African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped HistoryTracey BaptisteThis compendium of short biographies richly details the lives of 10 historical people who not only lived, but thrived, in ancient Africa. With beautiful portraits woven among concise essays, this book guides young readers in a look at Africa's oft-ignored past.All readersView book detailsNYPL Best Books for Kids 2021
Books chosen each year by New York Public Library staff and grouped into the library's own categories.
NYPL Best Books for Kids 2021See the original list
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Published byNew York Public Library
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100 selections
African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped HistoryTracey BaptisteThis compendium of short biographies richly details the lives of 10 historical people who not only lived, but thrived, in ancient Africa. With beautiful portraits woven among concise essays, this book guides young readers in a look at Africa's oft-ignored past.All readersView book details
AllergicMegan Wagner LloydIllustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter | Maggie wants to stop feeling like the odd girl out and is convinced that a puppy will help. A newly discovered allergy stands in the way of her puppy dreams, but does that rule out all animals?All readersLexile GN230LATOS 1.9View book details
Amari and the Night BrothersB. B. AlstonAfter the disappearance of her brother Quinton, Amari Peters is recruited into a hidden magical society. As she trains to become a junior agent, will she be able to uncover the truth of what happened to her brother?All readersView book details
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for KidsCynthia Leitich SmithIn this joyful celebration of First Nations heritage, 16 Indigenous authors share original, interwoven stories, all culminating at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.All readersView book details
Anita and the DragonsHannah CarmonaIllustrated by Anna Cunha | Anita imagines herself a princess of her beloved Dominican Republic, where she watches “dragons” roar as they pass overhead. One day she must come face to face with them when she journeys to her new home, far away from everything she's known.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
Another KindCait May & Trevor BreamCryptid kids with strange powers and "irregularities" are on the run from their high-security government facility, nicknamed the Playroom. In finding a new place to call home, they must evade the elusive Collector or risk being collected themselves.All readersWord count 12945View book details
Artie and the Wolf MoonOlivia StephensArtie finds her place when her mom confesses that they're werewolves and introduces her to their estranged werewolf community. But before Artie can hit her stride, her newly discovered pack comes under attack by an old enemy: vampires.All readersLexile HL520LATOS 2.4View book details
Barakah BeatsMaleeha SiddiquiNimra, a young Muslim girl desperate to fit in at her new school, accepts an invitation to join a popular eighth-grade boy band. Worried that her parents will find out, she intends to drop out before the big talent show, but acting on that plan proves harder than she imagined.All readersLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
Barefoot Dreams of Petra LunaAlda P. DobbsPetra has dreams of going to school and learning to read. Instead, she must lead her grandmother and younger siblings to safety from the army of Federales during the Mexican Revolution. Through her resilience, can Petra both save her family and make her dreams a reality?All readersLexile 730LATOS 4.8View book details
Bartali's BicycleMegan HoytIllustrated by Iacopo Bruno | This is the riveting untold story of how Italy’s 1938 Tour de France champion saved Jewish families during WWII’s darkest days by doing what he did best: cycling. Full Title: Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero.All readersView book details
Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of DoomMatthew SwansonIllustrated by Robbi Behr | With expressive illustrations and endearing humor, Ben Yokoyama takes on his fortune cookie’s words to "live each day as his last" quite literally. He arms himself with a to-do list that grows zanier with each new addition.All readersLexile 630LATOS 4.1View book details
The Big Bath HouseKyo MaclearIllustrated by Gracey Zhang | Honoring body positivity and intergenerational family connections, this heartwarming story radiates the communal joy of a Japanese onsen.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black BoyhoodKwame Mbalia (editor)A euphoric celebration of Black boyhood featuring 17 stories by contemporary Black male and nonbinary authors. Sampling popular genres and formats like Afrofuturism, realistic fiction, comics, and verse, these uplifting stories about Black male youth are not to be missed.All readersView book details
