Top-rated books by Jackie Kay
Red, Cherry Red
Age: 3-7
Books like Jackie Kay’s
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
Mama's Sleeping Scarf
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of comfort, love, and maternal bonds.
Vibrant illustrations enhance the storytelling experience.
Encourages emotional development and empathetic understanding.
Ideal for bedtime reading and parent-child bonding.

Mama's Sleeping Scarf
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2023
Award winning
Annie's Cat Is Sad
Heather Smith, Karen Obuhanych, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Addresses emotional awareness and empathy development.
Encourages understanding of pet emotions and care.
Supports vocabulary expansion and emotional language skills.
Ideal for shared reading, enhancing parent-child bonding.

Annie's Cat Is Sad
Heather Smith, Karen Obuhanych, 2022
Award winning
My Family's Changing
Pat Thomas, 1998
32 pages
Why to read
Addresses family changes sensitively, fostering emotional understanding.
Empowers children to express feelings about family transitions.
Illustrations complement text, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens parent-child bond.

My Family's Changing
Pat Thomas, 1998
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.

Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
Award winning
Frank and Bert
Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Highlights friendship dynamics and emotional growth.
Stimulates empathy and understanding through relatable storytelling.
Encourages creativity and imaginative play.
Supports language development with engaging dialogue.

Frank and Bert
Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, 2022
Karen's Brothers (Baby-sitters Little Sister #17)
Ann M. Martin, 2025
112 pages
Why to read
Relatable blended-family situations.
Humorous, gentle life lessons.
Encourages empathy and honesty.
Great confidence-building chapter length.

Karen's Brothers (Baby-sitters Little Sister #17)
Ann M. Martin, 2025
Award winning
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart
Zetta Elliott, 2020
32 pages
Why to read
Explores emotional resilience through poetic, compelling narrative.
Encourages empathy and self-reflection in young readers.
Supports emotional development and healing discussions.
Beautifully illustrated, enhancing engagement and understanding.

