Bonnie's Rocket

Emeline Lee

• Bonnie is an engineer, just like her Baba who works far away for the Apollo 11 space mission 

• Bonnie is making her own rocket and her Baba encourages her to keep going even if she makes mistakes through letters 

• Baba comes home just in time to see her rocket launch  

PUBLISHED: October 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEM

PROJECT OPTIONS

Be an engineer and design the perfect rocket, be ready to make mistakes and keep trying!

In My Mosque 

M. O. Yuksel 

No matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone is welcome here. From grandmothers reading lines of the Qur’an and the imam telling stories of living as one, to meeting new friends and learning to help others, mosques are centers for friendship, community, and love.

PUBLISHED: 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Islam, Community, Identity, Multicultural

I Wish You Knew / Ojalá supieras

Jackie Azúa Kramer

When Estrella’s father has to leave because he wasn’t born here like her, she misses him. 

She wishes people knew the way it affects her. But a school wrapped around a hundred-year-old oak tree is the perfect place to share and listen. 

A story about deportation, divided families, and the importance of community in the midst of uncertainty.

PUBLISHED: May 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring

THEMES: Social Justice, Spanish available

PROJECT OPTIONS

Design a class tradition where everyone shares and receives communal support 

The Light She Feels Inside

Gwendolyn Wallace

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.

PUBLISHED: 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring

THEMES: Black historical figures, Empowerment, Community, Inner strength

The River Is My Ocean

Rio Cortez

Every day, Abuela misses the ocean in Puerto Rico. But on Saturdays, when the sun is high, Abuela takes her granddaughter on a walk down the hill in Harlem to Twelfth Avenue, to a place that is just as magical: the Hudson River.

There, they admire the iconic waterway that brought millions of new Americans to its shores, make offerings to Yemaya, the goddess portrayed as a mermaid in ancient religions, and celebrate familial love passed down through the generations, showing the vastness of expansive intergenerational love, memory and the childlike curiosity they each inspire.

PUBLISHED: Aug 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Intergenerational, Heritage, Migration, Puerto Rican diaspora

Plátanos Are Love

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

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.

PUBLISHED: 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Cooking, Recipe, Family, Identity, Heritage, Multicultural

The Table

Winsome Bingham

For years, a mining family’s life revolves around their table. It’s where they eat, read, sew, laugh, and pay the bills; it’s stained with easter egg paint, warmed by fresh biscuits and the soft morning sun.

Outside the house, though, Appalachia changes. The coal mine closes, and the bills keep coming. Eventually, there’s no choice but to move on— and to say goodbye to the table.

But then: When a young girl’s father sees the table by the road, he slams on the brakes. A lifelong carpenter, he can see it’s something special. They bring it home and clean it up; sitting around it, they eat and work and laugh. The girl wonders if another child once sat there, if they were anything like her. She’ll never know . . . but the table remembers.

The Table is about the similarity between people whose lives are entirely different. The details of these different lives take many forms, but the love underlying both of these families makes them much more similar than they are different. The center of this book is family love, and the many important connections we share with the family we live with. Even in strife, this book shows, love provides a literal support.

PUBLISHED: 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Power of love, Resilience, Family relations, Bridging differences

Fish Fry Friday

 Winsome Bingham

One special Friday when school is closed, our narrator finally gets to join Granny for her day’s routine. Rods and reels, lures and lines, bobbers and baits are packed in Granny’s Jeep.

Everyone cheers when Granny arrives at the pier—“the queen has arrived!” After reeling in the perfect catch together, they carefully scale and skin, cut and gut, batter and fry the fish into beautiful filets.

But the family meal isn’t complete until Grandson adds his own special side dish to the table—made just like Granny taught Momma, and like Momma taught him.

PUBLISHED: 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Soul Food, Heritage foods, family, multigenerational

Soul Food Sunday

 Winsome Bingham

At Granny’s, Sunday isn’t Sunday without a big family gathering over a lovingly prepared meal. Old enough now, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time: He joins Granny in grating the cheese, cleaning the greens, and priming the meat for Roscoe Ray’s grill. But just when Granny says they’re finished, her grandson makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering—and the many more to come.

