Top-rated books by Melina Ontiveros
How Do You Love?
Age: 3-5
Books like Melina Ontiveros’s
Award winning
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and creativity in challenging situations.
Stresses the importance of family and togetherness.
Enhances mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
Celebrates cultural diversity and heritage.

The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
Award winning
Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity and personal identity.
Encourages respect for oneself and others.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading.
Inspires confidence and pride in heritage.

Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
Award winning
Champ and Major: First Dogs
Joy Mccullough, 2021
24 pages
Why to read
Celebrates loyalty and friendship in a relatable setting.
Inspires interest in public figures through personal stories.
Enhances understanding of civic responsibility and leadership.
Offers engaging dialogue and vivid illustrations.

Champ and Major: First Dogs
Joy Mccullough, 2021
Award winning
Where Are You From?
Yamile Saied Méndez, 2019
34 pages
Why to read
Explores identity and belonging through a heartfelt storyline.
Encourages conversations about heritage and personal history.
Supports emotional development and self-awareness in young readers.
Beautifully illustrated, fostering visual and artistic appreciation.

Where Are You From?
Yamile Saied Méndez, 2019
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
Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse, loving families.
Inspires creativity and imagination.
Teaches resilience after mistakes.
Gorgeous art boosts visual literacy.

Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
Award winning
Under My Hijab
Hena Khan, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and understanding through vibrant storytelling.
Introduces cultural respect and awareness, essential for young minds.
Empowers identity exploration and self-expression.
Warm, colorful illustrations enhance engagement and retention.

Under My Hijab
Hena Khan, 2019
Award winning
A Very Cranky Book
Tony Diterlizzi, Angela Diterlizzi, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with colorful, spirited illustrations.
Encourages recognition of emotions and self-expression.
Supports development of empathy and patience.
Perfect for interactive read-aloud sessions.

