I am able to shine
I AM ABLE TO SHINE by Korey Watari is a wonderful book that encourages children to persist and persevere.
It features a cute, spirited Japanese girl named Keiko who wished to change the world.
Whether at school, playing sports, or helping in her neighborhood, she learns that being herself makes the biggest difference.
We love books that celebrate self-love and self-acceptance and highlight different cultures.
The bold and vibrant illustrations by Mike Wu are absolutely captivating and represent rich Japanese traditions.
It’s inspirational and motivating and makes a perfect addition to every home and classroom. Publisher: Two Lions. Age: 4-8
YOU ARE HERE
YOU ARE HERE by Zach Manbeck is such a sweet, encouraging book of hope.
Featuring diverse children in bold and vibrant yellowish-green hues, it encourages children to explore life at their own pace.
This motivational ode to life is perfect for every home and classroom because it promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance and inspires children to never give up. Publisher: Chronicle Books. Age: 4-10
WHAT THE ROAD SAID
WHAT THE ROAD SAID by Cleo Wade is a powerful story of leadership and courage.
It features a girl who saw a road and followed it. Every turn and twist depended on decisions that she made, and every question she asked the road was an answer that was within her.
This beautiful book encourages us to live in the moment, and not rushing to the end of the journey without savoring every experience.
As the road led her through the seasons, she observed the many changes around her and becomes inspired.
With bold and vibrant illustrations by Lucie de Moyencourt, it’s motivational and affirming and should be in every home and classroom. Total must-have. Publisher: Feiwel & Friends. Age: 6-10
CODE BREAKER, SPY HUNTER
CODE BREAKER, SPY HUNTER by Laurie Wallmark, portrays the life of Cryptanalyst Elizabeth Friedman.
From assisting the coast guard during prohibition and FBI to becoming one of the first cryptanalysts at the CIA.
Because of her skills at code-breaking, she could decipher secret messages hidden in codes and helped capture Nazi spies. Though she worked diligently and helped save many lives during World War I and II, she never received recognition because of the secrecy of her missions.
Today we celebrate Elizabeth Friedman and her many contributions to making America safer and getting the recognition she deserves.
She and so many unsung women are a true inspiration to little aspiring cryptanalysts.
The illustrations by Brooke Smart are truly amazing and engrosses the reader into the life of Elizabeth and her many adventures. Publisher: Abrams Books. Age: 6-10
STAND UP! SPEAK UP!
STAND UP! SPEAK UP by Andrew Joyner is a story inspired by the climate change revolution.
It features a little girl who attends a rally for climate change with her parents, then becomes inspired to create her own change within her community.
Unable to sleep that night, she writes a speech asking volunteers to sign up to help. Together they clean up the beaches, plant trees, and recycled trash in their neighborhood.
This book is inspirational and sends a powerful message about a global crisis that affects us all.
It’s a great way to show children that they can make a difference no matter how small they are. Stand Up! Speak Up!
We also love how the green and black illustration highlights the need to go green. Publisher: Schwartz and Wade. Age: 4-8
THE POWER OF ONE
We know Trudy Ludwig for writing some of the most powerful children’s books, and THE POWER OF ONE is just as powerful.
One person can make a big difference in this world with simple acts of kindness that can brighten someone’s day or lending a helping hand to someone in need.
With beautiful Illustrations by Mike Curato, this book inspires hope and encourages people to believe that they matter, and they CAN make a difference. Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers. Age: 4-8
RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS
RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS by Smriti Prasadam-Halls provides hope and support to anyone who may go through a difficult time.
As adults, we’ve all been through things, but so do some children.
Books like this encourage children to push on through trials and reassure them that things will get better.
With the help and support from family and friends, they gain the strength to rebuild, restore and to carry on because there’s always a beautiful rainbow after the rain.
The illustrations by David Litchfield are luminous and vibrant and the transition through the pages from gloom to bright is absolutely magnificent. Publisher: Candlewick Press. Age: 4-8
ALL ARE WELCOME
ALL ARE WELCOME by Alexandra Penfold is an amazing book about Diversity and Inclusivity. This book features children of all races and cultural backgrounds at a school that is warm and welcoming.
They go through the day supporting, playing and learning with each other and everyone just looks so happy. I love books about inclusivity and diversity because it teaches children to accept and support people who may not look like them.
The illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman is absolutely stunning and full of vibrant colors that capture the essence of the book. It even features a poster of all cultures that I will share in my story. Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers. Age: 4-8
SLOTH & SMELL THE ROSES
Considering the year we had last year, our first bookish post for 2021 just had to be this book.
In SLOTH AND SMELL THE ROSES by Eunice and Sabrina Moyle, Mindful Mo is a sloth that encourages readers to be mindful by following some very easy steps.
From ways to deal with anger to meditating and relaxing, this beautifully illustrated book is a gentle reminder to live in the moment.
It’s inspirational and motivating and is great for dealing with tantrums and other emotional issues.
