Tag: 101 Great Books for Kids

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Picture Books

October 30, 2023

Picture Books

1. Big by Vashti Harrison

This little girl has a big laugh, a big heart, and big dreams. But when other people start tearing into her because of her size, she has to find the bravery to stand out. Call Number: JPicture Harri.V

 

2. The Brothers Zzli by Alex Cousseau, ill. Anne-Lise Boutin, translated by Vineet Lal

A little girl living in the woods invites three bears, driven from their home, to stay with her. But when her neighbors become hostile, will the bears stay or go? Call Number: JPicture Couss.A

 

3. Catside Up, Catside Down: A Book of Prepositions by Anna Hrachovec

Cozy knitted kitties in kooky situations are up, down, on, and around. Simple and hilarious, these gentle rhymes are a sure-fire hit. Call Number: JPicture Hrach.A

 

4. Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

Little squirrel Evergreen has many fears, and now is the time face them. Why? Because today she is heading into the woods to deliver healing soup to an ailing Granny Oak. Call Number: JPicture Corde.M

 

5. Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans, ill. Thi Bui

One day Mai’s funny, playful papa goes away, traveling from Vietnam to the US. Now she finds herself with mama on a crowded boat, traveling a turbulent ocean to a new country. Will she ever see her papa again? Call Number: JPicture Krans.A

 

6. Grandma’s Tipi: A Present-Day Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson

When Clara and her cousin Juniper spend their summer with their Grandmother, they learn all about a family and tribal history that’s all tied to a tipi passed down through the generations. Call Number: JPicture Nelso.S

 

7. Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, ill. Maya Fidawi

Lucky Samira gets to go to the bazaar with her grandmother for the very first time. But when she gets nervous, will she be able to hide under Mama Shamsi’s chador? A playful rhyming tale. Call Number: JPicture Hassa.M

 

8. Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo

When a classroom full of new Kindergartners comes in on the first day of school they don’t find any adults, just a sandwich on a desk. Could this be their new teacher?!? Call Number: JPicture Arnal.M

 

9. My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott, ill. Sydney Smith

Every morning, before school, a boy is driven to his grandmother’s tiny house where they take walks and save worms on rainy days. An evocative look at childhood and the small kindnesses we do for the ones we love. Call Number: JPicture Scott.J

 

10. My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

The narrator of this tale tells the peculiar and beautiful story of how his immigrant parents traded inches of their height to support their son. As he grows up, they grow down. A story of love and of sacrifice. Call Number: JPicture Sword.Z

 

11. Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond, ill. Maribel Lechuga

All Sova wants is to finally see a saw-whet owl. Her mom’s a scientist and they’re hoping to measure, weigh, and mark one, but first Sova must learn an important truth: A scientist must learn to wait. Call Number: JPicture Edwar.S

 

12. The Night Tent by Landis Blair

At night Watson’s anxieties keep him wide awake. That is, until he discovers an entire world under his covers (and maybe the key to real shuteye). Call Number: JPicture Blair.L

 

13. Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo, ill. Eliza Kinkz

It’s Saturday so Jesús gets to go with Papá on his landscaping jobs. Papá says that when their water-jug is empty it’s time to go home. Hilarity (and copious water consumption) ensues. Call Number: JPicture Trejo.J

 

14. The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage

Dr. Morley and her superb crew are embarking on an adventure to finally see a giant arctic jellyfish. Will they succeed or is this creature more elusive than they think? Call Number: JPIcture Savag.C

 

15. Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith

What’s better than loving the world? Getting to show it to someone else for the first time! A thorny little hero explains to an “alien” why our planet is so darned great. Call Number: JPicture Smith.L

 

16. Ten-Word Tiny Tales to Inspire and Unsettle by Joseph Coelho and 21 Artist Friends

Tell me a story in just ten words. One poet tells 21 tales and 21 artists give their eclectic interpretations. Part writing prompts, part short stories, and all very very strange. Call Number: JPicture Coelh.J

 

17. To the Other Side by Erika Meza

“The rules of the game are simple.” A boy and a girl leave home playing a game, making their way towards a border where they hope to change their lives. A beautifully rendered look at child refugees traveling on their own. Call Number: JPicture Meza.E

 

18. The Walk by Winsome Bingham, ill. E.B. Lewis

“…leaders are not born,” Granny says. “They’re made through molding and modeling.” A grandmother takes her grandchild on a community journey. Where are they going? Walk on and find out. Call Number: JPicture Bingh.W

 

19. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ill. Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

After his father dies, a boy takes a walk in the woods with the treasure map his dad left him. A powerful testament to love, family, and nature. Call Number: JPicture Grime.N

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, and Religious Tales

Fairytales, Folktales, and Religious Tales

 

20. The Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouse Pérez by Ana Cristina Herreros, ill. Violeta Lópiz, translated by Sara Lissa Paulson

Losing teeth is “the gift of growing up.” See how the Spanish Tooth Mouse tradition has changed over the years and how it connects to the Tooth Fairy. Call Number: JPicture Herre.A

 

21. Ancient Night by David Bowles, ill. David Álvarez

Every night Rabbit fills the moon with delicious aguamiel, but when clever and foolish Opossum steals the liquid for himself, the two must work together to make things right. A smart mixture of multiple Mesoamerican legends. Call Number: x398.2089974 Nahua Bowle.D

 

22. Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson

Piŋa is confronted by a giant golden eagle and given a choice: Join the eagle or suffer the same fate as his dead brothers. A marvelous retelling of the Inuit story of the origins of the Messenger Feast. Call Number: J Hopso.N

 

23. One Chicken Nugget by Tadgh Bentley

A classic folktale is updated with the help of monsters and fast food. Celeste bets Frank that he can’t double the number of chicken nuggets he eats every day for a month. At first it seems easy, but then the math kicks in… Call Number: JPicture Bentl.T

 

24. The Rabbi and His Donkey by Susan Tarcov, ill. Diana Renjina

A clever fable about a Rabbi who discovers the answer to an age old question: Is it better to get somewhere fast or to let your mind travel at its own rate? Call Number: JPicture Tarco.S

 

25. Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor

An old Aesop fable gets an upgrade. When Simon the dog spots another pup in a pond with a bone better than his own, jealousy gets the better of him. Call Number: JPicture Tabor.C

 

26. The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

A runaway girl encounters a lonely skull living in a beautiful home and the two strike up a fast friendship. A clever and touching tale adapted for a modern audience. Call Number: x398.20943 Klass.J

 

27. The Song That Called Them Home by David A. Robertson, ill. Maya McKibbin

Inspired by the stories of the Indigenous communities of Turtle Island, two siblings are lured by the inescapable song of the Memekwesewak, until the person who loves them best can call them home again. Call Number: JPicture Rober.D

 

28. Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa

Three classic Indonesian folktales are reinterpreted through a feminist lens into beautifully rendered comics. From “Keong Mas” and “Bawang Merah Bawang Putih” to “Timun Mas,” old stories gain new life. Call Number: JGraphic Angka.C

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Easy Books and Early Chapter Books

Easy and Early Chapter Books

 

29. Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis

Four short stories about two good friends. Completely charming illustrations accompany their tales of misunderstandings, kindness, and laugh-out-loud situations. Call Number: JEasy Jarvis

 

30. Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey, ill. Mika Song

In Classroom Ten, Henry relies on routines. Then, one day, his teacher announces that there will be a parade when there’s usually Share Time. A smart and reassuring book about a kid on the autism spectrum working with the unexpected. Call Number: JEasy Baile.J

 

31. Kitty-Cam by Margie Palatini, ill. Dan Yaccarino

Camera firmly attached to its head, follow a curious kitty as it goes about its day, getting into all kinds of mischief. A fabulous story for the very earliest of new readers. Call Number: JBegin Palat.M

 

32. The Rescues: Finding Home by Tommy Greenwald and Charlie Greenwald, ill. Shiho Pate

Small stories tell the tale of two shelter dogs who get adopted together, and the tiny adventures they have before and after. Call Number: JEasy Green.T

 

33. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex

Gumluck is just a little wizard who lives in a big hill, but he aspires to be more. Fortunately he has his new friends, a tiny ghost named Butterscotch and a crotchety raven named Helvetica, to help him on his way. Call Number: J Chapter Rex.A

 

34. Too Small Tola Gets Tough by Atinuke, ill. Onyinye Iwu

When the pandemic hits Lagos, Nigeria, Tola finds herself working as a housegirl for the super rich, to help her family. And when her love of numbers comes in handy, she proves that even if you’re small you can still save the day. Call Number: JChapter Atinuke

 

35. When Dad’s Hair Took Off by Jörg Mühle, translated by Melody Shaw

“Dad’s hair was sick of being brushed and combed.” Watch what happens when one man’s hair takes off to see the world … without him! Call Number: JChapter Muhle.J

 

36. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness

Worm thinks best friends should be exactly alike. Caterpillar knows that differences can also be good. So what happens when Caterpillar goes through a HUGE change? A touching and hilarious tale with lovely art. Call Number: JEasy Windn.K

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Poetry

Poetry

 

37. Animals in Pants by Suzy Levinson, ill. Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell

An irreverently illustrated picture book of simple and silly poems featuring all kinds of animals wearing all kinds of pants. Call Number: x811.6 Levin.S

 

38. Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, Ill. by Jeffery Boston Weatherford

Carole and Jeffery Boston Weatherford tell the story of their ancestors through verse, art, and painful, but ultimately empowering, research. Call Number: J Weath.C

 

39. My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harris, ill. Andrea Tsurumi

Step aside, Shel Silverstein! There’s a new funny poetry book in town and it’s going to knock you out. Get ready for elderly cavemen, nail-clippies fairies, and AWOL buffalos in this laugh-out-loud triumph of a collection. Call Number: x811 Harri.C

 

40. Robot, Unicorn, Queen: Poems for You and Me by Shannon Bramer, ill. Irene Luxbacher

A funny, touching, exciting array of poems fill this collection. From “I did what the toad toad me to do” to “Please Don’t Scream at the Piano” dive deep into some of the best poetry for kids you’ve ever read. Call Number: x811.6 Brame.S

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Fiction

Fiction

 

41. Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors, edited by Aida Salazar and Yamile Saied Méndez

Award-winning BIPOC authors each contribute an uplifting, hopeful story about tweens and teens, and their experiences with menstruation. Call Number: x808.83 Calling

 

42. The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni

When she left the family 12 years ago Garnet’s mom swore she’d never return. Now mother and daughter are back and the house, its curse, and its family are all wrapped up in a mystery that only Garnet and her special skills can unravel. Call Number: J Saler.D

 

43. Dear Mothman by Robin Gow

Ever since Noah’s best friend died he’s been fixated on finding the mysterious cryptid Mothman for his science fair project. A touching tale of grief, trans identity, and acceptance. Call Number: J Gow.R

 

44. Don’t Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton

Two vampire brothers set out to solve the mystery of a series of strange deaths in their town. Will they figure out the culprit, or will a vampire hunter get them first? Call Number: J Moult.D

 

45. Eb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist

Ebony and De’Kari (aka Flow) do not get along. How could they when their cafeteria scuffle ended with Flow’s ruined shoes, Ebony on the ground, and both of them with ten days of at-home suspension? Now they have two weeks to think about and explain their behavior—to their families, to each other, and ultimately to themselves. Call Number: J Bapti.K

 

46. The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, ill. Shawn Harris

Nobody can run like Johannes and on the island park where he lives he likes it that way. He and the other animals there are the eyes of the island, but when big changes head their way, will they be prepared to face the unknown? Call Number: J Egger.D

 

47. Flora la Fresca and the Art of Friendship by Veronica Chambers, ill. Sujean Rim

Flora’s life comes crashing down around her ears when her best friend Clara moves out of town. Will she find another BFF or be doomed to loneliness? A fast-paced little comical romp. Call Number: J Chamb.V

 

48. The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

Imagine an Anne of Green Gables where Marilla is a witch who tries to eat Anne upon sight. Grace is determined to study spells under the tutelage of the local witch. When she’s given a near impossible task to finish (or else lose her magic!), it will take all her gumption, smarts, and friends to win the day. Call Number: J Fawce.H

 

49. Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy by Megan Reyes

Having grown up on different sides of a war they didn’t start, a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier must save their world, and magic itself, from being destroyed. Call Number: J Reyes.M

 

50. Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

13-year-old aspiring poet Pandita Paul struggles to navigate grief and change in her rapidly gentrifying Silicon Valley neighborhood. Call Number: J Perki.M

 

51. Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, ill. Matthew Cordell

What are people for? Leeva is determined to find out with the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town’s librarians. A story perfect for fans of Matilda. Call Number: J Penny.S

 

52. The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

A 13-year-old boy trapped indoors in the early days of Covid-19 uncovers a dark family secret leading back to the Holodomor, the early 1930s Ukrainian famine caused by Stalin’s policies. Call Number: J Marsh.K

 

53. Maggie Lou, Firefox by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, ill. Karlene Harvey

Meet Maggie Lou, Firefox! Whether she’s boxing at the gym in a tutu, working on her dad’s construction crew, or going on her first deer hunt, this Métis kid will always keep you laughing. Call Number: J Bowes.A

 

54. The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri, ill. Daniel Miyares

Saved from a stoning by angry monks, a kid called Monkey is indebted to the fast-talking Samir, a merchant on the Silk Road. The problem? Several hired assassins have Samir in their sights, and Monkey is obligated to save him. Call Number: J Nayer.D

 

55. Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles

Unfairly kicked out of his new school, Lawrence finds himself adrift. One day he goes to the community rec center, and discovers the game of chess. Can he learn how to pull off the right moves? Call Number: J Giles.C

 

56. The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett

An asteroid is headed to Earth and it has an 84.7% chance of hitting in four days. Kemi is determined to bury a time capsule remembering her family, but in this story is everything quite what it seems? Call Number: J Evere.S

 

57. The Rhythm of Time by Questlove with S.A. Cosby

When Rahim uses the phone his best friend Kasia made for him to search his favorite old school rap group, he’s sent into the past! Now he and Kasia have to find a way to bring him back to the present before time runs out. Call Number: J Questlo

 

58. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon is the only kid in his class who survived a school shooting. Two years later, he’s starting over in a new town at a new school (7th grade), and he only wants to forget everything and fly under the radar. New friends come, but he can’t put the past away so easily, despite his best intentions. Call Number: J Bow.E

 

59. Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange

Six sisters live under a family curse. When one sibling disappears into the ghastly Mire, it’s up to brave Willa to ride into the fantastical unknown and find her. Call Number: J Stran.L

