Monica Acker
ISBN-10: 1506483208 (ISBN-13: 978-1506483207)
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As one girl watches her mom battle illness, she sees Mom being strong, brave, and fierce on both good days and bad ones. Mom is fierce as she catches and wrestles a fish and brave as she endures needles from the doctor. The girl wants to be brave like Mom! As she worries about her mom's health, the girl realizes that bravery comes in many forms and that she can be brave too.
A poignant and sensitive story about a loved one living with a chronic illness, and an important lesson about how being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared.
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Denise Adusei
ISBN-10: 1250824966 (ISBN-13: 978-1250824967)
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In this powerful and inspiring picture book, a deaf girl stands up for herself and takes off her shoes while dancing at her Carnival performance so she can feel the music through her bare feet.
Cesaria is going to perform for the seaside Carnival. She skips past the beach barefoot, dressed in her favorite peacock leotard.
But when her dance director tells her she must put on her shoes to go on stage, Cesaria signs, “Peacocks don’t wear shoes!”
You see, Cesaria hears the music through the soles of her feet, but no one seems to understand…
…That is, until all the dancers take off their shoes, and learn to feel the music, just like Cesaria.
Cesaria Feels the Beat is a lyrical and heartfelt story about deafness, community, and Carnival.
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Alliah L. Agostini
ISBN-10: 0760375143 (ISBN-13: 978-0760375143)
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With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the last enslaved people learned of their freedom.
On June 19, 1865—more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Texans finally learned they were free. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration that changed and grew from year to year.
Learn about the events that led to emancipation and why it took so long for the enslaved people in Texas to hear the news. The first Juneteenth began as “Jubilee Day,” where families celebrated and learned of their new rights as citizens. As Black Texans moved to other parts of the country, they brought their traditions along with them, and Juneteenth continued to grow and develop.
Today, Juneteenth’s powerful spirit has endured through the centuries to become an official holiday in the United States in 2021. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday.
Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
ISBN-10: 0374389942 (ISBN-13: 978-0374389949)
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An exuberant picture book written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice is about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community.
It’s the weekend, first in June; speaker’s blasting out big tune!
Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends pack the house, and fun begins.
Shane is shy but loves to dance―and all year long, he’s picked up cans
to earn some money toward his goal: high-tops with a pump-up sole.
But then the speaker blows―it’s done! Will this stop his family’s fun?
Can Shane come through to save the day and bring back Big Tune Saturday?
Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude.
Illustrated by Tara Nicole Whitaker
ISBN-10: 0593645251 (ISBN-13: 978-0593645253)
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Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography
about talk show host, producer, and actor Oprah Winfrey. Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers!
This Little Golden Book about Oprah Winfrey--host of the highest-rated daytime talk show in American history, and one of the most influential and successful women in the world--is an inspiring read-aloud for young children, as well as their parents and grandparents.
A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION COOKBOOK, becker&mayer!, 2024
ISBN-10: 0760385793 (ISBN-13: 978-0760385791)
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Celebrate and explore Juneteenth with your kids through Black American food and cultural traditions.
A commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth holiday has been observed in the Black community for over 150 years. In The Juneteenth Cookbook, author of the popular children’s book and winner of the 2022 Black Kid Lit Award for Best Historical title The Juneteenth Story, Alliah L. Agostini, brings the tradition to your home through historically accurate recipes and educational family activities.
With captivating illustrations of quick and easy recipes, follow along with little Alliah and her grandparents as they explore the historical origins of the holiday through food. Make, share, and enjoy kid-friendly takes on some of the most popular Juneteenth celebration foods, including:
- Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Frances’ Calico Potato Salad
- Saucy Pulled Chicken Sliders with Bangin’ BBQ Sauce
- Jubilee Tea (Hibiscus Sweet Tea)
- Corn Muffins with Hot Honey Butter
- Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- And more!
Keep the celebration going with fun and educational activities like creating an African medallion necklace and designing your own Juneteenth gear with block printing, or discover the music of the holiday with Alliah’s Cookout DJ 101 tutorial. There are also suggested on-site or virtual field trips for families, community groups, or classes that bring elements of the road to emancipation and Juneteenth’s history to life.
