Children's Fiction - Easy Readers Staff Recommendations
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Call Number: E KEAISBN: 9780670654000Publication Date: 1962-11-05Young Peter celebrated the magic and boundless possibilities of the very first snowfall.The Sneetches and Other Stories by Seuss
Call Number: E SEUISBN: 9780394800899Publication Date: 1961-08-12Four wild stories that are not only humorous and entertaining but also teach valuable lessons about human nature.Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; Lizan Mitchell (Narrated by)
Call Number: E PENISBN: 9781490683737Publication Date: 2015-04-01Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty-and fun-in their routine and the world around them.The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Call Number: E REYISBN: 9780788203343Publication Date: 2004-01-01Vashti believes that she cannot draw, but her art teacher's encouragement leads her to change her mind and she goes on to encourage another student who feels the same as she had.Antiracist Baby Picture Book by Ibram X. Kendi; Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrator)
Call Number: ET KENISBN: 9780593110508Publication Date: 2020-07-14Illustrations and rhyming text present nine steps Antiracist Baby can take to improve equity, such as opening our eyes to all skin colors and celebrating all our differences.Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Call Number: E MORISBN: 9781974908219Publication Date: 2018-10-23What if you dreamed of a new life, and it came to you? What if that new life led you to a new country, where no one spoke your language, where you felt alone and ignored? What if you had to make that new place your home? What if you found that home in a world of books? And what if it all were true?Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine; Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
Call Number: E LEVISBN: 9780439777339Publication Date: 2007-01-01A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia.The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson; Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: E WOOISBN: 9781524741730Publication Date: 2018-08-01Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont; David Catrow (Illustrator)
Call Number: E BEAISBN: 9780547401638Publication Date: 2010-08-23High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.Whoever You Are by Mem Fox; Leslie Staub (Illustrator)
Call Number: J 305.8 FOXISBN: 9780152007874Publication Date: 1997-10-01Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when, unfortunately, the lessons of tolerance still need to be learned,Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and-most importantly-to rejoice in both.Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Call Number: E REYISBN: 9780763667887Publication Date: 2013-09-10Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere. Drawing is what Ramon does. It¹s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon's older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right." Combining the spareness of fable with the potency of parable, Peter Reynolds shines a bright beam of light on the need to kindle and tend our creative flames with care.And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson; Peter Parnell; Henry Cole (Illustrator)
Call Number: E RICISBN: 9781481448840Publication Date: 2015-06-02At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold; Suzanne Kaufman (Illustrator)
Call Number: E PENISBN: 9780525579656Publication Date: 2018-07-10Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back up Again) by Dan Santat (Illustrator)
Call Number: E SANISBN: 9781626726826Publication Date: 2017-10-03Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after? Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear?Sulwe by Vashti Harrison (Illustrator); Lupita Nyong'o
Call Number: E NYOISBN: 9781534425378Publication Date: 2019-10-15When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but a shooting star's tale of the sisters Night and Day helps her understand there is beauty and worth in every shade.Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (Illustrator)
Call Number: E CORISBN: 9780763678388Publication Date: 2017-05-09Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Call Number: E REYISBN: 9780545865036Publication Date: 2019-02-26A child is encouraged to find their own voice, and to say something, even though it may, at times, be difficult to speak out.Islandborn by Junot Díaz; Leo Espinosa (Illustrator)
Call Number: E DIAISBN: 9780735230958Publication Date: 2018-03-13Every kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else. Hers was a school of faraway places. So when Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island--she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories--joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening--Lola's imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island.The Colors of Us by Karen Katz (Illustrator)
Call Number: E KATISBN: 9780805071634Publication Date: 2002-10-01Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.Thunder Boy Jr by Sherman Alexie; Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: E ALEISBN: 9780316013727Publication Date: 2016-05-10Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder doesn't want to share a name. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he's done like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder. But just when Little Thunder thinks all hope is lost, dad picks the best name...Lightning! Their love will be loud and bright, and together they will light up the sky.Drawn Together by Minh Lê; Dan Santat (Illustrator, Cover Design by)
Call Number: E LEISBN: 9781484767603Publication Date: 2018-06-05When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens - with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents a Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (Better Bundo Book, LGBT Children's Book) by Marlon Bundo; Jill Twiss (As told to); E. G. Keller (Gerald Kelley) (Illustrator)
