Books like Moonpenny Island
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
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.

Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
Award winning
Only for a Little While
Gabriela Orozco Belt, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale about the value of time and change.
Encourages resilience and adaptability in young readers.
Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy.
Supports literacy skills through engaging narrative.

Only for a Little While
Gabriela Orozco Belt, 2023
Award winning
Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
48 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience.
Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy in children.
Vibrant illustrations complement the engaging narrative.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.

Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
Award winning
Karen's Haircut
Ann M. Martin, 2023
144 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of change and personal growth.
Encourages children to embrace new experiences.
Supports development of self-confidence.
Ideal for shared parent-child reading moments.

Karen's Haircut
Ann M. Martin, 2023
Award winning
Words Between Us
Angela Pham Krans, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Engages children with a lively and imaginative narrative.
Features relatable characters fostering emotional connection.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Enhances literacy through an enjoyable reading journey.

Words Between Us
Angela Pham Krans, 2023
Award winning
Small Places, Close to Home
Deborah Hopkinson, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores local adventures with captivating stories.
Features characters displaying resilience and creativity.
Encourages exploration and appreciation of surroundings.
Ideal for enhancing geographic and social awareness.

Small Places, Close to Home
Deborah Hopkinson, 2023
Award winning
Yukie's Island
Steve Sheinkin, Yukie Kimura, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure story enhances cognitive and emotional development.
Illustrations captivate and stimulate young readers’ imaginations.
Encourages resilience and self-discovery through protagonist’s journey.
Ideal for bonding during family read-aloud sessions.

