Boys Don't Cry Series
This series is best read in order
Author(s):
Explore Boys Don't Cry: Discover similar reads
Award winning
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Jodie Patterson, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates individuality and acceptance.
Encourages understanding diverse identities and expressions.
Inspires courage and resilience in adversity.
Family bonding through meaningful discussions.

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Jodie Patterson, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, 2021
Award winning
I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-expression and identity exploration.
Fosters conversations on diversity and acceptance.
Encourages understanding of unique personal backgrounds.
Illustrations that captivate and engage young readers.

I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
Award winning
Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates enduring friendships with engaging storytelling.
Teaches empathy and understanding through relatable scenarios.
Encourages emotional development and social skills.
Supports literacy growth with compelling, easy-to-follow text.

Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
Award winning
Like Lava in My Veins
Derrick Barnes, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores emotional regulation through creative storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports development of coping strategies in children.
Engaging narrative that strengthens reading skills.

Like Lava in My Veins
Derrick Barnes, 2023
Girl Wonder to the Rescue
Malorie Blackman, 1995
96 pages
Why to read
Empowers young girls with strong female protagonist.
Encourages resilience and clever problem-solving.
Fun, engaging narrative that captivates young readers.
Supports emotional and social development.

Girl Wonder to the Rescue
Malorie Blackman, 1995
Award winning
The Tale of Mallory Mouse: From Foster Care to Adoption
Laura Khoury, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Highlights themes of love, acceptance, and family bonds.
Empowers children facing life transitions and new environments.
Encourages empathy and understanding towards diverse life experiences.
Supports emotional development through relatable storytelling.

The Tale of Mallory Mouse: From Foster Care to Adoption
Laura Khoury, 2023
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
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
Jason Reynolds, 2021
272 pages
Why to read
Showcases resilience through engaging, relatable storytelling.
Highlights importance of friendship and teamwork.
Encourages understanding and managing personal fears.
Supports emotional and social development.

