PENWORTHY’S TOP PICKS FOR...
Diversity
Ballerina Dreams (4) Item # 37543 / Gr 2-3 / 42 Pgs / $18.96
Bee-Wigged Item # 37827 / Gr PK-1 / 33 Pgs / $25.87
Big Birthday Surprise, The (2) Item # 39044 / Gr PK-1 / 24 Pgs / $18.96
Young dance lovers will discover the amazing, true story of Michaela DePrince, one of America’s top ballerinas, in this Step 4 reader. From SLJ: ‘’This series excels at giving advancing readers challenges while building on the vocabulary learned earlier, and this title. . .is no exception.’’
A lonely, overlarge insect tries a new identity on for size in a wacky, wonderful tale of friendship and acceptance from Newbery Honor-winning author and illustrator Cece Bell. From Kirkus: ‘’The daffy winsomeness of Bell’s art is given aesthetic heft by her gorgeous use of color.’’
It’s Sir Garret’s birthday! Can Nella the Princess Knight make his birthday wish come true? This delightful Level 2 reader is based on Nickelodeon’s hit animated series starring a heroine who proves that little girls can be princesses AND knights!
Calvin Can’t Fly Item # 35414 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $25.06
Can You Say Peace? Item # 35632 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $26.42
Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms Item # 37868 / Gr 6+ / 248 Pgs / $27.24
While his siblings and cousins learn to fly, Calvin the starling learns to read! The other birds call him ‘’geeky beaky,’’ but it is Calvin who saves the flock during stormy weather. As Kirkus says, ‘’The irresistible story of a proud bookworm will put smiles on the faces of readers of all ages.’’
International Peace Day has been observed on September 21 since 1982. On this day and every day, children all over the world wish for peace. Karen Katz takes readers on a colorful journey around the globe to meet some of these children and learn about the many ways to say peace!
Wilhelmina’s home in her beloved Zimbabwe is sold and she’s sent to boarding school in England. Lions are nothing compared to vicious schoolgirls. Will she have the courage to survive? From PW’s starred review: ‘’A gripping, magical, and heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and hope.’’
Cyril the Mandrill Item # 38993 / Gr PK-1 / 25 Pgs / $25.87
Disney Elena.. Essential Guide Item # 37970 / Gr 2-3 / 63 Pgs / $31.88
Duck for Turkey Day Item # 38726 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $26.60
Cyril’s markings make him different from the other monkeys, so the zoo animals make fun of him. But when winter comes and the animals move indoors, the monkeys soon realize that Cyril’s colors are a reminder of summer, and they accept him as a friend and appreciate his differences.
Young fans of the popular Disney series can explore the magical world of Princess Elena of Avalor in DK’s clear and lively nonfiction style. Using colorful images and simple text, this guide explores themes of friendship, leadership, and compassion in an exciting and engaging way.
Tuyet’s Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner, not turkey. What will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, her classmates all have different Thanksgiving meals, too! A warm story about ‘’the right way’’ to celebrate an American holiday.
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PENWORTHY’S TOP PICKS FOR...
Diversity
Families Item # 37511 / Gr PK-1 / 31 Pgs / $27.78
Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy Item # 37878 / Gr 6+ / 229 Pgs / $25.87
Gabriela #1 Item # 36634 / Gr 4-5 / 196 Pgs / $26.42
There are many different kinds of families in the world! This inclusive look at a variety of families will help young readers see beyond their own immediate experiences and begin to understand others. From SLJ: ‘’A great way to introduce the concept of diversity among families.’’
There’s been a tragedy in Footer’s home town. A fire. A murder. And some children have disappeared. She and her best friend Peavine are on the case, but she fears that her mentally ill mother could be involved. From PW: ‘’A well-plotted mystery that effectively explores some serious themes.’’
Gabby loves expressing herself through dance. She struggles with stuttering, and soon finds that spoken word poetry helps her speech flow. When the city threatens to close the community arts center, can she harness the power of her words and rally her community to save Liberty Arts?
Gabriela Speaks Out #2 Item # 37791 / Gr 4-5 / 176 Pgs / $26.42
Gabriela: Time for Change #3 Item # 39033 / Gr 4-5 / 182 Pgs / $26.42
Get a Hit, Mo! (2) Item # 38853 / Gr 2-3 / 32 Pgs / $18.96
Gabby wants to make sixth grade the best year ever, but she’s worried about Sixth Grade Initiationpranks older kids play on the sixth graders. Gabby could stop the tradition if she wins the school election, but fears her chances are slim. Can she find the courage to speak out for change?
Gabby is already juggling homework, school leadership, dance classes, and rehearsals for a spoken word competition when an exciting dance opportunity comes up. But Gabby’s changed a lot this past year. By the time the competition rolls around, she’s wondering if have her dreams changed, too.