Black Hole ChasersAnna Crowley ReddingHow do you take a picture of a black hole? Learn about the teamwork, personalities, and innovations that accomplished this scientific feat. This book will inspire young physicists! Full Title: Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough.All readersView book details
The Boy Whose Head Was Filled with Stars: A Life of Edwin HubbleIsabelle MarinovIllustrated by Deborah Marcero | American astronomer Edwin Hubble asks: how many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from? Mesmerizing nightscapes paired with simple text offer an engaging account of Hubble's life and findings.All readersView book details
The Bug ClubElise GravelCartoon-style illustrations and astonishing facts send readers on an exploration into the unique world of insects in this quirky, engaging primer of bugs.All readersLexile 631LATOS 4.1View book details
Burying the MoonAndrée PoulinIllustrated by Sonali Zohra | In this vibrantly illustrated novel in verse, Latika bravely confronts the problem of inadequate sanitation in her rural Indian village, a global issue with a dangerous impact on women and girls.All readersView book details
The CapybarasAlfredo SoderguitTranslated from the Spanish by Elisa Amado | A charming tale about forging an unlikely friendship, forming a community, and embracing difference. This light-hearted story features predominately black-and-white illustrations with a pop of color on each page.All readersLexile AD500LATOS 3.3View book details
Cece Rios and the Desert of SoulsKaela RiveraThings are not easy for Cece. Her family is experiencing domestic violence, and now her sister has disappeared. In this mesmerizing Latinx novel rooted in Aztec mythology, Cece has to learn forbidden magic in order to rescue her sister from El Sombrerón.All readersView book details
Chasing Bats and Tracking RatsCylita GuyIllustrated by Cornelia Li | This nonfiction book introduces readers to the flora and fauna of cities and highlights how urban areas, wildlife, and social justice intersect. Full Title: Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities.All readersView book details
Dad BakesKatie YamasakiWhen Dad gets home from a full day of baking, he bakes again—this time with his daughter. Readers see their tender relationship in loving focus while waiting for the bread to rise. An intimate story with bright illustrations, this book is a warm snapshot of family connection.All readersLexile AD220LATOS 1.9View book details
Dear TreefrogJoyce SidmanIllustrated by Diana Sudyka | Moving can be hard, but with the help of a friendly treefrog, one lonely girl learns how to connect to the natural world around her.All readersLexile AD1100LATOS 7.7View book details
The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals that Live Beneath Our FeetDavid L. HarrisonIllustrated by Kate Cosgrove | There's an entire world beneath the dirt! Nature-loving readers will enjoy these lively poems that celebrate the many creatures living underground. The vertical format of the book creates an engaging reading experience.All readersView book details
The DreamweaversG.Z. SchmidtTwins Mei and Yun must embark on a magical adventure to save their grandfather after a mysteriously spoiled batch of his mooncakes earns a prince's wrath. To succeed, they must break a poet's vengeful curse—with or without the guidance of the Jade Rabbit.All readersView book details
Escape at 10,000 Feet: D.B. Cooper and the Missing MoneyTom SullivanWould you believe that someone hijacked a plane, escaped with the ransom money by parachute, and was never caught? This daring true story captured headlines in the 1970s and is retold with primary source materials and plenty of panache. Kids will devour this rollicking story!All readersView book details
The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying LeeJulie LeungIllustrated by Julie Kwon | In a time when women weren’t encouraged to fly, Hazel Ying Lee was set her sights on the sky. An elegantly illustrated and moving account of the determination that propelled a Chinese American pilot’s aspirations despite racial and gender barriers.All readersView book details
From the Tops of the TreesKao Kalia YangIllustrated by Rachel Wada | Kalia only knows of life in the Ban Vanai Refugee Camp in Thailand. She and her father climb the tallest tree to find out what's beyond the fence. This evocative book explores Hmong refugee camp life and a father's dream for his daughter beyond it.All readersView book details
