Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
Summer is already half way over with only one month left to cram in some necessary summer reading. Whether you are just getting started with summer responsibilities or looking to add a few books to your child’s reading list, check out these age appropriate recommendations from the American Library Association.
Birth-PreK:
AntiRacist Baby by Ibram X Kendi
It is never too early to teach children inclusivity and antiracism. This thoughtfully illustrated book by award winning author, Ibram X Kendi, introduces parents and young ones to nine easy steps toward a more inclusive, equitable society. The book includes discussion prompts intended to start conversations at home on the topic of antiracism.
Families Belong by Dan Saks
Continuing on the topic of inclusivity, Families Belong is a heart warming, rhyming book that highlights the unconditional love offered by family. This sweet children’s book is a reminder that families are meant to be “together like a puzzle, different-sized people, one big snuggle.”
A New Green Day by Antoinette Portis
Explore nature through this poetically illustrated book. The riddles in A New Green Day encourage children to explore nature and listen when it speaks. Children are invited to solve riddles about familiar plants, animals, and weather.
Grade 2:
I Am A Bird by Hope Lim
I Am A Bird is a touching story about a young girl’s unexpected connection to a strange woman she sees on her morning bike commute with her father. The colorful illustration and inquisitive text will excite young readers to see what happens next as the young girl soars through her neighborhood like a bird.
Lift by Minh Le
Readers are taken away in a magical elevator ride created in the imagination of a young girl named Iris. When her little brother wants to take over her job as the official “elevator button pusher,” Iris is whisked away by a new elevator button in her mind. This heart warming story will remind readers that sharing new discoveries with people that you love can offer an even greater adventure than expected.
Story Boat by Kyo Maclear
In this timely illustrated childrens’ book, a little girl and her younger brother tell their story of leaving everything they know behind in hope of a better life. Take the journey with the young siblings as they find comfort in small things such as a cup, blanket, flower, and lamp that become their beacons of hope on an adventure that seems too scary.
Grade 3-5:
Any Day With You by Mae Respicio
This cultural masterpiece chronicles the life of a young girl named Kaia from the Philippines. Kaia is part of a creative arts camp in California where she is entering a short film contest. She loves the art of special effects and makeup but especially loves spending time with her great-grandfather, Tatang.
Pepper Page Saves The Universe by Landry Q. Walker
This futuristic superhero book features the awkward and shy Pepper Page. Her encounters with a strange cat named Mister McKittens and an evil substitute teacher take readers on an imaginative adventure through the cosmic world. Pepper soon learns the real difference between fantasy and reality.
We Got Game! 35 Female Athletes Who Changed The World by Aileen Weintraub
From Simone Biles to Ronda Rousey, this inspiring anthology for young women features thirty-five female athletes who have broken records and inspired young athletes around the world.
Grade 6-8:
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
Robin and her mother were two peas in a pod. That is until her mother suddenly announced that they would be moving from their home in Seoul, Korea to Alabama, of all places. Robin is furious with her mother and feels left out, overwhelmed, and confused everywhere she goes. Until she finds healing and hope in art. Find out how a comic drawing class changes everything for Robin in Almost American Girl.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
12 year-old Zoe is faced with an insurmountable task. She has never met her father who has been in prison for a crime he says he did not commit. She had never even heard from him until a letter arrived on her birthday. Zoe quietly begins to question everything she knows to be true as she decides what to write back to her father.
The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
The magic of friendship may be the key to saving the day in this emotional novel. Cora and Quinn had been best friends until the death of Cora’s sister. Each grappling with their own grief, the two friends set out to explore the fabric of the universe in their attempt to change the past. The Shape of Thunder is a moving story that reminds readers of the value of friendship and grace.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
