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Too Shy to Say Hi

2021

by Shannon Anderson and Hiroe Nakata

"Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell. Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book will help navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety. Shelli used to be pretty content in her little world, thinking that her pet friends with feathers, fins, and fur were enough. Her bird would keep her company at home, her fish would hideaway in his cave, and her dog was the social butterfly of the neighborhood. But now, Shelli is determined to try to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate as Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, with more information about shyness and social anxiety." -- publisher

Cross Group Incidental

Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are

2021

by Jeanine Deas and Meaghan M. Bailey

"A message of hope. Making sense of our world during the COVID pandemic is beyond challenging. We struggle to understand all that has, and continues to happen. Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are encourages staying apart during uncertain times as a way to remain healthy and safe." -- publisher

Any Child

Unspeakable

2021

by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper

"A remarkable look at a significant moment in our nation's past, shedding light on racial violence and offering hope for a better future. Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation's history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa's Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community. News of what happened was largely suppressed, and no official investigation occurred for seventy-five years. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future." -- publisher

Informational Oppression & Resilience

We Shall Overcome

2021

by Bryan Collier

"A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song "We Shall Overcome," masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier."We Shall Overcome" is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these inspirational, empowering, legendary lyrics are brought to life with the stirring, evocative, and breathtaking illustrations from multi-award-winning talent Bryan Collier. Powerfully imagined for the present moment, Collier's illustrations meld the most emblematic moments of the twentieth-century Civil Rights movement with the present day, depicting the movements, protests, and demonstrations -- big and small -- as the fight for justice continues. With illustrations full of depth, tenderness, and expression, and offering historical context while remaining powerfully relevant to the present-day, this impactful picture book is a must-have for every home, classroom, and bookshelf." -- publisher

Oppression & Resilience

We Want To Go To School!

2021

by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janine Leffler

"There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free, appropriate public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case." -- publisher

Biography Incidental Oppression & Resilience

We’re Going On A Pumpkin Hunt

2021

by Goldie Hawk and Angie Rozelaar

"In this delightful twist on a popular folk song, three trick-or-treaters go on a spooky adventure to find a pumpkin! Three trick-or-treaters are looking for the perfect pumpkin on a beautiful, Halloween night. They have to make their way through some sticky cobwebs, flying bats, and even a dark, spooky house! But they're not scared. The trick-or-treaters eventually find their pumpkin and...a ghost!" -- publisher

Folklore

What I Am

2021

by Divya Srinivasan

"The creator of Little Owl's Night explores and celebrates the complexities of what makes us who we are in this comforting and thoughtful picture book. A young narrator describes herself: a girl, a granddaughter, Indian, and American. Soon, we see the young girl as a plethora of things: selfish and generous, mean and kind, brave and mischievous. While many of these qualities oppose each other, the context and illustrations make it abundantly clear that she speaks the truth. She is a walking contradiction, and that is precisely what makes her both a unique individual and an essential piece of the greater world around her. Divya Srinivasan shows what makes us human and proud to be who we are." -- publisher

Race/Culture Concepts

What If Wilhelmina

2021

by Joseph Belisle

"Wilhelmina, the world’s most beloved pet cat, is missing. Or is she? This boldly illustrated adventure features one very worried girl, two frayed dads, a backyard of perils, and sneaky references to great works of art. Based on a true story, a real family, and a real cat named Wilhelmina." -- publisher

Any Child

What the Kite Saw

2021

by Anne Laurel Carter and Akin Düzakin

"In this memorable story, a young boy finds solace flying his kite from the rooftop after soldiers take his father and brother away. Without his father and brother, the young boy's life is turned upside down. He and his family have to stay inside, along with everyone else in town. At suppertime, he can't stop looking at the two empty places at the table and his sister can't stop crying. The boy looks out the window and is chilled to see a tank's spotlight searching the park where he plays with his friends. He hears shouts and gunshots and catches sight of someone running in the street -- if only they could fly away, he thinks. Each day the curfew is lifted briefly, and the boy goes to the park to see his friends. One day, inspired by the wind in the trees, he has an idea. Back at home he makes a kite, and that night he flies it from his rooftop, imagining what it can see."--

Oppression & Resilience

What the Road Said

2021

by Cleo Wade and Lucie de Moyencour

"A comforting and uplifting picture book from bestselling poet and activist Cleo Wade. I said to the road, where do you lead? The Road said, Be a leader and find out. Bestselling author Cleo Wade's gorgeous picture book debut celebrates the journey we are all on, and the questions we ask along the way. With gentle reminders that it's okay to be afraid or to sometimes wander down the wrong path, and accompanied by beautiful art from illustrator Lucie de Moyencourt, What the Road Said encourages children (and adults) to lead with kindness and remember that the most important thing we can do in life is to keep going." -- publisher