Garlic and the VampireBree PaulsenGarlic worries that she can't get anything right. When a vampire moves into a nearby castle, Garlic's vegetable folk village agrees that she is the obvious choice to drive him away. Will Garlic find the courage to believe in herself?All readersView book details
The Girl From the SeaMolly Knox OstertagIn this coming-of-age tale, Morgan meets a selkie, Keltie, after nearly drowning. When Morgan gives Keltie an impulsive kiss, they quickly become inseparable. Morgan has always kept her feelings for girls hidden, and Keltie also has a secret of her own.All readersView book details
The Golden HourNiki SmithManuel uses photography to stay grounded after witnessing gun violence at school. When he teams up with his classmates Caysha and Sebastian for a county fair project, the new friends learn to open up, confront fear, and even find love.All readersLexile 401LATOS 2.8View book details
Hear My Voice / Escucha mi vozWarren Binford (compiler) for…This powerful bilingual book, illustrated by Latinx artists, features the words of children detained at the U.S. border due to their immigration status. Full Title: Hear My Voice / Escucha mi voz: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States.All readersView book details
I Am SmokeHenry HerzIllustrated by Mercè López | Soft watercolor and naturalistic illustrations bring the voice of smoke to life as it shares its cycle of existence. Learn about the fascinating and helpful ways it has been used by civilizations for millennia.All readersView book details
I Dream of PopoLivia BlackburneIllustrated by Julia Kuo | A young girl who emigrates from Taiwan to the United States maintains a connection to her grandmother despite being an ocean apart. A vibrant color palette helps bring the author's and illustrator's experiences to life.All readersLexile AD510LATOS 2.9View book details
InfinityPablo BernasconiWith fanciful mixed-media illustrations, Argentine author Bernasconi invites young readers to dip their toes into a thought-provoking journey that explores the concept of infinity.All readersView book details
J.D. and the Great Barber BattleJ. DillardIllustrated by Akeem S. Roberts | Third-grader J.D. spins a bad haircut on its head by creating a thriving business. Now his competition wants to fight. Buzzing with humor and pop culture references, this is a delightful introduction to a new series. May the best barber win!All readersView book details
King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott JoplinStephen CostanzaFilled with colorful illustrations and rhythmic text, this picture book biography celebrates African American composer Scott Joplin, whose ragtime music opened the door for jazz.All readersLexile AD930LATOS 6.1View book details
The Last CuentistaDonna Barba HigueraTwelve-year-old Petra is put in stasis on a shuttle bound for an uninhabited planet. Centuries later, she wakes as one of the few surviving travelers, and the only one not reprogrammed by the menacing Collective that has taken over the ship. Can her cuentas save them all?All readersWord count 71822View book details
Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem RenaissanceNikki GrimesIn this feminist collection, Grimes connects the works of underappreciated women poets of the Harlem Renaissance, her own poems created with the Golden Shovel method, and illustrations by contemporary Black women artists.All readersView book details
Living Ghosts and Mischievous MonstersDan SaSuWeh JonesIllustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre | These creepy ancestral tales and modern accounts of American Indian ghosts and monsters will haunt you long after you've closed the book. Full Title: Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories.All readersView book details
Living with ViolaRosena FungLivy doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere, and Viola just makes it worse. But who's Viola? She's Livy's anxiety, ready to do anything to bring Livy down. Can Livy find a way to be stronger than Viola and be true to herself?All readersLexile HL310LATOS 2.3View book details
The Longest StormDan YaccarinoA single father of three braces for a big storm. While stuck inside, the family struggles then find ways to come together. With bold illustrations, this timely story offers a conversation starter about facing fears, balancing conflict, and discovering strength in togetherness.All readersLexile AD490LATOS 3.3View book details
Magic CandiesHeena BaekTranslated from the Korean by Sophie Bowman | Aided by a jar of magical candies, Tong Tong can hear the voices of people and objects around him. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this inventive picture book will change the way readers view their world.All readersLexile AD510LATOS 3.4View book details
