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Staff Picks

2024 Book Recommendations for Kids

In partnership with

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March

This month, we celebrate Women’s History and draw inspiration from five phenomenal women who defied conventions to follow their dreams.  These trailblazers include a motorcycle queen, a musically inclined astronaut, an award-winning musician, a soccer phenomenon, and – of course – a librarian!

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
Written by Charles R. Smith Jr., Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen

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Recommended by Rita Mayer from the Miami Springs Branch Library

In Bessie the Motorcycle Queen, author Charles R. Smith Jr. introduces the reader to Bessie Stringfield. A self-taught master motorcyclist at a time when the skill and hobby were relegated to men, Bessie – a Black woman – stood out as a remarkable talent in a male-dominated arena.

The reader is taken along with Bessie through bright illustrations by Charlot Kristensen and Smith’s loosely rhymed verse as she motors throughout the United States, letting the flip of a penny on a map determine her next stop and triumphing over dangerous racial discrimination along the way. Bessie earned her money performing in motorcycle shows across the country, engaging in such feats as cycling the “Wall of Death” and competing in races with prize purses. Everywhere she went, we learn, spectators marveled at her skill and her story, always asking the same questions: “Where’d you learn to ride like that?” “How long you been riding?” “Where you going?”

It all began when 16-year-old Bessie received a motorcycle as a gift, and she taught herself how to ride. By the age of 19, she left Boston for the road for good. The reader is told of her encounters in the South with Jim Crow laws and a truck filled with white-sheet-donned angry men. The author builds tension by changing from verse to chant, “Here they come, here they come,” before Bessie uses her masterful skill to leave her assailants in the dust.

She continued her life of freedom on the road, undaunted and on her own terms, eventually settling down in Opa-locka, Florida, where she founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club. More details about her life can be gleaned in the included afterword and bibliography. Bessie Stringfield’s story serves as an inspiration to readers of all ages.

Charles R. Smith Jr. is an award-winning author, photographer, and poet. His awards include a Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration and a Coretta Scott King Book Award Author Honor. He is the author of Twelve Rounds to Glory, a biography of Muhammed Ali.

Charlot Kristensen is an illustrator, designer, and book author. Her clients include Scholastic, Penguin Random House, and the New York Times. (Ages 6 – 8)


The Astronaut with A Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Written by Julia Finley Mosca, Illustrated by Daniel Rieley

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Recommended by Joanna Boone from the Main Library

This beautiful and rhythmic biography takes the reader from Southern California to the Cosmos and back while learning more about the first Latina in space.  The story affirms Dr. Ellen Ochoa’s dedication to her education, love of music and art, and persistence in overcoming obstacles as a Latina engineer and Director of NASA.

The story’s rhyming narrative also pays homage to Dr. Ochoa’s work as a classically trained flutist.  At the end of the book, Dr. Ochoa has an inspiring message for young readers followed by a timeline outlining important events in her life.  If you’ve enjoyed STEAM-themed books by Andrea Beaty, you’re sure to love this!

Julia Finley Mosca has written several Amazing Scientists series books about phenomenal women in science, including The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:  The Story of Temple Grandin, The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague, and The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes:  The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath

Daniel Reiley is a British freelance illustrator who has created the artwork in this story as well as the other stories in the Amazing Scientists series.  (Ages 5 – 10)


Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories
Written by Annette Bay Pimentel, Illustrated by Magaly Morales

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Recommended by Daniel Jones from the Naranja Branch Library

Pura Belpré’s commitment to children, stories, and her community has touched the lives of young people and families across the country. She was the first person of Puerto Rican descent hired by the New York Public Library, and she transformed the library into a place for all children, regardless of where their families came from or what language they spoke. She was likely the first librarian to offer bilingual storytimes and in doing so brought Puerto Rican stories, culture, and children’s literacy together.

Annette Bay Pimental makes the telling of Belpré’s story an adventure, allowing readers to feel the risks that Belpré took, the excitement of trying something new and important, and the great joy of storytelling. Pimental’s narrative follows Belpré from her childhood in Puerto Rico, where she inherited a love of stories from her grandmother, to her first days working in the library in Harlem and through her long years of service as a storyteller, puppeteer, and published folklorist and author of children’s books. The illustrations by Magaly Morales are warm, colorful, playful, and highly expressive, showing not just Belpré in action, but also putting the children at the center: playing, reading, writing, making puppets, and acting out stories on their own.

