Books like Smith: The Story of a Pickpocket (New York Review Children's Collection)
The Odyssey
Gillian Cross, 2025
178 pages
Why to read
Exciting Greek myth retold for kids.
Boosts vocabulary and cultural literacy.
Models courage and critical thinking.
Great for parent-child discussions.

The Odyssey
Gillian Cross, 2025
The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
272 pages
Why to read
Timeless friendship tale.
Vivid illustrations enhance imagination.
Advanced yet musical language.
Humor balances gentle life lessons.

The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All: (A Newbery Honor Book)
Chanel Miller, 2024
160 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming Chinatown adventure.
Funny, low-stakes detective plot.
Celebrates empathy and belonging.
Rich, lively middle-grade voice.

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All: (A Newbery Honor Book)
Chanel Miller, 2024
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure, perfect for young readers.
Builds critical thinking through unique story arcs.
Enhances literacy with creative wordplay and language.
Supports moral development and teamwork values.

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel (Junie B. Jones Graphic Novels)
Barbara Park, 2025
160 pages
Why to read
Laugh-out-loud kindergarten misadventures.
Visual storytelling aids young readers.
Addresses common school anxieties.
Promotes talking about feelings.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel (Junie B. Jones Graphic Novels)
Barbara Park, 2025
Award winning
The Jungle Book Stories
Rudyard Kipling, 2019
168 pages
Why to read
Timeless tales of adventure and moral lessons.
Cultivates empathy through diverse animal character perspectives.
Strengthens understanding of responsibility and respect.
Ideal for shared reading and family discussion.

The Jungle Book Stories
Rudyard Kipling, 2019
Award winning
Ozma of Oz (Oz Series Book 3)
L. Frank Baum, Lyman Frank Baum, 2021
271 pages
Why to read
Adventurous journey enhancing imagination and creativity.
Engaging characters fostering empathy and emotional growth.
Encourages resilience through problem-solving situations.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.

Ozma of Oz (Oz Series Book 3)
L. Frank Baum, Lyman Frank Baum, 2021
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.

