recommended for Elementary students.
If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
This children's book teaches the value of kindness and sharing. It tells the story of a group of animals who plant a garden and learn that the more they share, the more their kindness grows. Recommended for Elementary students.
999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura
Take part in the awakening of these frogs who wake up from their winter hibernation and embark on various adventures now that springtime has arrived. The book teaches numbers and counting in a fun and engaging way. Recommended for Elementary students.
How To Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley
Join the adventures of these animals who try to catch a thief who has been stealing clovers from their garden. Through their teamwork and perseverance, they ultimately catch the thief and learn the importance of honesty and forgiveness. Recommended for Elementary students.
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
Celebrate spring reading about the sights, sounds, and feelings of the season and encourages them to embrace the joys of new beginnings. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
Hoppi wants to decorate the best Easter egg. Along the way, he meets other animals who give him ideas, but he ultimately discovers the true meaning of Easter. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Ramadan
The Wise Fool by Sharukh Husain
This book presents a collection of traditional Islamic folktales that use humor to teach valuable lessons about life and morality. Recommended for Middle School students.
In My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel
This colorful children's book takes readers on a tour of a mosque, highlighting its features, functions, and the community that gathers there to pray and learn. Recommended for Elementary students.
Once Upon an Eid by Aisha Saeed
This book collection of short stories that celebrate the joy, diversity, and traditions of the Muslim holiday of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan. Recommended for High School students.
Laila's Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
Laila, who brings her favorite foods from home to school during Ramadan, sparks conversations around cultural differences and friendship. Recommended for Elementary students.
Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
A tender children's book that introduces young readers to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, its significance and rituals, such as fasting and sharing. Recommended for Elementary students.
Muhammad by Demi
This book is a richly illustrated biography of the Prophet Muhammad that introduces children to his life, teachings, and how he spread the message of Islam with compassion and courage. Recommended for Middle School students.
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
Children are invited to celebrate the diversity of Muslim women who wear the hijab and shows how it is a personal choice and a symbol of faith. Recommended for Elementary students.
My First Ramadan by Karen Katz
A friendly and illustrative picture book that introduces young children to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan and its traditions, such as fasting, prayer, sharing, and kindness. Recommended for Elementary students.
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Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali
Theme: The Moon
Solar System by the Numbers by Steve Jenkins
Through infographics and illustrations, readers will learn about the unfathomably huge and fascinating topic of solar systems. Explore the galaxy that surrounds our planet through astounding numbers, facts, and figures. Great for Middle School students. Recommended for High School students.
Destination Moon by Richard Maurer
Only now, it is becoming clear how exceptional and unrepeatable Apollo was. At its height, it employed almost half a million people, many working seven days a week and each determined that "it will not fail because of me." Recommended for High School students.
Cycles of the Night Sky by Angie Smibert
This informative book about the astronomy and mythology behind the phases of the moon, its impact on Earth, and culture, will amaze readers of all backgrounds. Recommended for Middle School students.
Rocket to the Moon by Don Brown
This exciting non-fiction graphic novel tells readers the story of the incredible Apollo 11 mission to the moon, including the history, science, and key figures involved in the mission. Recommended for Middle School students.
How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco
This exquisitely researched and illustrated book tells the stories of the 400,000 unsung heroes -the engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers- and their innovations and life-changing technological leaps forward that allowed NASA to achieve this unparalleled accomplishment. Recommended for High School students.
Moon Rope by Lois Ehlert
Fox and Mole go to the moon to eat worms with the help of their bird friends and a rope of grass. The book is a Peruvian folktale in both English and Spanish, explaining why moles are active on full moon nights and afraid of foxes. Recommended for Elementary students.
Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd
In Coal Top, boys work in mines and girls as servants. Full moon nights mean longer working hours. Mallie's family relies on her earnings, but she wants more. In the past, they could weave dreaming clothes, but now the Dust has brought sorrow. Mallie enters a competition to train flying horses, hoping to find magic and change her story. Recommended for Middle School students.
Reaching for the Moon by Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson's autobiography about her journey as a mathematician and NASA employee, including her work on the space program and contributions to the Apollo 11 mission will prove motivating for young readers and curious learners. Recommended for High School students.
Follow the Moon Home by Phillipe Cousteau
A triumphant story of environmental activism, community, and friendship. Follow Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: International Women’s Day
Lucia the Luchadora by Leonor Garza
Lucía transforms into a brave and powerful luchadora to stand up to bullies and defend what is right, inspiring every one around her to improve the world we all share. Recommended for Elementary students.
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai shares her childhood dream of using a magic pencil to make the world a better place, one school at a time. Recommended for Elementary students.
Jane Against the World by Karen Blumenthal
The story of Jane Roe and the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which established the right to abortion in the United States, and influenced the ruling around women’s bodily autonomy around the world. Recommended for High School students.
The Dinosaur Expert by Margaret MacNamara
A young school girl shares her passion and love for dinosaurs and becomes the class expert, teaching her classmates about these fascinating creatures. Recommended for Middle School students.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
The inspiring story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, and her journey to achieving her dreams. Recommended for Elementary students.
Watch Us Rise by Ellen Hagan
Two high school girls use their school's literary magazine and other influential outlets to amplify their voices, express their opinions, and fight against sexism and racism from within their communities. Recommended for High School students.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes by Julia Finley
The inspiring story of Dr. Sanduk Ruit, who has dedicated his life to restoring sight to people in need at any time. Recommended for Elementary students.
Women's Right to Vote by Kate Messner
A history of the women's suffrage movement and the fight for women's right to vote, a right many other places of the world didn’t grant until decades later. Recommended for Middle School students.
Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
A very young girl challenges the traditional rules of her time by joining a boys' baseball team and advocating for girls to have the same opportunity to play the sports they wanted. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Black History Month
Shuri: The Vanished by Nic Stone
Shuri investigates the mysterious disappearance of people in Wakanda. As she uncovers the truth, Shuri discovers a plot that threatens the entire kingdom and must use her intelligence and bravery to save her people. The book is a thrilling adventure that showcases Shuri's intelligence, strength, and leadership abilities. Recommended for Middle School students.
Stamped (For Kids) by Jason Reynolds
A version of the history of racism in a clear and straightforward way for young readers. It explores the origins of racist ideas and policies, and highlights the ways in which people have fought against racism throughout history. Recommended for Middle School students.
28 Days by Charles Smith
An approachable children's book that celebrates the achievements of African Americans throughout history. It highlights the contributions of famous figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and lesser-known but equally important figures like Katherine Johnson, and inspires young readers to pursue their own dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Recommended for Middle School students.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
This autobiographical book edited for children chronicles Mandela's life from his childhood in rural South Africa to his rise as a major activist against apartheid. Recommended for Middle School students.