Available in both English and Spanish, Pura’s Cuentos is filled with the author’s and Belpré’s infectious love of stories, Puerto Rico’s rich culture, and the Spanish language.

Annette Bay Pimentel is an author of nonfiction picture books, including the Do You Really Want to Meet…A Dinosaur? series, as well as several award-winning biographies. Her most recent book is Before Colors: Where Pigments and Dyes Come From.

Magaly Morales is a Mexican artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. Her other works include the award-winning What Can You Do with a Paleta? and A Piñata in a Pine Tree. (Ages 4 – 8)


The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music
Written by Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden, Illustrated by Hayden Goodman

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Recommended by Ana Barreto from the Edison Center Branch Library

Since childhood, Roberta Flack loved music. She lived in a humble home in a small town in North Carolina with her loving family who enjoyed singing in church on Sundays and playing music. Her parents both knew how to play the piano and little Roberta grew up enjoying listening to them. She dreamed of one day playing the piano, imagining a congregation listening to her playing beautiful hymns. She also dreamed of having her very own piano. At the age of six, she started taking piano lessons. Then, one day her father found a piano in a junkyard. Immediately, he took the old, stained, and smelly instrument home and decided to clean and fix it. He painted it a beautiful green color that enchanted little Roberta, who couldn’t believe her dream of having a piano had finally come true. Roberta practiced on her piano for hours. She also took piano lessons and kept dreaming of a life all wrapped up in the magic of music.

Roberta would later become a Grammy-winning music star. She is the legendary performer of countless number-one singles, including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly. She is also the founder of the Roberta Flack School of Music, which provides children with a free music education program.

Tonya Bolden is an award-winning author of many books. Her children’s books include Finding Family and Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl. She is a Princeton University graduate with a master’s degree from Columbia University.

Hayden Goodman is an editorial and children’s book illustrator. Her paintings can be found in prestigious publications, such as The New Yorker and The New York Times. The Green Piano is her first picture book. (Ages 4 – 8)


Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach
Written by Kim Chaffee, Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu

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Recommended by Rose Spector from the Coral Reef Branch Library

Courage in Her Cleats tells the story of soccer star Abby Wambach and the successes and struggles she faced while playing the game.

Abby was the youngest of seven children. She learned at an early age that she loved competition, especially on the soccer field. By the time she was a senior in high school, Abby was playing on the varsity team and would later join the women’s soccer team at the University of Florida. The story goes on to talk about the successes that Abby had on the field, including winning an Olympic Gold medal in 2004.  The story also talks about the hard times she had, like when she broke her leg in a game before the 2008 Olympics. Through it all, Abby remained tough and determined to make it back to the game.

The story captures all the trials and successes of an athlete and shows that you can be successful if you work hard and don’t give up. The story will inspire readers young and old alike. 

Kim Chaffee is the author of Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon and Nothing Wee About Me! She has a BA in history and a master’s degree in education. She lives with her two children and her husband in New Hampshire.

Alexandra Badiu Is a children's book illustrator and animation visual developer. She illustrated Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars by Jodie Parachini and The Horseback Librarians by Jane Yolen. She grew up in a family of athletes and played soccer herself in elementary school. Having seen her brother struggle with a similar leg injury, she especially sympathizes with the long, hard recovery in Abby's story.  She lives in Izmir, Turkey. (Ages 4 – 8)

February

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting stories that focus on the unique and impactful contributions of African Americans.  Our Staff Picks feature an engineer and inventor, explore the historical context of the color blue, showcase resilience, and teach us about America’s first female Black Supreme Court judge.

