Children

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.

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.