Elementary Texts

14 Cows for America
by Carmen Agra Deedy 

In June of 2002, a mere nine months since the September 11 attacks, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unexpected as it is extraordinary.

Hearts are raw as these legendary Maasai warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
by Catherine O'Neill Grace 

Countering the prevailing, traditional story of the first Thanksgiving, with its black-hatted, silver-buckled Pilgrims; blanket-clad, be-feathered Indians; cranberry sauce; pumpkin pie; and turkey, this lushly illustrated photo-essay presents a more measured, balanced, and historically accurate version of the three-day harvest celebration in 1621. 

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin 

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble?

In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.

A Kids Book About Racism
by Jelani Memory 

A clear explanation of what racism is and how to know when you see it.

Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic. 

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshall
by  Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

 Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired.. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West. 

Baseball in April and
Other Stories
by Gary Soto 

The Mexican American author Gary Soto draws on his own experience of growing up in California’s Central Valley in this finely crafted collection of eleven short stories that reveal big themes in the small events of daily life. The smart, tough, vulnerable kids in these stories are Latino, but their dreams and desires belong to all of us. 

Between Madison
and Palmetto
by Jacqueline Woodson 

Margaret and Maizon are back together on Madison Street, but their friendship is different now. Margaret needs more time alone, and it's not just the two of them any more-their new neighbor and classmate, Caroline, has become part of their lives. But that seems minor next to what is about to happen to Maizon. 

Big Feelings
By Alexandra Penfold Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

In their bestselling picture book All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman celebrate kindness, inclusivity, and diversity. Now with Big Feelings, they help children navigate the emotional challenges they face in their daily lives.

What should we do when things don’t go to plan? 

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho  

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.

Family Forever: A Story of Families and Autism 
by Sesame Street 

This Sesame Street picture book features Julia and her family and friends as they spend a day in the park. When Julia’s beloved fuzzy friend Fluffster goes missing, everyone works together to find him, and by the end it is clear that when “family and friends stick together,” everyone is happy! 

Fire and Ice: Stories of Winter from around the World
by Lari Don

A shaman hunts a silver fox through the frosted snow. A brave little robin defies a polar bear. The blind Viking god of winter plays a dangerous game with his brother, the god of summer.  Explore wintertime through the eyes of cultures around the world with this chilly collection of traditional tales. 

First Day In Grapes
by L. King Perez 

All year long Chico and his family move up and down the state of California picking fruits and vegetables. Every September they pick grapes and Chico starts at a new school again. Chico's first day in third grade turns out to be different. When the fourth-grade bullies confront Chico in the lunchroom, he responds wisely with strengths of his own.

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol
by Andres Miedoso 

Welcome to Kersville, a town with a spooky history and a collection of ghosts and spirits who are major mischief-makers. Most kids spend their days without ever seeing or dealing with a ghost, but some kids get stuck with a haunt. When that happens, they call Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol. Desmond is the hall monitor of ghosts and monsters. There’s no job too spooky, icky, or risky for Desmond. 

Julian's Glorious Summer
by Ann Cameron

Julian isn’t afraid of lions or tigers, but he is scared of . . . bicycles?

 Julian’s friend Gloria has a brand-new bicycle. She makes riding it look easy, but Julian is scared. Bicycles are shiny, whizzing, wobbly things. And he’s not ready to ride one. But he can’t tell Gloria he’s scared, so he tells a fib instead. He almost gets away with it . . . 

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
by Hena Khan

Magnificently capturing the colorful world of Islam for the youngest readers, this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn, with a young Muslim girl as a guide. 

Grandfather Counts
By Andrea Cheng

Helen is bothered by having to give up her room to Gong Gong, her Chinese grandfather, when he comes to live with the family. As she can no longer watch the trains from her bedroom window, she sits on the concrete wall in the backyard to count the cars and wave to the engineer. It's there one evening that Gong Gong joins her and teaches her to count the cars in Chinese. So begin their language lessons and a special relationship. 

It Will Be OK: A story of empathy, kindness, and friendship
by Lisa Katzenberger 

Giraffe and Zebra meet every day under their favorite tree to walk to the watering hole. But today, Giraffe isn't there! Where could he be? Zebra spots him hiding in the tree; Giraffe has seen a spider and is scared silly. Zebra patiently talks to Giraffe and does the very best thing: supports Giraffe for as long as Giraffe needs it. 

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor

In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges—and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. 

Knockin' On Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates
by Lynne Barasch

As a young boy, Clayton loved to dance, but when he lost his left leg in a factory accident at age twelve, no one thought he would ever walk again, let alone dance. But Clayton's musical spirit was still alive. Soon he was dancing using crutches, then a peg leg. Within a short time his peg leg matched the dancing ability of his other leg.

The Land
by Mildred D. Taylor

 
The son of a prosperous landowner and a former slave, Paul-Edward Logan is unlike any other boy he knows. His white father has acknowledged him and raised him openly-something unusual in post-Civil War Georgia. But as he grows into a man he learns that life for someone like him is not easy.