Click a book cover to hear the story read aloud.
Book summaries and lesson extensions are listed below.
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson
By following their grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover their ability to use their imaginations to lift themselves up and escape their troubles as their ancestors once did.
THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome by Kat Zhang
With the help of her family, Amy finds a way to welcome the new student in her class who has just come from China and does not speak much English.
THEME: COMMUNITY, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Growing an Artist by John Parra
Juanito takes his sketchbook along to draw when he goes to work with Papi, a landscape contractor. Later, he uses his artistic talents to help his father create the plan for an entire garden and help plant it.
THEME: ENVIRONMENT, FAMILY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Powow Day by Traci Sorell
River has been very sick and cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, but as she watches her family dance for her healing, she has faith she will dance again.
THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY, IDENTITY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Sometimes All I need is Me by Juliana Perdomo
A young girl shares how she finds joy, love, and strength from within and from family and friends.
THEME: COURAGE
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste
This picture book biography celebrates both Claudette Colvin, whose teen-aged activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and the power of collective action.
THEME: ACTIVISM, COURAGE, RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond
Travel the world to explore the complex history and cultural significance of the color blue.
THEME: RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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Dream Street by Euka Holmes
Everyone has a story and a dream on Dream Street, where a caring community of neighbors invite, nurture, celebrate, share, and listen to each other’s dreams.
THEME: COMMUNITY, CULTURE, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engle
A young girl visits her grandfather who is a pregonero—a singing street vendor in Cuba—and sings along with him to help him sell all kinds of fruit.
THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani Larocca
Jyoti and her grandmother, who lives in India, create special memories when they are together. Rather than saying goodbye, they look forward to the future when they will see each other again.
THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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‘Twas the Night Before Pride by David Bowles
On the night before Pride, one family packs snacks and makes signs as an older sibling shares the importance of the event with the newest member of the family.
THEME: ACTIVISM, COMMUNITY, FAMILY
LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources
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