Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic HIstory of Women’s Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall and A. D’Amico
A stellar graphic piece of nonfiction.
Brave Face by Shaun David Hutchinson
Brave, fierce and incandescent.
The End of Something Wonderful: A Practical Guide to a Backyard Funeral by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by George Ermos
Funny and frank, this funeral guide is just what we all need.
Free Lunch by Rex Ogle
Profoundly honest and full of heart, this book is one that all teachers and librarians need to read to understand the children they serve.
Hummingbird by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jane Ray
A beautiful nonfiction picture book about an amazing tiny bird.
The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
His writing is a study in how to have a strong voice in a children’s book, a narrative point of view, and yet also avoid being didactic at all, insisting that young readers think for themselves.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni
With a diverse cast of children, this picture book deftly explains gender identity.
Moth: An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus
Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a very special nonfiction picture book.
Muslim Girls Rise by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
A must-purchase for all public libraries.
Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason Chin
A great book for children who are expecting a new baby in their family, this book is a lovely mix of science and love.
Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham
The book has just enough history to clarify that this is a long-standing problem and is systemic. Yet it is not willing to rest there, calling for action, clarity around the subject and a responsibility to step up.
Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes
Grimes writes a searing verse memoir of her years growing up with a mother suffering from alcoholism and schizophrenia.
A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Superb both in writing and illustration, this is one for every library.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar
The deep impact and life of librarian Pura Belpre is shown in this picture book biography.
The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
A look at an outsider artist who created a world all his own.
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
Brilliant, courageous and heart breaking, this book is one that belongs in every library.
One of the top graphic novels of the year, this may be Canadian focused, but it speaks to everyone in all nations.
This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy
Beautifully written, this heartbreaking and dramatic story of courage in the face of hatred belongs in every library.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Two amazing book creators come together in this nonfiction picture book celebrating the resilience, talents and perseverance of African-Americans throughout history.
Waking Brain Cells 