With recommendations from Rene Holderman at Third Place Books, these must-read children’s books celebrating Black stories are perfect for sparking important conversations and inspiring young minds.

“Big”

By Vashti Harrison

The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.

“How Do You Spell Unfair”

 By Carole Boston Weatherford

In 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio, spelling bee. And with that win, she was asked to compete at the prestigious National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, where she and a girl from New Jersey were the first African Americans invited since its founding. She left her home state a celebrity — right up there with Ohio’s own Joe Louis and Jesse Owens — with a military band and a crowd of thousands to see her off at the station. But celebration turned to chill when the train crossed the state line into Maryland, where segregation was the law of the land. Prejudice and discrimination ruled — on the train, in the hotel, and, sadly, at the spelling bee itself.

“An American Story”

By Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Dare Coulter

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people’s struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

“Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes”

By Traci N. Todd; illustrated by Shannon Wright

Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature “Jackie joy” while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?

“There Was a Party for Langston”

By Jason Reynolds; illustrated by Jerome Pumphery and Jarrett Pumphrey

Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory.

“The Last Stand”

by Antwan Eady; illustrated by Jerome Pumphery and Jarrett Pumphrey

Saturday is for harvesting. One little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers, and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer’s market. Of course, it’s more than a farmer’s market. Papa knows each customer’s order, from Ms. Rosa’s pumpkins to Mr. Johnny’s peppers. And when Papa can’t make it to the stand, his community gathers around him with dishes made of his produce.

Read more:

Celebrate Black History Month around the Puget Sound

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“The Snowflake”
By Benji Davies

 The Snowflake is a delightful tale that draws parallels between a snowflake’s journey and a little girl’s path as they work out where they fit in the world. This wonderfully illustrated book will transport readers to a snowy wonderland as they follow Noelle and the snowflake.

“The People Remember”
By Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise

In “The People Remember”, Ibi Zoboi weaves the seven principles of Kwanzaa with Black history in America. With poetic text and stunning illustrations, young readers are introduced to Kwanzaa and its place in African-American history. It demonstrates how cultures can endure adversity, why that is important today, and why it matters to celebrate. A must-read for families.

“Binny’s Diwali”
By Thrity Umrigar, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

“Binny’s Diwali” is about how Binny does her best to describe the magic of Diwali, India’s annual holiday festival of lights, to her classmates. It’s a story that both introduces young readers to Diwali and demonstrates the vulnerability of presenting a part of your identity to an audience.

“The Christmas Mitzvah”
By Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha

“The Christmas Mitzvah” is the heartwarming story of how friends and loved ones blend their  Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations into a festive symphony that emphasizes being with the people who matter most. Inspired by a true story, this book shows readers that celebrations are about the people we choose to spend them with.

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As a former first-grade teacher and a self-proclaimed bookworm, I knew that frequent reading would help my 7-year-old develop a solid foundation in literacy. 

What a surprise it was, then, to discover that my own son wouldn’t do his homework. It wasn’t that he couldn’t read; he refused to read. I tried every ploy in my (extensive) bag of make-a-reader tricks, but nothing stuck. We had a reluctant reader, and I didn’t know how to help him.

Enter Reading with Rover, a partnership between therapy dogs and public resources that brings highly-trained furry reading companions and young readers together —  kids like my son. The first time he attended a Reading with Rover event, he was immediately drawn to the fluffy Golden Retriever lying in the corner of a local library meeting room. My son sat on the floor and nestled into the dog’s soft fur. Then he pulled out his book and, miracle of miracles, he began to read.

(Image: Reading with Rover)

His story is one of many about the powerful impact of Reading with Rover on young readers. Dogs trained for the program offer constant comfort and non-judgmental approval as they sit with kids. They are perfect listeners as youngsters sound out words and test their emerging reading skills. 

