Books like The Good Luck Cat
For a Girl Becoming
Joy Harjo, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Authentic Native American perspective.
Rich, poetic read-aloud text.
Affirms self-worth and heritage.
Vivid, conversation-starting art.

For a Girl Becoming
Joy Harjo, 2025
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, 4)
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
351 pages
Why to read
Engages with themes of community and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Explores complexities of friendship and family dynamics.
Offers heartwarming, adventurous narrative for young minds.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, 4)
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.

The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
Award winning
Plátanos Are Love
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage through vibrant storytelling.
Enhances language skills and emotional understanding.
Supports early childhood cognitive and social development.
Engaging narrative that fosters family bonding.

Plátanos Are Love
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, 2023
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
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
Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates enduring friendships with engaging storytelling.
Teaches empathy and understanding through relatable scenarios.
Encourages emotional development and social skills.
Supports literacy growth with compelling, easy-to-follow text.

Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
Award winning
Magnolia Flower
Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant storytelling enchants and captivates young minds.
Illustrates resilience and courage through engaging narratives.
Fosters emotional growth and understanding in children.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading sessions.

