Abdul's StoryJamilah Thompkins-BigelowIllustrated by Tiffany Rose | Abdul is faced with the challenge of expressing himself through writing. The use of primary colors in this picture book speaks to the experience of being self-conscious at school and the warmth of finding a teacher who understands.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 2.9View book detailsNYPL Best Books for Kids 2022
Books chosen each year by New York Public Library staff and grouped into the library's own categories.
NYPL Best Books for Kids 2022See the original list
Selections100
Published byNew York Public Library
SectionsAll readers
All readers
100 selections
Abdul's StoryJamilah Thompkins-BigelowIllustrated by Tiffany Rose | Abdul is faced with the challenge of expressing himself through writing. The use of primary colors in this picture book speaks to the experience of being self-conscious at school and the warmth of finding a teacher who understands.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 2.9View book details
Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma ThomasJeanne Walker HarveyIllustrated by Loveis Wise | Pore over the life of American visual artist Alma Thomas, from her childhood through her career as a teacher to her later life as a painter and changemaker. A biography told in spare text to make space for vivid and colorful illustrations as bold and bright as their subject.All readersView book details
Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the NazisSusan Hood, with Greg DawsonYoung Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna and Frina outsmart the Nazis at every turn as they are forced deep into the heart of Germany during World War II. The sisters rely on surprising allies and their own wit and will to survive in this incredible true story in verse.All readersLexile 910LATOS 5.9View book details
Antarctica: The Melting ContinentKaren Romano Young, illustrated by Angela HsiehIllustrated by Angela Hsieh | An information-packed guide to an icebound continent where scientists live and research in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Explore a changing landscape where dinosaurs used to roam and giant sea life swims beneath the shifting ice.All readersView book details
April & Mae and the Tea PartyMegan Dowd LambertIllustrated by Briana Dengoue | It's teatime for April and Mae, but uh-oh! As April tries to show off a new skill, one of Mae's favorite cups is accidentally broken. Can these two best friends work through their very first disagreement?All readersView book details
Aviva vs. the DybbukMari LoweAviva is overwhelmed. Why? Her father's death has left her mother depressed. Aviva is stuck planning the Best Bas Mitzvah Party Ever with her ex-friend. Anti-Semitic vandalism plagues the community. To top it all off, a mischievous dybbuk haunts her home.All readersView book details
Bathe the CatAlice B. McGintyIllustrated by David Roberts | A diverse family frantically attempts to clean the house before Grandma visits. Things take a wacky turn when the family cat mixes up the chore list to avoid a dreaded bath. Playful text pairs with watercolor and pencil illustrations to tell this silly tale.All readersView book details
Beauty WokeNoNieqa RamosIllustrated by Paola Escobar | A positive and affirming poem about family and community coming together to help a child celebrate being Boricua. Bright illustrations bring the NYC backdrop to life.All readersView book details
Berry SongMichaela GoadeBreathtaking artwork and sing-song verse depict an afternoon journey of berry foraging. A lyrical celebration of family and the Indigenous custom of giving thanks, "Gunalchéesh," to the land for what it provides.All readersLexile 740LATOS 2.9View book details
Black: The Many Wonders of My WorldNancy Johnson JamesIllustrated by Constance Moore | The second installment in a series of books celebrating the spectrums of color and race (the first being Brown: The Many Shades of Love), illustrated in crisp and colorful collage. A joyous ode that deliberately tackles anti-Black language in a rhyming, poetic style.All readersView book details
Blast Off!: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into SpaceSuzanne SladeIllustrated by Sally Wern Comport | A brightly illustrated biography of Mary Sherman Morgan, America's first female rocket scientist. Using math, chemistry, and determination, she leads her team to develop the fuel needed to blast the first U.S. satellite into space.All readersView book details
BlueNana Ekua Brew-HammondIllustrated by Daniel Minter | Elegant illustrations will mesmerize younger readers, while older readers will learn something new about a familiar color—blue! A vibrant historical piece that is as poetic as it is informational. | Full title: Blue: A History of the Color As Deep As the Sea and As Wide As the SkyAll readersLexile AD1060LATOS 7.3View book details
