Books

FROM SARAH:

When Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney pair up, I always pay attention. This is an especially good book to read with older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

FROM SARAH:

The story of MLK from a perspective we don't always think about: his son's. Truly wonderful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

FROM SARAH:

Kadir Nelson is one of the finest picture book illustrators working today, and his skills are on full display here. It's stunning. If I was getting just one book to read about MLK, this would be it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing I Have a Dream speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us--those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone."

FROM SARAH:

Tells the story of the 1963 children's march in Birmingham, Alabama. Beautifully illustrated.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This powerful picture book introduces young readers to a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights. Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Award. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.

FROM SARAH:

I'm willing to bet you'll learn a little something new while reading this with your kids! Displays the power of strong-minded women and their expertise both in the kitchen and in the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This stunning picture book looks into the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal.

FROM SARAH:

Learn about the sanitation strike of 1968 from the perspective of a young girl in this award-winning picture book. Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This picture book tells the story of a nine-year-old girl who in 1968 witnessed the Memphis sanitation strike - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final stand for justice before his assassination - when her father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Booklist Editors' Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book, Booklist Top 10 Diverse Books for Middle Grade or Older Readers, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, the language in this book is positively delicious to read aloud. The longer-than-normal picture book text makes this an especially good read-aloud for a wide age range.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. Newbery Medalist and acclaimed picture book creator Lynne Rae Perkins weaves a delightful holiday tale full of surprises and gentle humor. Wintercake is a book about holiday traditions and why they matter. It’s also a story about making mistakes and how mistakes can sometimes lead to wonderful things. With colorful and detailed paintings depicting the winter forest and its animal inhabitants, this seasonal title is perfect for classroom and family sharing all year round.

**Description from Amazon: "Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — i...

**Description from Amazon: A Parents Best Children’s Book of 2019A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can reme...

FROM SARAH:

I just love P.J. Lynch's illustrations. This longer picture book tells the story of the pilgrims voyage, their deadly first year, and settlement with help from Squanto and local tribes, all told from John Howard's perspective.

Recommended for older kids (ages 7+)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Leaving the docks of London on the Mayflower as an indentured servant to Pilgrim John Carver, John Howland little knew that he was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. By his great good fortune, John survived falling overboard on the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and he earned his keep ashore by helping to scout a safe harbor and landing site for his bedraggled and ill shipmates. Would his luck continue to hold amid the dangers and adversity of the Pilgrims’ lives in New England? P.J. Lynch captures this pivotal moment in American history in precise and exquisite detail, from the light on the froth of a breaking wave to the questioning voice of a teen in a new world.

**Description from Amazon: This collection of magical tales brings to life the boggarts, gowks, fools, hobgoblins, and other strange and wonderful creatures that populate English and Welsh folklore

**Description from Amazon: Witnessed through the eyes of a young boy, a captivating story beautifully evokes John F. Kennedy’s return to his ancestral home.When the beloved president visited Ireland in 1963, he described it as the best four days of his life. And for a generation of Irish people, it was a trip they never for...

**Description from Amazon: “Rarely does a biography so robustly engage the audience's emotions.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Historians claim him as one of America’s most revered presidents. But to his rambunctious sons, Abraham Lincoln was above all a playful and loving father. Here is Lincoln as seen by tw...

FROM SARAH:

My kids all l-o-v-e-d this book as a read-aloud so much, we read it more than once! The chapters are short, there are plenty of Peter Brown's excellent illustrations to keep you company, and you'll just fall in love with Roz and her wild adventures. Highly recommended. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

FROM SARAH:

In this delightful story, the king refuses to leave his bathtub and rule the kingdom. It was, in fact, my own favorite picture book as a child, and I well remember the library storytime that introduced it to me!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One by one, the Knight, the Queen, the Duke—and eventually all the members of the King's Court—try to persuade King Bidgood to leave his sumptuous bath. No luck!

Why the King finally leaves his bath makes for a delightful surprise ending to this delightful tale.

FROM SARAH:

Perhaps the greatest middle grade novel ever written. Is that too bold a statement? 😆 It doesn't matter how many times you read it, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe simply never disappoints. It's a perfect example of a whole-family read-aloud. I strongly recommend starting the Narnia series with this book and then reading the rest of the series in publication order. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The four Pevensie children are sent to live in a large house in the country, a house with many rooms, which are filled with many things. But one of the rooms is absolutely empty, except for a single piece of furniture: a large wardrobe.

FROM SARAH:

One of the most innovative nonfiction picture books I've ever seen. Do not miss it! (Especially good for when you're learning about the water cycle, but you can read it with enjoyment anytime.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up. A picture about the water cycle? Oh, but this one is a delight! Your older kids will be delighted by the many surprising ways water shows up in our lives.

FROM SARAH:

Based on a true story, this book tells of a brave woman and her eight children who restart their life from scratch in a ramshackle house in the woods. The power of resilience and the beauty of family shines through. A favorite. Meet the author/illustrator in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This stunningly beautiful picture book from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler is based on her grandmother's childhood and pays homage to a family's fortitude as they discover the meaning of home.