The Magical ImperfectChris BaronEtan has stopped speaking and no one knows how to help. Malia stays at home due to constant bullying. During the 1989 Bay Area earthquakes, their community of immigrant refugees help the two discover that the best form of healing comes from within.All readersLexile 710LATOS 4.5View book details
The Many Meanings of MeilanAndrea WangTwelve-year-old Meilan Hua's world is turned upside down when her family relocates from a big city Chinatown to small town Ohio. As she attempts to settle in, she gets renamed at school. Can Meilan find the power in her name and assert who she is?All readersLexile 730LATOS 4.7View book details
Maya and the RobotEve L. EwingIllustrated by Christine Almeda | Fifth grade gets off to a rough start for Maya until she is gifted an unfinished robot. An engineering legacy is uncovered and inspiration ignites as Maya learns to embrace her ingenuity and finds friendship in an unlikely place.All readersLexile 700LATOS 4.6View book details
Maybe Maybe Marisol RaineyErin Entrada KellyWith her amazing imagination (and a little help from her best friend), Marisol learns that even though life throws us obstacles, we need to celebrate all the small victories!All readersWord count 12507View book details
The Midnight FairGideon StererIllustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio | A group of woodland animals takes over a fairground at night in this enchanting wordless picture book illustrated in glowing jewel tones. Join them for an exhilarating night of nocturnal mischief and fun!All readersView book details
Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I KnowBrittany LubyIllustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley | Explore the four seasons in this lyrical bilingual picture book, illustrated in the Woodland Art style. Written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, this story takes readers on a familiar journey in an exciting new way.All readersView book details
Milo Imagines the WorldMatt de la PeñaIllustrated by Christian Robinson | Vivid illustrations and rich text tell the story of Milo, who, while riding the NYC subway, envisions the lives of his fellow passengers through his drawings. Soon, Milo learns you can’t always know a person just by looking at them.All readersView book details
Mole in a Black and White HoleTereza SedivaThis charming and cleverly designed picture book is a modern fable that encourages readers to move past their comfort zone in order to see the beauty that surrounds them.All readersView book details
The Monsters of RookhavenPádraig KennyIllustrated by Edward Bettison | Mirabelle and her peculiar family live in an uneasy peace with the village of Rookhaven. When Jem and Tom stumble into Mirabelle’s world, readers will discover who the real "monsters'' are. Black line art adds to the otherworldly atmosphere.All readersLexile 720LATOS 4.6View book details
My Day with the PanyeTami CharlesIllustrated by Sara Palacios | With lively illustrations and descriptive text, this beautiful coming-of-age story set in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, showcases the tradition of carrying the panye, a large basket, to market.All readersLexile 401LATOS 2.8View book details
My First DayPhùng Nguyên Quang, Huỳnh Kim LiênThe first day of school can be challenging, especially along the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Rich and poetic text complements whimsical and imaginative art on a journey you won't forget.All readersLexile AD680LATOS 3.1View book details
My Two Border TownsDavid BowlesIllustrated by Erika Meza | Through a young boy's eyes, readers follow a father and son’s Saturday ritual as they travel from Texas to Tamaulipas. Bilingual language and vibrant illustrations guide readers to see el otro lado (the other side) in a new light.All readersLexile AD680LATOS 3.5View book details
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told to His Brother)David LevithanHow does a family cope with a missing child? What if he suddenly returns and claims he was whisked away to a magical land? This contemplative mystery examines a family's struggle to support and shield their found son as their community grows more skeptical of his claims.All readersView book details
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) SmallJess WadeIllustrated by Melissa Castillón | A fascinating and kid-friendly introduction to nanoscience by an expert and award-winning physicist! Simple terms break down the complex science of nanotech and appealing bright art will delight little scientists in this nonfiction picture book.All readersView book details