A Blue Kind of DayRachel TomlinsonIllustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey | Coen is having the worst of days, and his family wants nothing more than to help cheer him up. In the end, they learn that what he really needs is for them to listen. An empathetic look at depression told with sparse yet powerful text and soft, realistic illustrations.All readersView book details
Breda's IslandJessie Ann FoleyIn this lushly descriptive story, rebellious Breda is sent to Ireland to stay with her cranky grandfather whom she's never met. Breda learns to love the land and Granda’s Gaelic stories. Along the way, she solves more than one family mystery.All readersView book details
CavesNell Cross BeckermanIllustrated by Kalen Chock | Spectacular illustrations of caves all over the world will enthrall budding spelunkers and armchair adventurers alike. Brave readers explore the depths and mysteries of some of nature's most hidden ecosystems.All readersView book details
Choosing BraveAngela JoyIllustrated by Janelle Washington | A sensitive and approachable biography of Mamie, the mother of Emmett Till, told through graceful, paper-cut illustrations with bold silhouettes. Readers gain new insight into Mamie's life and how she and her son's legacy shaped the Civil Rights Movement. | Full title: Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights MovementAll readersLexile 680LATOS 4.4View book details
The Civil War of Amos AbernathyMichael LealiAmos volunteers at a historical site with his best friend, Chloe, and his new friend (and crush!) Ben. The trio's idea for a new exhibition on local queer history upsets Ben's family and others in the community. Who gets to decide which stories are told at the Living History Park?All readersView book details
The ClackityLora SenfIllustrated by Alfredo Cáceres | Aunt Des has been abducted by a serial killer ghost to a terrifying otherworld. Now, Evie must make a desperate deal with The Clackity, a dreadful, conniving creature, in order to rescue her aunt.All readersLexile 750LATOS 4.8View book details
Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the WorldChristy HaleQuick and witty tanka poems pair with lush illustrations and vibrant photographs to reveal the many ways that art, architecture, and design mimic the natural world.All readersView book details
Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math PoemsBetsy FrancoIllustrated by Priscilla Tey | Fun-filled verses and imaginative illustrations add up to an accessible collection for even the most number-averse reader!All readersView book details
Daddy Speaks LoveLeah HendersonIllustrated by E.B. Lewis | Touching portraits of all kinds of loving fathers illustrate their lasting impact on the lives of their children and the world. Written in rhythmic verse, the text addresses unity and Black Lives Matter in a gentle, kid-appropriate way.All readersLexile AD550LATOS 3.6View book details
Days Like ThisOriane SmithIllustrated by Alice Gravier | From a beautiful poetic introduction to an ending that may pleasantly surprise readers, this charming and extraordinarily detailed picture book presents experiences in nature from two perspectives.All readersView book details
The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the SkyKim JihyunA stunning wordless picture book in deep blue watercolor depicts a summer exploration through forest, lake, and field. A calming escape from the city that children and their caregivers can make their own with every read.All readersView book details
Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?Derick WilderIllustrated by K-Fai Steele | On the way to school, a child and their dad walk through the city asking one of life's most important questions: what exactly has a butt? Pages filled with hidden details will have readers chuckling at every hilarious turn.All readersLexile AD460LATOS 3.1View book details
The Door of No ReturnKwame AlexanderIn this searing verse novel, Asante-born Kofi challenges his bully cousin to a swimming competition to defend his crush, Ama. Suddenly, Kofi is traumatically and violently plunged into the world of slave trafficking when he is kidnapped and sold off to an unknown fate.All readersLexile NP0LATOS 5.9View book details
Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary AnningSarah Glenn MarshIllustrated by Maris Wicks | A picture-book biography of pioneering British paleontologist Mary Anning and her glorious adventures in dinosaur fossil hunting. Sparkling illustrations and well-written prose inspire young readers to dig for their own finds!All readersView book details