PUBLISHED: 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Soul Food, Heritage foods, family, traditions, multigenerational

When Julia Danced Bomba

Raquel Ortiz

Julia is having a hard time at dance class. When Julia hears she will have to compete in the bombazo, she's scared. 

But after she feels the drums and loses herself in the beat, she has fun

PUBLISHED: October 2019

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Bilingual, Cultural Affirmation

PROJECT OPTIONS

Explore How Your Family Traditions May Be Rooted In Dance, Music, And Art

Vicki and A Summer of Change! ¡Vicki y un verano de cambio!

Raquel Ortiz

Inspired by actual events, Vicki and A Summer of Change! ¡Vicki y un verano de cambio! the story recounts what happened in East Harlem, New York in 1969. Members of the activist Young Lords Organization united with residents to make positive neighborhood changes. The story follows Vicki Alegría Rodríguez and her older sister, Valentina, who live in East Harlem. Rotting garbage overwhelms the streets because city sanitation trucks rarely pick up the trash. Determined to change the situation, the Young Lords start sweeping the streets. Neighbors eagerly jump in with brooms, and Vicki enthusiastically joins them. “You’re never too young to make a difference!” her sister says. Together they discover they can help change their community and the world.

PUBLISHED: October 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Bilingual, Young Lords, Latinx, Puerto Rican/Nuyorican history, Community Control, Civil disobedience

My Sister, Daisy

Adria Karlsson 

Daisy’s older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy’s brother must adjust to the change―including what it means for him and their relationship. A powerful, moving picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.

PUBLISHED: 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Transgender, Identity, LGBTQ, Diverse families

Dancing with Water

Gwendolyn Wallace 

As new hotels and factories pop up across town, clean water becomes harder to find. Sometimes, no water flows at all. Kit is sad for Grandpa—and for Earth. But one day, Grandpa senses that Kit is ready to dance with water too. Grandpa reminds Kit that the energy and strength of their people flows through the water. As they wait and watch for fresh, clear water to flow up from the ground again, Kit recognizes the power shared between themself and Earth. Sam is a very confident girl and loves her family and friends

PUBLISHED: August 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY (FLY IN): Winter, Spring

THEMES: Environmentalism, Community, Hope, Water stewardship

The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons

 M. O. Yuksel 

Ulugh Beg’s curiosity burned as bright as the stars. He yearned to count every star in the sky, every day in a year, and to know why the seasons change. Fueled by his deep faith, Ulugh Beg’s quest for knowledge led to the creation of new schools, the world’s largest observatory and star catalog, and innovative tools to better chart the secrets of the skies. Although some doubted him, he never stopped searching for answers. And because of his determination, our understanding of the world has changed—forever.

This portrait of a trailblazing Muslim astronomer reminds us just how far curiosity can take us.

PUBLISHED: Sept 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEAM, Astronomy, Muslim historical figures

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Simran Jeet Singh

Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to do everything he'd like to. He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to be the first ever person over 100 to run a marathon.

PUBLISHED: August 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Fall, Winter Spring, Summer

THEMES: Disability, Cultural Affirmation

PROJECT OPTIONS

Dreamscape your life for when you are 80 years old, decide where you are and who you want to be, anything is possible!

King Khalid is PROUD

Veronica N. Chapman

King Khalid is a clever and courageous boy who loves to play video games, but his bedtime gets in the way. So King Khalid learns how to design his own video game so he can stay up late by taking a coding class. Along the way, he accomplishes something that makes everyone proud.

PUBLISHED: May 2019

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEM, Social Emotional Learning

PROJECT OPTIONS

Pitch a video game that challenges gamers to level up! 

