All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at NightPolly Faber, illustrated by Harriet HobdayIn the city, a little girl is eating her dinner, brushing her teeth, and getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, her mother is putting on her coat and getting ready to go to work.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsNCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2023
Social studies books selected each year by NCSS and the Children's Book Council.
2023 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young PeopleSee the original list
Selections148
Published byNational Council for the Social Studies
Sections4 sections
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Kindergarten to Second Grade
64 selections
All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at NightPolly Faber, illustrated by Harriet HobdayIn the city, a little girl is eating her dinner, brushing her teeth, and getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, her mother is putting on her coat and getting ready to go to work.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
An ABC of DemocracyNancy Shapiro, illustrated by Paulina MorganA is for Activism, B is for Ballots, C is for Country. An ABC of Democracy introduces complicated concepts surrounding politics and government to the youngest of children.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Annette Feels Free: the True Story of Annette Kellerman, World-class Swimmer, Fashion Pioneer, and Real-life MermaidKatie Mazeika, illustrated by Katie MazeikaDiscover the incredible true story of “The Original Mermaid,” Annette Kellerman, a girl who wanted to dance, swim, and feel free—and who grew into a woman who fought for the right to do just that!Annette loved to dance and twirl and pirouette.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Best Kind of MooncakePearl AuYeung, illustrated by Pearl AuYeungOnce upon a morning in Hong Kong, in the alley of Tai Yuen Street, a girl is promised a mooncake with a double-yolk center—the best kind!The special mooncake seems like the only excitement on an otherwise boring day in the market where nothing changes… until an exhausted stranger falls to his knees…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Black Boy, Black BoyAli Kamanda, Jorge Redmond, illustrated by Ken DaleyImagine your future, inspired by Black history's heroes.Kindergarten to Second GradeWord count 327View book details
BlueLaura Vaccaro SeegerExplore the emotional spectrum of blue through a boy's enduring friendship with his dog.Kindergarten to Second GradeWord count 38View book details
Cher Ami: Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless PigeonMélisande Potter, illustrated by Giselle PotterAn inspiring picture book that explores the true story of Cher Ami: a heroic messenger pigeon who saved the lives of soldiers during World War I. In October 1918, during World War I, nearly seven hundred American soldiers were trapped behind enemy lines with no prospect of rescue.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Curve & FlowAndrea J. LoneyDiscover the remarkable story of an orphaned Black boy who grew up to become the groundbreaking architect to the stars, Paul R. Williams.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Daddy Speaks LoveLeah HendersonA father's love guides a child through life's adventures and challenges.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD550LATOS 3.6View book details
GibberishYoung VoBEST OF THE YEAR: Kirkus · Parents Magazine · APALA · Chicago Public Library · Washington Post · Evanston Public Library · Los Angeles Public Library A touching story about the power of play to break down barriers — perfect for back to school season!Kindergarten to Second GradeWord count 231View book details
Growing an Artist: the Story of a Landscaper and His SonJohn Parra, illustrated by John ParraToday is a big day—the first time Juanito gets to help his papi on the job as a landscape architect! Throughout the day, Juanito sketches anything that catches his eye: a nest full of baby birds, a nursery with row upon row of plants and flowers, and more.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Hair to ShareSylvia WalkerA joyful exploration of friendship, generosity, and confidence that comes from within.A fresh take on celebrating the beauty of natural textured hair, HAIR TO SHARE tackles the difficulty of childhood medical hair loss and the impact empathy and generosity can have on one's self-esteem.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A History of MeAdrea TheodoreAn uplifting message of hope for the future and pride in your history, inspired by a mother's experience of being the only Black child in her classroom.Who do you see when you look in the mirror?Emphasizing the strength, creativity, and courage passed down through generations, A History of Me offers a joyful…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Hold Them CloseJamilah Thompkins-BigelowWhen happy things come to you, hold them close and never let go.From celebrated author of Your Name Is a Song Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, fine artist Patrick Dougher, and photographer Jamel Shabazz, Hold Them Close is a picture book celebration of Black past, present, and future-a joyful love letter to Black children.As affirming…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
I am Muhammad AliBrad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher EliopoulosDiscover the legendary boxer who defied the odds and inspired a generation.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 560LATOS 3.6View book details
