Kids Book Index
Jason Reynolds
A Black teenager narrates his family’s experience during the first months of COVID-19. The family faces the pandemic alongside racism and violence in the United States, with the struggle to breathe serving as a central concern. Jason Reynolds tells the story through sparse prose, while Jason Griffin’s notebook-style artwork forms much of the book’s visual narrative.
This book appears on 6 reading lists across 2 editions from 6 organizations.
Stuntboy, in the MeantimeJason ReynoldsPortico Reeves secretly protects the people closest to him, using his special ability to keep his parents and two best friends “super.” In his hidden superhero identity, he is Stuntboy, while his everyday life belongs to Portico. He lives in an apartment building so large that its hallways contain fifty doors, making the place feel like a castle to him even though his mother calls it an apartment building. This graphic novel pairs Portico’s secret mission with his friendships, family life, and imaginative view of home.Nine to TwelveOn one of the same reading listsView book details
A Seed GrowsAntoinette PortisA sunflower’s life cycle unfolds from a small seed to a full flower and then to new seeds. The book looks beneath the soil as roots develop, follows the stalk as it emerges, and reaches a large fold-out bloom. Minimal, lyrical text accompanies textured images showing the plant at each stage. Rain, sunlight, soil, roots, petals, and seeds all have a place in the sunflower’s continuing growth.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 401LATOS Book Level 2.8On one of the same reading listsView book details
FREESTYLEGale GalliganBefore middle school ends, Cory is balancing dance, slipping geometry grades, and an unexpected new friendship. When his parents hire Sunna as a tutor, he initially sees her as nerdy, then discovers that she can perform complex yo-yo tricks. Their tutoring arrangement becomes part of Cory’s efforts to manage schoolwork while navigating his interests and relationships. The story brings together movement, mathematics, and the surprises that can emerge from getting to know someone new.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN320LATOS Book Level 2.7On one of the same reading listsView book details