Books like Hot and Cold
Award winning
Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity and personal identity.
Encourages respect for oneself and others.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading.
Inspires confidence and pride in heritage.

Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
Award winning
Van Wyck
Beverly Fritz, 2020
30 pages
Why to read
Adventurous storyline enhances problem-solving skills.
Characters embody resilience, promoting personal growth.
Engages young readers with vivid, imaginative settings.
Supports development of empathy and understanding.

Van Wyck
Beverly Fritz, 2020
Award winning
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
272 pages
Why to read
Captivating tale of bravery and compassion.
Highlights the importance of forgiveness and hope.
Encourages empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates young imagination with whimsical storytelling.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
Award winning
Powwow Day
Traci Sorell, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Vibrantly celebrates Native American culture and community.
Showcases the importance of tradition and belonging.
Encourages resilience and determination in young readers.
Supports emotional and social development through storytelling.

Powwow Day
Traci Sorell, 2022
Award winning
We Will Rock Our Classmates: Penelope Rex
Ryan T. Higgins, 2020
48 pages
Why to read
Boosts confidence through relatable character Penelope Rex.
Encourages inclusivity and friendship in school settings.
Supports emotional development and self-expression.
Ideal for engaging young readers in group discussions.

We Will Rock Our Classmates: Penelope Rex
Ryan T. Higgins, 2020
Award winning
Shimmy
Anne Cateaux, 2021
258 pages
Why to read
Vibrant, captivating illustrations enhance storytelling.
Encourages resilience and creativity in young readers.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

Shimmy
Anne Cateaux, 2021
Award winning
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity with engaging supernatural elements.
Encourages teamwork and bravery among characters.
Illustrations complement and enrich the storytelling.
Enhances vocabulary with age-appropriate language.

Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
Scorby
Smita Bernadet Kujur, 2019
90 pages
Why to read
Explores friendship and teamwork in engaging ways.
Enhances vocabulary through playful and creative language.
Encourages emotional intelligence and empathy.
Perfect for a fun and meaningful family reading time.