I’ll Go and Come BackRajani LaRoccaA tender, beautifully illustrated story about a girl in America and her grandmother in India, whose love stretches between languages and cultures—and across the world.When Jyoti visits her grandmother halfway around the world, she is overwhelmed by the differences between India and home.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
If You Were a Princess: True Stories of Brave Leaders from Around the WorldHillary Homzie, illustrated by Udayana LugoNot All Princesses Dress in Pink meets Herstory in this inspiring and educational picture book about princesses, past and present, as three girls wonder what it would be like to be princesses themselves.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
If You’re a Kid Like GavinGavin Grimm, Kyle LukoffA Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year!When you're a kid like Gavin Grimm, you know yourself best. And Gavin knew that he was a boy-even if others saw him as a girl.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
In the Spirit of a Dream: 13 Stories of American Immigrants of ColorAida Salazar, illustrated by Alina ChauCelebratory, triumphant, and inspiring, In the Spirit of a Dream is a tribute to American immigrants of color, written in poems and illustrated by 13 first- and second-generation immigrant artists.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Just Like Jesse OwensAmbassador Andrew Young as told to Paula Young SheltonA boy learns a powerful lesson on racism and resilience in 1930s New Orleans.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving StoryDanielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis BuntenWritten and illustrated by four Indigenous creators, this beautiful picture book honors both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexican Word PaintersDuncan TonatiuhA 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book Our world, little brother, is an amoxtlalpan, a land of books.In the jungles where the jaguar dwells, the Mayas make books.In the mountains the cloud people, the Mixtecs, make them as well.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy DuckworthChristina SoontornvatThai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman.Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of “firsts” during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Lion Lights: My Invention That Made Peace with LionsRichard Turere, with Shelly PollockWinner of the 2023 Children’s Africana Book Award (CABA), which is awarded by The Center for African Studies at Howard University.Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2022 by the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council.California Eureka Silver Honoree 2022A story of ingenuity and perseverance.Richard Turere’s own story: Richard grew up…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Lola Out Loud: Inspired by the Childhood of Activist Dolores HuertaJennifer Torres, illustrated by Sara PalaciosA powerful and inspiring imagined story about real-life civil rights activist and labor leader Dolores Huerta that reminds us that even our biggest heroes started out small.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Lunch from HomeJoshua David Stein, illustrated by Jing LiWhat happens when a child's favorite packed lunch is met with disparaging comments at the school lunch table?In a classroom of sandwiches, four students stand out with their homemade culturally specific lunches.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Mae JemisonMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Janna MortonFrom a Peace Corps doctor to an astronaut on the space shuttle Endeavor, Mae Jemison has led a rich and exciting life.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Mama in CongressRashida Tlaib, illustrated by Olivia AserrA young boy learns about his mom's groundbreaking role in Congress and the power of civic engagement.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 731LATOS 4.7View book details
Maya’s SongRenée WatsonThe author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya was the first Black person and first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, and her influence echoes through culture and history.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Mermaid GirlSana Rafi, illustrated by Olivia AserrA girl faces doubts at the pool in her new burkini.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD570LATOS 3.7View book details
Mommy’s HometownHope LimWhen a young boy and his mother travel overseas to her childhood home in Korea, the town is not as he imagined.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
More Than Peach (Bellen Woodard Original Picture Book)Bellen Woodard, illustrated by Fanny LiemPenned by the very first Crayon Activist, Bellen Woodard, this picture book will tug at readers' heartstrings and inspire them to make a difference!When Bellen Woodard's classmates referred to "the skin-color" crayon, in a school and classroom she had always loved, she knew just how important it was that everyone understood that…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Mother Goose Goes to IndiaKabir Sehgal, Surishtha SehgalClassic nursery rhymes with an Indian twist and Hindi words.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