 

60. Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Laura didn’t know a 911 call to help her addict parents would result in her being forced to stay with her estranged aunt. This moving free verse novel shows Laura finding kindness and friendship, as well as an adorable pup. Call Number: J Arang.A

 

61. Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim

A powerful novel about a girl named Wen finding her strength and resilience while living with her troubled parents. When tragedy strikes the family next door, Wen must learn to help her friend too. Call Number: J Lim.R

 

62. The Worlds We Leave Behind by A.F. Harrold, ill. Levi Pinfold

After Hex causes an accident, he runs into the woods where he discovers a mysterious stranger who offers him a terrifying chance to alter the universe. Eerie and haunting. Call Number: J Harro.A

 

63. You Are Here: Connecting Flights, edited by Ellen Oh

A dozen amazing Asian-American middle grade authors each contribute a story set on a stormy day in a fictional Chicago airport. As 12 middle schoolers wait to board their respective flights, they each take a thrilling stand for justice…and themselves. Call Number: x808.83 You

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Comics and Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels

 

64. Eerie Tales from the School of Screams by Graham Annable

Davis and Emily’s teacher asks her students to tell her the creepiest stories they know. Buckle up as you read through this array of scary, gross, and occasionally terrifying tales! Call Number: JGraphic Annab.G

 

65. A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

What happens when a group of middle schoolers are given free rein to explore Europe in 1989? Dan Santat takes a page out of his own life to tell this story of romance, uncertainty, and a LOT of Fanta. Call Number: JGraphic Santa.D

 

66. Global by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, ill. Giovanni Rigano

Two kids in two completely different countries do battle with nature. Sami’s fishing village is dealing with rising tides and less fish. Yuki is trying to help a grolar bear, but finds its hungry belly a threat. A book of environmental activism and our connected world. Call Number: JGraphic Colfe.E

 

67. Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

Join best friends Gnome and Rat as they engage in small adventures that all involve hats in some way. Easy reading comics with a chapeau theme! Call Number: JGraphic Stohl.L

 

68. Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin A. Wilgus, ill. Rii Abrego

Grace cannot wait to space travel to Titan where her mom works hard on a ship. But things don’t go as planned when Mom won’t stop working. So Grace decides to choose her own adventure…with dangerous results. Call Number: JGraphic Wilgu.B

 

69. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín

Meet Pedro, the seventh of nine kids, as he and his family take an epic trip to Mexico to fetch his Mexican Revolution-era Abuelito back to America. A hilarious graphic memoir full of raw milk, snotty Pop Rocks, family, and heart. Call Number: JGraphic Marti.P

 

70. Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab, ill. Kelly Collier

Meet Otis and Peanut, two best friends in three small adventures. From haircuts to swings to making a house feel like a home, they’re always there for one another. Call Number: JGraphic Hrab.N

 

71. Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

When Feng-Li gets to go to Disneyland for the first time she’s thrilled! Then her parents reveal that America is their new home now AND mom and dad have to go back to Taiwan. How will she and her siblings survive without them? Call Number: JGraphic Tang.B

 

72. Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi, ill. Shazleen Khan

After a big argument, battling twins Zara and Zeeshan have their phones taken away while traveling to the Florida Keys with their parents. Soon they discover they must reconcile their differences and work together when a crisis arises. Call Number: JGraphic Faruq.S

 

73. Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler

A knight and squire are headed off to defeat a deadly dragon! But when the knight disappears it’s up to the squire to determine who the true culprit is, while solving a couple mysteries along the way. Call Number: JGraphic Chant.S

 

74. Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Peggy Pancake’s always been stuck in her perfect brother’s shadow, until the day that an accidental mixup grants her superhero abilities. Can Peggy harness her new powers and save all that is dear? Find out in: SUPER PANCAKE! Call Number: JGraphic Lloyd. M

 

75. Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains by Maxwell Eaton III

Scout has ended up abandoned in the wilderness, all alone with a snarky skunk. What to do? Find out how to find shelter, make a fire, signal for help, and more with this fun and funny guide to survival. Call Number: JGraphic Eaton.M.

 

76. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke, colors by Zack Giallongo

Dive, down, deep deep down, into the basement with Milo. He’s on a quest to get his baby sister’s sock, but what he finds instead is the adventure of a lifetime. Call Number: JGraphic Hatke.B

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Non-Fiction Picture Books

Nonfiction Picture Books

77. An American Story by Kwame Alexander, ill. Dare Coulter

You can’t tell the story of America by just telling the comfortable parts. A look at early slavery in America and a consideration of what we teach our kids at school. Call Number: x306.362 Alexa.K

 

78. The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery, ill. Matt Patterson

 

 

Think you know turtles? Think again! An up-close-and-personal deep dive into the species with all its weird and wonderful qualities. Best. Turtle. Book. Ever. Call Number: x597.92 Montg.S

 

79. Butt or Face? Can You Tell Which One You Are Looking At? by Kari Lavelle

Think you can tell a butt from a face? Test your skills against an array of insects, amphibians, birds and beasts. We bet at least one of them fools you! Call Number: x571.31 Lavel.K

 

80. Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends by Lita Judge

Take a trip back in time to 50,000 years ago and follow the path of humanity’s best friend. From cleaning infectious wounds to clearing birds off of runways, this fact-filled readaloud is a perfect paean to one of our favorite animals. Call Number: x636.7 Judge.L

 

81. The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson, ill. Katherine Roy

What burns at the heart of a star? The story of Cecilia Payne, ground-breaking scientist, is brought to life in this scintillating picture biography riddled with the mysteries of the universe. Call Number: xBiog Payne.C Larso.K

 

82. The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Bunting

Trees give us so much here on earth but how much do we know about them? Take an irreverent trip into their communication, likes, dislikes, and more. Call Number: x582.16 Bunti.P

 

83. Glitter Everywhere! Where It Came From, Where It’s Found, and Where It’s Going by Chris Barton, ill. Chaaya Prabhat

Do you love glitter? Hate it? Then this book is for you! Find out its history, its science, its importance, and what we can do to be more responsible with it so it won’t hurt the environment. Call Number: x745.5 Barto.C

 

84. The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music by Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden, ill. Hayden Goodman

A five-time Grammy Award winner tells the story of how she came to love music and how her family got its very first piano. Loads of personality and fun infuse this delightful bio. Call Number: xBiog Flack.R Flack.R

 

85. Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd, ill. Shannon Wright

The life of reporter, cartoonist, dollmaker, artist Jackie Ormes is brought to rip-roaring life in this fun and fantastic biography. Learn as much as you can about the first Black woman to become a nationally syndicated cartoonist! Call Number: xBiog Ormes.J Todd.T

 

86. Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, ill. Keith Mallett

Meet “the father of ice cream” who invented a method to make ice cream accessible to everyone, not just the rich. An inspiring biography of the entrepreneur behind everyone’s favorite summer treat. Call Number: xBiog Jacks.A Arman.G

 

87. The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic by Jennifer Thermes

Sail with explorer Tom Crean on the ships Discovery, Terra Nova, and Endurance and watch as the man not only manages to stay alive, but also saves the lives of his fellow crew time and again. A gripping, wonderful look at a heroic man. Call Number: xBiog Crean.T Therm.J

 

88. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan

What’s it like to be a spider in the grass? Enter the world of a jumping spider and experience the danger and excitement happening just under your nose. Call Number: x595.44 Lanan.J