Sam's Super Seats

Keah Brown

Sam is a very confident girl and loves her family and friends. Sam also loves comfortable seats. Sam has a physical disability called Cerebral Palsy so rest and comfort are very important to her. Sam has a fun day at the mall with friends before the new school year but when she gets tired and meets an uncomfy seat, she gets the best idea.

PUBLISHED: August 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY (FLY IN): Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Social Justice, Disability, SEL, STEM

PROJECT OPTIONS

Design A Comfortable Seat to Share

H is for Harlem

Dinah Johnson

Discover the Harlem icons that have defined generations of American culture. Harlem is full of remarkable treasures, including museums, performance spaces, community centers, and more—all of which come to life in this lavish celebration of Harlem as an epicenter of African American history and a vibrant neighborhood that continues to shape our world. At once a love letter and a rich alphabetical archive, H Is for Harlem highlights communities and traditions that connect our past and present. 

PUBLISHED: June 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall

THEMES: Black history, Harlem, Biography

Jabari Tries

Gaia Cornwall 

Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.

PUBLISHED: January 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring

THEMES: Perseverance, Problem solving; Experimenting

Joy Takes Root 

Gwendolyn Wallace

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. 

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.

PUBLISHED: January 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring

THEMES: Cultural Affirmation, SEL, Environment/Stewardship

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow  

As affirming as it is touching and warm, Hold Them Close encourages young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, as well as their power to change the world. A perfect book for shared story time, this book will inspire young people to march forth with pride, glow, and happiness.

PUBLISHED: January 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Ancestors, Black history, Positive change, Personal power

Caterpillars: What Will I Be When I Get to be Me?

Kevin McCloskey 

Is it a worm? Is it a snake? No! It’s a caterpillar . . . and it’s on its way to one of the most magical transformations in the insect world, from a crawling digestive tube to a fluttering glasswing, luna moth, or monarch on its journey across thousands-of-miles. Young readers will explore how caterpillars morph into the many different moths and butterflies that help pollinate our world. Growing up is scary, but caterpillars can lead the way!

PUBLISHED: January 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEAM, change, metamorphosis

The Real Poop on Pigeons

Kevin McCloskey 

Did you know a pigeon can fly faster than a car and farther than a small airplane? Or that they have something unusual in common with penguins, flamingos, and even the dodo? With his trademark mix of humor, well-researched facts, and artistry, Kevin McCloskey delivers the straight poop on these humble creatures, which turn out to be...coo, coo, COOL!

PUBLISHED: January 2019

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEAM, selective mutations

 Ants don't wear Pants!

Kevin McCloskey 

Let yourself be captivated by these tiny, fascinating creatures that you can find in any backyard near you! They hear with their legs and smell with their antennae—some even explode! Author Kevin McCloskey points his magnifying glass for a close-up look at an anthill, shrinking young readers down, down, down into the underground colonies that ants call home. 

PUBLISHED: January 2019

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEAM, insects, anatomy

The Bronx Is My Home

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris 

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.  

PUBLISHED: Oct, 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Neighborhood pride, Multigenerational, Family, Community

My Paati's Saris

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

done in preparation for tonight’s party; threading flowers into garlands for decoration, going to the market, and helping her in the kitchen with the scent of sambar in the air.

Through it all the boy finds comfort in Paati’s sari, whether he’s wrapped in its colors for dress-up or clutching its folds for comfort. Each sari holds a story—ones that speak to him, but most important of all they allow him just to be.

PUBLISHED: Nov 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Multicultural, Identity, Self Expression, Cultural Affirmation

Mural Island 

Katie Yamasaki

Minoru Yamasaki described the feeling he sought to create in his buildings as “serenity, surprise, and delight.” Here, Katie Yamasaki charts his life and work: his childhood in Seattle’s Japanese immigrant community, paying his way through college working in Alaska’s notorious salmon canneries, his success in architectural school, and the transformative structures he imagined and built. A Japanese American man who faced brutal anti-Asian racism in post–World War II America and an outsider to the architectural establishment, he nonetheless left his mark on the world, from the American Midwest to New York City, Asia, and the Middle East.