Mo is excited for his baseball game, but Coach Marie tells him he’s batting last and playing right field again. Will Mo ever get a hit? This Level 2 reader about a little boy with a passion for sports is a funny, motivational companion to the winner of the 2016 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.
Grace Item # 35485 / Gr PK-1 / 26 Pgs / $23.69
Handful of Stars, A Item # 37858 / Gr 6+ / 184 Pgs / $25.87
In a Cloud of Dust Item # 39056 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $26.42
Grace loves dancing ballet, but sadly is not very graceful. She turns to drawing, and soon finds a way to be part of the ballet using her true talent: she paints the sets! But the indefatigable Grace also keeps dancing in this easy reader that encourages youngsters to celebrate their own special gifts.
Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in Lily’s town for blueberry-picking season. The two become fast friends, but when Salma enters the Blueberry Queen pageant, they face tough truths about friendship and belonging. A powerful middle-grade novel by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord.
In a Tanzanian village school, Anna hides her disappointment when she misses the bicycle library’s visit. She’s happy to help her friends learn to balance and steer--until a compassionate friend offers a solution. From Kirkus: ‘’A nice addition to primary-grade ‘values’ collections.’’
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PENWORTHY’S TOP PICKS FOR...
Diversity
Just Like Me Item # 37873 / Gr 6+ / 246 Pgs / $27.24
Lola Levine Is Not Mean! #1 Item # 36301 / Gr 2-3 / 88 Pgs / $22.33
Lola Levine..Hallown Scream #6 Item # 37949 / Gr 2-3 / 85 Pgs / $22.33
Julia, Becca, and Avery were adopted as babies from the same Chinese orphanage, but they’re nothing alike - and now they’re being sent off to summer camp to ‘’bond.’’ From SLJ: ‘’Tween readers will find much to identify with in this charming and refreshingly wholesome coming-of-age story.’’
Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with a little help, she just might be able to turn it all around.
It’s Halloween - Lola’s favorite holiday! But when Lola plays a scary joke on her super best friends, Josh Blot and Bella Benitez, it doesn’t go as planned. Can Lola learn from her mistake and still have a happy Halloween?
Lola Levine..Jelly and Bean #4 Item # 37365 / Gr 2-3 / 87 Pgs / $22.33
Lola Levine..Vacation Dream #5 Item # 37950 / Gr 2-3 / 88 Pgs / $22.33
Lost Kitten, The (2) Item # 35469 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $18.96
The Levines are finally getting a pet! They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but soon Ben starts sneezing. Oh no-he’s allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending!
The Levines are jetting off on a family vacation to Peru in the fifth book in this heartwarming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. Lola and Ben discover all Lima has to offer, but with their talent for mischief, some international trouble may be afoot!
Katie Fry loves solving mysteries. So when she finds a cute, lost kitten named Sherlock, she decides to take his case. Can Katie track down the clues to find Sherlock’s home? Beginning readers will love hunting for clues in the art right along with Katie and Sherlock!
Luciana #1 Item # 39667 / Gr 4-5 / 164 Pgs / $25.87
Luciana: Braving the Deep #2 Item # 39668 / Gr 4-5 / 164 Pgs / $25.87
Mango, Abuela, and Me Item # 39022 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $25.87
Meet American Girl’s 2018 Girl of the Year! Luciana is thrilled to be going to Space Camp. But when she’s picked to lead her team in a robot challenge, she steers them straight into trouble. If she’s ever going to make it to Mars, Luci’s got to be someone her crew can depend on, no matter what.
Luciana is off to youth astronaut training camp! She hopes to be chosen to dive to an underwater habitat where real astronauts train for life in space. But when Luci has an underwater crisis, she’ll have to conquer her fears--or kiss her dreams of becoming an astronaut good-bye.
When a little girl’s far-away grandmother comes to stay, love and patience transcend language in a tender story by acclaimed author Meg Medina. From Booklist’s starred review: ‘’A poignant tale of intergenerational connection, transition, and patience.’’ A Pura Belpre Author Award Honor Book.
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PENWORTHY’S TOP PICKS FOR...
Diversity
Miguel and..Amazing Alebrijes Item # 38819 / Gr PK-1 / 24 Pgs / $20.32
Mikey Item # 37774 / Gr PK-1 / 31 Pgs / $27.14
Missing Fox, The (2) Item # 35470 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $18.96
Despite his family’s baffling ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming a musician. Soon he finds himself in Land of the Dead on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind his family history. This colorful 8x8 picture book is based on Disney Pixar’s November 2017 film, Coco.
Young readers follow Mikey, a young boy with autism, as he attends school and explains how he sees, hears, and feels the world around him. This simple, accessible picture book is a wonderful way to help children understand classmates with autism.