“I want to inspire children to discover the joy of reading and developing literacy while reading with dogs,” says Reading with Rover founder Becky Bishop. “I’m using my therapy dogs as a conduit to help people and kids so they can go into the world and do good things.”

Since its inception in 1999, Reading with Rover has expanded from a summer program in a single library to a full-fledged nonprofit organization with dozens of events each year, typically held in libraries, schools, hospitals, and other public venues. Each event gives children like my son the chance to discover the joy of reading. With a gentle dog by their side, that lesson becomes more deeply ingrained. 

“We’re building memories,” says Becky. Memories and, I would add, eager readers.

Support the effort: Donate at readingwithrover.org/donate

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For Adults

“Celebrate with Kim-Joy: Cute Cakes and Bakes to Make Every Occasion Joyful”

By Kim-Joy

You might recognize Kim-Joy as a finalist on “The Great British Baking Show,” where she made cute, whimsical desserts and charmed audiences with her warmth and positivity. In her latest cookbook, she includes recipes for year-round celebrations of many kinds, from Christmas and Holi to birthdays and baby showers. The recipes have clear instructions and photos, and include some vegan and gluten-free options. The bright and quirky photographs will put you in the mood for revelry and cheer. There are 60 recipes in all, and each one is worthy of your next celebration.

For Kids

“Our Favorite Day of the Year”

By A.E. Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

Musa, Moises, Mo and Kevin are new friends in kindergarten. Their teacher, Ms. Gupta, says that the first day of school is her favorite day of the year. Ms. Gupta invites the students to tell each other about their favorite day. As this heartwarming story unfolds, we learn about a variety of family celebrations through the four friends. Musa talks about Eid, Moises talks about Christmas, Mo talks about Rosh Hashanah and Kevin talks about Pi Day. This sweet story about learning from friends is told through lovely, textured illustrations representing diverse families, and is a great way to introduce different holiday traditions to little ones.

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Seattle author Sanae Ishida’s book “Animal Friends to Sew: Simple Handmade Decor, Toys, and Gifts for Kids” has templates and patterns galore for simple but elegant gifts for kids (and for stuffy-loving adults who are kids at heart). 

These are great DIY gift projects for kids who want to learn to sew — and for adults who might also want to learn. The bonus is you can get gift hunting out of the way and engage your child in an entertaining, crafty project in one fell swoop. With the permission of Sasquatch Books, we are reprinting the templates and instructions for making two DIY gifts: a lion pillow and a panda bath puppet. Get started here. Happy sewing!

How to make the lion pillow

© 2020 By Sanae Ishida. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Animal Friends to Sew by permission of Sasquatch Books.

NOT ONLY CAN THESE CRITTERS scrub all the grubbiness off, but they might also inspire an impromptu bath time puppet show! 

Supplies & Materials

• 1/3 yard mustard or light brown fabric for mane
• ¼ yard beige fabric for face and ears
• Scrap of black wool felt for nose
• Stuffing (cotton, wool, or fiberfill)
• Marking tool such as chalk
• Embroidery floss: black, cream, pink, and mustard
• Embroidery needle
• Hand-sewing needle
• Coordinating thread 
• Drafting kit 
• Buttons for eyes (optional)

Recommended Fabrics

Linen, linen/cotton blend, cotton

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 11 inches wide by 10 inches high

Pattern Pieces

• Mane (cut 2) — draft 
• Face (cut 2) — template 
• Ears (cut 4) — template
• Nose (cut 1) — template

Construction Steps (Illustrated below)

