Reading Partners would recommend these novels

Charlie and I are busy building our homeschooling Library. I would like to let you know Reading Partners would recommend the following novels on the themes of diversity and inclusion:

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love: 

Julian is on the subway with his abuela when he spots three fabulously, bedazzled women. Their hair is pressed, their gowns are flowing, and their confidence is through the roof. Julian is not content with just admiring these queens; he wants to join them. As with any adventure in fashion, Julian makes a mess and worries what his abuela will think when she sees. More importantly, what will abuela think when she sees Julian decked from head to toe in palm fronds, lacey curtains, and pearls?

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders: 

This beautifully illustrated book shares the powerful and deeply moving story of the gay pride flag. From its beginning in 1978 with Harvey Milk, a queer activist, to its continued role in the queer community today. The much loved, rainbow flag is known across the globe, but its roots are not as known. This book brings the rainbow flag into new limelight in a child-friendly way that many adults would also benefit from reading. 

Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley:

In this multicultural picture book, Carrie goes from one neighbor’s house to the next looking for her brother, who is late for dinner. She discovers that although each family is from a different country, everyone makes a rice dish at dinnertime. Readers will enjoy trying the simple recipes that correspond to each family’s unique rice dish.

What’s On Your Plate? by Whitney Stewart and Christiane Engel:

What’s on your plate? Chances are it’s not quite the same as what’s on other children’s plates around the world. Embark on a journey to see how people in different countries prepare, eat, and think about their food. Beautiful photographs and illustrations capture the food culture of 14 countries, from Brazil to Morocco to India and many others.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes:

This book is a kindergarten- to third-grade student-friendly text in conversation with Coates’ Between the World and Me. Gordon C. James’s textured and vibrant illustrations make this book incredibly fun to look at as it preaches confidence and self-love.

My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo:

This story offers a glimpse into the life of a child in a refugee camp. The book follows Sami, a young Syrian boy who is forced to leave his home and his pet pigeons behind. While away from his home, he finds comfort in caring for the colorful birds who visit the camp.

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman:

Grace has an amazing imagination and loves telling stories. When she hears her school will be doing the play Peter Pan, she jumps at the chance to play the lead. Unfortunately, her aspirations are quickly dashed when her classmates point out that she can’t play Peter Pan—Grace is not a boy, and Peter Pan isn’t black. Grace’s family reminds her that she can be anything she wants to be. With their love and encouragement, she proves that her identity does not limit her ability to achieve her dreams and lands the role of Peter Pan.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña: 

CJ and his grandma ride the bus through the streets of San Francisco after church each week. CJ wonders why his family doesn’t have a car like some of the other kids at school or why they always get off the bus on the dirty side of town. Through his grandma’s bright perspective, CJ learns to begin to see the beauty in his urban surroundings and learns to appreciate the people around him. This book explores issues of race and class and reminds us there is beauty and value to be found in what we already have and in what we have to offer

Reading Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the illiteracy problem in the country. 

Thnk you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates