by Michael Strickland Nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, according to a 2022 survey from the Trevor Project. That’s just one reason why books like I Can Be…Me! need to be amplified as much as possible. And draconian attacks on libraries and librarians are slowly pushing such critical dialogues out of reach for some…
A compassionate story about creativity, houselessness, and believing in yourself
Author and illustrator Chad Otis is asking readers to look on the bright side with his heartfelt picture book, THE BRIGHT SIDE. The sweet and imaginative narrator in THE BRIGHT SIDE gives readers a glimpse into an emotional story of houselessness: life on a bus, making new friends, and becoming resourceful while trying to maintain…
An interactive, friendly way to help kids name their fears—and make them disappear!
Have you heard of the worry monsters? They always know how to cheer you up! Children will love this simple story featuring the friendly worry monsters, designed to help children engage with their worries. Lara Ede’s bright, friendly illustrations will engage them as they read, and there is a fun touch on every spread. These…
An Engaging Story That Offers Empowerment and Acceptance of Learning Differences
“Exploring the topic of learning disabilities can be challenging, especially the social-emotional fallout for children who are struggling, but Thompkins-Bigelow accomplishes the task. Rose’s lively and colorful illustrations are eye-pleasing and showcase diversity. This is an engaging story that not only offers empowerment but also models understanding and acceptance of learning differences.” —The Horn Book Magazine…
A testament to personal empowerment, community, and art
“Readers will immediately root for [Bella] throughout this well-paced story that addresses the impact of gentrification and the power of young voices. The clear narration sends readers a strong message about civic responsibility and how they’re never too young to get involved in decision-making that affects their communities.” — Kirkus Reviews A Washington Post KidsPost Summer…
11 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Read
This is an excerpt from an article by Tim Shanahan . Dr. Shanahan is an internationally recognized professor of urban education and reading researcher who has extensive experience with children in inner-city schools and children with special needs. Read his blog Shanahan on Literacy. 1. Teaching reading will only help. Sometimes, parents are told early…
“What’s wonderful about being a ballerina is being able to tell a story without saying a single word.”
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy an illustrated nonfiction collection celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. As a young girl living in a motel with her mother and her five…
A novel that will show Black girls just how brightly they can shine
“Rise to the Sun is a sweet, funny, and effervescent gem of a book.” — Nicola Yoon, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Sun is Also a Star and Everything, Everything From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown, Leah Johnson delivers a stunning novel about being brave enough…
A fresh approach to the familiar topic of bullying
An unforgettable novel from the New York Times bestselling Gordon Korman. Link, Michael, and Dana live in a quiet town. But it’s woken up very quickly when someone sneaks into school and vandalizes it with a swastika. Read more. Nobody can believe it. How could such a symbol of hate end up in the middle of their…
Book Donation Supports Survivors of Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse
Because their mission is to promote safe and thriving families, work to end physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and provide victim support — we are donating a box of new children’s and Young Adult books, worth a total of $110 — to Rally in the Alley which benefits the Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho….
Young People's Pavilion 