If you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift, fear not! Below we’ve provided some handy suggestions of hand-picked titles for every Young (or young-at-heart) reader in your life including teachers, artists, activists, free spirits, new readers, teens, and reluctant readers:
Books for TEACHERS
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone: Melba’s teacher encouraged her to keep playing her trombone, demonstrating the resounding impact that a teacher can have on a child’s life.
My Teacher Can Teach…Anyone! A young boy and his classmates explore an alphabet of occupations from Astronaut to Zillionaire with the help of his favorite teacher.
The Upside Down Boy: A sensitive teacher and loving family helps Juanito, who is overwhelmed by a new school and learning English, find his voice and make a place for himself in the world.
Books for ARTISTS
Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! A biography of groundbreaking Harlem Renaissance photographer James VanDerZee, who was one of the first to experiment with special effects in his photographs.
The East-West House: A gentle poetic biography of multifaceted artist Isamu Noguchi, who brought Eastern and Western influences together in his work.
Just Like Me: In this original collection, fourteen outstanding artists share paintings, childhood photographs, and inspirational stories about their paths to becoming artists.
Books for ACTIVISTS
Martí’s Song for Freedom: A gorgeous bilingual biography of José Martí, the beloved Cuban revolutionary and poet who fought for freedom and an end to slavery.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story: A biography of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American movie star, whose spirited determination in the face of discrimination helped to change Hollywood.
Ahimsa: This moving middle grade novel, set during India’s independence movement, shows the power of one young person to change the world.
Books for FREE SPIRITS
Sparkle Boy: A young boy loves things that shimmer, glitter, and sparkle. But his older sister thinks sparkly things are only for girls. A sweet story about the freedom to be yourself!
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash: Join everyone’s favorite “mismatched” heroine on an adventure as she tries to plan a fabulously mismatched birthday party in this delightful bilingual book!
Rainbow Weaver: In this story of environmental conservation and ingenuity, a young girl in Guatemala finds a new way to recycle the colorful plastic bags littered around her village.
Books for NEW READERS
Rafi and Rosi: Two Puerto Rican tree frog siblings learn about science and social studies topics during their adventures on their island home.
Confetti Kids: Block Party: A group of children from diverse backgrounds have a block party where everyone is responsible for bringing a food dish.
Summer Sun Risin’: This delightful story takes us from sunrise to sunset as an African American boy spends an activity-filled summer day helping his family on their farm.
Books for TEENS
Rebel Seoul: Pacific Rim meets Korean dramas in this action-packed sci-fi thriller set in futuristic Seoul.
I Am Alfonso Jones: An unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer and the friends and family he leaves behind.
Perfect Liars: Andrea Faraday, a society girl with a sketchy past, leads a crew of juvie kids in using their criminal skills for good.
Books for RELUCTANT READERS
Chess Rumble: A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.
Under the Mesquite: This gorgeous novel in verse about a Mexican-American girl coming of age during her mother’s long illness won the prestigious Pura Belpré Award.
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty: A powerful graphic novel based on the life and death of Robert “Yummy” Sandifer, an eleven-year-old gang member from Chicago’s Southside.