Our Skin by Megan Madison
A children's book that celebrates the beauty and diversity of skin color. It uses simple language and colorful illustrations to teach young readers to embrace and appreciate the differences in skin tone among people. Recommended for Elementary students.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
This book is a memoir that explores Noah's childhood growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid-era South Africa. It details his experiences with poverty, racism, and violence, and his journey to find his place in a divided society. Through humor and honesty, the book offers insights into the legacy of apartheid and the power of language to transcend barriers. Recommended for Middle School students.
Shuri by Nic Stone
Shuri, the younger sister of Black Panther. Shuri is on a mission to save Wakanda from a dangerous threat, while also grappling with her own identity and role as a princess and hero. Recommended for High School students.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo
The sweet story of a young girl named Sulwe who has the darkest skin in her family and at school. It explores themes of self-love and acceptance as Sulwe embarks on a journey of self-discovery to understand and appreciate her own unique beauty. The book encourages young readers to embrace their individuality and diversity, and to see the beauty in all shades of skin. Recommended for Elementary students.
Stamped by Jason Reynolds
A history of racism in America, told exploring the ways in which racist ideas and policies have been perpetuated and resisted throughout the country's history. Recommended for High School students.
Theme: Empathy and Compassion
Knowing and Doing What's Right by Pamela Espeland
A friendly guidebook that explores moral values. Through real-life scenarios and thought-provoking exercises, the book encourages young readers to think and develop their own sense of right and wrong. Recommended for Middle School students.
My Heart is a Compass by Deborah Marcero
This book for debuting readers tells us the story of a girl who embarks on an imaginative journey to find her true North. Creativity, self-love, and care will lead her way. Recommended for Elementary students.
Can I Keep It? by Lisa Jobe
Through colorful illustrations and simple language, the book teaches children about the importance of respecting wild animals and their natural habitats. It encourages kids to appreciate nature, develop empathy and compassion for all living beings, and protect animals in the wild. The central message of the book is that while it's okay to love animals, it's important to let them live freely and protect their homes. Recommended for Elementary students.
A Mystery in the Forest by Susana Isern
These animal friends solve a mystery about an object found in the forest by working together. The book teaches children the value of collaboration, problem-solving, and the importance of curiosity and creativity. Using playful illustrations and simple language, it conveys the central message that through teamwork and imagination, even the most difficult problems can be solved and exciting discoveries made. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham
The story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who stayed in war-torn Aleppo to care for abandoned cats. Through beautiful illustrations and language, the book shows how Mohammad's love for animals brought hope and joy to a community affected by war. Recommended for Elementary students.
All the Dear Little Animals by Ulf Nilsson
These three friends start a business burying dead animals. The book uses playful illustrations and gentle humor to explore themes of friendship, empathy, and the balance between life and death. Its central message is that we can find comfort and meaning in the connections we make with others, even in the face of loss and sadness. Recommended for Elementary students.
Unselfie by Michele Borba
This bestseller is a parenting book that emphasizes the importance of empathy in children's development and offers practical advice for cultivating empathy in kids from the earliest stages of life. Recommended for adults and parents.
You Don't Have to Be Everything by Diana Whitney
This book encourages readers through poetry to embrace their imperfections and focus on their strengths, rather than striving for perfection. Recommended for High School students.
Good Boy by Sergio Ruzzier
This heartwarming story tells children about a dog's journey to find a new home, which teaches children the importance of friendship and kindness. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Celebrating Love
Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
When Louise Wolfe's boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. She'd rather spend her senior year with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper.
paper's staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director's inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle- class Kansas town. As tensions mount at school. so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But 'dating while Native' can be difficult. Recommended for High School students.
This is My Brain in Love by I. W. Gregorio
Rising high school juniors Jocelyn Wu and Will Domenici suddenly fall in love while trying to save the very famous Wu family restaurant, a beautiful chinese garden filled with memories. Recommended for High School students.
Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth by Kate Gardner
This book encourages kids to look beyond first impressions by sharing unexpected details about seemingly scary wild animals like gorillas, rhinoceroses, and more, and see how what might seem scary can also elicit warm and sweet feelings inside us. Recommended for Elementary students.
Misfit in Love by S.K. Ali
Janna Yusuf and her friends are planning for her brother's Nikah marriage. But what started as a simple marriage ceremony is turning into the biggest event of the summer-and a chance for Janna to finally reveal her crush...or so she thinks. Recommended for High School students.
Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson
This is the hilarious and sweet story of Marylou and Herbie, two garden slugs, write love poems in slime to one another but have trouble
actually meeting. Recommended for Elementary students.
Grama's Hug by Amy Nielander
And they never, ever say goodbye without a hug. May's love of science takes her far as hel inventions win vear after vear. helped ov crama's support, effort, and love. She travels to space camp and eventually beyond, earning her spot as the first kid astronaut to journey into space. As May prepares for her mission to explore the cosmos, she seems ready to go without looking back, making Grama worried that she will leave without a hug. Recommended for Elementary students.
Love & Other Train Wrecks by Leah Konen
Noah is a hopeless romantic. He's traveling home for one last chance with his first love, and he needs a miracle to win her back. Ammy doesn't believe in true love--just look at her parents. If there's one thing she's learned about love in the last year, it's that it ends. That is, until one winter night when Noah and Ammy find themselves in the same Amtrak car heading to Upstate New York, which will be affected by a major malfunction. Recommended for High School students.
Twosomes: Love Poems From the Animal Kingdom by Marilyn Singer
Do animals celebrate Valentine's Day? Nobody knows for sure. But this funny (and punny) little book imagines how some of them declare their love, affection, or friendship any day of the year. Recommended for Elementary students.
Nice Shot, Cupid! by Kate McMullan
In this updated version of Greek mythology, Hades, King of the Underworld, tells how a gawky teen Cupid fell in love with the mortal Psyche and what really happened when he kidnapped her. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Bodies of Water
Seashells: More Than a Home by Sarah Brannen
Young naturalists discover thirteen seashells in this elegant introduction to the remarkable versatility of shells. Watercolor illustrations create a scrapbook feel, depicting children from around the world observing and sketching seashells across shores. Recommended for Middle School students.
Orca Rescue by Sarah Burwash
In 2002, a young orca was found lost and alone. Researchers soon discovered that the orca was a two-year-old named Springer. She had been separated from her family, who lived almost 400 miles away! Without human help, Springer would never rejoin them. But no one had ever successfully reunited a wild orca with its pod. How could she be rescued and safely returned? Recommended for Middle School students.
The Ocean in your Bathtub by Seth Fishman
Did you know that oceans cover 71 percent of our planet and contain 97 percent of the Earth's water? No matter how far from the ocean you live, it is part of your life, every single day. And you are part of the ocean's life, too everything you throw away, you mignt be sending to the ocean-and every time you do a good deed, such as pick up litter or recycle you are helping the ocean! Recommended for Elementary students.
The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Georgia Ball
Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in his uncle's little New Jersey town. He has three new friends, and they love cooling off in the creek on hot summer days. But then comes shocking news: A massive shark has been attacking swimmers in the ocean along the Jersey Shore, not far from where Chet is staying. Fear is in the air, and lurking in the water. Recommended for Middle School students.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
This indigenous story, tells us of when a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource. Recommended for Elementary students.
