Welcome to
KIDS' LIT - MUST READS

Welcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READSWelcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READSWelcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READS
Home
Contact Us
BLOGS
FIND OUT MORE
PAGE 1
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
PAGE6
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
PAGE 23
PAGE 24
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
PAGE 31
PAGE 32
Shop
10

Welcome to
KIDS' LIT - MUST READS

Welcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READSWelcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READSWelcome to KIDS' LIT - MUST READS
Home
Contact Us
BLOGS
FIND OUT MORE
PAGE 1
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
PAGE6
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
PAGE 23
PAGE 24
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
PAGE 31
PAGE 32
Shop
10
More
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • BLOGS
  • FIND OUT MORE
  • PAGE 1
  • PAGE 2
  • PAGE 3
  • PAGE 4
  • PAGE 5
  • PAGE6
  • PAGE 7
  • PAGE 8
  • PAGE 9
  • PAGE 10
  • PAGE 11
  • PAGE 12
  • PAGE 13
  • PAGE 14
  • PAGE 15
  • PAGE 16
  • PAGE 17
  • PAGE 18
  • PAGE 19
  • PAGE 20
  • PAGE 21
  • PAGE 22
  • PAGE 23
  • PAGE 24
  • PAGE 25
  • PAGE 26
  • PAGE 27
  • PAGE 28
  • PAGE 29
  • PAGE 30
  • PAGE 31
  • PAGE 32
  • Shop
  • 10
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • BLOGS
  • FIND OUT MORE
  • PAGE 1
  • PAGE 2
  • PAGE 3
  • PAGE 4
  • PAGE 5
  • PAGE6
  • PAGE 7
  • PAGE 8
  • PAGE 9
  • PAGE 10
  • PAGE 11
  • PAGE 12
  • PAGE 13
  • PAGE 14
  • PAGE 15
  • PAGE 16
  • PAGE 17
  • PAGE 18
  • PAGE 19
  • PAGE 20
  • PAGE 21
  • PAGE 22
  • PAGE 23
  • PAGE 24
  • PAGE 25
  • PAGE 26
  • PAGE 27
  • PAGE 28
  • PAGE 29
  • PAGE 30
  • PAGE 31
  • PAGE 32
  • Shop
  • 10

Account


  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • Orders
  • My Account

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR☮️

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND👍🏿

AUTHOR - WOODY GUTHRIE

GRADES - 3-6

HONORS/AWARDS

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - HONOR👍🏿 

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.


THEME - CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

The song is the content along with beautiful paintings. Almost every page contains tiny bits of information complimenting the art work.

There is also a brief two page bio on Woody.

At the back of the book, there is background information on all of the paintings. If you love the song, you will absolutely love this book. This is a beauty!

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY☮️

PATHS TO PEACE - PEOPLE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

AUTHOR - JANE BRESKIN ZALBEN

GRADES - 4-8

HONORS/AWARDS 👍

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD☮️

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


TEACHERS’ CHOICE AWARD

THEME - CARING FOR EACH OTHER

What looks like a children’s picture book is really a good read for any student over the age of ten as the author presents a wonderful introduction to 16 people who made a positive impact on the world. Included are some lesser known names such as Wangari Maathai, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Elie Wiesel, along with the famous such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. Each person is given two pages - one a work of art and the other a short biography listing the highlights of their lives. A bibliography and a glossary follows these presentations which allow readers to seek further information and expand their vocabularies.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Which person impressed you the most? Explain.

2. Which quotation means the most to you? Why?

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR☮️

ONE PLASTIC BAG

AUTHOR - MIRANDA PAUL

GRADES - 1-4

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿 👍🏿

GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR👍🏿 

 is the nation’s first environmental stewardship book award for children and young adult books.

EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION👍🏿 

Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children

WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS👍🏿 

recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities

CHILDREN’S AFRIKANA BOOK AWARD - COMMENDED

THEME - PROTECT THE PLANET

When goats die after eating plastic bags, a young woman decides to do something about plastic bag pollution. She collects the bags and washes them. Then she makes plastic threads which she crochets into purses. Other women also follow suit and donate part of their earnings to improve the health of their community. This is a wonderful story that promotes ecological awareness and illustrates how one person can make a difference. The author provides added information about this project along with a short bibliography of similar books.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

What can you do to make your community a better place?

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY ☮️

WE ARE GRATEFUL - OTSALIHELIGA

AUTHOR - TRACI SORELL

GRADES - 1-4

HONORS/AWARDS 👍 👍 👍

EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION👍

Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD👍

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


WE ARE KID LIT COLLECTIVE SUMMER READING LISTS👍

recognizing the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities

ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.