Jerry Changed the Game! How Engineer Jerry Lawson Revolutionized Video Games Forever
Written by Don Tate, Illustrated by Cherise Harris

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Recommended by Rose Spector from the Coral Reef Branch Library

Jerry Changed the Game! tells the story of Jerry Lawson, an engineer who revolutionized video games.  As a boy, he was a tinkerer. He loved to play with springs, sprockets, and gadgets. As he got older, his love of tinkering grew until he went to college in the 1960s and became an engineer. Eventually, Jerry ended up working in Silicon Valley where he got a job at Fairchild Semiconductors – a leading manufacturer of microprocessors. His work led to the development of a video game console that made it possible to play multiple games on one console. Because of his work, today we have popular systems, like the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This story will interest children who love video games and want to know their history while also inspiring people of all ages to follow their dreams and interests.

Don Tate is an award-winning author of numerous books, including Strong as Sandow: How Eugen Sandow Became The Strongest Man on Earth and William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad. He is also the illustrator of many books, including Black All Around and the Roto and Roy Series. He currently lives with his family in Austin, Texas. 

Cherise Harris spent much of her childhood in Barbados writing stories and making art. When illustrating, Cherise works in a variety of media, including pencil, inks, watercolors, and digital. Some of the books that she has illustrated are Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall as well as The Witch’s Apprentice and The War of the Witches, both by Zetta Elliot. She currently lives in Barbados with her husband and two children. (Ages 4 – 8)


Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky
Written by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Illustrated by Daniel Minter

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Recommended by Joanna Boone from the Main Library

Have you ever done something “out of the blue?” Have you ever felt blue? This incredible tale takes the reader through a history of creating the color blue and understanding how it connects to and has changed people throughout the world. 

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond is an American Ghanaian writer and poet. In 2023, she also published Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices.

The beautiful illustrations from Caldecott Honor artist Daniel Minter convey the power of creating the color in nature as well as the Indigo trade and its repercussions. More books illustrated by Minter include Going Down Home with Daddy, which won a Caldecott Honor, and Ellen’s Broom, which won a Coretta Scott King Illustration Honor. Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, was the winner of a Best Book Award from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and The Riches of Oseola McCarty, was named an Honor Book by the Carter G. Woodson Awards. (Ages 4 – 8)


Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
Written by Angela Joy, Illustrated by Janelle Washington

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Recommended by Daniel Jones from the Naranja Branch Library

Mamie Till-Mobley’s courage shocked the nation’s conscience and helped to rally new and more determined support for the fight against Jim Crow and for civil rights and equality. Mamie’s only child, Emmett Till, was 14 years old when he was murdered while visiting his mother’s family in Mississippi in the summer of 1955. She was fearless in publicly demanding justice for her son and compelled the entire country to face the brutality of lynching and other wrongs faced by African Americans in the South and throughout the nation. Because of her actions, her son’s death became a major catalyst for the Civil Rights upsurge of the 1950s and 60s.

Angela Joy tells Mamie and Emmett’s story with sensitivity but without shying away from the violence at its heart, following Mamie’s extraordinary and inspiring life well beyond the 1950s. Janelle Washington’s papercut illustrations bring the narrative to life with powerful portraits of the main characters and emotionally impactful symbolism. Notes from the author and illustrator, as well as a suggested soundtrack and included glossary, timeline, and list of sources, provide important additional context for readers of all ages.

Angela Joy is an author and musician. Her other books include A Hero Like Me, Black Is a Rainbow Color, and Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City that Grew Prince Rogers Nelson.

Janelle Washington’s papercut art can be found as part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture as well as at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News, Virginia. Her work centers on African American culture, history, courage, and achievements. Choosing Brave is her debut as a picture book illustrator. (Ages 8 – 12)


When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl’s Story of Virginia’s “Lost Generation” and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision
Written by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, Illustrated by Keisha Morris

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Recommended by Ana Barreto from the Edison Center Branch Library

When Yolanda Gladden was a young girl, she had to wait five years before she could go to school. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court of the United States declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. Many lawmakers and residents would not accept this ruling and, as a result, public schools were closed throughout Prince Edward County in Virginia. During this time, however, Yolanda, her family, and the black community overcame the adversity by getting together in homes and churches to learn everything that they were supposed to study in school. Watching her family members, Yolanda discovered how to carry herself – head high, shoulders back, and spine straight. When the schools opened their doors again, Yolanda walked in proudly and developed her lifelong love of learning.

This non-fiction book introduces young readers to one of the most significant proceedings in American history: the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. It includes a timeline of the events that paved the road to desegregation of the American School System and also includes other sources for further reading.