Nathan's SongLeda SchubertIllustrated by Maya Ish-Shalom | Nathan leaves his home in Russia to study opera, but after boarding the wrong boat accidentally sets sail for New York City. Digital art and striking primary colors bring to life this joyful tale of Jewish immigration in the early 20th century.All readersView book details
The Night Is Deep and WideGillian SzeIllustrated by Sue Todd | The high-contrast illustrations of this board book engage the youngest readers, while the soft, soothing lines of the repetitive lullaby wrap readers in a deep and dreamy song.All readersView book details
The Night WalkMarie DorléansTranslated from the French by Polly Lawson | This stunning book portrays the magic of a family trip and the beauty at the end of a nighttime journey. Dazzling illustrations capture the extraordinary nature of light at night as a family connects with nature.All readersView book details
Nina: A Story of Nina SimoneTraci N. ToddIllustrated by Christian Robinson | Follow the transformation of Eunice Waymon into singer and activist Nina Simone in this lovely picture book biography. Simone's voice and message is remembered as nothing short of a triumph and this book and its dynamic illustrations honor it.All readersView book details
Niños: Poems for the Lost Children of ChileMaría José FerradaTranslated from the Spanish by Lawrence Schimel | Illustrated by María Elena Valdez | In this extraordinary poetry collection, Ferrada gives voice to the children lost during General Pinochet’s dictatorship, exploring imagined joyful futures, reminding us of life's preciousness.All readersView book details
No One Returns from the Enchanted ForestRobin RobinsonThe Enchanted Forest is forbidden, but feisty Pella can't stay away. Distraught older sister Bix must gather the strength to find her. This fantasy adventure is about overcoming fear when you have something to fight for.All readersView book details
The Old BoatJarrett Pumphrey, Jerome PumphreyA grandmother and her grandson set off fishing in their beloved boat. Sparse text and stamped illustrations reveal the passage of time and the impact that human hands have had on the environment. As the young boy grows, he looks to his community to turn the tide.All readersLexile AD320LATOS 2.4View book details
On the TraplineDavid A. RobertsonIllustrated by Julie Flett | Moshom shows his grandson the land his family used to hunt and live off of—a trapline. Cree words are highlighted and defined on each page, and the illustrations allow readers to reflect on the places and stories that give life to memory and ancestry.All readersView book details
One Million Oysters on Top of the MountainAlex NoguésTranslated from the Spanish by Lawrence Schimel | Illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora | Through stylish illustrations and a genuine sense of curiosity and wonder at the facts of the natural world, this title clearly and captivatingly explains geologic history for a young audience.All readersView book details
Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green BookKeila V . DawsonIllustrated by Alleanna Harris | In the 1930s, New Yorker Victor Hugo Green published the Green Book, a guide that empowered Black Americans to travel safely across the nation. Discover how this travel guide was created and distributed.All readersView book details
Ophie's GhostsJustina IrelandBlack history meets ghost story as Ophie Harrison abruptly moves to Pittsburgh with her mother. Working as a maid at Daffodil Manor, Ophie wants to help a glamorous ghost be at peace. Will Ophie unlock the mystery or get herself in more trouble than it is worth?All readersView book details
Over the ShopJonArno LawsonIllustrated by Qin Leng | Readers will experience joy and wonder while exploring the exquisite pages of this wordless narrative touching on queer pride, chosen family, and what goes into building a place to call home.All readersView book details
PawcassoRemy LaiDuring summer vacation, Jo spots a dog shopping alone. Amazed by the sight, she decides to follow him and is mistaken for his owner. Her tiny lie grows into a great deal of trouble involving the whole town!All readersView book details
PencilvaniaStephanie WatsonIllustrated by Sofia Moore | Mourning the loss of her mom, Zora destroys her art with a thick scribble. But the scribble retaliates by pulling Zora and her sister into Pencilvania, a magical realm where drawings come to life! Zora must be brave to save her sister and her art.All readersView book details
