Books like A Smile
Award winning
All the Way to Havana
Mike Curato, Margarita Engle, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant journey through the colorful streets of Havana.
Celebrates creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
Rich cultural immersion that fosters global awareness.
Engaging narrative that builds relatability and empathy.
All the Way to Havana
Mike Curato, Margarita Engle, 2023
Award winning
Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
176 pages
Why to read
Inventive plot encourages creativity and unconventional thinking.
Characters display resilience and teamwork throughout the story.
Introduces children to friendship dynamics and collaboration.
Light-hearted humor supports engaged, joyful reading.
Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
The Boy Who Fell From the Sky
Benjamin Dean, 2024
314 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of bravery and self-discovery.
Encourages empathy and emotional growth in readers.
Stimulates imagination with vivid, creative storytelling.
Supports development of a strong moral compass.
The Boy Who Fell From the Sky
Benjamin Dean, 2024
Award winning
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2023
192 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure stimulates imagination and creativity.
Characters display resilience and teamwork values.
Enhances problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2023
Award winning
Stickler Loves the World
Lane Smith, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of empathy and global awareness.
Encourages appreciation for diversity and cultural differences.
Stimulates curiosity about the world and different places.
Supports language development and geographical knowledge.
Stickler Loves the World
Lane Smith, 2023
Beautifully Made
Tiffiny D. James, 2021
22 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and self-acceptance in young readers.
Encourages emotional growth and empathy development.
Stimulates creativity and self-expression through storytelling.
Ideal for family reading, enhancing bonding and understanding.
Beautifully Made
Tiffiny D. James, 2021
Award winning
Link + Hud: Heroes by a Hair
Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, captivating storyline. - Builds resilience, teamwork values in young readers. - Enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension. - Encourages empathy and emotional understanding.
Link + Hud: Heroes by a Hair
Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey, 2023
Award winning
Miss Mary Lou asks Why Am I Sad?
M.J. Parker, 2021
28 pages
Why to read
Addresses emotional awareness in young children.
Empowers children to express and understand feelings.
Illustrations captivate and convey emotional context.
Ideal for parent-child bonding over sensitive topics.