My BindiGita Varadarajan, illustrated by Archana SreenivasanIn this universal story about embracing who we are and where we come from, a young girl finds the magic and power of wearing a bindi for the first time, in this moving and lyrical picture book debut from Gita Varadarajan.There in the mirror, I see a shining star.My mother’s joy, my…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Nana, Nenek & NinaLiza Ferneyhough***ALA Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature honor***Nina loves visiting her two faraway grandmas—one in Malaysia and one in England. Spot the similarities and differences between their homes in this cozy and beautifully illustrated picture book!Nina lives in San Francisco with her parents, and she loves visiting her two grandmas across the world.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Notebook KeeperStephen BriseñoBased on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.Before, the sun drenched the yard.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD490LATOS 2.2View book details
One Sun and Countless StarsHena KhanCounting and culture come together in this stunning companion to Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.From one sun to countless stars, this gentle introduction to numbers also celebrates the many diverse traditions of the Muslim world, encouraging readers young and old to reflect upon—and count—their many blessings.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD510LATOS 3.4View book details
One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest UniversityM. O. YukselA Horn Book selection for "Picture Book Biographies for Women's History Month 2022”Fatima had one wish . . .Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Our Story Starts in AfricaPatrice LawrenceBut Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years . . . a story that Paloma shares in, because her story, too, starts in Africa.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from ScratchCarrie Fountain, illustrated by Chris TurnhamVibrant art and a poetic narration tell the tale of a US Poet Laureate who spent forty years planting the world’s most comprehensive palm tree forest—and then gave it all away.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsRise Up with a Song: The True Story of Ethel Smyth, Su ff ragette ComposerDiane Worthey, illustrated by Helena Perez GarciaThe first-ever picture book about Ethel Smyth, the world-famous composer and suffragette! "Brave women in history are examples that help us to be brave in the present.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Song in the CityDaniel BernstromFrom Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a charming and irresistibly fun picture book about a young blind girl and her grandmother who experience the vibrant everyday music of their busy city.A young girl, filled with the sounds of her beloved city, shares a…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Stacey Abrams and the Fight to VoteTraci N. Todd, illustrated by Laura Freeman"A brilliant introduction to a powerful Black female politician and voting rights activist. Narrated by Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer, this powerful story tells how Abrams's work was inspired by those luminaries before her."Sometimes she would light the way.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Stand Up!: 10 Mighty Women Who Made a ChangeBrittney Cooper, illustrated by Cathy Ann JohnsonNow, this author, professor, activist, and cultural critic brings her immense talents to the children's space with a seven-title publishing deal at Scholastic, spanning from picture books to middle grade, and launching with this momentous picture book debut: Stand Up!Stand Up! tells the story of ten historic female figures who changed the…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Sweet JusticeMara RockliffRosa Parks had been arrestedpulled off a city bus and thrown in jail all because she wouldn't let a white man take her seat.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD840LATOS 4.6View book details
The TalkAlicia D. WilliamsA Coretta Scott King Author Honor winner!Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD540LATOS 2.8View book details
This Little VoterAnn Bonnie, illustrated by Carol HerringCelebrate voting in this election day-themed twist on the classic nursery rhyme "This Little Piggy"! Collect them all-more in the Nursery Rhyme board book series!These little voters are busy getting ready to cast their ballots!Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
‘Twas the Night Before PrideJoanna McClintick, illustrated by Juana MedinaFamilies prepare for Pride, celebrating unity and self-expression.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 491LATOS 3.3View book details
We All CelebrateChitra Soundar, illustrated by Jenny BloomfieldA Collection of celebrations from around the worldKindergarten to Second GradeView book details
When the Schools Shut DownYolanda Gladden, illustrated by Keisha MorrisA community fights for education during a school shutdown in Virginia.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Wilma MankillerMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Alexandra BowmanA girl becomes the first female Cherokee Chief, fighting for Native rights.Kindergarten to Second GradeWord count 546View book details
With Lots of LoveJenny Torres SanchezA girl navigates a new life in the U.S., longing for her Abuela's love.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD610LATOS 3.4View book details
The Year We Learned to FlyJacqueline WoodsonThe Year We Learned to Fly is a children's picture book written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD1010LATOS 6.8View book details
Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This CountryKelly YangEach spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist. Alongside the poetic main text, Yes We Will includes one-line biographies of the person or historical moment featured on the page, with extended biographies at the end.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
