Books like A Horn for Louis: Louis Armstrong--as a kid! (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
Award winning
Before John Was a Jazz Giant
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2008
32 pages
Why to read
Explores the early inspirations of jazz legend John Coltrane.
Illustrations and text evoke the soundscape of Coltrane's world.
Encourages musical exploration and appreciation in young readers.
Supports understanding of historical cultural influences in music.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2008
Award winning
Anzu the Great Listener
Benson Shum, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Cultivates active listening and empathy in young readers.
Vibrant illustrations captivate and stimulate visual learning.
Supports language development and comprehension skills.
Encourages meaningful conversations between parents and children.

Anzu the Great Listener
Benson Shum, 2023
Award winning
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
Renée Watson, 2012
40 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of resilience and determination.
Celebrates cultural history and musical heritage.
Empowers children through representation and diversity.
Encourages dreams and highlights overcoming obstacles.

Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
Renée Watson, 2012
Award winning
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
Loren Long, Amanda Gorman, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children through motivational and lyrical language.
Illustrations enhance engagement and understanding.
Encourages positivity and change-making in young minds.
Supports language development and artistic expression.

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
Loren Long, Amanda Gorman, 2021
Award winning
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
Margarita Engle, 2019
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires through historical figures and events.
Enhances understanding of perseverance and resilience.
Celebrates cultural diversity and musical creativity.
Encourages emotional expression through art.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
Margarita Engle, 2019
Award winning
Silence
Deborah Lytton, 2015
320 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of resilience and self-discovery.
Encourages empathy and understanding of others.
Enhances communication skills through narrative.
Engaging emotional and motivational growth journey.

Silence
Deborah Lytton, 2015
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1)
Dav Pilkey, 2020
176 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through comic creation adventures. - Encourages teamwork and collaboration skills. - Engages young readers with dynamic illustrations. - Enhances understanding of narrative structures.

Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1)
Dav Pilkey, 2020
Award winning
Super King Viking Land!: A Branches Book
Thomas Flintham, 2023
80 pages
Why to read
Vibrant illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
Adventure-filled storyline fosters imagination and creativity.
Introduces early reading skills through simple text structure.
Encourages independent reading in emerging readers.
