How Oscar Indigo Broke the Universe

Children's Book - How Oscar Indigo Broke the Universe

Published: 2017 Theme: Integrity, Time-travel Best for: 8 and up "Try keeping your eyes on the ball when you swing," suggested Miss Ellington. She had a habit of sneaking up on him and giving him batting tips." This children's book has a little bit of everything, including profound lessons and lightheartedness.

Sky Dancer

Children's book - Sky Dancer

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.

The Orphan Band of Springdale

Children's book - orphan band

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...

Book Uncle and Me

Children's book - Book Uncle and Me

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...

Stick Cats – Cats in the City

Children's book - Stick Cats: Cats in the City

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.

The Knight and the Squire

Chidlren's Book - Knight and squire

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.

Abel’s Island

Children's book - Abel's Island

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.

The Sky at Our Feet

Children's book - Sky at our Feet

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.

Jorie and the Magic Stones

Children's Book - Jorie and the Magic Stones

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.

Jasmine Toguchi – Mochi Queen

Children's Book - Jasmine Toguchi

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.