Civic Season is almost here! Get ready and build a reading list for the young folks in your life with these picture book recommendations!

Front cover for Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan
Juneteenth Jamboree

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan

"Festive and full of mirth." —Publishers Weekly

Also available in Spanish!

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Front cover for John Lewis in the Lead by Jim Haskins; Kathleen Benson and Benny Andrews
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement

by Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson, illustrated by Benny Andrews

NCSS CARTER G. WOODSON AWARD WINNER

"A cogent account of the impressive leading role John Lewis, who has been serving as a U.S. Representative from Georgia for the past 20 years, played in the civil rights movement. . . . Folk art-style illustrations, rendered in oils and fabric collage, convey the tenacity and courage of Lewis and his colleagues as well as the fierce tensions of the time." —Publishers Weekly

Also available as a chapter book in English and Spanish!

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Front cover for She Was the First! by Katheryn Russell-Brown and Eric Velasquez
She Was the First: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm

by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

NAACP IMAGE AWARDS WINNER

⭐"Important history made beautiful and engaging." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Front cover for Stacey Abrams by Sarah Warren and Monica Mikai
Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice

by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Monica Mikai

"This is a comprehensive, inspiring biography of a leader whose moral compass guides her work. Mikai's art faithfully represents Abrams at different ages and in various settings and helps communicate to young readers the experiences that distinguish Abrams' life as well as the social situations and power dynamics that inform her priorities." —Kirkus Reviews

Front cover for Edie for Equality by Michael Genhart and Cheryl Thuesday
Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love

by Michael Genhart, illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday

"The power of one person to help many by fighting an unfair system is the theme of this biography of Edie Windsor, whose fight for fairness ultimately led to the Supreme Court allowing gay marriage. . . . Relatable and inspiring." —Booklist

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Front cover for The Harvey Milk Story by Kari Krakow and David Gardner
The Harvey Milk Story

by Kari Krakow, illustrated by David C. Gardner

"A picture-book biography of an important gay-rights figure. . . Capturing just the right tone for its audience, this is a significant contribution to the genre and a fitting tribute to an ordinary guy turned extraordinary." —Kirkus Reviews

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Front cover for The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz and Sharol Graves
The People Shall Continue

by Simon J. Ortiz, illustrated by Sharol Graves

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES PICK

"A healing introduction, respectful reflection, profound and poetic celebration of the drumbeat, the heartbeat of Native Nations--past, present, and future." —Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author

Also available in Spanish!

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Front cover for Nibi's Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco and Chief Lady Bird
Nibi's Water Song

by Sunshine Tenasco, illustrated by Chief Lady Bird

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES PICK

"The compelling narrative with its accompanying illustrations explains the fight for clean water in simple and relatable terms, making this a great first purchase." —School Library Journal

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Front cover for Todos Iguales / All Equal by Christy Hale
Todos iguales: Un corrido de Lemon Grove / All Equal: A Ballad of Lemon Grove

written and illustrated by Christy Hale

ALSC NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS
3 STARRED REVIEWS

⭐"Bilingual text and eye-catching illustrations join a treasure of additional resources to create this significant text. Highly recommended for nonfiction collections for young readers." –School Library Journal, starred review

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Front cover for ¡Sí, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! by Diana Cohn; Luis J. Rodriguez and Francisco Delgado
¡Sí, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.

by Diana Cohn, illustrated by Francisco Delgado, essay and poem by Louis J. Rodríguez

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD HONOR

⭐"The lively, information-packed text, presented in clear, colloquial English and Spanish, is matched by Delgado's lively, detailed, primitive illustrations, brightly rendered in oil pastel and watercolor wash. . . This is the rare crossover picture book that gives sound information on big issues with grace and ease. A real winner for both school and public libraries." —School Library Journal, starred review

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Front cover for How We Can Live by Laleña Garcia and Caryn Davidson
How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter

by Laleña Garcia, illustrated by Caryn Davidson

⭐"An important message for all young people, this is approachable but profound in its message, and a welcome addition to any elementary library." —School Library Journal, starred review

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Looking for more titles to read during Civic Season? Check out our Diversity in Civics Book List, which has recommendations for every age!