The ABCs of Women's HistoryRio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren SemmerOrganized alphabetically, this picture book introduces events and figures in United States women’s history, with particular attention to Black, brown, transgender, and other women whose contributions have often been overlooked.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsNCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2026
Social studies books selected each year by NCSS and the Children's Book Council.
2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young PeopleSee the original list
Selections138
Published byNational Council for the Social Studies
Sections7 sections
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Kindergarten to Second Grade
55 selections
The ABCs of Women's HistoryRio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren SemmerOrganized alphabetically, this picture book introduces events and figures in United States women’s history, with particular attention to Black, brown, transgender, and other women whose contributions have often been overlooked.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Ablaze: The Story of America's First Female SmokejumperJessica Lawson, illustrated by Sarah GonzalesDeanne Shulman fights wildfires, challenges discriminatory rules, and becomes the first woman smokejumper in the United States.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD620LView book details
All the Stars in the SkyArt Coulson, illustrated by Winona NelsonA Cherokee grandmother teaches a child about gadugi—the responsibility to work together and strengthen the whole community rather than elevating one person above it.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
America Gives ThanksBob McKinnon, illustrated by Thai My PhuongThis picture book considers how people across the United States express gratitude, connecting a national tradition with everyday reasons to give thanks.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 780LView book details
Are We There Yet?: The First Road Trip Across the USAStacy McAnulty, illustrated by Elizabeth BaddeleyIn 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson, mechanic Sewall Crocker, and a bulldog named Bud attempt the first automobile trip across the United States.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Are You a Friend of Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She HelpedKyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi HastingsThe coded question “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” becomes a history of how LGBTQ+ people found community and safety when they were forced to hide.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 669LATOS 4.3View book details
The Atlas of Languages: Words Around the WorldRachel Lancashire, illustrated by Jenny ZemanekThis illustrated atlas explores the history, variety, and relationships of languages around the world through maps, language-family trees, infographics, and trivia.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in AmericaJulie LeungCecilia Chiang brings regional Chinese cooking to American diners and reshapes how Chinese food and culture are understood in the United States.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrinceLaura ObuobiThis picture-book biography follows Michaela Mabinty DePrince from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to an international ballet career, emphasizing the determination that carried her through exclusion and prejudice.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Binna's DalgonaSojung Kim-McCarthyBinna wants to tell her classmates about the dalgona she made, but the English words do not come easily; encouragement from her sister and classmates helps her share the Korean treat and her story.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy BombersChristy Mandin, illustrated by Christy MandinDuring the Berlin Airlift, pilot Gail Halvorsen turns two sticks of gum into a growing effort to drop candy by tiny parachute for children living through the blockade.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Black Hair Can: The Roots of Our RootsSylvia Rodriguez, illustrated by Sylvia RodriguezThis illustrated history traces Black hair from African cultures through slavery and into the present, showing how hairstyles express identity, beauty, resilience, and pride.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 770LView book details
BraveWeshoyot Alvitre, illustrated by Weshoyot AlvitreA Native boy teased for his long braid learns how his father and grandfather were once forced to cut their hair, helping him understand his braid as a source of strength and cultural pride.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Brown Girl in the SnowYolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Marianne FerrerAfter moving from the Caribbean to a snowy home, Amina misses the foods she once grew and uses a library book about greenhouses to imagine a garden suited to her new climate.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Camel Library: A True Story from PakistanMarzieh AbbasAlongside warm and soft illustrations by Anain Shaikh, Marzieh Abbas lovingly weaves the heartfelt true story of Pakistan's first camel library, which reconnected Pakistani children to the light of books in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
CeeCee: Underground Railroad CinderellaShana Keller, illustrated by Laura FreemanIn a Cinderella retelling set on a Maryland plantation, an enslaved girl risks everything for the chance to escape to freedom.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 650LATOS 4.0View book details
The Cookie VoteDaniel Bernstrom and Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian KarasMr. Tiffin’s class learns how bills become laws by proposing an official state cookie. Debating flavors, voting, and presenting the idea at the state capitol teach the students why legislation requires compromise.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Diyas at Circle Time : A Celebration of South Asian Festivals Around Diwali TimeAnjali Joshi, illustrated by Tim PalinClassmates describe Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, and Jain Deepavali during circle time, discovering both shared traditions and meaningful differences among the celebrations.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Down on the BayouGlenda Armand, illustrated by Alleanna HarrisAs Troy travels through a Louisiana bayou with his grandfather, the landscape opens a conversation about wildlife, family history, poetry, and ancestors who endured slavery.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem: Dressmaker and Poet, Myra Viola Wilds (A Picture Book)Nancy Johnson James, illustrated by Diana EjaitaThis picture-book biography follows blind Black artist Myra Viola Wilds from rural Kentucky to a creative life as a skilled dressmaker and published poet.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was BornRichard Michelson, illustrated by Alyssa RussellImmigrant and librarian Fanny Goldstein creates a week devoted to Jewish books, and her local idea grows into a national celebration of Jewish literature and culture.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 920LView book details
