Children

Great graphic novel for tweens. All Vera wants to do is fit in – but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there’s one summer camp in her price range: Russian summer camp. Vera is sure she’s found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

This girl is determined to express herself! If she can’t draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can’t do that, she’ll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream. Stunning mixed media illustrations by Mike Curato accompany this lyrical text that makes for great read-alouds.

Bear likes to keep his house clean and tidy. In fact, the only thing Bear loves more than cleaning is taking care of his small stuffed friend, Ursa. Then Bear sees a sticky spiderweb – and where there’s a web there is certainly a spider! The messy guest must be found, but what Bear and Ursa finally discover might just be an unlikely friend. Opposites attract in this adorable story, where new friends come in all shapes and sizes.

I have my pal Cynthia McDermott to thank for introducing me to this gem. With lovely illustrations by Barry Root, this story talks about how the curmudgeon General and his wife Mrs. Pinch impose their will and endless rules against the residents of Liberty Street. But when the Araboolies move in, the rigid conformity stifling the neighbors is shattered by the newcomers’ joyous and eccentric behavior. Now, the General has called in the army to reestablish order – only to find resistance from the children of Liberty Street determined to ensure the freedom of their newfound friends, the Araboolies. I tell you – children’s literature is often the most important literature, and this book is truly masterful.

Fun read aloud that encourages children to embrace their “inner nerds” as well as their “outer nerds.” After all, if a dog is a nerd, then it has to be a cool thing to be! Includes great illustrations by John Woods.

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. Hilarious read aloud that will delight your young and old students alike!

Frieman tells the remarkable true tale of a nine-year-old boy that proves that no one can be too small - or too young - to have his voice heard.

What have you done with your kids lately? Rob Shallenberger challenged his daughter Bella to help other kids by writing a book, and walla! Here’s the hardcover. Not bad for a kid not even in high school yet!

Meet the good egg. He’s a very good egg indeed. But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change in this funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those who we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).

Award-winning young adult author Schmidt offers this wonderful children’s picture book about Sojourner Truth, with captivating illustrations by Daniel Minter.

A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger's home. Where are they heading? They are heading for freedom by way of the Underground Railroad in this gripping picture book.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King illustrator award, this lovely book blends the poetic wisdom of Langston Hughes (one of my favorite poets) with visionary illustrations from Bryan Collier in this inspirational picture book that carries the promise of equality.

Charming story of Christopher Ludwick, an unsung hero unsung hero of the Revolutionary War who changed the course of history one loaf at a time. Includes terrific cut-paper illustrations by Vincent Kirsch.

Looking for high brow literature? This might not be the book for you. If you are struggling to get your kid – particularly boy – to read, this is going to be a hit.

Cute story about Douglas, a dog with a big problem: he needs eyeglasses but doesn’t know it, and his bad eyesight tends to land him in some pretty hairy situations. Lots of laughs in this delightful read aloud.