Top-rated books by Paula Young Shelton
Child of the Civil Rights Movement
Age: 6-12
Just Like Jesse Owens
Age: 6-8
Books like Paula Young Shelton’s
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
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
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice
Nikki Grimes, 2020
40 pages
Why to read
Inspiring tale of Kamala Harris’s journey and achievements.
Teaches children about perseverance and importance of education.
Empowers young readers to dream big and aim high.
Colorful illustrations captivate and engage children's imagination.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice
Nikki Grimes, 2020
Cyrano de Bergerac (Classics Illustrated)
Edmond Rostand, 2023
135 pages
Why to read
Timeless story in vivid comic art.
Explores judging beyond appearances.
Balances swashbuckling action and emotion.
Boosts vocabulary through poetic lines.

Cyrano de Bergerac (Classics Illustrated)
Edmond Rostand, 2023
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1)
Dav Pilkey, 2020
176 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through comic creation adventures. - Encourages teamwork and collaboration skills. - Engages young readers with dynamic illustrations. - Enhances understanding of narrative structures.

Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1)
Dav Pilkey, 2020
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
Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro
Monica Brown, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Inspiring tale of perseverance and hard work.
Highlights importance of family support and education.
Encourages children to pursue their dreams.
Showcases real-life success through dedication.

Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro
Monica Brown, 2021
Award winning
She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change
Suma Subramaniam, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires with M.S. Subbulakshmi's impactful life story.
Highlights the power of art in social change.
Encourages cultural appreciation and historical awareness.
Empowers young readers to use their voice positively.