A Festa for LuanaJoana Pastro, illustrated by Duda OlivaA Brazilian American girl visiting family for Festa Junina wrestles with feeling different and discovers that every part of her identity belongs.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Fierce Aunties!Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Steph LittlebirdAn Indigenous child celebrates the aunties who offer humor, protection, guidance, courage, and steadfast love through everyday life.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Frida Kahlo's Flower Crown: A Picture BookNydia Armendia-Sánchez, illustrated by Loris LoraFrida Kahlo's life, physical challenges, Mexican heritage, and artistic voice unfold through the flowers that surrounded her and appeared throughout her work.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Gift of the Great BuffaloCarole Lindstrom, illustrated by Aly McKnightA young Métis-Ojibwe girl joins her community's buffalo hunt and searches for the dwindling herd they need to survive winter.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Girls on the RiseAmanda GormanAmanda Gorman's poem celebrates girls who support one another, draw strength from those who came before them, and rise together to shape the future.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD610LView book details
Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, The Korean Harvest FestivalKathleen Choi, Sook Nyul ChoiSu-Jin, her friends, and Halmoni prepare for Chuseok while learning about its foods, gifts, games, gratitude, and traditions honoring ancestors.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The History of WeNikkolas Smith, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithThe History of We is a nonfiction picture book written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith that imagines early human achievements in Africa and presents them as the shared beginnings of modern civilization.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 680LFountas & Pinnell RView book details
A Hug Like Michelle's, a Voice Like Beyoncé’s: A Picture BookCarole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Savanna DurrCelebrating the influence of prominent Black women, this affirming picture book encourages children to recognize their own care, creativity, strength, and voice.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
I am Sally RideBrad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher EliopoulosThis picture-book biography follows Sally Ride's childhood interests in science, math, speed, and space through her training at NASA and flight as the first American woman in space.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 630LView book details
Imogen: The Life and Work of Imogen CunninghamElizabeth Partridge, illustrated by Yuko ShimizuThis picture-book biography follows Imogen Cunningham from a childhood fascination with light and observation to a pioneering career as an American photographer.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The InterpreterOlivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica ArnaldoSoccer-loving Cecilia translates for her Spanish-speaking parents and learns to balance that important family role with the pressures of being a child.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 530LATOS 2.4View book details
The Juneteenth AlphabetAndrea Underwood Petifer, illustrated by Ana LateseUsing one word for each letter of the alphabet, this picture book introduces the history, people, traditions, and celebrations associated with Juneteenth.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Kente for JojoBernard Mensah, illustrated by Elizabeth ZunonA boy helps choose and weave a special kente cloth for his new baby sibling, Jojo. The story also introduces the origins and traditional patterns of Ghanaian kente.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Let's Fly!: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the WorldBarrington Irving and Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Shamar Knight-JusticeBarrington Irving’s path from a child in Miami to a pilot began after he met Black pilot Gary Robinson. He later became the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children's MusicTraci N. ToddThis picture-book biography follows Ella Jenkins from childhood in Chicago to an international career that helped shape modern children’s music. It also explores her global musical influences and civil-rights activism.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Mariam's Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of HopeLeila Boukarim, illustrated by Sona AvedikianMariam Al-Shaar works with women in Beirut’s Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp to create Soufra, a community kitchen and food business. The picture book follows the financial, legal, and social obstacles they face while building it.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Marjory's River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the EvergladesJosie JamesThis picture-book biography follows Marjory Stoneman Douglas as she writes about the Everglades and campaigns to protect its interconnected wetlands.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Maya Angelou Finds Her VoiceConnie Roop and Peter Roop, illustrated by Noa DenmonAfter eight-year-old Maya Angelou stops speaking, family friend Bertha Flowers shares literature with her and demonstrates the expressive power of reading aloud. Their relationship helps Maya begin using her own voice again.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Maybe Just Ask Me!Katie Mazeika, illustrated by Katie MazeikaMazie arrives at a new school wearing an eyepatch and head scarf, but classmates invent rumors instead of asking about her disability. She decides whether to invite their questions and explain her differences directly.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World (A Picture Book Biography)James Howe, illustrated by Jack WongThis picture-book biography traces Yo-Yo Ma from childhood cello prodigy to internationally known musician. It focuses on his use of music to learn from cultures, connect people, support humanitarian work, and teach younger players.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
