English & Haitian Creole MG & Up Family Immigration Fantasy Magic Racism Fitting In Social-Emotional Learning Own Voices Marie Arnold Cover Artist: Geneva Bowers Summary: This book stressed me out in the best way possible. Main character Gabrielle is given the opportunity to leave her village in Haiti and live with family in the states….
Category: Girls Outdoors
A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India
English 4-8 years Own Voices Chennai, India Family Gifts Meera Sriram & Mariona Cabassa Summary: This book is so bright and cheery, it’s a joy to read! The narrator is a young girl on her way to the colorful market nearby to buy a present for her Amma, and there are so many choices! Wandering…
Climate Justice & Sustainability Roundup
English 4-8 years Historical Figures Women in STEM Activism Environmental Activism Trailblazers Sustainability Gardening Pets Composting Various, see each book. Summary: I was inspired to make this roundup when someone made an offhand comment to me that they wanted to talk more about sustainability with their kids, but they weren’t sure what they could do…
The Sea in Winter
English MG & Up Indigenous Voices Mental health Depression Athleticism Dance Own Voices Christine Day Summary: The Sea in Winter is Christine Day’s latest, and it’s a lovely novel that broaches topics of mental health, blended families, and adapting to unexpected (and disliked) changes in life. Maisie is a ballerina, and healing from a torn…
A Few Books by Latinx Creators I’m Loving Lately!
English, some Spanish. 4 years and up Historical Figures Women in STEM Activism Environmental Activism Trailblazers Shyness Traditions Latinx Culture & Identity Various, see individual posts Summary: There have been so many amazing books out lately, I’ve been reading up a storm! I decided to lean into my newfound love of book roundups and share…
Root Magic
Written & Illustrated by: Eden Royce For ages: MG Language: English & some Gullah Topics Covered: History Own Voices Magic Police Harassment Eden Royce Eden Royce is from Charleston, South Carolina and is a member of the Gullah-Geechee nation. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications and she is the recipient of the…
Curls
Written & Illustrated by: Ruth Forman & Geneva Bowers For ages: Infant & Up (board book) Language: English Topics Covered: Own Voices BIPOC Protagonists Confidence Natural Hair Self-Esteem Friendship Summary: In this gorgeous and poetic board book, the reader follows four friends that wear their natural hair in different ways. The children are buoyant and play…
Rain Before Rainbows
Written & Illustrated by: Smriti Prasadam-Halls & David Litchfield For ages: 4 years & up Language: English Topics Covered: Friendship Poetry BIPOC Protagonists Social-Emotional Learning Bravery Courage Summary: Rain Before Rainbows is filled with lyrical and poetic text with illustrations that are truly resplendent and enticing to the eyes, urging the reader to turn the page. In…
Love You Head to Toe
Written & Illustrated by: Ashley Barron For ages: Infants & Up (Board Book) Language: English Topics Covered: Family Early Literacy Babies Summary: This adorable board book celebrates babies and their attributes similar to animals! Happy babies yawn like hippos, stretch like starfish, and munch like chipmunks. I love the papercut illustrations and the diverse families portrayed….