BOSTON GLOBE -HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.

THEME - APPRECIATING NATURE, APPRECIATING EACH OTHER

The author, a member of the Cherokee Nation, takes readers on a journey through the seasons as experienced by her people. She also provides the Cherokee alphabet designed by Sequoia and historical notes. Readers will learn that people can exist very happily without being connected to Wal-Mart and Amazon.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK - NATIVE AMERICANS

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. The Cherokees enjoyed doing many things. What looks like the most fun to 

    you?  Why?

2. What is your favorite season? Why?

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - NEW TALENT WINNER ☮️

THE SKIN I'M IN

AUTHOR - SHARON G. FLAKE

GRADES - 5 - 8

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿👍🏿

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - NEW TALENT WINNER👍🏿 

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD👍🏿 

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER (CCBC)

A best of the year list of Pre-K-12 books created annually by librarians.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

THEME - SELF-ACCEPTANCE

Issues of race and self-esteem are developed through the character of Maleeka Madison who feels uncomfortable because her skin is very dark. She also has to deal with a powerful group of nasty girls who tease her about her looks and clothing. When she meets her new teacher who has a birthmark on her face, she discovers that looks aren’t everything. The author plays on the theme of beauty is in the eye of the beholder to create a coming-of-age novel of self-acceptance. 

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT - REALISTIC FICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. What would you say to a group of girls who judged people by the way they 

    looked?

2. Would you like to have a teacher like Miss Saunders? Explain.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE - FINALIST

HEY, KIDDO

AUTHOR - JARRETT J. KROSOCZKA

GRADES - 5 AND UP

HONORS/AWARDS 👍👍

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - FINALIST

CYBILS  AWARD  - WINNER 👍

seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens

BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR 

IN THE MARGINS👍

To seek out and highlight fiction and non-fiction titles of high-interest appeal for male or female readers, ages 9-21, who may fit into one or all of the following categories that identify with:

– *BIPOC youth

– youth from a street culture

– youth in restrictive custody

– youth who are reluctant readers

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

YALSA NON-FICTION AWARD - FINALIST

GOLDEN KITE AWARD - HONOR

The Golden Kite Awards are given annually by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, an international children's writing organization, to recognize excellence in children’s literature. 


GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS - COMMENDED

THEME - WORK HARD AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

In this graphic memoir, the author describes how he dealt with a missing father and a mother in jail. He was raised by his grandfather who had problems with alcohol and his grandmother who was often verbally abusive. Turmoil and conflict was a constant, particularly when he graduated middle school and was sent to a parochial school causing him to lose most of his friends. As a freshman, he was tormented by the older kids. His only escape was to take advantage of his artistic ability by drawing cartoons for the school paper and participating in other art activities. He eventually located his father and they became close. His mother was in and out of jail and at one point he told her that his grandmother was his real mother because she was always there for him. Readers will likely gain a better understanding of life’s issues and how to cope with them. They will also see the importance of defining who you are and how you would like to spend your adult life.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT - REALISTIC FICTION

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Why do you think the author wrote this book?

2. Finish this sentence. If I were Jarrett, I never would have...

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR☮️

HOW DO YOU SPELL UNFAIR? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee

AUTHOR - CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD

GRADES - 3 - 6

HONORS/AWARDS👍 👍 👍

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR👍 

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST👍

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS 👍

a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work  with young people.

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

THEMES - RACISM, DISCRIMINATION

In 1936, eight grader MacNolia Cox became the first black contestant to win the state spelling bee in Ohio. When she left to compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, thousands of people gathered at the train station to wish her luck. However, her happiness began to fade when the train entered Maryland and she and her mother were forced to sit in the back of the train because of their race. During the spelling bee, MacNolia sat at a separate table from all of the white contestants. When she advanced to the final round of five, officials began to get nervous at the prospect of a black girl becoming the winner, so they broke the rule which caused her to misspell a word. The title is most appropriate.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK - BLACK HISTORY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Why did the judges want MacNolia to lose?

    They didn’t want her to win because that would mean that blacks are just 

    as smart as white people.

2. Do you think MacNolia would have gone to Washington if she knew what was

    going to happen to her?

    Probably. She enjoyed the sightseeing and the welcome home parade. 

    She also won $75.00.

