Children

David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his plate. Preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah would be enough work even if it didn't involve trying to please his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers, who argue about everything. But David just wants everyone to be happy. That includes his friend Scott, who is determined to win their upcoming trivia tournament but doesn't like their teammate (and David's best friend), Hector. Scott and David begin digging a fallout shelter just in case this Cold War stuff with the Soviets turns south, but David's not so convinced he wants to spend forever in an underground bunker with Scott. Maybe it would be better if Hector and Kelli Ann came with them. But that would mean David has to figure out how to stand up for Hector and talk to Kelli Ann. Some days, surviving nuclear war feels like the least of David's problems. Fast-paced and funny.

Conservation. Environment. Coming of age. Bullying. Friendship. Intrapersonal communication. Science. History. Family. The narrative of this story by 11-year-old Obe bounces around bringing together a variety of relative themes for young people. Perfect way to approach environmental issues with the middle grade audience! Fans of "Hoot" by Carl Hiassen will love this. Excellent portrayal of how some kids handle bullying, as well. Great book for class discussions.

Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested. Filled with comedian Michael Ian Black’s trademark dry wit and accompanied by charismatic illustrations from newcomer Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Madeline Finn does NOT like to read. But she DOES want a gold star from her teacher. But, stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words, and for saying them out loud. Fortunately, Madeline meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn’t so bad; when Madeline gets stuck, Bonnie doesn’t mind. As it turns out, it’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline that it’s okay to go slow. And to keep trying. With endearing illustrations, Papp brings an inspiring and comforting book to all new readers who just need a little confidence to overcome their fears.

Have a boy that is a reluctant reader? The popular sportswriter Lupica ranks with Matt Christopher, Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman as a perfect “gateway drug” writer, meaning his books create readers out of even the most stubborn boys.

Amy Anne is shy and soft-spoken, but don’t mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world. When a well-meaning parent challenges a book, the fourth grade heroine fights back in this stirring defense against censorship that’s perfect for upper elementary school students.

Two of the best ways to attract reluctant readers to picture books is with animals and robots, and this book is loaded with both! Ideal for STEM teachers.

When he runs off to the market instead of sticking around for a reading lesson, he encounters a much-admired older boy secretly reading at a book stall, and then Amadi becomes intrigued by a storybook with pictures of a strange white creature that has a carrot for a nose. Unable to shake his questions about the snowman, Amadi discovers the vast world reading can open up―especially for an Igbo boy of Nigeria.

When a boy is faced with choosing only one instrument to play, it's a daunting task, especially in a shop where there are 88 instruments to choose from. Smart and humorous tale about a child choosing his first instrument. The onomatopoeic text and beautiful watercolors by illustrator Louis Thomas make this a terrific read aloud.

A hilarious take on helping others and self awareness with great illustrations by Liz Climo.

It never ceases to amaze me how many truly extraordinary people can be found among us. The true story of Dashrath Manjhi, this book chronicles his 22 years of persistence, carving a road through a mountain between two villages. Using nothing but a hammer and a chisel, he devoted his life to making medical care, clean water, and schools more accessible to his home village in India. So inspiring, and I love Danny Popovici’s illustrations!

I’m a sucker for children picture book biographies of famous people, and Leonard fills this gem with lovely illustrations and prose about a boy who was fascinated with patterns and melodies that grew up to be one of the greatest composers in history.

Charming collection of poems dedicated to a love of books and reading, to be read and re-read regularly. Includes terrific illustrations by Kyle M. Stone.

A young girl sets sail across a sea of words. She meets a small boy and whisks him away on an adventure of a lifetime. Beautifully illustrated, this book is sure to be a treasured read aloud among all parents and children alike.

Birt and Etho are best friends. Together they play outside in big cardboard boxes. Sometimes they're kings, soldiers, astronauts. Sometimes they're pirates sailing wild seas and skies. But always, always they're Big friends. Then one day a new boy arrives, and he wants to join them. Can two become three?