Author: Annette Bay Pimentel Illustrator: Micha Archer From the Book Jacket: Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she's not allowed to run on her school's track team. But after school, no one can stop her - and she runs to her hearts content. She is told she can't run again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because women are just not considered capable of running such a long distance. So what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do.  This fascinating piece of history is brought to vivid life in stunn ..read more

Author: Moniue Fields Illustrator: Yesenia Moises From the Book Jacket: Simone asks Mama, "Am I black or white?" "Boo," Mama says, just like mamas do, "a color is just a word." She asks Daddy, "Am I black or white?" A young girl looks around her world to find her place in it. Her skin color is not like anyone else's, so what is her color? She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word: honeysmoke. For multiracial children, and for all children, this story offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own identity.  Simone knows her color. She is Honeysmo ..read more

Author/Illustrator: Dylan Glynn From the Book Jacket: Rain Boy is not very popular. Wherever he goes he brings wet. But everyone loves Sun Kidd, who brings sunshine. Only Sun Kidd sees what's special about Rain Boy. But when she invites him to her birthday party, disaster strikes, and Rain Boy storms. Will the other kids ever appreciate Rain Boy for being himself? Can Rain boy learn to love his rain? This is a story with all the emotions of the rainbow and about isolation, individuality, and self-love.  Why It's On My Bookshelf: This one is full of messages about including others ..read more

Author: Susan Vaught Illustrator: Kelly Murphy From the Book Jacket: A storm drives all the farm animals indoors except for a lonely fox family. The barn isn't there home. But where will they go for safety? Can the animals come together despite their differences. Together We Grow explores the power of compassion and kindness.  Why It's On My Bookshelf: Such a wonderful picture book that explores themes of acceptance and belonging. It's really a must read that celebrates inclusivity, acceptance, and the importance of rebuilding a community in the wake of disaster.  A Lin ..read more

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy Illustrator: Pete Oswald From the Book Jacket:  In two little houses, on two little hills, lived two best friends   So begins the story of Rita and Ralph. Every day they meet to play beneath the apple tree. It's always fun and games - until one roundly rotten day when a new game means someone ends up crying. Who knew it could be so hard to say "I'm sorry"? Just when it seems nothing will ever be right again, a surprising thing happens. The old friends try something new, that isn't new at all. Something they've done a hundred times.  Why It ..read more

Author: Ibtijah Muhammad and S.K. Ali Illustrator: Hatem Aly From the Book Jacket: The first day of wearing hijab is important. It means being strong. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand-new school year and best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab - made of a fabric of beautiful blue, like the ocean waving to the sky.  But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.  ..read more

Author/Illustrator: Ioana Hobai From the Book Jacket: When you make a really, really big mistake, it can make you feel stuck or weigh you down or even swallow you whole! After a girl is carried away by her whale of a mistake, she feels adrift. What if she can't escape and the whale swims out to sea with her forever? What if this is her life now? But as her journey continues, the world around her, including a sky of shooting stars and even the whale itself, helps her explore all the feelings that come with making mistakes and learning to let them go.  Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a ..read more

Author: Edith Baer Illustrator: Kyra Teis From the Book Jacket: Edith Baer's playful, yet thought provoking rhyming poem, coupled with Kyra Teis' colorful illustrations, captures the significance of words in everyday life. Although the couplets are easy to memorize and lucid, the underlying meaning conveys the role of language in building a human community, which connects, informs and nurtures through dialogue. Why It's On My Bookshelf: Absolutely love this wonderful and simple book about the power of our words. Favorite page in this book reminds us to be careful with our words, for the ..read more

Author/Illustrator: Chris Haughton From the Book Jacket: Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny tide pool, and today they are off to the OCEAN! "This is going to be so great!" says Little Crab. But when they get there, the waves are HUGE! And they keep getting bigger...and bigger! "Maybe we should go home," says Little Crab. "Don't worry," says Very Big Crab. "I'm here." But will Little Crab be brave enough to face the waves and go in the ocean? Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has a really straight forward message of not giving into our fears. When we quit something because of a worr ..read more

Author: Jasmyn Wright Illustrator: Shannon Wright From the Book Jacket: No matter what stands in the way of your dreams, remember this: YOU can push through anything! Inspired by a mantra written for her third-graders, Jasmyn Wright's uplifting call to "push through" is an invitation to young readers to announce their own power and to recognize and reaffirm that of others, regardless of setbacks.  By diminishing doubt, encouraging community, and reaffirming that we're all here to make a difference, her empowering words show children how to lift themselves up and seize their potential.  Why ..read more