by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno; Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins, 2021.
Ideal for older elementary-grade students, Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero introduces readers to an Italian cycling champion and unsung hero who secretly helped hundreds of Jews and others escape persecution during World War II. Witness Bartali’s acts of heroism that reached far beyond his celebrity to include selflessness, humility, courage, and deep compassion.
by Judy Bradbury, illustrated by Gabriella Vagnoli; City of Light Publishing, 2021.
In the first book in the Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series, readers meet five resourceful friends who live on a residential island. Though the story is fictional, The Mystery of the Barking Branches and the Sunken Ship is loosely based on one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries of the Great Lakes: the sinking of the never-recovered sailing vessel, the Griffon, in the 1600s. Readers encounter history, science, mystery, research skills, social-emotional themes, humor, friendship, and a really cute dog.
written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier; Orchard Books, 2020.
The books we choose to share with children can acknowledge feelings, convey options and paths for positive action, nurture, and initiate conversations based on common language. Books can offer kids affirmation, and from this comes agency, possibilities, and choice. A book such as All Because You Matter gives kids space to be heard, and gives educators an opportunity to listen.
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2020.
Years in the making, the eagerly-anticipated Gurple and Preen picture book began with Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog, which features broken-crayon art and has grown to enjoy immense popularity. I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Gurple and Preen, a collaborative effort between Debbie and Newbery Award and New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park, with an interview featuring both creators and plenty of ideas for sharing this picture book adventure with children!
by Dee Romito, illustrated by Marta Kissi; Aladdin Quix; 2020.
The Birthday Castle, the first of four titles planned for the Fort Builders, Inc. beginning chapter book series, centers on a resourceful group of friends who start a fort-building business. Their inaugural project is constructing a castle for a friend’s birthday celebration. A few changes of heart present a snag or two for the team. Nevertheless, Fort Builders, Inc. intends to make their customer’s dream a reality, because that’s what friends–and successful business people–do.
This month’s Children’s Book Corner blog post is dedicated to shining a light on outstanding children’s books by people of color and offering resources for sharing their books with readers.