So your teens think they're too old for picture books, do they? See what think of this clever and artistic tale of a young boy, his grandfather, and the language barrier that keeps them apart. Captivating.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend. Mem Fox's perfect text and Julie Vivas's delightful illustrations make this a winner for all ages.

FROM SARAH:

In this book we encounter the story of Joe Rantz, a boy who suffered mightily during childhood but rose up to grab life by its horns anyway. This is a true story teen athletes will especially enjoy. I recommend the Young Reader's Adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.

FROM SARAH:

The first in a series about a family during the fall of Imperial Russia. I would never have picked this book up based on the cover, but once I did, I swallowed the whole series up... then pressed the books into my teens' hands to read, as well! Gloria Whelan is one of my favorite authors for kids and teens, and this one is the best kind of compelling historical fiction.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The daughter of a lady in waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses, and the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Who said picture books are just for little kids? Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is—nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. In an act of utter bravery, Henry mails himself to the North. This true, dramatic story of Henry Brown should not be missed.

FROM SARAH:

We're big fans of Barb Rosenstock's picture book biographies around here! This one tells the incredible story of  Nek Chand Saini nad his secret labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns. A feast for the eyes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The incredible story of the world’s largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.

FROM SARAH:

Ezra Jack Keats, who brought us Peter from The Snowy Day, takes us on another ordinary, yet magical, adventure through the eyes of a young boy who wants to learn to whistle for his dog. The vibrant illustrations and relatable story are just timeless!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The (wonderful) author of The Snowy Day. Oh, how Peter wished he could whistle! Then he could whistle for his dog, Willie, and Willie could come running.

FROM SARAH:

This one is quite a sad (though beautifully told) story. Written by the one and only Jane Yolen, and illustrated by RAR favorite, Barbara Cooney. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the middle of this century, the Swift River towns in western Massachusetts were drowned - purchased by the government and flooded in order to form the Quabbin Reservoir. "Letting Swift River Go" tells of this dramatic event through the eyes of a young girl, Sally Jane, as she watches her thriving hometown transformed into a wilderness and then submerged. Sally Jane's story vividly recalls life and changing times in rural America: playing by the Old Stone Mill and later watching it be torn down; harvesting maple sap and seeing those same trees uprooted; walking to school along a winding balcktop road and returning many years later to float above the same road in a rowboat on the new reservoir.

**Description from Amazon: A young girl from Brooklyn, New York enjoys her summer at the beach where she can paint and listen to the wild waves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt comes a picture book biography of a giant in the struggle for civil rights, perfectly pitched for readers today. Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since she was a young girl, Eliza Hamilton hoped to help people in need. From the private quarters of her family home to her national platform as Hamilton’s partner, Eliza was a lifelong advocate for fairness, freedom and faith. The remarkable acts of charity and public service she performed after Alexander’s death are considered a significant contribution to the Hamilton legacy the world celebrates today. Here is a thoughtful, historical account of her life beginning with her childhood influences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1889, New York reporter Nellie Bly—inspired by Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days—began a circumnavigation she hoped to complete in less time. Her trip was sponsored by her employer, The World. Just hours after her ship set out across the Atlantic, another New York publication put writer Elizabeth Bisland on a westbound train. Bisland was headed around the world in the opposite direction, thinking she could beat Bly's time. Only one woman could win the race, but both completed their journeys in record time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a young girl, Beverly Cleary struggled to learn to read and found most children's books dull and uninteresting. She often wondered if there were any books about kids just like her. With hard work, and the encouragement of her parents and a special teacher, she learned to read and at a young age discovered she had a knack for writing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she's not allowed to run on her school's track team. But after school, no one can stop her--and she's free to run endless miles to her heart's content. She is told no yet again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because the officials claim that it's a man's race and that women are just not capable of running such a long distance. So what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy. Soon she was writing her own songs and performing in grand cathedrals.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over the last forty years, Aaron Lansky has jumped into dumpsters, rummaged around musty basements, and crawled through cramped attics. He did all of this in pursuit of a particular kind of treasure, and he's found plenty. Lansky's treasure was any book written Yiddish, the language of generations of European Jews.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A little-known but fascinating and larger-than-life character, Mary Fields is one of the unsung, trailblazing African American women who helped settle the American West. A former slave, Fields became the first African American woman stagecoach driver in 1895, when, in her 60s, she beat out all the cowboys applying for the job by being the fastest to hitch a team of six horses.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys – empowering children to dream in COLOR!

