Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

by Laurie Wallmark Illustrated by Katy Wu 4 stars A wonderful picture book biography. This one is a bit lengthy, so best suited for older children (8+). Generally features a few paragraphs per page, with colorful and engaging illustrations to break up the text. The story goes through some of Hopper’s experimentation as a child,…

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Billie Jean!: How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women’s Sports

by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley 4 stars A fantastic and inspiring biography picture book about the career of Billie Jean King. The book focuses mainly on King’s tennis career with a little more about her personal life included in the backmatter. Throughout the story, King is faced with sexist remarks, questions, and treatment….

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It Feels Good to Be Yourself

A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn Illustrated by Noah Grigni 4 stars Informative and encouraging. A sweet book presenting a variety of gender identities through its characters. It discusses being a girl, a boy, both, and neither. A great place to start having conversations with young children about gender identity and expression. Through…

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Good Dream Dragon by Jacky Davis

Illustrated by Courtney Dawson 4 stars A magical story perfect for bedtime. The sky is dark and it’s time for bed, but a child is having a hard time finding good dreams. So, they call upon the Good Dream Dragon. Join the pair on a magical adventure to another galaxy in the pursuit of good…

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All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

4 stars An entertaining read about fighting the dragons in your life, both real and metaphorical, and living up to your dreams of becoming a knight. There are a lot of exciting changes happening in Imogene’s life. After being homeschooled, she starts middle school and becomes a squire-in-training at the Renaissance Faire where her parents…

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Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter

5 stars Action, adventure, mystery, drama, humor, and a bit of adorable romance. This Dungeons-and-Dragons-style book has it all! Enter the fantasy world of an unnamed kingdom and join a group of friends on their quest to discover the truth behind an odd plant. This book was so much fun. Filled with supportive friendships, action…

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Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin

3 stars Something’s wrong in the forest. There are strange noises and mysterious destruction, and now the treasure is missing! But each time the three little Vikings bring their concerns to the Chieftain, he meets them with the same refrain: “I know best.” This book has fantastic messages about speaking up when something is wrong,…

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What Color is My Hijab? by Hudda Ibrahim

Illustrated by Meenal Patel 5 star An adorable story about one girl finding inspiration in the women she sees in her life. Flowing through various colors, Tima showcases women she admires and their special traits, associating each trait with the color of hijab the woman wears. Great variety of characteristics presented, from hardworking and stylish…

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Doctor Who: The Runaway TARDIS

by Rebecca Gyllenhaal Illustrated by Kim Smith Based on the series by Chris Chibnall 4 stars An adorable adventure across time and space. Lizzie’s first day at her new school is less than stellar. After not making any friends, she packs up some sandwiches and vows to run away back to her old neighborhood. But…

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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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