1. Draft the mane. Start by folding a 12-inch by 11-inch piece of paper in half vertically. Draw a perpendicular line from the vertical center point (A). At about a 45-degree angle above and below the perpendicular line, plot 6-inch marks from point A. Using these points as a guide, draw curvy lines for the mane outline. Don’t worry too much about symmetry or precision; you can always adjust the mane shape later. Draw an almost straight edge of about 3 inches near the bottom of the mane, where you can leave an opening that can later be closed easily with a slip stitch. Cut out the template.
2. Trace the templates for the mane, face, ears, and nose onto the appropriate fabric and cut out the pieces.
3. Make the ears. Sew each set of earpieces with right sides together, using a ¼-inch seam allowance along the curved edge. Do not sew the bottom edge. Trim the curved edges to about ⅛ inch. Turn the right side out and press. Topstitch ¼ inch from the curved edge, if desired. Align the raw edges and baste the ears to the right side of one of the face pieces, as marked. Ensure the earpieces are centered at the markings.
4. Make the face. Sew the front and back face pieces with right sides together, using a ¼-inch seam allowance, and leave an opening of approximately 2 inches along one of the straighter edges. Clip along the curved edge, ensuring that you do not cut into the seam. Turn the right side out and press.
5. Make the nose, eyes, and mouth. Pin and satin/zigzag-stitch the nose onto the right side of the face piece with the basted ears (see the template for placement of the facial elements). Because of the small size, feel free to hand-stitch the nose if it feels easier. Use a marking tool to indicate the general positions of the eyes and mouth on the face piece. Embroider the eyes using a satin stitch (black floss) and the mouth using a backstitch (pink floss). You could also use buttons for eyes instead. With cream floss, add other decorative embroidery, such as more nose definition and detailing on the forehead and whiskers, if desired.
6. Appliqué the face to the right side of one of the mane pieces by hand-stitching or using a machine satin/zigzag stitch. Press.
7. Make the mane. Embroider decorative running stitches that radiate outward from the face to the outer edge of the mane with mustard embroidery floss if desired. With right sides together, sew the front and back mane pieces with a ⅜-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening of about 3 inches at the bottom. Clip along the curved edge, ensuring that you do not cut into the seam. Turn the right side out and press.
8. Stuff the pillow with small tufts of stuffing to avoid future bunching. Use plenty of stuffing until you get a nice, rounded shape without straining the seams. I find a tool like a chopstick helpful for getting the stuffing into all the nooks and crannies. Slip-stitch opening closed.

Making the Panda Terry Cloth Bath Puppet

© 2020 By Sanae Ishida. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Animal Friends to Sew by permission of Sasquatch Books.

NOT ONLY CAN THESE CRITTERS scrub all the grubbiness off, but they might also inspire an impromptu bath time puppet show! 

Supplies and Materials

• Approx. 20 inches by 11 inches white terry cloth fabric 
• Scrap of black terry cloth fabric (for eyes*, arms, and ears) 
• Approx. 20 inches by 11 inches lining fabric 
• Embroidery floss: black 
• Embroidery needle 
• Coordinating thread 
• Hand-sewing needle 
• Walking foot if your terry cloth is extra thick (optional) 

*Sometimes small pieces of terry cloth may be difficult to hand-sew, so you may want to use black wool felt for the eye pieces instead. 

Recommended Fabrics

Cotton terry or French terry for outer fabric, gauze or muslin for lining fabric 

Finished Dimensions

7 1⁄2 inches wide by 7 inches high 

Pattern Pieces

• Panda body (cut 2 from outer fabric, cut 2 from lining fabric)—template  
• Eyes (cut 2)—template 
• Ears (cut 4)—template
• Arms (cut 4)—template 

Construction Steps (Illustrated below)

