Media Matters

 Graphic novel by R.J. Palacio. This is a historical fiction graphic novel about a French Jewish girl who is hidden during WW2. It is absolutely beautiful and highly recommended. My only complaint about it is in the epilogue, where the author attempts to draw a parallel with a specific current event that is overly simplistic and not a good comparison.  (FYI: Although this is listed as a “Wonder” book, because it briefly mentions one of the characters in that book, it absolutely stands on its own and can be fully enjoyed by someone who has never read Wonder.)

 Picture book by Margret Ruurs. The real star of this book is the artwork, consisting of stone collages that somehow capture emotion. The text is simple and lovely, telling the story of a family fleeing their war torn country. A good introduction to the idea of refugees. Activity idea: Try making your own stone pictures together OR find a refugee family you can help.

 Picture book by Cynthia Rylant. A sweet, melancholy, hopeful story of an old woman who has outlived all her friends, and the puppy who finds a place in her heart. Activity idea: Visit the animal shelter and help the puppies there.

 A series of three picture books by Peter Reynolds. Books in this series: The Dot Ish Sky Color The books can be read in any order. They all encourage readers to engage in the creative process through drawing or painting in unconventional ways. Activity idea: Make some art together.

 Picture book by Linda Sarah and Beni Davies. When two best friends are joined by a third, new kid, there’s bound to be some adjusting to the newness. This is a great book for talking to kids about this. It’s more subdued than silly, but quite sweet and heartwarming.

 Picture book by Lane Smith. I love this book about the life of the author’s great-grandpa, told through clever illustrations of various garden topiaries. A quick read that will inspire kids to learn more about their own grandparents. Activity idea: Learn some family history stories.

 Book by Intisar Khanani. This is an engaging YA retelling of the goose girl, filled with interesting characters, magical powers, and worthwhile themes. The main character is filled with honesty, courage, and goodness. It addresses issues of domestic abuse, rape, and trafficking, so it’s definitely not aimed at younger readers, but there’s nothing at all graphic, so I wouldn’t hesitate to give this to a junior high student.

 Picture book by Lauren Mills. This is a wordier picture book for upper elementary ages. It’s a lovely historical fiction story of a poor Appalachian girl who can’t go to school because she doesn’t have a coat, and the “quilting mothers” who work together to make her one. Activity idea: Visit a quilt show or learn to patchwork quilt.

 Picture book by Pat Zietlow Miller. This is a book about a little girl trying to figure out what it means to be kind. It feels a lot more natural than other books with similar themes.

 Picture book by Emily Winfield Martin. This is a book along the lines of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go”. In other words, not a storybook with a plot, but a gift book that is sweet and sentimental.

 Picture book by Holly Meade. This is a beautiful piece of poetry that teaches the importance of stepping outside of your comfortable nest and trying something new. Activity idea: Try something new together.

 Picture book by Lisa Mantchev. I love this book about a boy and his tiny pet elephant. When they are excluded from the Pet Club, they create their own club, not just for unusual pets, but where “all are welcome”. Because “that’s what friends do”. 

 Picture book by David LaRochelle. This is a beginning reader that is also very entertaining and humorously tongue-in-cheek.