Books like Escape from Communist Heaven
Award winning
She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
Lesa Cline-Ransome, Chelsea Clinton, 2021
80 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of courage and determination.
Highlights significant historical events and figures.
Encourages resilience and standing up for justice.
Engaging narrative enhances reading and comprehension skills.

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
Lesa Cline-Ransome, Chelsea Clinton, 2021
Award winning
The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story
Emma Bland Smith, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience through a captivating true story.
Enhances empathy and understanding of historical contexts.
Encourages curiosity and interest in botany and nature.
Supports development of strong reading and comprehension skills.

The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story
Emma Bland Smith, 2022
Award winning
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Educates on historical events through narrative storytelling.
Addresses complex themes with age-appropriate language.
Encourages awareness and understanding of racial history.
Supports discussions on equality and human rights.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
Award winning
Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro
Monica Brown, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Inspiring tale of perseverance and hard work.
Highlights importance of family support and education.
Encourages children to pursue their dreams.
Showcases real-life success through dedication.

Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro
Monica Brown, 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
This is Your Time
Ru, Ruby Bridges, 2020
64 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story by Ruby Bridges, civil rights icon.
Encourages courage, equality, and hope among young readers.
Beautiful illustrations capture the historical context vividly.
Ideal for discussions on history, racism, and resilience.

This is Your Time
Ru, Ruby Bridges, 2020
Award winning
The Beatles: A Little Golden Book Biography
Judy Katschke, 2023
24 pages
Why to read
Introduces The Beatles' history in a child-friendly format.
Inspires musical interest and historical curiosity in young readers.
Enhances vocabulary and understanding through engaging storytelling.
Colorful illustrations complement the captivating narrative.

The Beatles: A Little Golden Book Biography
Judy Katschke, 2023
Award winning
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi, 2021
192 pages
Why to read
Addresses complex topics of racism and antiracism accessibly.
Fosters critical thinking and awareness in young readers.
Encourages conversations about equality and justice at home.
Supports development of empathy and inclusivity.