PUBLISHED: Oct 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Immigrant, overcoming obstacles/adversity, Determination

First Day Around the World 

Ibi Zoboi 

How do children around the world spend their first day of school?

Some eat warm akara for breakfast in Nigeria, while others unwrap lunches of kluski in Poland. In China, they practice intricate characters in special notebooks, and in Argentina, they learn each other's names in a sing-song memory game. No matter where in the world, every student has something new to look forward to on their first day!

PUBLISHED: June 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Multicultural, Cultural Similarities, Identity, Community

Over in the Mangroves

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Over in the mangroves by the river in the sun, slinks a fierce mama tiger and her little tiger one.

Inspired by the classic nursery rhyme, Over in the Mangroves is a fresh take that layers counting and social emotional moments into a beautiful interactive tale. From dawn to dusk, this enchanting story follows forest animals as they fish, swim, dig, and bask before a storm sends them all searching for shelter among the mangrove trees.

PUBLISHED: July 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Ecosystems, SEL

One Sweet Song

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

In a quiet neighborhood, a single note trills through the air. Another note joins, and then another. One by one, curious people are drawn to their windows, doorways, and balconies to support the medley. Professional musicians play instruments from around the world, while others bang pots and pans. All are welcome as the notes swirl and dip and crescendo, coming together to make one sweet song. And when the music fades and this diverse neighborhood is once again silent, the reverberations of unity remain. .

PUBLISHED: Jan 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Music, Collectivism, Community

A Universe Big & Small: A Story About Carl Sagan

James Yang 

When Carl stared out the window, he had many questions.

Astronomer and scientist Carl Sagan loved asking questions—he wanted to learn about everything from the smallest atoms to the vastness of the galaxy. And by using his imagination and allowing himself to dream up questions big and small, he inspired others to keep exploring the mysteries of the universe and our place in it.

PUBLISHED: July 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter

THEMES: Astrophysics, Carl Sagan, Astronomy, STEM, Biography

A Vaisakhi to Remember

Simran Jeet Singh

When a Sikh family moves from their village in India to a faraway city on the other side of the world, a girl yearns for her grandmother's hugs, her goat Ramu, and the lush fields filled with yellow flowers and wheat. How will they celebrate Vaisakhi in her new and unfamiliar surroundings?

But the girl soon discovers soothing touchstones—a special outfit, a trip to gurdwara, delicious food, and new friends—that make gathering for Vaisakhi still the best day of all.

PUBLISHED: March 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Heritage, Community, Newcomer, Cultural celebrations

Mural Island 

Katie Yamasaki

On the front steps, inside the fridge, across the bathroom mirror, atop the cafeteria tables, even on the roll of toilet paper. Kengi’s parents are frustrated, and their principal tells them they need to stop. But Ms. Beatriz tells Kengi there’s somewhere in the neighborhood that they should visit.

When Kengi arrives at Mural Island, they discover a place where people can paint safely, freely, and joyfully. So Kengi does. But they’re not the only one painting each day, and soon Kengi recognizes that their art doesn’t have to be permanent to be monumental.

PUBLISHED: March 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Mural, Community, Art, Expression

The Golden Hoops

Jen Hayes Lee 

Golden hoops are magic. That’s what Mommy says.

And Janey has always wanted her own pair of glowing golden hoops, just like the ones her mother wears.

Finally, the day comes when Janey gets her own. With her hoops, Janey can do anything. She feels like a million bucks! But when she gets home, Janey discovers that one of her hoops has gone missing.

Without her special hoops, can Janey find her magic again?

PUBLISHED: September 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Inner beauty, Sisterhood, Black culture

The ABCs of Women's History

Rio Cortez

In a beautiful picture book brimming with G for Groundbreaking women, National Book Award nominee Rio Cortez and illustrator Lauren Semmer celebrate all the joys, challenges, and historic forward movement of women’s history in the United States, with a special focus on the Black women, brown women, transwomen, and others who make change happen. This is a book about Artists, Activists and Allies, about Civil Rights and Choice, about Freedom Fighters, Headliners, Labor -- and Librarians! It’s about historic moments—Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first African-American and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States; Title IX passing through Congress; Seneca Falls, where the first women’s rights convention was held; the Riot Grrrls movement; and so much more. 

