Civic Season is almost here! Get ready and build a reading list for the young folks in your life with these picture book recommendations!
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan
"Festive and full of mirth." —Publishers Weekly
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
by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS WINNER
⭐"Important history made beautiful and engaging." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Looking for more titles to read during Civic Season? Check out our Diversity in Civics Book List, which has recommendations for every age!
