Books like Slumgirl Dreaming: Rubina's Journey to the Stars
Award winning
The Adventures of Pinocchio: With Annotated
Carlo Collodi, 2021
192 pages
Why to read
Classic tale encourages honesty and integrity.
Enhances imagination with whimsical adventures.
Annotated version offers comprehensive understanding.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

The Adventures of Pinocchio: With Annotated
Carlo Collodi, 2021
Award winning
The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Addresses anxiety with engaging, relatable storytelling.
Encourages emotional development and self-soothing techniques.
Supports early literacy with simple, rhythmic text.
Ideal for shared reading, fostering parent-child bonds.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
Award winning
Starring Grace
Mary Hoffman, 2000
96 pages
Why to read
Enriching multicultural story; broadens children’s cultural understanding.
Empowers creativity and self-expression in young readers.
Highlights importance of community and friendship.
Encourages empathy and inclusivity through engaging narrative.

Starring Grace
Mary Hoffman, 2000
Award winning
Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers creativity and self-expression through illustration.
Inspires overcoming dyslexia with relatable protagonist.
Encourages perseverance and individuality for young readers.
Celebrates diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
Award winning
Louise the Big Cheese: Divine Diva
Elise Primavera, 2009
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-esteem and resilience in young readers.
Encourages ambition and pursuing dreams passionately.
Highlights importance of friendship and support.
Reinforces positive relationship building and empathy.

Louise the Big Cheese: Divine Diva
Elise Primavera, 2009
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
Black Boy, Black Boy
Ali Kamanda, Jorge Redmond, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and empowerment for young Black boys.
Nurtures self-identity and self-worth in children.
Inspires resilience and ambition through relatable storytelling.
Supports developmental growth in empathy and emotional intelligence.

Black Boy, Black Boy
Ali Kamanda, Jorge Redmond, 2022
Award winning
The Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling, Jim Field, 2021
288 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure sparks imagination and joy.
Teaches values of friendship, loyalty, and hope.
Encourages empathy and emotional understanding in children.
Ideal for family shared reading and discussion.

