Ana Maria Reyes has big dreams. The main character of this story is a child with a bunch of siblings who are not wealthy. When Ana Maria gets the opportunity to see how the other half lives, she discovers that money is not the cure for all problems. Featuring international travel, learning about family, and discovering what matters the most in the world, this book is a must-read for kids.
Bibliographic Information
2018
ISBN: 978-1-62014-362-9
Tu Books
New York, New York
For Ages 8+
The Crossover is a modern classic. A Newbury winner, the story is told in rhythmic dialogue in an almost poetic way. The story moves as though a ball is bouncing, switching off between the two main characters. The story follows twin brothers as they start to find distance between them as they grow up. Sharing basketball drives a wedge between them but will ultimately bring them together through the heartache of their family life. This is a great story for athletes and will appeal to kids looking for something told outside of traditional narrative formats.
Bibliographic Information
2014
ISBN: 978-0-554-10771-7
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston, MA
Ages 7+
Reading Rockets (2016, March 21). Alexander reads an excerpt from the crossover . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbMj6lG4shM
As the logline states, Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. This book, with the playfully colorful cover hides the more real-life depiction of what it can mean to be an immigrant in this country. Dealing with issues like racism, lack of money, and doing the right thing Mia has her work cut out for her. Based on childhood remembrances of the author, this a well-crafted story for kids and parents looking to discuss immigration and racism.
Bibliographic Information
2018
ISBN: 978-1-338-15779-6
Arthur A. Levine Books
New York, New York
Ages 8+
Scholastic. (2017, November 21). Front desk by kelly yang . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–sDoefzSrY
Ivy Aberdeen might like girls but in the midst of her house being destroyed by a hurricane, it might not be the most pressing issue in her life. At the same time her favorite notebook containing drawings of girls holding hands, vanishes. When the pictures from her notebook start appearing in her locker she cannot help but hope it is the girl she likes. Many reviewers have stated they wish they had this book when they were little and questioning. Exposing more kids to LGBTQ issues is a positive matter especially when a kid may feel isolated and alone with how they are feeling.
Bibliographic Information
2018
ISBN: 978-0-316-51546-7
Little, Brown and Company
New York, New York
Ages 8+
BPLibraryKids. (2018, November 29). Ivy aberdeen’s letter to the world . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXlcBfY1Lw
Merci Suarez is a normal girl who wants a bike, to make it through middle school, and to see her family stay the same. What little girl, on the cusp of growing up, does not want the same? Change is hard and messy and can be equally painful and exhilarating. A story for every middle school girl on the cusp of change, kids will be able to see themselves in Merci as she navigates middle school and learns that sometimes things cannot stay the same. Sometimes emotionally written, tackling issues like Alzheimer’s, bullying, and how money plays a role in life, Merci will keep any kid entertained.
Bibliographic Information
2018
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9049-6
Candlewick Press
Crawfordsville, IN
Ages 8+
INFO 263-10 Children's Materials Big Blog San Jose State University 