Cannonball by Sacha Cotter
As one boy searches for the secret to executing the perfect cannonball, it's only by listening to his own voice that he finds his unique style and pulls off a truly awe-inspiring cannonball. Great for Elementary students.
Flying Over Water by Shannon Hitchcock
Twelve-year-old Noura Alwan's family is granted asylum in the United States, after fleeing war-torn Aleppo. Twelve-year-old Jordyn Johnson is a record-breaking swimmer, but hasn't swum well since her mom had a miscarriage during one of her meets. The girls' lives intersect at Bayshore Middle School where Jordyn serves as the Alwan children's school ambassador. Jordyn is sympathetic to Noura's situation, but there are other members of their Florida community who see the their presence to be a threat.
Here Comes Ocean by Meg Fleming
Grab a big bucket, your best pal, and a lot of imagination, and get ready for a day at the beach! There’s endless fun in chasing the waves and countless treasures waiting to be discovered—first a sand dollar, then a feather, even a sneaky crab. What surprises will the ocean reveal next? Recommended for Elementary students.
The Edge of the Ocean by L.D. Lapinski
Flick is now a member of the Strangeworlds Travel Agency; after the reception of an unexpected notice, Flick and Jonathan immediately pack their bags for an adventure to The Break, a world of magic and piracy. The Break is used to having ships vanish without a trace, but there has been a sudden increase that can’t be explained by giant squid or merpeople. What could be going on in that mysterious otherworldly sea? Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Legends and Luck
The Sea-Ringed World: stories of the Americas by María García Esperón
This book presents a collection of stories about the course of life and the twists of destiny narrated by peoples, nations, and cultures across the American continent from the northernmost parts of Alaska and Canada to the last stretch Patagonia. Recommended for High School students.
My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail D. Villanueva
In one week Sabrina will be eleven years old and she would really like to get her estranged parents and her older sister Nadine together for the celebration, especially since the black butterfly landing on her locket has convinced her that she is going to die. Recommended for Middle School students.
Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman
A girl living in the Jakarta slums who longs to be a writer sees an opportunity to raise money for school fees when she survives a minibus accident and the locals begin saying she has magical good luck. Recommended for Elementary students.
Amira & Hamza: the War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed
A genie informs twelve-year-old Amira and her younger brother Hamza that they are the chosen ones who must defeat a monstrous demon poised to doom humanity under a spell to save the Earth and a parallel dimension. Recommended for Middle School students.
One Jar of Magic by Corey Ann Haydu
Joining her family in her community's annual New Year's Day magic-capturing ceremony, a 12-year-old girl who has always been lucky captures just one tiny jar of magic, revealing the true nature and beliefs of her loved ones. Recommended for Middle School students.
Lucky me, Lucy McGee by Jessica Meserve
While Lucy McGee tries to track down her missing ukulele, the members of the Songwriting Club must decide if it's worth competing against one another in a giveaway for free concert tickets. Recommended for Middle School students.
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody
Every generation, seven families select a champion to compete in a tournament to the death for control of high magick--the most powerful resource in the world--but this year, a salacious tell-all book draws reporters, tourists, and government agents to livernath to watch the fateful curse unfold and some of the champions are determined to thwart their destinies and rewrite their stories. Recommended for High School students.
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a ’welcome house' as children and branded with cursed markings. Trapped in a life they would never have chosen. When Clementine accidentally kills a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape and harrowing journey to find freedom, justice, and revenge in a country that wants them to have none of those things. Recommended for High School students.
The Worst Day of My Life Ever by Julla Cook
Early readers will get an introduction to the fundamental social skills of listening, feeling empathy for others, taking responsibility, and following instructions. When the hero, J, learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life, and luck no longer determines the small little problems he has with his daily routine. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Lunar New Year
A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong
Little Maomao, whose father works in faraway places, barely recognizes him when he comes home for his annual visit for Chinese New Year, but she quickly warms to him amidst the excitement of the holiday, and it seems the time passes much too quickly until he must leave again. Recommended for Elementary students.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
One Chinese New Year, her mother sends Goldy Luck to the pandas next door with a plate of turnip cakes, but the pandas are out and disaster follows. Recommended for Elementary students.
Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade by Lyla Lee
Mindy Kim has never been more excited to go to the Lunar New Year parade in her new town with her father and her friend Sally. Her best friends will be there and this time she gets to wear the traditional dress her grandmother gave her as a gift for her birthday. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Star Maker by Laurence Yep
If only Artie had kept his mouth shut.
But his mean cousin Petey was putting him down, so Artie started bragging.
Now he has to come up with enough money to buy firecrackers for all his cousins by the Lunar New Year.
Luckily, there's one person he can count on: Uncle Chester! Recommended for High School students.
Playing With Lanterns by Wang Yage
Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns and celebrate Chinese New Year. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while eating delicious treats. Recommended for Elementary students.
The 12 Days to Lunar New Year by Jenna Taylor
It will be very fun to count the days leading up to Lunar New Year along the youngest readers starting to read independently, from one dancing dragon to twelve zodiac animals, using the rhythm of the traditional songs. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Runaway Wok by Ying Chang
On Chinese New Year's Eve, a poor man who works for the richest businessman in Beijing sends his son to market to trade their last few eggs for a bag of rice, but instead he brings home an empty- but magic -wok that changes their fortunes forever. Recommended for Elementary students.
Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot
This fun book introduces Lunar New Year, describing the food, decorations, and activities of the holiday for the youngest readers. Recommended for Elementary students.
PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year by Virginia Loh
When her Chinese grandmother comes to visit, a young Chinese-American girl learns of and participates in the customs and beliefs celebrating an authentic Chinese New Year. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Friendship
Libby's Sweet Surprise by Lisa Schroeder
When she's not hanging out at her family's sweets shop, Libby loves walking her dog around London. She always meets the most interesting people like Ethan, who's her age and also has a dog. They become fast friends, until Libby finds out his family are the new owners of a competing store! Libby tries to keep her parents' business a secret, because she really likes Ethan and wants to be his friend. But the secrets start adding up. Recommended for Middle School students.
Jo Jo Makoons The used-to-be best friend by Dawn Quigley
Jo Jo is a spirited seven-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else around her. Even though she loves Mimi (who is a cat), she's worried that she needs to figure out how to make more friends. Because Fern, her best friend at school, may not want to be friends anymore, but why? Recommended for Middle School students.
Pea, Bee & Jay Stuck Together by Brian Smith
Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it. But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly. Recommended for Middle School students.
48 Grasshopper Estates by Sara de Waal
Sicily Bridges can make almost anything from materials she finds around her. A little girl uses imagination and inventiveness to spread friendship through her community. But will she find a friend of her own? Recommended for Elementary students.
Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool! Recommended for Elementary students.
Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson
Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he's finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant's friends are stressing about fifth grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he'll measure up to his father's expectations at the card table. Recommended for Middle School students.
Unstoppable by Adam Rex
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? All of them! When a bird narrowly escapes a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird's ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who's ever wanted someone else's special trait. Recommended for Elementary students.
Before We Sleep by Giorgio Volpe
A red fox and a gray dormouse joyfully play in their forest home as the season begins to change from fall to winter. Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story before —the spring comes. Recommended for Elementary students.
Eva at the Beach by Rebecca Elliott
Eva is very excited about a beach vacation with her family and best friend Lucy, but her secret fear of swimming where there might be hungry sharks could keep her from finding the legendary mermowls. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Hope
100 Ways to Make the World Better! By Lisa Gerry
This uplifting book inspires the next generation to step up and make the world a better place. In keeping with the Nat Geo Kids mission, it is full of practical, positive, and powerful ideas that every kid can consider, from simple acts of kindness to creative adventures to good-for-the-planet projects. Recommended for Middle School students.
Imagine by John Lennon
Join one little pigeon as she sets out on a journey to spread a message of tolerance around the world. Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon’s iconic song and illustrations by the award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely picture book dares to imagine a world at peace. Recommended for Elementary students.
Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice
At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing. All the animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but since everyone said getting through it would be impossible, no animal ever tried. Recommended for Elementary students.
Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
The animals the author has met on her many travels have taught her how to seek understanding in the most surprising ways, from being patient to finding forgiveness and respecting others. Gorillas, dogs, octopuses, tigers, and more all show that there are no limits to the empathy we can find in each other. Recommended for Middle School students.
How to Change the World in 12 Easy Steps? By Peggy Porter
Taken from the life lessons of Eva Kor, Auschwitz child survivor, this title empowers children by offering concrete, simple actions that can change reaer's own lives, their community, and even the world. Recommended for Elementary students.
If the World were 100 People visual guide to our global village by Jacqueline McGann
With almost 7.8 billion people sharing the earth, it can be a little hard to picture what the human race looks like all together. But if we could shrink the world down to just 100 people, what could we learn about the human race? What would we look like? Where and how would we all be living? Recommended for Middle School students.
Backward Science by Clive Gifford
This book is backwards! It starts at the end, ends at the beginning and travels back in history to show you what life was like before major inventions and discoveries. Step into a time before smartphones, television, cars or even the toilet; then learn about the major invention or discovery that changed the world. Recommended for Middle School students.
How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein
How to Change Everything will provide readers with clear information about how our planet is changing, but also, more importantly, with inspiration, ideas, and tools for action. Recommended for High School students.
Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth Baitie
Ato and his friends have entered a competition to enter a very unique island bird sanctuary. Before that happens, Ato notices something is poisoning the community garden, and Ato sets out to track down the culprit. In doing so, he brings his estranged mother and grandmother back together, and begins healing the wounds left on the family by his father’s death years before. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Mindfulness
I Am a Peaceful Goldfish by Shoshana Chaim
When we are overcome with emotions, our breath—and a bit of imagination—can bring us back to a peaceful place. In I Am a Peaceful Goldfish, two children learn how to settle their difficult feelings with imaginative breathing techniques, pretending they are elephants, flowers, and even dragons. Recommended for Elementary students.
Being a Dog by Maria Gianferrari
Join a young child and their dog as they experience every minute of the day to its fullest—from the second they wake up to the moment they fall asleep. Readers will love barking, wagging, and sniffing along with the gentle cues in the book. Recommended for Elementary students.
Too Many Bubbles: a Story About Mindfulness by Christine Peck
Through vibrant illustrations and light interactivity, Too Many Bubbles encourages kids to take a mindful deep breath when they have too many thoughts overshadowing their day. It can help with anxiety relief for kids and is a great choice for social emotional learning. Recommended for Elementary students.
Sometimes All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo
This approachable book is profound exploration of self-discovery, underscoring the significance of self-reliance as the protagonist navigates the complexities of life, offering readers insights into personal growth. Recommended for Elementary students.
Alphabreaths : The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard
In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Recommended for Elementary students.
Attention, Hijacked by Erica Marcus
This non-fiction book delves into the pervasive impact of contemporary distractions as smart phones, streaming, and Artificial Intelligence on our ability to concentrate. The book provides a thoughtful examination of how individuals can reclaim their attention in a world inundated with digital stimuli, offering strategies for fostering focus. Recommended for High School students.
On Emotional Intelligence by Harvard Business Review
This definitive compendium serves as a comprehensive guide to the concept of emotional intelligence. The book explores its relevance in various facets of life, providing practical insights on how to cultivate and apply emotional intelligence for personal and professional success. Recommended for High School students and Adults.
Mindful Teacher, Mindful School by Kevin Hawkins
This book encourages the integration of mindfulness practices in the field of education. The book emphasizes the transformative impact of mindfulness on both teachers and students, fostering a more focused and compassionate learning environment. Recommended for High School students and Adults.
The Chaos Machine by Erica Marcus
The Chaos Machine is the definitive account of the meteoric rise and troubled legacy of the tech titans, as well as a rousing and hopeful call to arrest the havoc wreaked on our minds and our world before it’s too late. Recommended for High School students and Adults.
Theme: Arts, Culture, and Creativity
Pretty Perfect Kittycorn by Shannon Hale
Unicorn is perfect. Everybody thinks so.
He yearns to look the way everyone thinks he should. But when a fumble makes Unicorn feel like a big, ugly goof, he can’t help but wonder: If he’s not absolutely perfect and majestic all the time, will Kitty even want to be his best friend anymore?Recommended for Elementary students.
Operatic by Kyo Maclear
It’s almost the end of middle school, and Charlie has to find her perfect song for a music class assignment. But it’s hard for Charlie to concentrate when she can’t stop noticing her classmate Emile, or wondering about Luka, who hasn’t been to school in weeks. Recommended for High School students.
What Will These Hands Make? By Nikki McClure
This lyrical picture book from beloved creator Nikki McClure follows a family through one day and muses in the possibilities that one day holds—from enjoying treats at the bakery, to admiring handmade goods from local artisan shops, to observing the new construction in town. Recommended for Elementary students.
How Artists See Feelings by Colleen Carroll
This direct, interactive approach to art promotes self-exploration, self-discovery, and self-expression. For children who want to know more about the artists whose works appear in the book, biographies are provided at the end. Recommended for Middle School students.
Nina by Traci Todd
Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. Recommended for Elementary students.
Swing by Kwame Alexander
While Walt focuses on his program of jazz, podcasts, batting cages, and a “Hug Life” mentality, Noah feels stuck in status quo.. until he stumbles on a stash of old love letters. Recommended for High School students.