1. Trace the templates for the panda body, lining, eyes, ears, and arms onto the appropriate fabrics and cut out all the pieces.
2. Make the ears. Sew the two sets of ears right sides together with a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance. Turn right side out, press, and baste onto the right side of one of the outer pieces.
3. Make the arms. With right sides together, baste the arms to the front and back outer pieces with a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance.
4. Attach the eye pieces. Hand-stitch the black eye pieces to the outer piece, using the basted ears as a guide.
5. Add embroidery. Refer to the template or illustration below for the placement of facial elements. Embroider the eyes and nose using a satin stitch.
6. Sew the outer puppet pieces right sides together with a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance to approximately 1/8 inch, turn the garment right side out, and press.
7. Sew the lining pieces right sides together with a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening of 2 to 3 inches on one side. Trim the seam allowance to approximately 1/8 inch, except at the opening. Turn the garment right side out and press.
8. Assemble the puppet and lining. With the lining wrong side out, place the outer piece, right side out, inside the lining. Match the raw edges and stitch with a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance around the bottom. It’s easier to position the puppet with the presser foot on the inside of the puppet (in this case, the wrong side of the outer piece) than trying to sew from the wrong side of the lining. Turn the right side out from the opening left in the lining, slip-stitch the opening closed, push the lining inside the puppet, and press. Topstitch about 1⁄4 inch from the edge along the bottom. 

(c)2020 by Sanae Ishida. Excerpted from Animal Friends to Sew published by permission of Sasquatch Books.

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“Little Rebels”

By Yuyi Morales

• English edition

Brand-new picture book from award-winning and bestselling children’s book author, Yuyi Morales. This powerful story follows three young characters as they care for tadpoles, and the other creatures around them in a dry landscape. It explores what it means to be a rebel: to be curious, ask questions, care for others, and “create a tender path for everybody.” The design and illustration of this book give it incredible energy. You can read this book again and again, only to discover new delights!

(Image courtesy Neal Porter Books)

“¡Mistaco!”

By Eliza Kinkz

• English edition
• Spanish edition

Izzy makes a LOT of mistakes, but today is just the worst. At first she tries to hide from them, but eventually she tells her family about what happened at school. It’s so funny, they all laugh. And her grandpa – her lito – has her make a taco with all the mistakes in it and he eats it up. Izzy feels much better and calls their creation a mistaco and soon everyone at the table is sharing their mistakes and enjoying delicious mistacos together! Fun and funny!

(Image courtesy Kokila)

“The Dream Catcher”

By Marcelo Verdad

• English edition
• Spanish edition

Miguel weaves dream catchers to sell at his abuelito’s coconut stand. He’s saving money for a plane trip to be with his parents. This story gently explores dreams and hopes. Wonderful too are Verdad’s lively and expressive drawings of Miguel’s seaside home.

(Image courtesy Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

“Dreaming of a Quinceañera”

Written by Yamile Saied Mendez and illustrated by Christine Almeda

• English edition
• Spanish edition (coming Spring 2026)

Little sister Ellie is excited for Isabella’s quinceañera. As they prepare for the party, we see the beautiful flowers and dresses, the gifts from Isabella’s abuelas, the ribbon cake with a hidden ring, friends who attend as damas and chambelàns, the dance with Papi, and the doll from Mami. Perfect for learning about this coming-of-age celebration.

(Image courtesy Orchard Books)

“My Abuela is a Bruja”

Written by Mayra Cuevas and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez

• English edition
• Spanish edition

In this vibrant picture book a little girl names all the ways her grandmother creates magic. When she visits her abuela at her beautiful Puerto Rican home they experience the magic of nature, the joy of growing a garden, the rhythm of the bachata, and the alchemy of cooking sofrito and flan. Includes recipes.

(Image courtesy Knopf Books for Young Readers)

“Desert Song”

Written by Laekan Zea Kemp and illustrated by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández

• English edition

As evening falls, the family gathers to play music together, each on their own instrument. The music connects them to each other and to their ancestors. Illustrations of the desert and its creatures are of particular interest. This would make a lovely bedtime book.

(Image courtesy Neal Porter Books)

“Leyendas | Legends”

Written by Mónica Mancillas and illustrated by Isadora Zeferino

• English edition

60 inspiring biographies of Lantine people, living and historical, from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Puerto Rico. Actors, artists, activists, athletes and astronauts – there is something for every interest. For kids 7-10.

