Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood

Written by Leslie C. Youngblood, Published by Disney-Hyperion, 2018. (Realistic fiction, ages 8-12)

One thing that I really appreciated while reading this title was how authentic Georgie’s (G-baby) voice was. She is a determined and lovable character that you can’t help but root for.

BACKGROUND

Georgie has always taken care of her little sister Peaches. However, since her mom remarried she has hoped her step-sister Tangie would be a big sister to her and talk to her about growing up. Suddenly Peaches gets very ill, and Georgie must find a way to make her better. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A great pick for readers who love everyday stories about family relationships, blended families, friendship and the power of love and community.

PAIR WITH

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller 

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Love Like Sky

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Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed

Written by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed, Published by Salaam Reads, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

Bills cooks Daal

And in just two days the weather in Seattle has changed to fall. Time to pull out the warm sweaters and cook large pots of warm soup. Speaking of warm pots of soup here is another delectable read that is sure to fill readers up with a great story!

BACKGROUND

Bilal of South Asian decent introduces his friends to a family favorite: daal. Excited, he and his friends must be patient for the lentil-based dish to be ready.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that would be great for discussing patience, trying new dishes, friendship, grit, and empathy.

PAIR WITH

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia

What Should I Make? By Nandini Nayar

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bilal Cooks Daal

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Small World by Ishta Mercurio

Written by Ishta Mercurio, Illustrated by Jen Corace, Published by Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-7)

IMG_0817It is so fascinating in child development that as a child grows so does their ability to comprehend the world around them physically and mentally. What really made this book stand out is that it portrays the progression of that development. I have had many requests from teachers looking for a book like this to aid students in understanding the concept of a community.

BACKGROUND

As Nanda, an Indian girl, grows so does her world and aspirations. Her curiosity eventually takes her to the stars – literally.

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that could be used in a unit about Space Exploration, STEM, and community. Includes an Author’s Note.

PAIR WITH

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Small World

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Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Written by Rukhsanna Guidroz, Illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova, Published by Salaam Reads, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

IMG_0818This book teems with vivid hues and intricate patterns that will have kids pouring over each and every page. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, it also explores how culture and family can help with self-acceptance.

BACKGROUND

A young girl celebrates her Pakistani culture at her family’s weekly dinners. Through interactions with her Naani and family does she comes to love every part of herself. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that explores the culture of a Pakistani Muslim family. Also a great prompt to discuss self-acceptance, and aspects that make up identities.

PAIR WITH

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Leila in Saffron

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The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

Written by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Published by Penguin Random House, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-6)

IMG_0816For educators looking for a book that contains the infectious energy of the first day of school, this read aloud is for you! Many first day of school books portray students as anxious and worried, not this one. Each page overflows with confidence and courage.

BACKGROUND

A young African American boy is pumped as he prepares for his first day of school. Instead of worries he holds his head up high and walks straight in, he is the King of Kindergarten after all! #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that obviously would be great for the first day of school. A great way to open discussions about confidence, empathy, establishing classroom routines, and making friends.

PAIR WITH

Keisha Ann Can! by Daniel Kirk

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The King of Kindergarten

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A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Written by Jenn Bailey, Illustrated by Mika Song, Published by Chronicle Books, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-6)

A friend for HenryThis summer is going by quickly and I can already spot educators in line at Target and craft stores with their carts full of classroom supplies. To help with preparations I thought I would highlight a quiet read that addresses a worry that many students have going to school, making friends.

BACKGROUND

Henry is Asian and on the autism spectrum. Things have to be a certain way and the same goes for friends. His hopes of finding one starts to wane just when Katie comes along.

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that would be a great way to open discussions about friendships, anxiety at school, patience, empathy, and autism.

PAIR WITH

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Benji, the Bad Day and Me by Sally Pla

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading A Friend for Henry

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Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

Written by Hilda Eunice Burgos, Published by Tu Books, 2018. (middle grade, ages 8-12)

Dreams, sisters, and identities collide to make up this fun and multi-layered middle grade read! I loved Ana’s journey and especially the nuanced relationships with her sisters.

BACKGROUND

Ana has her eyes set on a private school in New York, she just has to perfect her piano recital and win a scholarship on top of convincing her busy family amid all their obligations. Will Ana find her way to her dream? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A great middle grade read that deals with family relationships, identity, and community while still maintaining a playful tone.

PAIR WITH

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

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Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew

Written by Wab Kinew, Illustrated by Joe Morse, Published by Tundra, 2018. (Biography, ages 5-12)

Go show the worldIn my own reading history, this is the first picture book I’ve come across that celebrates numerous Indigenous heroes in both a past and contemporary setting. I can only hope that more and more books like this continue to be published!

BACKGROUND

Indigenous heroes (warriors, artists, athletes, doctors, advocates) from past and present are given a brief bio in rhyming text while encouraging the reader to continue to strive and shine, because they matter and can show the world what they can do. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a great way to introduce a biography unit. Also a great addition to an Indigenous unit to show a contemporary perspective. Includes an author’s note and biography section with slightly more details. Can be used as a research question prompt.

PAIR WITH

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story by Joseph Bruchac

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Go Show the World

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Honda The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars by Mark Weston

Written by Mark Weston, Illustrated by Katie Yamasaki, Published by Lee & Low Books, 2008. (Picture Book, ages 8-11)

honda

An older title, but nonetheless a good one. I would read this to my third and fourth grade classes and it would never fail to hold them in rapt attention.

BACKGROUND

A detailed biography of Soichiro Honda, mechanic and founder of the Honda Motor Company. After years of dedication learning and building parts for motorcycles and airplanes, Honda realizes his dream to manufacture cars.

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud, ideal for a biography study in class. Great for modeling grit.

PAIR WITH

in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story by Paula Yoo

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

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Honda The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars

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Ruby’s Sword by Jacqueline Veissid

Written by Jacqueline Veissid, Illustrated by Paola Zakimi, Published by Chronicle Books, 2019. (Picture book, ages 4-6)

RubysSwordIt’s summer and usually this means trying to take my boys out in parks and trails as much as possible. It also means a lot of rocks, sticks, pinecones, shells and other items from the wild that fill pockets, my bag, and even random areas of the house. This book perfectly encapsulates that natural curiosity and imaginative play with whimsical illustrations.

BACKGROUND

Ruby along with her two brothers (all brown skinned with dark hair) run into the wild. Tired of being left out of their games, Ruby creates her own adventures with some perfectly natural “swords”.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is ideal to encourage imaginative play. It can also be a great way to open a unit about the summer season, the wind, and relationships with siblings.

PAIR WITH

The Storm by Akiko Miyakoshi

Rain by Linda Ashman

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ruby’s Sword

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