Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth

Written by Sheetal Sheth, Illustrations by Jessica Blank, Published by Bharat Babies, 2018. (Picture Book, ages 5-9)

I connected with Anjali. Growing up in Canada and the US I didn’t always wanted to be so “different”, and it took me a loooong time to embrace that. Plus, even though I do have a Western first name, I have never been able to find my name in those personalized souvenir racks!

BACKGROUND

Indian America Anjali is enjoying the school carnival with her friends when they decide to all get a personalized license plate for their bikes. However, Anjali cannot find her name and struggles seeing the positive side of having a “one-of-a-kind” name. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud. Great in modeling how having a unique name can at first seem challenging, but also be embraced and celebrated. Great for teaching self-acceptance and empathy.

PAIR WITH

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Always Anjali

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

Written by Tae Keller, Published by Random House, 2018. (Realistic Fiction, ages 10+)

Just from my reading experience I don’t see a lot of books that deal with mental illness. If it is addressed, it’s usually in combination of other obstacles and is hinted at in passing. I was therefore pretty surprised to see a children’s book where it is a major theme of the plot. Natalie’s mother has depression and it does not sugarcoat how depression can affect not only the individual, but also the people around them. I appreciated that it portrayed depression accurately as an illness, which does not mean the person is incapable or less deserving of love and relationships. This is NOT a depressing read BTW!

BACKGROUND

Natalie juggles friendships and trying to win a science egg drop competition to get a decent grade in science and hopefully win some cash. You see, Natalie’s mom suffers from depression and maybe, just maybe Natalie can find a way to make her better with her winnings. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

Kids who are a fan of realistic fiction with characters dealing with challenging family dynamics and building friendships.

PAIR WITH

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Science of Breakable Things

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith

Written by Monique Gray Smith, Illustrated by Danielle Daniel, Published by Orca Book Publishers, 2018. (Fiction, ages 3-6)Canada has a lot of publishing companies that produce great Indigenous children’s books written in own voice. This would be no exception. Author Monique Gray Smith is Cree, Lakota, Scottish and wrote this book with the intention of healing and reconciliation especially after a 150 year history of Indian Residential boarding schools where children suffered abuses, poor living conditions, and systematic erasure of their cultural identity.

BACKGROUND

Sparse text reveals how kindness, love and service build supportive communities that build each other up. This is a bilingual book in Plains Cree. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A two minute read aloud with preschool children. Great for teaching about altruism, empathy, community support and relationships.

PAIR WITH

Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk

I am not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading You Hold Me Up

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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What is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack

Written by Patricia C. McKissack, Illustrated by April Harrison, Published by Schwartz & Wade Books, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 5-10)Patricia C. McKissack was an award winning author who wrote over 100 books about the African American perspective in children’s literature. I was very fortunate to meet her at a past ALA conference before she sadly passed away in 2017. This picture book is her very last, leaving a title that teaches the importance of kindness, generosity, and representation.

BACKGROUND

Young African American James Otis and his mother has come across hard times that shows no end in sight. Despite their misfortune, their Reverend asks for donations for a family that just survived a fire, but James asks what could they possibly have to give? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A twenty minute read aloud great for modeling kindness, thoughtful gift giving, perseverance, the power of representation, and creating your own books.

PAIR WITH

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading What is Given from the Heart

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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Hector’s Hiccups by Jacqueline Jules

Written by Jacqueline Jules, Illustrated by Kim Smith, Published by Picture Window Books, 2018. (Early Reader, ages 5-7)

In my review for the series I mentioned that there were fourteen books out. However I just looked it up and it looks like there are now fifteen, so lovers of Sophia Martinez has plenty to look forward to!

BACKGROUND

Sophia Martinez is a Latina who is fun and curious. Her Abuela has promised to take her and her cousin Hector to the movies, but Hector has a tenacious case of the hiccups! Will they ever get to see that movie?

BEST FOR

A realistic fiction ideal for readers that are just transitioning into chapter books. It has plenty of illustrations and includes Spanish words in the text. A glossary as well as fun extras are included in the back of the book.

PAIR WITH

Lola Levine is Not Mean! by Monica Brown

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Hector’s Hiccups

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton Poet by Don Tate

Written and Illustrated by Don Tate, Published by Peachtree, 2015. (Biography, ages 7-10)

Don Tate mentioned in the author’s note that he initially hesitated taking on projects about slavery. Growing up in the Midwest he said whenever they talked about Black History in class it would always be stories of slavery, as if African Americans were only the property of someone else. Later after much retrospect he became proud of the perseverance of African Americans and was intrigued by this particular story. I myself was blown away reading about the extraordinary life of George Moses Horton. February is also Black History month!

BACKGROUND

African American Poet George Moses Horton was a slave in North Carolina who taught himself how to read. His passion for poetry grew, composing poems for hire eventually publishing two books. However he was denied his freedom and taken away from his writing because of the Civil War. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A twenty minute read aloud that would be a great choice for a biography unit. Also great for modeling the power of poetry, or showing a different perspective of the Civil War.

PAIR WITH

Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you are interested in reading The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton Poet

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

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