Top-rated books by Leila Boukarim
Books like Leila Boukarim’s
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
Soul Food Sunday
Winsome Bingham Bingham, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family traditions through cooking and sharing meals.
Strengthen bonds with intergenerational, culturally rich storytelling.
Enhances understanding of community and togetherness.
Vivid illustrations complement engaging, heartwarming narrative.

Soul Food Sunday
Winsome Bingham Bingham, 2021
Award winning
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story
Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis C. Bunten, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Rich in Native American history and culture.
Encourages gratitude and community values.
Beautiful illustrations complement storytelling.
Supports understanding of Thanksgiving from a new perspective.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story
Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis C. Bunten, 2022
A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America
Julie Leung, Melissa Iwai - illustrator, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
True story of resilience and flavor.
Celebrates cultural pride and sharing.
Inspires budding chefs’ creativity.
Women’s history told accessibly.

A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America
Julie Leung, Melissa Iwai - illustrator, 2025
Award winning
The Smart Cookie
Jory John, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates self-discovery and intellectual curiosity.
Encourages self-confidence through engaging storytelling.
Supports emotional development and perseverance.
Ideal for family bonding through shared reading.

The Smart Cookie
Jory John, 2021
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
The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel (The First Cat in Space, 3)
Mac Barnett, 2025
272 pages, Paperback
Why to read
Laugh-out-loud space hijinks.
Strong teamwork role models.
Easy-to-follow graphic panels.
Great springboard for STEM chats.

The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel (The First Cat in Space, 3)
Mac Barnett, 2025
A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
Else Holmelund Minarik, 2025
32 pages
Why to read
Promotes kindness and gratitude.
Perfect length for beginners.
Funny animal antics entertain.
Beautiful, timeless illustrations.

