Blended by Sharon Draper

Blended by Sharon Draper 

Eleven-year-old Isabella’s parents are divorced, so she has to switch lives every week: One week she’s Isabella with her dad, his girlfriend Anastasia, and her son Darren living in a fancy house where they are one of the only black families in the neighborhood. The next week she’s Izzy with her mom and her boyfriend John-Mark in a small, not-so-fancy house that she loves. Because of this, Isabella has always felt pulled between two worlds. And now that her parents are divorced, it seems their fights are even worse, and they’re always about HER. Isabella feels even more stuck in the middle, split and divided between them than ever. And she’s is beginning to realize that being split between Mom and Dad is more than switching houses, switching nicknames, switching backpacks: it’s also about switching identities. Her dad is black, her mom is white, and strangers are always commenting: “You’re so exotic!” “You look so unusual.” “But what are you really?” She knows what they’re really saying: “You don’t look like your parents.” “You’re different.” “What race are you really?” And when her parents, who both get engaged at the same time, get in their biggest fight ever, Isabella doesn’t just feel divided, she feels ripped in two. What does it mean to be half white or half black? To belong to half mom and half dad? And if you’re only seen as half of this and half of that, how can you ever feel whole? It seems like nothing can bring Isabella’s family together again—until the worst happens. Isabella and Darren are stopped by the police. A cell phone is mistaken for a gun. And shots are fired. Ages 8-12

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Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of the Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of the Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim (author), E.B. Lewis (illustrator)

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story, featuring Jabari Asim’s stirring prose and E. B. Lewis’s stunning, light-filled impressionistic watercolor paintings, includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. John Lewis is now a Georgia congressman, who is still an activist today, recently holding a sit-in on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol to try to force a vote on gun violence. His March: Book Three recently won the National Book Award, as well as the American Library Association's Coretta Scott King Author Award, Printz Award, and Sibert Award. Ages 5-8

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#preachingtothechickens #johnlewis #jabariasim #preacher #leadership #dreambig #politics #inspiration #americanhistory # #childrensbooks #loveofreading #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

One Word from Sophia by Jim Averbeck

One Word from Sophia by Jim Averbeck (author), Yasmeen Ismail (illustrator)

Sophia tries varied techniques to get the giraffe she wants more than anything in this playfully illustrated story about the nuances of negotiation. Sophia has one true desire for her birthday. But she has Four Big Problems in the way: Mom, Dad, Uncle Conrad...and Grand-mama. Will her presentations, proposals, and pie charts convince them otherwise? Turns out, all it takes is one word. Ages 4-8

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#onewordfromsophia #jimaverbeck #determination #family #persistence #negotiation #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Running. That’s all that Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But never for a track team. Nope, his game has always been ball. But when Ghost impulsively challenges an elite sprinter to a race — and wins — the Olympic medalist track coach sees he has something: crazy natural talent. Thing is, Ghost has something else: a lot of anger, and a past that he is trying to outrun. Can Ghost harness his raw talent for speed and meld with the team, or will his past finally catch up to him? Ages 10-14

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#ghost #jasyonreynolds #track #future #past #sports #youngreaders #loveofreading #childrensbooks #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julia Glassman

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julia Glassman (author), Andy Elkerton (illustrator)

Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important ― and some not so important ― library etiquette in a very entertaining way. Ages 3-7.

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Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennett

Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennett

Dear Black Boy is a letter of encouragement to all of the black boys around the world who feel like sports are all they have. It is a reminder that they are more than athletes, more than a jersey number, more than a great crossover or a forty-yard dash, that the biggest game that they'll ever play is the game of life, and there are people rooting for them off of the courts and fields, not as athletes, but as future leaders of the world. The same things that make these strong beautiful black boys great on whatever playing surface they choose are the same things that will propel them forward in life: mental toughness, dedication, passion, determination, and effort are all things that carry over into the game of life. With the right preparation, every Black Boy can win. 10% of proceeds from book sales will go to charity. Ages 8-12

Check out Martellus's Imagination Agency https://www.theimaginationagency.com

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#dearblackboy #martellusbennett #encouragement #dreams #lifeskills #determination #passion #effort #inspiration #imagination #youngreaders #loveofreading #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson

Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson (author), Sophia Blackall (illustrator)

It’s the end of summer and Gia and her mother are waiting on a baby that’s due to come around the time of the first snow. Gia is less than happy with all the attention “that ding-dang baby” is getting from family members and friends, even before it’s born. And already the baby is a copycat who loves Gia’s favorite food—pecan pie. That must explain why her mama is craving it so. Woodson’s honesty as she writes about a big sibling’s lack of enthusiasm is refreshing, as is the acknowledgement from Gia’s mother that she, too, will miss when it was just the two of them, after the baby is born. Sophie Blackall’s warm ink-and-watercolor illustrations show a multiracial extended family with an African American mom and daughter at its center. Ages 3-5.

