Welcome to another installment in our series of blog posts featuring children’s books we’re currently loving! “Book Chat with the Youth Services Team” features one book recommendation from each of our Youth Services team members. We cover a variety of books from fiction to non-fiction, picture books to chapter books, graphic novels and more! We hope that this month’s reading recommendations get you excited about some awesome new books we’ve added to our collection as well as some oldies but goodies. Enjoy!
Beth recommends: The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt (ages 4-8)
This book is great for everyone to read as it is just SOOO fun! This is the 3rd book in the series where Duncan’s crayons tell him what they like and are doing. In this book, the crayons have disappeared, and Duncan doesn’t know what to do until the letters start to arrive. Each color crayon sends him a letter telling him all about their new friend and what they are doing. It is so funny, especially if you have read the other two books in the series. The crayons really do take on a life of their own. It is a very good book with the underlying theme of friendship and seeing someone else’s perspective. If you want a great book to start off your summer reading, pick up a copy of The Day the Crayons Made Friends and start reading today!
Lisa recommends: Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt (ages 9-11)
“And looking around the room, I remember thinking that my reading differences were like dragging a concrete block around every day, and how I felt sorry for myself. Now I realize that everyone has their own blocks to drag around. And they all feel heavy”. (p. 245)
As a mom to 2 sons that have dyslexia, it was recommended that I read this book about one young girl’s struggles with school and not being able to learn to read. Ally is a sixth grader with undiagnosed learning differences who is not doing well educationally and socially in school. Hunt has done a wonderful job with bringing Ally’s internal thoughts and feelings to the reader and describing what it feels like to have dyslexia. Even though Ally is very creative and a talented artist, she sees herself as not very smart because she can not read like her classmates. School is a chore until she is moved into a caring teacher’s class who realizes that Ally might be dyslexic and that she is gifted in other ways. The book is a hopeful and inspiring message to those who struggle to fit in because of a learning difference and celebrates their unique talents that make them special.
Sarah recommends: Lightfall: A Girl and her Galdurian by Tim Prost (ages 6-10)
I recently became a graphic novel superfan and have been devouring them. They are such a great way to introduce longer, more complex stories to young children. As I’ve explored juvenile graphic novels, Lightfall has quickly become a favorite series. This novel follows Bea, the adopted granddaughter of Pig Wizard, and Cad, a member of an ancient race thought to be extinct as they travel across Irpa to find the missing Pig Wizard, solve the mystery of Cad’s missing people, and keep darkness from taking over their world. This is a beautifully illustrated book with exciting, vivid, and detailed artwork. Bea suffers from anxiety and Probert does a masterful job illustrating how she experiences it and, ultimately, learns to ward it off. If you’re looking for sweeping worldbuilding, a tale of unlikely friendship, or a touching story of growth and adventure, add this to your reading list today!
Madison recommends: Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart (ages 10-13)
Lily and Dunkin, by Donna Gephart, is a captivating novel that explores a budding friendship between two eighth graders, each facing their own challenges. Dunkin is dreading the start of eighth grade in Florida, where the unbearable humidity only adds to his discomfort. His recent move from New Jersey was not by choice, and he is struggling to adjust to his new life. Meanwhile, Lily, a longtime resident of Dunkin’s new neighborhood, is preparing for the school year and to come out to her community as a girl who was assigned male at birth (MTF). Told in alternating perspectives between Lily and Dunkin, the story tackles difficult subjects, like gender dysphoria, bullying, bi-polar disorder, and lose of loved ones. Ultimately, though, the novel offers hope. Lily and Dunkin is a powerful narrative about friendship, courage, and unconditional acceptance between friends.
Mirissa recommends: Whale Eyes by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea (ages 10-13)
Memoir isn’t the genre most requested for middle grade or even young adult, but this one by filmmaker James Robinson is certainly worth the read for all ages. Through in-text optical illusions and poetic presentations of the text, it puts the reader in the shoes of a child with misaligned eyes—a child like James. This not only makes the story feel more alive, but it gives the reader more empathy for a situation that may seem hard to imagine on the surface. The author spends much of the book creating this awareness of what it’s like to live with such a disability. However, he takes it further and calls for those with all types of differences to find the courage to speak out while also calling for ‘normal’ folks to challenge themselves with a change of perspective. No matter which side of the discussion the reader falls on, there is a place for everyone in this conversation.
Summer recommends: The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa (ages 8-12)
This graphic novel follows a summer in the life of Anang, a two-spirit Ojibwe youth. After a school year dealing with bullying due to their gender nonconformity, they decide they want to wear a ribbon skirt at the upcoming powwow. They converse with Ojibwe spirits, who come to them in dreams and visions, as well as the forms of turtles and crows. Navigating friendships, family, and growing up in their Anishinaabe community can be tough, but they learn it is more important to be their true self than to try to please everyone else. Written and illustrated by a two-spirit Anishinaabe author and artist, this title is a genuine expression of indigenous culture and modern indigenous life. It’s a great read for pride month or all-year-round.
Lauren recommends: What About X? An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert (ages 3-5)
In this delightful story about the Alphabet going on a camping trip and what each letter will bring, X struggles to find something useful to pack. The other letters all have helpful and needed items for camping, but what about X? This book is a great way to learn the alphabet and how to identify words that start with certain letters. It also teaches a wonderful lesson about friendship and inclusion.
April recommends: Little Big Man by Vivian Johnson (ages 3-7)
Vivian Johnson’s Little Big Man is a beautifully crafted picture book that gently explores themes of self-acceptance and the power of believing in oneself. The story follows a young boy who may be small but is big in heart and courage. Through simple yet engaging language paired with vibrant and expressive illustrations, the book captures the imagination of young readers while delivery an important message. This book is especially suitable for children 3 to 7 years old. It works well as a read- aloud for preschoolers and early elementary students, helping to reinforce positive messages about self-esteem and reliance. Happy Father’s Day to all the loving fathers of the world!
Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!
