Children’s Book Corner Blog
Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
by Leslie Connor; Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2022.
Eleven year-old Aurora is as boisterous, impulsive, and plucky as her best friend Frenchie is silent, measured, and introspective. Through the heartwarming and at times humorous portrayal of this unlikely friendship, readers gain insight into the broad spectrum of neurodiversity and the meaning of true friendship.
Roosevelt Banks and the Attic of Doom
by Laurie Calkhoven; One Elm Books/Red Chair Press 2022.
Roosevelt Banks is a likeable, relatable ten year-old whose heart is in the right place, even though he sometimes detours from his best intentions. This second chapter book about Roosevelt finds him grappling with a move to a bedroom in the attic to make room for the arrival of his baby sister, neighborhood bullies, a rabbit mishap, and more. Age-appropriate fun, adventure, and chills ensue, leading to an absolutely satisfying conclusion! Let’s hope this is not the last we see of Roosevelt.
Yours In Books
Told entirely in letters, this warm and whimsical picture book celebrates the joy and treasure of new friendships that challenge us to grow and flourish. Owl relishes solitude and turns to books to help him solve problems–such as coping with the noisy young ones with whom he shares the forest. When he corresponds with the local bookshop owner seeking assistance with helpful titles, he gets more than he bargained for, much to his eventual delight.
Red and Green and Blue and White
In this hopeful story inspired by real events that took place during the holiday season in Billings, Montana, a community chooses to stand up to hurtful behavior and join together to advance kindness, friendship, acceptance, and love.
Circle Round
by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Hanna Cha; Charlesbridge, 2021.
Gather up and Circle Round this vibrant and joyful picture book celebrating inclusion, kindness, friendship, similarities and differences, numbers, shapes, and more–all with merely 38 words!
What’s Silly Hair Day With No Hair?
by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine; Albert Whitman, 2021.
When her school plans a Silly Hair Day, Bea, a strong and confident girl with alopecia (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) navigates her feelings and manages to increase awareness of the ways in which actions and activities can unintentionally present barriers to inclusion. This gentle, affirming story is a recommended read-aloud that offers an excellent opening for discussion and can help set the stage for a welcoming classroom environment.
Over the Shop
Story concept by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng; Candlewick Press, 2021.
Those who experience this wordless picture book will cheer for the little girl who exhibits determination, optimism, and joy as her rundown home and gradually her neighborhood transform into a thriving community as a result of kindness, care, connection, and acceptance.
Milo’s Moonlight Mission
by Kathleen Blasi, illustrated by Petronela Dostalova; Yeehoo Press, 2021.
Young listeners will connect with Milo as he embarks on an adventure with meteors. How he manages to engage his “second-in-command” (Mom) is sure to strike a chord with children who have had to wait while a parent finished a task before getting to the real (fun) mission at hand.
Upstander
by James Preller; Feiwel and Friends, 2021.
Upstander by James Preller is a moving story that authentically captures the nuances of contemporary family relationships and how they can be both tested and strengthened by individual members’ actions and thoughts, as well as their wills, weaknesses, and wishes. The story of how Mary struggles, copes, and ultimately grows from her experiences facing her brother Jonny’s substance use and her own school-related conflicts is at once heart wrenching and heartening.
Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero
by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno; Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins, 2021.
Ideal for older elementary-grade students, Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero introduces readers to an Italian cycling champion and unsung hero who secretly helped hundreds of Jews and others escape persecution during World War II. Witness Bartali’s acts of heroism that reached far beyond his celebrity to include selflessness, humility, courage, and deep compassion.