Author-publisher Dr. Tamara Pizzoli pairs with Yolanda Gladden to tell the true and empowering story of how Yolanda, her family, and her community came together to continue learning and growing while fighting for their right to an equal education. Dr. Pizzoli is a Texas-born publisher, curator, author, and educator. She is the author of many celebrated books for children, such as Bold Words from Black Women: Inspiration and Truths from 50 Extraordinary Black Women Who Helped Shape Our World and Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO.

Keisha Morris is an illustrator who grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. She earned her degree in Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and enjoys creating characters whose personalities jump off the page. Keisha is the illustrator of other books, such as Your Voice, Your Vote, For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, and A Girl Can Build Anything. (Ages 4 – 8)


Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All
Written by Tami Charles, Illustrated by Jemma Skidmore

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Recommended by Ericka White-Harden from the Miami Springs Branch Library

Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All captures the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Born Ketanji Onyika Brown, Onyika meaning “the lovely one,” the story begins with Ketanji’s ancestors revealing a dream long before she was born, a dream that would eventually become a reality. This book will inspire girls everywhere to dream big and never give up. Readers follow Ketanji’s historic rise to the Supreme Court where she became the first black female Supreme Court justice. The book has important dates listed that mark significant points in Ketanji’s career and includes the lineage of women who did not have the opportunity to become the first Supreme Court justice because of the color of their skin. The story highlights how women like Charlotte Ray, Jane Bolin, and Constance Baker Motley paved the way for Ketanji.

Ketanji Brown Jackson is known as a history maker, barrier breaker, and voice of a nation. She is you; she is me; she is all who are willing to strive for change. In her own words, she declares, “I love our country and the constitution and the rights that make us free.”

Tami Charles is a New York Times bestselling author and Buzz Feed Top 40 Picks Lyrical Picture Book Writer. She has also written All Because You Matter, Muted, and Like Vanessa, the latter of which earned her three-star reviews and was a Junior Library Guild Selection.  She writes children's and young adult books and can be found presenting at schools, stateside and abroad.

Jemma Skidmore is an Illustrator who grew up in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, where she studied at Falmouth University. She went on to work in film, television, and print in London and Vancouver British Colombia. She now resides in Gloucestershire with her family.  (Ages 4 – 8)

January

As we step into 2024, this month’s Staff Picks highlight stories with themes that focus on multicultural celebrations, creating change, peace, and kindness. Together we will learn about Korean and Chinese celebrations, while also being reminded that it only takes a couple of people working together to make a positive difference in the lives of others and our communities.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day 
Written and Illustrated by Aram Kim

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Recommended by Rose Spector from the Coral Reef Branch Library

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day tells the story of Mina and her family as they share the traditions of Seollal, the Korean celebration of the Lunar New Year.  In the book, they share the clothes, games, foods, and rituals associated with Seollal.  The book includes instructions on how to make a paper bokjumoni (a lucky bag) and how to do the sebae (the New Year’s greeting) so readers can participate in some of the rituals. There is also a glossary explaining the Korean terms and how to pronounce them. 

This book, with its bright illustrations, is an excellent way to introduce young readers to a cultural celebration they might not already be familiar with.

Author and illustrator Aram Kim was born in Ohio, grew up in South Korea, and now lives in Queens, New York. Like Miro, the younger brother in the story, Aram also did not like wearing the hanbok as a child. Her other books include Sunday Funday in Koreatown, Let’s Go to Taekwondo!, No Kimchi for Me!, and Cat on the Bus.  (Ages 4 – 8)


Playing with Lanterns
Written by Wang Yage, Illustrated by Zhu Chengliang, Translated by Helen Wang

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Recommended by Joanna Boone from the Main Library

Although the Chinese New Year this year begins on February 10th, this illuminative story will brighten any day. Lanterns are the focus of this Chinese New Year story.  The beautiful colors, shapes, and sizes of lanterns entrance the reader. Throughout the 15 days of celebration, the main character, Zhao Di, works through a variety of emotions as diverse as the colors and sounds of New Year fireworks.

This brightly illustrated story serves as a testament to the writer’s childhood memories and emotions from growing up in Shaanxi, Central China.  Dr. Wang Yage is a professor at the University of Tibet, and this is her first illustrated children’s book. This story was translated by Helen Wang in the United Kingdom.  Other books translated by Wang include Leilong The Library Bus by Liu Siyuan and Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan.

Zhu Chengliang has illustrated more than 50 picture books over the past 40 years. A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong shares more of his beautiful artwork. (Ages 3 – 7)


Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
Written by Robbie Robertson, Illustrated by David Shannon

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Recommended by Daniel Jones from the Naranja Branch Library

After losing everything in the cycle of violence among Iroquois tribes, Hiawatha joins a mission to end the fighting and spread peace and justice. Along the way, he goes through a personal journey of healing and acceptance, finding forgiveness for himself and for those who hurt him.

Musician Robbie Robertson, himself of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, recounts the founding of the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) Confederacy. Beautiful and detailed oil paintings illustrate the story as Hiawatha is recruited by the Great Peacemaker to go among the tribes with a message of peace and community. Facing danger and resistance from others and battling Hiawatha’s own desire for revenge, the pair change hearts and minds and end generations of violence through their words, example, and determination. Included with the book is a CD with a special song written and recorded by Roberston to accompany the story.

Robbie Robertson was the lead guitarist and songwriter for the Band, as well as a solo artist. He spent time as a child with his family at the Six Nations of the Grand River reservation in Canada where he first heard this story. He was inspired by his son to retell this story for a wider audience.

David Shannon is a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and writer of over 40 children’s books, including No, David! and A Bad Case of Too Many Stripes. (Ages 5 and up)


Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference
Written by Natalee Creech, Illustrated by Pablo Pino

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Recommended by Ana Barreto from the Edison Center Branch Library

This uplifting story is focused on the many ways children can be kind and make a difference in the lives of others. Based on a familiar biblical passage from Matthew 25, this picture book shows how ordinary actions, both big and small – from planting a community garden to welcoming someone new – can make a difference in people’s lives. Beautifully illustrated and with delightful rhyme, this encouraging story that empowers children to be a positive force in the world is a joy to read.

Natalee Creech is a teacher and librarian who loves children’s books and is a Christian Book Award finalist. She loves bringing Scripture to life through rhyme. She is also the author of When Day is Done, an easy-to-read rhyming text that presents children from various families saying good night to friends, and Nothing, Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love!, a reference to the biblical promise that God’s love is constant and unfailing.

Pablo Pino was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and grew up watching cartoons, playing sports, and drawing. He is a self-taught illustrator who has worked on dozens of children’s books. You can find his illustrations in The Night Baafore Easter, a humorous counting book about misbehaving sheep on the night of Easter, and Pumpkin Day at the Zoo, a story about what happens when families donate their used pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns to zoo animals. (Ages 4 – 7)


Something, Someday
Written by Amanda Gorman, Illustrated by Christian Robinson

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Recommended by Rita Mayer from the Miami Springs Branch Library

Something, Someday is a story of hope and empowerment for all ages. The charming pictures and simple prose walk us through the eyes of a child who, through his youthful innocence, sees what’s wrong around him and wants to make it right. Is trash piling up on the sidewalk? We can pick it up! How can we beautify our neighborhood? Plant a community garden! Discouraging naysayers try to dissuade him, but the child finds a kindred heart. Together, the friends enact the positive change they want to see around them.

These ideas can be related to the illustrations of grassroots community action or extrapolated to global concerns, such as environmental issues and more. Even the youngest readers can glean a sense that they, too, can be agents of positivity around them. Drawing upon themes of dreams and change, this book holds a simple yet powerful little message that will leave its readers with a sense of hope and possibilities.

Amanda Gorman is known for being the youngest U.S. Inaugural Poet in history, where she delivered her poem, The Hill We Climb. She is the first Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate and the first National Youth Poet Laureate. She has authored several books of poetry, including The One for Whom Food is Not Enough, Call Us What We Carry, and the picture book Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem.

Christian Robinson is a children’s book illustrator and animator. Notable awards include the Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award. Several of his books have made the Bank Street Children's Book Committee's Best Books of the Year List. (Ages 4 – 8)