(Image courtesy Chronicle Books)

“Lola”

Written by Karla Arenas Valenti with illustrations by Islenia Mil

• English edition
• Spanish edition 

An enormous flowering tree grows In Lola’s garden in Mexico City. It blooms with the seasons and is guarded by nature spirits. Lola is worried about her brother, who is very sick, and about the tree, which is also struggling to survive. A story of love and letting go.

(Image courtesy Knopf Books for Young Readers)

“El Niño”

Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan with drawings by Joe Cepeda

• English edition
• Spanish edition

Popular middle-grade author Pam Muñoz Ryan has created a magical undersea world for Kai, a competitive swimmer. This tale of adventure, hope and loss is also an ode to California. Readers will find both mystery and myth in these depths.

(Image courtesy Scholastic Press

“Across So Many Seas”

Written by Ruth Behar

• English edition
• Spanish edition

Spanning centuries and continents, this historical novel traces the lives of 4 girls who are Jewish and Hispanic. Behar’s characters use words from Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish language. A compelling and affirming work of culture and identity. A Newbery Honor book.

(Image courtesy Nancy Paulsen Books)

“Ultraviolet”

Written by Aida Salazar

• English edition

Elio has a girlfriend. And that means he’s thinking about love and how to be in a relationship. He’s confronted with different ways to express masculinity and what it means to be strong, all while preparing for an important coming-of-age ritual. Written in verse.

(Image courtesy Scholastic Press)

“The Story of My Anger”

Written by Jasminne Mendez

• English edition
• Spanish edition (publishing November 11, 2025) 

Brand new this fall is The Story of My Anger. Yuli has a strong family, friends and community around her, but she finds herself enraged at the casual and systemic racism she sees every day at her school – even in her beloved drama club. For grades 8+.

(Image courtesy Dial Books)

“Salvación”

Written by Sandra Proudman

• English edition

By day, Lola is just a girl helping her family, but by night dresses as Salvación, wielding her sword to protect her town from evil. Magic salts swirls around Proudman’s fantasy world, capable of hurting or healing. And Lola finds herself drawn to one of the enemy. Action, fantasy and romance for high school readers.

(Image courtesy Wednesday Books)

“Libertad”

Written by Bessie Flores Zaldívar

• English edition 

Libertad Morazán is a high school senior in Honduras, and with politics and protests calling for change, she and her friends meet to share community and poetry. Libertad’s poems are gathering likes online, but she also finds herself dealing with feelings for her best friend. Complicated family relationships, political unrest, and questions about freedom ties this more serious novel together. A Pura Belpré Honor book.

(Image courtesy Dial Books)

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To meet that goal, the Alliance runs and funds major initiatives such as the Seattle Teacher Residency program to recruit and retain diverse educators; the Right Now Needs Fund, which provides emergency help for students’ basic needs; and fiscal sponsorships that handle fundraising for PTAs and school groups.

In 2022, the organization launched the Classroom Resource Fund that provides Seattle educators with books and classroom materials that reflect, support and uplift their student’s diverse identities. As part of that work, the organization compiled a list of more than 50 books that reflect and celebrate the diversity within SPS classrooms, crowdsourced from local educators and national experts.

According to an Alliance release, the reading list “was made at a time when book bans swept the nation in an attempt to limit representation and learning—an issue that continues today.”

It’s a list worth printing out as you head to the library with your kids.

If you’d like to learn more about the books and the collection, the Alliance is hosting its Convening Seattle Community Luncheon on Sep. 17, where attendees will help ensure these books reach classrooms led by alums from the Alliance’s Seattle Teacher Residency.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO GO TO THE BOOK LIST. (Graphic: Alliance for Education)

Support the resource fund

You can help ensure that this curated list of books continues to reach kids in Seattle Public Schools. Consider supporting the Alliance for Education Classroom Resource Fund by making a donation on the organization’s website.

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Now, we’re taking that idea one step further with a carefully curated summer reading list for kids, gathered from people who know and love children’s books best.

