Listen, Slowly
A beautiful story of Viet Nam and a young American-born girl meeting her ancestral culture.
Category: Contemporary
Children’s books by current writers which are both well-written and captivating. We use 1975 as the cut off date for calling something ‘contemporary’ or classic; however, contemporary generally means today’s kids can identify with the characters.
The Engineer & The Vaccine
In this old-fashioned story within a story, a timely message about vaccines is gently offered.
Echo Mountain
In this exceptional children’s book, set in the Great Depression, we learn about intuitive skills for today as well…
The Beatryce Prophecy
Published: 2021
Best for: 9 – 12
In this marvelous children’s book by beloved author Kate DiCamillo, we discover the time-honored values of truth and loyalty.
Every Home Needs an Elephant
In this delightful, readable children’s book, with a small amount of graphic content that creates a change of pace, 9-year-old Sarah gets her voice…
When Wrigley Sits on My Head
A children’s book, and true story, written by a nine-year-old about his three-legged dog named Wrigley. Inspiring for other kids.
Giant from the Fire Sea
Published: 2019
Theme: Value of Knowledge
Best for: 9 to 11
“This giant’s understanding came slowly, seasons upon seasons. I looked and looked at the markings-letters, you mans call them… The letters held open my head, like a stick propping open an oaken door on a day of snapping winds.” This is a thoughtful adventure story that makes some essential points about the need for questioning our societal beliefs, no matter what the cost.
Nothing Stopped Sophie
Published: 2018
Theme: Women in Math
Best for: 7 and up
“Sophie discovered that mathematicians use numbers as poets use letters-as a language to question, explore, and solve the secrets of the universe.” Wonderful and inspiring illustrated biography of a woman mathematician from the 18th century.
Math Curse
Published: 1995
Theme: Math for Kids
Best for: 2nd and 3rd grade
“Mrs. Fibonacci has obviously put a math curse on me. Everything I look at or think about has become a math problem.” A lighthearted look at how math is found in everyday life.
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies
Published: 2018
Theme: Biography; Science
Best for: 9 and up
“At the age of thirteen, Maria had watched, waited, and witnessed with her own eyes. And she had created a record of study, just as scholars did at universities.” This is a visually beautifully and factually rich children’s book about an important young woman who pursued art and science on her own.
A is for Elizabeth
Published: 2019
Theme: Fairness
Best for: 5 to 8
“Even if there is no trophy involved, I love winning. I am not a sore winner, no matter what Anna the Annoying says. I am the opposite of sore. I am a feel-great winner.” A fun second-grade excursion into alphabetic order, fairness, envy, and creativity.
Spark
Published: 2019
Theme: Speaking Up
Best for: 9 to 12
“Different isn’t wrong,” Pixit said with such utter certainty that Mina couldn’t help but believe him…Mina said, “I just need to find a different way, a way that works for me.” To get to the point, this is a must-read, about the power of children to change the world, finding their own voice along the way. Very inspiring fantasy that’s not so fantastical in the end!
Little Angel’s Journey
Published: 2006
Theme: A Children’s Birth
Best for: 4 to 6
“Little Angel said to Great Angel, “Oh I want to go to Bountiful Earth.” “And so you shall, Little Angel, so you shall.” A Waldorf birthday story, beautifully illustrated and retold.
One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street
Published: 2011
Theme: Friends
Best for: 8 to 11
“Ms. Snoops’s memory, whispered the angel, was like the lacy antimacassars on the organ and green striped sofa’s arms. Ms. Snoops’s memory had little holes in it, here and there…” A simple and easy to read story about friendships, generations, and healing the past.
Knights vs. Dinosaurs
Published: 2018
Theme: Knights
Best for: ages 9 and up
“Mel wavered. She was feeling beaten. The flying lizards were too large. Too fast. Too attentive. It was hopeless. But I mustn’t give up, she thought.” A very fun and entertaining book great for all genders and middle-school age kids.
Searching for Lottie
Published: 2019
Theme: Holocaust and Family Memories
Best for: 9 and up
“When Charlie asked how many of the people in the photo album had survived the Holocaust, Mom simply looked away.” A down-to-earth children’s book about the importance of sharing and remembering the past.
The Wind in the Willows – A Fine Welcome
Published: 2013
Theme: Easy Reader
Best for: 5 to 8
Mole took up the oars. “Just this once, I’ll try,” he said, and he began to row. An easy reader version of the classic Wind in the Willows, done with care and beauty. What a great idea.
Say Something!
Published: 2019
Theme: Making a Difference
Best for: 5 to 8
“If you see someone lonely, say something by just being there for them.” In another wonderful children’s book from Peter Reynolds, children learn they too can be a positive change in the world, very simply.
Daughters of Steel
Published: 2018
Theme: Fantasy; Courage
Best for: Girls age 11 and up
“I’ve been looking for a way to find out more about my powers, about my destiny. This is the sign I’ve been waiting for, I’m sure of it. This is where I need to go.” She pointed at her rough drawing of the shrine…” A sequel to Sisters of Glass, and every bit as dramatic and compelling. Fantasy genre.
Skellig
Published: 2000
Theme: Power of Love
Best for: 9 to 12
“I put my hand beneath his should to steady him. I felt something there, something held in my his jacket. I reached across his back and felt something beneath his other shoulder as well. Like thin arms, folded up.” Children have the ability to see the miraculous, and to hope… and this book brings it home in a well-told story.
My Name is Mina
Published: 2011
Theme: Children’s Creativity
Best for: 9 to 12
“My name is Mina and I love the night. Anything seems possible at night when the rest of the world has gone to sleep.” The best thing to say about this children’s book is …read it. It will uplift your spirit and inspire creative teaching.
Kibble
Published: 2017
Theme: Courage; Monarch Butterflies
Best for: 6 and up
“It took Kibble a few moments before he was ready to let go of that trunk again, but soon enough, he carefully walked over to me….” In this informative illustrated children’s book, Kibble overcomes his fear with the support of good friends…
Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Published: 2019
Theme: Fathers and Sons
Best for: 9 and up
“I decided to revolt. I mean, wiping up dog vomit, nearly drowning in an Australian tropical thunderstorm, drinking tea with mild and sugar, and I haven’t even told you about the forty-five minutes of Mr. Barkus’s word problems.” A great coming- of-age book, as well as dealing with family drama, with lots of humor.
Finding Orion
Published: 2019
Theme: Father and Son reconciliation
Best for: 9 to 12
“It’s hard, sometimes, reconciling the difference between what you really feel about something and what you think you’re supposed to feel.” A slow-starter with a very unconventional ending worth staying with.
The Lost Words
Published: 2018
Theme: Nature’s Wonders
Best for: 5 to 8
“Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children…You hold in your hands a spellbook for conjuring back these lost words. To read it you will need to seek, find, and speak.” A gorgeous, oversized illustrated children’s book that weaves magic of language, art, and nature.
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
Published: 2000
Theme: Thoreau’s Simplicity
Best for: 5 to 7
“I’ll walk,” said Henry. “It’s the fastest way to travel.” “I’ll work,” Henry’s friend said, “until I have the monty to buy a ticket to ride the train to Fitchburg. We’ll see who gets there first!” A very simple, sweet illustration of a passage from Walden about the benefits of walking rather than high-speed travel.
Beavers – Superpower Field Guide
Published: 2018
Theme: Beavers (Natural History)
Best for: 6 and up
“This is a beaver. Just an ordinary beaver. But even ordinary beavers are extraordinary. In fact, even ordinary beavers are superheroes.” A great way to present facts of natural history to young readers; enjoyable yet fact-filled.
Tree Castle Island
Published: 2002
Theme: Nature Adventure and Adoption
Best for: 9 to 12
“I felt unbound. I was free as the wind. And I wasn’t in just any old canoe, but one I had made myself. She floated, she sped, she was unreal.” A great book by a classic children’s book author, about adoption, and self-sufficiency in nature.
The Sun is Also a Star
Published: 2018
Best for: mature 12 and up
Theme: Mixed-race Love
“My mother, the pacifist, would kill me dead if she knew what I’d just done. I rescheduled my interview. For a girl. Not even a Korean girl, a black girl. A black girl I don’t really know., …who might not even like me.” Get ready for a ride on the hormones of a couple of teens who fall in love…
Gooney Bird Greene
Published: 2002
Theme: Storytelling
Best for: 6 to 9
“The class stared at the new girl with admiration. They had never met anyone like Gooney Bird Greene…Her clothes were unusual. Her hairstyles were unusual. Even her lunches were very unusual.” This fun first-chapter book explores how easy it is to tell a good story, with imagination.