Books like Cross My Heart
Award winning
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
272 pages
Why to read
Captivating tale of bravery and compassion.
Highlights the importance of forgiveness and hope.
Encourages empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates young imagination with whimsical storytelling.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
Award winning
The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with a magical, captivating narrative.
Features relatable, diverse characters promoting inclusivity.
Enhances problem-solving through engaging plot twists.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading adventures.

The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
Award winning
Together with You
Jarvis, Patricia Toht, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family bonding and shared experiences.
Captivating illustrations stimulate visual imagination.
Encourages empathy and understanding among siblings.
Supports early language development and storytelling skills.

Together with You
Jarvis, Patricia Toht, 2023
Award winning
Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
Christi J. Whitney, Laura Dockrill, Lauren Child, 2024
256 pages
Why to read
Mystical adventure fosters creativity and curiosity.
Builds empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and perseverance in challenges.
Ideal for enhancing literacy and engagement.

Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
Christi J. Whitney, Laura Dockrill, Lauren Child, 2024
Award winning
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow
Benjamin Dean, 2021
352 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of diversity and acceptance.
Encourages understanding of LGBTQ+ community.
Develops empathy through engaging storytelling.
Inspires adventure and family bonding.

Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow
Benjamin Dean, 2021
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
368 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale promotes empathy and community spirit.
Engages young readers with charming, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
Fosters family connections and shared reading moments.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
Gibberish
Young Vo, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through playful, imaginative language.
Supports language development with engaging, quirky dialogues.
Encourages interactive reading sessions between parents and children.
Builds vocabulary with unique and amusing wordplay.

Gibberish
Young Vo, 2022
Award winning
All Because You Matter
Tami Charles, 2020
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers children through affirming, lyrical prose.
Celebrates diversity and individual importance.
Fosters emotional intelligence and self-worth.
Vibrant illustrations enhance engagement and understanding.