 

89. Not a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez, ill. Laura González

Adorable, engaging, and informative! With simple text, meet the axolotl, learn about its Aztec origin myth, and see the way pollution is affecting its natural habitat. Call number: x597.858 Marti.C

 

90. One Tiny Treefrog: A Countdown to Survival by Tony Piedra and Mackenzie Joy

“Ten tiny tadpoles grow in their eggs.” Count down as each tadpole falls prey to hungry nature in this eye-opening look at not just treefrogs but survival of the fittest as well. Call Number: x597.878 Piedr.T

 

91. Ready, Set, Run! The Amazing New York City Marathon by Leslie Kimmelman, ill. Jessie Hartland

What’s it like to run in a real marathon? Stretch, get a good night’s sleep, and join the 50,000+ runners for a fun look at this amazing race! Call Number: x796.4252 Kimme.L

 

92. Stranded! A Mostly True Story from Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktsson, ill. Anne Wilson

Almost all the facts in this book are true. Can you find the single lie? When the author’s grandfather got stranded on an active volcanic island with his friend their survival was NOT guaranteed. An unexpectedly hilarious and harrowing tale. Call Number: x551.21 Aevarpo

 

93. There Was a Party for Langston, King of Letters by Jason Reynolds, ill. Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey

“There was a party for Langston at the library.” Lanston Hughes, that is. A marvelous recounting of one man’s legacy and a vibrant visual praise of Black American writers. This text sings. Call Number: JPicture Reyno.J

 

94. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel, ill. Barbara McClintock

Meet Randolph Caldecott! The children’s book illustrator unafraid to put fun, action, and loads of animals on the page. A marvelous look at the artist our picture books owe so much to today. Call Number: xBiog Calde.R Marke.M

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Nonfiction for Older Readers

Nonfiction for Older Readers

95. Alone: The Journey of Three Young Refugees by Paul Tom, ill. Mélanie Baillairgé, translated by Arielle Aaronson

What is it like to leave your family and even your country to travel completely on your own? Follow the stories of three kids who did it in this powerful and uplifting collection. Call Number: x305.23086 Tom.P

 

96. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods by Grace Lin

Take a tasty historical tour of the food found in Chinese restaurants. Lin packs her informative book with retellings of myths and legends about each yummy dish. Call Number: x641.5951 Lin.G

 

97. The Deep!: Wild Life at the Ocean’s Darkest Depths by Lindsey Leigh

Sink deep deep below the waves to meet the creatures that dwell where nothing else can live. A fantastic voyage filled with humor and facts we can guarantee you never knew before! Call Number: x591.77 Leigh.L

 

98. The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman

Everyone knows that the Judean date palm went extinct in the 1700s, right? But when scientists were given 2,000 year old seeds, they decided to see if they’d grow. A tale of history, science, and delicious dates. Call Number: JGraphic Lemel.M

 

99. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Nicholas Day, ill. Brett Helquist

How did the world’s most famous painting get casually stolen on a Monday morning? Easy: She wasn’t famous yet. Take a trip into the past and witness the Mona Lisa heist in this funny and fantastic work of narrative nonfiction. Call Number: x364.162 Day.N

 

100. Mysterious GLOWING Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrot–Ryan

When exposed to ultraviolet light, there are some mammals that glow in gorgeous colors. But why? Learn about biofluorescence and the scientists who are trying to figure out why this occurs. Call Number: x599 Parro.M

 

101. Unseen Jungle by Eleanor Spicer Rice, ill. Rob Wilson

Whether you’re an up-and-coming young scientist or just want a book with the grossest stuff in it, there’s a lot to love in this compendium of microbes and their unseen, highly disgusting, world. Call Number: x579 Spice.E

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2022: Picture Books

November 21, 2022

Picture Books

  1. A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree by Daniel Bernstrom, ill. Brandon James Scott

Fuzzy bear. Angry bees. Yummy honey. Silliness abounds in this delightful read aloud full of ursine hijinks.Call Number: JPicture Berns.D

  1. Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Like their Tlingit ancestors before them, a grandmother and child gather gifts from the earth, all the while singing a song celebrating beautiful berries. A burst of joy from a Caldecott-winning illustrator. Call Number: JPicture Goade.M

  1. A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson, ill. Tori-Jay Mordey

“It was a slumping, sighing, sobbing kind of day.” Coen is having a blue day and when his family can’t cheer him up, they wait and let him work through his feelings. A book of patience, care, and empathy. Call Number: JPicture Tomli.R

  1. The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

One morning Fox finds a bird lying quite still upon the ground. With the aid of a small moth, the two reflect on life and death, accompanied by marvelous, beautiful illustrations. A meditative, contemplative, necessary book. Call Number: JPicture Mount.K

  1. City Under the City by Dan Yaccarino

Bix lives in a city where robotic Eyes take care of everyone’s needs. But when she discovers an ancient city under the ground, it leads to a love of books and reading she never had before. Call Number: JPicture Yacca.D

  1. Emile and the Field by Kevin Young, ill. Chioma Ebinama

In this lyrical picture book from an award-winning poet, a young boy cherishes a neighborhood field throughout the changing seasons. With stunning illustrations and a charming text, this beautiful story celebrates a child’s relationship with nature. Call Number: JPicture Young.K

  1. Gibberish by Young Vo

Now that he’s in a new country, Dat feels completely different from the new people and language that surround him. Marvelous 1930’s style animation techniques drill home his separation, and show how one good friend can make all the difference. Call Number: JPicture Vo.Y

  1. I Don’t Care by Julie Fogliano, ill. Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal

A remarkably charming tale of two girls seeing past their differences to become the best of friends. Illustrated by two artists who are best friends in real life! Call Number: JPicture Fogli.J

  1. I Won’t Give Up My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake

This rubber band? It’s mine. No one else’s. And if you want the world’s greatest (and funniest) listing of what you can do with a single rubber band, you’ve come to the right place. Call Number: JPicture Yoshi.S

  1. Kick Push: Be Your Epic Self by Frank Morrison

Ivan’s usually so legendary with his kickflipping, big rail grinding moves that his friends call him EPIC. Now he’s moved to a new town where skateboarding is not the norm. Should he fit in or stand out? A book teeming with motion and fire. Call Number: JPicture Morri.F

  1. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl has a dream. You may think it’s ridiculous, but more than anything he yearns to become a knight in shining armor. When his chance finally comes, will he be up to the challenge? Whoooo can say? Call Number: JPicture Denis.C

  1. My Fade Is Fresh by Shauntay Grant, ill. Kitt Thomas

When one young girl walks into her local hair salon, she knows exactly what she wants: a fresh fade. So why does everyone else have an opinion about her hair? Call Number: JPicture Grant.S

  1. My Parents Won’t Stop Talking by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden

Molly is so stoked to go to the park with her family . . . until her parents start talking to their neighbors, the Credenzas. WILL the grown-ups ever stop talking? WILL Molly be able to go to the park? WHY is her brother so calm about this? A hilarious and universal childhood moment. Call Number: JPicture Hunsi.E

  1. Pina by Elif Yemenici, translated by Sydney Wade

Pina lives in a tiny, warm house that contains everything he could ever need. But when he realizes he’s out of cheese, shopping turns into a walk into the unknown. A delightful Turkish import about trying new things. Call Number: JPicture Yemen.E

