Published: 2017 Theme: Wildlife Best for: 10 and up "I'm a coward. There, I've said said it now. I'm a coward. It's true. Dad never actually said it out loud but it was always in his eyes." This is a wonderful children's book, that combines growing up with standing up for your own values.
Published: 2018 Theme: Courage, Overcoming Differences Best for: 11 and up "Her father had a phrase for the way the sun catches things out against the darkness of a coming storm: the clear light of trouble, he called it." This excellent historical fiction is a timely addition to educating children about the dangers of xenophobism...
Published: 2018 Theme: Unglorious War Best for: 11-13 "He wasn't sure why Ella had lied about texting her mom. All he knew was that she wasn't the girl he'd thought she was. She was the girl who did magic tricks and listened to Mozart." Great historical fiction children's book, featuring two very likeable 7th graders, who end up liking each other...
Published: 2016 Theme: Community Activism Best for: 7 to 9 "I know, I know. I'm giving away the ending. But here's the thing. The point of a story is not the ending. The point is, What does it mean?" It's time to educate the young people about the power of community activism, in a gentle way. This book does that...
Published: 2017 Theme: Cats and Kindness Best for: 7 and up "Edith sat back on her hind legs and licked her front left paw as she continued to speak. She stopped to examine the placement of each strand of fur every now and then." A hilarious and profound look at cats, personalities, patience, and courage.
Published: 1997 Theme: Reality Check and Humor Best for: Boys 9 to 11 "Now running away from home in the fourteenth century was by no means an easy thing to do. Everyone in the village would know exactly who you were... Nobody would be sitting inside watching television." A funny book with a serious message- maybe knights are not all they appear to be on the surface, and war is war, never nice.
Published: 1977 Theme: Creating Home Best for: 6 and up "The cave was full of chattering animals who'd been lucky enough to find this haven. There were several mice that Abel and Amanda knew, and a family of toads they had once met at a carnival." In this classic Steig children's book, we meet a mouse who learns the value of home while being stranded on an island, and surviving very well.
Published: 2018 Theme: Bravery Best for: 10 and up "I'm terrified to see my mother being taken away. I want to pull her out of there, and hold her hand as we run back to our apartment. I don't do any of that. I'm sacred and angry and sad." From beginning to end, this adventure in New York City brings us to see the immense courage of immigrant families under threat.
Published: 2015 Theme: Fantasy, Inner Strengths Best for: 9 to 11 "Many times we carry our magic within us, an inner magic that takes many forms, such as love, friendship, courage, and tolerance." . In this lovely children's book, fantasy has been crafted to suit younger children, without the violence and scare factors.
Published: 2107 Theme: Japanese Culture Best for: 5 to 10 "I just had to be able to help make mochi! I need to think of a way to convince my parents. Good think I had the perfect thinking spot..." Breaking the gender barrier- again, and this time, against the cultural grain.
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