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#pecanpiebaby #jacquelinewoodson #family #siblings #siblingrivalry #love #multiracial #extendedfamily #youngreaders #loveofreading #childrensbooks #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Ninth Ward by Jewel Parker Rhodes

Ninth Ward by Jewel Parker Rhodes

In the week before Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, twelve-year-old Lanesha is attending school, running errands in her neighborhood., and even starting to make a new friend in TaShon, a boy who lives nearby. Lanesha lives in the Ninth Ward with Mama Ya-Ya, the woman who’s raised her since she was born, while the ghost of Lanesha’s mother is the silent third resident of their home.

In this vivid work of realistic fiction the ability to sense things beyond the physical world is simply part of the fabric of Mama Ya-Ya’s and Lanesha’s lives. It’s as real as the rhythm of life in their neighborhood, a place where people do what they can for one another. But that rhythm is disrupted as the hurricane approaches and warnings come to evacuate. Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya have no way out of the city, or even to the stadium where many others are taking shelter. They remain at home, eventually joined by TaShon. The ferocious winds and torrential rains are frightening, but the rising waters in the storm’s aftermath are a slow and quiet terror. When the attic in which the three take shelter begins filling with water, Lanesha discovers survival is more than a matter of strength and courage, but of faith as well. In the end, that means holding on, reaching out, and letting go in author Jewell Parker Rhodes’ memorable, exquisitely realized story that offers an affecting look at the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina through one child’s experience. Ages 9-12

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#ninthward  #jewellparkerrhodes #neworleans #hurricanekatrina #tragedy #survival #courage #community #love #strength #childrensbooks #loveofreading #youngreaders #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading 

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers (author) Christopher Myers (illustrator)

When you look in a mirror, who do you see? A boy? A girl? A son? A daughter? A runner? A dancer? Whoever and whatever you see– just put out your fist and give yourself an "I am" BAM! This jumping, jazzy, joyful picture book by the award-winning team of Walter Dean and Christoper Myers celebrates every child, and every thing that child can be. Ages 7-10

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#lookinglikeme #walterdeanmyers #healthyselfimage #lovethyself #mirrormirror #Iam... #inspiration #celebrateyou #childrensbooks #youngreaders #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Shades of Black : A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney

Shades of Black : A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney (author), Myles Pinkney (illustrator)

I am Black / I am Unique / I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream/ and the milky smooth brown in a chocolate bar...
Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children.


Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage. A joyous celebration of the rich diversity among African-Americans. Ages 5-7

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#shadesofblack #sandrapinkney #black #unique #skintones #hairtexture #eyecolor #heritage #culture #diversity #love #poetry #youngreaders #joyofreading #childrensbooks #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Quinito's Neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito by Ina Cumpiano

Quinito's Neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito by Ina Cumpiano (author) Jose Ramirez (illustrator)

Quinito’s neighborhood is made up of more than just buildings, streets, and shops — it’s made up of people he knows and loves. Each person has an important job to do, and each knows and values every member of the community. Readers meet them on this delightful neighborhood tour. His cousin Tita, who learns how to make people laugh in clown school. His aunt, who paints murals to brighten up the streets. Rafi, who bakes bread, and Luis Manuel, who sells it. Highlighted by José Ramírez's energetic, jewel-like illustrations, Quinito's Neighborhood inspires readers to explore and appreciate their own neighborhoods. Ages 3-5

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#quinitosneighborhood #inacumpiano #community #culture #exploration #inspiration #youngreaders #joyofreading #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Arcade and the Triple T Token by Rashad Jennings