PUBLISHED: Jan 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Female historical figures, Social Justice, Change makers

Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote

Dinah Johnson

Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Here is Ida’s story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women’s March of 1913.

PUBLISHED: Jan 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall

THEMES: Women's rights, Black suffragist, Biography

The Sand Beneath the Waves

Danette Vigilante

The Sand Beneath the Waves invites young readers on a lyrical journey through coral reefs, swirling currents, burrowing clams - and even a dancing octopus - all while exploring the ocean's role in shaping the sand we walk on.

Blending playful rhyme with real elements of ocean science, this gentle and imaginative picture book inspires curiosity about the natural world. With vivid illustrations and poetic language, it's a perfect read-aloud for classrooms, beach lovers, and budding marine explorers.

PUBLISHED: June 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Spring

THEMES: Conservation, Ocean

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood  

Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is a deeply moving middle grade memoir about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how, drawn to activism from childhood, she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday to become a national holiday as an adult. A blueprint for kids starting down their own paths to civic awareness, it shows life beyond protests and details the sustained time, passion, and energy it takes to turn an idea into a law.

PUBLISHED: Jan 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Winter, Spring

THEMES: Martin Luther King's Day, Civil Rights movement, how a bill becomes a law, who decides what holidays are celebrated, autobiography

Everything Naomi Loved

Katie Yamasaki

Honking cars, pizza by the slice, Hair by Carmen, the corner bodega―and Naomi’s best friend, Ada.

But 11th Street begins to change. Shops close, buildings are torn down, and signs promise something new. One by one, Naomi’s neighbors are forced to move. Faced with the transformation of her city block, Naomi picks up a paintbrush. When something we love goes away we paint it on the wall so it’s always with us, her neighbor Mister Ray tells her. Naomi turns her 11th Street memories into a great mural―and discovers that where she finds people to love, she will have a place to love.

PUBLISHED: Sept 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Gentrification, Community, Murals

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi

James Yang 

Winner of the Theordor Seuss Geisel Award in 2020 for Stop! Bot!, James Yang imagines a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist, Isamu Noguchi. Wandering through an outdoor market, through the forest, and then by the ocean, Isamu sees things through the eyes of a young artist . . .but also in a way that many children will relate. Stones look like birds. And birds look like stones.

PUBLISHED: June 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter

THEMES: Isamu Noguchi, Creativity, Design, Intentionality

It Must Be Make-Believe

Shedia Smalls-Douglas 

Kai is convinced that Daddy's fantastical stories of New Orleans, filled with parades, snowballs, and gators CANNOT be true. Join Kai on her very first family trip to the Big Easy where she learns that things aren't always what they seem.

PUBLISHED: Feb 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: Travel, Imagination, Family, Make Believe, Cultural Affirmation

Dad Bakes

Katie Yamasaki

Dad wakes early every morning before the sun, heading off to work at the bakery. He kneads, rolls, and bakes, and as the sun rises and the world starts its day, Dad heads home to his young daughter. Together they play, read, garden, and―most importantly―they bake.

This lovely, resonant picture book was inspired by muralist Katie Yamasaki’s work with formerly incarcerated people. With subtle, uncluttered storytelling amplified by her monumental and heartfelt paintings, she has created a powerful story of love, of family, and of reclaiming a life with joy.

PUBLISHED: Oct 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Family, Formerly incarcerated, Father/daughter relationships

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect

Hilda Eunice Burgos 

Miguel Rosado wants nothing more than to see and draw the world… or, at least anywhere beyond the four walls of his family’s bodega in Washington Heights. Too bad his mami and papi have him working long hours after school, hoping he’ll appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made to keep the store afloat. For street-savvy and newly-adopted cat Lolo, that sounds just perfect if it means he’s far, far away from the hungry, lonely nights he once spent in the freezing cold outdoors.