H is for HarlemDinah JohnsonExplore Harlem's iconic landmarks and vibrant history in a captivating journey through its cultural legacy.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
HomeMatt de la Peña, illustrated by Loren LongHome is a picture book by Matt de la Peña and Loren Long that explores home as more than a building: it can be found in family, community, safety, and the natural world.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD910LFountas & Pinnell OView book details
KapaemahuHinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe WilsonForgotten stones hold ancient healing powers on Waikiki Beach.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD730LATOS 4.7View book details
My Town / Mi PuebloNicholas Solis, illustrated by Luisa UribeIn this bilingual picture book, cousins from opposite sides of the border visit each other’s towns and delight in their similarities and differences.Two cousins live in two towns, separated by a river.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD490LATOS 3.3View book details
A Pandemic Is WorldwideSarah L. Thomson, illustrated by Taia MorleyRead and find out the science behind a pandemic and how to stay safe in this illustrated, informative nonfiction picture book. Everybody gets sick now and then-maybe with a runny nose or a sore throat.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Parks for the PeopleElizabeth PartridgeNational Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge reveals the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park, the United States Capitol building's landscape, and more.Nobody could get Frederick Law Olmsted to sit still.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD920LATOS 5.7View book details
Pink, Blue, and You!Elise Gravel, Mykaell BlaisSimple, accessible, and direct, this picture book is perfect for kids and parents or teachers to read together, opening the door to conversations about gender stereotypes and everyone's right to be their true selves.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Something Happened to My DadAnn Hazzard, Vivianne Apponte Rivera, illustrated by Gloria FelixIn this realistic and empowering tale, Carmen learns that through community and love, she can find strength in herself and maintain her connection with her Papi, who has been detained because of his immigration status.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on WashingtonCarole Boston Weatherford, Rob SandersWinner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award A singular, richly illustrated picture book biography of Bayard Rustin, the gay Black man behind the March on Washington of 1963, by the acclaimed authors of Unspeakable: the Tulsa Race Massacre and Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag.On August 28…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
That’s Betty!: The Story of Betty WhiteGregory Bonsignore, illustrated by Jennifer M. PotterAn innovative and joyful picture book biography that celebrates the life and achievements of TV legend, pioneer, and activist Betty White.Betty White is a legend and icon (but you already knew that).Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsThird to Fifth Grade
36 selections
18 Vats of WaterJi-Li JiangAs long as he can remember, Xian has wanted to be a great calligrapher, like his father. When he turns six, he's finally old enough to start studying.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Baseball Around the World: How the World Plays the GameChris Singleton, Dean BurrellIn Baseball Around the World, you'll take a multicultural world tour to meet the nations and players who have pushed baseball to international popularity--with a twist, of course.Find out what they eat at Japanese baseball stadiums, how a gold rush brought baseball to Australia, why South Korean games are allowed to end…Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Because of You, John LewisAndrea Davis PinkneyAnd so begins a most amazing friendship!In rich, poetic language, Andrea Davis Pinkney weaves the true story of a boy with a dream—together with the story of a real-life hero (who himself had a life-altering friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr. when he was young!).Third to Fifth GradeLexile 720LATOS 3.9View book detailsBlack Trailblazers: 30 Courageous Visionaries Who Broke Boundaries, Made a Di ff erence, and Paved the WayBijan Bayne, illustrated by Joelle AvelinoA gorgeously illustrated compendium of 30 black luminaries who changed the world. A gorgeously illustrated compendium of 30 black luminaries who changed the world.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Carrimebac, the Town That WalkedDavid Barclay Moore, illustrated by John HolyfieldA stunning feat of original storytelling from the recipient of the 2018 John Steptoe New Talent Author AwardIn a boldly transportive original tale, David Barclay Moore infuses history with wry folk wisdom, metaphorical power, and a splash of magic.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights MovementAngela JoyChoosing Brave is a 2022 picture book written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Janelle Washington and published by Roaring Brook Press.The book was…Third to Fifth GradeLexile 680LATOS 4.4View book details
History Smashers: The Underground RailroadKate Messner, Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Damon SmythUncover the hidden truth about the Underground Railroad and Black Americans' struggle for freedom. Before the Civil War, there was a crack team of abolitionists who used quilts and signal lanterns to guide enslaved people to freedom.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