A Duet for HomeKarina Yan GlaserAfter the unexpected death of her father, June's family is evicted and lands in Huey House shelter. June is befriended by Tyrell and the other residents and begins to find herself again. When the shelter is threatened, June and her friends must find a way to save it.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
Every Dog in the NeighborhoodPhilip C. SteadIllustrated by Matthew Cordell | How do you survey a neighborhood to determine if it already has enough dogs? Follow Louis and his grandma in this door-to-door adventure, where readers will discover new details and humor with every read.All readersLexile AD510LATOS 3.4View book details
The First Cat in Space Ate PizzaMac BarnettIllustrated by Shawn Harris | A mind-bending, laugh-out-loud story about a cat, a toenail-clipping robot, and a lunar princess who are tasked with saving the moon from being eaten by a sea of rats. Will the moon be saved in time? Will the cat EVER get a slice?All readersView book details
The FlamingoGuojingA visit to Lao Lao and a found feather launch a universal story about longing, family connection, and legacy. Sparse text and evocative illustrations create space for an individual experience in fantasy storytelling that readers can make their own.All readersLexile AD430LATOS 2.9View book details
Free at Last: A Juneteenth PoemSojourner Kincaid RolleIllustrated by Alex Bostic | A celebration in free verse of June 19, 1865, and the liberation of “all who live in bondage” in the United States. Exquisitely illustrated, this child-friendly history of new paths taken is full of hope and joy—a fitting ode to our national holiday.All readersView book details
FreewaterAmina Luqman-DawsonIn this atmospheric historical adventure, Homer and Ava flee slavery, leaving their mother behind. In the Great Dismal Swamp, they discover Freewater, a community of formerly enslaved people. When danger encroaches, Homer plots to save both his new friends and his mother.All readersLexile 690LATOS 4.59View book details
FrizzyClaribel A. OrtegaIllustrated by Rose Bousamra | Marlene hates it when her mom drags her to the salon to blow out her frizzy hair. But with the help of her cool tía, Marlene learns how to embrace her curls and, ultimately, how generations of cultural judgment have influenced Mami's heady opinions of natural hair.All readersLexile 440LATOS 3View book details
GibberishYoung VoDat struggles to adjust on his first day of school in a new country. Imaginative illustrations empathetically portray the experience of learning a new language and feeling out of place in unfamiliar surroundings.All readersWord count 231View book details
Gigi and OjijiMelissa IwaiGigi is thrilled that her grandfather is coming to live with her! But when Ojiji arrives from Japan, Gigi discovers that change can be both exciting and difficult.All readersLexile 500LATOS 3.3View book details
Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious BookTonya BoldenIllustrated by Eric Velasquez | A poignant narrative layered with dynamic illustrations and historical materials chronicles the work of Victor Hugo Green and his creation of the Green Book, which helped Black people safely navigate the United States during the Jim Crow Era.All readersView book details
Good Eating: The Short Life of KrillMatt LilleyIllustrated by Dan Tavis | Lively illustrations and a humorous voice follow one lucky krill from egg to almost whale food. Learn about the brief life cycle of one of the ocean's tiniest and most important creatures.All readersView book details
Hot DogDoug SalatiTurn through brightly illustrated pages to discover what a dog and their owner do to escape the oppressive NYC heat. With as much heart as it has steam, sand, and sea, this simple travel adventure celebrates the tiny victories in life.All readersLexile NPView book details
Housecat TroubleMason DickersonBuster's human goes on a trip, and he's left in charge of protecting the house. Sounds simple enough—until the amorphous purple spirits invade!All readersLexile GN470LATOS 3.2View book details
How to Build a Human: In Seven Evolutionary StepsPamela S. TurnerIllustrated by John Gurche | Dolphins used to be the brainiest species on the planet. How did humans surpass them? Take seven steps down the evolutionary path of humanity in this riveting archaeological account.All readersView book details
How to Teach Grown-Ups About PlutoDean RegasIllustrated by Aaron Blecha | Sometimes grown-ups get it wrong! This wickedly funny guide to our recently redefined solar system equips kids with an understanding of the scientific method and all the planetary facts they need to set adults straight about Pluto. | Full title: How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto: The Cutting-Edge Space Science of the Solar System.All readersView book details