FROM SARAH:

Gyo Fujikawa's art paved the way for publishing, and continues to inspire today. This is a riveting, exquisite picture book biography with something for the whole family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Growing up in California, Gyo Fujikawa always knew that she wanted to be an artist. She was raised among strong women, including her mother and teachers, who encouraged her to fight for what she believed in. During World War II, Gyo’s family was forced to abandon everything and was taken to an internment camp in Arkansas.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

FROM SARAH:

A stunning walk through the life of J.R. Tolkien, this picture-book biography is filled with secret languages and hairy-toed hobbits. The lively illustrations make this a great pick for young listeners, but head’s up that it does contain the loss of a parent. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A captivating picture book biography of a boy who imagined a world full of dragons and grew up to be beloved author J. R. R. Tolkien.John Ronald loved dragons. He liked to imagine dragons when he was alone, and with his friends, and especially when life got hard or sad. After his mother died and he ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Spare, poetic words sit as lightly as snowflakes."--Wall Street Journal"An enchanting glimpse of a dancer whose name has come to be synonymous with her most famous role."--School Library Journal, starred reviewOne night, young Anna's mother takes her to the ballet, and everything is changed. So beg...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

While the rest of her classmates were making pastries in cooking classes, Mary Nohl was making art—anything she fancied out of anything she could find. Inspiration struck Mary even when she wasn’t looking for it. Mary used common objects to make uncommon art. And one day, her garden was a galler...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover the amazing true story of Maria Mitchell, America’s first professional female astronomer. Every evening, from the time she was a child, Maria Mitchell stood on her rooftop with her telescope and swept the sky. And then one night she saw something unusual—a comet no one had ever seen before...

FROM SARAH:

Oh gosh, I laughed so hard the first time I read this! A comic delight, and charming.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The New York Times bestselling Cat is back just in time for Valentine’s Day—but he’s not interested in giving a valentine to any old dog.

This is Lola Dutch, a delightfully creative girl who loves her friends SO much. When they're having a bad day, Lola knows just what to do to make each of them feel better: She sews cozy pajamas for Gator, constructs the perfect reading nook for Crane, and takes Pig to the park!Lola loves showing her fr...

FROM SARAH:

A sweet book that your library likely has. I love Holly Hobbie's illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The creator of the Toot & Puddle series brings us Elmore--the warmhearted porcupine sure to steal the hearts of a new generation of Holly Hobbie fans!.

Motivated by a birthday gift, a 72-year-old woman begins to paint.

**Description from Amazon: How The Book of Common Prayer became one of the most influential works in the English languageWhile many of us are familiar with such famous words as, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here. . ." or "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," we may not know that they originated with The Book of Common ...

**Description from Amazon: The White Witch, Aslan, fauns and talking beasts, centaurs and epic battles between good and evil -- all these have become a part of our collective imagination through the classic volumes of The Chronicles of Narnia. Over the past half century, children everywhere have escaped into this world and de...

**Description from Amazon: The book Jonathan Franzen dubbed the "ur-text of postwar fiction" and the "first great cultural critique, which, even if Heller and Pynchon hadn't read it while composing Catch-22 and V, managed to anticipate the spirit of both" The Recognitions is a masterwork about art and forgery, and the increas...

**Description from Amazon: At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England-until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity o...

FROM SARAH:

Hysterically funny and heartwarming, this story of friendship, loss, hope, and heart is one of the best books my family has ever read aloud. Especially wonderful for mixed age groups. Also fantastic on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lena is Trille’s best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you’ve got a best friend like Lena.

FROM SARAH:

All of the books in this series by Torben Kuhlmann are a feast for the eyes. In this story, two unlikely friends build a vessel capable of taking them to the bottom of the ocean to find a missing treasure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When two unlikely friends build a vessel capable of taking them to the bottom of the ocean find a missing treasure—the truth turns out to be far more amazing.

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorites by Jan Brett. This heartwarming tale tells the story of Mei Mei and her happy hens. But one of the hens, Daisy, is not always so happy....

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mei Mei has the six happiest hens in China. She gives them treats and fresh hay baths, and when she calls to them-gu gu gu gu gu!-they all run to her as fast as they can. But one of the hens, Daisy, is not always so happy. The other hens pick on Daisy and push her off the perch every night, knowing that she is too small to stand up to them. Then one day Daisy accidentally drifts out onto the river in a basket and must quickly learn how to survive. When Daisy finds her way home, this plucky little hen is no longer afraid.

FROM SARAH:

Another must-read from Maria Parr. A modern Pippi Longstocking . . . but maybe even more delightful, if that's possible! My crew loved this book. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

Please note for tenderhearted readers: death of a pet.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Speed and self-confidence, that’s Astrid’s motto. Nicknamed “the little thunderbolt,” she loves to spend her days racing down the hillside on her sled, singing loudly as she goes. She just wishes there were other children to share her hair-raising adventures with. But Astrid’s world is about to be turned upside down by two startling arrivals to the village.

**Description from Amazon: You may think you know how this book was made, but you don't. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How'd it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry ti...

**Description from Amazon: A blue whale is longer than thirty dogs lined up nose to tail. Its tongue weighs as much as four hundred cats. Blue whales make terrible pets....Just ask Billy Twitters.

**Description from Amazon: A thrilling, hilarious fully-illustrated spy adventure series, from the esteemed New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author Mac Barnett!A New York Times bestsellerAn Amazon Best Book of 2018Before Mac Barnett was an author, he was a kid.And while he was a kid, he was a spy.Not just an...

**Description from Amazon: A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2015You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs, and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf’s unchecked gluttony. And there’s something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! In fact, life is pretty good, until a hunter shows up. . . . With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.