  1. The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà

One day Franca decides that she is going to plunge into the unknown to seek a marvelous queen. Her sisters come along! What will they find, and will they ever get back? A hypnotic cacophony of chaos. Call Number: JPicture Sarda.J

  1. Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler, ill. Yong Ling Kang

Bernadette shares many great times with her tortoise Rodney. When he’s gone, she can’t stop thinking about him. Will anyone understand how she feels? A tale of empathy and kindness. Call Number: JPicture Forle.N

  1. See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller, ill. Suzy Lee

If you’re far away from someone you love, how do you connect with them immediately? A child yearns for their grandmother, and thinks up all kinds of creative ways for them to get together. Inventive art mixes with a hugely touching tale. Call Number: JPicture Mille.P

  1. Where Is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato

Bina’s friends have thrown her a supercool party. The only problem? Bina’s terrified of parties. A tale of friendship and clever disguises. Call Number: JPicture Curat.M

  1. The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. Leo Espinosa

In Brooklyn “not so long ago,” children of all backgrounds played together in the streets. Double dutch. Stickball. Kick the can. This loving ode to joyful communal play features vibrant illustrations and a dynamic text. Call Number: JPicture Woods.J

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Announcing Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2022

Once again the hardworking library workers of Evanston Public Library have spent their entire year culling through thousands of brand new children’s books, just so that they could give you the best of the best. It’s the 101 Great Books for Kids list at last! In 2022 we read books in as many formats as possible: audiobooks, physical finished copies, PDFs, you name it. Now we’ve come up with a list that truly exemplifies some of the best literature for children being published today.

Please be sure to stop by our library to request any of the titles you would like to see. They represent some of the best books of the year and should not be missed.

All 101 books on this list are appropriate for readers two to twelve.

For your convenience, here are the categories of the list:

Picture Books

Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, and Religious Tales

Easy and Early Chapter Books

Poetry

Fiction

Comics and Graphic Novels

Nonfiction Picture Books

Nonfiction for Older Readers

 

Picture Books

  1. A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree by Daniel Bernstrom, ill. Brandon James Scott

Fuzzy bear. Angry bees. Yummy honey. Silliness abounds in this delightful read aloud full of ursine hijinks.Call Number: JPicture Berns.D 

  1. Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Like their Tlingit ancestors before them, a grandmother and child gather gifts from the earth, all the while singing a song celebrating beautiful berries. A burst of joy from a Caldecott-winning illustrator. Call Number: JPicture Goade.M 

  1. A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson, ill. Tori-Jay Mordey

“It was a slumping, sighing, sobbing kind of day.” Coen is having a blue day and when his family can’t cheer him up, they wait and let him work through his feelings. A book of patience, care, and empathy. Call Number: JPicture Tomli.R 

  1. The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

One morning Fox finds a bird lying quite still upon the ground. With the aid of a small moth, the two reflect on life and death, accompanied by marvelous, beautiful illustrations. A meditative, contemplative, necessary book. Call Number: JPicture Mount.K

  1. City Under the City by Dan Yaccarino

Bix lives in a city where robotic Eyes take care of everyone’s needs. But when she discovers an ancient city under the ground, it leads to a love of books and reading she never had before. Call Number: JPicture Yacca.D 

  1. Emile and the Field by Kevin Young, ill. Chioma Ebinama

In this lyrical picture book from an award-winning poet, a young boy cherishes a neighborhood field throughout the changing seasons. With stunning illustrations and a charming text, this beautiful story celebrates a child’s relationship with nature. Call Number: JPicture Young.K

  1. Gibberish by Young Vo

Now that he’s in a new country, Dat feels completely different from the new people and language that surround him. Marvelous 1930’s style animation techniques drill home his separation, and show how one good friend can make all the difference. Call Number: JPicture Vo.Y 

  1. I Don’t Care by Julie Fogliano, ill. Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal

A remarkably charming tale of two girls seeing past their differences to become the best of friends. Illustrated by two artists who are best friends in real life! Call Number: JPicture Fogli.J 

  1. I Won’t Give Up My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake

This rubber band? It’s mine. No one else’s. And if you want the world’s greatest (and funniest)  listing of what you can do with a single rubber band, you’ve come to the right place. Call Number: JPicture Yoshi.S 

  1. Kick Push: Be Your Epic Self by Frank Morrison

Ivan’s usually so legendary with his kickflipping, big rail grinding moves that his friends call him EPIC. Now he’s moved to a new town where skateboarding is not the norm. Should he fit in or stand out? A book teeming with motion and fire. Call Number: JPicture Morri.F

  1. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl has a dream. You may think it’s ridiculous, but more than anything he yearns to become a knight in shining armor. When his chance finally comes, will he be up to the challenge? Whoooo can say? Call Number: JPicture Denis.C 

  1. My Fade Is Fresh by Shauntay Grant, ill. Kitt Thomas

When one young girl walks into her local hair salon, she knows exactly what she wants: a fresh fade. So why does everyone else have an opinion about her hair? Call Number: JPicture Grant.S 

  1. My Parents Won’t Stop Talking by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden

Molly is so stoked to go to the park with her family . . . until her parents start talking to their neighbors, the Credenzas. WILL the grown-ups ever stop talking? WILL Molly be able to go to the park? WHY is her brother so calm about this? A hilarious and universal childhood moment. Call Number: JPicture Hunsi.E 

  1. Pina by Elif Yemenici, translated by Sydney Wade

Pina lives in a tiny, warm house that contains everything he could ever need. But when he realizes he’s out of cheese, shopping turns into a walk into the unknown. A delightful Turkish import about trying new things. Call Number: JPicture Yemen.E 

  1. The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà

One day Franca decides that she is going to plunge into the unknown to seek a marvelous queen. Her sisters come along! What will they find, and will they ever get back? A hypnotic cacophony of chaos. Call Number: JPicture Sarda.J 

  1. Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler, ill. Yong Ling Kang

Bernadette shares many great times with her tortoise Rodney. When he’s gone, she can’t stop thinking about him. Will anyone understand how she feels? A tale of empathy and kindness. Call Number: JPicture Forle.N 

  1. See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller, ill. Suzy Lee

If you’re far away from someone you love, how do you connect with them immediately? A child yearns for their grandmother, and thinks up all kinds of creative ways for them to get together. Inventive art mixes with a hugely touching tale. Call Number: JPicture Mille.P

  1. Where Is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato

Bina’s friends have thrown her a supercool party. The only problem? Bina’s terrified of parties. A tale of friendship and clever disguises. Call Number: JPicture Curat.M 

  1. The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. Leo Espinosa

 In Brooklyn “not so long ago,” children of all backgrounds played together in the streets. Double dutch. Stickball. Kick the can. This loving ode to joyful communal play features vibrant illustrations and a dynamic text. Call Number: JPicture Woods.J 

Fairytales, Folktales, and Religious Tales

 

  1. Carrimebac: The Town That Walked by David Barclay Moore, ill. John Holyfield

When old Rootilla Redgums and her grandson Julius Jefferson walked into Walkerton, Georgia, no one was ready for their wisdom and magic. And when the Black people in town are threatened by a hooded mob, these two will move heaven and earth to save the day. A marvelous original folktale. Call Number: JPicture Moore.D 

