category: Children's Books

Antoinette Portis again captures the thrill of when pretend feels so real that it becomes real. With a stick in hand, the options are endless—whether it’s conducting an orchestra, painting a masterpiece, or slaying a dragon—give a child a stick and let imagination take over and the magic begin.

A box is just a box . . . unless it’s not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.

Gayle E. Pitman’s picture book biography about Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples, illustrated by Christopher Lyles

Describing the view from Phyllis and Del’s San Francisco window, When You Look Out the Window shows how one couple’s activism transformed their community —and had ripple effects throughout the world. The book includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, as well as a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to all children.

In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. This Day In June is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Readers are in for a treat as a young nugget prepares for his first hop in a real bird, as well as a complete tour around the Mother ship. They even test their flight skills in a practice dogfight. The lieutenant keeps the jargon flowing during this tour of duty that will have young readers spooled up to use their new vocabulary.

Expertly researched and dynamically illustrated, this patriotic adventure is chock full of information for military buffs and aspiring aviators alike.

Sure to make kids feel—and talk—like fighter pilots!

Step back in time to Ruby’s hash house and put on the nosebag with the boss hogger. He’ll tell you he likes his eggs with headlights, but if you want scrambled, just order wreck on the main line. Follow him as he and his ashcat warm up the engine at the roundhouse and hitch her up to a jigger. Then jingle the brass and ride the point. . .Get ready to feel the wind in your hair as the rods start flashing. . .

Learning the lingo is just part of the fun, because now you’re railroading!

Recommended by the Smithsonian Museum of American History

Plastic Ahoy! is a real-world example of the scientific method in action; specifically, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography-sponsored (SEAPLEX) adventure to the North Pacific Gyre garbage patch. Armed only with questions, the scientists gathered plastic samples and marine life that became the basis of important experimental study about the effects of plastic on the ocean, which became the basis for this book. “Trash Talk” and” Ocean Life” sidebars provide age-appropriate science and social studies curriculum and common core tie-ins for educators.

Plastic: it’s used to make everything from drink bottles and bags to toys and toothbrushes. But what happens when it ends up where it doesn’t belong—like in the Pacific Ocean? How does it affect ocean life? Is it dangerous? And exactly how much is out there?

Meet a team of researchers who sailed one thousand miles into open ocean. They explored the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have collected from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world.

For nearly three weeks at sea, trash detectives gathered bits of plastic and ocean organisms. Their samples helped them learn more about the effects of plastic in the ocean. Using the scientific method the researchers observed, developed hypotheses, and created experiments. Follow along on the expedition to find out how they studied the Garbage Patch—and what alarming discoveries they made.

Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” with Beth Ruyak chats with Patricia Newman

Ebola is a deadly contagious disease. From 1975 to 2013, it killed about 1,500 people. But a 2014 epidemic killed more than six times that number. At first the outbreak was contained to one country. But soon it spread to two others?the virus was on the move, and people were scared. When two American healthcare workers became infected and were sent to the United States for treatment, many people feared a pandemic?an outbreak that would spread all over the world. Could it happen?

Ebola: Fears and Facts takes you behind the sensational headlines to address questions and concerns about the virus. Learn about the history of the disease, its symptoms, and how it spreads. Find out how the 2014 epidemic compares to past Ebola outbreaks, as well as to outbreaks of other infectious diseases. With a question-and-answer section and reference maps, Ebola: Fears and Facts will help you to better understand this most-feared disease.

The verse format of Out of Dust meets the realistic intensity of Farewell to Manzanar

“We lived under a sky so blue in Idaho right near the towns of Hunt and Eden but we were not welcomed there.” In December 1941, thirteen year-old Mina Masako Tagawa and her Japanese-American family are sent from their home in Seattle to an internment camp in Idaho. What do you do when your home country treats you like an enemy? This memorable and powerful novel in verse, written by award-winning author Mariko Nagai, explores the nature of fear, the value of acceptance, and the beauty of life. As thought-provoking as it is uplifting, DUST OF EDEN is told with an honesty that is both heart-wrenching and inspirational.

Mariko Nagai was born in Tokyo and raised in Belgium and the United States, where she graduated from NYU’s creative writing program. She has received numerous awards and fellowships for her poetry and short stories. She teaches creative writing at Temple University in Japan. This is her first book for children.

If you ask a kid what their favorite snack is, most will say pizza, cupcakes, or ice cream. But not Alec Smart—he loves pickles! None of his friends at school understand his taste for pickled treats, nor do his parents. However, one day, just when Alec is pondering how lonely it is to be the only pickle enthusiast around, he comes across a pickle delivery truck and decides to jump in! What will happen when he arrives at the pickle factory? And who will he meet? The lesson learned in this humorous, pickle-filled adventure is that embracing your true colors brings with it special and tasty rewards!