Take a breath, listen, and embrace life by just slowing down. Thank you SO much to our bookish besties at Abrams Books for sending us this book to start the year off right. Publisher: Abrams Books (Age 4-8)
WATCH ME
WATCH ME by Doyin Richards is a wonderful inspirational story of hope and resilience.
Joe immigrated from Sierra Leone to America to fulfill his dreams. He persevered through many challenging times, including hateful situation and discouragement from his peers.
He thrived and succeeded through it all, and his story and the story of many others like him inspire other immigrants seeking a better life.
This book is for anyone who feels ridiculed for their will to succeed. People may doubt you, but as long as you don’t doubt yourself and work hard, then that’s all that matters.
It’s perfect for children adjusting to a new country, and the bright, vibrant acrylic illustrations by Joe Cepeda captures the entire essence of this book. Publisher: Feiwel & Friends AGE 4-8.
FREEDOM, WE SING
WHAT IS FREEDOM TO YOU? In FREEDOM, WE SING by Amyra León celebrates freedom with every breath.
It features a mother and an inquisitive child asking about freedom in which her answer is uplifting and encouraging.
Freedom is the air we breathe, our beating heart, and a universal sign of life and peace.
We all breathe the same breath. No matter our differences, we all want freedom. Freedom to live and freedom to love. It is our future.
This book is absolutely wonderful with magnificent, vibrant illustrations by Molly Mendoza. It sends a message of hope and love that we know children will love. Publisher: Flying Eye Books (Age 4-8)
IF YOU COME TO EARTH
IF YOU COME TO EARTH by Sophie Blackall is one of the best books of the year and should be in every home and classroom. It features a child writing a letter to a visitor from outer space, preparing them for the adventures awaiting them on earth.
The letter is full of vivid descriptions of homes and the different families that abide in it, the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, and our different modes of transportation.
From the differing climates and cultures to different animals and their characteristics, this book will entice anyone who reads it.
Not only is it diverse and inclusive, but the illustrations are also absolutely magnificent.
With all that’s happening in the world, this book is a reminder of how wonderful the world is and how we can do our part to make it greater. Publisher: Chronicle Books. Age: 4-8
JUST ASK!
JUST ASK! by Sonia Sotomayor is by far the most INCLUSIVE book ever written. It’s a celebration of each child’s unique difference and how by simply asking questions one can make the world a better place.
In the book, Sonia and her friends are planting a garden and like in a garden, every flower and fruit are different, so is every child. It is extremely hard to read this book without crying because it features children from all walks of life.
The book celebrates the beauty of being different, and how being different can change how people view the world. This book is extremely important and should be in EVERY SINGLE HOME, whether you have children or not. Apart from the vibrant, exuberant and vivid illustrations by Rafael Lopez, there are so many things to love about this book. It encourages children, and people in general, to embrace diversity and individuality. I love that it portrayed and highlighted the strength of the children who some people might think are weak. I absolutely love that. THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF BEING DIFFERENT.
JUST ASK is the perfect book for teachers, educators and a great addition to our favorite book-list. Diversity makes the world interesting and fun. JUST ASK! Publisher: Philomel Books. Age: 4-8
LOVE IS POWERFUL
LOVE IS POWERFUL by Heather Dean Brewer is such an inspiration to read.
Mari and her mom are preparing a sign to join the march happening in the streets below.
She wondered if people would see her sign that read LOVE IS POWERFUL, among all the other signs, but they sure did. As she screamed Love is Powerful, it echoed through the crowd and soon everyone chanted along with her. Her message was powerful and people heard it because everyone was in unison.
This book encourages children to make their voices heard. Even the softest voice can create a huge impact in the world today.
The illustrations by Leuyen Pham are absolutely magnificent.Publisher: Candlewick Press. Age: 4-8
A GIRL LIKE YOU
A GIRL LIKE YOU by Frank and Carla Murphy celebrates the uniqueness of girls from all walks of life. It is a guaranteed favorite that makes the perfect gift for any girl.
This book encourages and motivates everyone, especially girls, to be strong and brave. It’s about taking risks and always giving your best.
Whether you’re finding your passion or speaking up for a cause, you can be anything you want to be.
A GIRL LIKE YOU promotes creativity, thoughtfulness, and love. It’s inclusive, with diverse characters that can relate to any child.
Coupled with beautiful, vivid illustrations by Kayla Harren, A GIRL LIKE YOU provides powerful affirmations and teaches the value of friendship and community.
Just as its companion A BOY LIFE YOU inspired millions, this book is the ultimate celebration of girls and did not disappoint. It’s perfect for teachers and educators. Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press. Age: 4-8
SULWE
In Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyongo’s debut children’s book called SULWE, she provides a memoir of her childhood and her experiences dealing with colorism.
In this powerful book, Sulwe has a darker complexion than everyone in her family and some kids at her school. Her sister has caramel skin and is called names like Sunshine and Beauty. Whereas, Sulwe is called names like Blackie, Darky and Night. This made Sulwe very sad because she felt secluded and alone.