I Hate Borsch!Yevgenia NaybergA young Ukrainian girl absolutely hates borsch, but when she grows up, she longs for it with nostalgia. A whimsical and funny look at the impact and nuance of cultural ties.All readersView book details
In the Beautiful CountryJane KuoIn this lyrical novel in verse, Taiwanese-born Ai Shi becomes Anna when she immigrates to "the beautiful country." California brings unexpected difficulties: bullying, money problems, and vandalization of her family's restaurant. Can they overcome their troubles and find home?All readersLexile 731LATOS 4.7View book details
In the Key of UsMariama J. LockingtonEveryone expects the only Black girls at Harmony Music Camp to be friends, but Andi and Zora couldn't be more different. When forced to spend time together, they confide in each other about performance pressure, family issues, and a self-harm secret. They discover a spark of friendship—and maybe something more.All readersView book details
Isla to IslandAlexis CastellanosMarisol must leave Cuba and her family behind to start a new life in Brooklyn as part of Operation Peter Pan. Beautiful colors accenting black-and-white illustrations communicate great spirit and emotion in this wordless graphic novel.All readersView book details
Kunoichi BunnySara CassidyIllustrated by Brayden Sato | On an outing with her dad, Saya secretly deploys her lovable stuffed bunny to keep their neighbors safe from danger. This spunky, almost-wordless graphic picture book will have readers cheering on an unassuming pair of heroes.All readersView book details
The Last MapmakerChristina SoontornvatDetermined to plot her own destiny, mapmaker apprentice Sai sets sail aboard a ship bound for the mythical Sunderlands. As the ship enters uncharted territory, rumored to be home to a fierce dragon and untold riches, Sai finds herself in deeper waters than she'd anticipated.All readersView book details
Last WeekBill RichardsonIllustrated by Emilie Leduc | This gentle novella explores a child's experience of grief, uncertainty, and questioning as they spend one last week with their beloved grandmother before her medically assisted death.All readersView book details
The Little House of HopeTerry Catasús JenningsIllustrated by Raúl Colón | As a newly immigrated family settles into their little home, they create a space big enough to serve as a safe haven for other immigrants. Bright pastel colors add light and life to this semi-autobiographical story about compassion and community building.All readersLexile AD760LATOS 4.9View book details
Little MonarchsJonathan CaseIn a dystopian future, 10-year-old Elvie and her guardian track monarch migration patterns, convinced that the butterflies are the key to a vaccine for a mysterious ailment that has killed most of the world's population.All readersLexile 459LATOS 3.1View book details
Maizy Chen's Last ChanceLisa YeeMaizy is dreading summer in Last Chance, Minnesota, where she'll help care for her ailing opa. But soon, Maizy is captivated by the history of her grandparents' restaurant, her family story, and how these narratives intertwine with the history of Chinese immigrants in America.All readersLexile 670LATOS 4.3View book details
Mama and Mommy and Me in the MiddleNina LaCourIllustrated by Kaylani Juanita | Missing someone can be hard. In this sweet, sentimental story, a little girl experiences mixed emotions while Mommy is away on a business trip. A significant representation of inclusive and diverse families, relationships, and love.All readersLexile 420LATOS 2.9View book details
MamoSas MilledgeYoung witch Orla returns home after her grandmother's death and finds her town in peril. Is Mamo's disturbed spirit causing all the mayhem? An earthy palette illustrates the quest of Orla and new friend Jo as they endeavor to save the town and reconcile with Orla's past.All readersView book details
Maya's SongRenée WatsonIllustrated by Bryan Collier | Inspiring verse and moving illustrations chronicle the legacy of Maya Angelou from youth to adulthood. Through the details of her life, readers discover the story of how she found her voice.All readersView book details
Mimi and the Cutie CatastropheShauna J. GrantMimi and her toy dog Penelope are so cute—maybe too cute to be taken seriously. And that is becoming a problem! This bubbly story in anime-style graphics shows young readers where the true source of their power lies: within!All readersLexile GN370LATOS 1.9View book details
MoonwalkingZetta Elliott, Lyn Miller-LachmannIn 1980s Brooklyn, misfits JJ and Pie bond over graffiti art and punk rock while seeking a sense of belonging in this dual-narrative novel in verse.All readersView book details