Call Number: E BUNISBN: 9781452173801Publication Date: 2018-03-18Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence - the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever... With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming children's book explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
Call Number: E MCDISBN: 9780316222587Publication Date: 2014-10-07In this interactive and engaging read-aloud, bestselling author and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell creates a funny, engaging, and almost perfect story about embracing life's messes. Little Louie's story keeps getting messed up, and he's not happy about it! What's the point of telling his tale if he can't tell it perfectly? But when he stops and takes a deep breath, he realizes that everything is actually just fine, and his story is a good one--imperfections and all.Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (Illustrator)
Call Number: E LOVISBN: 9780763690458Publication Date: 2018-04-23In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor; Rafael López (Illustrator); Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: E SOTISBN: 9780525514121Publication Date: 2019-09-03A group of children with different abilities and strengths come together to build a community garden.What Do You Do with a Problem? by Mae Besom (Illustrator); Kobi Yamada
Call Number: E YAMISBN: 9781943200009Publication Date: 2016-06-01This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it. The longer he avoids the problem, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different indeed.The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates (Illustrator); Juniper Bates
Call Number: E BATISBN: 9781534406582Publication Date: 2018-02-06By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn't matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn't matter how many legs you have. Don't worry that there won't be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.Mae among the Stars by Roda Ahmed; Stasia Burrington (Illustrator)
Call Number: E AHMISBN: 9780062651730Publication Date: 2018-01-09When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." Little Mae's curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.The Sandwich Swap by Kelly DiPucchio; Tricia Tusa (Illustrator)
Call Number: E RANISBN: 9781423124849Publication Date: 2010-04-20Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus-but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them?La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya; Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)
Call Number: E ELYISBN: 9780399251566Publication Date: 2017-09-05The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming bilingual retelling. El principe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn't agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa. But the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .Prince and Knight by Daniel Haack; Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)
Call Number: E HAAISBN: 9781499805529Publication Date: 2018-05-01In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.Marisol Mcdonald Doesn't Match /Marisol Mcdonald No Combina by VOX Books (Other, Other Recording by)
Call Number: E BROISBN: 9781948381390Publication Date: 2018-06-01Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. To Marisol, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together. Other people wrinkle their nose in confusion at Marisol-can't she just choose one or the other? Try as she might, in a world where everyone tries to put this biracial, Peruvian-Scottish-American girl into a box, Marisol McDonald doesn't match. And that's just fine with her.The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard; Oge Mora (Illustrator)
Call Number: J B WALKERISBN: 9781524768294Publication Date: 2020-01-07A picture book biography sharing the inspiring and incredible true story of the nation's oldest student, Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 116Why Am I Me? by Selina Alko (Illustrator); Paige Britt; Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
Call Number: E BRIISBN: 9781338053142Publication Date: 2017-08-29In a poetic, philosophical exchange, two children of different races ask themselves why they are who and what they are, and speculate on how they could be different.Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman; Eda Kaban (Illustrator)
Call Number: E PEAISBN: 9780762462476Publication Date: 2018-06-05A celebration of how colors are for everyone depicts characters engaging in their favorite activities.Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Call Number: ET HARISBN: 9780316475099Publication Date: 2018-10-16Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the board book adaptation of the author's Little leaders: bold women in Black history.Sumo Joe by Mia Wenjen; Nat Iwata (Illustrator)
Call Number: E WENISBN: 9781620148020Publication Date: 2019-05-14On Saturday mornings, Sumo Joe is a gentle big brother to his little sister. But on Saturday afternoons, he and his friends are sumo wrestlers! They tie on makeshift mawashi belts, practice drills like teppo, and compete in their homemade dohyo ring. They even observe sumo's ultimate rule: no girls allowed! But when Sumo Joe's little sister wants to join in the fun, Sumo Joe is torn between the two things he's best at--sumo, and being a big brother.Hosea Plays On by Kathleen M. Blasi; Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)
Call Number: E BLAISBN: 9781454926832Publication Date: 2020-01-07This heartwarming picture book (based on a true story) depicts a day in the life of Hosea Taylor, a musician who--with his charm, talent, and generosity--brought joy to everyone he met.