Books like Waiting for Normal
Award winning
Crunch
Leslie Connor, 2010
336 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with environmental stewardship themes.
Encourages resourcefulness and resilience through narrative.
Highlights teamwork and family bonding.
Delightfully humorous, captivating young readers.

Crunch
Leslie Connor, 2010
Award winning
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
128 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming narrative teaches kindness and friendship values.
Artistic illustrations enhance visual and emotional engagement.
Simple yet profound dialogues support language development.
Encourages empathy and reflection in young readers.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
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.

The Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling, Jim Field, 2021
Award winning
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
256 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters model resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through complex plots.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens bonds.

Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
368 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale promotes empathy and community spirit.
Engages young readers with charming, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
Fosters family connections and shared reading moments.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
160 pages
Why to read
Captivating storyline celebrating milestones and growth.
Characters exhibit realistic emotions and decisions.
Enhances understanding of friendship and sharing.
Supports social skills development through engaging narrative.

Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
Award winning
Encanto Deluxe Junior Novel
Disney, Walt Disney Company, Angela Cervantes, 2021
100 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure enriches children's imagination and creativity.
Showcases importance of family and individual uniqueness.
Enhances linguistic skills and emotional understanding.
Encourages discussions on resilience and self-discovery.

Encanto Deluxe Junior Novel
Disney, Walt Disney Company, Angela Cervantes, 2021
Award winning
Going Down Home with Daddy
Kelly Starling Lyons, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family, heritage, and multigenerational bonds.
Enhances understanding of African American culture and history.
Empowers children through relatable, strong character representations.
Encourages family connections and storytelling traditions.