But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities and lies to his parents about joining art club, his dream of juggling it all comes crashing down. Lolo will have to decide if he's willing to be there for his new friend Miguel through anything―even venturing back into the frightful outdoors and busy New York City sidewalks. Can they trust each other enough to take on this adventure together?

PUBLISHED: Jan 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Spring, Summer

THEMES: Empathy, friendship, honesty, family sacrifices

Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around

Hilda Eunice Burgos 

Everyone thinks Yesenia is calm, collected, and crushing it. But really, her stomach is constantly a ball of nerves. With parents who left their home in the Dominican Republic to make a better life for their kids, and three perfect, over-achieving older sisters, Yesenia can't let anyone know about the anxiety that’s causing her to fall behind in school. When her doctor tells her parents that taking care of an animal could help, little did they know her newly adopted kitten would be such a mischievous influence.

All kitten Candy can think about is adventure–and what’s she supposed to do when her owner is cooped up inside helping at the bodega? But when Candy escapes and gets lost in New York City for a night, she realizes maybe the big open world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Can these two find a way out of feeling so lost, as long they’re together?

PUBLISHED: Jan 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Spring, Summer

THEMES: Community, empathy, friendship, mental health

Bodega Cats: Pawsome Pals

Hilda Eunice Burgos 

Baseball means everything to Gregory. Not just because it feels like he’s flying when he hits a homerun, but also since it reminds him of summers spent playing with his cousin in the Dominican Republic. But when his accident benches him for the season, he's doomed to sitting around his parents’ bodega all day long.

For street cat Amber, who was born with a missing leg and left on the street as a kitten, life has always been about staying away from danger, keeping her belly full, and finding joy in the little things. But when she spots a human boy whose leg is broken, she remembers what it's like to need help when you feel lost and alone. How far will these two go to make a friend when they need one most?

PUBLISHED: July 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Spring, Summer

THEMES: Community, empathy; friendship, helping others

The Cot in the Living Room

Hilda Eunice Burgos 

Night after night, a young girl watches her mami set up a cot in the living room for guests in their Washington Heights apartment, like Raquel (who's boring) and Edgardo (who gets crumbs everywhere). She resents that they get the entire living room with a view of the George Washington Bridge, while all she gets is a tiny bedroom with a view of her sister (who snores). Until one night when no one comes, and it's finally her chance! But as it turns out, sleeping on the cot in the living room isn't all she thought it would be.

PUBLISHED: June 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Spring, Summer

THEMES: Community, Working Families, Sharing, Sympathy, Welcoming, Helping others/Mutual Aid

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow  

Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes

PUBLISHED: March 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: SEL, Neurodiversity, Growth Mindset

My Chinatown

Kam Mak

My Chinatown explores a boy's first year in the United States. After emigrating from China, as he grows to love his new home in Chinatown through food, games, and the people surrounding him. Through Kam Mak's spare verse and richly detailed artwork, the streets of Chinatown come vividly alive.

PUBLISHED: January 2016

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY (local): Spring

THEMES: Cultural Affirmation, gentrification, newcomers, Chinatown

PROJECT OPTIONS

Write a Sensory Description of Your Favorite Food; Share about your neighborhood and its changes

My Block Looks Like

Janelle Harper

A lyrical and proud picture book that recognizes the beauty of the bodegas, subways, and playgrounds that characterize everyday life in the Bronx and pays homage to the ways that its residents have shaped pop culture through music, visual art, and dance. 

PUBLISHED: Jan 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: NYC, Bronx culture, neighborhood pride, identity

Salon Saturday 

Janelle Harper

A little girl’s first trip to the salon is a rite of passage, but choosing a new hairstyle is feeling like an impossible task! There are so many styles to choose from—bobs, buns, coils, fros, and more. And according to Grandma, Momma, and Sissy, choosing the best one means thinking about ease, lifestyle, and personality…It’s A LOT to think about!

