Books like When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop
Award winning
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Laban Carrick Hill, 2010
40 pages
Why to read
Rich historical narrative enhances cultural knowledge.
Inspires creativity through pottery and poetry.
Addresses themes of resilience and freedom.
Engaging and emotionally powerful storytelling.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Laban Carrick Hill, 2010
Award winning
Three Cheers for Catherine the Great!
Cari Best, 1999
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family, creativity, and cultural heritage.
Stimulates a sense of community and belonging.
Encourages emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Interactive narrative fosters parent-child bonding.

Three Cheers for Catherine the Great!
Cari Best, 1999
Award winning
Cornbread & Poppy
Matthew Cordell, 2022
80 pages
Why to read
Charming adventure of friendship and resourcefulness.
Enhances children's understanding of cooperation and sharing.
Lively illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
Supports early development of empathy and resilience.

Cornbread & Poppy
Matthew Cordell, 2022
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 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
A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington
Carole Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Illustrates significant historical events and figures.
Encourages understanding of civil rights movements.
Inspires advocacy and social justice awareness.
Engaging narrative that captivates young readers.

A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington
Carole Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, 2022
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
The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey, 2023
176 pages
Why to read
Engaging humor captivates young readers.
Fosters creativity and imaginative play.
Encourages positive values like friendship and bravery.
Ideal for boosting early reading skills.