My Home Is In My BackpackEugenia PerrellaA Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of 2025Clara and her family are forced to leave everything behind in this poignant but hopeful story of forced migration, told through the eyes of a young refugee."We all carry our special homes with us – in our backpacks and pockets, and in our hearts." Every day Clara and her family walk a long way.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Prince Among Slaves: The Remarkable True Story of an African Prince Enslaved in Mississippi, and His Journey HomeN. H. SenzaiThis biography follows Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori from his life as a multilingual Muslim prince in Futa Jallon through his capture and enslavement in Mississippi, and his long effort to gain freedom and return to West Africa.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Remember Who You AreLeona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, illustrated by Sara GeneralIn this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace their unique gifts and power.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD420LView book details
The Sacred Stone CampRae Rose, illustrated by Aly McKnightA young girl joins her Unci LaDonna and Lala Miles as water protectors gather at Sacred Stone Camp to oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline. Surrounded by family and strangers, she finds courage in their shared defense of land and water.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Six Triple Eight: A True Story of the Black Woman Battalion of World War IITonya Abari, illustrated by Lance EvansDuring World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, composed of Black women, was assigned to clear a vast backlog of military mail. The picture book follows their demanding work and the barriers they overcame.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for PenniesMargi Preus, illustrated by Jaime ZollarsThis picture-book biography follows Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, who traveled through rural northern Wisconsin to reach patients, often in winter. Children she had delivered later helped organize the Million Penny Parade to fund the community hospital she had long sought.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
That Swingin' Sound!: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis ArmstrongRekha S Rajan, illustrated by Ken DaleyThis dual picture-book biography follows the musical childhoods and careers of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, then shows how performing together began their enduring friendship and partnership in jazz.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Through Sand and Salt: A Tale of Discovery Across the SaharaElizabeth ZunonMalik joins his father’s salt caravan across the Sahara to Timbuktu. During the journey, he learns salt’s roles in trade, food, ritual, and human life while growing into the responsibility of future leadership.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
To the Top of the World: Barbara Hillary, the First Black Woman to Reach the North and South PolesDeborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Anastasia Magloire WilliamsThis picture-book biography follows Barbara Hillary, who became the first Black woman to reach both the North and South Poles in her seventies. It also traces her later climate advocacy.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite FoodsMia Wenjen, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-WongThis illustrated food history traces how dishes such as pizza, pasta, ice cream, and French fries traveled across places and cultures before becoming familiar favorites.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card--and Helped Change HistoryPat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jerry JordanDenied a library card under segregation in 1956, John Lewis grows into a civil-rights leader who challenges discriminatory laws. The picture-book biography connects his lifelong love of books with his work for equal access and voting rights.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD520LFountas & Pinnell PView book details
We Are American, TooKristen Mei ChaseMei explores her Chinese American family’s history in Washington, D.C., then draws on those stories at a rally against anti-Asian hate. Her family’s experiences help her connect Chinese heritage with American identity.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
What Will I Do if I Miss You? A Picture Book for Separation AnxietyMelissa T. Shultz, illustrated by Lilia MiceliWhen Alex worries about starting day school and being apart from his mother, they create a heart-to-heart ritual for feeling connected while separated. The story models a self-soothing strategy for separation anxiety.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The World Entire: A True Story of Extraordinary World War II RescueElizabeth Brown, illustrated by Melissa CastrillónIn 1940, Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes defied government orders and issued visas that allowed thousands of refugees to escape Nazi-occupied France through Portugal. The book also recounts the cost of that decision to him and his family.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsKindergarten to Fifth Grade
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Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la PapaSara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Juana Martinez-NealThis picture-book biography follows Peruvian agricultural scientist Alberto Salas through the Andes as he searches for potato varieties threatened by climate change.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeATOS 3.6AR interest LG K-3View book details
Ballet Brown (An Original Picture Book)Bellen Woodard, illustrated by Fanny LiemYoung dancer Bellen realizes that traditional “ballet pink” does not blend with every dancer's skin, then speaks up and coins “ballet brown” to help make dance more inclusive.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Bread DaysHannah Chung, illustrated by Hannah ChungAfter losing Papa, Nara returns to the sourdough starter they once tended together and finds a way to preserve their bread-making tradition with Mama.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
CLIMATE: How Wladimir Köppen Studied Weather and Drew the First Climate MapDarcy Pattison, illustrated by Peter WillisWladimir Köppen studies weather observations from around the world and develops the first climate map, creating a classification system that remains influential today.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint?: Celebrating the SeasonsTyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle DaoJoshua watches the seasons change and keeps asking when he and Dad can gather mint from the land near Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, learning to recognize nature's rhythms.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details