They’re So Flamboyant by Michael Genhart

Illustrated by Tony Neal 3.5 stars An adorable picture book about inclusion, acceptance, and not making assumptions about others. When a flamboyance of flamingos moves into the neighborhood, the other birds are upset by their bright colors and bold appearances. Finally, they decide to confront them. But when they arrive, they see their new neighborhoods…

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Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt

by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…

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Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate (Grandad’s Camper #2)

5 stars One of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read. When Milly discovers her Grandad’s Pride flag in the attic, she comes up with a plan to bring the Pride celebration to his small seaside town. The townspeople band together to create a celebration of love, diversity, and being yourself. A delightful read. Beautiful…

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Remember by Joy Harjo

Illustrated by Michaela Goade 5 stars A truly beautiful book. This picture book adaptation of Joy Harjo’s poem, “Remember”, adds stunning illustrations to a powerful piece that highlights the interconnectedness of the natural world. Goade’s artwork is absolutely stunning. Wonderful use of color and imagery. Each page is a treat. The book wonderfully depicts themes…

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My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom

Illustrated by Steph Littlebird 5 stars A beautiful celebration of hair. The illustrations are fantastic. Absolutely beautiful use of color and imagery. The story wonderfully depicts the connection between hair, memories, nature, history, and community. Also deals with loss of a loved one and healing from generational trauma. At the back of the book is…

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Payden’s Pronoun Party by Blue Jaryn

Illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo 5 stars A delightful picture book that normalizes questioning one’s gender identity, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, and finding a good fit for you. Payden doesn’t quite feel like a boy and sets out to talk to friends and community members about how they found their pronouns. The books…

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Naming Ceremony by Seina Wedlick

Illustrated by Jenin Mohammed 5 stars A beautiful story celebrating new life and special connections. Amira is excited for her baby sister’s naming ceremony. But as her friends and family arrive, she worries the name she’s chosen isn’t special enough. Soon baby sister will wake and the naming ceremony will begin. Will Amira be ready…

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Don’t Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan

3 stars Set five years after a devastating hurricane, this novel-in-verse finds the community of Holgate, New Jersey still picking up the pieces. Follow Eliza as she deals with anxiety after facing the hurricane’s destruction firsthand, simultaneously fights for the preservation of the marshlands, and develops feelings for a wealthy new arrival to her island…

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Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin 4 stars A nice resource to guide discussions of race, discrimination, and police brutality. The fictional story follows conversations between two families, one White and one Black. These conversations bring up various issues such as racism, discrimination, fairness, and slavery, demonstrating the different…

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