Books like The Empty Stocking
Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse, loving families.
Inspires creativity and imagination.
Teaches resilience after mistakes.
Gorgeous art boosts visual literacy.

Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
Award winning
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse family structures warmly and inclusively.
Enhances understanding of separation and reunion.
Encourages emotional expression and resilience.
Supports development of empathy and acceptance.

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
Award winning
A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming holiday story sparking festive spirit.
Encourages kindness and generous community values.
Engaging illustrations enhance visual literacy.
Ideal read for family bonding during holidays.

A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
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
Paletero Man
Lucky Diaz, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Vibrant, culturally rich illustrations enhance engagement.
Encourages understanding of diverse communities and heritage.
Stimulates language development through rhythmic, lyrical text.
Supports social and emotional learning.

Paletero Man
Lucky Diaz, 2021
Award winning
Soul Food Sunday
Winsome Bingham Bingham, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family traditions through cooking and sharing meals.
Strengthen bonds with intergenerational, culturally rich storytelling.
Enhances understanding of community and togetherness.
Vivid illustrations complement engaging, heartwarming narrative.

Soul Food Sunday
Winsome Bingham Bingham, 2021
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
Award winning
The Healing Tree: A Modern, Christmas Parable
Amanda Ashworth, 2023
80 pages
Why to read
Modern Christmas tale teaches empathy and compassion.
Highlights the importance of community and support.
Encourages understanding and kindness during festive season.
Beautiful illustrations captivate and inspire young readers.