We asked local booksellers, librarians, and children’s authors to share their favorite summer reading picks for kids. From fantasy-filled quests to resilient heroes in historical fiction, this summer reading list for kids spans genres, reading levels, and time periods — but they all have one thing in common: a story that sticks with you.

Looking for even more inspiration? Combine this summer reading list for kids with Seattle Public Library’s Book Bingo challenge — it’s a fun, prize-filled way to help your young reader stay excited about books all season long.

“Matilda“ by Roald Dahl | Ages 6-10 | “It’s hard to pick one Roald Dahl, but I think all kids like to imagine they can force themselves to have magical powers. So I could really relate to this book.” — Jason Robertson, Co-Owner, Ophelia’s Books, Fremont

“We Are Water Protectors“ by Carole Lindstrom | Ages 6 – 10 | “This is a great book for second, third, and fourth graders that talks about water rights, indigenous rights, and standing up for your community. Plus, different ages will get different meanings from it.” — Fabiola Sotero, Children’s Librarian, Seattle Public Libraries

“Aquicorn Cove” by K. O’Neill | Ages 7 – 10 | Aquicorn Cove, is “a lightly fantastical story of learning your role as an environmental steward in our surprising and magical world, with artwork that’s as refreshing as dipping your toes in cold water on a hot summer day.” — Ellis Breunig, co-manager and lead buyer, Page 2 Books, Burien

The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin | Ages 7 – 11 | “As a child, I loved (loved, loved!) The Babysitters Club. I spent most of my life chasing the high of being in a solid group of friends.” — Sunshine Bacon, author most recently of “Rabbit Rabbit”

“Crow” by Barbara Wright | Ages 8 – 12 | “Crow is historical fiction for middle readers set at the turn of the 20th century, when a thriving African-American community in Wilmington, North Carolina becomes targeted by cruel and calculating local politicians. The subject matter is difficult, but the first-person narrative is “deeply touching.” — Sara Anderson, author of “A Day at the Market,” among others

“Lion Dancers” by Cai Tse | Ages 8 – 12 | “In this fast-paced graphic novel of friendship and heartache, you can hear and feel the action, sights, and sounds of this dynamic art form with pulse-pounding dance and drums.” — Mei-Mei Wu, Children’s Services Librarian, King County Library System

“Island of the Blue Dolphins“ by Scott O’Dell | Ages 8 – 12 | “I read Island of the Blue Dolphins at least four times. The main character, Karana, became a hero to me. I still draw on her resilience today.” — Sara Anderson, author of “A Day at the Market”, among others

“Dragon Rider“ by Cornelia Funke | Ages 9-12 | “It’s a funny and fantastical adventure story about a dragon named Firedrake and his medley of friends trying to find a new home for Firedrake’s dragon family because humans are going to flood the valley they’ve been hiding in.” As a bonus, “the audiobook is read by Brendan Fraser and my family listened to it many times together on long road trips.” — Ellis Breunig, co-manager and lead buyer at Page 2 Books, Burien

“Hatchet“ by Gary Paulson | Ages 9 – 12 | The protagonist, Brian, “learns to care for himself–physically, emotionally, and mentally. His resilience and transformation are remarkable.” — Jewell Parker Rhodes, author most recently of “Will’s Race for Home”

Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke | Ages 9 – 12 | “The Inkheart Series are the books that made me a reader.” — Fabiola Sotero, Children’s Librarian, Seattle Public Libraries

“The Wildcat Behind Glass“ by Alki Zei | Ages 10-12 | “It’s not a new book (it came out in Greek in 1963), but it was recently translated into English for the first time, and its story of family secrets during a time of political turmoil might feel familiar to today’s readers.” — Haley Stocking and Tom Nissley, owner, Phinney Books, Phinney Ridge

“Nation” by Terry Pratchett | Ages 11 – 13 | Prachett is a wonderful writer. The main character isn’t a king and doesn’t have a birthmark that makes him great. He is resilient, he actually considers things, and he thinks about people.” — John Watkins, owner, Twice Sold Tales, Ballard

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My mother used to joke that I would walk down the aisles with one arm outstretched, scooping entire rows of books into a shopping basket poised beneath. I did my most intense reading at the shore, devouring thrillers and mysteries in the shade of a rainbow beach umbrella. As I got older, my mother and I would swap books as soon as we finished them, lost in the story, feet in the sand. It was our favorite tradition — and one of the best summer reading ideas for kids that still hold up today.

