Books like Oh Boy, Boston! (Polk Street Special)
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.

Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
Award winning
Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
42 pages
Why to read
Engaging, suspenseful narrative captivates young readers' attention.
Encourages creativity and curiosity through whimsical storytelling.
Illustrates problem-solving skills in a fun, approachable way.
Strengthens reading comprehension and retention in young minds.

Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
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 Alice in Wonderland Omnibus Including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (with the Original John Tenniel Illustrations)
Lewis Carroll, 2021
258 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with whimsical, fantastical adventures.
Enhances critical thinking through puzzling scenarios, riddles.
Iconic illustrations by John Tenniel enrich storytelling.
Encourages exploration of identity and self-perception.

The Alice in Wonderland Omnibus Including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (with the Original John Tenniel Illustrations)
Lewis Carroll, 2021
Award winning
Just Because
Matthew Mcconaughey, Renee Kurilla, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story
Engaging characters
Beautiful illustrations
Important life lessons

Just Because
Matthew Mcconaughey, Renee Kurilla, 2023
Award winning
The Red Jacket
Bob Holt, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure enhances children’s creative thinking.
Encourages empathy through diverse, relatable character experiences.
Supports cognitive development with engaging narrative challenges.
Strengthens reading skills, perfect for family bonding.

The Red Jacket
Bob Holt, 2023
Award winning
The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
304 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure enhances problem-solving skills.
Promotes empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Strengthens reading skills with compelling narrative.
Supports emotional growth, boosting self-confidence.

The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
Award winning
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity with engaging supernatural elements.
Encourages teamwork and bravery among characters.
Illustrations complement and enrich the storytelling.
Enhances vocabulary with age-appropriate language.