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - WINNER☮️

THE LOST YEAR

AUTHOR - KATHERINE MARSH

GRADES - 5 - 8

HONORS/AWARDS👍🏿

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER👍🏿 

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - FINALIST

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK OF 2023

THEMES - SURVIVAL, BRUTALITY, BONDING

This is the first children’s/young adult book that has come to my attention dealing with the Russian atrocities during the Stalin years. The story centers on three Ukrainian girls who are cousins. Two live in Russia and one lives in Brooklyn. We learn about their lives through journals and notes kept by one of the girls who is now 100 years old. She is the great grandmother of thirteen-year-old Matthew. Due to Covid restrictions, Matthew has time on hands and with the help of his GG, the story of the three cousins comes to life. He discovers a life shattering secret as well as a tale of deception, torture, and famine. Readers will learn about life in Russia during the 1930’s and how people suffered as they tried to survive Stalin’s inhumane policies.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT - HISTORICAL FICTION - RUSSIA UNDER STALIN

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Do you think Matthew would have discovered his GG’s secret if Covid didn’t 

    occur?

    Answers will vary.

2. Should GG have told the truth when she came to the United States? Explain.

JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - WINNER☮️

A SONG FOR THE UNSUNG - Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington

AUTHOR - CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD AND ROB SANDERS

GRADES - 4 - 6

HONORS/AWARDS👍 👍 👍

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - WINNER👍

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD - FINALIST👍

Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys", are awarded yearly by Lambda Literary to recognize the crucial role LGBTQ writers play in shaping the world. The Lammys celebrate the very best in LGBTQ literature.

RAINBOW LIST: TOP TEN LGBTQ BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS - 

        COMMENDED👍

NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEWNATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG 

THEMES - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS

While many Americans are familiar with the 1963 march on Washington and the “I Have a Dream” speech, they are probably unaware of the organization and planning that allowed hundreds of thousands of people to come and leave this historical event. The man behind the scenes was Bayard Rustin, a gay black man who experienced prejudice on both fronts. He was even shunned by King’s closest advisors. Yet, he was not deterred as he enlisted singers and speakers, raised money, created banners and posters, encouraged people to volunteer, and scheduled various means of transportation. This is a wonderful read for children who are trying to get a handle on the Civil Rights movement and why it was necessary.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. What do you think was the hardest part of organizing the march?

2. What do you think the title of the book means?                     

NEWBERY MEDAL - HONOR☮️

ECHO

AUTHOR - PAM MUNOZ RYAN

GRADES - 4 - 10

HONORS/AWARDS👍🏿 👍🏿

YOUNG AMERICAS AWARD - WINNER

The Américas Award is an annual award that honors children's and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the U.S

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY - SELECTION👍🏿 

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.
CHILDREN’S FAVORITE AWARD - SELECTION

Recognizing books evaluated and voted on by children as books they really enjoy reading.


NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOKS IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD - SELECTION


INTERNATIONAL LATINO CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - HONOR


ODYESSEY AWARD - HONOR

NEWBERY MEDAL - HONOR


The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


TEACHER FAVORITE AWARD - SELECTION


CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS - SELECTION


a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.

KIRKUS PRIZE FOR YOUNG READERS’ LITERATURE - WINNER

THEMES - OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS

This amazing tale focuses on three children who are challenged by the forces of hate during the late1930’s and early 40’s. Friedrich tries to rescue his father from a German concentration camp; Mike tries to protect his younger brother from going to an institution for homeless children; and Ivy, who has to deal with Mexican and Japanese bigotry. All three children are gifted musicians, and it is this thread that brings them together as the story reaches an absolutely beautiful and heart-warming conclusion. The awards listed above are rightly earned.

GENRE - CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION - AMERICAN HISTORY WW11

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

Which child had the most difficult experience?                                                                                               

NEWBERY MEDAL - WINNER☮️

NEW KID

AUTHOR - JERRY CRAFT

GRADES - 4 - 7

HONORS/AWARDS👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - WINNER👍

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

NEWBERY MEDAL - WINNER

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.

EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS - SELECTION👍

Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children

GREAT GRAPHIC NOVEL FOR TEENS - COMMENDED

A list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18 prepared yearly by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association)

EMPATHY LAB SELECTION👍

Imagine every single child knowing what empathy is, and isn’t, and why it matters. Being skilled at putting themselves in others’ shoes, able to articulate and share their feelings. Being wonderful listeners, inspired to put empathy into action. Imagine the world being run by such a generation, with empathy a priority in their decision making and leadership! We dream of that world. 

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY - SELECTION👍 

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


CHILDREN’S FAVORITE AWARD - SELECTION

Recognizing books evaluated and voted on by children as books they really enjoy reading.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS 👍

a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.

