The Bare Naked Book

English 4 years & up Bodies Body Diversity Terminology Acceptance Celebration Kathy Stinson & Melissa Cho summary The Bare Naked Book was originally published in the 1980’s, and got a massive glow-up this year! The illustrations by Melissa Cho are terrifically diverse and beautiful. Seriously, there are rarely, if ever, characters in books that have…

Mental Health & Body Positivity

English MG & Up Mental health Body positivity Self-esteem Reflection activities See each book Summary: Both of these books are wonderful! They work beautifully together, so I decided to do a double review and talk about the important of mental health, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and body positivity. Body Positive by Emily Lauren Dick is a…

Always be You

Written By: Ioana Stoian Illustrated by: Dawn M. Cardona For ages: Infant & Up (Board Book)  Language: English Topics Covered: Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Love Summary: This is a sweet board book with gorgeous paper-cut illustrations (the author actually made the paper for the illustrator to use in the book!). I really love the book’s words speaking directly to…

Ho’onani Hula Warrior

Written by: Heather Gale Illustrated by: Mika Song For ages: 4 years and up Language: English and Hawaiian Topics Covered: Gender Identity, Hawaiian Culture & Traditions, Hula, Indigenous Voices, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Trailblazer, History, Historical Figure, Biographical, Self-Esteem, Family, Acceptance.  Summary:  This is an incredible book based on a real person!  Ho’onani is a young girl that feels in the middle of…

Jamie is Jamie

Written by: Afsaneh Moradian  Illustrated by: Maria Bogade For ages: 3 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Self-Expression, Gender Stereotypes, Identity, Friendship, Kindness, Self-Esteem. Summary: This book is absolutely adorable!  Jamie has just moved, and is starting a new school. When they get to school and join in free play, Jamie moves about the classroom looking for new friends and…

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Written by: Stacy McAnulty Cover Art by: We can’t find this, if you know-let us know!! For ages: YA Book-middle grades Language: English Topics Covered: Middle School, Neurodivergence, OCD, Friendship, Fitting In, Self-Acceptance, STEM, Synesthesia, Social-Emotional Learning & Development.  Summary: This book was great!  Lucy Callahan got struck by lightning, and because of this gained extraordinary mathematical abilities, as well as…

Deadendia: The Broken Halo [released 10/17]

Written & Illustrated by: Hamish Steele For ages: YA middle & upper grades (2 vaguely implied sexual situations) Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Neurodivergent Characters, LGBTQ, Supernatural, Friendship, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Love, Family, Acceptance.  Summary: This graphic novel is the next installment in the series!  We were sent this book by the publisher, Flying Eye Books, (Nobrow in the…

It Feels Good To Be Yourself; A Book About Gender Identity

Written by: Theresa Thorn Illustrated by: Noah Grigni For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Self-Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Gender Identity, LGBTQ Youth, Friendship,  Family, Love, Own Voices, Community, POC-Centric Narratives.  Summary: This book is INCREDIBLE.  It was written clearly and in a style that shows us the author is familiar with children, and explaining things to them.  The book affirms and reaffirms…

Tutus Aren’t My Style

Written by: Linda Skeers Illustrated by: Anne Wilsdorf For ages: 4-7 years Language: English Topics Covered: Tomboys, Exploration, Open-Mindedness, Family, Love, Acceptance. Summary: This book is super cute!  The main character Emma loves playing in the mud, lizards, and climbing trees.  One day, she gets a package from her uncle!  Inside is a tutu and complete ballerina outfit.  Confused, she asks…

Keep Climbing, Girls

Written by: Beah E. Richards (Introduction by LisaGay Hamilton) Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Self-Expression, Acceptance, Self-Acceptance, Independence. Summary: This is a poem about girl power!  The main character is determined to prove her bravery and climb to the top of the tree, despite threats from the intimidating figure…