The People RememberIbi ZoboiIllustrated by Loveis Wise | Using the principles of Kwanzaa, this powerful book takes readers through the history of Black Americans. Bringing Black history to life, this lyrical free verse collection is compelling, elegantly written, and partnered with dynamic illustrations.All readersLexile 899LATOS 5.8View book details
The People's Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with ArtCynthia LevinsonIllustrated by Evan Turk | Mimicking the social realist style of Lithuanian-born artist Ben Shahn, this biography tells the story of how one man was able to use his art to create a more equitable and just society for working class people.All readersView book details
A Place to Hang the MoonKate AlbusThree orphaned siblings are evacuated from London to the English countryside at the dawn of WWII. As the siblings bounce between billets, they're unsure if they will ever find the perfect home. Heartwarming and perfect for fans of classic children's literature.All readersWord count 62475View book details
Power UpSam NissonIllustrated by Darnell Johnson | Online, Miles and Rhys are BFFs. Offline, they are strangers, despite attending the same school. As Miles chases his classmates' approval and Rhys evades his classmates' scrutiny, will their friendship be able to cross into real life?All readersView book details
Red, White, and WholeRajani LaRoccaReha is trying to find a balance between wanting to be American like her friends at school and pleasing her traditional immigrant parents at home. When her mother gets sick, Reha is determined to make her feel better by being the perfect daughter.All readersView book details
Root MagicEden RoyceIn 1963 South Carolina, twins Jezebel and Jay are learning traditional Gullah rootwork. What looks like simple remedies are soon discovered to contain very powerful magic. Facing natural and supernatural threats, will the twins learn enough to save their family and heal their town?All readersView book details
Simon B. Rhymin'Dwayne ReedMic check! Meet Simon, a shy fifth-grader with a passion for rhyming. An unlikely friendship helps him overcome his stage fright, and Simon learns that appearances don’t always tell the whole story.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
The 1619 Project: Born on the WaterNikole Hannah-Jones, Renée WatsonIllustrated by Nikkolas Smith | This gripping book, with its soul-stirring illustrations and lyrical verse, evocatively traces African American lineages, chronicling the origins and impact of slavery in America while exploring the lives of African ancestors before slavery began.All readersLexile 860LATOS 5.5View book details
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and YouSonja Cherry-Paul, Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. KendiAdapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul | Illustrated by Rachelle Baker | Presented in a warm and sensitive voice, the difficult conversation about the history of racist ideas in America and the anti-racist movements that emerged in response is made accessible for young readers.All readersView book details
StarfishLisa FippsEllie is constantly bullied for her weight and, as a result, writes her own "Fat Girl Rules." With the help of a new friend, Ellie embarks on an empowering journey toward body positivity and reclaims her self-worth.All readersLexile HL630LATOS 4.1View book details
Stuntboy, in the MeantimeJason ReynoldsIllustrated by Raúl the Third | When Portico transforms into his alter-ego, Stuntboy, he can handle anything, whether his anxiety or his archnemesis. But when his parents start arguing, not even Stuntboy's valiant tricks make them stop.All readersView book details
Summertime Sleepers: Animals that EstivateMelissa StewartIllustrated by Sarah Brannen | You've heard about hibernation, but what about estivation? In this eye-opening, fact-filled book, discover what a myriad of small creatures do during the hottest months of the year. Don't sleep on this one!All readersView book details
Tag TeamRaúl the ThirdThis bilingual early reader introduces El Toro and La Oink Oink, the perfect tag team, as they clean up the stadium from last night's wrestling match. Stylized comic book illustrations will absorb readers on this clean-up adventure!All readersWord count 454View book details
Ten Animals in Antarctica: A Counting BookMoira CourtThis collage-style illustrated book introduces young readers to 10 amazing land and sea animals from Antarctica. The text uses both alliteration and internal rhyme to describe the animals' traits and habitats. Don’t count this one out!All readersView book details
Thanks a Lot, UniverseChad LucasBrian feels like a social misfit, and his anxiety worsens after his mom engages in self-harm. He finds solace in a budding friendship with his popular basketball teammate, Ezra. What will Ezra's friends say when they find out he has a crush on Brian?All readersLexile 580LATOS 3.8View book details