Morning Sun in WuhanYing Chang CompestineWith her father working around the clock at a hospital, Mei uses her love of cooking and computer games to help her community band together during the chaotic first weeks of the pandemic in Wuhan.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.09View book details
My Hands Tell a StoryKelly Starling LyonsIllustrated by Tonya Engel | Expressive and textured illustrations paint the story of a day spent baking bread. Zoe watches her grandmother knead the dough and learns of the many stories of life and love held in Grandma's guiding hands.All readersView book details
My Paati's SarisJyoti Rajan GopalIllustrated by Art Twink | In vibrant illustrations and joyful text, a young child helps their paati (the Tamil word for grandmother) get ready for a night of festivities while admiring and finding refuge in all the beautiful textures and patterns of her many colorful saris.All readersView book details
The Nguyen Kids: The Secret of the Jade BangleLinda TrinhIllustrated by Clayton Nguyen | Through the magic of a gifted jade bangle, the spirit of Anne's late Grandma Nội materializes to help her navigate grief, explore her Vietnamese cultural identity, and confront the racism she experiences in ballet class.All readersView book details
Nigel and the MoonAntwan EadyIllustrated by Gracey Zhang | Each night, Nigel tells the moon what he dreams of being: an astronaut, a dancer, and a superhero too. With pride in where he comes from, he finds the courage and confidence to show his true self to the world.All readersLexile AD550LATOS 2.7View book details
Nothing SpecialDesiree CooperIllustrated by Bec Sloane | Photographed textile figures made from entirely repurposed materials breathe whimsy into the everyday activities PopPop and Nana share with their grandson. Join them on a timeless summer weekend on the coast of Virginia.All readersView book details
The Ogress and the OrphansKelly BarnhillA shapeshifting dragon full of malicious intent and a town at odds with itself. A kindhearted ogress and a wiser-than-their-years group of orphans. Who will prevail in this compelling allegorical tale?All readersWord count 99555View book details
Our Story Starts in AfricaPatrice LawrenceIllustrated by Jeanetta Gonzales | Tante Janet takes her niece back in time, from their roots in the Caribbean to ancient African origins. This journey through African history touches on the dark days of slavery, honors the days of African warrior queens, and amplifies the importance of cultural memory and pride.All readersView book details
Out of This World: Star-Studded HaikuSally M. WalkerIllustrated by Matthew Trueman | Outer space can seem pretty big and complicated, but astonishing illustrations and celestial haiku put the cosmos within reach for young readers. Comprehensive resources provide plentiful opportunities for further exploration.All readersView book details
Pets Rule!: My Kingdom of DarknessSusan TanIllustrated by Wendy Tan Shiau Wei | Ember, an adopted Chihuahua bent on world domination, sets about taking charge of his human minions and inspiring other pets to take on the acorn-lobbing squirrels next door in this super fun, laugh-out-loud early chapter book.All readersView book details
Pizza!: A Slice of HistoryGreg PizzoliSlice into the history of one of the world's favorite foods in this vibrant exploration of how pizza has been enjoyed in different ways throughout time.All readersView book details
Racing Ace: Drive It! Fix It!Larry Dane BrimnerIllustrated by Kaylani Juanita | Vroom! Ace is ready to race, but her car keeps breaking down! Can she fix it in time to win first place? This irresistible little hero will get readers all revved up!All readersView book details
The Real Riley MayesRachel ElliottStarting a new school year is hard, but it's even harder when your best friend moves away! Budding comic book artist Riley tries to navigate the school year and new friendships while also guarding a secret—she might like girls.All readersLexile 381LATOS 2.7View book details
The Second Chance of Benjamin WaterfallsJames BirdBenjamin finally gets caught stealing... a teddy bear. As punishment, he’s court-ordered to “Native boot camp” with his estranged dad on an Ojibwe reservation in Minnesota. But this boot camp is run by a kid his age, the Chief's mysterious masked daughter, Niimi Waatese.All readersLexile 619LATOS 4View book details
A Seed GrowsAntoinette PortisA bold and colorful look at the life cycle of a sunflower. Clear, dynamic illustrations convey the scientific process for younger readers.All readersLexile 401LATOS 2.8View book details