The first time a book made me cry was a summer read called “Sunny-Side Up” by Patricia Reilly Giff. It’s a relatable story of a boy whose friend is moving away, and the last line is so devastatingly sad and beautiful I still tear up thinking about it.

That said, it was the fantasy worlds that swept me away. After speaking with a dozen book connoisseurs across the city, it sounds like I’m not alone.

Fantasy series top the list

Instead of a single novel, many summer reading recommendations came in the form of a series. Since Harry Potter didn’t burst onto the scene until I was at the end of middle school, my fantasy worlds were C.S. Lewis’ “Narnia” and Madeleine L’Engle’s “Time Quintet.” The first of each series is a beloved classic, but the real joy was knowing there was more to learn of Meg Murry and Charles Wallace, more of the world of Narnia beyond “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Fantasy series are popular recommendations for kids, and it’s not hard to see why. The joy of traveling with a familiar character through their trials, tribulations, and eventual successes can be like a friendship. Fantasy also provides an alternative lens for kids to understand human behavior. I read “Many Waters” (third in the Time Quintet) when I was 11 years old, and I think the two Murry twins were my first crushes.

Fortunately for today’s children, the literary world is brimming with glorious stories of queens and kings and creatures and beasts in faraway lands, waiting for a hero to accompany them on their adventures.

Resilient characters, resilient kids

In addition to fantastic worlds and superpowered characters, another theme that emerged from this summer’s reading list is resilience. Whether the characters are forced to rebuild their lives after tragedy, persevere in isolation, or survive political or familial turmoil, their resilience and inventiveness inspire young readers.

It’s revealing that so many book lovers I talked to used the word “resilience” during recent interviews. After all, they’ve had a front-row seat to the challenges kids faced when schools closed abruptly four years ago. It may not be front-and-center of our lives anymore, but COVID’s effects linger.

Resiliency, then, becomes not only something to admire in fictional characters surviving on a deserted island, but something that young readers themselves must strive for.

Parents’ summer assignment

Whether fantasy, mystery, or realism, what I remember as a kid is reading. I remember a time when I could read as much as I wanted, whenever I wanted, sometimes all day long. I dearly hope our kids can find (and lose) entire days of reading, amid robotics camp, and swim team, and soccer practice, and all the other summer sign-ups.

In the meantime, parents, your summer assignment is to give your kids time to devour these books. Carve out unstructured time. Visit the library. Set up a hammock. And if they need inspiration, check out our list of summer reading ideas for kids from local booksellers, librarians, and authors.

And while you’re at it, grab a Book Bingo card from Seattle Public Library. It’s not too late to play — and if your child completes a row or blackout, they can even win a prize. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to keep reading fresh all summer long.

The post The magic of summer reading — and why it’s worth protecting appeared first on Seattle's Child.

With recommendations from Laura Sager at Third Place Books, these standout LGBTQ+ children’s books highlight the joy, creativity, and resilience of the community across genres and generations.

“If It’s Pride and You Know It…”

By Andy Passchier

Sing along and celebrate with the littlest readers. With sliders that make every page fun.

(Image courtesy Nosy Crow)

“Pride Puppy!”

Written by Robin Stevenson | Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

A rollicking, rhyming story of a family at the Pride parade. Then – whoops! – the puppy takes off amid the crowds who are celebrating and enjoying the day!