  1. Endlessly Ever After: Pick Your Path to Countless Fairy Tale Endings by Laurel Snyder, ill. Dan Santat

Think you know your fairytales? How well would you do if you were actually in them? You’re Little Red Riding Hood and you’ve got to pick your adventures carefully. There’s more than evil wolves in these woods… Call Number: JPicture Snyde.L

  1. The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale by Charly Palmer

Let us bend your ear with the story of Gravity, a kid so good at defying centripetal forces that his feats are legendary. This is one of those legends. Call Number: JPicture Palme.C 

  1. The Legend of the Spirit Serpent by Adaiah Sanford, ill. Ken Daley

No one but the leader of the tribe can ever visit the Spirit Serpent. If you try, you’re sure to get eaten, but Natari is just too darn curious. A retelling of a traditional Kalinago legend from the island of Dominica. Call Number: x398.2097298 Sanfo.A  

  1. The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense by Jon Scieszka, ill. Julia Rothman

Master funnyman Jon Scieszka reworks classic nursery rhymes in ways that use everything from pig latin to secret codes. A rolicking reworking that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Call Number: x398.3 Scies.J 

  1. The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen

The classic tale of three hungry goats and an even hungrier troll is told with flair and humor. Get ready to laugh out loud with this hilarious new interpretation. Call Number: x398.2 Barne.M 

Easy and Early Chapter Books

 

  1. Astrid the Astronaut: The Astronomically Grand Plan by Rie Neal, ill. Talitha Shipman

Astrid has an Astronomically Grand Plan to be the first astronaut with hearing aids, and she couldn’t be more excited! But when she realizes her best friend isn’t on board with all her plans, can Astrid figure out a way to complete her mission? Call Number: JChapter Neal.R 

  1. Billy & Rose: Forever Friends by Amy Hest, ill. Kady MacDonald Denton

Two best friends share small adventures over the course of four seasons. From selling ice cream in the snow to having sleepovers, Billy and Rose may sometimes fight but they are always best friends forever. Call Number: JEasy Hest.A 

  1. Bumpfizzle the Best on Planet Earth by Patricia Forde, ill. Elīna Brasliņa

The great Bumpfizzle of the Planet Plonk is on a mission to Earth so secret that not even HE knows why he’s here! Disguised as a human boy, he must deal with the daily injustices of being a kid. Hijinks definitely ensue. Call Number: JChapter Forde.P 

  1. Esme’s Birthday Conga Line by Lourdes Heuer, ill. Marissa Valdez

What do you do when your grandparents forget to throw you a birthday party with cake and a piñata? Throw your own! Esme is determined to get her neighbors together for the ultimate party time… whether they want to or not. Call Number: JChapter Heuer.L 

  1. Free Kid to Good Home by Hiroshi Itō, translated by Cathy Hirano 

When the new baby (a.k.a. Potato-face) sucks away all the parental attention, one determined little girl decides to give herself away for free to a better home. A tongue-in-cheek tale of finding home. Call Number: JChapter Ito.H 

  1. Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai

It’s so exciting! Gigi’s grandfather is coming to live with her family all the way from Japan! But when he doesn’t immediately live up to what she imagined him to be, can they ever be friends? Call Number: JEasy Iwai.M

  1. Meet the Super Duper Seven by Tim Hamilton

The Super Duper Seven are here to save the day! Wait, scratch that. Hungry Kitty just ate four members. How can the team stick together when heroes keep, ah, disappearing? Call Number: JEasy Hamil.T 

  1. Tâpwê and the Magic Hat by Buffy Sainte-Marie, ill. Buffy Sainte-Marie and Michelle Alynn Clement

When Tâpwê goes to visit his relatives for the summer, he little suspects the troubles and adventures he and his magic hat will get into. A mix of Cree stories and songs. Call Number: x398.208997 Cree Saint.B 

Poetry

 

  1. Book of Questions / Libro de Las Preguntas: Selections by Pablo Neruda, ill. Paloma Valdivia, translated by Sara Lissa Paulson

Neruda’s last great work of poetry is reimagined for kids in this sumptuous collection. 70 questions of the original 320 are presented thematically to kids, with results ridiculous, thoughtful, and often unanswerable. Call Number: Spanish x861 Nerud.P 

  1. Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens, ill. Monica Mikai

Written to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, this song tells the tale of sorrow and joy, pain and triumph, always with the child reader in mind. A marvelously honest look at how to sing when the world has left you nothing at all. Call Number: JPicture Gidde.R 

  1. Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play Among Figures of Speech by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, ill. Richard Jones

30 poems complemented with evocative paintings play with images and metaphors, constructing whole new ways to encounter the world. Call Number: x811 Koose.T

  1. Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi

With vivid poems and engaging mini-chapters, Zoboi offers a cosmic look at the legendary science fiction writer’s youth and the events that inspired her to create her otherworldly stories.xBiog Butle.O Zoboi.I

  1. Take Off Your Brave: The World Through the Eyes of a Preschool Poet by Nadim (age 4), ill. Yasmeen Ismail 

When Nadim was 4-years-old, his mom told him that a poem is “a kind of story of a feeling or a moment.” Delve into Nadim’s 23 poems, each capturing what it means to really and truly be a kid. x821 Shamm.N

Fiction

 

  1. Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

Does he dare disturb the universe? Mac’s used to speaking out when he sees something wrong, so when he discovers that his school copy of The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen has certain words blacked out, he and his friends set out to uncover the truth and make it known. Call Number: J King.A

  1. Aviva vs the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe

Bad enough that Aviva lost her dad and doesn’t have any friends at school, but why does she have to live with a mischievous and difficult dybbuk at home? A clever tale of grief, loss, and practical jokes. Call Number: J Lowe.M

  1. Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack

Ziva will do anything to save her twin brother, who has leprosy, even if it means facing the Angel of Death. An unforgettable historical fantasy packed with action and heart. Call Number: J Paste.S

  1. Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros

Basketball star Isaac and super-studious Marco are best pals despite their differences. Things become interesting when 5’ 3” Marco taps into his inner-Muggsy Bogues and decides to join the basketball team. A hilarious and moving friendship story. Call Number: J Cisne.E

  1. If You Read This by Kereen Getten

Brie’s mother passed away three years ago. With her 12th birthday approaching, Brie discovers that her mama left her a special surprise: a series of letters that lead her on a scavenger hunt across Jamaica to a very special place. Call Number: J Gette.K

  1. It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit by Justin A. Reynolds

Eddie’s a kid who’s got it all figured out. Then his summer plans go apocalypse-level awry. Enjoyable antics from kids unafraid to have some fun. Call Number: J Reyno.J

  1. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller

After “The Incident,” Jennifer, who believes in aliens from outer space, has gone missing. Now the students who bullied her must figure out what happened to her. Call Number: J Kelle.T

  1. The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo

Abena is not looking forward to spending her vacation with an aunt she hardly knows at Accra’s largest market. Then she meets Faiza, a girl her age, also from Ghana but practically living in another world, and all her assumptions start to fall away. Call Number: J Wolo.M

  1. The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor

A tender story about two boys who find each other in a vacation town and use seabird names to communicate their feelings to each other. Call Number: J Taylo.W

  1. The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

Sai’s been living a lie, ever since she became assistant to Mangkon’s greatest mapmaker. Nobody knows her secrets, and when she’s invited on an epic adventure, how can she say no? A rousing, rollicking adventure tale full of fun and villainy. Call Number: J Soont.C

