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
Award winning
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
128 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming narrative teaches kindness and friendship values.
Artistic illustrations enhance visual and emotional engagement.
Simple yet profound dialogues support language development.
Encourages empathy and reflection in young readers.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
Award winning
The 143-Story Treehouse
Andy Griffiths, 2021
304 pages
Why to read
Expands creativity with whimsical, adventurous storytelling.
Fosters resilience and resourcefulness through engaging challenges.
Strengthens reading skills with layered, dynamic narratives.
Encourages bonding over shared laughter and discovery.

The 143-Story Treehouse
Andy Griffiths, 2021
Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields (Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World)
Lynn Curlee, 2025
48 pages
Why to read
Vibrant art brings stadium history alive.
Blends sports facts with cultural lessons.
Stimulates curiosity about design and engineering.
Great springboard for family baseball talks.

Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields (Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World)
Lynn Curlee, 2025
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
Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins
Lincoln Peirce, 2022
176 pages
Why to read
Captivating antics ensure engaging, enjoyable reading.
Showcases friendship and teamwork dynamics.
Encourages creative problem-solving through humorous challenges.
Ideal for enhancing young readers' engagement and comprehension.

Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins
Lincoln Peirce, 2022
Award winning
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Annette Bay Pimentel, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, 2020
32 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of resilience and empowerment.
Educates on disability rights and activism.
Encourages empathy and understanding in young readers.
Beautifully illustrated, engaging narrative.

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Annette Bay Pimentel, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, 2020
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
I Am Muhammad Ali: Ordinary People Change the World
Brad Meltzer, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and determination through Ali's life story.
Teaches importance of self-belief and perseverance to kids.
Highlights historical and cultural significance of Muhammad Ali.
Encourages children to stand up for their beliefs.