Katie Fry loves solving mysteries with her feline friend Sherlock. When Katie’s brother can’t find his favorite stuffed animal, Katie and Sherlock are hot on the fox’s trail. Beginning readers will love hunting for clues in the art right along with Katie and Sherlock!
Monday Is One Day Item # 37428 / Gr PK-1 / 23 Pgs / $25.06
Mousetropolis Item # 37755 / Gr PK-1 / 35 Pgs / $23.69
Soda Bottle School, The Item # 37874 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $27.24
One by one, the days of the week roll by-and every day of the week offers a special opportunity for families to enjoy being together! From School Library Journal: ‘’A fine vehicle for discussion of different family groupings, kinds of work, and separation anxiety.’’
Cousins City Mouse and Country Mouse exchange visits. Though they find many things to like in each other’s homes, each learns that he prefers his own. From the NYT’s review: ‘’Christie’s snappy reimagining of The City Mouse and the Country Mouse gorgeously celebrates both travel and home.’’
In a Guatemalan village, the students had outgrown their tiny schoolhouse but there was no money to expand. Then someone had an idea: why not use soda bottles to form the cores of the walls? A true story from award-winning author Suzanne Slade about a triumph of recycling and teamwork.
Spirit Week Showdown Item # 37822 / Gr 6+ / 227 Pgs / $25.87
Springtime Blossoms (3) Item # 37768 / Gr 2-3 / 42 Pgs / $18.96
That’s Not How You Do It! Item # 37517 / Gr PK-1 / 28 Pgs / $26.42
Mya and her best friend Naomi plan to win the Spirit Week competition, but Mya ends up paired with Mean Connie Tate, and her hopes of winning disappear. Worse, Naomi is furious with her! From Kirkus’s starred review: ‘’. . .this delightful book [is] at once thoughtful and a riot to read.’’
Jada and Jamal and their friends are searching for signs of spring. But a surprise awaits them at school that blossoms into a colorful plan to beautify the schoolyard just in time for Earth Day! Dig in with the Bradford Street Buddies in this Level 3 reader.
Lucy knows how to do everything the right way. But when Toshi arrives, Lucy thinks he can’t do anything properly at all! A simple, funny tale about understanding, respecting and enjoying our differences. From SLJ: ‘’An effective read-aloud and a worthy addition to most collections.’’
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PENWORTHY’S TOP PICKS FOR...
Diversity
This Is the Rope Item # 39027 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $27.24
Violet the Pilot Item # 37339 / Gr PK-1 / 40 Pgs / $27.24
We Are Family Item # 35712 / Gr PK-1 / 18 Pgs / $29.97
The story of one family’s journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea that the rope will become part of her family’s history. From PW’s starred review: ‘’An especially strong and vibrant fictive memoir.’’
Violet loves building elaborate flying machines from scratch. The kids at school tease her, but maybe she could earn their respect by winning the blue ribbon in the upcoming Air Show. From SLJ: ‘’An engaging story of a spunky girl who follows her dreams. . .Violet is a terrific role model.’’
Celebrate the differences and similarities between 10 families as they eat, sleep, work, and play together. Gentle rhyming text and vivid illustrations bring each family’s story to life.
What Makes Us Unique? Item # 35412 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $27.24
Where Monsters Live Item # 36326 / Gr PK-1 / 24 Pgs / $18.96
Who Is Malala Yousafzai? Item # 37301 / Gr 2-3 / 105 Pgs / $22.33
‘’What Makes Us Unique?’’ provides an accessible introduction to the concept of diversity, teaching children how to respect and celebrate people’s differences. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.
In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. With enormous sea monsters standing in her way, can she succeed in her quest?
Malala Yousafzai loved to learn but was told that girls would no longer be allowed to go to school. She wrote a blog that called attention to what was happening, and realized that words can bring about change. She has continued to speak out for the right of all children to have an education.
Why Do Families Change? Item # 37297 / Gr PK-1 / 32 Pgs / $26.42
Wolf’s Boy, The Item # 37879 / Gr 6+ / 227 Pgs / $25.87
You Hold Me Up Item # 37927 / Gr PK-1 / 30 Pgs / $27.24
Separation and divorce are difficult on the entire family. Often young children blame themselves or are unsure of their place in the family if these events occur. This book from child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts helps parents and caregivers start conversations on this difficult subject.
Born with a clubfoot and marked as tabat-the unlucky one-Kai and his wolf Uff must brave the long winter together and learn what it takes to survive on their own. A powerful tale set in Paleolithic times from award-winning author Susan Williams Beckhorn. A Kirkus Best Middle-Grade Book of 2016.
You hold me up. I hold you up. We hold each other up. This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show each other love and support in their everyday actions. From Kirkus: ‘’Calming, positive, and serenely affirmative.’’
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