When the options seem overwhelming, the young girl decides to search for what feels right today, and that there’s always a future salon visit to try something new. While admiring the three loving women who have guided her through this big day, she finally sees it…her own kind of beautiful!

PUBLISHED: September 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Family, SEL, identity, self-love

Halal Hot Dogs

Susannah Aziz

Every Friday after Jummah prayer at the masjid, Musa's family has a special Jummah treat. They take turns picking out what the treat will be, but recently the choices have been . . . interesting. Week one, Mama made molokhia. It's perfect for sharing, but gives us molokhia teeth for days! Week two, Baba burned the kufte kebabs on the grill. Week three, Seedi made his favorite riz b'haleeb-creamy rice pudding with pistachio sprinkled on top with an unexpected ingredient. Last week, Maryam brought jellybeans. . . . Finally, it's Musa's turn to pick, and he picks his favorite-halal hot dogs! But actually getting to eat this deliciousness turns into a journey riddled with obstacles. Will he ever get his favorite tasty treat?

PUBLISHED: May 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: heritage foods, cultural pride, Muslim experiences

Freedom, We Sing

Amyra León

As powerful as it is beautiful, Freedom, We Sing is a lyrical picture book designed to inspire and give hope to readers around the world. Molly Mendoza's immersive, lush illustrations invite kids to ponder singer/songwriter Amyra León's poem about what it means to be free. It's the perfect book for parents who want a way to gently start the conversation with their kids about finding hope in these very tense times we are living in.

PUBLISHED: July 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Freedom/liberation, SEL, Social Justice, Poetry, Collectivism

Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden

Jenan Matari

Jiddo’s garden is a wonder. In it grows so many amazing things—to see, smell, and taste. But helping him to tend the garden teaches this young girl about even more than fig trees. It gives her a chance to discover just who she is.

Many years ago, like so many Palestinians, her family was forced to leave their homeland. But Jiddo shows her how, until they can return, tending a garden can connect them to home—and to each other!

PUBLISHED: Sept 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Land sovereignty, heirloom seeds, Palestinian diaspora, Liberation, intergenerational relationships, family

These Olive Trees

Aya Ghanameh 

It’s 1967 in Nablus, Palestine. Oraib loves the olive trees that grow outside the refugee camp where she lives. Each harvest, she and her mama pick the small fruits and she eagerly stomp stomp stomps on them to release their golden oil. Olives have always tied her family to the land, as Oraib learns from the stories Mama tells of a home before war.

But war has come to their door once more, forcing them to flee. Even as her family is uprooted, Oraib makes a solemn promise to her beloved olive trees. She will see to it that their legacy lives on for generations to come.

PUBLISHED: August 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY (virtual): Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: Culture, Refugees, Palestine, Displacement, Love for homeland

Harlem Grown

Tony Hillery

Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration. Five years later, the kids and their parents, with the support of the Harlem Grown staff, grow thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables a year. All of it is given to the kids and their families. 

PUBLISHED: August 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEM, Social Justice, Environment, Agriculture, Community, Harlem

Saturdays at Harlem Grown

Tony Hillery

Mr. Tony and Nevaeh, a student, planted a farm. And then the word got out. Every Saturday people came to help: moms, dads, neighbors, shopkeepers. Everyone pitched in and raked, tiled, dug, and planted. It was beautiful in spring and summer, and when the weather turned to fall, it was time to harvest so everyone could experience the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. Together they composted, recycled, and enjoyed. They built a garden. They built a community, too.

PUBLISHED: July 2024

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

THEMES: STEM, Social Justice, Environment, Agriculture, Community, Harlem

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes

Traci N. Todd

Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature "Jackie joy" while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?

PUBLISHED: Jan 2023

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Black cartoonist, Black historical figures, social justice

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone 

Traci N. Todd

Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder, like her mother's preaching, and in much the same way as her career. During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam, Nina's voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination.

PUBLISHED: Sept 2021

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Equality, Social justice, Historical Black female figures, Culture

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote

Traci N. Todd

Stacey Abrams, politician and Nobel peace prize nominee, is brought to life in this poetic picture book biography that follows Abrams’s fight for voters’ rights. Narrated by Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer, this powerful story tells how Abrams’s work was inspired by those luminaries before her.

PUBLISHED: Aug 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Voting Rights, Liberation, Equality, social justice, Historical Black female figures

This Is Not A Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets

Traci N. Todd

Lovingly compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches on a wide range of themes-hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is paired with vibrant, inviting illustrations by Jade Orlando.

This beautiful gift book is a remarkable and moving tribute to the rich literary history and bright future of Black writing.

PUBLISHED: Sept 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Poetry, Black culture, social justice

Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns: A Mesoamerican Creation Myth

Duncan Tonatiuh 

Long ago, the gods of Mesoamerica set out to create humans. They tried many times during each sun, or age. When all their attempts failed and the gods grew tired, only one did not give up: Quetzalcóatl—the Feathered Serpent. To continue, he first had to retrieve the sacred bones of creation guarded by Mictlantecuhtli, lord of the underworld. Gathering his staff, shield, cloak, and shell ornament for good luck, Feathered Serpent embarked on the dangerous quest to create humankind.

Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the story of Feathered Serpent, one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerica. With his instantly recognizable, acclaimed art style and grand storytelling, Tonatiuh recounts a thrilling creation tale of epic proportions.

PUBLISHED: Sept 2020

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Fall, Winter, Spring (virtual)

THEMES: Mexico, Aztec, Ancient civilizations, Creation myths

A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters

Duncan Tonatiuh 

A young Aztec girl tells her little brother how their parents create beautiful painted manuscripts, or codices. She explains to him how paper is made from local plants and how the long paper is folded into a book. Her parents and others paint the codices to tell the story of their people’s way of life, documenting their history, science, tributes, and sacred rituals.

Duncan Tonatiuh’s lyrical prose and beloved illustration style, inspired by the pre-Columbian codices, tell the story of how—contrary to the historical narrative that European colonizers bestowed “civilization” and knowledge to the Americas—the Aztec and their neighbors in the Valley of Mexico painted books and records long before Columbus arrived, and continued doing so among their Nahua-speaking descendants for generations after the Spanish Conquest. From an award-winning author-illustrator, A Land of Books pays tribute to Mesoamerican ingenuity and celebrates the universal power of books.

PUBLISHED: Nov 2022

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Fall, Winter, Spring (virtual)

THEMES: Mexico, Aztec, Ancient civilizations

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone 

Traci N. Todd

Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed “The First Lady of Children’s Music.” For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Sound, Ella’s life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right off the page.

Ella’s journey—from the gritty streets of Chicago to the classrooms where she found her calling to an opportunity to raise her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., to the spotlight of the world’s stage—is rhythmically, joyfully, brilliantly illuminated. For readers familiar with Ella Jenkins or new to her work, this nonfiction picture book offers a treasury of inspiration that touches on American history, civil rights, cultural awareness, and the incredible power of music.

PUBLISHED: Jan 2025

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Winter 

THEMES: Equality, Social justice, Historical Black female figures, Civil Rights, Arts, Community

Just Right

 Torrey Maldonado 

Toby’s mom always says there are people that make you feel just right. And while his dad can be hard to please, it’s a different story with his uncle. Uncle showers Toby with smiles, hugs, and kind words, and his garage is like a second home to Toby—there’s even a chair with Toby’s name on it next to Uncle’s desk! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to make him feel just right.

Torrey Maldonado’s heartwarming picture book celebrates loving caregivers and highlights the powerful impact they can have on the life of a child.

PUBLISHED: Jan 2026

AUTHOR AVAILABILITY:  Fall, Winter, Spring

THEMES: relationships, chosen family, role models, diverse families