KIRKUS PRIZE FOR YOUNG READERS’ LITERATURE - WINNER

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - SELECTION

THEMES - ADJUSTING TO RACIAL STEREOTYPES AND CULTURE SHOCK

What happens when Jordan, an Afro-American  seventh grader leaves his Washington Heights neighborhood to attend an prestigious private school in Riverdale? He receives a bad case of culture shock as he is one of the few kids of color in the school. Very often his teachers and classmates make stereotypical comments and gestures that are racially motivated. However, this is not always the case. Learning how to deal with race relations and interpreting the behaviors of classmates and staff becomes quite a challenge for Jordon and his few friends. He also has to decide if he should be himself or adapt to the social norms of the school. This story is based on the author’s own experiences.

.

GENRE - SEMI-AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL GRAPHIC NOVEL

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

Do you think Jordan should enroll in the art school or continue going to Riverdale Academy?                                                                                                

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR

OTHER WORDS FOR HOME

AUTHOR -JASMINE WARGA

GRADES - 4-7

HONORS/AWARDS👍👍👍👍👍

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY - SELECTION AWARD👍

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.


WALTER DEAN MYERS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - HONOR
👍

The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.


EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS SELECTION - SELECTION
👍Highlighting diverse children’s books to honor the culture and languages of all children


ARAB AMERICAN BOOK AWARD - HONOR👍

is an annual literary award to celebrate and support the research of, and the written work of, Arab Americans and their culture. The Arab American Book Award encourages the publication and excellence of books that preserve and advance the understanding, knowledge, and resources of the Arab American community by celebrating the thoughts and lives of Arab Americans. The purpose of the Award is to inspire authors, educate readers and foster a respect and understanding of the Arab American culture.


NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS - SELECTION
👍

a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - SELECTION


The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people.

THEMES - FREEDOM, ACCEPTANCE, ISLAMOPHOBIA

Jude is a twelve-year-old who moves to the United States with her pregnant mom to escape war-torn Syria. While living with her aunt and uncle, Jude becomes a victim of Islamophobia as she tries to adapt to a new culture. She continually struggles to find her identity as emotional turmoil is part of her everyday life. OTHER WORDS FOR HOME provides a a sense of understanding and compassion for Arab Americans who are just trying to fit into a society that is very different from what they have been accustomed to. This award winning story should be on every elementary and middle school bookshelf.

GENRE - MUSLIM LIFE, POETRY

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

Why do you think Sarah finally apologized to Jude?

Answers will vary. Perhaps what happened to Layla and her family caused Sarah to change her ways.                                   

JANE ADDAMS BOOK AWARD - FINALIST

KAREEM BETWEEN

AUTHOR -SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI

GRADES - 5-9

HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿 👍🏿

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD - SELECTION
 👍🏿 

This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.
 

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST
 👍🏿 

A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.


CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS - SELECTION 👍🏿 


a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR


The School Library Journal is an American monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people.


NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE - WINNER
LIBRARIAN FAVORITES AWARD - SELECTION

THEMES - ACCEPTING ONE’S SELF AND OTHERS, DOING THE RIGHT THING

This is a novel of conflict upon conflict upon conflict. Kareem, a seventh grader, desperately wants to make the football team, but at what price. Should he become friends with a Syrian refugee and run the risk of being teased by his classmates? Should he give in to a bully so that he can make the football team? Kareem is trying to find an identity as he navigates in and around parental issues, societal issues, cultural leanings, and the importance of playing football. Middle school kids who love football should find this a great read as the author constantly compares football terminology to life situations.

GENRE - YOUNG ADULT HISTORICAL FICTION, COMING OF AGE

FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS

1. Which is more important - making a friend or making the team? Explain.


2. Should any group of people be banned from entering the United States of 

    America? 
  Explain.


                                                          PAGE 21                                            

Copyright © 2026 Kids Lit Must Reads - All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • PAGE 1
  • PAGE 2
  • PAGE 3
  • PAGE 4
  • PAGE 5
  • PAGE6
  • PAGE 7
  • PAGE 8
  • PAGE 9
  • PAGE 10
  • PAGE 12
  • PAGE 13
  • PAGE 14
  • PAGE 15
  • PAGE 16
  • PAGE 17
  • PAGE 18
  • PAGE 19
  • PAGE 20
  • PAGE 21
  • PAGE 22
  • PAGE 23
  • PAGE 24
  • PAGE 25
  • PAGE 26
  • PAGE 27
  • PAGE 28
  • PAGE 29
  • PAGE 30
  • PAGE 31

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept