Books like Dear Teacher, A Celebration of People Who Inspire Us
Award winning
Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
45 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity through melodic storytelling.
Encourages respect and pride in personal names.
Supports emotional and social development.
Ideal for shared reading and family bonding.

Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
Award winning
North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
357 pages
Why to read
Gripping mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
Strong, relatable protagonist boosts empathy.
Adventure-rich setting stimulates imagination.
Engages young readers with suspenseful, paced storytelling.

North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
Award winning
The Walking School Bus
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Friedland, Julian Lennon, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of teamwork and cooperation.
Encourages empathy and social skills development.
Stimulates imagination with relatable school setting.
Supports parent-child bonding through shared reading.

The Walking School Bus
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Friedland, Julian Lennon, 2023
Award winning
What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns
Katherine Locke, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Explores identity through creative use of pronouns.
Encourages respect and understanding of diverse identities.
Supports language development and personal expression.
Engaging illustrations enhance reading enjoyment.

What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns
Katherine Locke, 2021
Award winning
The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Addresses anxiety with engaging, relatable storytelling.
Encourages emotional development and self-soothing techniques.
Supports early literacy with simple, rhythmic text.
Ideal for shared reading, fostering parent-child bonds.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
Award winning
I Am Malala Yousafzai: Ordinary People Change the World
Brad Meltzer, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires courage and determination in young readers.
Educational insight on human rights and activism.
Illustrates the power of education and voice.
Empowering, real-life story for all ages.

I Am Malala Yousafzai: Ordinary People Change the World
Brad Meltzer, 2022
Award winning
Something, Someday
Amanda Gorman, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires hope and big dreams among young readers.
Beautiful, poetic language enhances vocabulary.
Encourages resilience and persistence in facing challenges.
Ideal for family reading, sparking meaningful discussions.

Something, Someday
Amanda Gorman, 2023
Award winning
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma
Joanna Ho, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires through Yo-Yo Ma’s musical journey.
Highlights cultural diversity and global understanding.
Encourages musical interest and artistic expression.
Supports resilience and pursuing passions.