I Hate Borsch!Yevgenia Nayberg"[A] bold, expressionistic fairy-tale homage to [Nayberg's] native land." —The New York TimesAll Ukrainians are supposed to love borsch—but what if you hate the red stuff?Third to Fifth GradeView book details
It’s Up to UsChris Lloyd, illustrated by Multiple (33 di ff erent illustrators)The story explains in lyrical text how Nature operates in a world without humans. It then shows the damaging impact People have had on the Planet.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Playing with LanternsWang Yage, illustrated by Zhu ChengliangCan Zhao Di's lanterns survive the New Year's mischief?Third to Fifth GradeLexile AD610LATOS 4View book details
Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for WomenChristine McDonnell, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-KrylovBefore Kip Tiernan came along, the United States had no shelters for women. Here is the inspirational story of a singular woman and what her vision and compassion have brought to life. "Justice is not three hots and a cot.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
She Persisted: Coretta Scott KingJKelly Starling Lyons, Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger, Gillian FlintCoretta Scott King is known for being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but she was a civil rights activist and leader in her own right!Third to Fifth GradeView book details
She Persisted: Wangari MaathaiEucabeth Odhiambo, Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger, Gillian FlintIn this chapter book biography by critically acclaimed author Eucabeth Odhiambo, readers learn about the amazing life of Wangari Maathai--and how she persisted .Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Standing in Need of PrayerCarole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank MorrisonThe classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Too Small Tola and the Three Fine GirlsAtinuke, illustrated by Onyinye IwuA young girl uses her wit and charm to solve family challenges in bustling Lagos.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 610LATOS 3.5View book details
We Have a Dream: Meet 30 Young Indigenous People and People of Color Protecting the PlanetMya-Rose Craig, illustrated by Sabrena KhadijaThirty young environmental activists share their dreams with voice of a generation Mya-Rose CraigIndigenous people and people of color are disproportionately affected by climate change.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
What Is Juneteenth?Kirsti Jewel, Who HQ, illustrated by Manuel GutierrezCelebrate freedom's dawn as Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the U.S.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 960LATOS 6.3View book details
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘RoundKathlyn J. Kirkwood, illustrated by Ste ffi WalthallA young activist fights to make a hero's birthday a national holiday.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Attack of the Black RectanglesAmy Sarig KingWhen Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Her Name was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name Is on the Declaration of IndependenceElla Schwartz, illustrated by Dow PhumirukA rousing picture book biography of the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence. Born in 1738, Mary Katharine Goddard came of age in colonial Connecticut as the burgeoning nation prepared for the American Revolution.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Honey and MeMeira DrazinCan Milla step out of her best friend's shadow and find her own identity?Third to Fifth GradeLexile 829LATOS 5.3View book details
Kids Fight Climate Change: Act now to be a #2minutesuperheroMartin Dorey, illustrated by Tim WessonKids can help save planet Earth with these positive, climate-focused missions from best-selling author and eco-warrior Martin Dorey. Our planet is in trouble!Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Louisa June and the Nazis in the WavesL. M. ElliottSuddenly the waves outside Louisa June's farm aren't for eel fishing or marveling at wild swans or learning to skull her family's boat-they're dangerous, swarming with hidden enemies.Her oldest brothers' ships risk coming face-to-face with U-boats.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
LoyaltyAviA young Loyalist becomes a British spy, questioning loyalty and truth during the American Revolution.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 720LATOS 5.2View book details
A Mind Like MineRachael Davis, illustrated by Islenia MilMind Like Mine is a stigma-busting collection of biographies of some of the great people from history who have lived with mental health conditions.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Morning Sun in WuhanYing Chang CompestineA young girl faces a pandemic's chaos, finding hope and purpose through cooking.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 800LATOS 5.09View book details
New from HereKelly YangA boy battles racism and family separation during the pandemic.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 630LATOS 4.1View book details
Our World of DumplingsFrancie Dekker, illustrated by Sarah JungScents swirl in the stairwell of our building. I can smell garlic sautéing. Tomatoes stewing on a stovetop. An apartment complex is having a dumpling festival, and all the kids are excited to watch and help each family cook up different versions of the delicious treats.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Rain RisingCourtne ComrieA girl battles inner turmoil after her brother's attack, seeking healing and hope.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 549LATOS 3.6View book details
