Written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by QinLeng Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur Early Elementary Picturebook The word family is more than just a physical thing that people have, it is a feeling. This story tells the experience of a boy in school reflecting on his family. He starts off by worrying his family is not […]
Tag: Diversity
Teddy’s Favorite Toy
Written by Christian Trimmer. Illustrations by Madeline Valentine. Review by Emily Richardson. Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of the Pacific is an etiquette icon, action hero, and fashionista extraordinaire all in one. In Teddy’s Favorite Toy, she is also Teddy’s most beloved and treasured toy. One day, when the doll goes missing, it falls to Teddy’s mom […]
Your Name is a Song
Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow & illustrated by Luisa Uribe Reviewed by Sofia Puorro When asked whether she was bothered by the constant and deliberate mispronunciation of her name, vice-president Kamala Harris responded that a name is the first gift children receive from their families. In Your Name is a Song, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow uses rhythm and […]
Families Can
Written by Dan Saks and Illustrated by Brooke Smart Reviewed by Emily Richardson, 2021-2022 “A family is love, no matter how it looks, And when they are together, like the pages in this book, Your family’s a story that’s unique and true. A family is beautiful, as beautiful as you.” This picture book is a […]
What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold
Written by Elana K. Arnold Illustrated by Linda Davick Reviewed by Ellen Hurd What Riley Wore is a colorfully illustrated picture book that features a non-gendered main character named Riley. Riley knows just what to wear for any occasion, such as a superhero costume for going to the dentist “because teeth cleaning is scary,” a […]
My First Day
Written and illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Hunỳnh Kim Liên Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur Early Elementary Picturebook The first day of school is an event every child around the world experiences. In this story, a young boy who lives along The Mekong Delta begins his journey to school on the first day. This is […]
I Am Every Good Thing
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Gordon C. James Reviewed by Mary Bishop Picture Book / Concept Book This book radiates Black boy brilliance! The illustrations are painted in a gestural nature with bright colors that exude action and life. The narrator is a young boy who is conveying his multifaceted self – a spirited, […]
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin Written and Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh Reviewed by Jane Lyons Upper Elementary Picturebook This children’s book tells the story of two cousins. Charlie lives in the United States, and Carlitos lives in Mexico. They write to each other about their lives in hopes that they can meet together […]
I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins
This book is a collection of poems and illustrations by poets and artists who share childhood memories that have stuck with them through their lives. They reflect on their heritage, traditions, beliefs, and values that are a part of their diverse backgrounds. Each poem is paired with a beautiful illustration that captures on the themes […]
Drawn Together
Written by MINH LÊ Illustrated by DAN SANTAT Reviewed by Maddie McBride (LC MAT 2020-2021) At first glance, one might think that this story is simply about a strong connection between a grandfather and a grandson. However, within the first few pages, just through illustration, we learn that their connection was not always as close […]