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty
Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. Recommended for Elementary students.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Iridescence of Birds by Patricia Maclachlan
If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures? Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Words, Vocabulary, and Language
An Ambush of Tigers by Betsy Rosenthal
Have you ever heard of a prickle of porcupines? Or a tower of giraffes? What about a parcel of penguins? This fun-filled romp through the animal kingdom introduces collective nouns for animals through wordplay. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Lost Language by Claudia Mills
Sixth grader Betsy is the one who informs her best friend, Lizard, that thousands of the world's languages are currently threatened by extinction; Betsy's mother is a linguistics professor working frantically to study dying languages before they are lost forever. The girls embark on the adventure of trying to save Guernesiais, the language spoken on an island off the coast of France. Recommended for High School students.
You Loves Ewe by Cece Bell
The confusion between “ewe” and “you” results in a fabulously funny series of who’s-on-first misunderstandings, even though Yam explains the concept of homonyms to Donkey clearly enough for the youngest of readers to understand. Recommended for Elementary students.
Dear Deer by Gene Baretta
Clever Aunt Ant has just moved to the zoo. Speaking in homophones, she describes the quirky animal behavior she sees. There's the moose who loved mousse and ate eight bowls, and the whale who was allowed to wail aloud―and that's just for starters. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Boy Who Loved Words
Selig collects words, ones that stir his heart (Mama!) and ones that make him laugh (giggle). But what to do with so many luscious words? After helping a poet find the perfect words for his poem (lozenge, lemon, and licorice), he figures it out: His purpose is to spread the word to others. And so he begins to sprinkle, disburse, and broadcast them to people in need. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Word or Friend by Aidan Cassie
Kemala the pangolin is sure she's going to make friends at her new school in her new country. After all, Kemala loves to talk. The kids at school like talking, too--but their words are all different. This country speaks a language Kemala doesn't know.
Recommended for Elementary students.
This is a Ball by Beck Stanton
A book to introduce readers to the fun side of contradiction and absurd: after all, the picture on the cover clearly shows a cube, not a ball. What is wrong with this silly book? Recommended for Elementary students.
My First Myanmar Alphabet by Cho Su Khi
A visual introduction to the foundational sounds and letters of the Burmese alphabet. Conceived to help parents reinforce the curiosity in children for the Burmese language. Recommended for Elementary students.
Did you take the B from my Ook by Beck Stanton
What happens to the letters in a book when the person holding it sneezes? All the letters get shaken and move out of place! But wait, the B went missing, where is it? Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Geography and Exploration
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Amazing Africa by Atinuke
Explore Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity. The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Collectors by Alice Feagan
Winslow and Rosie have been building an impressive collection of natural wonders, and now it's nearly complete. With just enough space left for one final piece, the girls set off into the forest to find something extraordinary. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Whole Wide World and Me by Toni Yuly
A bold, joyful picture book for the very young shows that the natural world is full of wonders — and each of us is a small part of that. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Wanderer by Peter Van Der Ende
Without a word, The Wanderer presents one little paper boat's journey across the ocean, past reefs and between icebergs, through schools of fish, swaying water plants, and terrifying sea monsters. Recommended for Middle School students.
Crystals by Carla Mooney
Text and color illustrations explore how crystal form, their many uses, and the names of different kinds of geodes. Recommended for Elementary students.
Outside In by Deborah Underwood
Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors. Recommended for Elementary students.
I’m Trying to Love Rocks
From the Grand Canyon to volcanos to diamonds and fossils, geology--the study of rocks--shows us where we've been and where we're going. Recommended for Elementary students.
Little Bird Day by Sally Morgan
A simple, universal story of a day in the life of Little Bird as she sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon and dreams of flying among the stars. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Stories to Make you Laugh Out Loud
When Pigs Fly by Rob Harrell
Gary Yorkshire was your perfectly average, fuzzy pink pig who loved tasty sandwiches, video games, mud baths, and hanging out with his friends Carl the fish and Brooklyn the bat. Until one day... a radioactive bat bite gives him powers he never would have dreamed of! Recommended for Elementary students.
Kraken Me Up by Jeffrey Ebbeler
Izzie can't wait to debut her pet at the county fair. While the other children have brought pigs or chickens, Izzie brought a...Kraken! Recommended for Middle School students.
Thunder and Cluck by Jill Esbaum
Meet Thunder and Cluck, two unlikely friends who have plenty of fun and adventures together! Together, they navigate their unusual friendship, venture into a dark cave, and outsmart a tricky trap! Recommended for Middle School students.
Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans by John Loren
In his lab, Hugo develops a potion and finally becomes the biggest kid in town—but also the biggest jerk around. Hugo has great power, but will he learn responsibility before it’s too late? Recommended for Elementary students.
This is Not That Kind of Book by Christopher Healy
This clever alphabet book... Wait, that's not right. This original fairy tale... Nope. Mystery? Joke book? Superhero story? Pirate adventure? This delightful mash-up features every kind of character found in the picture-book universe--all in one book. Recommended for Elementary students.
I Funny by James Patterson
Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission: he wants to become the world's greatest standup comedian, even if he doesn't have a lot to laugh about these days. He's new in town and stuck living with his aunt, uncle, and their evil son Stevie, a bully who doesn't let Jamie's wheelchair stop him from messing with Jamie as much as possible. Recommended for Middle School students.
Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby
Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy who wants nothing more than to be friends Recommended for Elementary students.
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Recommended for Elementary students.
Stand Up, Yummy Chung! By Jessica Kim
As this case of mistaken identity unravels, Yumi must decide to stand up and reveal the truth or risk losing her dreams and disappointing everyone she cares about. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: The World Around Us
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Over and Under the Snow takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature by Nathan Pyle
When the nearest star rises, Lifegiver has an exciting quest planned for Offspring! Follow along as they observe a strange creature that sneaks, hides, and vibrates around their house. Hilarity ensues as the blue beings try to mimic this talented creature. Recommended for Elementary students.
My Book of Butterflies by Geraldo Valerio
Geraldo Valério grew up in Brazil, watching white butterflies visit the vegetable patch behind his house. As he got older, he learned more about these unique and beautiful insects, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
A secret underwater world brought to life: In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Mysterious Sea Bunny by Peter Raymundo
Shh, we are about to observe the one-inch-long sea bunny as it journeys sloooooowly across the ocean floor! Along the way, we'll learn some interesting facts: how it crawls upside-down using slime, how it breathes through its . . . um . . . fluffy-looking backside, and why predators would be in for an unsavory surprise if they ever got ahold of it. Recommended for Elementary students.
Lula and the Monster by Alex Latimer
Lula loves living by the sea, but her family must move away soon. Counting down the days until she leaves, Lula walks along the beach to find keepsakes and discovers something much more valuable than a souvenir. Lula befriends a small sea monster that she names Bean. Recommended for Elementary students.
Do Animals Fall in Love? By Anke Kohl
This book is a compendium of all the weird and wonderful ways the animal kingdom reproduces – courting rituals both elaborate and devious, extraordinary physiology, cleverly planned pregnancies, the most devoted fathers and the sweetest animal babies on Earth. Recommended for High School students.
Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin
Old Man Fookwire is a grump. The only thing he likes to do is paint pictures of the birds that visit his backyard. The problem is, they fly south every winter, leaving him sad and lonely.
So he decides to get them to stay by putting up beautiful bird feeders filled with seeds and berries. Unfortunately, the squirrels like the treats, too, and make a daring raid on the feeders. Recommended for Elementary students.
Inside Animals by Barbara Taylor
Discover how skeletons, organs, nerves and muscles fit together inside your favourite animals with detailed, scientific pictures that reveal more than meets the eye. From the mighty to the mini, prepare to be amazed at what these beasts are made of. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Halloween
The Not-so-itsy-bitsy Spider by Joe McGee
Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old coffin factory to notice or care, but the kids know all about monsters, ghosts, and strange lights in the sky. Strange things happen in Wolver Hollow. Creepy things. Recommended for Middle School students.
Trip to the Pumpkin Farm by Rebecca Elliott
Eva's class cannot wait for their field trip to the pumpkin farm! On the farm, they pick apples, milk cows, and even make new friends. But then an award-winning pumpkin goes missing! Eva and her friends will have to solve the mystery. Recommended for Middle School students.
Smash It! By Francina Simone
After Liv shows up to a Halloween party in khaki shorts she decides to set aside her wacky ways. After this Halloween happening, she makes a to-do list that prompts her to be bold, do the thing that scares her, learn to take compliments, and stand out instead of back. Recommended for High School students.
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
After failing to come into her powers, sixteen-year-old Voya--a Black witch living in near-future Toronto--is forced to choose between losing her family's magic forever, a heritage steeped in centuries of blood and survival, or murdering her first love, a boy who is supposedly her genetic match. Recommended for High School students.
Eva Evergreen by Julie Abe
Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test: One: Help your town, do good all around. Two: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon. Three: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.
Super Spooked by Gina Bellisario
Ellie is invited to a Halloween sleepover at her best friend Hannah's house. She can't wait to have some spooky fun with her friends . . . until the lights go out. Nothing scares Ellie worse than the dark! But when the villainous Fairy Frightmare strikes the sleepover. Recommended for Middle School students.
Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth
A young vampire trades places with a penguin at the zoo for a day of mischief and fun. Recommended for Elementary students.
When Pumpkins Fly by Margaret Lawrence
The air is cold, the nights are long, and Halloween is just around the corner. This is the time of year when pumpkins fly! In the remote, fly-in community of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, the last cargo flight of October brings some strange orange guests for the children. Seeing a pumpkin for the first time, the local kids eagerly carve and light their first jack-o-lantern. Recommended for Elementary students.
Mr. Pumpkin's Tea Party by Erin Barker
There’s a party at Mr. Pumpkin’s tonight. A banquet with friends in the autumn twilight. And at this soiree we’ll see and we’ll find ghoulish delights of every kind.” You are cordially invited to Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party—a delightfully quirky twist on a counting book, incorporating gorgeous, deep-hued watercolor illustrations, as well as spooky elements and unique characters at an unexpectedly charming tea party. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Festivals of Light
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. Recommended for Middle School students.
Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee
Archana loves her family's annual Diwali party, and this year she gets to share it with all her friends from school. She helps with the decorations and the food, and is eager for everyone to arrive. But once the party starts a thunderstorm kicks up and drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity? Recommended for Elementary students.
Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman
One girl. One boy. Their lives couldn't be more different. While she turns her shoulder to sandstorms and blistering winds, he cuffs his pants when heavy rains begin to fall. As the weather becomes more severe, their families and animals must flee to safety--and their destination shows that they might be more alike than they seem. Recommended for Elementary students.
Holi Colors by Rina Singh
A time to laugh, play, visit friends and get messy! Little ones will love exploring the colors of Holi through the vibrant photographs and playful rhymes in this book. Recommended for Elementary students.
Playing with Lanterns by Yage Wang
Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while doing their best to avoid the wind and the sneaky boys in the village. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna by Demi
The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna tells the enchanting tale of the child Krishna, who is sent by the God Vishnu to aid humanity. Hidden amongst the poor cowherds, Krishna uses his miraculous powers to fight an evil demon king who has overthrown the peaceful kingdom of Mathura. Recommended for Middle School students.
Happy Diwali! by Sanyukta Mathur
This joyful family story follows a little girl from dawn to dusk as she draws rangolis to welcome guests, prepares food with her family including pani puri and chana masala, dresses up in colorful clothing, participates in the puja, and lights the diyas in honor of Diwali: the Hindu festival of lights. Recommended for Elementary students.
Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. Recommended for Elementary students.
Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki
Twelve-year-old Nozomi lives in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. She wasn't even born when the bombing of Hiroshima took place. Every year Nozomi joins her family at the lantern-floating ceremony to honor those lost in the bombing. Recommended for High School students.
Theme: Animals and Pets
All the Dear Little Animals by Ulf Nilsson
After an encounter with “something sad and tragic”—a dead bee—Esther buries the insect, then makes a solemn pronouncement. “Someone unselfish must make sure all these dead things get buried,” she decides. So they start a business, Funerals Ltd. The boy is a reluctant undertaker but a good writer and he contributes a short poem for each funeral, while the other children take care of all the animal funerals around them. Great for Middle School students.
Lupin Leaps In by Georgia Dunn
Picking up where they last left off in Breaking Cat News, are Elvis, Puck, and Lupin reporting on the news that matters to cats. Together, they're back to break headlines on mysterious man "tails," all things holiday-related, new cat friends, and all the daily happenings in and outside their home. Great for Middle School students.
The Littlest Voyageur by Margi Preus
t is 1792 an intrepid squirrel, Jean Pierre Petit Le Rouge, sneaks onto a canoe of French settlers in Canada. Le Rouge is soon discovered because he can't contain his excitement--mon dieu he is so enthusiastic. The smells! The vistas! The comradery! The voyageurs aren't happy to have him because Le Rouge rides, but he does not paddle. He eats, but he does not cook. He doesn't even carry anything on portages. What kind of voyageur is that? Great for Middle School students.
Good Boy by Sergio Ruzzier
This is the story of a boy and his sweet dog. Or is it a dog and his boy? Either way, it’s a playful story of friendship and adventure! Great for Elementary students.
Breaking Cat News by Georgia Dunn
Cats reporting on the news that matters to cats with stories such as The Vacuum Cleaner Is Back!, The Woman Is Cooking Bacon!, and The Ceiling Cats Are Everywhere Tonight! Cynical, no nonsense Elvis and shy, sweet, sensitive Puck are the reporter kitties in the field, while the jokester Lupin serves as anchor cat. Great for Middle School students.
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
According to the rumors, Snap's town has a witch. But in reality, Jacks is just a crocks-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online―after doing a little ritual to put their spirits to rest. It’s creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it’s kind of cool, too. They make a deal: Jacks will teach Snap how to take care of the baby opossums that Snap rescued, and Snap will help Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to get to know Jacks, she realizes that Jacks may have real magic―and a connection with Snap’s family’s past. Great for High School students.
Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson
A dog’s world is a world of scents, of curiosity and adventure. When a runaway West Highland Terrier named Harvey wanders out of his old life guided only by his nose and his heart, lives begin to converge. Great for Middle School students.
Little Fox by Edward Van de Vendel
Little Fox frolics with butterflies, scavenges for food, and searches for new friends—despite his father's warning that danger lurks all around. Then one day he takes a tumble, bumps his head, and starts dreaming of things that reflect both the beauty he's seen and the scary things he's heard. Great for Elementary students.
Brooklyn Bailey by Amy Sohn
t's a busy morning in the city. Yotam and his mom stop in at their local café on the way to school, tying their dog's leash to an outside chair as usual. But today isn't usual. Bailey the dog gets startled by something and is suddenly dashing down Henry Street, freed of her leash and frantic. Before Yotam can catch up with her, she has disappeared. And that's when lots of neighbors get involved, joining in the search for the missing dog and offering all kinds of support and love. Great for Elementary students.
Theme: Stories of Asia
Generation Misfits by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Millie is attending a real school for the first time, and she dreams of finally having friends and a bit of freedom. She finds her chance when she joins an imitation band of her favorite J-Pop group, where she's thrilled to meet a group of misfits who quickly become a group of friends that are like family. Recommended for Middle School students.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joana Ho
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Recommended for Elementary students.
My First Day by Phung Nguyen
A young child sets out on a boat trip down the Mekong River in Vietnam to attend the first day of school. Recommended for Elementary students.
Room to Dream by Kelly Yang
After years of hard work, Mia Tang finally gets to go on vacation with her family--to China! A total dream come true. Mia can't wait to see all her cousins and grandparents again, especially her cousin Shen. As she roams around Beijing, witnessing some of the big changes China's going through, Mia thinks about the changes in her own life. Recommended for Middle School students.
Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joana Ho
A young Asian boy, who notices that his eyes look different from his friends', realizes that his eyes--like his father's, grandfather's, and younger brother's--rise to the skies, speak to the stars, and are visionary. Recommended for Elementary students.
Saving Sorya by Trang Nguyen
A young and enthusiastic conservationist overcomes many difficulties and hardships to return a sun bear to its natural habitat in the jungles of South East Asia. Recommended for Middle School students.
New Year by Mei Zihan
It's Lunar New Year, a time when families come together for a wonderful feast, and a father longs to be with his daughter--but she lives in another country. As he imagines how his daughter is spending the festivities, he recalls fond memories of time spent with her, feeling a sense of loss and dislocation. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable. But Soraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side.
Recommended for Middle School students.
Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar
Being a wise and just ruler is no easy task. That’s what Prince Veera discovers when he and his best friend, Suku, are given the opportunity to preside over the court of his father, King Bheema. Some of the subjects’ complaints are easily addressed, but others are much more challenging. How should they handle the case of the greedy merchant who wishes to charge people for enjoying the smells of his sweets? And can they prove that an innocent man cannot possibly spread bad luck? Are the two clever boys up to the challenge? Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: The World of Bugs
Dear Little One by Nina Laden
From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects, this lyrical book encourages children to explore the natural world around them and to be grateful for all that surrounds them. Recommended for Elementary students.
How to Build an Insect by Roberta Gibson
In the pages of this book, you’ll find a workshop filled with everything you need, including a head, a thorax, an abdomen, and much more. This wonderfully original take on insect anatomy will spark curiosity and engage even those who didn't think they liked creepy, crawly things! Recommended for Middle School students.
Bug on the Rug by Sophia Golz
Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground. Recommended for Elementary students.
Hard-boiled Bugs for Breakfast by Ruth Chan
Hard-Boiled Bugs for Breakfast is guaranteed to make readers laugh, imagine, write, and dream. From a lizard playing a mandolin (although not very well) to the surprised guest of honor (at a birthday party he threw for himself), there’s something for everyone in this book. Recommended for Middle School students.
My Book of Butterflies by Geraldo Valerio
The author grew up in Brazil, watching white butterflies visit the vegetable patch behind his house. As he got older, he learned more about these unique and beautiful insects, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Recommended for Middle School students.
The Thing About Bees by Shabazz Larkin
This book is a love poem from a father to his two sons, and a tribute to the bees that pollinate the foods we love to eat. Children are introduced to different kinds of bees, “how not to get stung,” and how the things we fear are often things we don’t fully understand. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
Follow Nyuki on a lifelong journey as she annoys her sisters, avoids predators, and learns to trust her inner voice as she masters the way of the hive. Recommended for Middle School students.
Pea, Bee, & Jay: Wannabees by Brian Smith
Who knew being queen could sting so much? All Bee really wants to do is play with hertwo best friends, Pea and Jay. But when she’s replaced by Lenny—an ambitious bee hungry for power—as queen of her hive, the friends set out to prove Lenny isn’t exactly who he seems to be. Recommended for Middle School students.
It Fell From the Sky by Terry Fan
It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider’s house, so he’s convinced it belongs to him. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Science and Public Health
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
In an Ireland ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Recommended for High School students.
A Shot in the Arm by Don Brown
This book explores the history of vaccinations and the struggle to protect people from infectious diseases, from smallpox—perhaps humankind’s greatest affliction to date—to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended for Middle School students.
Unseen Worlds by Helene Rajcak
Unfold each page to reveal stunningly detailed illustrations bursting with jelly-like amoebae, predatory centipedes, ravenous mosquitos and more mites than you could imagine. Recommended for Elementary students.
Design Like Nature by Megan Clendenan
Did you know that lamps can be powered by glowing bacteria instead of electricity? That gloves designed like gecko feet let people climb straight up glass walls? Or that kids are finding ways to make compostable plastic out of banana peels? Biomimicry, the scientific term for when we learn from and copy nature, is a revolutionary way to look to nature for answers to environmental problems such as climate change. Recommended for Middle School students.
Plagues: The Microscopic Battlefield by Fallyn Koch
This book takes readers across the microscopic battlefield to get to know the critters behind history’s worst diseases. We delve into the biology and mechanisms of infections, diseases, and immunity, and also the incredible effect that technology and medical science have had on humanity’s ability to contain and treat disease. Recommended for Middle School students.
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
Malian loves spending time with her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation. She’s there for a visit when, suddenly, all travel shuts down. There’s a new virus making people sick, and Malian will have to stay with her grandparents for the duration. Recommended for High School students.
Severance by Ling Ma
Candace Chen, a millennial drone self-sequestered in a Manhattan office tower, is devoted to routine. So she barely notices when a plague of biblical proportions sweeps New York. Then Shen Fever spreads. Families flee. Companies halt operations. The subways squeak to a halt. Soon entirely alone, still unfevered, she photographs the eerie, abandoned city as the anonymous blogger NY Ghost.