  1. The Lock-Eater by Zack Loran Clark

Melanie Gate is an orphan and a lock-eater a.k.a. someone who can open any door. But when she sets off for adventure under an assumed name with a sentient automaton, she discovers there’s more to the world, and herself, than she ever could have imagined. Call Number: J Clark.Z

  1. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, ill. Khadijah Khatib

Though she gets to attend the magical Arcanum Training Institute, nobody trusts Ella Durand because she’s a Conjuror. Things get worse when her mentor disappears. Can she solve the mystery, clear her name, and triumph? Only if she befriends a few misfits along the way. Call Number: J Clayt.D

  1. Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy

Out and proud Nikhil voices one of the first Indian-American lead characters on a hit animated series. After a family issue forces him to move from L.A. to Ohio, Nikhil must use his now crackling, changing voice to speak up for himself. Call Number: J Panch.M

  1. The Prince of Steel Pier by Stacy Nockowitz

In 1975 Atlantic City, 13-year-old arcade whiz Joey meets a bunch of mobsters who have their eyes on his grandparents’ boardwalk hotel. Can he outwit them and save his family…and himself? Lean and fast-paced. Call Number: J Nocko.S

  1. A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

A little Mars rover named Resilience has a big job on the red planet. Meanwhile on Earth, the daughter of the scientist who helped develop Resilience worries about the robot’s fate. A charming speculative sci-fi story. Call Number: J Warga.J

  1. The Secret Battle of Evan Pao by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Chinese-American Evan must move to a small Virginia town immersed in its Civil War past. He shakes things up after he discovers that Chinese soldiers also fought in the war. Now he’s battling bigotry and a bully at the same time. Call Number: J Shang.W

  1. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan

When a disreputable villain tries to start a war through evil means, it’s up to two French children and some highly intelligent barnyard animals to save Benjamin Franklin and the day! Call Number: J Phela.M

  1. Three Strike Summer by Skyler Schrempp

Dust Bowl Okie Gloria Mae Willard finds herself uprooted and working on a California peach orchard where she tries to join a secret, all-boys baseball team. Expect near escapes, a labor uprising, and lots of sports! Call Number: J Schre.S

  1. Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

Adela loves her mom and stepfather but wants to learn more about her estranged father. Her search reveals loads of secrets and professional wrestling! Call Number: J Perez.C

  1. We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad, ill. Martina Heiduczek

In the midst of World War II, three German children must escape East Prussia as Russian forces enter their territory. A riveting survival story. Call Number: J Nanne.K

  1. We Were the Fire by Sheila P. Moses

In 1963 Birmingham, 11-year-old Rufus and his friends join the civil rights movement to fight for racial justice. This fast-paced, powerful novel gives readers a potent “you are there” feeling and a confident, resilient hero. Call Number: J Moses.S

  1. Weird Rules to Follow by Kim Spencer

Mia loves rock music, her Indigenous family and her best friend, the non-Indigenous Lara. Soon, though, Mia starts noticing how people treat her differently from Lara, and life is about to change. Vividly set in a coastal Canadian town in the mid-1980s. Call Number: J Spenc.K

  1. Wildoak by C.C. Harrington, ill. Diana Sudyka

When young Maggie’s stutter gets her sent to her grandfather in Cornwall, she discovers the beauty of nature, as well as an abandoned snow leopard cub that desperately needs her help. Call Number: J Harri.C

  1. Yonder by Ali Standish

In a small Appalachian town in World War II, a teen who once performed a heroic deed has gone missing. His younger pal Danny wants to find out what happened…and discovers troubling secrets about his community along the way. Call Number: J Stand.A

Graphic Novels

 

  1. The Flamingo by Guojing

While visiting her grandmother, a child hears story after story about a girl long ago that raised a flamingo chick from an egg. An artful, nearly wordless tale with the feel of a Miyazaki film. Call Number: JGraphic Guojing

  1. Freestyle by Gale Galligan

It’s bad enough that Cory can’t join his dance crew because he’s been grounded but now he’s being tutored by Sunna, his seemingly uncool lab partner? But when Cory learns Sunna’s yo-yo secret, he discovers talents he never knew he had before. Call Number: JGraphic Galli.G

  1. Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, ill. Rose Bousamra

Marlene loves a lot of things in life. But hair-straightening weekly visits to the salon–not so much. Why must everyone pick on her beautiful curly hair? Call Number: JGraphic Orteg.C

  1. Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case

In a future where very few mammals have survived, a girl and her guardian fight to find a vaccine that will save the human race. The secret ingredient? Monarch butterflies! Just watch out for the very people you’re trying to save… Call Number: JGraphic Case.J

  1. Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Sue’s dream is to go camping with her friends for the first time ever. Instead, she’s being packed off to Honduras with her family where she’ll endure mad turkeys, fire, waterlogged manga, and (worst of all) a quinceañera party she never wanted. How can she make it her own? And does she want to? Call Number: JGraphic Fajar.K

  1. Paws: Gabby Gets It Together by Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn

Three girls. Zero dogs. Gabby, Priya, and Mindy are all desperate to pet and play with dogs of every kind, but their families are strict about not having them in the home. Enter PAWS! But who knew a dog walking service could be this much work? Call Number: JGraphic Fairb.N

  1. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

Who is the mysterious new girl at Edgewood Stables? When Victoria shows up one day to ride the horses she tells the others there that she does not need new friends. But why is she here? And what happened at her stable before? Call Number: JGraphic Hicks.F

  1. Santiago! Santiago Ramón y Cajal – Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker by Jay Hosler

Santiago just can’t seem to keep out of trouble. His father just wants him to stop drawing and study. A fiery look at the life of a mischievous kid who went on to become the father of modern neuroscience. Call Number: JGraphic Hosle.J

  1. Scout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong

Scout’s mission is clear. To get to see her favorite author she must join . . . band! But can this trombone faker convince her new uptight seat leader that she’s worthy enough to stay? Call Number: JGraphic Armst.J

  1. Sir Ladybug by Corey R. Tabor

Evildoers and hungry chickadees beware! Whenever there’s trouble, he’s there on the double. He’s… Sir Ladybug! Call Number: JGraphic Tabor.C

  1. Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Oh no! Bree ends up in a swimming class at her new school but hates being in a pool. Will she learn to love the sport? This immensely enjoyable and emotionally satisfying story makes a splash! Call Number: JGraphic Chris.J

  1. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

Post-apocalyptic adorableness! Meet Fred. He wants to be your friend, even if you happen to be a killer robot, a warlord, or entirely covered in spikes. Resist his charm if you dare! Call Number: JGraphic Rex.M

Nonfiction Picture Books

  1. Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, ill. Madison Safer

Music from rocks. Music from shells. Music from seed pods, cocoons, and ore. Come see a fantastic array of worldwide instruments, many of which you will have NEVER heard of before. Call Number: x784.19 Pimen.A

  1. Blue by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, ill. Daniel Minter

The color blue has meant so many different things to so many different people around the world. Take a deep dive into its history and the good, and bad, stories that lie behind the color of the sky. Call Number: x535.6 Brewh.N

  1. Call Me Miss Hamilton: One Woman’s Case for Equality and Respect by Carole Boston Weatherford, ill. Jeffery Boston Weatherford

