Age: Preschool-1st grade
Books/Reading/Writing: Words

"Hi" says a brother.
"Hi" says another brother.
"Hello! Greetings! Salutations!" says the Stegothesaurus.

And so begins the charming introduction of a stegosaurus who loves words, even meeting up with another dinosaur with a penchant for synonyms. An innocent question with a terrifying answer leaves the stegosaurus speechless, dumbstruck, flummoxed until he can think of only one appropriate word: run! This delightful wordsmith is just asking for a sequel.

Age: Preschool-1st grade

Written in the style of a folktale, Ayobami is elated to start school after the war has finally come to an end. Along the way to school, dangerous animals and insects are held at bay when the girl promises to bring back their written animal names after she learns how to read and write. Although Ayobami shows no difficulty in learning how to read and write--and does both in one day--there are other tales about the actual process of learning to read and write. This story focuses on the joy of learning with a satisfying ending that shows the power of education and knowledge.

Gorgeous, emotionally evoking artwork transcends the story into a truly impactful tale for listeners who are learning to read and write.

Age: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Tough Issue: Poverty

On the right side of the page, one group of dots lead happy, healthy lives. They have housing, fun things to do, and food. For another group of dots on the left side of the page, life is harder. Seeking a better life, the left side attempts to move over to the right side but not without push back from the right dots and, eventually, overcrowding. "We need another solution." To help solve this inequity, the right dots begin to immigrate to the left side and all dots work together to build a better world for both sides of the page.

A simplified way to address global inequities to children. However, it feels false to provide a solution that is incredibly uncommon in the real world and, when it is performed, it becomes gentrification, causing poor people to lose once again.

This is no easy topic to address but Macri provides a happier ending for children to help foster hope and change in the future generation.

Age: Toddler-Preschool
Animals: Pigs, wolf, turtle
Nature: Being outside
Food: Picnic

What wonderful things to do on a picnic with this pig family. But, uh-oh! There are some setbacks that are solved with the help of friends. A rainstorm at the end leads to mud everywhere. Everywhere? Everywhere!

Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Toys: Stuffed bunny

Every parent has a backup for their child's beloved toy, blankey, or stuffed animal. Take Fluffy for example. Normally chilling out in Mom's sock drawer, Fluffy finally gets his moment to shine when he is placed into Max's arms. He is squeezed. He is snuggled. Max pets Fluffy's ears but then--splat! Fluffy is thrown to the ground when Max realizes Fluffy is an impostor. Eventually Max has fun with Fluffy but he still wants Bunny--and guess who saw Bunny tucked away in the tree house. Knowing that he'll be put back in the sock drawer, Fluffy selflessly tells Max. But, having been given a chance, Fluffy isn't as dispensable as he once was.

A sweet tale about being honest and giving someone a chance at friendship with a dose of humor.

Age: K-2nd grade
Poetry
School: Teachers

According to the narrator, the substitute teacher is doing everything wrong. While adjusting to a different schedule can be hard, something new (poetry) sparks the interest of the reluctant narrator. A collection of notes provide a unique take on this age-old problem for school-age kids. This would be a perfect book for a teacher to read to her class after some time off.

Age: Toddler-Preschool

This classic kid's song is brought to life through cartoony illustrations of a friendly looking, sharp-toothed monster. Big illustrations are perfect for reading aloud to a big group of dancing kids.

Age: Middle School
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming

"In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted . . . and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new non-magical friend to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself."

An incredibly fast moving plot infused with magic--a relatable storyline about being denied your passions--bold lines with bright colors akin to Telgemeier make for an easy sell to junior high audiences. I can't wait to read more about this world.

Age: 3rd-5th grade
Activism: Environmental
Nature: Ocean Life
Tough Issues: Grieving the death of a mother

"When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness."

Pastel colors and manga-like illustrations depict Lana's grieving process alongside her discovery of a city of Aquicorns living under the sea that are threatened by over-fishing and plastic litter.