By Alissa Holder & Zulekha Holder-Young, Illustrated by Nneka Myers ( Flamingo Books – 2020 )
It’s a new day, and Ayaan was woken up o the wrong side of the bed, where nothing feels quite right. What if he doesn’t know the answer at school? What if he messes up? But as he sets out that morning, all it takes is a few reminders from his mom and some friends in the neighborhood to show him that a new day is a good day because he is smart, he is blessed, and he can do anything!
By Monique Gray Smith, Illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt ( Orca Book Publisher – 2020 )
This beautiful picture book looks at how the simple act of being kind, to others and oneself, affects all aspects of a child’s life. >>>The author, Monique Gray Smith is a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota and Scottish ancestry. Monique Gray Smith’s books in SHI collection.
When something happens that’s terrific – a smile, a chuckle, a hum, or a hug – you cant’t help but feel a sense of happpiness and wonder. And isn’t the world a little nicer and your smile a little brighter when you share that feeling with someone else? In this jubilant picture book, the excitement of giving joy to others is on full display.
By Norton Juster, Illustrated G. Brian Karas (Schwartz & Wade Books – 2011)
A new block, a new house, and a new boy who doesn’t know anyone at all. The boy wonders along the street, deep in thought, until he makes a deccision, stop, and at the top of his voice calles out NEVILL, again and again. Soon all the neigborhood kids have gathered to join in. But who is Neville? Does he live there? What’s he like? Everyone wants to know. The sun is getting low and the boy cames back to his new home. As the result, he thinks that’s the very good way to have new friends. Because everyone knows his name now.
By Amy-Jill Levine. Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Illustrated by Annie Bowler (Flyaway books – 2022 )
A tiny fig tree needs time to grow. But how much time? All four seasons go by…and there are no figs. The seasons pass again. Still no figs! Is the fig tree good for nothing? Or will extra time, care and love help the sweetest figs (and perhaps also a reluctant child ) grow and flourish? >>> In the Authors’ note on the last page, tells they inspired a parable from the Gospel of Luke (13:6-9), and they describe in this book about the value of giving all children time to grow at their own paces.
By Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi, Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith ( Dottir Press – 2019 )
Introducing the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. And each character’s story explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship. As featuring introducing the term “intersectionality”, kids of all genders, races, sexualities, abilities, cultures, and origins can see their whole selves reflected, respected, and celebrated. >>>Law professor Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” , and on the last pages, found the Page-By-Page Discussion Guide.
By Jessie James, Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri ( New Frontier Publishing – 2021 )
Tom is a little boy who loves to explore. But one day, he hears the grown-ups talking about the monsters that live in the big wide world and he is too scared to explore anymore. Soon they build a giant wall to keep the monsters out. But life becomes dreary when you are cut off from the wonders of the world and Tom soon realizes there is a need to change…..
By Scott Kelly with Emily Easton, Illustrated by Izzy Burton (Crown Books for Yung Readers – 2021 )
NASA astronaut, Scott Kelly was born for adventure. But exploring takes a lot of energy – and sleep is the super fuel to turbocharge dreams. Scott has fallen asleep at the bottom of the ocean, in the cockpit of an F-14 fighter jet, in a yurt on Mount Everest, and of course in space! As joining Scott on his many adventures, he encourages the reader to keep own dream.>>> The photo images of Scott’ adventure are on the last pages.
NASAの宇宙飛行士Scott Kelly は、生まれながらの冒険家であった。その為には膨大なエネルギーが必要であり、睡眠はエネルギーを蓄え、次なる夢への挑戦を助けてくれる。Scottは海底で寝たこともあるし、F-14戦闘機のコックピットで寝たこともあり、エベレストのテントの中でも寝たし、もちろん宇宙空間でも寝た。Scottの冒険を共有しながら、彼は読者達が自分の夢を持つことを勇気ずけている。>>>巻末に、彼がたどった冒険の写真の数々が掲載されている。
By Katie Couric, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman ( Doubleday – 2004 )
Ellie and Carrie decide to try out for the school team in their favorite sport, soccer. But when only one of the girls is selected, the inselparable pair face a challenge – what do you say when your best friend is terribly disappointed? But even though some disappointments can’t be avoided, Carrie learns ( with some help from her mother and her old friend Lazlo) that while she may not be good at everything, she has undiscovered talents waiting to bloom, if she has the courage to try something new.