Can you fight to have people call you a name with respect? Mary Hamilton did. The story of one brave woman’s fight to be called “Miss Hamilton,” accompanied by emotive scratchboard art and photos. Call Number: xBiog Hamil.M Weath.C

  1. Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy, ill. Janelle Washington

The life of Emmett Till’s mother highlights one woman’s lifetime of making brave, rather than easy, choices. Meticulous papercuts tell her story with dignity. Call Number: xBiog Tillm.M Joy.A

  1. Concrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule, ill. Steve Light

A highly amusing history of a material we all take for granted. From the Partheon to the Berlin Wall, get the low down on concrete, what it’s made of, what it’s capable of, and where it might go in the future. Call Number: x620.136 Theul.L

  1. Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Glenn Marsh, ill. Maris Wicks

Born in 1799, no one would have expected Mary Anning to be remembered as the mother of paleontology. The story of a scientist that couldn’t stop digging up impressive, ancient sea creatures. Call Number: xBiog Annin.M Marsh.S

  1. Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, ill. Vivien Mildenberger

Can you imagine being told NO your entire life? The story of Judith Heumann’s life, told so stirringly, it’s sure to make activists out of each and every reader. Call Number: xBiog Heuma.J Cocca.M

  1. Good Eating: The Short Life of Krill by Matt Lilley, ill. Dan Tavis

How much do you know about krill? Did you know that they are shapeshifters? Or that they shed armor? Take a deep dive into the organisms on whom the fate of our planet may rest. Call Number: x595.3 Lille.M

  1. A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt, ill. Korwin Briggs

Thongs, corsets, hezi, and paper. Underwear from everywhere is celebrated in this poultry-filled tour, hosted by the delightful Professor Chicken. Call Number: x391.42 Holt.H

  1. If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoff, ill. J. Yang

If you’re a kid like Gavin you shouldn’t have to make the choice to stand up for yourself as a trans boy who deserves to use the boy’s bathroom, but that’s just what he did. The inspiring tale of a modern child hero, expertly told. Call Number: x306.76 Grimm.G

  1. Jack Knight’s Brave Flight: How One Gutsy Pilot Saved the U.S. Air Mail Service by Jill Esbaum, ill. Stacy Innerst

A gripping, edge-of-your-seat telling of the daring flight by one man to save air mail service in America. Call Number: x383.144 Esbau.J

  1. Listen to the Language of the Trees: A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground by Tera Kelley, ill. Marie Hermansson 

Think trees can’t communicate? Think again. Trees have a whole underground system of sending nutrients, messages, and even alarm systems to one another. Learn more about this amazing wood wide web. You’ll never look at a tree the same way again. Call Number: x582.16 Kelle.T

  1. Marcel’s Masterpiece: How a Toilet Shaped the History of Art by Jeff Mack

What is art? Let Marcel Duchamp help you answer that question. He once turned a toilet into an artistic statement, and the world was never the same again. Call Number: x709.04 Ducha.M

  1. Mega-Predators of the Past by Melissa Stewart, ill. Howard Gray

Forget the dinosaurs! Meet the REAL (and enormous) mega-predators of the past. All but one is extinct… but which one? Call Number: x560 Stewa.M

  1. Out of the Shadows: How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie by Fiona Robinson

Who knew that a love of fairy tales could turn into something so amazing? The story of one of the world’s earliest animators and how she brought her tales to life in a whole new way. Call Number: xBiog Reini.L Robin.F

  1. Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel with Mykaell Blais 

The gender spectrum is explained in clear, concise language for the young in this fun breakdown of a sometimes complicated topic. Call Number: x305.3 Grave.E

  1. Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey by Katie Yamasaki

“Serenity. Surprise. Delight.” Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki used that mantra throughout his life. Now his granddaughter is able to tell his story, with all its ups and downs. Call Number: xBiog Yamas.M Yamas.K

  1. Washed Ashore: Making Art from Ocean Plastic by Kelly Crull, art by Angela Haseltine Pozzi

There’s a lot of plastic in the ocean. What to do? Artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi collected it, then turned it into magnificent sculptures of sea creatures. Waste and beauty go hand in hand with a keen environmental message. Call Number: x731.2 Crull.K

Nonfiction for Older Readers

 

  1. American Murderer: The Parasite That Haunted the American South by Gail Jarrow

What made workers in the American South so tired and feeble during the 19th and early 20th centuries? This exciting medical mystery uncovers the secrets of the parasitic hookworm. Call Number: x616.9654 Jarro.G

  1. Hardcourt: Stories from 75 Years of the National Basketball Association by Fred Bowen, ill. James E. Ransome

Basketball. Its personalities, rivalries, and moments of sheer remarkable physicality. All the drama is on display in this quick synopsis of its greatest moments, with stunning watercolors that capture the soul of the game. Call Number: x796.323 Bowen.F

  1. Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama by Loree Griffin Burns, photos by Ellen Harasimowicz

Uh-oh. Bees have moved into a rickety old barn. Who will move them to a safe spot before the winter? It’s Mr. Nelson, the bee rescuer! An informative and fun look at finding honeybees a brand new home. Call Number: x638.1 Burns.L

  1. How to Build a Human in Seven Evolutionary Steps by Pamela S. Turner, ill. John Gurche

How do you make a human? How many “cousins” are on our family tree? The mysteries of evolution abound in this funny, fascinating, and completely up-to-date deep dive into humanity’s origins. Call Number: x599.938 Turne.P

  1. Killer Underwear Invasion! How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories by Elise Gravel

How do you know what to believe when you read something online? Using the fake news that underwear can kill you, this book breaks down all the different ways to figure out if news is trustworthy or not. Call Number: x070.4 Grave.E

  1. Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus, ill. Julie Robine

What can one boy do in the face of a nation at war? When Muhammad Najem started reporting live from Syria, his bravery brought attention to his country’s plight like never before. A harsh, hopeful story. Call Number: JGraphic Najem.M

  1. Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration by Elizabeth Partridge, ill. Lauren Tamaki

When your country makes a horrible mistake, how do you document that failure? Three great photographers saw the internment of Japanese American during WWII from different angles. Look through their eyes and determine where the truth lies, and where the lies start to sound like the truth. Call Number: x940.5317 Partr.E

  1. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the Mystery of the Lost Franklin Expedition by Sigmund Brouwer

How did Inuit knowledge keepers, historians, archaeologists and forensic scientists solve the mystery of the ship known as the HMS Terror? Find out for yourself what caused a historical disaster. Call Number: x917 Brouw.S

  1. The Waiting Place: When Home is Lost and a New One Not Yet Found by Dina Nayeri, photography by Anna Bosch Miralpeix

The Waiting Place wants everyone in it to stay. Meet the children who fight back against the interminable boredom and tension of living in a refugee camp, refusing to be forgotten by the rest of the world. Call Number: x305.906914 Nayer.D

–

Committee Members:

Patricia Alm, Laura Antolin, Ana Ariza, Stephen Barnes, Sally Battle, Betsy Bird, Shonique Carter, Kimberly Daufeldt, Lauren Gray, Jessica Iverson, Kennedy Joseph, Taylor Keahey, Leigh Kennelly, Liliana Lule, Martha Meyer, Jeny Mills, Olivia Mo, Bill Ohms, Bridget Petrites, Julie Rand, Robin Sindelar, Elizabeth English Steimle, Kasandra Trejo, Louise Tripp, Brian Wilson

Translate »