Top-rated books by Jay Leslie
Who Did It First?
Age: 8-12
Books like Jay Leslie’s
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure, perfect for young readers.
Builds critical thinking through unique story arcs.
Enhances literacy with creative wordplay and language.
Supports moral development and teamwork values.

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Kathryn Gibbs Davis, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates dreaming big and refusing to quit.
Introduces real engineering in kid-friendly language.
Colorful art holds attention and sparks questions.
Historical backdrop enriches classroom learning.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Kathryn Gibbs Davis, 2025
Award winning
Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of Vaccines
Debbie Dadey, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of determination and scientific achievement.
Highlights importance of perseverance in facing challenges.
Encourages interest in science and medical innovation.
Educational content aligned with child development stages.

Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of Vaccines
Debbie Dadey, 2023
Award winning
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Educates on historical events through narrative storytelling.
Addresses complex themes with age-appropriate language.
Encourages awareness and understanding of racial history.
Supports discussions on equality and human rights.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
Award winning
Kid Engineer: Intro to Engineering
Marc Chamberlain, 2023
47 pages
Why to read
Introduces basic engineering concepts through fun stories.
Encourages problem-solving and innovative thinking.
Inspires young minds to explore STEM fields.
Engaging and interactive content for budding engineers.

Kid Engineer: Intro to Engineering
Marc Chamberlain, 2023
Award winning
The Sea of Terror: Once Upon a Tim
Stuart Gibbs, 2025
161 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled tale enriches curiosity and imagination.
Characters showcase resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through problem-solving scenarios.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

The Sea of Terror: Once Upon a Tim
Stuart Gibbs, 2025
Award winning
The Quest for the Techno Artifact
Gary R. Gray Jr., 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled plot sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters display teamwork, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Encourages technological interest and problem-solving skills.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

The Quest for the Techno Artifact
Gary R. Gray Jr., 2023
Award winning
InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T.
John Green, Christopher Hastings, 2023
208 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure improves kids' problem-solving skills.
Fun, relatable characters boost empathy and connection.
Combines humor and mystery for enjoyable learning.
Encourages teamwork, critical thinking in young readers.

