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Hispanic Heritage Month Book Recommendations

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Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15 to October 15. It is a great opportunity to explore a variety of cultures, traditions, and stories. Here is a list of books to celebrate this month! Picture Books Abuela’s Library by Lisette Norman Alfonso and his Abuela’s favorite tree is cut down because it is dying, and they decide to make it into a library. This beautiful book is about community, determination, and turning something horrible into something amazing. Lucía the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza After boys tell Lucía that only boys can be superheroes, Lucía's Abuela teaches her about luchadoras and lucha libre. Through becoming a luchadora, Lucía becomes confident enough to fight for what is right and show that girls can be powerful superheroes. This is a fun and fast-paced picture book with beautiful art. Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh This book follows cousins, Charlie and Carlitos, as they write to each other about their lives in Mexico and...

Getting Ready for School Picture Book Recommendations

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The first day of school is right around the corner! Here are some books for children who are starting school this year. Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool by Jamel C. Campbell Olu is nervous about starting preschool and meeting his teacher. When his first day comes, his belly feels wobbly, but he learns about how cool his teacher is and how much fun he can have at preschool. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes A young boy is excited to start his first day of kindergarten. The story follows him as he gets ready and has fun at school.  Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro This beautiful book follows Rosie as she starts school. She practices her letters, her teacher’s name, and raising her hand, but when the time comes to go to school, she has butterflies in her tummy. As Rosie goes throughout her day and faces her fears, her butterflies slowly start to escape. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold This joyful book welcomes all children to s...

Disability Pride Month Book Recommendations

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July is Disability Pride Month! Let's find books with great disability representation and learn about disabilities that impact many people every day. Picture Books Best Day Ever by Marilyn Singer This fun-filled rhyming picture book follows a playful puppy and his owner.  Can Bears Ski?  by Raymond Antrobus A little bear does not understand why people keep asking him “Can bears ski?” until he goes to the doctor for tests and gets hearing aids for the first time. This adorable book introduces deaf characters and hearing aids to young readers. Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes Follow author Jessica Kensky’s true story about adjusting to prosthetics and meeting her service dog, Rescue.   The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore Cora’s story of wondering “what if…” resonates with everyone who struggles with anxiety. Kilgore personifies ‘whatifs’ as their own characters on the page always hovering around Cora. The story shows a new...

Pride Month Reading Recommendations

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June is Pride Month! As this month comes to a close, let's continue to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with amazing books that are great to read all year long. Board Books and Picture Books If It’s Pride and You Know It… by Andy Passchier (also known as Anne Passchier)  This interactive board book is a new twist on a classic children’s song, and it's moving parts are great for helping develop fine motor skills. A QR code on the back allows the option to sing along as you explore the diversity among characters who are all celebrating Pride together. Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer Share in this sweet board book that includes a variety of family shapes and sizes, demonstrating that love is truly what makes a family. Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart This book shows the meaning behind each color in the now-iconic rainbow flag. Be proud and smile along as you share this story with loved ones. My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal Trinity, a black, autistic,...