Sulwe is one of those children’s books that every home should have, whether you’ve experienced colorism or not. What we love most about this book, is that it makes it easier to speak to children about issues such as these. Children learn from what they hear and see and having a relatable story when explaining self-love and acceptance is absolutely necessary, especially when dealing with colorism.
Apart from the absolutely breathtaking illustrations by renowned illustrator Vashti Harrison, Sulwe encourages children to love themselves and to be happy in their own skin. Publisher: Simon & Schuster. Age: 4-8
I PROMISE
I PROMISE by Lebron James is full of positive affirmations that are guaranteed to encourage and uplift.
It allows children to celebrate their uniqueness while learning and exploring their differences.
Coupled with vibrant, colorful illustrations by one of our favorite illustrators, Nina Mata, this book is a must-have for every home. Publisher: Harper Collins. Age: 4-8
I AM A WARRIOR GODDESS
I AM A WARRIOR GODDESS by Jennifer Adams is a celebration of Individuality. From waking up with the morning sun to when you lay down to sleep at night, you are a warrior goddess.
Armoring yourself with kindness, love, and generosity, you are a leader and a defender of the weak. You are a warrior goddess.
The distinctive artwork by Carme Lemniscates is always vibrant and full of color and captures the essence of the message of strength and kindness.
Publisher: Sound True (Age 4-8)
A BOY LIKE YOU
Frank Murphy’s A BOY LIKE YOU, is a must-have that is guaranteed to be a household favorite. The cover alone shows how diverse and inclusive it is, and it is clearly one of the best books we have read this entire year.
It celebrates boys and boyhood and the joys that being a boy has to offer. It’s about taking risks and being the best boy you can be, but also allowing yourself to be vulnerable because being a boy doesn’t mean you can’t be. Boys can be tough, but also kind and generous.
We love books that encourage children to explore their curiosity and allow them to be creative and open to new experiences without fear, and this book did not disappoint.
A BOY LIKE YOU is a powerful gem with charming and vibrant illustration by Kayla Harren that transcends the entire essence of the author’s message of diversity, inclusivity and the ultimate celebration of boys. It’s perfect for teachers and educators. Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press. Age: 4-8
THE STARKEEPER
THE STARKEEPER by Faith Pray is a book for everyone. Every morning a little girl wakes up waiting for things to be different in a dark, lonely world.
One day she grew tired of waiting and made an enormous wish that the darkness would go away. She found a star and kept it for herself, but the star did not want to hide. It needed her to help it shine, however, she didn’t know how to help.
She took it to people in fancy houses and shopkeepers, but no one seemed interested, so the star’s glow slowly diminished.
The girl felt like giving up and hiding, but she encountered two more people who also gave up. It was then she shared what she had, her sweater, and a tiny piece of the star.
This act of kindness made the star glow brighter. Soon she was giving pieces of the star to everyone and each tiny piece warmed the world and the darkness slowly disappeared. THE WORLD WAS CHANGING.
THE STARKEEPER is a definite eye-opener and a delight to read. The world may seem gloomy, but we can all be starskeepers bringing light and love into the world. Sometimes you may feel like giving up and keeping your light to yourself, but it is always best to share some with those true truly need it.
The illustrations are vibrant and beyond amazing and capture the entire message in the book. Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers. Age: 4-8
YOUR NAME IS A SONG
YOUR NAME IS A SONG by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is a perfect celebration of names and their meanings.
Your name is the first introduction during any social setting, especially at school, and for Kora-Jalimuso’s first day of school, this proved difficult because no one at school could pronounce her name.
Feeling dismayed, she told her mother, who teaches her how important her name is and its likeness to a song.
It is the melody played by street musicians, the tapping of feet, and patting of her chest. Names come from the heart.
We loved every single thing about this book, and the bright and vibrant illustrations by Luisa Uribe are majestic.
It allows everyone, especially children, to embrace their unique names.
Children and even grownups have trouble pronouncing very eccentric names which can leave you feeling like they don’t belong, but this book provides a reassuring way to teach them in a fun and exciting way. Publisher: The Innovation Press. Age: 4-8
I AM ENOUGH
I AM ENOUGH by Grace Byers is a very inspirational picture book about knowing your worth and self -acceptance. Even though the book only features girls, it’s a book every child can read and relate too, no matter what ethnicity you are. It’s great to instill the importance of self-love and self-acceptance onto children as soon as possible.
Keturah A. Bobo’s warm yet vibrant illustrations are very relatable and along with the motivational words, makes for a perfect read for all children. Publisher: Balzer + Bray. Age: 4-8
YOU MATTER
Christian Robinson’s motivational, recent release YOU MATTER, encourages inclusivity in a world that may make you feel like they’re not.
You matter if you’re first or last, big or small, and even when everyone thinks you’re a pest. Every single being matters.
In true Christian Robinson style, the illustrations are vibrant with transitions that relate to children and make them feel included.
This book is amazing and apart from being relevant today, it’s a positive affirmation that everyone can relate to and be inspired. AGE 4-8, PUBLISHER: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
