Get ready for back to school with Lee & Low! Help the readers in your life kick off the school year by providing them with engaging and inspiring reads like beloved classics Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match / Marisol McDondald no combina and Summer of the Mariposas / El verano de las mariposas — or new titles that are sure to become classics like The Doomsday Detectives and The Reel Wish. There’s something for every reader!
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Back to School Book Recommendations
Written and illustrated by Christy Hale
BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK BOOK AWARDS WINNER
⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
"This extraordinary new picture book masterfully tackles the complex task of contextualizing seemingly complex architectural concepts within a child's own world of play." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr.
COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES
"Simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things. . . Eye-catching." —Publishers Weekly
by Monica Brown, illustrated by Sara Palacios
PURA BELPRÉ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD HONOR
⭐"Marisol's varied, distinctive lifestyle and multiracial family affirms our increasingly blended society and clearly celebrates independent thinking. Brava!" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
by Hena Khan, illustrated by Nabila Adani
NPR BOOKS WE LOVE 2024
"A lovingly told ode to libraries, Islamic intellectual history, storytelling, and the role of women in Muslim history." —The Horn Book
by Patty Cisneros Prevo, illustrated by Dion MBD
CALIFORNIA READING ASSOCIATION EUREKA! NONFICTION CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD HONOR
⭐ "This upbeat offering promises profiles of 15 disabled athletes but delivers even more. . . Readers will come away with an enhanced understanding of the scope of adaptive sports (BMX, surfing, CrossFit) and great respect for these dedicated, tenacious athletes." —Booklist
by Charlene Willing McManus, with Traci Sorrell
⭐2 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD WINNER
⭐"In this book based on McManis's own childhood experiences, the family is fictionalized to show how older children might react to being uprooted and plopped down in a foreign world. . . Readers will be moved as they become invested in Regina's predicament. Is she still Indian, American, or both—and what does that mean for her and her family?" —School Library Journal, starred review
by Yamile Saied Méndez
⭐4 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"This age is difficult to capture, and Méndez portrays it beautifully; Florencia has very grown-up feelings and actions interspersed with childlike observances. . . . Seeing a fellow tween navigate a difficult time will inspire not just dancers but any young person finding their way back to themselves." —Booklist, starred review
by Doan Phuong Nguyen
THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL CHILDREN'S HISTORY BOOK PRIZE WINNER
⭐"This highly readable verse memoir beautifully portrays the internal anguish of growing up and adapting to life in a new country." —School Library Journal, starred review
by Padma Prasad Reddeppa
⭐"This beautifully crafted, culturally rich story celebrates diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi's journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections." —School Library Journal, starred review
by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, illustrated by Theo Nicole Lorenz
⭐3 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"Using the framework of the scientific process to structure the content, Jenson-Elliott effectively builds on explanations that contextualize the major concepts that drive the Alvarezes' discovery. . . . Emphasizes the thrill of these discoveries, which are made all the more thrilling by the fact that there is still so much more to learn. Perfect for kids who want to go all-in on dinosaurs." —Booklist, starred review
Read Cindy Jenson-Elliott's guest post on the Open Book Blog!
by Elizabeth Santiago
⭐2 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT BOOK LIST
⭐"A beautiful ode to Puerto Rican history...Santiago's writing sparkles, even as it draws upon hard realities that Puerto Ricans can face in their everyday lives and sense of cultural identity. Filled with arresting prose and historical stories, this novel brings Puerto Rican history into the present, mixing in realistic themes to which most readers will relate." —Booklist, starred review
by Olivia Abtahi
"Full of lessons regarding sisterhood and self acceptance, this cinematic fantasy will appeal to fans of the genre who like their adventures with a grounded emotional core." –Booklist
by Guadalupe García McCall
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST
⭐"Written in the style of magic realism, this is an enchanting look at Mexican mysticism, coupled with the realistic celebration of the true meaning of family." —School Library Journal, starred review
Download the teacher's guide and the accompanying reading journal!
by Kimm Topping, illustrated by Anshika Khullar
⭐"Khullar's realistic portraiture focuses on figures' faces, and spot illustrations emphasize queer symbols that underscore the history and culture conveyed via Topping's empathetic and conversational text. This lush history is a necessary addition to the literary canon for anyone invested in facilitating a radically empowered future." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
