Books like Our Story Starts in Africa
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
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
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and creativity in challenging situations.
Stresses the importance of family and togetherness.
Enhances mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
Celebrates cultural diversity and heritage.

The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
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
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.

Yukie's Island
Steve Sheinkin, Yukie Kimura, 2023
Award winning
You Will Do Great Things
Amerie, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires confidence and ambition in young readers.
Highlights the importance of perseverance and creativity.
Colorful illustrations to captivate and engage children.
Encourages parent-child bonding through shared reading.

You Will Do Great Things
Amerie, 2023
Award winning
The Spice Box
Meera Sriram, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant illustrations enhance cultural understanding.
Promotes diversity and inclusivity through captivating stories.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
Encourages curiosity about world cultures and traditions.

The Spice Box
Meera Sriram, 2024
Award winning
An American Story
Kwame Alexander, 2023
56 pages
Why to read
Captures essential American historical moments.
Fosters pride and understanding of national identity.
Encourages curiosity about historical events.
Stimulates discussions on cultural heritage.