Time Is a FlowerJulie MorstadIn this standout text, whimsical and colorful pages illustrate the abstract nature of time. The incredible use of metaphor is sure to kindle the imagination of young readers.All readersLexile AD490LATOS 3.3View book details
Tiny Tales: Shell QuestSteph WaldoSlug notices new friends that look a lot like her, except they have shells! Slug decides she needs one too, but finding one is a lot harder than she expected.All readersView book details
Too Bright to SeeKyle LukoffBug feels different from others. As Bug grieves the death of a beloved uncle, can the ghosts in their old house guide Bug on their journey of self-discovery?All readersLexile 790LATOS 5.1View book details
Too Small TolaAtinukeIllustrated by Onyinye Iwu | Join small but mighty Tola on her everyday adventures in Lagos, Nigeria. These charming and funny short stories about Tola and her neighbors will resonate with readers of any age.All readersLexile 610LATOS 3.6View book details
Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America's First Gay WeddingRob SandersIllustrated by Robbie Cathro | Told from the perspective of two wedding cake toppers, this is the story of the first same-sex couple in America to be legally wed on September 3, 1971. Sweet, vintage-style illustrations present this overlooked piece of LGBTQ history.All readersView book details
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race MassacreCarole Boston WeatherfordIllustrated by Floyd Cooper | This picture book depicts the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Sepia-toned illustrations show the prosperous Black community of the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the devastation it endured at the hands of a white mob.All readersView book details
WatercressAndrea WangIllustrated by Jason Chin | Masterfully illustrated, this autobiographical picture book depicts a Chinese American family divided by struggles that a younger generation grapples to understand. This emotional story shows how the past can illuminate the present and bridge the gap.All readersLexile AD610LATOS 4View book details
We All PlayJulie FlettCree words are coupled with their English translations in this sweeping picture book that celebrates animals and nature. Kids will see themselves in the different scenes of play.All readersLexile AD50LATOS 1View book details
Welcome to Your Period!Yumi Stynes, DrIllustrated by Jenny Latham | This inclusive, conversational guide to periods celebrates body positivity and includes firsthand accounts from menstruators. All your questions, no matter how awkward, are answered within these pages!All readersView book details
When Lola VisitsMichelle SterlingIllustrated by Aaron Asis | Experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of summer alongside a girl and her grandmother, Lola, in this colorful and evocative picture book. But what happens when summer ends and Lola returns to the Philippines?All readersLexile 750LATOS 4.8View book details
When My Cousins Come to TownAngela ShantéIllustrated by Keisha Morris | Ever wanted a cool nickname? Every summer, a young girl waits to earn hers—and this year, she's certain the wait is over. Accompanied by warm collage-style art, this story takes readers on a joyful adventure about the importance of being yourself.All readersLexile 660LATOS 4.3View book details
While I Was AwayWaka T. BrownWhen Waka is sent to Tokyo to improve her Japanese, she's not excited to live with her strict grandmother. Eventually, she figures out that it might not be so bad after all. A touching memoir about a young girl finding home across two cultural worlds.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
The Wisdom of TreesLita JudgeDid you know that trees interact with each other and other creatures? These poems examines the hidden communities and networks of trees with lush illustrations and pages brimming with details. Full Title: The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom.All readersView book details
WishesMượn Thị VănIllustrated by Victo Ngai | In this visually stunning and heartbreaking story, a young girl and her family leave home in search of safer shores. This title is a touching tribute to the author’s own journey from Vietnam to Hong Kong.All readersLexile AD130LATOS 1.3View book details
Wonder WalkersMicha ArcherTwo inquisitive kids head off on a "wonder walk" where they ask each other questions about nature. Archer's ink-and-collage illustrations provide a perfect background for the poetic and vocabulary-enriching text.All readersLexile AD310LATOS 2.3View book details