Books like Red Badge of Courage (Calico Illustrated Classics)
Award winning
Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey
Ruth Behar, Devon Holzwarth, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and diversity.
Explores themes of adaptation and resilience.
Strengthens family bonds through shared history.
Enhances empathy and understanding across cultures.

Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey
Ruth Behar, Devon Holzwarth, 2022
Award winning
Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Modern retelling enhances connection to historical spiritual song.
Stunning illustrations complement the powerful narrative.
Fosters cultural awareness and historical understanding.
Encourages family discussions on faith and resilience.

Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2022
Award winning
Shizue's Path
Mark Sakamoto, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and perseverance through engaging narrative.
Enhances emotional understanding and empathy in young readers.
Stimulates curiosity and exploration with rich cultural settings.
Promotes literacy and language skills effectively.

Shizue's Path
Mark Sakamoto, 2023
Award winning
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
S.K. Ali, Ibtihaj Muhammad, 2019
36 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity and family bonds.
Encourages resilience and embracing individuality.
Illustrates the beauty of Hijab and tradition.
Inspiring tale, ideal for developing empathy.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
S.K. Ali, Ibtihaj Muhammad, 2019
Award winning
Kozo the Sparrow
Allen Say, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience through Kozo's adventurous challenges. Enhances emotional understanding and empathy. Encourages curiosity and exploration in young readers. Beautifully illustrated, captivating children's attention.

Kozo the Sparrow
Allen Say, 2023
Award winning
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Jodie Patterson, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates individuality and acceptance.
Encourages understanding diverse identities and expressions.
Inspires courage and resilience in adversity.
Family bonding through meaningful discussions.

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Jodie Patterson, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, 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
Abuelita's American Dream: A Puerto Rican Migrant's Story
Danise B Sumner, Lola Usupova, Danise Batista Sumner, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Captures Puerto Rican culture through vibrant storytelling.
Inspires children with themes of perseverance and hope.
Encourages cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Supports language development and empathetic skills.
