Kids Book Index
Matthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
After Louise's beloved dog, Charlie, dies, she returns to a small island he loved and meets a sad bear. At first afraid of the bear, she comes to recognize its sadness as well. Their encounters help them both heal, though the story leaves open whether the bear is real. As winter arrives and Bear prepares to sleep, Louise faces another change in her grieving process.
This book appears on 1 reading list across 1 edition.
Keeping the City GoingBrian Floca, illustrated by Brian FlocaDuring the pandemic, while most people stay indoors, New York City continues to depend on people working outside and across essential services. Food is delivered by bicycle and truck; buses, subways, taxis, and garbage trucks keep moving. Postal workers, firefighters, police, nurses, doctors, EMTs, and utility workers all help sustain daily life, including water, gas, electricity, and internet service. Each evening, people come out to clap and cheer for one another, marking a shared moment of connection during quarantine.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Areli Is a Dreamer: A True StoryAreli MoralesAreli and her brother Alex live with their grandmother in Mexico while their parents live in the United States. Alex moves to New York City first, and later Areli leaves her grandmother, cousins, and friends to join the family. The transition is difficult as she learns English and adjusts to city life. When a classmate calls her “illegal,” her mother explains that Areli is not a U.S. citizen, leaving Areli afraid she could be sent back to Mexico. Over time, she makes friends and comes to understand her immigration story in a wider context.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD550LATOS Book Level 3.1On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Beautifully MeNabela NoorZubi, a Bangladeshi girl looking forward to her first day of school, begins to worry about her appearance after hearing her mother call herself “too big.” During the day, Zubi notices more criticism of people’s bodies, including criticism people direct at themselves. Her response at dinner prompts her family to recognize the effect of those comments. The story follows Zubi’s confusion about body image and her family’s move toward self-acceptance.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD530LATOS Book Level 3.2On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details