Top-rated books by Gary Soto
Books like Gary Soto’s
The Naughtiest Girl: Naughtiest Girl In The School
Enid Blyton, 2022
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging tale of friendship and personal growth.
Encourages empathy and understanding among readers.
Supports development of social and emotional skills.
Ideal for collaborative parent-child reading sessions.

The Naughtiest Girl: Naughtiest Girl In The School
Enid Blyton, 2022
Award winning
I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-expression and identity exploration.
Fosters conversations on diversity and acceptance.
Encourages understanding of unique personal backgrounds.
Illustrations that captivate and engage young readers.

I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
Award winning
The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Addresses anxiety with engaging, relatable storytelling.
Encourages emotional development and self-soothing techniques.
Supports early literacy with simple, rhythmic text.
Ideal for shared reading, fostering parent-child bonds.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
Award winning
My Two Border Towns
David Bowles, Erika Meza, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Vividly portrays bicultural experiences and family bonds.
Encourages empathy and understanding of diverse communities.
Beautiful, engaging illustrations complement the heartfelt narrative.
Supports bilingual language development and cultural appreciation.

My Two Border Towns
David Bowles, Erika Meza, 2021
Award winning
Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Jon-Erik Lappano, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Engaging tales of friendship and adventure.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports early development of problem-solving skills.
Ideal for cozy, shared reading sessions.

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Jon-Erik Lappano, 2024
Award winning
Like Lava in My Veins
Derrick Barnes, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores emotional regulation through creative storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports development of coping strategies in children.
Engaging narrative that strengthens reading skills.

Like Lava in My Veins
Derrick Barnes, 2023
The Odyssey
Gillian Cross, 2025
178 pages
Why to read
Exciting Greek myth retold for kids.
Boosts vocabulary and cultural literacy.
Models courage and critical thinking.
Great for parent-child discussions.

The Odyssey
Gillian Cross, 2025
Award winning
Opening the Road : Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book
Dawson Keila V., 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Highlights historical triumphs overcoming racial segregation.
Inspires with Victor Hugo Green's innovative resilience.
Encourages understanding of civil rights challenges.
Supports discussions on equality and persistence.
