This booklist features titles written about and by the Black community. Stories of the Black community's experiences are important because they allow children to see themselves in stories and know the person behind the words are similar to them. It means that not only is the story important, but also who tells that story.
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In this picture book, a Black family explores the wonders and challenges of camping! Ernestine lives with her single dad in the city. When her aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha invite her to go camping with them she eagerly accepts. With dad's help, Ernestine gathers and packs all the essentials needed for an outdoor adventure. She imagines what camping will be like and can't wait!
What’s worse than being bullied the first week at your new school? Getting period on your white pants!
Nizhoni Begay is a young Navajo girl. Her mom left their family when she was just a toddler, leaving Nizhoni, her dad, and her younger brother Mac on their own. Though she has aspirations to become famous and make something of herself, Nizhoni considers herself to be a pretty standard kid—until she begins to see monsters, that is. Things become more dire when Nizhoni sees her dad's new boss for what he truly is—a monster.
These titles are part of the Advancing Racial Equity Collection.
Can someone write a funny book about a 12 year old with cancer?
Jordan is disappointed to start a new school. Instead of the art school he wanted to go to, his parents are making him go to Riverdale Academy Day School - the best school in town.
This October we're celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way an individual processes language. It is characterized by unexpected difficulty with reading in relation to an individual's intelligence. Common characteristics of dyslexia include difficulty reading, difficulty with accurate and fluent word recognition, a deficit in the phonological components of language, difficulties with sequencing, and poor spelling.
Reviewed by Kim B., Librarian
Fiction and nonfiction titles for children on the topic of homelessness.
A new Little Free Library has been installed in Will Detmer Park!
According to children’s librarian, Ginny Hosler, “a Little Free Library is a free-standing book-sharing box. Each Little Free Library has a steward, the person who sponsored and built the library, and each one is super unique to the neighborhood it lives in.” Find more information on the nonprofit organization behind the movement at littlefreelibrary.org.
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with these books for children.
Reviewed by Paul D., Senior Information Assistant
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia is also available as an ebook through Hoopla.
Everyone needs books that can act as mirrors, allowing them to see themselves, or windows, allowing them to see the world through someone else’s point of view. Whether these books featuring characters with neurodiversity are mirrors or windows for you, they are sure to deepen your understanding of others.