The Secret Battle of Evan PaoWendy Wan-Long ShangEvan Pao faces prejudice and secrets in a town clinging to its past.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 669LATOS 4.3View book details
To the Front: Clara Barton Braves the Battle of AntietamClaudia Friddell, illustrated by Christopher CyrThis powerful tribute to Civil War nurse Clara Barton and her heroic efforts during the Battle of Antietam reveals how she earned the name "The Angel of the Battlefield," and shows the beginnings of her journey as one of our country's greatest humanitarians and the founder of the American Red Cross.During the…Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Two DegreesAlan GratzFour kids face wildfires, polar bears, and hurricanes. Can they survive nature's fury?Third to Fifth GradeWord count 64734View book details
Unlawful Orders: A Portrait of Dr. James B. Williams, Tuskegee Airman, Surgeon, and ActivistBarbara BinnsBarbara Binns presents the inspiring story of one man in his struggle for racial equality in the field of battle and the field of medicine.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
The Waiting Place: When Home Is Lost and a New One Not Yet FoundDina Nayeri, photographed by Anna Bosch MiralpeixAn unflinching look at ten young lives suspended outside of time—and bravely proceeding anyway—inside the Katsikas refugee camp in Greece.Every war, famine, and flood spits out survivors.The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites an unprecedented 79.5 million forcibly displaced people on the planet today.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
We Are WolvesKatrina NannestadSometimes, you have to be. When the Russian Army marches into East Prussia at the end of World War II, the Wolf family must flee.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Wishing Upon the Same StarsJacquetta Nammar FeldmanThis powerful and poignant coming-of-age middle grade debut novel follows an Arab American girl named Yasmeen as she moves to San Antonio with her family and navigates finding friendship-and herself.Third to Fifth GradeView book detailsSixth to Eighth Grade
27 selections
Alte Zachen / Old ThingsZiggy HanaorSHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIES MEDAL FOR ILLUSTRATION 2023A beautifully illustrated and presented intergenerational graphic novel that follows eleven-year-old Benji and his elderly grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, as they traverse Brooklyn and Manhattan, gathering the ingredients for a Friday night dinner.Bubbe’s relationship with the city is complex—nothing is quite as she remembered it…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
The Bluest SkyChristina Diaz GonzalezA boy must choose between his homeland and a new future amid Cuba's turmoil.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
Dragonfly EyesCao WenxuanA 2023 Batchelder Honor BookFrom acclaimed Chinese author Cao Wenxuan, recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, comes a compelling family saga spanning fifty years and three generations.Ah-Mei and her French grandmother, Nainai, share a rare bond.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Evicted: the Struggle for the Right to VoteAlice Faye DuncanShortlist, Goddard Riverside/CBC Young People's Book Prize for Social Justice This critical civil rights book for middle-graders examines the little-known Tennessee's Fayette County Tent City Movement in the late 1950s and reveals what is possible when people unite and fight for the right to vote.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book detailsExploring Civil Rights: The Movement: 1955Nel YomtovKey events of the Civil Rights Movement will be brought to life in this exciting and informative new series.The year 1955 saw a range of events that brought attention to the civil rights movement.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book detailsExploring Civil Rights: The Movement: 1965Jay LeslieKey events of the Civil Rights Movement will be brought to life in this exciting and informative new series.The civil rights movement in 1965 was fraught with assassination, brutal attacks, and an attempt to deny Black Americans the right to vote.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
The Founders UnmaskedJennifer SabinThe true story of the men—and women—surrounding the founding of America. In the summer of 1776, when Thomas Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, declaring that “all men are created equal,” he wasn’t alone.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Garvey in the DarkNikki GrimesWinner, 2023 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry AwardCapturing the shock and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of Garvey, a beloved character, Nikki Grimes’s newest novel in verse shows readers how to find hope in difficult times.Garvey’s finally happy—he’s feeling close to his father through their shared love of music, bullies…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
History Comics: The Stonewall Riots: Making a Stand for LGBTQ RightsArchie Bongiovanni, illustrated by A. AndrewsLet this graphic novel be your time machine and experience history like never before!Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
I Will Protect You: A True Story of Twins Who Survived AuschwitzEva Mozes Kor with Danica DavidsonThe illuminating and deeply moving true story of twin sisters who survived Nazi experimentation, against all odds, during the Holocaust. Eva and her identical twin sister, Miriam, had a mostly happy childhood.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