Arcade and the Triple T Token (The Coin Slot Chronicles) by Rashad Jennings

In Arcade and the Triple T Token, eleven-year-old Arcade Livingston has a problem. Several, actually. The Tolley twins, a.k.a. neighborhood bullies, are making Arcade’s move to a new city even harder than it needs to be. They expect him to do their research papers and interactive displays for the sixth-grade career expo’s theme: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Besides doing their work, Arcade doesn’t even know his own answer to that question. While at the library—Arcade’s favorite place to chill—a mysterious old woman gives him a golden arcade token that grants him a unique gift. A gift that allows him to time travel between different places including his own future. From sitting in the dugout with Babe Ruth, to hanging on to the back of a bucking bull, to performing life-saving surgery on a dog, Arcade has no shortage of adventure! Together with his older sister, Zoe, Arcade explores life’s biggest thrills and challenges, and the two also have a big mystery to solve. Who is the rightful owner of the incredible Triple T Token that leads to such astounding adventures? Arcade’s circle of friends begins to widen as the Triple T Token hangs from his neck. Pulsing. Beckoning another adventure. The question for Arcade, Zoe, and their new friends is no longer, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s, “Where will we go next?” Ages 8-12

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#arcadeandthetriplettoken #coinslotchronicles #rashadjennings #bullies #arcades #games #mystery #fantasy #timetravel #backtothefuture #adventure #childrensbooks #youngreaders #loveofreading #imagination #getlostinabook #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy by Miriam Gates

Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy by  Miriam Gates (author), Sarah Jane Hinder (illustrator) 

When you're mad or worried or can't wake up in the morning, what can you do? Use the amazing superpower that you already have―breathing. Our newest offering from the bestselling creators of Good Night Yoga teaches kids fun and easy breathing practices based on the proven methods of yoga and mindfulness meditation.

Sample practices: When something makes you mad or even feels unfair, try this counting breath and you’ll feel calmer there. Sit up and let your spine grow tall. Take a deep breath in, counting silently 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. Then let your breath out slowly, counting 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. When you go somewhere you’ve never been and you aren’t sure what to do, you can use a dandelion breath to feel more comfortable trying something new. Sit up and let your spine grow tall. Put one hand on your chest. Place your other hand on your belly. Take slow deep breaths and feel your chest and your belly move up and down as the air goes in and out of your body. At night when it’s hard to fall asleep because your mind is busy and your body feels tight, try balloon breath to get relaxed and ready for a good night. Lie down on your back and let your hands rest by your sides, palms up. Inhale through your nose and imagine filling your body with breath like a big balloon. Exhale and blow the air out through your mouth. What color is your balloon?

Ages 4-8

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#breathewithme #miriamgates #strong #calm #happy #emotionalhealth #investyoung #mindfulness #meditation #yoga #selfmanagment #selflove #youngreaders #loveofreading #peace #letsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Grandpa Stops a War : A Paul Robeson Story by Susan Robeson

Grandpa Stops a War: A Paul Robeson Story by Susan Robeson (author), Rod Brown (illustrator)

The true story of Paul Robeson's visit to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War is a tale of courage and activism told by his granddaughter, Susan Robeson. Grandpa Paul was a world-famous actor and singer with a deep and rumbling voice, a man of peace and principle who worried about the safety of children and families living in countries at war. He wanted to use his voice to promote social justice all over the world. Though people warned Grandpa Paul that it was too dangerous, he traveled with his friend Captain Fernando to the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War to sing to the soldiers. And then something amazing happened... With gorgeous illustrations from fine artist Rod Brown, Grandpa Stops a War celebrates Paul Robeson's global activism and towering achievements, and shows readers the power of music in times of discord and war. Ages 5-9

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#grandpastopsawar #paulrobeson #susanrobeson #spanishcivilwar #freedomfighter #justice #courage #activism #socialjustice #youngreaders #culture #history #peace #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Yasmin the Teacher by Saadia Faruqui

Yasmin the Teacher by Saadia Faruqui (author) Hatem Aly (illustrator)

Ms. Alex gets called away―and puts Yasmin in charge! Being teacher will be a snap! But when things go wrong, Yasmin must think fast to get the class back on track before Ms. Alex gets back. Ages 5-8.

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#yasmintheteacher #saadiafaruqui #teachers #leadership #childrensbooks #loveofreading #lettsgetkidsreading #storiesofacolorfulworld

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

This is a story about America during and after Reconstruction, one of history's most pivotal and misunderstood chapters. In a stirring account of emancipation, the struggle for citizenship and national reunion, and the advent of racial segregation, the renowned Harvard scholar delivers a book that is illuminating and timely. Real-life accounts drive the narrative, spanning the half century between the Civil War and Birth of a Nation. Here, you will come face-to-face with the people and events of Reconstruction's noble democratic experiment, its tragic undermining, and the drawing of a new "color line" in the long Jim Crow era that followed. In introducing young readers to them, and to the resiliency of the African American people at times of progress and betrayal, Professor Gates shares a history that remains vitally relevant today. Ages 14-18.

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#darkskyrising #henrylouisgates #reconstruction #history #segregation #civilwar #jimcrow #resiliency #childrensbooks #loveofreading #loveoflearning #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris 

Before Kamala Harris became a district attorney and a United States senator, she was a little girl who loved superheroes. And when she looked around, she was amazed to find them everywhere! In her family, among her friends, even down the street--there were superheroes wherever she looked. And those superheroes showed her that all you need to do to be a superhero is to be the best that you can be. In this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us. And with fun and engaging art by Mechal Renee Roe, as well as a guide to being a superhero at the end, this book is sure to have kids taking up the superhero mantle (cape and mask optional). Ages 3-7.

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#superheroesareeverywhere #kamalaharris #politics #empower#leadership # #youngreaders #childrensbooks #multicultural #loveofreading #imagesmatter #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Goodnight Taj Mahal by Nitya Mohan Khemka

Goodnight Taj Mahal by Nitya Mohan Khemka (author) Kavita Singh Kale (illustrator)

This delightful and educational board book tours little explorers around the magical city of Agra. Children will discover all of their favorite landmarks and attractions, including Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh Gardens, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Kinari bazaar, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Rambagh Gardens, Sadar Bazaar, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and more. This book is part of the bestselling Good Night Our World series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting, child-friendly themes. Many of India's most beloved regions are artfully celebrated in these board books designed to soothe children before bedtime while instilling an early appreciation for India's natural and cultural wonders. Each book stars a multicultural group of people visiting the featured area's attractions as rhythmic language guides children through the passage of both a single day and the four seasons while saluting the iconic aspects of each place. Ages 4-6.

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#goodnighttajmahal #nityamohan #adventure #explorers# india #diaspora #culture #landmarks #worldtravelers #awholenewworld #youngreaders #childrensbooks #multicultural #loveofreading #imagesmatter #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Max and the Tag-A-Long Moon by Floyd Cooper

Max and the Tag-A-Long Moon by Floyd Cooper

Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa promises Max that the moon at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. On that swervy-curvy car ride back to his house, Max watches as the moon tags along. But when the sky darkens and the moon disappears behind clouds, he worries that it didn’t follow him home after all. Where did the moon go—and what about Grandpa’s promise? Floyd Cooper received the Coretta Scott King Award for The Blacker the Berry, three Coretta Scott King Honors for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, Meet Danitra Brown, and I Have Heard of a Land, and an NAACP image award. In Max and the Tag-Along Moon, his lush paintings perfectly capture the wonder of the moon, the love between grandfather and grandson, and that feeling of magic every child experiences when the moon follows him home. Ages 3-7

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#maxandthetagalongmoon #floydcooper #family #connection #imagesmatter #representationmatters #youngreaders #childrensbooks #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Peek-A-Boo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora

Peek-A-Boo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora

A toddler plays a game of peekaboo, and you're invited to play too. First there's Mommy to find, with Daddy not far behind. Then Puppy comes peeking around the corner, and a favorite toy train brings the toddler to Grandma and Grandpa. Isadora's brilliant, joyful pastel illustrations capture the familiar and cozy people, toys and animals that will delight babies.

Join this sweet toddler in the morning fun, sharing words your baby can repeat and pictures your baby will recognize. Then find out what this toddler sees next. It could be you!  Ages 2-5

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#peekaboomorning #rachelisadora #toddlers #joyful #bedtimestories #family #youngreaders #childrensbooks  #imagesmatter #representationmatters #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #joyofreading 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by Willliam Kamkwambo

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by Willliam Kamkwambo, Bryan Mealer 


When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy’s brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William’s story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family. Ages 11-16



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#theboywhoharnessedthewind #williamkamkwamba #truestory #ingenuity #survival #community #brilliance #family #perseverence #love #joyofreading #youngreaders #childrensbooks #supportblackauthors #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading