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.
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.
Published: 2017 Theme: Baseball and Gender-equality Best for: 9 to 12 "If she didn't try announcing the game, she knew she'd regret it... Everyone wanted to be the announcer. It was one of the most important jobs in baseball." Gender equality knows no bounds, and Amy G calls on her real-life experience to prove it.
Published: 2000 Theme: Women Heroines Best for: 5 to 10 "In the dark time of the year, when the days are short and a cold wind blows from the north, a serpent came to live in an old cave on the mountain of Yung Ling..." From time to time, it's great to read about a young girl who takes on the challenge of slaying the perennial serpent. This children's book is a lovely collection of such stories.
Published: 2017 Theme: Multicultural Stories Best for: 9 - 12 "You plead with the guys standing on the sidelines. "You gotta let me play, man. I can ball. I swear." But these outbursts of self-promotion will fall on deaf ears." This collection of short stories is part of the mission for Diversity.org, where every child can see themselves in the pages of a book. A great mission...
Published: 2012 Theme: Genuine Kindness Best for: Third Grade "I couldn't believe myself. All of a sudden it was like there was no door between my brain and my mouth. As for Gerald Willis, he was a fifth-grader, a troublemaker, and a bully." In this well-written children's book, we find out that being kind is a 24/7 occupation, not reserved for winning points.
Published: 2009 Theme: Humor Best for: 8 to 10 "I think," Clyde said to his friends, "that bird is special. He has powers. Maybe...he's psychic." By the end of the day the word was all over school. Need some humor to lighten the day? Here's a quick and lighthearted read...
Published: 1999 Theme: Finding oneself Best for: boys 11 and up "It was so beautiful it took his breath and he stood, his arms full of wood, staring at the sky until the sun, the star, and the light were gone, wanting it all to mean more." A worthy sequel to the best-seller Hatchet, we find out how challenging it is to adapt to civilization that has lost its soul.
Published: 2017 Theme: Being oneself Best for: 5th grade and up "Some people had comfort food, but Alec has comfort books--stories so familiar that they made reading feel like coasting downhill on a bike, or water-skiing on a smooth lake..." This is a fabulous children's book about fitting in, without losing ones own sense of self, and a little bit about coming of age...
Published: 2017 Theme: Holding Loss Best for: 9 and up " I closed my eyes, feeling a point of infinite love and infinite grief, and comfort in knowing, for the first time, that I have infinite space inside for both." This well-written and creative book takes on the grieving process with skill and courage, and shows the beauty of a life can include both joy and sorrow.
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