Do Not Lick This Book by Ben-Barak
In this interactive children’s picture book the reader can zoom in on the microscopic world found on everyday objects―and in our bodies―warning readers Do Not Lick This Book. Recommended for Elementary students.
Agnes and the End by Kelly McWilliams
Agnes loves her home of Red Creek—its quiet, sunny mornings, its dusty roads, and its God. There, she cares tirelessly for her younger siblings and follows the town's strict laws. What she doesn't know is that Red Creek is a cult, controlled by a madman that she must escape, but the outside world isn’t safe either, as a pandemic is killing the population. Recommended for High School students.
Theme: International Literacy Day
Legacy by Nikki Grimes
For centuries, accomplished women--of all races--have fallen out of the historical records. The same is true for gifted, prolific, women poets of the Harlem Renaissance who are little known, especially as compared to their male counterparts. Recommended for High School students.
Read! Read! Read! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
From that thrilling moment when a child first learns to decipher words, to the excitement that follows in reading everything from road signs to field guides to internet articles to stories, these poems celebrate reading. They also explore what reading does — how it opens minds, can make you kind, and allows you to explore the whole world. Recommended for Elementary students.
Pencil: A Story with a Point by Ann Ingots
Pencil and Jackson are a great pair: they draw, they sketch, they scribble. But then Jackson gets Tablet and Pencil finds himself dumped in the dreaded junk drawer; he just can’t compete with Tablet’s videos, games, and movies. How will Pencil ever reclaim Jackson’s attention? Recommended for Elementary students.
Little Red Writing by Joan Holub
This is a hilarious and exuberant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, in which a brave little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of writing a story. Recommended for Elementary students.
Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
This book explores every stage of writing, from learning the alphabet to the thrilling moment of writing a thought for the first time, from writer's block to finding inspiration, and from revision to stapling your finished work into a book. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Word Collector by Peter Hamilton
Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. Recommended for Elementary students.
You Can’t Say That! By Leonard Marcus
Tune in as thirteen top children’s and young adult authors speak out about what it’s like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Recommended for High School students.
The Reader by Luciana de Luca
This breathtaking picture book is a celebration of reading and a child’s imagination. Inspire beginning readers to become armchair adventurers by exploring what lies between the pages of a book. Recommended for Elementary students.
The Mailbox in The Forest by Kyoko Hara
While spending a vacation with her grandparents, Mayu finds a mysterious mailbox in the forest near their house. She writes a letter and leaves it in the box. The next day she is surprised to find a letter addressed to her. She responds and a friendship develops between the two letter writers. But who could this mysterious friend be? Mayu discovers who he is, and discovers the joys of writing and receiving letters. Recommended for Elementary students.
Theme: Understanding Disabilities
The Great Upending by Beth Kephart
Trouble is the last thing Sara and her brother need. Sara’s got a condition, you see. Marfan syndrome. And that Marfan syndrome is causing her heart to have problems, the kind of problems that require surgery. But the family already has problems: The drought has dried up their crops and their funds, which means they can’t afford any more problems, let alone a surgery to fix those problems. Sara can feel the weight of her family’s worry, and the weight of her time running out, but what can a pair of kids do? Recommended for High School students.
Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez
The moving and intimate story of what it's like to live day to day with Asperger Syndrome. Marguerite feels awkward, struggling every day to stay productive at work and keep up appearances with friends. Recommended for High School students.
Mallko and Dad by Gusti
A diary, journal, and illustrated story all at the same time written by a father about his son, Mallko, who has Down Syndrome. Recommended for High School students.
Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick
Seventh-grader Frankie, who has various sensory disorders, is determined to find her missing best friend, Colette, before it is too late. Recommended for Middle School students.
Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, an estimated 15 percent of the global population. But many of us—disabled and nondisabled alike—don’t know how to act, what to say, or how to be an ally to the disability community. Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about. Recommended for High School students.
Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe
Recommended for Elementary students.
All He Knew by Helen Frost
Henry has been deaf from an early age―he is intelligent and aware of langauge, but by age six, he has decided it's not safe to speak to strangers. When the time comes for him to start school, he is labeled "unteachable." Because his family has very little money, his parents and older sister, Molly, feel powerless to help him. Henry is sent to Riverview, a bleak institution where he is misunderstood, underestimated, and harshly treated. Recommended for Middle School students.
Henry the Boy by Molly Felder
An ordinary boy with daily struggles, and the triumphs of his extraordinary imagination. Henry uses forearm crutches decorated with animal stickers. He sometimes feels out of place at school, especially when he gets made fun of, but through his own rich imagination and his friendship with Joel, Henry learns to define himself on his own terms. Recommended for Elementary students.
Show me a Sign by Ann Clare Lezotte
Mary has always felt safe on her beloved island of Martha's Vineyard. Her great-great-grandfather was an early settler and the first deaf islander. Now, over a hundred years later, many people there -- including Mary -- are deaf, and nearly everyone can communicate in sign language. She is proud of her lineage, but a scientist has arrived, hoping to discover the origin of the island's prevalent deafness. Recommended for Middle School students.
Theme: Back to School
Queen of Spelling Bee by Gina Bellisario
Ellie can't wait for the school spelling bee--she's a super-speller and is sure she'll be crowned queen of the bee! But when her best friend Hannah makes the cut for the spelling bee instead, Ellie discovers that being super doesn't mean she shouldn't study. When it's revealed that the substitute librarian in charge of the bee has a villainous plan, it's up to Ellie to save the day--and her friendship. Recommended for Elementary Students.
Read! Read! Read! by Ludwig VanDerwater
Twenty-three poems capture the joys of reading.From that thrilling moment when a child first learns to decipher words, to the excitement that follows in reading everything from road signs to field guides to internet articles to stories. Recommended for Elementary Students.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Mia’s Secrets: She lives in a motel, her parents hide immigrants, and she wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language? It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get successfully through this year. Recommended for Middle School Students. Recommended for Middle School Students.
Evil Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley somehow accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring old real world, Ben gets recruited by evil crime organization SPYDER. And he accepts. Recommended for Middle School Students.
My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon
This picture book tells a fun story of Sara and her pencil. It guides the reader through the steps in the story making process and how to use your imagination. Recommended for Elementary Students.
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
The Unteachables are a notorious class of misfits and academic train wrecks. Like Aldo, with anger management issues; Parker, who can’t read; Kiana, who doesn’t even belong in the class—or any class; and Elaine (rhymes with pain). The Unteachables have been removed from the student body and isolated in room 117. Recommended for Middle School Students.
Class Act by Jerry Craft
Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted? Recommended for Young Adults.
All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell
A tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. With heartwarming rhyming text all about knowing what makes you special, All the Ways to Be Smart is a wonderful introduction to conversations about self-esteem. Recommended for Elementary Students.
Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting
Cece, a budding and inquisitive scientist, and her equally curious best friend, Isaac, conduct experiments to see whether Cece's dog, Einstein, will eat his vegetables. Recommended for Elementary Students.