Books like Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story
Award winning
The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story
Emma Bland Smith, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience through a captivating true story.
Enhances empathy and understanding of historical contexts.
Encourages curiosity and interest in botany and nature.
Supports development of strong reading and comprehension skills.

The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story
Emma Bland Smith, 2022
Award winning
The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel
Mariah Marsden, 2021
192 pages
Why to read
Vivid illustrations captivate and spark imagination.
Themes of friendship, growth, and resilience.
Encourages exploration and appreciation of nature.
Accessible adaptation of a classic tale.

The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel
Mariah Marsden, 2021
Award winning
Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
160 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure fosters bravery and self-confidence.
Illustrations enrich storytelling, enhance visual literacy.
Emphasizes teamwork, community importance.
Crafts relatable fears into empowering resolutions.

Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
Award winning
Magnolia Flower
Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant storytelling enchants and captivates young minds.
Illustrates resilience and courage through engaging narratives.
Fosters emotional growth and understanding in children.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading sessions.

Magnolia Flower
Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi, 2022
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.

Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
Award winning
My Nana's Garden
Dawn Casey, 2020
22 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of loss, memory, and eternal love.
Beautifully illustrates nature's cycle and regeneration.
Stimulates emotional development and resilience.
Encourages discussions on family bonds and heritage.

My Nana's Garden
Dawn Casey, 2020
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Other Stories
Beatrix Potter, 2022
308 pages
Why to read
Classic tales foster imagination and moral lessons.
Engages children with captivating, mischievous characters.
Encourages empathy and understanding through storytelling.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens family bonds.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Other Stories
Beatrix Potter, 2022
Award winning
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
256 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters model resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through complex plots.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens bonds.

