Top-rated books by Ricky Smith
Uptown
Age: 4-8
Books like Ricky Smith’s
Award winning
The Skull
Jon Klassen, Fairuza Balk, 2023
106 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with engaging, mysterious storyline.
Characters exhibit resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Encourages family reading and discussion.

The Skull
Jon Klassen, Fairuza Balk, 2023
Award winning
There Was a Party for Langston
Jason Reynolds, 2023
56 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and diversity.
Enhances vocabulary through dynamic, lyrical prose.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Inspires creativity and self-expression.

There Was a Party for Langston
Jason Reynolds, 2023
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
Award winning
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and creativity in challenging situations.
Stresses the importance of family and togetherness.
Enhances mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
Celebrates cultural diversity and heritage.

The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose
Dav Pilkey, 2022
224 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through engaging, colorful illustrations.
Encourages teamwork and collaboration among characters.
Supports development of reading and interpretative skills.
Reassures young readers to pursue their creative passions.

Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose
Dav Pilkey, 2022
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.

The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
Award winning
Plátanos Are Love
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage through vibrant storytelling.
Enhances language skills and emotional understanding.
Supports early childhood cognitive and social development.
Engaging narrative that fosters family bonding.

Plátanos Are Love
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, 2023
Award winning
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
Joanna Ho, 2021
34 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural identity and self-acceptance.
Stunning illustrations enhance the storytelling.
Encourages appreciation of one's heritage.
Strengthens self-esteem in young readers.
