There are so many exceptional authors writing literature for children today. From human values and cultural experience to true stories and colorful illustrations, there are extraordinary books in every genre for your kids to read. For a book to be an award winner it has to be very special, so we searched far and wide to find the best picks for this recommendation list! Scroll through, find a few you think your kids will enjoy, and use the link to buy. Happy reading!
1. What Do You Do With an Idea?
This inspiring and beautiful book tells the sweet story of how an idea can blossom with the right encouragement. When a child dreams big, it is important to teach them nothing is impossible if they work hard and believe in themselves.
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2. The Watermelon Seeds
Let your kids' imaginations soar with this adorable American picture book for children about a crocodile who thinks if he swallows a watermelon seed crazy things are going to happen. We all had those myths told to us as kids about seeds growing in our bellies, so it's fun to go through the thoughts of this quirky character.
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3. New Kid
An award-winning graphic novel with a relatable story many readers will appreciate. Jordan loves drawing, so when his parents decide they want him to change schools he hopes they will enroll him in his dream art school. Unfortunately, they decide to send him to Riverdale Academy Day School, a private school with almost no students who look like him. Can he survive being the new kid?
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4. Frederick
A classic story of a little mouse who collects something unexpected for his winter supplies. This heart-warming tale will bring wonder and joy to readers as they follow Frederick as he spreads cheer to whoever he meets. Read together as a family or classroom, or enjoy this sweet book on your own.
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5. Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Ever wonder what life is like for a honeybee? Well, wonder no more! This remarkable book tells the story of Apis, a honeybee as she is born and grows up in the hive and eventually ventures out as an adventurer! The close-up illustrations and details will amaze readers of any age.
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6. I Talk Like a River
Named the best book of the year, and highly recommended because of its wonderful message and encouraging motifs. When we struggle with something, sometimes we need to approach the task from a new outlook or perspective. This is exactly what a little boy and his father do when he can't get his words out right.
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7. Knight Owl
Released in 2022, this medieval-themed children's book is already being noticed for its creativity and imagination. An inspiring tale of bravery and tenacity is shown by a young owl hoping to become a knight one day. His first true test comes when he must guard the tower against a dangerous trespasser.
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8. Outside In
This Caldecott Medal book brings the magic and beauty of nature to life in a way kids in American culture can relate to and understand. The colorful illustrations depict a world we are a part of even if we do not spend so much time in it. Our connection to nature is inside of all of us, just waiting for us to step outside and smell the roses.
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9. Roll With It
Ellie doesn't let anything get her down. Despite having cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, she aspires to be a professional baker when she's older. When Ellie and her mom move to a new town there are many hurdles Ellie must overcome, but making her first friend seems to make everything easier.
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10. The Undefeated
An award-winning historical book about the heavy history Black Americans have had to endure over the years, from slavery to racism and everything in between. This picture book highlights key figures and portrays their passion, heart, and resilient spirits amidst all the prejudices they have had to overcome.
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11. The Shortest Day
When the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, will it rise again? This poetic picture book tells a beautiful story of how people used to wonder and question the inner workings of the world. Read along as they sing, dance, eat, and celebrate life as a community.
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12. Dragon Hoops
A graphic novel inspired by the book creator's own life and experiences! Gene Yang was never very much into sports as a kid, but now he is a high school teacher, and his school's basketball team is having a great year. Through opening up to new things, Gene shares the compelling story of how he got involved in a new side of himself and changed for the better.
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13. The Gardener
Lydia brings this story to life, along with the giant city she moves to with some seeds and a vision. She begins by lightening up her Uncle's bakery with fresh flowers the customers love, but her true passion project is the garden on their rooftop!
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14. Forest World
A transformative story by an award-winning author, about young Edver and his journey to Cuba to see his father and meet his older sister for the first time. There are many differences between busy city life in America and the wilderness of Cuba, and he and his sister Luza find themselves responsible for protecting this forest from some dangerous people.
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15. Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us
One that should be on all book recommendations lists! This inspiring and sweet story shows each reader how special and unique they are. No matter what you wish was different about you, this book encourages you to love every part of yourself and the potential you hold between your fingertips.
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16. Hello, Universe
Another award-winning kids' book by relevant author Erin Entrada Kelly is perfect for 5th grade to middle school readers. This amusing book follows 4 very different kids as their lives wind together due to the fates of their actions and reactions, causing unlikely friendships to form.
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17. Giant Squid
Ready to discover the mysterious creature living deep beneath the sea that has only been sighted in the last decade? This Robert F. Sibert Informational Book with vivid images and depictions of the giant squid will have young readers excited to see what else lies in the ocean's depths.
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18. The Night Diary
An award-winning and distinguished contribution to American literature through the compelling story of a young girl taken from her home by the separation of her country. In a historical book set in 1947 India after the British takeover, Nisha and her father must leave their homeland and build a new life as refugees. Nisha shares their journey in a diary that is honest and heartfelt.
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19. When You Trap a Tiger
Tae Keller has taken the writing world by storm with this bestselling novel that has won numerous book awards. Inspired by Korean folklore, about a magical tiger and family history, when you make a deal with a tiger you have to be prepared for anything.
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20. A Wish in the Dark
This adventurous book can be read in middle school and tackles many complicated issues such as class, race, injustice, and poverty. Pong is a young boy who has just escaped prison and hopes to finally be free but realizes very quickly that the world isn't a fair and kind place. As Nok, tries to track him down and bring him back to jail, she is exposed to just how divided her city is.
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21. Fighting Words
Winner of multiple annual awards for middle school readers, this book talks about some difficult issues that many kids are unfamiliar with, but many people have had experience within their lives. It covers trauma, abuse, and overcoming hardship through the bonds of sisterhood.
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22. A Place Where Sunflowers Grow
Perfect for 3rd grade - 6th-grade readers to learn a little about the Japanese community and the hardships they had to face during WWII in the internment camps. Mari has an art class, but she feels uninspired until she begins to notice the small but beautiful things/people around her.
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23. Watercress
This award-winning autobiographical story shares the experience of a family with watercress spanning over generations. Author Andrea Wang takes her family's history of immigrating from China as a lesson on food and the value of tradition and honoring where we come from.
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24. The Angry Dragon
Here is a colorful picture book with an adorable story about how to manage our anger as children. A good book for preschool through 2nd grade, using dragons as an example of creatures that have a hard time understanding their emotions.
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25. Sulwe
An inspiring picture book about a baby brown girl who wishes to be light like the rest of her family, but is quick to discover the beauty and magic of her own self that radiates through her.
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26. Sewing the Rainbow
From American authors, comes the life story of Gilbert Baker, the man who sewed the gay pride rainbow flag. It has won parenting awards for books for children and teaches a message of following your heart and never letting your sparkle fade.
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27. A Walk in the Words
Hudson is a smart kid, but he is ashamed of his slow reading skills even though he really enjoys stories. Using his drawing skills and big brain, he decides that he will use his slow processing speed to bring each and every part of the story to life, making slow reading fun!
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28. Inside Out and Back Again
This coming-of-age story of a young Vietnamese girl who has to flee with her family during the Vietnam War will give readers a glimpse into the trials and hardships refugees have to face, as well as the great strength and resilience they possess.
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