(Image courtesy Orca Book Publishers)

“Grandad’s Camper”

By Harry Woodgate

Grandad tells his granddaughter all about his adventures with Gramps. But now that Gramps has died, Grandad just doesn’t want to travel any longer. Maybe with a little help from his granddaughter, they can find a way to get on the road again. Love a book shaped like a vehicle!

(Image courtesy little bee books)

“One Day in June”

Written by Tourmaline | Illustrations by Charlot Kristensen

Marsha P. Johnson was a beloved Black trans activist. Her generosity, friendship and relentless belief in her own identity inspired this picture book biography.

(Image courtesy G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)

“The Bi Book”

Written by A.J. Irving | Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

With lovely soft drawings from a beautiful sunny day, we learn about words like bicycle, binoculars, bilingual, biracial, bisexuality and more!

(Image courtesy Knopf Books for Young Readers)

“O.K. is Gay”

By Vincent X. Kirsch

This book is everything! It is incredibly sweet and funny, with charming, clever and hilarious illustrations. O.K. has something to tell all his friends, and they rush to assure him that they know he’s gay and that he is also good at badminton, and knows scary stories, and has a pet, and so much more! But is that really what he meant to tell them?

(Image courtesy Abrams Books for Young Readers)

“Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen’s Guide to Color”

Written by Lil Miss Hot Mess | Illustrated by Olga de Dios

Starting with the rainbow, this book bursts with gorgeous shades, like periwinkle, fuchsia, taupe, grape, olive, teal, lemon, ochre and many more colors to learn about. All about expression, artistry and fabulousness.

(Image courtesy Running Press Kids)

“Are You a Friend of Dorothy?”

Written by Kyle Lukoff | Illustrated by Levi Hastings

Award-winning trans author Kyle Lukoff’s newest picture book traces the history of this phrase, which was used as a code word among queer people in the 20th century. Lukoff gently explains the ways in which the LGBTQ community suffered from bias and bigotry, but also that in spite of it, there was connection, love and joy.

(Image courtesy Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

“Queer Heroes: Meet 52 LGBTQ Heroes from Past & Present”

Written by Arabelle Sicardi | Illustrated by Sarah Tanat-Jones

Colorful and easy to read, with one short bio per page, this is a great option that covers a lot of history. Sappho, James Baldwin, Yotam Ottolenghi, Johanna Sigurðardóttir, Manvendra Singh Gohil – it’s an exciting collection!

(Image courtesy Wide Eyed Editions)

“Queer Mythology: Epic Legends from Around the World”

Written by Guido A. Sanchez | Illustrated by James Fenner

Author and teacher Guido Sanchez created this book knowing that queer identity has always been expressed in mythology and wanting to share and preserve queerness in his own retellings. A gorgeous collection of myths.

(Image courtesy Running Press Kids)

“Beyond They/Them: 20 Influential Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse People You Should Know”

Written by em dickson | Illustrated by Cameron Mukwa

This collection of well-organized contemporary biographies draws from diverse fields including books, music and the arts, sports, politics and activism. It’s so important to have these positive role models – both for kids to see themselves and to see their wider communities.

(Image courtesy Andrews McMeel Publishing)

“A Year of Pride and Joy: 52 LGBTQ+ Voices Share Their Life Passions”

Curated by Simon James Green | Illustrated by Ruth Burrows

Every week, all year, you can read about someone amazing while celebrating fun days like National Beach Day, International Magicians Day and National Jam Day. Not filled with long-ago historical figures, but living accomplished folks, like Lawyer Nancy Kelley, Well-Being Officer Dòmhnall Idris, and Curator of Arachnology Lauren Esposito. A terrific way to celebrate Pride all year!

(Image courtesy Magic Cat)

These LGBTQ+ children’s books are more than just great reads — they’re meaningful tools for fostering understanding, joy, and pride all year long.

The post Pride Month Picks: LGBTQ+ books for kids and families appeared first on Seattle's Child.