Preschool
A Day in the Snow
by Eric Carle
It's a winter wonderland outside! Build a snowman, admire the falling snowflakes, and enjoy more frosty fun in this tabbed board book with easy-to-flip tabs, easy-to-read text, and easy-to-love Eric Carle art featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Tamales for Christmas
by Stephen Briseño, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
In preparation for Christmas gift giving, the family comes together to help Grandma sell her delicious tamales.
Primary (Grades Kindergarten - 2)
Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen
by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb, illustrated by Fateme Mokhles
Rostam and Maman recently moved to the United States, and Baba is still working in Iran. Now it's picture day at school, and Rostam doesn't want to wear his pusteen. Even though Baba wore it when he was little, and it's beautiful and soft, Rostam worries that the other kids will think it's weird.
But sometimes being brave means sharing your whole self with others.
Abuelita and Me
by Leonarda Carranza, illustrated by Rafael Mayani
Spending time at home with Abuelita means pancakes, puddle-jumping, and nail-painting. But venturing out into the city is not always as fun. On the bus and at the grocery store, people are impatient and suspicious—sometimes they even yell. Sad, angry, and scared, the story’s young narrator decides not to leave home again...until a moment of empowerment helps her see the strength she and Abuelita share when they face the world together.
Intermediate (Grades 3–5)
Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment
by Anna James
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them–grown from the changing seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But a rare few are Enchanters: people born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she must leave behind everything she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy. And when her twin brother, Rafferty, begins an apprenticeship at a nearby bookbinder to be close to her, he too has adventures of his own.
As Juniper learns how to wield enchantment and hone her magic, Rafferty becomes involved with a mysterious secret society that meets after dark. Monsters are creeping out of the shadows and dangers lurk in unexpected places. Amid night markets and magic lessons, the twins realize there is more to enchantment than they ever imagined. And when dangerous monsters attack, the adventure that follows brings Juniper's and Rafferty's paths together again in ways they could never have expected . . .
Johnny, the Sea, and Me
by Melba Escobar
Pedro is dealing with a lot for a ten-year-old kid, both at school and at home. So, he's overjoyed when his mom surprises him with a trip to see the ocean—an experience he's been dreaming about for a long time!
Maybe this trip will make everything better. Maybe it will make his dad come back to him and his mom. Maybe he will stop being bullied at school, once he's seen the ocean! But things go wrong right from the start between Pedro and his mom, and all seems lost, until Pedro is found and taken in by a gruff old sea dog who has something magical about him.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze
by Derrick Barnes
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high school ball, and now they’re overjoyed to finally possess an elite Black athlete of their own.
Until a horrifying incident forces Henson to speak out about injustice.
Until he says that he might not play football anymore.
Until he quickly learns he isn’t as loved by the people as he thought.
Overnight, Henson’s town is divided into two chaotic sides - those that support his decisions, and those that don’t - when all he wants is justice. Even his best friends and his father can’t see eye to eye. When he is told to play ball again or else, Henson must decide whether he was born to entertain those who may not even see him as human, or if he’s destined for a different kind of greatness.
Pizza Face
by Dave Valeza
On the first day of seventh grade, Rex encounters a bump in the road -- a big angry pimple right in the center of his forehead. And this is only the beginning of his problems. What follows is a frustrating battle with stubborn acne, body odor, and other embarrassments of puberty. Still struggling with a home life edging on the poverty line, Rex can't afford to buy the acne medication or deodorant he needs, and bullies are noticing Rex's awkward transformation. On top of it all, things have gotten weird with his friends, making Rex feel like he can't do or say anything right. So far, seventh grade stinks!
High School (Grades 9-12)
Under the Neon Lights
by Arriel Vinson
Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people—old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves.
One Saturday, as Jae skates away her worries, she crashes into the cutest boy she’s ever seen. Trey’s dimples, rich brown skin, and warm smile make it impossible for her to be mad at him though. Best of all, he can’t stop finding excuses to be around her. A nice change for once, in contrast with her best friend’s cold distance of late or her estranged father creeping back into her life.
Just as Jae thinks her summer might change for the better, devastating news hits: Westside Roll is shutting down. The gentrification rapidly taking over her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, filling it with luxury apartments and fancy boutiques, has come for her safe haven. And this is just one trouble Jae can’t skate away from.
Mexikid
by Pedro Martin
Pedro Martín has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito—his legendary crime-fighting grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters, and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.
Books in Spanish
Me encanta la nieve
by Steve Henry (Preschool)
La nieve es divertida y silenciosa, pero también pesa mucho. Un pajarito está posado en una rama que empieza a ceder bajo el peso de la nieve. Cuando la rama se rompe, el pajarito cae en la nieve profunda. Sus amigos —un conejito, dos ratones, una ardilla y un búho— intentan rescatarlo.
¡Por suerte, el pajarito puede volar! Puede valerse por sí mismo. Los amigos se alegran. La nieve es divertida, y la nieve es aún más divertida con amigos.