Yang Warriors

English & some Hmong 6-10 Hmong Culture Own Voices Refugee Experience Family Lived Experiences Social-Emotional Learning Kao Kalia Yang & Billy Thao summary Yang Warriors is a beautiful story that is one of the first books I’ve read that’s entirely Own Voices, with both a Hmong author and Hmong-American illustrator. The book takes place in…

Escape: One Day We Had to Run

English 5 years & up Refugee Experiences Immigration Lived Experiences Social-Emotional Learning Ming & Wah Chen, Carmen Vela summary I had the opportunity to do the cover reveal for this book, and I’m so excited that it’s out in the world now! For #SweetsAndSocialJustice I found a recipe that put a new spin on one…

The Proudest Blue

Written by: Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali Illustrated by: Hatem Aly For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Muslim Identity, Islamophobia, Family, Growing Up, Siblings, Own Voices, Lived Experiences, POC-Centric Narratives, Resilience, Strength.  Summary: The Proudest Blue is a story about Asiya’s first day hijab, which she has chosen because it’s the color of the sky.  Faizah, Asiya’s younger sister, is our narrator…

Wherever I Go

Written by: Mary Wagley Copp Illustrated by: Munir D. Mohammed  For ages: 6-9 years Language:  English Topics Covered: Refugees, Resettlement, Lived Experiences, Family, African Culture & Identity, Friendship, Growing Up, Social-Emotional Learning. Summary:  Abia has declared herself queen of the refugee camp she lives in, Shimelba!  She knows all the ins and outs of daily life, like how to…

Nya’s Long Walk

Written by: Linda Sue Park Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney For ages: 4-9 years Language: English Topics Covered: Global Community, Africa, African Culture, Sudan, Sudanese Life, Water, Medicine, Family, Siblings, Love, Lived Experiences, POC-Centric Narratives.  Summary:  Nya and her sister Akeer live in Sudan and must walk a long way to get water.  One day when making the journey, Akeer falls…

Treasure

Written by: Mireille Messier Illustrated by: Irene Luxbacher For ages: 3-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Imagination, Siblings, Growing Up, Nature, Natural World, Appreciation, Lived Experiences. Summary:  This book is adorable! The tale starts with two siblings taking a walk through the woods near their home, looking for a treasure.  There are few words in the book, but they are all…

I Am Native

Written & Illustrated by: Violet Duncan For ages: 3 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Indigenous Voices, Own Voices, Lived Experience, Growing Up, Culture & Identity, Hoop Dancing, Sports, Family, Love, Native Experience.  Summary:  This lovely book is all about the lived experiences of an Indigenous family, comparing their traditional Native activities with other things the family does such…

I’m Gonna Push Through [released Feb. 18th]

Written by: Jasmyn Wright Illustrated by: Shannon Wright For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Empowerment, Self-Confidence, Resiliency, Disability, Diverse Experiences, Growth Mindset. Summary:  This book is awesome!  I’m Gonna Push Through! delivers an empowering message for young people to step into their power and overcome anything in their path.  The book is based on a mantra that the author…