The Legacy of Jim CrowClarence A. HaynesIn the late nineteenth century, white lawmakers in the United States created a set of policies, collectively called “Jim Crow,” that created segregated facilities, like schools and parks, for African Americans in the South.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Muhammad Najem, War Reporter; How One Boy Put the Spotlight on SyriaMuhammad Najem, Nora Neus, illustrated by Julie RobineA teenage boy risks his life to tell the truth in this gripping graphic memoir by youth activist Muhammad Najem and CNN producer Nora Neus. “A story of journalism at its most inspiring, its most heartbreaking, its most essential.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
A New History of ImmigrationJaclyn BackhausThe United States has long been touted as a place where anyone with a little grit and determination could come to pursue the American Dream.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Omar RisingAisha SaeedA scholarship student battles a rigged system at an elite school.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile HL540LATOS 3.6View book details
A Seed in the SunAida SalazarA young girl must choose between her dreams and joining a pivotal workers' rights protest.Sixth to Eighth GradeWord count 29609View book details
Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American IncarcerationElizabeth PartridgeThis important work of nonfiction features powerful images of the Japanese American incarceration captured by three photographers—Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams—along with firsthand accounts of this grave moment in history.Three months after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the incarceration of all Japanese and…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Star ChildIbi ZoboiAcclaimed novelist Ibi Zoboi illuminates the young life of the visionary storyteller Octavia E. Butler in poems and prose.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 1029LATOS 7View book details
ThirstVarsha BajajA girl uncovers a water mafia in Mumbai, risking everything to expose them.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 700LATOS 4.4View book details
This Book Will Save the PlanetDany Sigwalt, illustrated by Aurélia Durand*INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSOCIATION AWARD-WINNER - 2023 Social Justice Literature Award Honor Book - Nonfiction Book Category*A rousing and radical investigation into the climate crisis, its causes, and how to fight for the most vulnerable people affected by it, This Book Will Save the Planet is a vibrantly illustrated study of one of…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1063Shelia P. MosesThe powerful story of an eleven-year-old Black boy determined to stand up for his rights, who's pulled into the action of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama.Rufus Jackson Jones is from Birmingham, the place Dr.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
When Winter Robeson CameBrenda WoodsIn 1965 L.A., two cousins uncover family secrets amidst the chaos of the Watts Riots.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and ReconciliationCarey Newman, Kirstie HudsonFor more than 150 years, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. Artist Carey Newman created the Witness Blanket to make sure that history is never forgotten.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Alias AnnaSusan Hood, with Greg DawsonA Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Middle Grade Notable! A Jewish Book Council Award Middle Grade Finalist! The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias “Anna”) and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 910LATOS 5.9View book details
Bold Words from Black Women: Inspiration and Truths from 50 Extraordinary Leaders Who Helped Shape Our WorldTamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Monica Ahanonu. ISBN 9781534463943Celebrate the power of Black womanhood in this first-of-its-kind collection of inspirational quotes from fifty activists, artists, and leaders, featuring bold, attention-grabbing illustrations—perfect for readers of Herstory and Little Leaders.This incredible volume honors fifty modern women, presented with their own words, who have dared to raise their voices and persevere through hardship…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Lines of CourageJennifer A. NielsenFive youths in WWI Europe must find each other to change their fates.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 740LATOS 5.1View book details
Peace Is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations TogetherTanya Lee StoneThis is a story about two groups of teenagers on opposite sides of the world, forever connected by an act of war.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Some Kind of HateSarah Darer LittmanA young pitcher faces a choice between rage and redemption as he battles rising hate.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 781LATOS 5View book detailsNinth to Twelfth Grade
21 selections
African TownIrene Latham, Charles Waters, introduction by Jocelyn M. DavisAfrica Town is a 2022 young adult historical fiction novel written by Irene Latham and Charles Waters.Ninth to Twelfth GradeLexile 790LATOS 5View book details
Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the WorldFrederick Joseph, Porsche JosephFrom the New York Times best-selling author of The Black Friend and a seasoned activist comes an indispensable guide to social and political progressivism for young people and anyone wanting to get more involved.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Caste (Adapted for Young Adults)Isabel WilkersonIn this young adult adaptation of the Oprah Book Club selection and New York Times bestselling nonfiction work, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Isabel Wilkerson explores the unspoken hierarchies that divide us across lines of race and class.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Code Breaker – Young Readers Edition: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic CodeWalter IsaacsonWalter Isaacson’s #1 New York Times bestselling history of our third scientific revolution: CRISPR, gene editing, and the quest to understand the code of life itself, is now adapted for young readers!Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Don’t Look Back: A Memoir of War, Survival, and My Journey from Sudan to AmericaAchut Deng, Keely HuttonIn this propulsive memoir from Achut Deng and Keely Hutton, inspired by a harrowing New York Times article, Don't Look Back tells a powerful story showing both the ugliness and the beauty of humanity, and the power of not giving up.I want life.After a deadly attack in South Sudan left six-year-old Achut…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save AmericaJohn Della VolpeFrom John Della Volpe, the director of polling at the Harvard Institute of Politics, Fight is an exploration of Gen Z, the issues that matter most to them, and how they will shape the future... 9/11.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
HangedSarah MillerMary Surratt was convicted by a military tribunal, and by public opinion, of conspiracy to kill Abraham Lincoln.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (Young Readers Adaptation)David TreuerThe Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is a story of Native American resilience and reinvention, adapted for young adults from the adult nonfiction book of the same name.Since the late 1800s, it has been believed that Native American civilization has been wiped from the United States.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That’s RiggedKimberly JonesA breakdown of the economic and social injustices facing Black people and other marginalized citizens, inspired by political activist Kimberly Jones’s viral video “How Can We Win” “So if I played four hundred rounds of Monopoly with you and I had to play and give you every dime that I made, and…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Isla to IslandAlexis CastellanosA young girl must redefine home after leaving Cuba for a new life in the U.S.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Lioness of PunjabAnita Jari KharbandaA 2023 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People"We will fight here," I commanded the warriors. "We are strong. We will have no fear.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
My Nest of SilenceMatt Faulkner, illustrated by Matt FaulknerYet the relocation center is where Mari and her family have to live, now that the government has decided that Japanese Americans aren’t American enough.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Respect the MicHanif Abdurraqib, Franny Choi, Peter Kahn, Dan “Sully” Sullivan, foreword by Tyehimba JessAn expansive, moving poetry anthology, representing 20 years of poetry from students and alumni of Chicago's Oak Park River Forest High School Spoken Word Club."Poets I know sometimes joke that the poetry club at Oak Park River Forest High School is the best MFA program in the Chicagoland area.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the PeopleKekla MagoonA National Book Award FinalistA Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor BookA Michael L. Printz Honor BookA Walter Dean Myers Honor Book With passion and precision, Kekla Magoon relays an essential account of the Black Panthers—as militant revolutionaries and as human rights advocates working to defend and protect their community.In this comprehensive…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Rima’s Rebellion: Courage in a Time of TyrannyMargarita EngleFeminists from many backgrounds have gathered in voting clubs to demand suffrage and equality for women, but not everybody wants equality for all—especially not for someone like Rima.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Spearhead (Adapted for Young Adults)Adam MakosThe paths of an American gunner, his German counterpart, and an innocent civilian collide violently in 1944 Cologne. Extensive back matter and original sources add veracity.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Three Sisters: A NovelHeather MorrisWhen a family’s secret is unearthed, the sisters’ lives are forever changed. Emily Martin is a successful lawyer, four years into her job as an associate with the law firm of Blaine, Wright & Cooper, when, one night, both her career and family life are sent into a tailspin.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret CodeRebecca E. F. BaroneBut to the Allied troops listening in—and they were always listening—the crucial messages sounded like gibberish.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Vinyl MoonMahogany L. BrowneA teen girl hiding the scars of a past relationship finds home and healing in the words of strong Black writers.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
What the Fact?: Finding the Truth in All the NoiseSeema YasminFrom acclaimed writer, journalist, and physician Dr. How can anyone make sense of it anymore?Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
You Sound Like a White Girl: The Case for Rejecting AssimilationJulissa ArceAN INDIE BESTSELLERMost Anticipated by ELLE • Bustle • Bloomberg • Kirkus • HipLatina • SheReads • BookPage • The Millions • The Mujerista • Ms.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details