Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson

Illustrated by David Shannon 4 stars From death, destruction, and war to unity and peace, this book tells the story of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, whose work to unite the Six Nations of the Iroquois people with the Great Law of Peace set a blueprint for democracy in America. Hiawatha is angry and devastated after…

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This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

Illustrated by Kristyna Litten 4 stars A sweet, simple little book depicting common events at a pride parade. Told through rhyming text paired with colorful illustrations, this acts as a sweet little story for young children, and a helpful guide for introducing specific topics as they get older. The text is very simple, generally consisting…

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The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

by Jeanette Winter 4 stars The powerful story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the brave librarian who save 70% of her library collection during the Iraq War. The book focuses on Baker’s efforts to move the books to safe locations as the war nears Basra. It ends with a message of hope amid the chaos. The…

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Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch

Illustrated Michael Martchenko 4 stars A goofy little story about a boy and his ugly snowsuit. When Thomas’ mother buys him a new snowsuit, he refuses to wear it. It is just too ugly. His mother gets him into the snowsuit and sends him off to school. But at recess, Thomas again refuses to wear…

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Brave Molly by Brooke Boynton-Hughes

5 stars A heartfelt, wordless tale that shows that bravery is being scared and doing it anyway. Molly is an introvert and mostly keeps to herself, but when she sees some kids talking about books, she longs to join in. The only problem? There’s a monster that follows her everywhere she goes. When Molly tries…

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Magick Hoodoo Child by Amber McBride

Illustrated by Violeta Encarnación 5 stars A beautiful picture book that celebrates a young girl’s connections to her grandmother, her ancestors, nature, and hoodoo. It’s the end of the school year and Juniper can’t wait to get away from the bullies at her school and visit her grandmother for the summer. There she will connect…

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Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

5 stars Another one of those books it took me way too long to get around to reading, but I am so glad I finally did. Such a sweet, simple story about being yourself and accepting others. I loved the soothing artwork. Beautiful colors. I also love the diversity of the characters in terms of…

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Forever Cousins by Laurel Goodluck

Illustrated by Jonathan Nelson 3 stars A sweet story about the bond between two cousins. After Kara’s family moves to the Rez and Amanda’s stays in the city, the two cousins can’t wait for the family reunion the next summer. But when the reunion finally arrives, they both feel a little shy around each other….

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Where There Is Love: A Story in African Proverbs

by Shauntay Grant Illustrated by Letícia Moreno 5 stars A delightfully cozy story of a young girl’s visit to Nana’s house filled with good food, good music, and good conversation. Nicely written with straight-forward text. I love how the proverbs are worked into the story as the girl shares what she has learned at Nana’s…

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