The Juneteenth Cookbook offers kids and families a sensory-rich, hands-on exploration of this important American holiday.
BLEXI, PLAY! Paw Prints, 2024
Illustrated by Paige A. Mason
Print & EbookIllustrated by Paige A. Mason
SCARECITED: SCARED AND EXCITED ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2025Illustrated by Lala Watkins
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Illustrated by Charles Santoso
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ART'S ART! Paw Prints, 2024
Illustrated by Paige A. Mason
Print & EbookIllustrated by Paige A. Mason
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PAULA'S PATCHES, Free Spirit, 2023
Illustrated by Rocío Arreola
ISBN-10: 163198733X (ISBN-13: 978-1631987335)
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Problem-solver Paula patches her pants—and encourages her class to be resourceful, mend, and reuse.
Oh, no! While at school, Paula’s pants catch on a bush that rips a large hole in her pants. She tries everything to hide the hole from her classmates, only to find out that they, too, have leaky lunchboxes, spaghetti stains, and hand-me-down backpacks. Nothing some colorful patches can’t fix! Children will follow Paula as she feels embarrassed about her torn pants, curious about patches, and excited for a possible solution that helps both her and her classmates.
Paula’s Patches can be used as a starting point for discussions of consumerism, throwaway culture, and fast fashion. At the back of the book, a section provides activities for children, including how to make their own patches, no-sew bookmarks, and fabric pouches.
Illustrated by Romina Galotta
ISBN-10: 1623543924 (ISBN-13: 978-1623543921)
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Purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Max finds his Spanish-speaking voice with the help of his abuela's pet, Lorito, a talkative parrot, in this sweet and heartwarming picture book.
Max isn't confident with his Spanish, especially rolling his Rs, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela, while Lorito the parrot helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and Abuela must figure out how to communicate. Max's Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English. Trying is what counts!
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Laurie Carmody
BIG TRUCK PLAYDATE, Beaming Books, 2023
Illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury
ISBN-10: 1506484840 (ISBN-13: 978-1506484846)
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Corey went everywhere with his trucks. But when it came to other kids, he rode solo.
When Corey's school hosts a semi-truck extravaganza, his tires squeal and his heart revs. He can't believe it! But the crowd of classmates quickly leaves him feeling overwhelmed. Corey must find the courage to be his unique, enthusiastic self before missing the opportunity to have his very own big truck playdate.
With insight and imagination, this heartwarming story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum demonstrates how the power of play can connect us with new friends.
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Jill Dana
Illustrated by Rachel Tan-Hwee
Illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron
AN ISLAND CALLED HOME, Eerdmans, 2026
THE BRONX IS MY HOME, Little Brown/Ottaviano, 2023
REMEMBERING MOM'S KUBBAT HALAB, Albert Whitman & Company, 2022
ISBN-10: 9814893625 (ISBN-13: 978-9814893626)
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Purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound
BUTTERNUT & THE FLYING BUTTER, Marshall Cavendish Children, 2024
MY DOG IS NOT A SCIENTIST, Yeehoo Press, 2023
CRACK GOES THE CASCARON, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2025
THE COQUIES STILL SING, Roaring Brook Press, 2022
Shachi Kaushik
Fresh from the farm, Butternut awakes to find himself lost in a supermarket. Is he butter? Is he a nut? Is he squash or squashed? Just who is he and where does he belong?
Join Butternut on his journey through the supermarket aisles as he makes new friends and discovers more about himself.
ISBN-10: 9815009346 (ISBN-13: 978-9815009347)
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A vibrant, humorous and moving story about friendship that is filled with wordplay and imaginative characters to spark creativity in readers of all ages Butternut and Buttercup are like two peas in a pod.
It’s Buttercup’s birthday and Butternut doesn’t want to spoil their sweet friendship with a sour gift. He visits old and new friends for advice and goes on an exciting exploration of food and friendship, where he discovers so much more than the perfect present.
Illustrated by Anusha Santosh
ISBN-10: 9815066625 (ISBN-13: 978-9815066623)
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A fun and vibrant story to help children face their fears and anxieties, with characters that will spark creativity in readers of all ages.
When the Spring Plant Show arrives, Butternut wishes to go out of the supermarket to watch it. But he is afraid of the supermarket's large sliding doors. How can Butternut manage his fears?
Join Butternut in this warm, comforting story about friendship, overcoming fear, and helping others.
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Stacy B. Davids
ISBN-10: 1506483089 (ISBN-13: 978-1506483085)
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Simon the sloth loves to hug. He hugs plants. He hugs rocks. He hugs his friends. He even hugs himself! So when his best friend, Elsa the jaguar, and others around him start saying no to his hugs, he is crushed. Why wouldn't someone want to be hugged? After being rejected several times, he learns that both he and his friends need to want a hug at the same time so they both feel comfortable.
This lighthearted story about a lovable, huggable sloth is a gentle introduction to the importance of receiving consent before offering physical affection to others, and respecting others' boundaries.
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Betsy Ellor
Illustrated by Luisa Viera
ISBN-10: 1953458467 (ISBN-13: 978-1953458469)
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Yara is out to prove that she's the greatest scientist in town!
Her annoying neighbor Eddie always wins the Science Fair, but this year is going to be HER year. Like every good scientist, Yara starts with a question, makes observations, and comes up with a hypothesis . . . but each time she starts an experiment, her dog, Renzo, ruins it! Could Renzo be up to something more than making trouble?
From Betsy Ellor and Luisa Vera comes a humorous, endearing story about a passionate, young scientist who is determined to achieve her goal--no matter what!
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Sara A. Fajardo
PAKA PAKA CON LA PAPA: ALBERTO SALAS PLAYS POTATO HIDE-AND-SEEK, Roaring Brook Press, 2024
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
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Illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza
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Karina Nicole González
Illustrated by Krystal Quiles
ISBN-10: 1250787181 (ISBN-13: 978-1250787187)
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Co-quí, co-quí! The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family’s beloved mango tree—their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, “You are home, you are safe.” But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.
As time passes, Elena, alongside her community, begins to rebuild their home, planting seeds of hope along the way. When the sounds of the coquíes gradually return, they reflect the resilience and strength of Elena, her family, and her fellow Puerto Ricans.
THE CHURRO STAND, Cameron Kids, 2024
Illustrated by Krystal Quiles
ISBN-10: 1951836952 (ISBN-13: 978-1951836955)
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From an award-winning author-illustrator duo comes a heartwarming picture book celebrating love, community, and the POP, SIZZLE, and CRUNCH of a perfect churro
Everybody loves churros!
On a hot summer’s day, Lucía and her brother accompany their mother to sell delicious, sugary churros on the bustling streets of New York City. But when a thunderstorm rolls in, and the customers are chased away, Lucía’s mother must improvise with a little bit of magic and lots of amor. Inspired by the author’s relationship with her own mother, this heartwarming picture book celebrates love, community, and the POP, SIZZLE, and CRUNCH of a perfect churro.
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DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME, Beaming Books, 2022
Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon
Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon
ISBN-10: 1506484077 (ISBN-13: 978-1506484075)
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Priya loves being with family and friends to watch fireworks and celebrate Diwali. But this year Priya and her parents are living in the United States, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. But as she strings lights outside and creates rangoli art, Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it's still Diwali.
A heartwarming story of celebrating in a new place and sharing the Hindu festival of lights with those unfamiliar with the holiday.
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Angela Quezada Padron
AS THE SEAS RISE, Atheneum, 2024
ISBN-10: 1665913940 (ISBN-13: 978-1665913942)
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This inspiring picture book biography introduces environmental scientist Nicole Hernández Hammer, who was recognized by former first lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union Address for her efforts to partner with vulnerable communities threatened by climate change.
As a baby, Nicole survived an earthquake in Guatemala. She grew up in Guatemala’s beautiful jungles. Throughout her life, Nicole witnessed the power and wonder of nature. But she soon realized nature was in trouble. Her own community in Florida was struggling. And everyone needed to become resilient.
In this lyrical biography, readers will meet environmental scientist and climate activist Nicole Hernández Hammer and hear the message she’s spent her career sharing: As we look to the future, we can empower and protect our communities. But that will only be possible if we all work together—including the smallest of us.
FROM THE FIELDS TO THE FIGHT: THE STORY OF ACTIVIST JESSICA GOVEA THORBOURNE, Atheneum, 2026
Illustrated by Sol Salinas
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Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Illustrated by Kim Holt
ISBN-10: 0316397733 (ISBN-13: 978-0316397735)
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Welcome to The Bronx, New York! A picture book celebration of hometown pride including the history, landscape, cuisines, cultures, and activities unique to this vibrant community.
There's only one place where you can see bodegas and businesses bustling on every street, taste the most delicious empanadas in the world, smell the salty sea air of Pelham Bay, and pet horses at the Bronx Equestrian Center. From sunrise to sunset, Santiago and Mami have many treasures to enjoy in their neighborhood on a beautiful Saturday, including colorful birds on the Siwanoy Trail and fresh cannolis on Arthur Avenue.
This energetic and joyful family story offers both a journey through and a love letter to this special borough. The Bronx Is My Home is a triumphant celebration of hometown pride, as well as a heartfelt invitation to all, for readers of My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Pena, and Saturday by Oge Mora.
ISBN: 1665902736 (ISBN 13: 978-1665902731)
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A delicious picture book about the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
Abuela says, “plátanos are love.”
I thought they were food.
But Abuela says they feed us in more ways than one.
With every pop of the tostones, mash of the mangú, and sizzle of the maduros, a little girl learns that plátanos are her history, they are her culture, and—most importantly—they are love.
Illustrated by Doris Rodriguez
ISBN-10: 0316366617(ISBN-13: 978-0316366618)
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Enter the classroom in this joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice. With Spanish words throughout the text, this radiant picture book is perfect for fans of Mango, Abuela, and Me.
On the first day of elementary school, Abuela soothes Gloriana’s nerves by telling her stories from their family home in la República Dominicana. But as soon as Gloriana enters the classroom, the tropical scenery crumbles and la música is replaced with English phrases she does not understand. When other kids approach her to play at recess, she freezes, uncertain about how to exist between her two homes, or how to make new friends between her two languages. Abuela recognizes echoes of her own immigration journey on this challenging day at school, and she gently guides Gloriana towards newfound confidence. This beautifully painted, imaginative picture book celebrates the magic of existing in-between, and the transformative power of self-soothing to build confidence.
An essential read for fans of The Queen of Kindergarten.
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Medeia Sharif
Illustrated by Paran Kim
ISBN: 0807569321 (ISBN 13: 978-0807569320)
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When a loved one dies, remembering them through shared experiences and the ways they expressed their love, helps with loss.
Bushra misses her mother, her dayik. So does her brother Sherzat. Mom used to help them with homework, read to them, and tuck them into bed at night. For Bushra, she would cook kubbat halab, perfectly golden rice-and-potato patties made without meat. No one can make kubbat halab quite like Mom, but Bushra wants to try.
Illustrated by Basma Hosam
ISBN: 1433841576 (ISBN 13: 978-1433841576)
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Frizzy Haired Zuzu is a children's picture book about accepting and loving your appearance.
Zuzu loves riding her bike and dancing to all kinds of music. Her curly red hair would bounce when she danced. But Zuzu hates her hair. The older she gets, the bigger it grows. With her sisters and mother, she tries several hilarious—yet disastrous—solutions to tame her frizzy hair. Finally she saves up all her money to visit a salon. But with straighter hair, will she still feel like herself? Zuzu must dig deep down to sort out her feelings about what is beautiful to others…and herself.
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MISSY WANTS A MAMMOTH, Pixel+Ink, 2024
Illustrated by Ariel Landy
ISBN: 1645950840 (ISBN 13: 978-1645950844)
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First-grader Missy pushes the bounds of her imagination—and her older brother Mason’s patience—as she lays out her plan for a new pet. A must-have for fans of Charlie and Lola and Olivia or anyone crafting a case for why they need a new animal addition to the family.
At the Museum of Natural History, first-grader Missy has a genius gigantic idea: she wants a wooly mammoth as her new pet. She’ll name him Malcolm. They’ll take bubble baths with strawberry-banana shampoo, and go on picnics, and she’ll swing from his tusks. They’ll be best friends.
Older brother, Mason, spots one mammoth-sized problem with her plans. . . .
But once Missy gets an idea in her head, nothing (not even the fact that mammoths have been extinct for ten thousand years) is going to stop her from getting her fuzzy new friend.
Missy and Mason are a winning new pair for the canon of sibling stories—when Missy dreams a little too big, Mason is always there to help pull her back, and when practical Mason plays it too safe, Missy helps push him to think bigger—and Missy Wants a Mammoth is sure to charm in a massive way.
Illustrated by Leanne Hatch
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Illustrated by Kate Wadsworth
ISBN: 0593529286 (ISBN 13: 978-0593529287)
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Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, Girls on Wheels follows three friends who support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard.
Anila is on her way to her favorite place: the skate park. She longs to glide on her board and feel the thrill of catching air. But when she arrives, the ramp looks like a concrete sea monster! Fear creeps in, making her once-broken arm ache. But Sana’s smile and Damini’s laugh wrap Anila in courage. Her friends remind her that in skateboarding, sometimes you fall—but sometimes you fly!
Srividhya Venkat’s lyrical text and Kate Wadsworth’s vibrant illustrations capture the energy and movement that make this picture book soar.
Illustrated by Danica da Silva Pereira
ISBN: 1499815697 (ISBN 13: 978-1499815696)
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Little by little, drop by drop Kailash Satyarthi devoted his life to battling international child labor and exploitation. In 2014 his work earned him a Nobel Peace Prize alongside Malala Yousafzai.
"My only aim in life is that every child is free to be a child."
Kailash Satyarthi has fought injustice his whole life. As a young boy, he raised money so poor children could attend school. When he was a teen, he combatted caste discrimination by sharing a meal with "untouchables." And as an adult, he fought against child labor and for increased education, ultimately rescuing hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. In 2014, he was recognized for his efforts, winning a Nobel Peace Prize alongside Malala Yousafzai. This inspiring picture book shows that anyone can strive for change in their community that make a big difference around the world.
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Gwendolyn Wallace
Illustrated by Olivia Duchess
ISBN: 1728239796 (ISBN 13: 978-1728239798)
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How will Maya create a brighter world? By learning to honor her glowing feelings, just like Black women have done throughout history!
Maya feels a warm glow when she picks strawberries in the community garden, hears music in her neighborhood, or spends time with the people she loves.
She feels a different kind of glow when she gets pushed down on the playground, overhears her family worrying about bills, and sees her favorite cousin stopped by police. Sometimes that glowing seems like too much to carry.
But Maya is learning that others feel the same glowing light. Black women throughout history, like Ida B. Wells, Nina Simone, June Jordan, and Maya's own ancestors, found ways to honor these glowing feelings. They were guided by their light to make a difference. The light Maya feels inside is an important part of her that she'll share as she works toward a brighter world.
Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
ISBN: 0593406788 (ISBN 13: 978-0593406786)
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In her grandmother's garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature.
It's Joy's first summer in her grandmother's South Carolina garden—a rite of passage. In the midst of okra, spinach, and strawberries, Grammy teaches Joy that plants are friends with many uses. Herbs, for example, can be turned into medicine.
There in Grammy's abundant backyard, Joy learns to listen for the heartbeat of the earth and connect it to her own as she takes deep breaths and puts her intentions into the soil. By the story's end, she learns to grow seeds in her own garden, honoring all that her grandmother taught her. With sensory-rich illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Joy Takes Root is a blissful reminder of all that might bloom.
Illustrated by Tonya Engel
IMAGINE NEW SUNS, Simon & Schuster, 2026Illustrated by Hayden Goodman