Books like Born to Fly: The Untold Story of the Downed American Reconnaissance Plane
Award winning
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2020
48 pages
Why to read
Celebrates Aretha Franklin's impactful life and career.
Inspires children with strong, influential female role model.
Encourages respect and determination through engaging storytelling.
Beautiful illustrations complement powerful narrative.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2020
Award winning
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2020
48 pages
Why to read
Inspires with Gwendolyn Brooks' remarkable poetic journey.
Enhances appreciation for poetry and literary expression.
Celebrates resilience and determination in creative pursuits.
Supports literacy and language development.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2020
Award winning
An American Story
Kwame Alexander, 2023
56 pages
Why to read
Captures essential American historical moments.
Fosters pride and understanding of national identity.
Encourages curiosity about historical events.
Stimulates discussions on cultural heritage.

An American Story
Kwame Alexander, 2023
Award winning
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of African American history.
Strengthens empathy through powerful storytelling.
Encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Beautiful, evocative illustrations complement the narrative.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
Award winning
A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!
Anika Aldamuy Denise, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires with Rita Moreno's captivating real-life achievements.
Highlights cultural diversity and perseverance.
Encourages artistic expression and following dreams.
Educational insights into historical and social contexts.

A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!
Anika Aldamuy Denise, 2021
Award winning
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Anika Aldamuy Denise, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and storytelling.
Inspires with real-life librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré.
Encourages inclusion and diversity through narrative.
Supports language development and historical awareness.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Anika Aldamuy Denise, 2019
Award winning
Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician
Lesa Cline-Ransome, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of overcoming barriers.
Enhances interest in math and science.
Promotes resilience and perseverance.
Ideal for shared reading family time.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician
Lesa Cline-Ransome, 2019
Award winning
Great Elizabethans: HM Queen Elizabeth II and 25 Amazing Britons from Her Reign
Imogen Russell Williams, 2022
128 pages
Why to read
Showcases influential figures in Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
Inspires with stories of innovation, leadership, and courage.
Enhances knowledge of British history and its global impact.
Engaging storytelling that captivates young readers.