Seeking FreedomSelene CastrovillaIllustrated by E.B. Lewis | From enslaved person to hero, self-emancipator George Scott faced many dangers during his service to the Union in the Civil War. Gripping and muted watercolor illustrations present the untold story of a crucial moment in American history. | Full title: Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in AmericaAll readersView book details
Seen and UnseenElizabeth PartridgeIllustrated by Lauren Tamaki | An insightful look at the unjust internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II through the lenses of three important photographers. | Full title: Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American IncarcerationAll readersLexile 990LATOS 6.6View book details
Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather's American JourneyKatie YamasakiAn honest yet concise and sentimental account of the life of World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki. Personal touches abound in this biography authored and illustrated by his artist granddaughter.All readersView book details
Shot ClockCaron Butler & Justin A. ReynoldsWhen basketball star Dante is murdered by the police, Tony vows to carry on his friend's legacy. But Coach offers Tony only a position off-court: team statistician. Can Tony help lead the team to victory and move forward from the tragedy that has devastated his community?All readersLexile 769LATOS 4.9View book details
Sir LadybugCorey R. TaborWhat's all the buzz about? It's Sir Ladybug, a beetle always looking for his next heroic quest!All readersLexile 361LATOS 2.6View book details
Skater CieloRachel KatstallerA relatable story of overcoming fears gets a fresh twist when Cielo and her crew meet at the local state park to practice their moves. Emerging readers and skaters will find the glossary of skate terms and lingo a welcome bonus.All readersLexile 420LATOS 2.9View book details
Song in the CityDaniel BernstromIllustrated by Jenin Mohammed | Emmalene, a young blind girl, hears music in all the vibrant sounds of her busy city, but her grandma only hears noise. Follow along as Emmalene shows Grandma Jean how to be present and hear the beautiful and joyful song of their city.All readersView book details
Star ChildIbi ZoboiA creatively written biography about African American science-fiction author Octavia Butler. This tribute from one writer to another is an innovative combination of verse and prose, a must-read for aspiring writers. | Full title: Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle ButlerAll readersLexile 1029LATOS 7View book details
The Stars Did Wander DarklingColin MeloyIllustrated by Carson Ellis | Ever since Archie's dad started construction on the cliffs of Seaham, the town has been beset by strange and gruesome events. Archie and his friends are the town's only hope for survival as this real-life horror film unfolds.All readersLexile 811LATOS 5.2View book details
Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus BoycottMara RockliffIllustrated by R. Gregory Christie | This vividly illustrated biography celebrates the life of Civil Rights leader Georgia Gilmore, who nourished and helped fund the Montgomery Bus Boycott with both her famous Southern dishes and her dedication to the cause.All readersLexile AD840LATOS 4.6View book details
Swim TeamJohnnie ChristmasBree misses everything about Brooklyn, and Florida is lonely and overwhelming. When she winds up on the swim team even though she can't swim, it will take all of Bree's determination, a new community of friends, and even a few history lessons to keep her head above water.All readersView book details
Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting BookYing-Hwa HuYoung Mia and Uncle Eddy stroll through Chinatown counting all the enriching cultural items in their community that embody a Chinese American experience. Told in Mandarin and English with soft watercolor illustrations, this joyous story will leave readers hungry for some dim sum!All readersView book details
The TiltersmithAmy HerrickFour friends in Brooklyn find themselves drawn into a parallel universe on a magical adventure to save the seasons from the diabolical Tiltersmith, who has infiltrated their school in his bid to make winter last forever.All readersView book details
The Tower of LifeChana StiefelIllustrated by Susan Gal | Many years after her family flees their thriving Jewish community to escape the Nazis, Dr. Yaffa Eliach creates a permanent exhibition at the United States Holocaust Museum using photographs to rebuild the stories of the lost. | Full title: The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and PhotographsAll readersLexile 750LATOS 4.8View book details
TroublemakerJohn Cho, with Sara SukThis fast-paced, action-packed historical fiction follows Jordan as he navigates the streets of LA to his father's store on the first night of the 1992 riots sparked by the brutal police beating of Rodney King.All readersLexile 669LATOS 4.3View book details
