Books like Coming on Home Soon (Caldecott Honor Book)
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, 4)
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
351 pages
Why to read
Engages with themes of community and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Explores complexities of friendship and family dynamics.
Offers heartwarming, adventurous narrative for young minds.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, 4)
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of African American history.
Strengthens empathy through powerful storytelling.
Encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Beautiful, evocative illustrations complement the narrative.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
Award winning
Ways to Grow Love
Renée Watson, 2021
192 pages
Why to read
Celebrates friendship, family, and self-discovery.
Encourages emotional growth and resilience in young readers.
Integrates everyday challenges with enriching life lessons.
Vibrant storytelling that captivates and educates.

Ways to Grow Love
Renée Watson, 2021
Award winning
Going Down Home with Daddy
Kelly Starling Lyons, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family, heritage, and multigenerational bonds.
Enhances understanding of African American culture and history.
Empowers children through relatable, strong character representations.
Encourages family connections and storytelling traditions.

Going Down Home with Daddy
Kelly Starling Lyons, 2019
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
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse family structures warmly and inclusively.
Enhances understanding of separation and reunion.
Encourages emotional expression and resilience.
Supports development of empathy and acceptance.

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.

The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
Award winning
My Name is Saajin Singh
Kuljinder Kaur Brar, 2022
36 pages
Why to read
Explores cultural diversity and acceptance. - Encourages empathy and friendship. - Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers. - Supports language development and comprehension.

