Books like Albert Thammavong’s
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Mo Willems, 2025
320 pages
Why to read
Lively humor hooks young readers.
Teaches patience and gratitude.
Perfect length for nightly read-alouds.
Boosts sight-word recognition.

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Mo Willems, 2025
Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger, 1)
Amy Timberlake, 2025
144 pages
Why to read
Funny animal roommates learn acceptance.
Encourages curiosity about geology.
Illustrations boost comprehension.
Great for empathy discussions.

Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger, 1)
Amy Timberlake, 2025
Award winning
Hair Don't Care!
Vikki Young, Seitu Hayden, 2023
30 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and self-acceptance.
Boosts confidence with empowering messages.
Colorful illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
Encourages conversations about individuality and self-love.

Hair Don't Care!
Vikki Young, Seitu Hayden, 2023
Amelia's Middle-School Graduation Yearbook
Marissa Moss, S. Alston, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Captures essence of middle-school challenges and triumphs.
Encourages resilience and personal growth.
Features diverse, engaging characters.
Ideal for fostering empathy and social skills.

Amelia's Middle-School Graduation Yearbook
Marissa Moss, S. Alston, 2023
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel (Junie B. Jones Graphic Novels)
Barbara Park, 2025
160 pages
Why to read
Laugh-out-loud kindergarten misadventures.
Visual storytelling aids young readers.
Addresses common school anxieties.
Promotes talking about feelings.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel (Junie B. Jones Graphic Novels)
Barbara Park, 2025
Award winning
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
224 pages
Why to read
Engaging superhero-themed storyline sparks imagination.
Characters embody teamwork and perseverance.
Enhances reading skills through graphic novel format.
Encourages moral lessons and empathy development.

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
Award winning
Big Nate: Hug It Out!
Lincoln Peirce, 2019
176 pages
Why to read
Promotes emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.
Humorous, engaging narrative keeps children interested.
Encourages empathy and understanding among peers.
Supports social skills development through storytelling.

Big Nate: Hug It Out!
Lincoln Peirce, 2019
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All: (A Newbery Honor Book)
Chanel Miller, 2024
160 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming Chinatown adventure.
Funny, low-stakes detective plot.
Celebrates empathy and belonging.
Rich, lively middle-grade voice.