Troublemakers in TrousersSarah AlbeeIllustrated by Kaja Kajfež | A collection of boldly illustrated biographies of women through the ages and the clothes they wore to change the world. | Full title: Troublemakers in Trousers: Women and What They Wore to Get Things DoneAll readersView book details
True You: A Gender JourneyGwen Agna & Shelley RotnerIllustrated by Shelley Rotner | In their own words, kids speak about the different ways to show, explore, and be who they are in this affirming photographic picture book about gender identity and self-expression.All readersView book details
The TryoutChristina SoontornvatIllustrated by Joanna Cacao | Struggling to fit in as one of the few Asian American kids in her Texas town, Christina jumps at the opportunity to try out for the cheerleading squad with her best friend, Megan. If Christina makes it, she would finally belong... right?All readersLexile GN360LATOS 3.2View book details
TumbleCelia C. PérezAddie is determined to use her research smarts to find her birth father. Her mom has kept his identity hidden all of Addie's life, but discovering her lucha libre lineage leaves her wrestling with what family really means and where she might fit in with her legendary new familia.All readersLexile 660LATOS 4.5View book details
Twin CitiesJose PimientaMexicali twins Teresa and Fernando choose to attend middle schools on opposite sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, a decision that brings new friends and challenges to their relationship.All readersView book details
UnfadeableMaurice BroaddusYoung graffiti artist Bella Fades is used to flying solo and surviving on her own in urban Indianapolis. But when she suspects some local community leaders of suspicious activity, she'll need a little help—both human and canine—to take them down.All readersLexile 720LATOS 4.6View book details
Unlawful OrdersBarbara BinnsA fascinating and sometimes suspenseful real-life story spanning generations from the Jim Crow Era to the present. This pioneering Black American and other important but largely ignored figures creatively fight racism time and time again. | Full title: Unlawful Orders: A Portrait of Dr. James B. Williams, Tuskegee Airman, Surgeon, and ActivistAll readersView book details
The VisitorsGreg HowardA ghost trapped on an abandoned plantation has no recollection of his past or how he died: accident? suicide? murder? When a group of living kids shows up, the ghost joins forces with the visitors to defy the evil that binds the plantation and wake the memories of how he came to be there.All readersView book details
Viva's VoiceRaquel DonosoIllustrated by Carlos Vélez | Viva, a zealous young Latina girl, admires her dad and his job as a bus driver in Los Angeles. When the transit workers go on strike, Viva accompanies her dad to a protest. Energetic illustrations depict a vivacious young voice in an important and empowering role.All readersView book details
Wednesday and Woof #1: CatastropheSherri WinstonIllustrated by Gladys Jose | Wednesday and her support dog, Woof, run a detective agency in their backyard. When Wednesday’s operatic neighbor’s cat disappears, the detectives are on the case, sleuthing around their lakeside neighborhood to collect evidence and test theories.All readersView book details
When Winter Robeson CameBrenda WoodsEden is excited for two weeks of harmonious fun with her cousin Winter in this novel in verse. When he arrives, Winter reveals his intention to search for his missing father, which launches the duo on a fact-finding mission in the midst of the discord of the 1965 Watts Rebellion.All readersView book details
The Wolf SuitSid SharpTerrified of the rumored wolves in the woods, Bellweather the sheep makes himself a wolf costume to blend in and enjoy berry picking in peace. When his plan begins to unravel, he realizes things may not be exactly what they seem.All readersLexile 580LATOS 3.8View book details
Yoshi and the Ocean: A Sea Turtle's Incredible Journey HomeLindsay Moore"Hello from Yoshi. I am here." Yoshi the sea turtle is rescued as a baby, but after years of rehabilitation she is tagged and released into the ocean, where she follows her instinct to her natural home. This true story features powerful images of nature and survival.All readersView book details
Zachary Ying and the Dragon EmperorXiran Jay ZhaoWhen Chinese American Muslim Zack meets the new kid at school, his world is turned upside down. First, an ancient Chinese emperor attempts to take over Zack’s body. Then, his mom is abducted. AR gaming, myth, and history combine as Zack embarks on an epic adventure across China.All readersLexile 830LATOS 6View book details